International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, 2025, carries a theme that couldn’t be more fitting—March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls. It’s a rallying cry that acknowledges how far we’ve come while urging us to keep moving, pushing, and striving for a future where every woman and girl can thrive.

Across Australia, the day will be marked with powerful events, from leadership summits to grassroots gatherings, all celebrating the achievements of women while addressing the work still ahead. From Melbourne’s academic symposiums to rural Queensland’s gatherings honouring women in agriculture, the message is clear—progress is built on collective strength.

Here in Mackay, that strength is evident in the women who lead from the front, challenge expectations, and build a legacy that stretches far beyond today. In industries once dominated by men, women are not only making their mark—they’re changing the game. From accountants and real estate agents to lawyers, IT specialists, and financial advisers, their influence is shaping the region’s economy and future.

Breaking through glass ceilings is never easy, but Mackay’s women are doing just that—leading in sectors where female voices were once scarce. Whether it’s in construction, engineering, or local government, they’re proving that capability knows no gender.

Beyond boardrooms and businesses, women in Mackay are creating sanctuaries for others, offering refuge, support, and a safe space to rebuild. Women helping women isn’t just a phrase—it’s a movement. From career mentorship to personal empowerment, they are lifting each other up, ensuring that success isn’t a solitary journey.

This year’s IWD feature shines a spotlight on some of Mackay’s most inspiring women—the trailblazers, the change-makers, and the quiet achievers whose contributions make a difference every day. Their stories remind us that progress isn’t just about celebrating where we are; it’s about making sure we never stand still.

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The Northern Beaches Community Playgroup (NBCP) is set to return in 2025, once again made possible through the BMA Benefiting My Community Grant. This year, in addition to the usual play and connection sessions, families can look forward to twelve special "super sessions" throughout the year, including BMA Playfest, BMA Fun Friday, and BMA Bookweek.

These sessions will feature a range of engaging activities for young children, including gross motor programs, puppet shows, music, art, and dance experiences. The Mackay Regional Council Libraries team will also be involved, bringing their First Five Forever program and Parker, the Mobile Library Van, to enhance early childhood learning. This expansion has been made possible through BMA’s significant investment in the Northern Beaches community.

NBCP is a volunteer-based playgroup held each Tuesday during the school term from 9:15 to 11:15 am, rotating between the Northern Beaches Community Hall in Bucasia and various local parks and beaches. This year, families are encouraged to take a more active role in creating a true community playgroup. With a small team of volunteers managing the sessions, participants are invited to help set up the play space at the Hall, with doors opening at 9:00 am to allow for a collaborative effort in maintaining the group’s sustainability.

A new collaboration with Bucasia State School will further enrich the playgroup experience, with an early childhood specialist visiting playgroup fortnightly during even weeks of the term. Additionally, Bucasia State School will continue its partnership with Bucasia Community Kindy, hosting a Wednesday morning playgroup from 9:15 to 10:15 am on odd weeks of the term.

The Northern Beaches Community Playgroup remains committed to fostering healthy childhood development while providing a supportive network for parents and caregivers. The continued support from the community and key partners—including BMA, Greater Whitsunday Communities, Play Matters, Bucasia State School, and Mackay Regional Council—ensures that families in the Northern Beaches region have access to high-quality early learning experiences.

For the full term schedule and locations, families are encouraged to follow Northern Beaches Community Playgroup on social media.

Northern Beaches Playgroup Options:
Tuesday – Northern Beaches Community Playgroup: 9:15 – 11:15 am
Wednesday – Bucasia Community Kindy: 9:15 – 10:15 am (starting 26th Feb – odd weeks of term)
Thursday – Eimeo Road State School: 9:00 – 10:00 am (starting 6th March)

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By Ruth Puddefoot

Cane toads can be found everywhere across Queensland and persistent action needs to be taken to remove them. The Watergum Cane Toad Challenge came back again this year for their annual Great Cane Toad Bust event. With over 50,000 toads removed last year, they hoped to match that number and surpass it this season with state-wide help.

