In the changing world we live in, there is a growing trend for businesses to try to sell you what they think you should have rather than what you want. And, delightfully in my opinion, they are getting punished for it.
A good friend of mine, let’s call him Ben, illustrated this perfectly the other day when he told me about how he went to buy a whipper-snipper.
Ben is pretty lawn-proud and he is loyal to a brand that has done right by him. He has had three terrific whipper-snippers, all the same brand, over the past 25 years and when he finally wore out his latest one he went to the hardware shop to buy the newest version from that brand.
But when he asked the sales person, he was told that brand only had electric whipper-snippers these days.
The sales person said that although the various whipper-snippers’ specifications said the batteries last for over 30 minutes, when they were working under load they would last for just 10 minutes. He suggested buying two batteries so that when one went flat, he could change to a charged-up battery.
The problem was that the electric whipper-snipper was about $270 and a battery was about $130. So, with a second battery, the whipper snipper was going to cost more than $500.
Now this is not the local hardware shop’s fault but when businesses like the whipper-snipper maker force people to buy something they don’t want for more money than they wanted to spend, well … people start shopping around.
So Ben left the hardware shop with a sparkling new Honda four-stroke whipper-snipper, a brand he has never owned but apparently it’s going really well.
The religious-like fervour around climate change is part of this trend of trying to sell people stuff they don’t want and presumably the whipper-snipper company believes petrol-powered lawn trimmers are a central cause of global warming.
Others might think that growing emissions from China and India are more of a factor and that sacrifices being made by a country that contributes just 1 per cent of global CO2 emissions place an unfair burden on businesses, the poor and even whipper-snipper users.
In fairness, Government regulations are starting to force the hands of manufacturers in various sectors and that’s something that can be addressed at the ballot box, but the story about the whipper-snipper is a reminder for anyone in business.
It is certainly relevant to real estate. I remember, in the time before I was a real estate agent, looking at a house that had a shed that was positioned in a way that it prevented the option of being able to put in a pool.
I told the agent, I really wanted a pool and, because I had young kids, it was more important to me than a shed.
He said: “Oh no mate. In this town you want a shed. That adds much more value and more people want a shed than a pool. Don’t worry about a pool.” Except I wanted a pool.
Real estate agents need to listen to buyers and sellers to understand what is important to them. To make sure that we are on the same page as the client and customer, that we are doing what they want rather than what we want.

Meanwhile, if you’re in Belmore Estate on a Sunday morning and the tranquillity is pierced by the sound of a revving four-stroke engine, it’ll be that brand new Honda.

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Calling all novelists! Mackay Writers Group will be hosting a remarkable Memoir Writing Workshop held at the Seabreeze Hotel, Lamberts beach on August 31 and September 1.
Be sure to have your notepads ready as special guest Edwina Shaw shares her tips and tricks on the subject of writing based on her success and experience in the field as an author.
Ms Shaw is a Queensland based writer of fiction, memoir, and screenplays. Her novel, Thrill Seekers was shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Award for New Writing. Other published works include In the Dark of Night, A Guide Through Grief  and over 40 stories published in Australian and International Journals.
She has been teaching Creative Writing at UQ, for the Queensland Writers Centre, and in the community since 2005. She also runs Relax and Write retreats.
Vice president of Mackay Writers, Paul Vander Loos said the workshop was made possible with an RADF grant from the Mackay Regional Council and the Queensland Government. Author Edwina Shaw will run the weekend.
The workshop will comprise four two-hour sessions spread over the Saturday and the Sunday covering the stories participants want to tell, character and dialogue, developing the story, and finally where and how to submit the finished work.
Mackay Writers acknowledge the Mackay Regional Council and the state government for the grant that made this event possible. The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mackay Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Registration forms and information is available by emailing Mackay Writers at mkywriters@gmail.com or by mail at PO Box 1392, Mackay 4740. The group can also be found on Facebook by searching ‘Mackay Writers’.
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By Mackay Writers

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WHAT: Memoir Writing Workshop With Edwina Shaw
WHERE: Seabreeze Hotel
WHEN: August 31 and September 1

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Qld Author, Edwina Shaw will share her knowledge at the upcoming August Memoir writing workshop at Seabreeze Hotel, Mackay
Photo Supplied

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Last weekend, the Moranbah State High School Performance Hall was transformed into a stunning display of aubergine, white, and black décor. Fourteen debutantes graced the stage at the 47th Moranbah Debutante Ball.

