Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Hundreds of community members gathered in Mackay’s city centre on Saturday for the official unveiling of three life-sized bronze statues honouring Maltese pioneers who helped shape the region’s history. The statues of Emmanuel Grech, Sam Bezzina and John Vassallo now stand proudly on the corner of Wood and Victoria streets – a location long known locally as “Maltese Corner”, where migrant businessmen would regularly gather to talk, support one another and build their futures in Mackay. The project, delivered by the Maltese Corner Fundraising Group Inc, recreates a historic photograph capturing the men meeting at the site, symbolising the spirit of collaboration that helped generations of migrants establish themselves in the region. On Friday, 17th April, a day prior to the official unveiling, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the statues recognise the enduring contribution of Maltese migrants to the region’s identity and economy. “Tomorrow we are unveiling three magnificent statues here on the corner of Victoria and Wood Streets,” he said ahead of the event. “This particular corner was where the Maltese guys sat around, just like a little piazza in Malta. They sat here waiting for the banks to open – probably waiting for the pub to open as well – while their wives went shopping and they did their business.” Mayor Williamson said the tribute reflected Mackay’s long-standing connection with Maltese settlement. “Mackay is recognised as the heart of Maltese settlement in Australia,” he said. “The Maltese have done a fantastic job in our community for decades and decades, and this is a tribute to those who helped build our sugar industry and our region.” The project has been largely community-funded, with the Maltese Association raising more than $250,000 towards the statues, supported by about $45,000 in council grants. For Carmel Baretta, president of the Maltese Corner Fundraising Group, the unveiling marks a rather emotional sentiment. “In 2001, a friend and I published a book on the Maltese pioneers of Mackay,” Ms Baretta said. “While we were working on that book, I was aware of Maltese Corner and asked a photographer to quietly capture a photograph of the men meeting here because they gathered regularly.” That image later became the inspiration for the statues. Ms Baretta said the corner held significant historical meaning for the community. “The greatest significance is that these people helped others become established,” she said. “And it wasn’t only Maltese helping Maltese,” Ms Baretta said. “Some Italians were involved, some returned soldiers were helped, and some local people from Mackay as well.” The initiative also honours the legacy of the Mosta Building Society, established in 1966 as a result of the cooperative financial support that began on the corner. The statues themselves were created by local sculptor Kay Payton, chosen after extensive research into bronze works across North Queensland. “We decided Kay Payton was the ideal person, primarily because she was local and because she is so gifted,” Ms Baretta said. “She was just absolutely fantastic to work with.” With the statues now permanently installed, organisers hope the site will encourage residents and visitors alike to pause, reflect and learn more about the community stories that helped build Mackay. 1 – Mayor Williamson, Carmel Baretta, and Leo Baretta. 2 – A huge crowd turned-out to see the unveiling of the new brass statues. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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With ANZAC Day approaching, locals gathered at Proserpine Cemetery on Saturday 18th April to pay tribute to the nearly 400 service men and women laid to rest there; a local tradition organised by Lyn Burke which is now in its eleventh year. The event saw flags placed beside the graves of veterans, including Boer War veterans, Gallipoli survivors, Rats of Tobruk, Prisoners of War, Commandos & many more.
