Government Backflips On Commitment For Marine Insurance Scheme

By Bronte Hodge

The Whitsunday marine industry has been left astounded, following the release of the government backed Cyclone Reinsurance Pool that completely excludes Marine Insurance, putting local small water-based businesses at an unfair disadvantage.

Once endorsed by the former Government, the current Labour Government has decided not to include Marine Insurance in the newly released Cyclone Reinsurance Pool, which was set to be a relief for the marine industry and operators.

Marine operators have seen unprecedented increases in marine insurance costs, with some cases increasing by more than 10 per cent a year, and more than $20 million in excess cover.

The Cyclone Reinsurance Pool is a scheme backed by a $10 million guarantee from the Government, which allows insurance companies to mitigate their cyclone and cyclone-related risk and therefor lower costs for insurance policies.

Previously, it was anticipated that the Insurance Pool would cover all policies, but it has now come to light that it only covers household, strata, and small business property, up to $5 million, insurance policies, negating marine completely.

Following this announcement, Coral Sea Marina has partnered with the Australian Consumer Insurance Lobby and wider maritime industry in Northern Australia to urge for federal assistance and intervention.

Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development for Coral Sea Marina, said the insurance crisis is impacting all marinas in Northern Australia.

“Premiums continue to rise exponentially, and the burden of extreme cyclone excesses needs to be factored into the business’s operational costs,” she said.

“It means the same for our marina, that it does for all impacted marinas; with the continued rise in insurance costs for marinas in this part of Australia, the impact for the consumer is increased berthing fees, making berthing in marinas in Northern Australia untenable for some boat owners.”

The Whitsundays region, much like many other coastal and tourism reliant areas, has seen continued spikes in marine insurance expenses which will have a flow on effect into wider regional economic spend and development.

This will also impact marine tourism operators as well, with the burden of operating their on-water tourism businesses continuing to grow as insurance premiums rise exponentially each year with overinflated excesses imposed on cyclone-related claims.

Nicole Graham has been in the marine tourism industry for 17 years, with her business, Iconic Whitsunday Adventures having three vessels in operation.

“With insurance policies, we have to pass those costs on to our customers,” Mrs Graham explains.

“And for us to keep passing those costs on to the customers, we are going to become unsustainable, and we're going to be known as ‘that's expensive to go there. Don't go there, go to Bali, it's cheaper’, where there's less regulation, there's less safety, less safety risk management plans in place and things like that.”

2017 Cyclone Debbie caused catastrophic damage to Mrs Graham’s business, with one of their vessels, Lady Enid, being out of action for seven months for repairs, and the insurance was not willing to help.

“We lost business for seven months,” she said.

“It seems unfair that big developers get this insurance relief and small marine businesses like ours do not.”

Coral Sea Marina is one of the biggest marinas in the Whitsundays and a hub for marine tourism operators.

“Marine tourism in the Whitsundays injects billions of dollars into the economy and supports thousands of jobs,” explains Ms O’Keefe.

“The marine tourism operators who take our tourists out to the Great Barrier Reef use the marina as their base.

“If berthing fees continue to rise, to offset the rising costs of insurance, marine tourism businesses are also impacted.”

Many in the tourism industry believe that their exclusion from the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool is a “kick in the guts” for marine operators.

“How can [the government] justify not including us when we employ so many people?

“And like I said, it's not just about employment, it’s about supporting all small businesses,” said Mrs Graham.

Thankfully, the maritime industry of Northern Australia has a two-pronged plan to fight against what they believe is an unfair exclusion.

Initially, they will be asking the Federal Government to reconsider the decision to omit Marine Insurance in the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool.

If by 2025 the Federal Government has not reviewed the Pool, Coral Sea Marina will lobby the Government for subsidised premiums for marina owners to be considered as an interim measure.

Mrs Graham believes this action could still be years away, but the detrimental effects are occurring immediately to the industry.

“Just knowing that the government had our back, it would show they’re supporting us,” she said.