Compere for the Evening Neil Wicks introduced the 2024 debutantes and their partners:

Amity Bradley and Cooper Bradley, Ysabella McKenzie-Thomas and Jordan Ewart, Brooklyn Streeter and Will Jaques, Isabella Piccoli Evans and Cylas Moloney, Leilani Cork and Joel Trease, Elyssia Robertson and Loki Clinch, Kaitlyn Lynch and Regan Shelford, Jaime Hinds and Zack Benson, Alleah Seiuli and Zachary Malcolm, Hannah Sloan and Cameron Schy, Emily Crawley and Cooper Bosel, Gracie Noy and Aiden Peterson, Lily Bartlett and Rhys Elliott, Pippa James and Luca Vea Vea.

The debutantes and their partners showcased their talents with a Swing Waltz and a modern rendition of "Single Ladies". Cr Elect Kelly Vea Vea commended their community-mindedness, urging them to uphold respect and thoughtfulness. Miss Lily Bartlett and Mr Rhys Elliott cut the debutante cake, while Miss Hannah Sloan expressed gratitude on behalf of the debutantes and partners. The evening concluded with the Pride of Erin dance, including dances with parents and ball patrons. The dance card featured the Gypsy Tap, Barn Dance, Canadian Three Step, Progressive Jive, and Friendship Waltz. Family and friends joined the festivities, accompanied by the sounds of Mackay band Hot Hot Hot.

Deb Ball Coordinator Judy Naumann said, “The debutantes and partners participated in 9 weeks of practice. To see all of our debutantes and partners up dancing and having fun is what makes this night special.

“This year the Debutante Ball was held in the Moranbah State High School Performance Hall as the Moranbah Community Centre is under renovation.”

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Moranbah State High School, Saturday 23 March. Photo credit: Photos by Nell

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Mackay Hospital Foundation hosted its signature Cinema Under the Stars event last Friday night with a few surprises in store for attendees.

The event featuring the movie “Clifford, the Big Red Dog” was sponsored by Harvey Norman Bedding Mackay and Star 101.9 FM, and it was also supported by Show and Shine Detailing and Muscle Garden. Adding value to this event was Easter craft organized by Chloe and Josh Agius from Show and Shine Detailing, Face Painting by Let’s Just Face It Entertainment, rides and a jumping castle from Let’s Jump, an Easter Egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny himself.

To counteract all the chocolate expected to be consumed over Easter, Kay from Muscle Garden showed the kids some exercises to help burn off the chocolate calories in the coming weeks. Unfortunately, the Easter Bunny had trouble performing all the exercises but the children were happy to teach him how to do them.

Food vendors including Spicy and Saucy, Shuga Guru, Sausage Sizzle by Mackay Hospital Foundation staff and Apulia Woodfired Pizzas were kept busy throughout the event. As always, Clint from Harvey Norman generously distributed prizes of vouchers and pillows to lucky winners, and Chloe from Show and Shine Detailing also handed out vouchers.

Scotty from Star 101.9 FM hosted the event and helped to draw the prize winners at the event.

Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager, Kristi Algate said, “The weather was perfect for an outdoor Cinema Under the Stars and attendee numbers were some of the highest we’ve seen in a while.

“The attendees came to watch “Clifford the Big Red Dog” on the big screen but were treated to so much more on the night.”

Ms Algate said the date was chosen in conjunction with an Easter theme and the next outdoor cinema event will be at Sarina in November with a Christmas theme.

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Photo credit: Coffee and Hops

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Pioneer Valley Cricket Club are the newly-crowned Mackay Cricket Association
Poole Cup first grade champions for 2023-24.

In a dramatic title decider at Great Barrier Reef Arena on Saturday, March 16, the
Valley X1 staved off a spirited challenge from Souths to record a thrilling
six-run victory.

Chasing 199 for Grand Final glory, the Sharks fell agonisingly short of
their target despite superb half-centuries from Cameron Keene (74 not out)
and Shaun Austin (52) and a handy 22 from all-rounder Tom Bugeja.
Earlier Valley skipper Tim Cridland won the toss and batted and led the way
with a classy knock of 59 off 61 balls that included five boundaries and a
six in a tally of 7-198.

