The Proserpine Junior Cricket Club was thrown a hard ball late in December, an attacking shot that resulted in the loss of the club’s groundskeeping equipment. The thief delt a heavy blow to the community and the club is shaken but club members are trying to move forward.

On the 23rd of December, an eyewitness reported that they saw a person driving the club's ride-on mower across the greens with a brush cutter on their lap. This was at 2:30pm, so at the time, they thought it was one of the groundskeepers. Only later did they realise this was the culprit in the theft.

It was discovered that the equipment was removed from the shed and stashed behind it the night before. The perpetrator took everything that afternoon from toolbox full of socket sets to three different lawnmowers and brand-new handheld power tools.  

Michael Hope, president of the club says that they were angry at the start that someone would target a non-for-profit club for children, but that the club is receiving a lot of support from the community. They have received support from the Queensland Cricket Association along with offers to loan equipment from kind-hearted locals.

“It’s sad it’s been taken, as a lot of work went into getting the equipment.”

The club has partnered with Toyota for the Good for Cricket Raffle, where you can buy a ticket to support the club and have the chance to win a brand-new Toyota! All proceeds from the purchasing of raffle tickets goes straight back to the club so they can buy new equipment.

Get your raffle tickets here: toyotagoodforcricket.raffletix.com.au/proserpinejca and support your Junior Pitbulls through this tough time.

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2023 Junior Pitbull team on the field. Photo sourced: Proserpine Junior Cricket Association Facebook

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Amid growing concerns, a group of residents came together on Wednesday, 8th January, to confront the council over the recent clearing of land around their properties. The residents say that the work was carried out without sufficient consultation, sparking frustration and a call for greater transparency in the decision-making process.

Residents claimed that site inspections and a meeting with Council planners offered no reassurance. They said they were severely impacted by runoff, noise, dust, and heightened distress after the land they believed was zoned for 'green' protection was bulldozed, disturbing their boundaries.

Amy Young Smith, a concerned resident, described the Christmas-period work as causing significant stress for her and others. She suggested the situation could have been better managed with more effective communication and advance notice.

“Everybody that I've spoken to have bought their property because they enjoyed the privacy and the nature that was offered here,” Amy explained.

“We understand there's a housing crisis, and we need to build houses, but let's do that in a sensible manner.”

Council was closed for 10 days during the Christmas holidays, and residents alleged they closed just as the works started, with their calls to the after-hours number unanswered.  

The Whitsunday Conservation Council (WCC) claimed that Council's planning maps show most of the site is covered by MSES Category B vegetation, offering no protection as local councils can approve large-scale clearing despite significant vegetation and wildlife.

WCC spokesperson Suzette Pelt says, “Under no circumstances can what has happened on this site be considered best practice.  

“In a region where the environment is everyone’s business, this Council’s planning is woefully out of date.

Councilor Clay Bauman, who also attended the meeting, stated he understands citizens' concerns:

“This is something that I have been working for within Council, to find better ways to balance between our natural environment and our urban environment.

“That's something that I hope is coming across in our current draft corporate plan.
“I'm going to present the petition at the next meeting on the 29th and then I think some of the residents are going to come up and ask questions from the public gallery.  

“I am also working with the planning department, just going through the operational works approvals and how this process was dealt with council, and how we can look at that in future circumstances as well.

“Within the recent boom and seeking more land, we have had a number of these historic developments that have had stages moving forward, and it has assisted me to see that when I look back at these 2005 and 2007 approvals, there were mentions for protection of vegetation that is not within the current scheme, and that's something that I think we could look at.”

At an onsite meeting, residents and the Whitsunday Conservation Council raised concerns about potential breaches of approval conditions. While the developer submitted an environmental management plan, residents argued it wasn’t fully integrated into the Council’s approval.

The Whitsunday Conservation Council called for a cultural shift in the Regional Council to prioritise environmental considerations in planning decisions.

In response, Director Neil McGaffin stated the land was residentially zoned, not a “nature strip,” and owned by a developer with long-standing housing lot approvals.