Being prolific breeders, Cane Toads are notorious pests producing up to 30,000 eggs at a time, and can live up to 10 years. They are toxic at all stages of their life cycle and when ingested, the toads’ skin and poison glands can kill many animals. They easily destroy ecosystems, devouring everything they can fit in their mouths as they are very resourceful omnivores.

The Great Toad Bust aims to put a stop to their spread, and one day remove them from Australia.

Thousands of participants across Queensland registered their efforts over the week-long Cane Toad Challenge event showing just how many toads they could remove to protect their own communities from this invasion. Studies show control efforts like specialised traps, can remove up to 47% of cane toads from localised populations and the Watergum website has many helpful tips on how to trap and humanly euthanise the toads.

If you want to help your local wildlife thrive again or just keep your own farm’s dam clear from pests, then get toad hunting! Though the event may be over, there are still plenty of toads about. Congratulations to everyone who went busting and set the new record at over 115,000 cane toads removed from all stages of live. Check out the results and see how you can help out: watergum.org/greatcanetoadbust/ Happy busting!

Huge toad busted weighing at 420g. Photo Credit: Mt Barney Lodge Facebook

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What better way to end the working week than feasting on the freshest seafood I could ask for with Whitsunday Sailing Club’s Seafood Platter for Two. This mouthwatering platter is packed with the finest local seafood, sourced from a range of top suppliers, including one of our local favourites, Fishi, guaranteeing the freshest, tastiest bites from the sea.

Get ready to indulge in a variety of flavours and textures, from the crispy battered Red Emperor Fish to the juicy local prawns, smoked salmon, fresh oysters, golden soft shell crab, and salt and pepper squid, which are tender and packed full of flavour. Each element is expertly prepared to let the natural freshness shine.

What makes this seafood feast even better? You can enjoy it while soaking in the breezy, laid-back vibes of the Whitsunday Sailing Club. Whether you're relaxing on the deck watching the boats sail by or enjoying the vibrant atmosphere inside, there’s no better place to dig into this seafood treasure.

Treat your bestie, or bring your whole crew, and share the love (and the platter!) at the Whitsunday Sailing Club. It’s fresh, it’s a feast, and it’s absolutely yummy—come hungry, leave happy!

Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays

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The Whitsundays is off to a flying start in 2025, breaking records left, right, and centre!

In just two months, The Whitsundays has welcomed 27 cruise ships, bringing over 66,000 passengers to our region. Around 52,000 of them have stepped off to soak up the sun, explore Airlie Beach and beyond and support local businesses. And it’s not slowing down—another 13 cruise ships are set to arrive in March, proving The Whitsundays is a must-stop destination for cruise lovers.

Whitsunday Coast Airport has smashed records of its own, with over 50,000 passengers passing through in January - its busiest month ever! With direct flights connecting us to major cities and even more routes on the horizon, it’s never been easier to visit our slice of paradise.

More visitors mean more buzz, more business and more love for our beautiful region - we can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings.

Contributed by Tourism Whitsundays

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Hi Everyone,

For the past decade,I’ve had the privilege of being part of the Life Publishing Groupfamily. When I first joined, we were printing two bi-monthlymagazines. Fast forward to today, and we now produce four weeklynewspapers alongside those same two magazines.

It’s been anincredible journey—one filled with growth, determination, breakingbarriers, and plenty of laughter along the way. We've embraced everychallenge, thinking outside the box, and smashing stereotypes atevery turn. What a wild ride it’s been!

This week, however,marks a significant moment for the company. My mentor, my hero, myguiding force, and the woman who has championed me since day one—BecDouthwaite—is about to embark on her own adventure with herhusband, our beloved ‘paper delivery boy,’ Douth.

The two of them areventuring overseas where they will be taking an extended vacation tothe UK, to spend quality time with family.

To say we’ll missthem both is an understatement. While Bec will continue to be a partof the business, offering advice and mentorship whenever we need it,the thought of them being thousands of miles away is hard to grasp.