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Flying under the radar is a little-known fishery that operates within one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems: coral harvesting. Many Australians would be surprised to learn that the Great Barrier Reef supports the country’s largest coral fishery. Each year, up to 190 tonnes of coral are removed from the Reef, much of it destined for the domestic and international aquarium trade. Among these are some of the Reef’s most unique and visually striking species—highly prized, yet ecologically vital. The Great Barrier Reef is often celebrated for its beauty and biodiversity, but it is also an ecosystem under immense stress. Climate change has driven increasingly frequent and severe mass bleaching events, while cyclones and flooding have compounded the damage. Together, these disturbances have contributed to some of the most significant declines in coral cover ever recorded. Against this backdrop, the harvesting of live coral raises difficult questions. Many of the same species targeted by the Queensland Coral Fishery are those already vulnerable to bleaching and mortality. Removing healthy corals from the ecosystem can reduce the Reef’s natural capacity to recover from disturbances, potentially undermining broader conservation and restoration efforts. This creates an apparent contradiction. Governments have invested heavily in protecting and restoring the Reef, funding initiatives aimed at improving water quality, supporting coral regrowth, and enhancing resilience. Yet, at the same time, a regulated industry continues to extract coral from the wild. To be clear, the fishery does not operate without oversight. Strict quotas, spatial zoning, and licensing conditions are in place to manage harvesting. Exceeding quotas or collecting coral from protected “green zones” can result in significant penalties. Enforcement, however, remains an ongoing challenge. In 2016, the first prosecution for illegal coral harvesting since the 2003 rezoning plan occurred in Gladstone, where divers were caught collecting coral in a no-take zone. Since then, there have been more than 20 prosecutions linked to illegal coral collection within the marine park, many involving commercial operators. Such incidents raise concerns about the industry’s “social licence”—the level of public trust and acceptance it holds. Increasingly, reef tourism operators, scientists, and environmental groups are calling for tighter restrictions, with some advocating for a complete ban on wild coral harvesting. Despite this, the fishery continues. In 2024, it received federal approval to operate for another three years. Authorities have indicated that a revised ecological risk assessment and updated harvest strategy will be completed by 2026, potentially shaping the industry’s future. That future may lie beyond the Reef itself. Aquaculture—growing coral in controlled tank environments—has long been promoted as a sustainable alternative. It offers the potential to supply the aquarium trade without removing corals from the wild, easing pressure on an already stressed ecosystem. As the Great Barrier Reef faces an uncertain future, so does coral harvesting. For many, the answer is clear: the Reef’s corals are far more valuable alive, thriving in their natural habitat, than they are as commodities. Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council
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HERO – Whales of the whitsundays team celebrating when the Whitsundays was formally recognised as a Whale Heritage Site. Photo supplied
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The 2026 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival is celebrating a massive milestone today, announcing the event’s 13 official local community partners while issuing a final call for the public to vote in this year’s Youth Jersey Design Competition.
Voting for this year’s design competition officially closes at midnight tonight, Friday, 13 March. Following a period of record entries and extraordinary talent, the highly anticipated winning design will be announced this coming Monday, 16 March.
The four finalists are high school students representing the following schools:
The winner’s artwork will feature on this year’s official BMA River 2 Reef Ride cycling jersey, providing a burgeoning high school artist with a $500 cash prize and a massive kickstart to their design portfolio.
BMA River 2 Reef Ride has also revealed the 13 local community organisations that will partner with the festival this year. These groups, alongside their dedicated volunteers, will take on crucial roles to ensure the safe and successful delivery of the event, including managing rest stops, course marshalling, first aid, and running the sausage sizzle at the Golding Kids Colour Ride.
In an exciting initiative for 2026, the festival has introduced a new funding model to maximise the financial return for these vital groups. When registrations officially open next Wednesday, 18 March, riders have the option to select one of the 13 community organisations to support. Every time an organisation is linked to a registration, $5 will be donated to that linked community group.
Furthermore, for every official youth-designed event jersey purchased at the time of registration, an additional $5 will be donated back to that same linked group.
Event Director Nikki Giles said this integrated approach perfectly captures the spirit of the Mackay region.
"By registering to ride and purchasing this year's event jersey, you are doing two amazing things: you are directly funding the local volunteers who do so much for our region, and you are proudly displaying the artistic talent of our local high school students,” said Nikki.
“It is a massive win for our entire community, and we cannot wait to see everyone out on the course wearing these jerseys and riding with pride."
The 13 official community partners for the 2026 festival are:
Kate Sommerville, General Manager of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) Hay Point Coal Terminal, praised the community-centric focus of the 2026 event.
