Community News

Super Bad Super Tax

Super Bad Super Tax

OPINION PIECE Superannuation is one of Australia's most important vehicles for building a comfortable retirement. Yet many of us only start paying attention to our super balances later in life. So why is super hitting the news and why am I raising it? The Federal government is planning a super heist and wants to change the goal posts on retirement savings. They are proposing to double the tax rate from 15 per cent to 30 per cent on all super balances valued above $3 million. This is a ver

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Experience The Best Of Work, Rest, And Play

Experience The Best Of Work, Rest, And Play

At Aligned Corporate Residences Mackay Located in the heart of Mackay on Queensland’s Central Coast, Aligned Corporate Residences Mackay offers a relaxed lifestyle in a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. Just an hour’s flight from Brisbane, this idyllic tropical destination is perfectly positioned for business and leisure. Our central city location places residents within easy walking distance to a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. With convenient access to the business di

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Rocket Men

Rocket Men

Callea And Campbell Bring Elton And George To Life In an unmissable celebration of two of music’s greatest icons, Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell are taking the stage together for a spectacular live national tour, featuring the timeless hits of Elton John and George Michael. The powerhouse duo will bring their electrifying energy to the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) on Saturday 28 June. Backed by their band, Callea and Campbell will take audiences on a musical journey t

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Jolimont Fishway Opens Floodgates For Native Species

Jolimont Fishway Opens Floodgates For Native Species

A major environmental milestone has been reached in the Mackay–Whitsunday region, with the completion of Queensland’s largest rock fishway on Jolimont Creek, north of Mackay. Spanning over 100 metres, the newly constructed fishway now provides vital upstream passage for native fish species, overcoming a three-metre-high concrete weir that has obstructed migration for more than three decades. Spearheaded by Mackay Regional Council and funded through the Australian Government’s Reef Guardia

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Key Solutions Group

Leading Woman In Building Awarded

August 24, 2023

2023 is already a year dotted with highlights for the Porters Group, as the local family-owned hardware business celebrates 140 years, and Michelle Thompson has just added to the rich tapestry of family history.

A member of the Porter family, Michelle is the Commercial Estimator in the Glass and Aluminium Division, and recently received the Women in Building Award at the Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards.

“It’s a really nice honour to be recognised,” Michelle said.

“There are so many women coming through in this industry.

“It’s encouraging to see women in construction across various roles, so it’s really nice to be acknowledged for the part that I’m playing.”

Michelle’s role involves quoting new jobs and following them through the manufacturing stage all the way to installation.

With a willingness to grow and learn within the business, she has earnt the respect of her customers, colleagues, and industry professionals through a focus on building relationships and following things through to ensure positive outcomes.

Michelle’s role comes with variety, collaboration, and innovation, and she loves what she does.

“We can work on anything from day care centres to schools to retail, so no two jobs are the same,” Michelle said.

“Some are smaller, some are bigger, and we work with various different builders locally and from out of town.

“I don’t do my job on my own, I’ve got a really great team that I work with so that makes it easier to do my job.”

Find out more about the Porters Group at www.porterscando.com.au.

Michelle Thompson received the Women in Building Award at the Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards. Photo supplied

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Dixon Homes Detail Award-Winning Home

August 24, 2023

Dixon Homes is very proud to receive the 2023 Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Award for Best Individual Home from $500,000 up to $750,000. This award and our many other awards in previous years (including Best Display Home, Best Renovation, and other individual home category awards) is testimony to Dixon Homes’ ability to be versatile, on trend and accommodating.