Amidst all thischange, however, I can’t help but feel excited for what’s ahead.Over the past year, Bec has stepped away from the day-to-dayoperations of the business, and I’ve had the privilege of leadingthe team under her mentorship.

So, even thoughshe’s been just down the road, in many ways, I’ve already beenstepping into the role I’m now about to officially take on—leadingthe company.

It’s with greatpride and humility that I accept this position, and I want to extendmy heartfelt thanks to both Bec and Douth for placing their trust inme.

I know this businessis like a second child to you (and it is to me as well!), and Ipromise to treat it with the same care and dedication, working hardto make you both proud.

For our readers,I’ll still be based in the Whitsundays and will continue to overseethis newspaper closely. I am, however, also responsible for our otherpublications, traveling across the regions each month. This meanssome of our talented cadet journalists will have the opportunity toshine in the Editor’s note from time to time.

As the companyenters a new chapter, I want to take a moment to wish Bec and Douththe most incredible time overseas. We’ve shared so many wonderfulmemories, and I’m sure there are many more to come! When you’reready to return, we’ll all be here, eagerly waiting to welcome youback.

Rach

Quote of the Week:“Only those who dare, truly live” Ruth P Freedman

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Did you know that from 1 January 2025, intentionally underpaying an employee’s wages or entitlements can be a criminal offence? This doesn’t include honest mistakes.

The Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code Declaration 2024 (the Code) came into effect at the beginning of the year, alongside Australia’s new federal wage theft laws.

The Code provides small businesses (those with fewer than 15 employees) with a framework to avoid prosecution for underpayments that occur unintentionally. It highlights the critical need for small businesses to take a proactive approach to wage compliance.

While participation in the code is voluntary, non-compliance with wage laws, including adherence to industry awards, carries significant risks.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has the authority to impose substantive civil penalties for breaches whether known or unknown – including hefty fines, back-pay orders, possible imprisonment, and reputational damage.

To safeguard your business, it’s essential to:

regularly review payroll systems,
ensure all wages and entitlements align with industry awards and legal standards, and
maintain accurate, up-to-date records.
Proactively addressing compliance not only minimises the risk of penalties but also strengthens trust with your employees and demonstrates your commitment to fair and lawful practices.

Don’t wait for an issue to arise—take action now to ensure your business is fully compliant. If you need guidance Chamber member, Mark Lipkin from The Airlie Group, offers members 1-hour free consultations on industrial relations. Contact Mark today at mark@airliegroup.com.au

For more information, see the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/compliance-and-enforcement/criminal-prosecution/voluntary-small-business-wage-compliance-code

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Hi everyone!

Last weekend was Clean Up Australia Day, and it was fantastic to see so many wonderful organisations doing their bit to keep the beautiful Whitsundays clean.

I had the chance to visit Coral Sea Marina and witness firsthand the incredible amount of rubbish collected by volunteers.

It is heartwarming to see communities and businesses coming together for such an important cause. Back in Sydney, I often took part in scuba diving clean-ups where we removed rubbish from the ocean floor. I even once found a shopping trolley with an eel living inside.

I am currently working on my Advanced Open Water qualification and cannot wait to continue progressing in scuba diving. I am especially excited about getting involved in more environmental projects, including hopefully earning my shark and coral reef conservation specialities.

Happy reading!

Ruth

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
― Dr Jane Goodall

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By Ruth Puddefoot

Plunging into the ocean’s depths, you might be fortunate enough to encounter a Moray Eel. Known for their fierce appearance and impressive diversity, these fascinating creatures captivate divers and marine enthusiasts alike.

Beyond their striking looks, Moray Eels play a vital role as apex predators in coral reef ecosystems. Inhabiting warm, reef-rich waters, they help maintain ecological balance by preying on fish, crabs, shrimp, squid, octopuses, and even scavenging weakened or dead organisms.