"BMA is incredibly proud to support an event that places such a strong emphasis on community wellbeing and local partnerships," said Kate, who will ride in this year’s event.
The public is urged to cast their final votes for the 2026 Youth Jersey Design Competition before midnight tonight.
The 2026 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival will be held on 15 and 16 August. Registrations open on Wednesday, 18 March.
For more information on the festival, or to register for a ride, visit https://www.river2reefride.com.au/
Hundreds of runners and volunteers braved damp conditions to take part in the 2026 Mackay Airport Twilight City 5km Fun Run on Friday night, in one of Mackay’s most popular lead-ups to the BMA Mackay Marina Run in June.
The event, supported by major sponsor Mackay Airport along with numerous local sponsors and volunteers, raises both funds and awareness for the Mackay Branch of the Leukaemia Foundation, with one hundred per cent of registration fees going directly to the charity.
Leukaemia Foundation Board Director Angela Milligan said the event had a long-standing history in the region.
“This is actually my first year that I’ve been involved in the run, but I do know that my branch has been supporting this run for 17 years now,” she said.
She explained that the fundraiser is vital for families facing blood cancer, especially those from regional areas who must travel for treatment.
“We provide free accommodation for those that have to travel to receive the treatment that they need, which is really important for regional areas,” Ms Milligan said, adding that the event also plays a crucial role in education.
“It raises awareness about blood cancer, which is really quite a hidden disease,” she said.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the Twilight City Fun Run had grown into a major event, attracting participants from across Australia and internationally.
“This run has now become one of Australia’s premier runs,” he said.
“We’ve got representatives from every state in Australia and even one international runner already registered from France…how great is that!”
Mayor Williamson praised the volunteers and organisers who help make the event possible each year.
“This is a fantastic event, not just for Mackay, but for the region,” he said.
“Not only are you doing something for your health by participating in the run, but you’re actually raising money for the Leukaemia Foundation.”
Kate Sommerville, General Manager at Hay Point Coal Terminal, said BMA had proudly supported the event for nearly two decades.
“BMA has been involved with this event for 18 years, so it’s very exciting for us,” she said.
“This is one of the biggest community events that we support in the region.
“Our employees participate, whether they’re running or volunteering in the community.
“It’s such a great race because it really showcases what our region is about.”
With strong participation and continued backing from sponsors and volunteers, the Twilight City Fun Run once again demonstrated the community spirit that underpins the annual lead-in to the BMA Mackay Marina Run in June.
2 pics ) - All funds raised go directly to the Leukaemia Foundation, providing vital support, accommodation, and resources for patients and their families. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Rest of pics) - Hundreds of runners and volunteers braved damp conditions at the 2026 Mackay Airport Twilight City 5km Fun Run, celebrating community spirit ahead of the BMA Mackay Marina Run. Photo source: Mackay Road Runners
Opinion Piece by Andrew Willcox MP
In the city, a spike in fuel prices is a frustration; a reason to grumble at the dinner table or perhaps cancel a weekend drive. But in the regions, and specifically here in Dawson, fuel isn't a luxury or a lifestyle choice. It is the lifeblood of our economy.
Right now, that lifeblood is under threat, and it’s time we had a serious conversation about what is happening. We are currently facing global volatility, domestic supply rationing, and a federal government that seems content to watch from the sidelines, while our primary producers are pushed to the brink.
Our farmers in the Burdekin, the Whitsundays, and Mackay are some of the most resilient people you’ll ever meet. They deal with droughts, floods, and cyclones. But there is one thing they cannot work their way out of: a dry fuel tank.
A harvester doesn’t operate on hope. A tractor preparing a paddock for the next crop doesn’t run on good intentions. They run on diesel. And when fuel wholesalers begin rationing supply, or cuts it off altogether, it creates a terrifying ripple effect. If a farmer in Bowen or Gumlu can’t get a quote for a forward delivery, or if their regular supplier suddenly stops mid-week because the "big four" oil companies are tightening the taps, the work stops.