He was supported by prolific run scorer Cody Filewood (44 off 81) with four
boundaries and a six and the talented Bailey Camilleri, who hit an unbeaten
33.

The versatile Bugeja (3-23 off seven overs) and Austin (2-34 off six) were
the pick of the Souths bowlers, grabbing early wickets as the Valley were
left tottering at 5-77.

But a seventh-wicket union of 65 between Cridland and Camilleri helped the
Valley post a competitive total from their 40 overs.

Souths¹ number four Keene produced a mighty innings with the bat that
featured eight boundaries and shared valuable partnerships of 32 with Austin
for the third wicket; 49 with Kellon Powell (14) for the fourth wicket and a
fifth wicket stand of 35 with Bugeja.

Valley¹s experienced bowling attack kept their nerve in the pressure moments
with Dion Krisanksi-Kennedy (2-26 off five), Mahesh Rajaratne (1-23 off
six), Camilleri (1-36 off eight) and paceman Andrew McNichol (0-25 off six)
toiling hard to keep the Sharks (5-192) at bay.

……………………………………………….

Devils Take DBCT Cup

Norths Devils clinched the DBCT Cup second-grade premiership with a
resounding 141-run triumph over Pioneer Valley at George Gorrie Oval.
Sent in to bat, the Devils smashed 6-237 with dashing half-tonnes from the
flamboyant Deane Cox (80), Shawn Day (64) and opener Duncan Sperling (63) in
a first innings run spree.

Cox was in scintillating touch ­ clouting four sixes and ten boundaries
during an incredible 41-ball knock with number three Day hammering eleven
boundaries and a six off 78 balls faced.

Sperling and Day added 105 runs for the second wicket with Cox and Day
combining for a fourth-wicket stand of 65.

Valley had no answer to the Devils' attack and was bundled out for 96 in the
24th over with Mitchell Bourke (4-22 off eight), skipper Aaron Durelli
(2-17) and Haki Chauhan (2-29) the chief destroyers.

Skipper Dean Zeller was Valley¹s best ­ returning 2-32 off eight overs.

…………………………..

Roosters Rampage In Third Grade

Walkerston Red captured the Maurice Blackburn Lawyers Cup third grade
premiership trophy with a pulsating win over Magpies at Jack Lancaster Oval.
Opening batsman Michael Vella proved the hero ­ cracking 72 off 62 balls
with thirteen boundaries to help the Roosters (7-144) eclipse the Magpies
(7-143) in a tense finish.

Former Toombul first-grade all-rounder Brendan Whitby shone for the Magpies
with 40 runs and four-wicket haul (4-17 off seven) with his wily off-spin
bowling.

Just as impressive was his 13-year-old son Jacob who hit a valuable 21.
Iqbal Singh (2-13), Max Campbell (2-28), Malkeet Singh (2-42) and skipper
Scott McPherson (1-14 off five) was the pick of the Walkerston bowlers.

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DBCT Poole 1st Division Cup grand final action. Photo credit: Finer Photography

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Happy Easter to all our members at the Mackay Contract Bridge Club
A great day of Bridge was had Sunday with 16 pairs of Novices and Mentors competing. This is a fabulous event that is held on the last Friday of every month to give beginners a chance to play with experienced players.