“A lot of us are small businesses and we can’t just keep increasing our prices.”

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Nicole Graham operates a marine tourism business, and being left out of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool is a “kick in the guts”. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Easing the self-build stressors of supply-chain issues and extended lead-times, Airlie Summit’s house and land packages are proving popular with discerning buyers who want a no-fuss experience where they can work with one trusted local company to get their dream home built efficiently and on-time.

Alder Developments have designed these packages to eradicate any post-pandemic challenges for buyers and general manager, Greg Tupicoff, says they are entering the market at the right time.

“Never before has Australia seen such high demand for home building coinciding with material sourcing and labour shortages – all lingering effects of the pandemic,” Mr Tupicoff said.

“Add to this the reports of industry instability, and it is understandable that prospective buyers may be nervous about committing to a new build and deciding on a builder to work with.

“By working closely with reputable construction professionals, homeowners can mitigate many of these challenges.

“We can’t resolve the overall pressure on the industry but we can put our customers in touch with the right people so they can make an informed decision.”  

Airlie Summit is one of Airlie Beach’s last remaining sub-divisions and this 24-hectare parcel of land has development approval for the creation of 89 new residential and apartment lots all offering magnificent scenic views over the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands.

One of the house and land packages offered by IntegraBuild and Alder Developments features four bedrooms, two bathrooms and double garage on a 1704sqm block of land from $1,500,000.

G.J. Gardener Homes has also released a number of house and land packages with spacious four-bedroom designs selling from $1,692,500.

If you are dreaming of building your own home, contact Steve Marks at Explore Property Whitsundays to see how Airlie Summit could be the right choice for you.

Airlie Summit offers magnificent scenic views over the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands.

House and land packages start from $1,500,000. Photo supplied

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A region first has just driven into its Bowen showroom, with the entire range of MG Motors available for test drive and showings right here in the Whitsundays.

Formerly Bowen Mazda, Whitsunday Auto Group is proud to have all 24 model variants of MG Motors available on their showroom floor, with another 30 MG motors in the yard ready for immediate purchase.

Known in the region for their impeccable attention to detail and thorough care of clients, the family owned and operated Whitsunday Auto Group is excited to welcome this new phase in the business, overseeing the roll- out of MG Motors into the region, and tapping into an untapped market for budget yet luxurious vehicles that service every driver.

“We knew the brand would fit into our fleet,” explains Gray Brenchley, Principal for Whitsunday Auto Group.

“With the good price point and seven-year warranty, MG Motors compliments the area.”

Having rolled out the range at the beginning of the month, Gary and his team has been inundated with excited shoppers.

In fact, three vehicles have just been delivered to some of the first buyers from the business, an incredibly fast timeline for a new vehicle.

The entire range is available on the Whitsunday Auto Group showroom floor, including all eight models, each with three variants, with the brand new all electric hatchback arriving at the end of the month.

This extensive range ensures customers are making the best choice for themselves with all the information ready at their fingertips.

However, there have been three standout favourites for the Whitsunday Auto Group, with customers leaving extremely happy with their purchase.

“That would be the MG3 Hatchback, the MG5 Sedan, and the MG ZST,” said Gary.

At a remarkable price point, each vehicle boasts capable performance.

The MG ZST is for the SUV lover, with sleek panoramic sunroof, pilot driver suite and 360-degree camera.

This all-purpose vehicle is great for families and the causal driver, with plenty of space to spread out.

On the other hand, the MG5 is a premium vehicle for sports sedans.

With elegant airflow lines carved into the outer body, 1.5 litre natural aspirated 4-cylinder engine, and driver-centric tilted head unit, the driver is welcomed into a driving experience like no other.

The most cost effective of the three bestsellers is the MG3 Hatchback.

With sophiscated and luxurious features, the MG3 is known as Australia’s best selling light hatchback, with Tartan fabric trim seating, and rear parking sensors and camera.

“We have good stock,” said Gary.

“And where we don’t have stock, we can source from either another dealership, or Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne head offices.”