When the work stops on the farm, the clock starts ticking in the supermarket.
Most people don't see the journey their food takes. It starts with fuel in a tractor to grow the crop. It needs fuel for the truck to get it to the processor and then onto market, and more fuel for the semi-trailer to deliver it to the shelves in town.
If you break any one of those links by making fuel unavailable or unaffordable, you don't just get higher prices; you get empty shelves.
This is a fundamental food security issue for every Australian. Under Labor, we are seeing a return to a 1940s-style rationing mentality that has no place in a modern, "lucky" country like ours.
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, has done nothing other than deflect, while regional wholesalers are being told not to send their trucks to the ports because there is nothing for them.
The Albanese Government claims there is "plenty of supply," but the reality on the ground in Dawson tells a different story. We are hearing that the major oil companies are prioritising their own retail outlets and hedging their bets against price shifts, leaving the secondary wholesalers, the ones who actually service our farmers and truckies, left holding an empty hose.
The Minister has the power under the Petroleum and Other Fuels Reporting Act to step in, identify the gaps, and ensure our essential industries are prioritised. Why isn't he using it?
On top of the supply crisis, we are seeing blatant price gouging. As I’ve said before, it takes nearly two weeks for global wholesale price changes to hit our local bowsers. Yet, we have seen prices jump up to 40 cents in an afternoon. That isn't market forces, that is war profiteering, and the ACCC needs to be instructed by the Treasurer to show some teeth and prosecute those doing the wrong thing.
Australians are already living through a Labor-created cost-of-living crisis. Adding a fuel security crisis on top of that is a recipe for disaster.
Our farmers and truckies are vital in keeping our nation running and fed. They are the ones who ensure that when you walk into a shop, there is bread, milk, meat, fruit and veggies on the shelves. They deserve a government that treats fuel security as a national priority, not a political inconvenience.
It’s time to stop the talk, unlock the supply, and ensure that the engines of North Queensland keep turning.
Because when the tractors and trucks stop, Australia stops.
Caption: Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP with Carl Walker, Bowen farmer and Chair of Bowen Gumlu Growers. Producers like Mr Walker are now facing significant uncertainty due to the national fuel security crisis. Photos supplied
Police are urgently seeking community assistance as the search for Mr Wayne Pedro Morseu continues, with investigators now treating the disappearance of the 71-year-old Mackay man as a homicide investigation.
Mr Morseu was first reported missing to police on November 10 last year after he had not contacted or been seen by anyone for several weeks. Investigations commenced soon after and detectives later determined the circumstances surrounding his disappearance were suspicious.
Following further enquiries, police believe Mr Morseu died at his Griffin Street home in September 2025.
Speaking during a media conference on Wednesday, Mackay Whitsundays District Detective Inspector Emma Novosel said, “The 71-year-old man was reported missing by his family on the 10th of November last year after not being seen or heard from for some time.”
“Investigations to date have led investigators to believe that Wayne died in his home at Griffin Street sometime after the 27th of August.”
It’s believed that Wayne’s body remained at his home in Griffin Street for an unknown period of time before he was “moved from his home to an unknown location by a person or persons involved in his death.”
Police believe the well-known local had lived in the Griffin Street area for many years, and has “quite a large family.”
“He regularly moved around that area by walking, so he would be identifiable to people who live in that area,” said Detective Inspector Novosel.
Police are now appealing for anyone who may know something to come forward.
“We’re seeking any information from any member of the public, no matter how small.”
Detective Inspector Novosel said the investigation remained complex.
“At this time we can’t say what the motive is or the reason for the death, but we’re keeping an open mind and will examine all angles.”
Earlier in the investigation, specialist police and State Emergency Service volunteers conducted searches of bushland in West Mackay but no items of interest were located.
Mr Morseu is described as First Nations, with a slim build, grey hair and brown eyes.
Investigations remain ongoing.