Our team worked tirelessly with our client to design and create this truly beautiful custom designed home, focusing primarily on storage and space for a young family whose desire was to build their forever home. Particular attention was concentrated on materials and products that would have an everlasting appeal and durability. Most importantly, the home was designed to suit our Queensland climate, with the southward facing alfresco which opens up entirely through corner stacking doors to the internal living/kitchen/dining area. The high raked ceilings with fixed windows on the higher points allow plenty of natural light into the living space. Large openings to the bedroom wing of the home and to the media room add to the spacious outcome. There is definitely no shortage of storage throughout the home with large walk-in robes to the children’s bedrooms and massive his & hers robes for the master. The walk-in linen is a bonus along with storage both in media and the children’s retreat. The kitchen and butler’s pantry are what most women dream of with functionality, open to the living area, plenty of light and the centrepiece of the home. A perfect combination of Polytec Woodmatt finish, laminate and stone that are complimented by matt black trimmings.

Alpine Grigio Lappato Tiles were the durable choice of flooring in the entry and living areas with a cosier choice of carpet for the bedrooms and media. Allowing more light and maintaining the on trend look, this house welcomes you with a fully glazed aluminium front entry door.

Although a franchise, Dixon Homes are and have been a family owned and managed construction company in Mackay since 2003. We are proudly debt fee and are quality assured with ISO.9001:2015 management systems for home design and construction.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Master Builders Queensland, the judges and all the Dixon Homes staff, subcontractors, and suppliers for helping us to achieve this award.

Sugarfield Residence

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Cancer Nurse Conducting Chemotherapy Impact Research

August 24, 2023

Oncology nurse and clinical trials coordinator Carli Shaw has cared for hundreds of people in our community during their cancer journeys.

She understands the physical toll the disease takes on not only patients but their families.

What she didn’t understand and wanted to know more about was the impact of what is commonly called ‘brain fog’ or ‘chemo brain’ so she has spent the past four years researching this hidden affliction.

“I’d see all the patients with ‘chemo fog’ and be hearing things like ‘I tell my kids the same things 15 times and now they don’t listen to me’,” Carli said.

“I posed the research question ‘How does cancer-related cognitive impairment after chemotherapy impact daily life?’”

Carli was recently recognised for her efforts, with her paper taking out a top award at the 25th Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) Annual Congress in Adelaide in June.

Her research involved interviews with participants from across Australia.

“Cancer patients are trying to figure out who they are, after this shock,” Carli said.

“As a normal individual before cancer, you know who you are.

“Then cancer comes in and you’ve instantly got this brand-new identity that knows nothing.”

While forgetfulness was one of the effects of brain fog, it was just one part of the story.

“Participants have said that they're now the child and their kids are the parents,” Carli said.

“They’re spoken down to because they’re forgetting or getting mixed up with appointments and things.

“Nearly everybody described needing to change their profession or change roles within their profession because they think they couldn’t cope with the cognitive load going back to work.

“And because it's an invisible symptom, they felt the need to justify it or wondering whether they're making it up.

“And it's not something we can do a test on and say yes, this is what it is.”

Though there’s no consensus on what causes ‘brain fog’ Carli said that seeking to recognise and understand the issue was beneficial.

“I thought it was going to be really easy to answer,” Carli said.

“Although this is known, it’s a new area of study and I think it’s the formalisation of what is happening for patients.

“Every participant thanked me for being able to share their story. Quite a few said it had been really cathartic.

“I found it really challenging to hear some of these stories.”

The next step for Carli is to complete her doctorate on the subject and produce a 100,000-word thesis.

“Essentially it will be a case of now here’s the problem, how do we fix it?” Carli said.

Carli was also nominated for a People’s Choice award at the recent Mackay HHS staff recognition event.

Contributed by Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

Carli Shaw has been recognised for standout chemotherapy research

Carli has completed hundreds of interviews with cancer patients, to tackle ‘chemo brain’. Photos supplied

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Big Birthday For Little Pioneer Valley School

August 24, 2023

Pioneer Valley’s longest-established educational institution Eton State School celebrated its 140th anniversary in style last weekend, demonstrating that while it may be small in size, it’s big in heart and heritage.

A large gathering of 250 including former pupils from bygone eras and their families flocked to the historic landmark to mark the school’s important milestone.

Visitors basked in the brilliant winter’s sunshine as they took a trip down memory lane – enjoying a school tour, time capsule, performances from current pupils, a fascinating memorabilia room display, cake cutting and delicious afternoon tea and dinner.