And from here, if unable to find a vehicle ready immediately, it is only less than a short three month wait for completely new stock to be constructed.

Whitsunday Auto Group is not stopping with just Mazda and MG Motors on the fleet, currently they are looking at other brands to join their showroom offering.

“We intend to expand as we move forward,” said Gary.

“We are always actively looking for more brands that complement our current fleet.”

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The team at Whitsunday Auto Group are keen to get you on the road

The entire range of MG Motors is now available for Whitsunday residents to test drive at the Whitsunday Auto Group. Photo supplied

The Jubilee Tavern bistro was a sea of purple and green on Saturday as over 200 past players of the Whitsunday Rugby League teams came together to mark 50 years since the 1973 team won the prestigious Foley Cup.

Representatives from the 1969 to 1994 teams all came together, many travelling from all over the country and some as far afield as New Zealand.

In previous years, before the Broncos and Cowboys formed, the North Queensland Rugby League competition was one of the most powerful in the country.

Tony Price, Rugby League player and Proserpine local, who also produces and publishes League Queensland Magazine, said that it was incredible to bring a trophy of this calibre back to the Whitsundays.

The Whitsunday League unfortunately folded in 1994 and Proserpine teams now play in the Mackay league, with Bowen heading north to Townsville.

The dissolution of local sport has been disappointing to Tony, but he says it is events like this that keep his spirits up and remind him about the good old days.

“It’s been 10 years since the last event and this one was special because of the 50 years,” he said.

“Everyone knew everyone at this year’s event and it was great!

Amongst the attendees, there were several star players from former years.

These included Mick McLean from Bowen, Eddie Muller from Proserpine, and Adrian Brunker from Collinsville, who all played for Queensland.

In addition, Lee Hannigan who was Captain of the 1973 winning Whitsundays Foley Shield Team and also played for Australia in 1967 came along.

Lee still holds a club record of five trys in one game for his home club of Manly.

To commemorate the reunion, Tony Price compiled a League Queensland Special Edition, proceeds of which were donated to local schools.

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Players and Representatives from Whitsundays first and only Foley Shield Champion team of 1973

The Reunion Team L-R Mike Brunker, John Martin, Tony Price, and Kathleen Maher

Over 200 people attended he reunion on Saturday. Photos supplied

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It has been a whirlwind of a time for Sandra Argo and Mark Jordan, owners of Airlie Beach Craft Distillery, more affectionally known as ABC Distillery, now hitting the five-year anniversary with a dual win at the Australian Distilled Spirit Awards.

Stemming from a small seed of an idea, the brother and sister team have overcome tumultuous times, garnering a reputable name in many local households.

Sandra specialises in bottling, accounts, and marketing, while Mark is the distiller, waking up at odd hours to check on the stills and ensuring everything is going right.

“I like to think I have the best end of the deal!” Sandra said.

Growing from one copper still to now six, ABC Distillery operations has grown more than expected.

The pair are celebrating their five-year business anniversary this year with their Whiskey Barrel Aged Rum.

Aging since 2019, this still is a favourite of Marks, and has hints of oak, Tokay, and caramel.

“It reminds me of a Christmas cake, with raisins,” described Sandra.

Using the Solera Method of aging, which has Mark removing an amount of the aged rum and refilling the barrel with newer rum, the rum has a consistent and fresh flavour.

Mark and Sandra have been rewarded for this rum, receiving a silver medal at the recent national awards.

Going up against big brands and independent distillers across Australia, the magnitude of this accomplishment rings true.

Fan favourite Tropical Gin also received accolades, with a bronze medal at the awards, after previously receiving a silver and bronze in 2021.

“The time has swum by so quickly,” explains Sandra.

“We have our regulars who pick up a bottle at every market. It has been great!”

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Mark and Sandra of ABC Distillery have marked five years of success with wins at industry awards. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Over 80 producers, accommodation providers, labour hire consultants, government representatives and other stakeholders in the agriculture industry attended a Regional Capacity Through Migration Forum last month.