Reference: QP2502035864
Nigel Dalton Champions Mackay’s Riverfront Renewal
Efforts are underway to revitalise Mackay’s beloved Bluewater Quay, with local leaders and community organisations working together to create a welcoming space for families, residents, and visitors along the Pioneer River.
Mackay Regional Council, alongside Member for Mackay Mr Nigel Dalton, has taken a compassionate approach to support those sleeping rough, ensuring access to local housing and support services. Mr Dalton further noted that the focus is on assistance, rather than displacement, helping people navigate financial, health, or substance-related challenges.
Mr Dalton highlighted the collaborative work that’s already unfolded in the revitalisation.
“We’ve been working with housing, we’ve been working with health, we’ve been working with council, and we’ve been working with community organisations around here to make sure that we can help everybody who needed help,” he said.
“This was not a matter of going into an area and arresting people, or getting rid of them. They all had complex needs and we came down here with a compassionate heart to make sure that everybody who wanted some help could get it.”
The improvements are part of a broader plan to activate the waterfront and create a vibrant community hub. Mr Dalton praised the council staff, saying, “I want to congratulate Mackay Regional Council because they have done a huge amount of work… what they’re doing is amazingly good for all of our community.”
The revitalisation of Mackay’s Bluewater Quay is underway, with Mr Nigel Dalton and local leaders working together over the past few months to create a welcoming waterfront space that supports those in need while bringing the community together. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
The River Reimagined
Mackay’s Voices Reimagined In Public Art
A new public art project is inviting locals and visitors to share their stories, memories, and reflections of the Pioneer River – contributions that will be transformed into an eye-catching installation hanging in one of the river side pavilions on the Blue Water trail, adjacent to the Pioneer Promenade parkland.
Titled The River Reimagined, the project will feature handwritten “Story Strips” suspended from the roof of a river side pavilion, creating a canopy of voices contributed by the Mackay Community. Each strip will carry a short reflection submitted through an online survey or at in-person writing sessions, capturing the spirit, history and personal connections that define our region.
In a vibrant collaboration with Mackay’s Yarn Bombers, the installation will also be adorned with textile elements, adding colour, texture and warmth to the final display.
“This is about more than art – it’s about storytelling, identity, and place,” said project artist Bonnie McCarthy.
“We want to reflect the heart of Mackay through the voices of those who live here and those who pass through.”
The installation will be unveiled as part of the upcoming River of Life Festival in 2026, celebrating the cultural and environmental significance of the Pioneer River. Community members are encouraged to participate by submitting a short story and optional image via the online form or QR code.
An indicative image of what the complete Installation will look like. Image supplied
Mackay shoppers were reminded of the kindness of strangers recently when a local mother shared a heart-warming story about her daughters.
While doing the groceries, her daughters ran into a small hiccup at Target as the card on their phone wouldn’t work.
But, in a touching act of generosity, a stranger stepped in.
The mother wrote on social media: “To the absolute beautiful human that paid for my daughters shopping in Target this morning, thank you, I hope you see this! … Some gorgeous earth angel stepped in and tapped her card and disappeared.”
Her daughters were equally thrilled by the experience.
“Mum, a lady helped us,” they exclaimed, their excitement evident when they reunited with their mother.
The gesture, while small in action, made a lasting impression.
“Please, if you read this, know you made not only their day but mine too,” the mother said, expressing gratitude for the stranger’s thoughtfulness.
She added, “I would also like to pay you back! Thank you so much.”
The incident has sparked smiles across Mackay, serving as a simple but powerful reminder of the everyday acts of kindness that strengthen community connections.
If you have a good deed story of your own that you’d like to share, please email hannah@lifepublishinggroup.com
Hundreds of inspiring women came together at the MECC to celebrate the Resource Industry Network International Women’s Day Business Lunch, with nearly 600 people filling the room for one of the region’s most uplifting events of the year.