“The subdivision is surrounded by residential housing, and this next stage was recently released by the developer, so that is why the clearing has only recently happened.
 
“Final number of lots in the subdivision are less than what was originally expected.
 
“We have received a submission from residents, and a response is being prepared by officers responding to their concerns.”

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Alexander and Amy Young Smith, Signe Poulsen, Kevin Grose and Aria Grose-Poulsen, John Young Smith, Vivian Young Smith, Carolyn, Mark and Debbie Van Tricht, Fiona Young Smith, Eleanor Biro, Jen Walters and Suzette Pelt

Hook Place where the land has been cleared

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The Bowen Collinsville Enterprises are hosting a breakfast forum for all who are interested in the region's economic priorities. Three guest speakers will come from all levels of business backgrounds to help attendees get informed and learn about certain points of local business economics.

The communities in Bowen and Collinsville have achieved mutually beneficial outcomes by working together with large-scale companies and investors to improve the region. This forum will follow a select few projects that hold community interest and will encourage attendees to engage and network with the presenters and the other guests.

The presenters are Andrew Wilcox, the Federal member for Dawson; Dale Last, the State member for Burdekin; and Ry Collins, the Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council. This forum is centred around speakers from varying government positions who bring a different perspective to the developing economic prospects of Bowen and Collinsville.

The forum will be hosted on 31st of January at Castle Motel with breakfast included. Tickets are $30 per person and seating is limited so book online soon at whitsundaytickets.com.au to join other corporate minds in discussing furthering local economic projects together.

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WHAT: BCE Breakfast forum
WHEN: 31st January, 6:30am-8:30am
WHERE: Castle Motel, Bowen
COST: $30 per person.

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This year, Council will be hosting Australia Day with a special event at the Airlie Beach Foreshore.

Join us from 4pm as we celebrate Australia Day Our Whitsunday Way, with live music, food stalls and family fun. The event will also include the prestigious Australia Day Awards Ceremony and conclude with a spectacular fireworks display at 8pm.

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Collaborating for a Stronger Whitsunday Region

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of hosting Federal Senator for Queensland and Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef Nita Green to tour our region and witness firsthand some of the transformative projects underway in the Whitsundays.

Senator Green is a tremendous advocate for North Queensland, and visits like this highlight the importance of collaboration between local government and other tiers of government to ensure our region gets its fair share of funding and support.

During her visit, we toured two exciting projects that have recently secured significant federal funding under the Growing Regions Program:

Cannonvale Community Hub – This state-of-the-art facility received $14.8 million in funding and will provide much-needed infrastructure for our growing community. It will feature a modern library, meeting rooms, and spaces designed to foster education, business, and social initiatives while enhancing disaster resilience.

Whitsunday Regional Sports Precinct – Also receiving $15 million in funding, this project will create a premier sports and recreation destination for our region. The precinct will offer multi-purpose fields, courts, and facilities that cater to both local sports teams and community events, promoting active living and sports tourism.

These projects are game changers for our community, delivering social, economic, and cultural benefits while supporting job creation and regional growth.

In addition to these visits, I took Senator Green to inspect Goorganga Plains on the much talked about Bruce Highway, an area that once again experienced severe flooding just before Christmas. This flooding caused chaos for our community, cutting off access to our airport during the busiest week of the year. The disruption underscores the urgent need for targeted infrastructure investment in flood-prone areas.

The Prime Minister’s recent announcement of $7.1 billion allocated to upgrades along the Bruce Highway presents a critical opportunity. As Mayor, I will continue to advocate to ensure that these funds are spent on priority areas within our region, like Goorganga Plains and Bowen to Ayr, to improve flood resilience and maintain connectivity for residents and visitors alike.

Collaboration is key to achieving these goals. By working closely with leaders like Senator Green, we can deliver the projects and improvements our community needs to thrive. The Whitsundays deserves the best, and I am committed to ensuring we continue to build a brighter future for our region.