During the event, attendees heard from farmers and industry experts on the future of Agriculture in Australia, the current reality of Working Holiday Makers, information surrounding VISAs, industry agreements and accessing skilled migrant workforces.

Discussions on the day focused on future proofing the agriculture workforce, accommodation opportunities and understanding the expanding Pacific Island Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.  

A joint initiative between the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association and the Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network, with funding from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the forum proved informative for all attendees.

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association were proud to lead regional collaboration to address industry labour and skills shortages.  

“International workers form a vital component of Australia’s agriculture workforce, providing immense economic benefit for farming industries,” Bowen Gumlu Growers Association Chief Executive Officer, Ry Collins said.

“International workers also positively contribute to the social and cultural fabric of our regional communities.

“The migration forum provided a platform for all attendees to openly share their thoughts into our migration system and to forge new partnerships to identify opportunities to enhance our migration systems.”

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Over 80 people attended the Regional Capacity Through Migration Forum last month. Photo supplied

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More than 30,000 military personnel from 13 different countries have been taking part in the joint military exercise Talisman Sabre across regional areas in Queensland.

In Bowen, up to 900 US military officers have been among that contingent as part of the Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS) Exercise.

The total operation is named Talisman Sabre but there have been many operations within the overall exercise.

In Bowen, the American Joint Task Force 7 named their exercise “Operation Big Mango”.

Lt Jared McCully was one of the soldiers who addressed a crowd at Flagstaff Hill in Bowen last week explaining what had been happening during the exercise in Bowen.

There was a scale model on display, showing the ships, water taxis, and tankers involved in transporting the cargo from the ships to shore via Bowen’s Kings Beach.

Lt McCully said the exercise had been 14 months in the planning and 45 other beaches had been considered before Kings Beach at Bowen had been chosen.

He laughed candidly as he said he thought that Operation Big Mango sounded better than military jargon.

He said all the US personnel were appreciative of the welcome they had received from the Bowen community.

Many of the soldiers have been visiting the Big Mango during their stay in Bowen – and enjoying the delicious mango sorbets – as well as buying souvenirs to take home to their family and friends.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said there had been a lot of interest from locals and tourists about the joint military exercise.

The US officers have been staying at the Bowen aerodrome which has been transformed into a tent city for the past two months.

At the Bowen Aerodrome

343 tents

20 showers

200PAX dining tent

1 kitchen

36 porta loos

2 laundry trailers

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Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy with Lt Jared McCully, discussing the military exercise in Bowen.

Some of the US Military contingent from Joint Task Force 7 at the iconic Big Mango. Photos supplied

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Cr Simpson

On Saturday 29th July, I was lucky enough to meet the United States Secretary of the Army, Ms Christine E. Wormuth.

Ms Wormuth flew into Bowen in one of four Blackhawk helicopters which was a real treat to witness. Having the opportunity to meet with the secretary face-to-face was something I will remember for many years to come.

The secretary was in Bowen to partake in the JLOTS (Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore) Community Mission Briefing which was held at Flagstaff Hill and Conference Centre last Thursday.  The briefing saw members of the US Army discuss the Talisman Sabre activities which have been happening in Bowen over the past few weeks.

Around 40 people attended the catch-up which also explained the process of how the army created and installed the temporary trident pier used to unload equipment from the ships and across the beach.

I would like to remind residents that whilst it may have been wetter than usual recently, we are steadily moving towards bushfire season.

On this note, Council have put together an informative video on how we managed a planned burn at Brisk Bay. The burn was a hazard reduction initiative and took place in conjunction with the Department of Resources, Heronvale Rural, Bowen Delta and Bowen Urban fire brigades, and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Townsville.

The initiative was deemed a success thanks to the assistance of all involved. The video can be watched on our Facebook page. Keep your eyes peeled for further planned burns and information sheets in the future.