Leaders, professionals and community members gathered to share stories, celebrate achievements and champion the strength and influence of women across the region. A powerful keynote address and engaging panel discussion sparked thoughtful conversations around leadership, resilience and opportunity.
The atmosphere was vibrant and empowering, with many describing the event as both motivating and memorable.
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Resource Industry Network International Women’s Day Business Lunch 2026!
Nearly 600 people gathered at the MECC for the International Women’s Day Business Lunch, creating a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere for the region’s annual celebration. The event featured a standout keynote speaker and an engaging panel discussion, with powerful stories and insights shared throughout the afternoon. Attendees embraced the opportunity to connect, celebrate achievements and reflect on the importance of empowering women across the community. The energy in the room was widely praised, with many describing the day as both uplifting and memorable. Celebrations continued afterwards at The Dispensary Mackay, rounding out a successful and inspiring International Women’s Day event.
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Families across the Mackay region now have the opportunity to secure a place for their children in one of the area’s three Catholic secondary colleges, with enrolments for the 2027 school year officially open.
Catholic Secondary Education in Mackay continues to offer families a rich choice of faith-based learning environments, supported by three well-established colleges: Holy Spirit College, Mount Pleasant; St Patrick’s College, Mackay; and Catherine McAuley College, Mackay. Each college maintains a strong commitment to delivering high-quality teaching and learning, supported by values grounded in the Catholic
tradition.
Together, the colleges form a dynamic network focused on nurturing the academic, spiritual, and personal growth of every student entrusted to their care. Their shared mission emphasises excellence, compassion, inclusivity, and service values increasingly sought by families looking for holistic and future-focused education.
As the Mackay region grows, demand for Catholic secondary schooling remains strong. The opening of 2027 enrolments provides families with the chance to explore the unique offerings of each college and secure a place early.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to visit the colleges’ websites or contact each college for further information about tours, interviews, and transition pathways.
Catherine McAuley College, 239 Nebo Road West Mackay Enrol online via the college website https://cmcmrok.catholic.edu.au/ Open Evening 4.00pm to 6.30pm Thursday 12 March for more information call 4994 9200
St Patrick’s College 2 Gregory Street Mackay Open Night Tuesday 17 March at the Mercy Campus in Penn Street, Mackay from 4.00pm to 7.00pm. For more information, please visit the college website www.stpats.qld.edu.au or call 4994 8700.
Holy Spirit College 35 – 39 Baxter Drive Mount Pleasant Enrol online via www.hsc.qld.edu.au/enrolments Information Evening Tuesday 28 April, 5.30pm to 7.30pm. For further information email enrolments@hsc.qld.edu.au or call 4994 8600
Under glorious summer skies, more than 500 spectators gathered at Denison Park to witness the very best of grassroots rugby league at the Bowen Summer 10’s. With 20 teams, 110 bags of ice and plenty of hot chips fuelling the day, the event delivered not only quality football but a powerful reminder of what community sport is all about.
Teams travelled from across North Queensland to take part, setting the tone for an exciting season ahead. The men’s title was claimed by the Wests Tigers, while the women’s honours went to the Souths Rugby League Club Bulls. Their success was well earned, but the true victory belonged to every player who took the field and every volunteer who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
The event, hosted by Bowen Seagulls Rugby League, showcased the strength and spirit of the local sporting community. From early morning set up to the final whistle, organisers, referees, canteen volunteers and supporters combined to create a welcoming atmosphere for families and visitors alike.
Importantly, the day extended beyond sport. An outstanding $4,300 was raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia, reinforcing the generosity that defines this region. In towns like Bowen and across the Whitsundays, community events such as these strengthen local ties and highlight the positive role sport plays in bringing people together.
The Bowen Summer 10’s was more than a tournament. It was a celebration of teamwork, volunteerism and local pride. As the new footy season approaches, the energy and unity on display at Denison Park offer every reason to be excited about what lies ahead.