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Heading back to school is an exciting milestone, but it can also bring its share of stress. To help your child start the year off on the right foot, here are some essential items and tips to ease the back-to-school jitters:
1. Invest in a High-Quality Backpack
A good backpack is a must-have for students who carry a variety of items, from lunch boxes and water bottles to books and stationery. Look for a comfortable, durable rucksack with adjustable straps and multiple compartments to help organise everything. A well-designed backpack can make all the difference in your child’s day!
2. Essential Stationery Supplies
A complete stationery set is key for primary school students. Make sure to stock up on these basics:
   • Pencils
   • Highlighters
   • Pens
   • Folders with pockets
   • Three-ring binders
   • Lined notebooks
   • Ruler
   • Calculator
   • Index cards
   • Stretchable book covers
   • Sticky notes
These items will not only help with everyday learning but also keep things organized for easy access.
3. Lunch Boxes and Water Bottles
Healthy eating habits start with good planning. A sturdy, reliable lunchbox ensures your child can enjoy fresh, nutritious meals at school. Don't forget a reusable water bottle to keep your child hydrated throughout the day!
4. Educational Games and Toys
Learning can be fun! Educational games help promote creativity, problem-solving, and social skills. Choose toys that foster interactive learning and encourage your child’s curiosity. These can be a great addition to their at-home study routine.
5. Scientific and Graphing Calculators (for High Schoolers)
For high school students diving into advanced math or science courses, a scientific or graphing calculator is essential. Make sure it meets the school's requirements and is appropriate for your child’s course load. Brilliant Minds offers a range of Sharp calculators at competitive prices in Australia.
6. Planners and Organisers
High school brings a surge of responsibilities, from homework assignments to extracurricular activities. A well-organised planner can help your child stay on top of deadlines and improve time management skills. The 2024 Student Diary, available at Brilliant Minds, is a fantastic tool to keep everything in order.
By preparing with these essentials, your child will feel more confident and organised as they embark on the school year. Let the learning and growth begin!

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As the seasons transition from summer to autumn and you have no idea what to plant, here’s a helpful planting guide with some growers that do well in both seasons. The Whitsundays is located in the Wet & Dry Tropical zones of north Queensland and the plants below can handle the weather and the heat.
Starting small with some ground cover, the native coleus is great for damp soil, sun or part shade and naturally thrives in eucalypt forests and rainforests. They are hardy, tough little plans that can be pruned into shape and are suitable for hedging and bordering gardens. Their little purple flowers attract bees, and when rubbed the leaves produce a mild lemon scent.
Marigolds and sunflowers, though not native, have been a staple in Australian gardens for years. They are also productive plants for those who like growing edible flora. From collecting your own sunflower seeds or putting marigold petals in your salads, to insect attraction for those wanting help with crop pollination and honey production. Having both of these in your gardens will help them thrive as marigolds also repel harmful pests, and both flowers come in varying sunny colours, so you can mix and match them.
For a hardy-medium-sized plant, kangaroo paw is a great choice to give levels to your garden. With cute little flowers, from where it takes its name and native to Western Australia means it can definitely survive in your garden. It’s a big attractor of native birds and very low effort to care for, plant it in large groups for the best flowering results.
Get gardening and show off your green thumbs, your native fauna with thank you!

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While we are in the thick of storm season, it's important to prepare your trees for the weather to prevent incidents that could put you or your property at risk. Here’s some helpful advice on how to prepare your trees and keep them safe during storms.
Assessing your trees is the best place to start. Consulting an arborist can be done if you are not familiar with your trees or if you need a professional, second opinion. All trees are different, and not every protective method is applicable to every tree on your property.
If your tree presents a storm risk, prevention is better than no action. Starting early in their growth to promote healthy roots and a strong trunk will not only reduce their risk but also improve the longevity and health of your trees. Try not to plan major earthworks around trees this season, as the rain can wash the soil away, causing the roots to loosen, thus uprooting the tree and causing it to topple.
Selected pruning can also strengthen branches. Cutting away dead or broken branches, along with any that are close to structures like hanging electrical wires or your roof, is another good preventative measure. This reduces the chances of branches snapping in the winds, and good pruning at a young age can also make your trees more resilient.
Other methods, like anchoring and tenting, can be used, but if done incorrectly, they can do more damage than good. So, make sure you do your research and look after your trees this storm season for their health, your safety, and your peace of mind.