Great news for our Whitsunday Coast Airport again last week with Bonza announcing another new route, this time to the Gold Coast. This new route will bring a whopping 58,000 additional seats a year to our region and create a multitude of new connections both nationally and internationally. Well done to our airport team for working tirelessly to secure these new and diverse flight paths for our region.

Finally, as the whole world seems to have gone Barbie crazy, there will be a Barbie party at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre this afternoon from 4.30pm to celebrate the initial screening of the film on the big screen. Head to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre’s Facebook page for further information.

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Shute Harbour Marine Terminal welcomes in excess of 155,000 passengers per year to the Whitsundays, with an expected 260,000 people to pass through the terminal next year!  

However, it’s so much more than a simple terminal! Shute Harbour Marine Terminal also offers High Flow Diesel and Premium Unleaded Petroleum for all vessels at competitive rates.

It is also home to Explore 74 café with delicious home cooked treats, take-away alcohol sales and even ice and bait for those last-minute provisions!

The penthouse function room is open daily to allow visitors to take in the amazing views of the specked islands ahead and is also available for hire for private and corporate functions.

For more information, head to shuteharbourmarine.com.au

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Rick Hamilton, CEO Of Tourism Whitsundays, Hits The USA

Last week I joined Tourism Australia’s Marketplace and the Travel Answer Australia roadshow for a whirlwind tour of America.

Starting in Denver, I met with over 600 travel agents across four stops and finished in LA on Friday.  

I love being out on the road, meeting new people and spruiking our region.

Every time I attend one of these events I realise how essential they are for educating travel agents and travel planners on what The Whitsundays has to offer and, in most cases, where we are!

While The Whitsundays is a well-known destination domestically and in Europe, our US friends are still a bit hazy on their Australian geography!

With international visitation numbers increasing and airline capacity returning to 2019 levels, hopefully in the next 12 months, it’s more important than ever to get the word out on The Whitsundays.

The two travel-trade focussed events are just one part of our strategy to engage with travel agents and planners.

We are also inviting Whitsunday businesses to join us at our annual Whitsundays Tourism Exchange in October.

I encourage anyone who has been considering working with or does work with Online Travel Agents or travel wholesalers to register to attend.

During the Exchange, we will be bringing 30 product and travel managers into The Whitsundays for a one-day speed dating style event followed by a famil day.

Register now to maximise your opportunity, simply scan this QR code for further details.

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Some of the agents that Rick Hamilton, CEO Of Tourism Whitsundays, worked with in Dallas. Photo supplied

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Proserpine Hospital’s catering service team has been recognised with the Golden Boot Award for excellent service.

Celebrating all operational services teams across the Mackay Hospital district, which includes eight hospitals and five community health centres, the Golden Boot Awards commend excellent performance and service in operations.

The Proserpine Hospital Catering team was presented the award due to their excellent work, particularly for how they responded following an incident, in which all the power was lost at the hospital.

On May 21 this year at 5am, a fire broke out in the operations building, causing the hospital to lose power.

The hospital’s generator was unable to be used due to the fire.

“The clinical staff were using their mobiles as lights, but it was time for breakfast, so the catering team quickly made a kitchen out of a small room in the maternity ward,” explains Lisa Bates, the Operations Services Coordinator.

“For nearly two days, the catering team worked to provide meals and washing up for all the patients and meet all our standards.”

Using the hospital’s cyclone menu, the catering team delivered meals to close to 30 patients, with only a short delay initially of 15 to 20 minutes.

“They just went into action and got it done, while the fire was still being put out,” explains Nicola Young, Director of Nursing.

“If we hadn’t been able to do that, we would have to had shut down the hospital and transfer all the patients,” said Ms Young.

The Catering Team prepare just under 28,000 meals 365 a year, with locally sourced produce.

With a team of 21 staff, who work flexibly across all areas of hospital services, including laundry and cleaning, receiving the Golden Boot acknowledges and celebrates their outstanding service to the hospital and its patients.

“We get a lot of our patients give the team feedback when they’re delivering the meals, saying how wonderful it is, that it’s like home cooked food.