Moray eels are as remarkable as their hunting technique. Expertly camouflaged within the reef, they lie in wait before launching a swift ambush. Equipped with specialised jaws and razor-sharp teeth, they can tear into prey or crush it with ease. While not typically dangerous to humans, they do pack a nasty bite. Their presence even influences the distribution of other reef species, including sharks, underscoring the intricate dynamics of marine food webs.

Although not currently classified as threatened, Moray Eels face growing risks from human activities. Conservation initiatives, such as marine protected areas and sustainable fishing practices, are crucial to safeguarding their habitats and ensuring their populations thrive for generations to come.

Fast Fact: Moray Eels can grow up to a staggering 1.5 metres

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It is easy to see Whitsunday Islands and surrounding fringing reefs as static and unchanging. But that is not true, as slow, gradual changes often go unnoticed. Over time these changes may become accepted as the status quo, the way things have always been. This phenomenon is called shifting baseline syndrome.

Shifting baseline describes a gradual change in our accepted norms and expectations for the environment across generations. Unfortunately, our tolerance for environmental degradation increases and our expectations for the natural world are lowered.

Our Whitsunday Island coral reefs are a classic example. Only 50 years ago, the quality and abundance of coral and fish was significantly better than today. As well, the water clarity, on average, was much better. But over time, the reefs have deteriorated due to poor water quality, crown-of-thorns starfish, cyclones, coral bleaching and other impacts.

But people experiencing the island reefs for the first time today would accept what they see as the norm. For the most part, today’s visitors are happy with what they see because they don’t know any better, and that is sad.

This example shows how shifting baselines affect our perception and acceptance of the state of the natural world. In truth similar changes are occurring all around us.

The consequences of shifting baseline syndrome are dire and include an increased tolerance for progressive environmental degradation, changes in people's expectations as to what is a desirable (worth protecting) state of the natural environment, and the establishment and use of inappropriate baselines for nature conservation, restoration, and management.

Now the real challenge is to look beyond the current status quo. We need to move the clock back and help rebuild the natural environment.

You can fight the growing Shifting Baseline Syndrome and help rebuild our natural environment by supporting conservation organisations, reducing our carbon footprint, participating in citizen science activities, supporting only sustainable businesses and industries, and raising awareness. Together, we can help reduce the relentless decline of the environment and provide current and future generations with a more stable baseline of what the world should be.

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Contributed by Whitsunday Conservation Council.

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Healthy Reef

Unhealthy Reef

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By Ruth Puddefoot

Cleaning up the coastline is no small task, but it’s one that the Whitsundays community is eager to take on. On Sunday, March 2nd, Coral Sea Marina became the heart of action for the annual Clean Up Australia Day event. Volunteers, fuelled by a shared passion for preserving the region’s pristine coastline, came together to make a real difference.

In partnership with the Tangaroa Blue Foundation and the ReefClean program, they tackled the shoreline, collecting litter with dedication and teamwork. But the effort didn’t stop there – after the hard work of gathering the debris, it was sorted and cataloged for the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI).

This crucial data helps track pollution sources and drives forward innovative strategies to reduce waste, ensuring that the breathtaking beauty of the Whitsundays can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Volunteers gathered at Meeting Point D, Coral Sea Marina at 8:30 am on Sunday, equipped with gloves and collection bags. After the clean-up, they learned about the impacts of marine debris and ways to protect the oceans.

A total of 61 volunteers collected an incredible 250.5 kg of waste from Airlie Beach over the morning.

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As Mayor, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand the strength, resilience, and contributions of women across the Whitsundays.

From business owners to community leaders, volunteers to frontline workers, women are at the heart of what makes our region thrive. However, while we have made great strides toward gender equality, there is still work to be done.

Saturday, March 8 marks International Women’s Day 2025, a day to celebrate the achievements of women while acknowledging that progress towards gender equality must move faster.

This year’s theme, "Collectively, we can Accelerate Action for Gender Equality," highlights the urgency of breaking down systemic barriers and biases that still exist.