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Meet Pascal, who is still looking for his furever home! Pascal is the zaniest feline teenager around! He's got swag and isn't afraid to show it. This self-assured adolescent kitty is still learning the ropes of being a social butterfly, so be prepared for some playful mischief.

While still having some growing up to do, Pascal vacillates between caution and hyperactivity. If you have a feisty feline friend with comparable energy for him to play with, that'd be purrfect and would greatly enhance his socialisation.
While Pascal is a great companion, he requests a home with no children - Pascal needs grown-ups who can keep up with his antics. He requires patient owners with some cat experience and the willingness to invest time in his training.
To learn more about adopting Pascal, please contact:
Phone: 0459 757 455
Facebook: Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue
Email: bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com

Rehoming fee: $170
Age: 1 years old
Sex: Male
Other dogs: untested
Other Cats: Yes
Children: No
Vaccinated: Yes
Desexed: Yes
Microchipped: yes

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To ensure everyone can enjoy their holidays in 2025, we’ve created a guide highlighting some of the accessible experiences available in the Whitsundays. Home to some of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, the Whitsundays ensures everyone can enjoy these bucket-list experiences safely, comfortably, and stress-free. 
Daydream Island
Great for: Travellers with Visual Impairments | Wheelchair Users
A sensory haven, Daydream Island offers tactile experiences like feeding rays at the Living Reef. Wheelchair-accessible rooms with thoughtful layouts provide a seamless stay.

Cruise Whitsundays
Great for: Semi-Mobile Wheelchair Users
Specialised beach wheelchairs make Whitehaven Beach accessible, with assistance for paddling and fish feeding.

Driftwood Tours
Great for: Travellers with Sensory Needs
Relaxed small-group tours explore tranquil spots like Hideaway Bay, perfect for a calm and immersive experience.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
Great for: Wheelchair Users | Vision Impairments | Deaf Guests | Children with Autism
This award-winning resort offers accessible rooms, Braille signage, hearing loops, and a sensory room designed for children with autism, ensuring an inclusive stay.

Whitsundays Prosocial Support Services
Great for: Travellers Needing Personalised Support
Provides support while you explore the region, with accessible tours and accommodation, ensuring you're fully supported throughout your entire holiday experience.
For the full guide, visit: https://bit.ly/AccessibleWhitsundays
Contributed by Tourism Whitsundays

Making the Whitsundays more accessible

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I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Cannonvale State School earlier this year, where I was immersed in an incredibly insightful, educational, and inspiring experience with Wildlife Whitsundays. Tenielle, our local Wildlife Ranger, brought an abundance of show-worthy energy to a captivating and interactive session for the kids at school. The children were treated to an up-close encounter with various fascinating wildlife, and Teneille's passion for education was truly inspiring.

As the region's primary mobile wildlife provider, Whitsunday Wildlife offers diverse experiences for schools, corporate events, markets, festivals, private functions, and community events. From interactive presentations to hands-on encounters with insects and animals, the options are versatile and can be tailored to suit the specific needs of each audience.

The impact of Wildlife Whitsundays extends far beyond entertainment. The team is passionately dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world, and it's truly inspiring to see them making such a positive difference in the community.

This family-owned business is an incredible addition to our land-based activities in the Whitsundays, and it's exciting to watch them rise to their fullest potential. With wonderful new prospects on the horizon, we are so fortunate as a community to have the addition of Teneille and Whitsunday Wildlife in our region.

Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays

Jade Yvone holding snake
TW visit Wildlife Whitsundays

Aaron Lewis is a highly experienced real estate professional with over 25 years in the industry. He began his career in 1998 in Horsham, Victoria, before moving to Melbourne and later returning to Horsham in 2002.
Over the years, Aaron has held pivotal leadership roles, including founding an independent office under the Ballarat-based Jen's Gaunt franchise. This initiative quickly expanded, with Aaron managing a portfolio of over 450 properties.
In March of the previous year, he successfully sold his business, marking a significant career milestone. Through these experiences, Aaron has cultivated a strong reputation for his industry expertise and unwavering commitment to exceptional service. With extensive training and leadership experience, he has earned the trust and respect of the real estate community, establishing himself as a trusted and respected figure in the field.
In November, Aaron made the bold decision to relocate to Proserpine in the Whitsundays, eager to embrace a new challenge and expand his expertise in a different market. Now based in this stunning area, Aaron continues to bring his wealth of knowledge, exceptional customer service, and a deep understanding of the real estate market to his clients.
Aaron highlighted his extensive experience across various sectors of real estate, including commercial, rural lifestyle properties, and residential. While he is well-versed in all these areas, his primary focus and expertise remain in residential real estate.
Aaron's wealth of experience is what makes him stand out as an exceptional Sales Specialist. While his extensive real estate career speaks for itself, Aaron also says his life experience is what helps him to relate to clients and help them find their dream property.
Aaron describes himself as approachable and prioritises his clients' comfort throughout the process. He never pressures potential buyers into decisions they’re not ready to make, always ensuring that the needs and preferences of the person purchasing the home come first.
“It is one of the biggest transactions people make,” Aaron explained.
Having worked on a farm the last year, Aaron revealed how this helps him to facilitate those wanting lifestyle or farmland blocks.
“I can relate to people who want these types of properties, because I have that experience back home,” Aaron explained.
The Whitsundays boasts a highly competitive housing market, with properties often selling in just a week, according to Aaron.
Aaron shared his love for the relaxed vibe of the Whitsundays and expressed his excitement about diving back into his hobbies. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, scuba diving, and motorbiking.
Eager to connect with the local community, Aaron invites everyone to come say hello. Welcome to the Whitsundays, Aaron!

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Aaron Lewis At The Proserpine Taylors Branch. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Hi Everyone,

I’m pleased to inform you that our team continues to expand!

Our Cadet Journalist, Daniel Heggie, has moved up to the Ingham to be part of the launch team for the new Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper which we started in November.

This means we are now welcoming Whitsunday Life Newspaper’s newest Cadet Journalist Victoria Velton to the team.

She will work alongside Ruth Puddefoot in the editorial department.

Also, new to the team is our Sales Account Manager Kerry Eastwood who started a couple of weeks ago – you can read all about her on page 10 of the paper this week.

Kerry will be working with our Sales Manager Trish Jandt and is dedicated to helping local businesses with their promotional needs.

If you would like to find out more how this newspaper can help your business reach the heart of the community, make sure get in-touch with Kerry directly.

This week represents this first time our team has gone to print with four newspapers and two magazines in the same week and I have to be honest, it’s not a deadline I have been looking forward to!

Fortunately, by the time many of you are reading this we will have made it to print and my two-week holiday can begin.

I’m heading down the coast with my family and we’ll be sending some time with my in-laws on Bribie Island before visiting friends in Byron Bay and then finishing up with more extended family time in Mooloolabah.

I am so excited to switch of a replenish, but equally excited to come back refresh and ready to the serve the community once again.

In the meantime, I’ll be leaving you in the very capable hands of Ruth Puddefoot who will lead the editorial under the supervision of our Mackay Editor, Amanda Wright.

Have a great few weeks and I’ll see you at the end of the month.

Rach

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At the beginning of the year, Frankie O'Brien reached out to the Bowen community for support after being hospitalized due to a severe flare-up of her terminal autoimmune disease, Mastocytosis.
In her Facebook post, she explained that she had developed five diabetic ulcers on her foot, requiring daily wound care at the hospital. Although the hospital was only 609 meters away, Frankie shared that she is highly allergic to UV exposure, making even short walks dangerous for her.
With limited financial resources and no personal transport, Frankie asked if anyone in the community could help by offering her a lift to her appointments.
The response from the Bowen community was overwhelming. Many generous individuals stepped forward, offering to drive her to the hospital, ensuring she could receive the care she needed, and guaranteeing she got to her appointments without fail.
The kindness and compassion shown by the community were truly heartwarming and provided Frankie with much-needed relief during a challenging time.