Cake cutting featured members of the Burgess and Sutton families who can boast five generations at the school.

Samuel Levi Edward Sutton – known as Ted – was a pupil in the original Eton State School class followed by Edward Thomas ‘Eddie’ Sutton; Leslie Robert ‘Bob’ Sutton; Emily Jane Lette; Sienna Jane Lette and Maggie Jade Lette.

The Burgess family features Madeline Butt (nee Larson), Iris Frease, Margaret Burgess, Nathan Burgess, Justin Burgess, Heath Burgess, Owen Burgess and Rylen Burgess.

Eton State School opened on August 20 back in 1883 with an enrolment of fifty students.

Through the years, the school has remained on the same site.

The school stands as part of a family orientated community with strong beliefs in the role and purpose of education that the school has provided to many students over the years.

It is evident that the community holds the school in high regard with generation after generation of families attending for an education rich in old school values and academic results.

Currently the school has 24 pupils.

Last Saturday’s event proved a resounding success – thanks to the tireless work behind the scenes of a highly efficient organising committee led by School Principal Noel Reynolds, P & C president Shane Cook, treasurer Ellen Cook, Claire Cook, Emily Lette, Kate Mann, Kay Thornton, Ronda Williamson, Margaret Burgess, Joan Ruffell, Ann Lutz and Tamara Cole.

Photo credit: Chris Karas

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How Good Is Father’s Day?

August 24, 2023

This sounds like a cliché, but I reckon Father’s Day is every day. I love having kids and being a dad.

Sure, at times they give me the “you know whats”, I wish they would stay away from screens more, and actually listen better … or at all.

Being a dad gives you the excuse of being able to make funny noises and blame it on pets and other people. You can pull a jumper over your head and tell the kids they can’t see you – other dumb stuff like that, just to make your little people laugh.

Moving towards teen years as we currently are, is providing challenges though, the access to online games, purchasing a Nintendo, and YouTube channels have taken over our lives. Switch them off for a few hours and the kids go crazy, but when you tell them 18 months ago you had no Nintendo or laptop, and you managed to find something to do, they seem to forget those days.

And parents, just wondering, is anyone else not a huge fan of pretty much all school work and homework being computer based?

It’s so easy for the kids to have another tab open, that when you walk away, for another window to be opened up, and instead of doing their English homework they’re actually watching Mr Beast give away hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Whatever you do for Father’s Day, whether it’s breakfast in bed, a BBQ, fishing in the boat or just mowing the lawn so you get time to yourself, make sure you enjoy it.

Scotty

Catch the Star breakfast show - Scotty and Rach with Kaley - from 5am, Daytimes with Johnny, Will & Woody from 5pm and the Kyle and Jackie-o Hour of Power from 7pm every weekday!

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Sarina's Coastal Renaissance

August 24, 2023

Revitalising Waterways Through Community Action

The Sarina community has banded together to support revitalisation and regeneration of two beloved beaches, as part of protection for the Great Barrier Reef plan.

Off the back of 10 community-led prompts detailed by the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Reef Community Action Plan (CAP), the Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association (SLCMA) has held a coastal rehabilitation project, calling for volunteers and locals to help out.

Working to revitalise and rejuvenate the Sarina Coast, the event saw improvement of ground conditions and prompted resilience at Carmila and Grasstree beaches.

SLCMA Coordinator Saskia von Fahland said it was great to see the CAP process come to fruition and lead to meaningful activities being undertaken in the catchment.

“Our local CAP project was a great opportunity to undertake a range of on-ground activities at local beaches and engage with the local community to raise awareness of the importance of having a healthy, resilient coastal zone, as the interface to the marine environment,” Ms von Fahland said.

Alongside volunteers and local residents, SLCMA planted 300 trees, removed an excess of 90 kilograms of invasive plants, and discovered and removed 55 kilograms of marine debris.

The Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Reef Community Action Plan was developed by Reef Catchments, to empower communities to come together and conserve and protect the Great Barrier Reef.