Noel, Frances and Alan
Jan, Karen and Trish
Anne Lutz with Sandy Patterson

Weekly Results
Monday 18 March 2024 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
3rd
Helen Van Den Breok / Terrence Sheedy
4th
Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia
5th
Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait
6th
Antonia Tarradas / Victor Mason
Tuesday Evening 19 March 2024 –3 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan
2nd
Helen Van Den Breok / Terrence Sheedy
3rd
Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia
4th
Faith Hutchinson / Janice Mansfield
Wednesday 20 March 2024 – Mackay Teams, Week 2 of 3 - 10 Table Mitchell Red Points
1st
Terry Sheedy Team
2nd
Janet Hanson Team
3rd
Jan Harris Team
4th
Joyce Deguara Team
Thursday Evening 21 March 2024 – 4 Table One Winner
1st
Terry Sheedy / Mick King
2nd
Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy
3rd
Kean Seaniger / Robert Carless
4th
Errol Morris / Ted Cullinan
Friday 22 March 2024 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy
1st
Diane Stokes / Marie McGuire
2nd
Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell
2nd
Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
3rd
Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson
3rd
Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson
4th
Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson
4th
Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood
5th
Joyce Deguara / Toni Large
5th
Victor Mason / Josie Cowley
5th
Helen Van Den Breok / Don Poole
6th
Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill
Saturday 23 March 2024 11 Table Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
1st
Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Frances Brown / Alan Brown
2nd
Christine Nice / Terry Sheedy
3rd
Julie O’Neill / Griffin Bancroft
3rd
Margaret Lane / Anne Lutz
4th
Janet Hansen / Geoff Taylor
4th
Diane Stokes / Janine Rodgers
5th
Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright
5th
Monica Darley / Kath Poole
Sunday 24 March 2024 – Green Points

Section A

Section B (Novice)
1st
Mary Cruickshank / Noel Saunders
1st
Marshal Howland / Israel Hall
1st
Diane Stokes / Ann Whitmore
2nd
Bridget Ward / Joe Hall
1st
Mick King / Ted Cullinan
3rd
Ed Boets / Christopher Meyers
2nd
Joyce Deguara / Clare Wallace
4th
Kim Stonehouse / Pam Cassidy

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The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club are once again splashing for cash to support a charity fundraising event after their successful February ‘Starlight Super Swim.’
This time, the club has chosen to support the ‘Laps for Life’ fundraiser to support Youth mental health during the month of March, where all funds raised will go directly to the ReachOut foundation, contributing to youth mental health in the community.
ReachOut is a leading online mental health service in Australia which aims to support young people during tough times while uplifting their spirits and helping them achieve not just a better day, but a better future, no matter what challenges they might be facing. The organisation provides a safe space where young people can openly express themselves, explore what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who are understanding of their situation and encourage them to overcome their challenges.

Currently seven members have dashed on board with swimming and fundraising throughout the month of March to raise awareness and funds for the youth mental health service. As of March 19, the Sinkers are well on their way to their proposed target with $3,494 already committed to the club’s fundraising efforts!
In addition to the Sinkers, two other Queensland Masters clubs have signed up in a rally of support for youth mental health. Brisbane Southside and Aqualicious Masters swimming clubs are also well on their way with funds and awareness being raised.
The three clubs have a cumulative total of $5,753 already donated towards the great cause!
Of course, the swimming aspect is not overlooked with the Sinkers happily swimming along recording 3,160 laps, (158-kilometres) as of March 19.
The Masters Swimming Queensland State Championships are to be held at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre from the April 18-21, promising to be a fantastic competition suitable for all levels of Masters and is said to attract an impressive amount of over 400 athletes.
If you are interested in adult swimming activities, the Sinkers offer a great club with multiple weekly sessions that are self-paced, with options to attend that are low key, pool or open water based and are in an inclusive, supportive environment.
For further information, visit North The  Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club online, email nthmkysinkers@gmail.com or phone 0413 805 156.
To learn more about ReachOut, please visit https://about.au.reachout.com
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Contributed by Dan Stampa

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Our regular Memorial Monday session with Coach Igor adding to skills and fitness. The session also contributes to the participants of Laps for Life swim distance.

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REA Group’s data business PropTrack launched a new comprehensive measure of the share of rental properties that households can afford to lease earlier this month. The PropTrack Rental Affordability Index analyses rental affordability across different household income distributions and locations.

The report showed that rental affordability is now at its worst level in at least 17 years, when PropTrack records began, driven by the surge in rent prices following the pandemic.

Low- and middle-income households are facing the toughest conditions. A household earning $49,000 per year – the 20th percentile of income – can afford essentially no rental properties.

PropTrack senior economist and report co-author, Angus Moore, said: “Surging rents over the past few years have resulted in rental affordability sitting at its worst level in at least 17 years.

“Over the six months to December 2023, households across the income distribution could afford to rent the smallest share of advertised rentals since at least 2008, when our records began. That is a substantial change from conditions before and during the pandemic.

“The deterioration in affordability has been driven by the significant increase in rents that we’ve seen since the pandemic, which wages have not kept pace with. Rents nationally are up 38% since the start of the pandemic.