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By Hannah McNamara

After two decades of dedicated service in the medical field, Dr. Ben Shepherd, clinical lead at CQ Rescue in Mackay, has recently been selected for an exclusive secondment with the London Air Ambulance, one of the world’s most advanced helicopter emergency medical services. This prestigious opportunity places him among a select group of helicopter rescue doctors - fewer than 1 per cent globally - who have achieved this milestone.

The selection process for this role is fiercely competitive, often filled years in advance. For Dr. Shepherd, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not only sharpens his trauma care expertise but also brings cutting-edge medical insights back to the Mackay region.

Dr. Ben Shepherd, clinical lead at CQ Rescue in Mackay, has been selected for an exclusive secondment with the London Air Ambulance, joining the elite ranks of fewer than 1 per cent of helicopter rescue doctors globally. Photo supplied

Despite the significance of this honour, Dr. Shepherd remains characteristically humble, emphasising the collaborative nature of his work and the broader team effort at CQ Rescue.

“I think I’ve been a bit lucky with the selection process,” Dr. Shepherd said.

“I’m very grateful, and this is a great opportunity for me to improve my own knowledge and skills and work alongside world leaders in trauma care.

“Hopefully, I can bring some of that back to our team here to help with training and education locally.”

The London Air Ambulance operates in one of the busiest cities in the world, using cutting-edge technology and advanced trauma care procedures. Dr. Shepherd is eager to learn from their innovations, which he says are at the forefront of pre-hospital trauma care.

“London is the place where some of the most advanced trauma care techniques are developed and applied,” he explained.

“I’m looking forward to learning from them and seeing how we can adapt some of their practices to benefit our local community.”

Dr. Shepherd’s career in helicopter EMS spans six years, with nearly five of those dedicated to CQ Rescue in Mackay. In addition to flying missions as a specialist on the rescue helicopter, he plays a key role in training the team’s doctors and paramedics.

While he is passionate about saving lives in the field, Dr. Shepherd finds equal fulfillment in mentoring new medical professionals.

“What I enjoy most is helping people who are coming into the medical industry for the first time and seeing them gain confidence in this challenging role.” he said.

“To see them develop and enjoy themselves is probably what I enjoy the most about this role.

“I love my job and it’s incredibly rewarding to work within a motivated, high-performing team.”

This secondment marks the first time a CQ Rescue doctor - and possibly anyone from the Mackay region - has been selected to work with the London Air Ambulance. However, Dr. Shepherd is quick to deflect attention from his personal achievements.

“There are so many talented people in this industry who are just as deserving of an opportunity like this,” he said.

“It’s not really about me…I’m just lucky to have the chance to learn from the best and bring that knowledge back to our team.

“I’m just happy to go about my work.”

As part of CQ Rescue, Dr. Shepherd has witnessed firsthand the importance of helicopter EMS in regional communities like Mackay. The service often intervenes during the most critical moments of people’s lives, responding to emergencies that would otherwise be difficult to reach.

“Our team, full of doctors, paramedics, aircrew, engineers, and support staff, works tirelessly to provide the best care possible during someone’s worst day,” Dr. Shepherd shared.

His upcoming experience in London will undoubtedly enhance CQ Rescue’s ability to serve the Mackay community. Beyond his personal development though, Dr. Shepherd sees this opportunity as a chance to strengthen the entire team.

As he prepares for this career-defining secondment, Dr. Shepherd remains grounded, focused, and committed to his cherished work colleagues and community.

“I’m proud to be part of a team that’s so dedicated to helping others,” he said.

“This isn’t about me…Ultimately, it’s about delivering better outcomes for the people we serve.”

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