“They love it, they do an exceptional job,” said Ms Bates.

“The entire team is very community minded; they are very devoted to the hospital.”

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The quarter has rolled around, and the Proserpine Community Markets are on!

Supporting the Proserpine Cricket Club, the Proserpine Community Markets are one of the best markets for handmade, handcrafted, and hand grown goods, with over 60 stalls on offer throughout the old St Catherine’s Campus.

What started out as just a one-off market following COVID, snowballed into the quarterly thoroughfare it is now, with market goers coming from far and wide to browse the goods.

“It was only ever going to be just one market, because everyone was keen to get out and put themselves out there after COVID,” explains market coordinator, Tarnia Patton.

“Everyone is strapped for cash, and they haven’t been able to go to a market in years, so we ran one. We literally pulled it together in two and a half weeks.”

Now a few years on, the markets have grown to accommodate a large variety of goods, each operated by a community minded local.

“We make it a big event once a quarter. When people know it’s coming up, they try to come, because if they miss it, they’ve got to wait another three months!” said Tarnia.

With something for everyone, including free kids’ activities, the markets are a great destination for a Sunday morning.

WHAT: Proserpine Community Markets

WHERE: Old St Catherine’s Campus, 69 Marathon Street, Proserpine

WHEN: Sunday, August 13, from 8.30am

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With a variety of stalls for every member of the family, the Proserpine Community Markets are always a great event. Photo supplied

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Are most "FITNESS" people really that MOTIVATED?

The simple answer is NO.

If exercise is not a regular part of your life, you might be surprised to read the title. Motivation and Dedication are two different things.

The thing to understand with motivation, is that is doesn`t last for literally anyone.

Yes, you might have been really "motivated" watching people take on the triathlon recently, but let me assure you, three weeks later, when you have a training block early on a rainy morning, that "motivation" won't be there. You need something else in your toolbag to keep going for the long term.

Creating habits needs to be considered and incorporated for any long-term fitness commitment.

Habits are what we do daily and consistently to ensure we don't rely on "feeling" like exercising or training.

I certainly don't exercise every day based on how I am feeling. TRUST ME!  Here are some daily habits you could consider:

• Prepare your gym bag early with your workout gear or have your workout gear out ready so you don't have to shuffle around looking for something.

• Set an alarm, and get up at the same time daily.

• Have an early dinner and try and go to bed as early as possible.

• Find an Accountability Buddy to exercise with. The day you "don`t feel like it" your buddy can help pull you through that day, and vice versa.

• If you plan on exercising in the afternoon, maybe try a pre-workout supplement, have it just before you leave work so you don't divert home instead of the gym.

There are many many "hacks" you can do to create daily habits for you that work, so don't make the all too common mistake of just relying on "motivation". It just doesn't last.

Regards, Sonny Ivanovic

F45 Training Airlie Beach

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Excitement is building ahead of this year’s Airlie Beach Fight Night where Mixed Martial Art (MMA) fighters will go head-to-head in combat, jeered on by the cheers of hundreds of supporters that are expected to attend the event.

Due to be held at the Whitsunday PCYC in six weeks’ time, tickets are selling fast for the upcoming Fight Night with VIP seating already sold out.

Dan Zealand, from Whitsunday Martial Arts is one of the organisers of the event.

“We are super excited!” he said.

“We often have to travel to compete and when we told them we had the opportunity to fight in front of the home crowd, it really picked everyone up.”

Among the local talent competing at this year’s Fight Night is Ian Dreadlox.

“He’s been training for a few years now and is always up for a challenge,” said Dan.

“Recently he’s been training harder than I’ve ever seen him before!”

Long-time fighter Blair Frew will also be fighting on the night.

Having won many battles over the years, Blair has decided to make his last ever fight in front of his home crowd.

“This will be his last amateur fight so it will be a bit of a send-off,” said Dan.

“He’s been training really hard, and he wants to go out with a bang!”