Captions
Photo source: Facebook
In every small town, certain places become part of the community’s heartbeat, where stories are shared, laughter drifts onto the footpath and people leave feeling a little more confident than when they arrived. On our main street, that place is Shear Pleasure.
For 21 years, the salon has been proudly owned and operated by Jodi Lorraway. Her dedication, warmth and vision have shaped Shear Pleasure into the welcoming hub it is today. Two decades in business is no small achievement in a regional town, and that longevity reflects the trust, loyalty and genuine relationships built within the community.
More than a hairdressing salon, Shear Pleasure represents connection, creativity and community spirit. Inside, clients are greeted with warm smiles, lush tropical indoor plants and the hum of friendly conversation. Even four-legged visitors are welcome, with Esmay the dachshund a much-loved part of the salon’s charm.
The strength of Shear Pleasure lies in its team. Senior stylists and an enthusiastic apprentice work alongside Jodi to create a space where professionalism and fun go hand in hand. Clients are invited to relax and enjoy the experience, a reminder that hairdressing is about wellbeing as well as style.
By stocking exclusively Australian owned and made haircare products and actively supporting local initiatives across Proserpine and the Whitsundays, Shear Pleasure continues to give back. After 21 years, it remains a cornerstone of the community, built on pride, friendship and helping people look and feel their best.
On Sunday, 1st March, the Whitsundays community came together for Clean Up Australia Day, despite challenging weather conditions. Heavy rains hit the region, but volunteers remained committed to clearing the area’s foreshores and beaches.
At Coral Sea Marina, 23 volunteers collected 130 kilograms of litter over two hours. The debris ranged from small plastic waste to larger items like car parts and carpet pieces, many of which had been discarded in the mangroves.
On the other side of Airlie Beach, Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. partnered with the Whitsunday Sailing Club to host another clean-up event. Thirty volunteers removed approximately 180 kilograms of waste from the Whitsunday Sailing Club area, Boathaven Beach, the Airlie Beach foreshore, and as far as Mandalay. The volunteers worked in both land and water areas, demonstrating their commitment to cleaning the region’s coastline despite the weather.
“We’re grateful to the volunteers, especially the kids, who joined us despite the rain. Their engagement shows how important protecting our environment is to future generations,” said Joscelyn O’Keefe of Coral Sea Marina.
After the clean-up, the Whitsunday Sailing Club hosted a sausage sizzle to thank the volunteers, fostering a sense of community and appreciation. Pamela Rusin, Events Coordinator for the Whitsunday Sailing Club, expressed her gratitude: “Because of you, Airlie Beach stays cleaner, protecting our oceans and preserving the coastline’s natural beauty.”
The event concluded with a special moment at Boathaven Beach. “Tina,” a green sea turtle rehabilitated at the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, was released back into the wild after recovering from barnacle and algae growth. Volunteers cheered as she returned to the ocean, marking a positive outcome from their environmental efforts.
In total, more than 310 kilograms of litter was removed from the Whitsundays region. Despite the harsh weather, the community’s collective action demonstrated the importance of preserving the environment.
The success of this clean-up proves that local efforts play a crucial role in protecting the region’s globally significant marine ecosystem, rain, hail, or shine.
Captions
Photos 1-3, Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi
Photos 4-7, Photos supplied
Congratulations to Mary Murphy (her friends call her Maz), for being the first to publicly submit a poem to the paper. A reminder that my inbox is always open for great poetry that I know the region can offer. Don’t hesitate to email sebastian@lifepublishinggroup.com. Maz’s poem is entitled ‘The Consequences’. Enjoy,
The Consequences
You never had it easy
But you’ve got one more thing of mine
Your hardship is your beauty
It’s all your pride that makes you blind
Like the heart of a man
A woman has stolen away
Wondering why everything is lost
With all she has to say
& then when you let me down
When it shouldn’t all have been
Taken all for granted
Never to be seen
There is a truth
That is passed around
& that something you’ve got of mine
Will come to stable ground
There is always something that has been lost
The consequences will take us
At any cost
Are we’re back with the creative corner. This week I finished the memoir ‘Just Kids’ by Patti Smith, a musician mainly known for her hit ‘Because the Night’. The book focuses on her move to New York as an aspiring artist in the late 60’s and chronicles her complicated yet deep relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.