“At the lower end of the income distribution, renting is extremely challenging. This highlights the importance of rental support for low-income renters, such as Commonwealth Rent Assistance. Without support, renting would be effectively impossible for many of these households.

“Longer term, increasing the availability and supply of rentals is critical to improving affordability. Rents are growing quickly because rentals are extremely scarce at the moment, with incredibly low rental vacancy rates around the country. The only way to solve that, sustainably over the long term, is to have more rentals where people want to live. And that means building more homes.”

For more information and to view the full report please visit realestate.com.au/insights

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Just as leaving your doors unlocked poses a risk, neglecting to install and maintain smoke alarms in your home can jeopardise the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

With more Australians dying in residential fires on average than by all natural hazards combined, it’s sparking a renewed call from experts for Australians to protect themselves with a working smoke alarm. Smoke alarms provide a critical early warning to give you and your loved ones time to escape, so testing and maintaining them plays a crucial role in the device’s purpose, saving lives.

While Queensland has the most stringent fire safety laws in the country, the latest data shows just 73% of households tested their smoke alarms last year. While nearly two in three (62%) of those who do not have interconnected smoke alarms installed say they are likely to install them in the next 12 months.

Research from Brooks Australia reveals that the majority of Aussies (90%) don’t test their smoke alarm to the recommended standard – which is once a month.

Furthermore, a stunning one in five (22%) Aussies that have disabled their smoke alarms admit to never having replaced the battery when it ran out.

Cathy Brand, CEO of Brooks Australia, says testing your smoke alarm isn’t a task, it’s a responsibility.

“Smoke alarms are the most effective early warning sign when there is a fire, but if they aren’t tested and maintained properly it can put you, your family and your home at risk. Unfortunately, our research has found that households across Australia don’t regularly test their smoke alarms, placing Aussie families at significant risk,” Brand says.

“We’ve seen in recent months just how important smoke alarms are in saving lives including the escape of a family on the Gold Coast earlier this year.”

The absence of working smoke alarms can increase the possibility of a fatal fire by 60%.

Brand says testing your smoke alarms should be a regular maintenance routine of Australian households.  

“While the recommendation is to test your smoke alarms once a month, cleaning the device to remove any dust, insects or cobwebs every six months can minimise false alarms and help smoke reach the internal sensors easily,” Brand says.

“Testing smoke alarms is a lot simpler than people might expect, just remember 10 - smoke alarms need to be less than 10 years old, take less than 10 seconds to clean and less than 10 seconds to test. That’s why we are encouraging Aussies to set a reminder every month to test your smoke alarm.”

Smoke alarms are a crucial safety feature in every household, but they can only protect you if they are working properly. To ensure that your smoke alarms are always functioning correctly, Brooks Australia recommends performing regular maintenance checks.

Brooks Australia is urging all Australians to check their smoke alarms once a month by joining #TestitTuesday where on a Tuesday during the month, households set a reminder to test their smoke alarms. To find out more about it, head to https://www.brooks.com.au/homesmoke-alarms

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Back Row: Jessica Moon, Voytek Antkowiak, Kaitlyn Moon, Cameron Grice, Alliara Leppard and Jet McMullen
Front Row: Angelina Mihailou, Indie Lovett, Zahlia Leppard and Ivy-Leigh MacNamara. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Hi Everyone,

Happy Easter!

Bonnet parades, school shows, mad dashes to the shops for last minute Easter eggs – this is not a relaxing time of year for parents – but it is a lot fun!

This morning I sent my (almost) 7-year-old boy to school with blue hair – it was ‘free dress day’ and he was desperate to utilise the tin of blue hair spray we purchased several weeks ago.

We stood on the veranda with a towel wrapped around his shoulders and I sprayed his hair, neck and back of his ears, blue.

He was delighted!

When we got to school there was an array of colour pouring out of car doors and walking to classrooms – pink tutus, Tie-dyed shirts, clothes featuring everything from Pokémon to rock bands, more died hair, a few striped socks and a whole lot of attitude!

It made me think about how our clothing choice is such a big expression of who we are, especially when we are children.

What did you wear when you were a kid that you find funny now?

I was a bit grungy in my teenage years, so it was Bon Jovi t-shirts and a lot of black.