At the current rate, full gender parity won’t be reached until 2158—five generations from now. That’s simply too long. We need to step forward in solidarity and #AccelerateAction to create real, lasting change.

I am proud that within Council and within our Whitsundays community, we’ve made great strides. Two of our past four Whitsunday Regional Council Mayors have been women, and many senior positions in Council are held by talented female leaders.

This is proof that when given the opportunity, women excel. But equality isn’t just about leadership—it’s about ensuring every woman in our region has the safety, economic security, and opportunities she deserves.

One of the most effective ways to advance gender equality is to identify what works and do more of it, faster. Whether that’s increasing support for women in business, advocating for safer communities, or addressing the gender pay gap, acting now will shape a stronger future for all

Change happens when communities, businesses, and governments work together. In the Whitsundays, we are proud of the progress we’ve made, but we also know there is more to do.

Together, let’s #AccelerateAction to speed up the rate of progress worldwide.

To all the women in our region: we see you, we support you, and we stand with you.

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Compared to many other parts of the world, the waters of the Whitsundays are quite benign. The many islands and their mountain peaks provide prominent landmarks to guide vessels safely around the numerous hazards that potentially exist. However, for a variety of reasons such as bad weather, carelessness and outdated charts in the past, there have been victims over that last two centuries.

Previous editions of this paper have related the stories of the “Heroine”, SS “Llewellyn”, “Valetta” and the Whaler tragedy. This week’s story describes the fortunes, or should we say the misfortunes, of the “Veleiro”, a Portuguese Barque under the command of Captain Lorenzo Fullaondo, which left Port Douglas on January 20, 1880, bound for Melbourne and carrying a cargo of cedar.

Eleven days into her journey, as she sailed in the Whitsunday area, she encountered what the ship’s notes described as “boisterous weather”. Endeavouring to reach Pioneer Point for shelter, she struck Pioneer Rock and held fast, though taking water badly.

The decision was made to abandon ship and the captain and his eleven crew took to two boats and headed for Bowen. Upon their safe arrival, enquiries into the incident were difficult – none of the crew spoke English and no one in Bowen spoke Portuguese!

The ship remained fast on Pioneer Rock but subsequent to a report from Captain Lake of the “Katoomba” that she had disappeared, the government cutter from Bowen was despatched to the scene only to find that the “Veleiro” was still on the rock. Perhaps it was the hazy weather that had misled Captain Lake.

The vessel had, however, been stripped of everything moveable. It was evident to the crew of the cutter that the “Veleiro” was so firmly wedged that she was destined to stay there until she fell apart.

On March 8, prominent Bowen merchant and importer, Donald Millar, sent three men to the scene in his boat “The Frenchman”, and they camped on Pioneer Point until the salvage was to be completed. During the next few days, the men boarded the wreck several times but on March 11, in a severe rip around the rock, the punt in which the men approached the wreck capsized and one of the men, Harry Martin, was drowned. His body was never found. Martin had been one of a party which carried out one of the earliest surveys of the Proserpine River in 1879.

It is unclear as to whether the cargo of cedar was recovered but the “Port Denison Times” (July 30 1881) reported that a man had been sent to the wreck to burn it. It is most likely, therefore, that the cedar was recovered. Burning of a wreck was usual practice as this facilitated removal of metal fittings and also removed the hulk to avoid investigation by passing vessels.

Survey charts of Port Molle from HMS “Alert” following her visit two months earlier in May 1881 had shown the wreck still on Pioneer Rock but it seems it must have been shifted in its entirety in one way or another. No doubt the strong currents would have carried it away quite rapidly. Divers who have investigated the area around Pioneer Rock say that there are no recognisable remains.

And so, another vessel was despatched to a watery grave – somewhere!

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum. Information sourced from Ray Blackwood’s article “Coastline Calling” August 1990.

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Map showing Pioneer Point

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Locally owned and operated, Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine is seeking passionate individuals to join its paid Board of Directors. This is your chance to contribute to a unique "profit-with-a-purpose" model, where local profits directly benefit the community.