What really inspired me about the book, was how many creative things Patti Smith did. Although she’s mainly known for her music, Smith wrote poetry, screenplays and plays – created art and even acted in avant-garde theatre. In a modern world that is incredibly fast-paced and busy – it can be easy to get boxed into one creative identity. Are you a musician? A painter? A writer?
What Patti Smith shows is that creativity transcends an identity or label. It is not a vocation or job title – it is a state of being. We can create many different types of things and they all inform each other. Creativity is not one path you choose or just a way of making money, it is a muscle that must be exercised and it can be exercised in many different ways.
This week I would encourage you to reflect on your creativity. If you’re known by one creative label, how about trying another? If you’re mainly a musician – why not try writing a screenplay? If you’re mainly an artist – why not try some poetry? You may find ways of expression you weren’t previously aware of.
This week’s winner is Alissa Tomlinson who submitted this photo titled ‘Engagement at Hydeaway Bay’, for the theme ‘New Beginnings.’
Next week’s theme will be “Fun”. Send your submissions to Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Group on Facebook.
These photographs are contributed by the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Group
Madalene Gray was an astute businesswoman and tourism stalwart who was awarded Australia Day Citizen of the Year in 1992 in acknowledgement of her support of sporting clubs and organisations in the community.
But Madalene was much more than this. She was the matriarch of a happy family of nine children, eighteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren as well as “Mum” to many others. Madalene was known for her hospitality, with her Telford Street home always welcoming guests and serving plenty of good food.
Before marrying Edward Gray in Brisbane in 1935, she worked as a clerk for the Gray family in their Brisbane operation manufacturing louvres. Madalene confessed to crying all the way on their journey to live in Proserpine but quickly settled into life in the country town and immersed herself into community life.
Initially, she and Eddie lived in Main Street behind the family’s furniture shop which was where Cherrie Baby is now located and they raised a family of nine children, including twins.
In 1936, Madalene and Eddie commenced their very successful sawmilling business. With a family of six children by this time, Madalene managed the office. Renowned for her knowledge of timber and her ability to run the timber yard, she could tell at a glance if an order was incomplete.
Keen for a change, in 1956, Madalene opened a dress salon called Jo Anne’s. She and her daughter Edna owned the shop when it was on Main Street, where Shoe Biz now stands.
In 1958, the Grays sold the sawmilling business and entered the tourism industry purchasing an ex-navy vessel, “Fairmile”, which they converted into a 32-berth tourist launch named “Esmeralda”. They became pioneers in overnight cruising in the Whitsundays, staying at sea five days every week. Madalene was hostess, barmaid, maitre’d, nurse and cleaner – with a family of nine children by this time. She was also “Mum” to the crew on the boat as well. When Shute Harbour was opened in 1961, the official luncheon was held on the “Esmeralda”. In 1963, the Grays sold “Esmeralda” and repurchased the sawmill.
Despite leading a very busy working life and family life, Madalene still found time to involve herself in the community. She was Life Member and Patron of Whitsunday Sailing Club. The Whitsunday Sailing Club believes that Madalene and Eddie Gray's generosity and active participation were essential to its development and success. They particularly supported junior sabot sailing and helped to establish the Learn to Sail school. As a measure of the regard within which they were held, in 1992, “Sabot Week” was dedicated to the Gray family.
She was also Life Member of the Proserpine Show Society and Patron of the Uniting Church Flower Show as well as being actively involved in all aspects of the Uniting Church. Madalene also supported many other community and sporting organisations and made costumes for the local theatre group.
Madalene Gray passed away on April 19, 1998, having lived a rich and full life, dedicating herself to both her family and her community.
Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum
Caption
Madalene Gray
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