On the night, local fighters will clash with competitors from as far north as Cairns and as far south as Brisbane, with one competitor coming from Victoria.

WHAT: Airlie Beach Fight Night

WHERE: Whitsunday PCYC

WHEN: Saturday, September 23

TICKETS: Available through WMA Facebook page

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Ian Dreadlox will be going up against Jedd Fogg at Airlie Beach Fight Night. Photo supplied

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Safari For Cancer Support

34 blokes on 34 postie bikes departed Mackay last Thursday, July 27 for the Postie Bike Safari, taking them across 2,200km of dirt road to Chillagoe and back.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Safari started with a group of mates in Glenden who decided to buy some postie bikes and go for a ride.

Over a decade later, the ride has raised funds for RACQ CQ Rescue, Black Dog Institute and Canteen, this year fundraising for Childhood Cancer Support for the third time.

“Childhood Cancer Support’s a great organisation to raise funds for; they do great work for sick children,” said Organiser Greg Becke.

“It’s really good to see our work goes to something to make someone’s life easier.”

Mackay To Chillagoe For Childhood Cancer

When last year’s Postie Bike Safari went through the small town of Moura, west of Biloela, the group met Victor Lee who, this year, is embarking on the trip for the first time.

Mr Lee’s son, Sidney, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2021, aged eight, forcing his family of four to travel to Brisbane for treatment.

“We left Moura fairly early on that morning to head to Brisbane … not knowing where we were going to stay,” Mr Lee said.

A family friend who had gone through a similar situation contacted them while they were on the road and told them about Childhood Cancer Support (CCS), a charity providing accommodation to regional families of children receiving cancer treatment.

“When we got closer to Brisbane I rang them, I put the address into the satnav, and as we turned down the street, these two ladies wearing CCS shirts were standing in the middle of the street pointing us down a driveway and tears just started falling,” Mr Lee said.

“That was our home for eight months.”

Not long after returning to Moura, Mr Lee received a call to say that the Postie Bike Safari was travelling through his hometown raising money for CCS.

“We went down, and I shook all their hands and said, ‘Thanks, guys,’” he said.

Inspired by his son, Mr Lee is embarking on the trip for the first time and led the fundraising campaign having raised over $20,000 before departure.

“I just wanted to do something little for an organisation that’s done so much for us,” he said.

“They gave us a lot, and are still now giving us support, so when the opportunity knocks like this to do something, it gives you a warm fuzzy feeling.”

Departing Mackay, the group of riders ventured through Eungella and Charters Towers to arrive at their destination of Chillagoe, returning to Mackay via Cardwell and Bowen.

“We drive along the back roads, keep off the bitumen as much as possible, camp at towns in the outback and get up and do it all again the next day,” said Organiser Greg Becke.

“You’ve got to take your postie bikes through some pretty wild territory; dirt roads, corrugation, soft sand, anything to keep us off the main road.

“It’s good camaraderie, everyone pitches in and helps, and it’s a really great break for people to get away from it all and we’re raising some funds for some well deserving organisations on the way.”

Collectively, Postie Bike Safari had raised over $130,000 before even leaving Mackay.

This is the third year the group has raised funds for CCS, a charity that has helped over 80 Mackay families.

“The accommodation’s based in Brisbane but it’s a regional charity because it helps regional families,” said CCS President Bert Pulman, a local man who used the services of CCS himself when his son Darcy was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2010.

“We house families of kids with cancer in Brisbane, because that’s where they’ve got to get their treatment.”

Mr Pulman has participated on the ride over the last three years and said the Postie Bike Safari has embraced the charity.

“These guys do a great job every year,” he said.

“When you talk amongst the guys, there’s someone who knows someone who’s experienced childhood cancer, so these guys know what’s going on and they get to meet some of our families along the way which makes it real for them.”

Visit fundraise.ccs.org.au/event/postie-bike-safari-23/home to donate.

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Victor Lee and Childhood Cancer Support President Bert Pulman. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

34 riders are on a Postie Bike Safari to Chillagoe and back. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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