"Like our sponsored organisations, our Board is driven by people who are passionate about our community and who value the knowledge, passion and dedication it takes to run the many community organisations," explains Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Chairman Mark Henry.

The Bendigo Community Bank ‘profit-with-a-purpose’ model is unique and sees a percentage of the profits generated by the Bank branch invested back into the community.

Since its 2012 inception, backed by $800,000 from local shareholders, the branch has supported many Whitsundays community groups and given back over $200,000 to the local community.

"We thank our shareholders and past and present directors for their dedication over the last 12 years and we look forward to being part of the community for many more to come," says Mr Henry.

Board members play a crucial role in strategic planning and community investment.

Are you interested in influencing sponsorship decisions, making a tangible local impact, developing your leadership skills, or simply sharing your expertise?

If so, the Board encourages your nomination.

The bank seeks diverse individuals with skills in strategy, finance, legal, community engagement, and marketing to strengthen its team. This is an opportunity to contribute to a successful, locally owned branch, part of a network of 322 community banks nationwide.

For a confidential conversation about Board member role, responsibilities, and expectations please contact the Chair of the Board, Mark Henry, via email chair@whitsundaycel.com.au by Monday, March 31, 2025.

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Barefoot Medicine is more than just a doctor’s surgery. It is a place where exceptional care meets compassion. At the heart of its success are the dedicated nurse practitioners whose expertise and commitment make every patient feel valued and cared for.

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an advanced Registered Nurse with specialised skills, expertise, and the authority to diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions across all ages. With additional university-level training at the master's degree level, NPs are equipped with the highest level of clinical independence in the healthcare system.

The title "Nurse Practitioner" was officially introduced in 2000 and is exclusively used by those endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Currently, only about 3,000 individuals in Australia hold this prestigious status.

National practice standards ensure that Nurse Practitioners deliver exceptional, patient-centered care while also playing a pivotal role in clinical research, education, leadership, and the advancement of healthcare services.

Nurse Practitioners offer a wide range of services, including the ability to provide patient rebates through Medicare, prescribe medications, access PBS medicines, refer patients to hospitals and specialists, and order diagnostic tests like x-rays. They are an integral part of the healthcare team, collaborating closely with a range of professionals, from GPs to physiotherapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, and more.

At Barefoot Medicine, we're proud to have two exceptional Nurse Practitioners ready to serve the Whitsunday community. While not GPs, they offer comprehensive healthcare services, assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients just like a GP, and are always here to help you with your health needs.

One of Barefoot’s dedicated Nurse Practitioners, Brett Johnson, shared insights into his role.

“While Nurse Practitioners don’t enjoy the same clinical scope of practice of general practitioners, we are able to prescribe most drugs under the PBS, we can order x-rays and ultrasounds and can refer to medical specialists.”

Barefoot’s other Nurse Practitioner, Rachel Jakeman explained how being a nurse practitioner allows them to offer a different approach to what a GP may provide.

"As nurses, we tend to assess people a bit differently, taking a more holistic approach and looking at the full picture. That unique nursing perspective, combined with our skill set, can be a real asset."

“While it is a new role, and people aren’t used to seeing nurse practitioners, individuals don’t always know what we can do or our skillset.

"If there's ever a situation where I feel unsure or believe something is outside of my scope of practice, I would handle it like a GP would. I would refer the patient to the appropriate specialist, for instance, if I thought my GP colleagues could provide insight, I would consult with them. However, if I felt a specialist's expertise was needed, I would make the necessary referral."

With the ongoing shortage of GPs in Australia, Nurse Practitioners are increasingly recognised as an excellent alternative. While they differ from GPs, Nurse Practitioners are highly skilled and fully capable of addressing your medical needs with expertise and care.

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Rachel Jakeman and Brett Johnson, the two Nurse Practitioners at Barefoot Medicine in Cannonvale. Photo credit: R Jean Photography

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