The top main priorities of the plan are climate change, litter and waste, revegetation, and water quality.

Of the 10 strategies outlined in the plan, only two of the strategies have evolved to on-ground projects.

Grasstree Beach community beach clean-up. Photo credit: Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association

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Property Point

August 24, 2023

Those readers under a certain age will not have heard of a movie called Cool Hand Luke. Some of you might not have heard of its lead actor, Paul Newman, which is a shame because the film and the actor are worth seeing.

For those not in the know, Paul Newman was a superstar and fine actor who looked a bit like me except he had more hair, piercing blue eyes, a chiselled chin, a slim athletic build, a smile that women would swoon over and a natural charm and charisma that meant women wanted him, and men wanted to be him.

Cool Hand Luke was set in a Florida prison that was a statement in brutality and punishment and the key theme was the defiance of Luke, played by Newman.

There are several excellent scenes; I watched the film on TV as a teenager and I quite enjoyed the car washing scene involving the prison governor’s daughter.

And there is a scene where the prison governor hits and prepares to punish rebellious Luke.

In the scene he says: “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.”

The line became part of the lexicon of the 1970s and 1980s and if there was a mix-up over something someone might say, “what we’ve got here is failure to communicate.”

In real estate, communication is everything, but it comes in many forms. How I communicate with clients is largely determined by what they prefer.

Often someone’s age is the key determinant. It is stating the bleeding obvious that people in their 20s and early 30s generally prefer texting. Other clients are happy with the occasional text but prefer important conversations to be verbal, which is what I like.

I have an older client who doesn’t have a mobile phone so the only way I can contact him is on his landline. He lives in a fairly big house and his hearing isn’t fantastic so sometimes he doesn’t hear the phone. I used to leave a message on his answering machine but he doesn’t know how to retrieve the messages … or, perhaps he just doesn’t want to bother with it.

So now, when he doesn’t answer the phone I set aside a bit of time later in the day and drop around and see him. He lives near me so if he isn’t home when I swing by I go back later in the day when I am home.

It means that we plan the upcoming sale of his house face to face. We chat about other things as well but the time is spent productively moving things forward.

When the property goes on the market I will no doubt be dropping around to discuss feedback from buyers and any offers we get. We’ll be doing it face to face.

In a world where everything has been changed by technology it is crucial that an agent works out what the client wants and that what we have is never a failure to communicate.

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Pine Islet Lighthouse Restoration

August 24, 2023
OPINION PIECE

Did you know that Pine islet Lighthouse, located at the Mackay Marina, was the last kerosene illuminated lighthouse in Australia?

The lighthouse was previously situated on Pine Islet in the Percy Group of islands, south-east of Mackay. The tower structure and keepers’ quarters were prefabricated in Brisbane before being shipped to the island in October 1884. Iron cladding for the lighthouse was brought from Britain.

The lighthouse apparatus is a second-order Chance Brothers lantern and dioptric lens rotating on a chariot wheel pedestal. The structure is one of the eight Queensland iron clad prefabricated hardwood towers of the late nineteenth century. The original lamp was an oil wick burner.

In 1923 the light source was converted from oil wick to an incandescent kerosene vapour burner. This kerosene burner was upgraded in 1934, with the installation of a refurbished unit from North Reef. After 104 years of service, the lighthouse was replaced by a fully automatic solar-powered light in 1985, before being dismantled and put into storage in 1986.

In 1989, after much lobbying, the lighthouse and apparatus were loaned to the Pine Islet Lighthouse Preservation Society for reconstruction, mainly by volunteers. Reconstruction started on 18th August 1989, and the lighthouse was restored to fully functional status in late 1995, making it the last operational kerosene light in the world. It was formally opened on 20th January 1996. While the lighthouse is not currently in operating condition, plans are underway to again restore the light to allow its operation.

We are a small but dedicated group of volunteers working diligently to undertake repairs and maintenance on the lighthouse. We have recently had a Conservation Management Plan prepared by heritage consultants, with funding generously provided by North Queensland Bulk Ports. This document will guide future work, in addition to a 3D scan, to be completed by Key Solutions Group.