Before that I remember loving one of my grand-dad’s old hats and refusing to take it off!

Younger still and it was a bright red Betty Boop jumper that was my absolute favourite.

Watching these beautiful youngsters display their personality and start to frame their identity at the local primary school this morning was fascinating.

It reminded me of my own youth and made me wonder what my own child was going to wear and look like as he aged – hopefully not too many piercings and tattoos!

Regardless of what you are wearing (!) or what you are doing this Easter long weekend, I hope you have fun and enjoy time with those you love.

‍

Rach

Quote of the Week: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” (Emerson)

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Sometimes a good deed is more than a spontaneous moment of kindness, it can be working within a system to create real change that helps countless people achieve something simple by removing the barriers of cost.

This was a project that the team at Reefside Marine in Bowen embarked upon this year when they realised some of their clients were struggling to get their boat licence because the cost would often be well over $1000 when you include travel, accommodation and the ticket itself.

Kate Cullen from Reefside Marine said they had some customers who are pensioners and had unknowingly been driving without a licence for years.

Other customers were school kids who loved heading out on the water on the weekend but could not afford to get the licence because they had to travel to Townsville to get there.

Motivated by making sure all her customers are safe and legal, Kate embarked on a long process which involved many phone calls.

Finally, she managed to organise the Marine Rescue boat licence certifiers to come from Brisbane and conduct the course in Bowen over one weekend.

She also ensured this was all conducted at cost-price, making nothing herself from the interaction, simply wanting to make a boat licence something her customers could access affordably and locally.

As a result, the cost of a licence decreased from $900 to $300, with no travel costs involved.

The first event took place in February, and it was so popular they are organising another one for May, 11 and 12, with a few spots still remaining.

This is a full two-day course where participants complete the theory course followed by the exam on the first day and then the practical training, followed by the exam on the second day.

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A passionate group of community members are celebrating a game-changing accreditation this week with the confirmation that the Whitsundays is now formally recognised as a Whale Heritage Site.

The Whitsundays is the first Whale Heritage Site to be declared in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the only site in the world to be in a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

This significant breakthrough came about as a result of a dedicated locally-active community program by Whales of the Whitsundays (WoW) a group which advocates for the importance of our region for humpback whales to calve.

World Cetacean Alliance formally announced the news earlier this week and WoW are thrilled with a certification that will put the Whitsundays even more on the map.

The only other designated site in Australia is in Hervey Bay and WoW Program President, Olivia Brodhurst, said they are excited for the Whitsundays to join Hervey Bay and the nine other designated Whale Heritage Sites in the world.

“The Whitsundays with its beautiful fringing reef and calm, protected waters and 75 islands are clearly the chosen calving grounds for these majestic mammals migrating from the Antarctic,” Ms Brodhurst said.

She added that the group is committed to ensure the harmonious co-existence of whales and the vibrant tourism industry operating in the Whitsundays Whale Heritage Site.

“Continuing to raise awareness to ensure protection of whales is incredibly important, not only directly for the animals, but also for increasing stewardship of the environment,”Ms Brodhurst explained.

“Whales are the kind of species that people connect with, are in awe of, and will make lasting changes to protect”.

WoW holds annual community events including the Welcome Whale Event, a cultural celebration of the start of Whale Season in the Whitsundays.

This year’s event will be on the 14th of June at the Airlie Beach Foreshore and is expected to be a unifying and breathtaking dive into the world of whales.

WoW liaises with leading citizen science programs and provides educational opportunities for local tourism operators and members of the public to provide vital research on humpback whales, including collecting whale song using hydrophones.

The Whale Heritage Site program promotes global best practice for destinations with cetaceans (whales, dolphin and porpoises) that champion whales, dolphins, porpoises and their ocean habitats.
The WoW is supported by corporate sponsors Coral Sea Marina, Cruise Whitsundays, Zig Zag, Whitsunday Sailing and NautiLass Apparel.

WHAT: Welcome Whale Event
WHEN: June 14
WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

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Whales of the Whitsundays Program Steering Committee members, from Left to Right Deb Duggan, Lindsay Simpson, Robert Congoo, Olivia Brodhurst and Deanna Vierling. Photo supplied

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The Whitsunday Regional Council is set to unveil a brand-new bike track, aiming to provide a fun yet challenging experience for local bike riders, scooter enthusiasts and skateboarders.