If you’d like to get involved, or you have a story related to the lighthouse, we’d love to hear from you. You can find us on Facebook – Pine Islet Lighthouse Mackay – or get in touch with me on 0412 421 451, or email cr.belinda.hassan@mackay.qld.gov.au.

Cr Belinda Hassan

Mackay Regional Council

Pine Islet Lighthouse at the Mackay Marina. Photo credit: Kendyle Bryan

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Editor's Note

August 24, 2023

Hi Everyone,

My mum is a bit of a conspiracy theorist. She was enthralled by the recent investigative book on the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines doomed 370 flight and regaled me with the theory that different governments knew about a package onboard and shot down the plane.

She is also a bit of a COVID sceptic and says that, if it was up to her, she would never agree to having a vaccine in her life. Despite this, she dutifully heads to the doctors each year for a flu jab and a COVID booster.

I like listening to her theories but am more a believer in the power of good than I am in corruption so prefer to be open to the debate until the facts prove otherwise.

Despite being happy to sit on the fence with these sorts of issues, I am a staunch advocate for the right to express our views openly and unapologetically, without the fear of discrimination.

And this is one of the reasons I love living in Australia – we are a young country with a fierce spirit and a largely accepting disposition.

Believing this, I was a little surprised when information about the ‘Forest of the Fallen’ (read on page 6) silent protest was removed from one of our local community chat pages within an hour of it being posted.

The protest showed photos of people who are believed to have died or been injured following a COVID vaccination.

Whether or not this information is 100 per cent accurate, I believe it still deserves a place in our narrative and the people behind such movements have a right to be heard.

While the government are able to promote the merit of vaccinations surely pro-choice groups such as the ones holding this protest ought to be given an open platform as well.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Upon waking in the morning, consider the privilege it is to be alive, to have the ability to think, to experience joy and to feel love” (Marcus Aurelius)

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Detrimental Move For Commercial Fishing

August 24, 2023

Government Moves To Ban Gillnet Fishing

By Bronte Hodge

The Federal Government has made the move to ban commercial gillnet fishing, a decision that will drastically impact over 90 licensed fishermen in the region.

Andrew Willcox Federal Member for Dawson said the decision came without consultation and allowed no rebuttal from affected fishermen, stating the supposed dangers that gillnets pose to marine life as reason behind the ban.

Willcox has addressed Parliament, voicing his concerns for commercial fishermen in the region.

“In June, a joint media release from Federal and Queensland Labor have said they’re going to ban gillnet fishing, no consultation with the community, no consultation with our fishermen, and short time frames! This is going to happen by the end of this year,” he explained.

Willcox believes this decision has a flow on effect that will harm chandlery and fishing supply stores, plus many more marine associated businesses.

“The boatbuilders, the repairers, they’re all going to go out of business. The outboard sales and service, going out of business,” Mr Willcox said.

Banning gillnets in Australia means that rather than being able to purchase locally sourced fish, consumers will only have the option of imported fish, or selected breeds that continue to be locally sourced but at an exorbitant price point.

“The wild caught fishing industry in Queensland deserves to be protected and deserves to be supported! The fishing industry is sustainable, and the fishery is in good condition!” said Mr Willcox.

For Kev Collins, owner-operator of Fish D’Vine Restaurant and Rum Bar in Airlie Beach, this ban would detrimentally impact his business.

“People travel to the Whitsundays and North Queensland for our seafood.

“This ban will mean we have no point of difference to other big cities,” he said.

“This indiscriminately disconnected decision will take the livelihood of hundreds of commercial fishermen, and dramatically spike the market price for the remaining available fish, and ultimately takes away from Queensland tourism.”

According to Mr Collins, in the 17 years since the fishermen have been required to remain with their nets, only seven dugongs have been killed, versus the 8.5 thousand killed over the same time period, in traditional Indigenous hunting that is allowed through the Native Title Act.

The gillnets in question operate at least 60 kilometres away from the Great Barrier Reef, and with the fishermen required to remain with their nets while in the water, the danger to marine life, particularly turtles and dugongs, is drastically reduced.

For these reasons, many people in the local fishing industry do not believe gillnet fishing should be banned.

Andrew Willcox, Federal Member for Dawson, fights for local gillnet fishers. Photo: Supplied

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Wedding Day Rush

August 24, 2023

Usually organised mother-of-the-groom, Leanne Kettleton, woke up on Monday morning in a panic – it was the week of her son’s wedding, and she was completely unprepared.

Working out west for long periods of time, she had just returned back to her hometown of Airlie Beach, and life was suddenly catching up with her.

Feeling overwhelmed she began ringing around trying to organise different services in preparation for the wedding which was due to take place on the Thursday.

But this was taking some time, so she decided to “put it out there into Facebook world and see what came back!”

The post on Whitsunday Chat read: “So I'm going to be 'that guy' who has not got her s*** together for reasons I don't even know. My son is getting married in Airlie on Thursday and I need to make some bookings (yes I know it's only 3 sleeps away). Can businesses or private people who do this sort of thing only comment if you are available and can help. I have already started ringing around but am hitting some brick walls so thought I'd jump on here.”

Within a few hours responses had started flying in and by Tuesday evening Leanne had connected with eight different business, from Airlie to Proserpine, who had all jumped in at the last minute to help make the day special.

From platters to nails and eyebrows, make-up to transport services – everything was sorted and Leanne could relax and look forward to the day.

“It’s been wonderful!” said Leanne.

“I am so grateful to everyone in the community, I was so stressed out on Monday but now I feel organised and it’s all thanks to them!”

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Global Yacht Races Into The Whitsundays

August 24, 2023

In January next year Airlie Beach will welcome a fleet of 11 racing yachts, as Coral Sea Marina once again becomes Host Port for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

As Leg 4 of the around the world race, the competitors will travel north from Newcastle, in New South Wales, before stopping and resting in the Whitsundays for a brief period before beginning Leg 5.

The Clipper Race is renowned for being one of the toughest endurance challenges, coming against extreme on water conditions and testing strength and determination.

Joscelyn O'Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Host Port, Coral Sea Marina Resort said “following the positive economic impact of its previous visits, we are delighted to once again be Host Port for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.‘’

“Having the opportunity to further promote our region as a leading sailing destination in the Southern Hemisphere is one which we couldn’t pass up.

“This will be the fourth time the Clipper Race fleet has been welcomed to Coral Sea Marina Resort and the team here are very much looking forward to the buzz the race fleet creates at the marina and throughout Airlie Beach during their stay.

“We will be working closely with the Clipper Race team to find ways to engage the community with the race and make this another memorable stopover for the race crews and their supporters.”    

While hosted at the Coral Sea Marina, the 11 crews will have opportunities to explore the region and take a few days of rest before setting sail for Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

Clipper Race 2020 Whitsundays Parade of Sail

Clipper Race 2020 Coral Sea Marina Stopover. Photos supplied

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Forest Of The Fallen Silent Protest In Airlie Beach

August 24, 2023
By Rachael Smith

A flash mob of protest signs suddenly appeared on the Airlie Beach Foreshore over the weekend when representatives of a movement known as ‘Forest of the Fallen’ publicly displayed photos of people who are believed to have died or been injured following a COVID 19 vaccination.

Dozens of faces told the story of the human toll of the pandemic and the lives believed to have been impacted as a result of adverse effects of the vaccine.

As quickly as the silent protest appeared, however, it then disappeared.

Removed within an hour of its arrival.

The group’s website states that these ‘forests’ are set up and then “left to work its intention on all who are open to witness and interact with it.”

“It is not a protest, it is not a database,” reads the website.

“It is solely a platform where we share only cv19 injection deaths and injuries that I have personally found, only where stories have been publicly shared and published on multiple sources.”