An investment of $300,000 was poured into the project with the help of Bowen Rail Company. Construction works on the Darcy Munro Park Pump Track in Collinsville will commence on April 2, with stage one of the four-stage circuit expected to be ready for locals both young and old to enjoy by early May.

Bowen Rail Company has fully-funded the first stage of the bike track, with a designed route for users to apply a push-and-pull technique rather than pedalling to make their way over a series of rollers, jumps, and berms. Council will manage the construction works.

Bowen Rail Company General Manager Brendan Lane said, the business was excited to see such a safe, active, fun, and social community asset built for the people of Collinsville.

The funding for the project is part of a 2019 Infrastructure Access Agreement signed with Council for the construction of the Carmichael Rail Network (CRN). The CRN entered operation in early 2022 and connects the Carmichael mine to Aurizon’s Newlands System about 70km south of Collinsville.

“We wanted the construction of the Carmichael Rail Network to leave a positive legacy in Collinsville beyond the significant economic benefits of employing locals and awarding contracts to local businesses, or having rail workers spend their wage in local hotels, stores, and pubs,” Mr Lane said.

“Better playground equipment and new and more diverse activities for older kids were two things that resonated loudly in the 2021 Collinsville Masterplan, and the Pump Track is a perfect fit.”

The beauty of this new addition to Darcy Munro Park is it will be accessible to everyone, young or young at heart, and a toddler on a balance bike will benefit as much as an X-Games superstar.

“We’re deeply grateful for the incredible support we’ve received from Collinsville and the greater Whitsunday region as we’ve built our railway and grown from a start-up to a thriving rail operator.”

“Our team can’t wait to see their friends and family out there shredding around enjoying the Pump Track -and having a crack on it themselves.

Whitsunday Regional Council Capital Program and Network Planning Director Adam Hagy said detailed design of all four stages had been completed, with each adding new levels of challenge. 

“We have the full picture of what the finished product looks like and we’re confident the design will provide fun, challenge, and learning for years to come,” he said

“Naturally, stage one is most suitable for beginners and intermediates to get a foothold as stages two through four come online.

“The timing of stages two through four will be subject to future budgets, and incremental development will ensure the facility grows with the community.”

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There will soon be a new pump track in Collinsville. Stock image illustration only

Birdseye view diagram of the Darcy Munro Park Pump Track

Image Supplied

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The man accused of killing three family members and wounding a fourth on a remote property in Bogie had his case mentioned in the Bowen Magistrates Court Last week.

In August 2022, 60-year-old Darryl Valroy Young allegedly invited the neighbouring property owners over to the estate’s borderline to discuss a dispute regarding boundaries.

During this conversation, Mr Young allegedly said he was going to "end this once and for all", before allegedly producing a shot gun and firing off five rounds.

Within minutes husband and wife Mervyn and Maree Schwarz along with Ms Schwarz's son Graham Tighe were shot dead.

Ms Schwarz's son Ross Tighe was also shot but managed to escape and drive 40km to call for help.

Last week’s court mention was the first time the police account of the tragedy was presented, and a detailed statement was given about the lead up to the alleged shooting as well as the aftermath.

Police detailed how the families had been involved with a dispute for some time, and there had also been disagreements between Mr Young and the previous owner of Schwarz's Sutherland station.

The court heard how Mr Young phoned Graham Tighe at 7.05pm on August 3, 2022, to arrange a meeting to discuss the recent dispute.

The location of that meeting was the front gate of the defendant's property of Shannonvale.

Later that night, Mr Young allegedly phoned another person, where he allegedly asked someone to help, offering to pay "$500 to do someone in for me".

The hearing also revealed that, despite the fact the weapon was never found, there were shot gun cartridges located at the scene that were allegedly ballistically matched to the one spent cartridge located in the defendant's dwelling and fired from the same gun.

The Bowen Magistrates Court also heard how survivor, Ross Tighe still has a bullet lodged in his body and was suffering from post-traumatic stress.

Mr Young remains in custody while the court case progresses and the defendant has still not yet entered a plea.

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Mervyn and Maree Schwarz along with Ms Schwarz's son Graham Tighe were killed in the shooting in August 2022. Photo supplied

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