The website also asserts that it is not an “anti-vax” display.

Another Facebook group entitled Forest of the Fallen – Australian Vaccine Injury Claims, however, casts speculation on the validity of the faces in the pictures, stating that some may be false.

“I have spent months trying to verify the validity of the stories, it is very rare to find one that is even true,” said a spokesperson from the group.

“They push the anti vax agenda and while they are called Forest of the Fallen, very few of the stories relate to those who have died.”

Despite questions into the validity of the individual people who featured in the ‘Forest of the Fallen’ protest, there still remains growing concerns that suspected adverse effects from COVID vaccinations has been mishandled by the Department of Health.

Dr Melissa McCann, who has been a local Whitsunday GP for many years, launched a Class Action lawsuit to fight what she believes to be a failing government compensation scheme and unsafe vaccine earlier this year.

Since the vaccination became available, Dr McCann has witnessed an unusually large amount of patients presenting with adverse effects such as chest pain, blood clots, miscarriages and strokes shortly after receiving a COVID vaccination.

Many of these side-effects are not included in the Services Australia Covid Vaccine Claims Scheme and she is asking for people to come forward if they have been impacted.

‘Forest of the Fallen’ – dozens of posters featuring the faces of those believed to have experienced adverse effects of the COVID vaccine. Photo: Facebook

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Fatal Traffic Accident 6 in 7 weeks

August 24, 2023

A 67-year-old Dingo Beach man has sadly passed away following a two-vehicle collision on the evening of Sunday August 20, on Strathdickie Road.

Initial investigations indicate that the two vehicles collided at the intersection of Strathdickie Road and Staniland Drive, just before 6.30pm on Sunday evening.

The 67-year-old Dingo Beach man died at the scene, while the driver of the other vehicle, a 43-year-old Riordanvale woman was transported to Townsville University Hospital for treatment.

Police urge for witnesses or anyone with relevant camera vision to reach out.

This fatality marks six deaths on our region’s roads in two months.

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10 Properties At Auction For Council Rate Arrears

August 24, 2023

A total of 10 properties are due to go under the hammer as the Whitsunday Regional Council auctions off properties with rates in arrears.

This is off the back of 13 properties that faced a similar fate in April’s auction, although only one property was successfully sold.

The properties, encompassing addresses in Collinsville, Bowen, and Queens Beach, must be in council rate arears of at least three years to qualify, and for the council to have exhausted all other repayment options.

“The process to auction properties only eventuates after every measure has been taken to help the ratepayers clear their outstanding debt,” explained a council spokesperson.

“Correspondence and conversations take place during the six months up to the auction date.

“Council works closely with the impacted ratepayers prior to this action being taken, assisting to facilitate payment arrangements before it reaches the auction listing.”

Once a property has reached this stage of arrears, the council can offer the properties as ‘Sale by Negotiation’, which “essentially allows any interested parties to reach out to Council and place their highest and best offer to purchase the property.”

In the case of properties sold, the new owner does not take on the existing property debts, as the reserve price is a minimum to cover the rate arrears.

However, as outlined in section 143 of the Local Government Regulation, the local government must set the reserve price for the property at either the market value of the land, or the higher of either the amount of overdue rates or the charges on the land, or the value of the land.

If the reserve price is not reached at auction, the council can enter negotiations with any bidder who attended the auction, but the sale price must still be more than the reserve price of the property.

“Setting of the reserve price is delegated by Council resolution to the Chief Executive Officer,” explained the Council spokesperson.

Once sold, it is the new owner’s responsibility to exchange titles and mortgage.

“Upon settlement the new owner should lodge the transfer document with the titles office then the mortgage should be taken off the title.”

In terms of vacancy and tenants, the properties are sold without specified vacancy.

“The property is sold as is, the new owner has the responsibility of getting vacant possession,” said the spokesperson.

“It is important for Council to undergo the Intention to Sell process in order to ensure that outstanding rates arrears aren’t increasing which puts a burden on all other ratepayers who pay their rates on time.”

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