While others were collecting easter eggs over the busy Easter weekend, the team at Mackay Pet Rescue Inc were collecting kittens.

Two mother cats, Fifi and Persia arrived in foster care pregnant with their previous set of kittens and have been at the forefront of attention since. Despite the challenges, the team is thrilled to announce that all of their previous kittens have found loving homes.

On Saturday, Fifi surprised everyone by giving birth to another litter of six kittens, meanwhile, on Sunday night, Persia also went into labour, adding seven more bundles of joy to the rescue family. Persia is just 12 months old herself and is receiving extra care and attention to ensure both herself and her newborns are safe and healthy.

As Mackay Pet Rescue provide the best possible care for the mother cats and their kittens, high-quality kitten food is essential to sustain them during the crucial period of their growth.

The rescue team are kindly asking for any donations of wet kitten food to assist in this time. Donations can be dropped off at Petbarn or National Mobile Phone Repairs, where they will be put to good use in supporting the ongoing efforts of the rescue group.

As Mackay Pet Rescue extends its gratitude to the community for their continued support, they emphasise that the work of saving animals never stops.

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Mother cats with their bundles of Easter kittens
Easter bunny brings baby kittens. Photos sourced from Mackay Pet Rescue Inc

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If you are a community group attending the Mackay Anzac Day main ceremony and would like to lay a wreath as part of the service, please submit the name of your community group and your contact details on Mackay Regional Council’s website before 4pm on Thursday, April 11.

Website link: www.mackay.qld.gov.au/community/events/anzac_day_wreaths

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I want to move out of Mackay and the Whitsundays. Yep, you read that right. I don’t want to live here anymore – in fact, if I’m completely honest with you I don’t want to live in Australia anymore.

Why, you may or may not be asking? It couldn’t be the incredible reef on our doorstep, it couldn’t be the spectacular hiking trails or the secluded waterholes and it definitely couldn’t be the amazing venues to dine and drink with your nearest and dearest… so, what in the bloody hell made this proud local decided “that’s enough, I’m out”?

Well, you can blame one woman. Her name is Trudy and she (not-so) innocently put a post in the Whitsunday Chat on Facebook asking for people to help her ID a spider she found on her property that I can only describe as ‘the bringer of death” or at least a heart attack, as I was scrolling over the long weekend. It was then that I learned that Queensland has spiders that look like the deadly Eastern Funnel Web but they call it a Queensland Tarantula.

Thanks to one of the commenters Tenielle I also learned that they are “out because the rain floods their burrows and they don’t want to drown so they go walkabout at night”.

If you ask me, they can walkabout their way into a can of bug spray but alas I know they do their bit for the environment so, instead of going into battle with an insect I’ll never win against, I’ve come to the conclusion I need to leave. I don’t know when it will be but my guess is the first time I see one of them at my place.
I’ve only just come to terms with the idea there’s Huntsman living in my garage and now this, I don’t know how much more of this arachnophobia I can take!

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In a fun-filled event last Thursday, families gathered at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, Harrup Park, for the Triple M Jay and Dave Easter Egg Dash. Attendees of all ages eagerly hunted for tokens, with lucky winners taking home an array of Easter eggs and fantastic hampers. With separate hunts for Tiny Tots/Under 5s and school-aged children, plus the added treat of an onsite coffee van, it was a delightful day out for the community. The crew from Kool Beanz childcare centre made the most of the event across the road with many of the under 5’s hunting for chocolate before daycare and kindy got underway.

Photo credit: Amanda Wright

The crew from Kool Beanz Suns were eager to hunt for chocolate before daycare and kindy started

Breakfast announcers Dave Peters (far left) and Jay Shipston-Fife (centre right) from Triple M were joined by egg-hunting fathers Hamish Wright (centre left) and Adrian Young (right) with their children for the Easter Egg Dash

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This year marks eighteen years of artistic excellence with entries now open for Mackay`s prestigious Woollam Art on Show Awards as of March 22, 2024.

Mackay Show Association is proud to announce the launch of Mackay`s highly anticipated National Art Prize as the event returns on the 2nd of August and will remain open until August 5, introducing new additions to further enhance art and culture within the region.

Susi Muddiman OAM, is a special guest that will be the judge of the event, bringing over 25 years of expertise to her role as Director of Gallery and Visual Arts at HOTA, (Home of the Arts) on the Gold Coast. She is passionate about enhancing the professional standing of galleries and artists, and advocates for financial sustainability through grants, philanthropy, and strategic management. With a rich history of curating exhibitions and serving on advisory boards, Susi's contributions extend nationally, promoting cultural enrichment and artistic growth within communities.

Art on Show Awards Coordinator, Melissa Broadhurst said, “Many local artists have gained further exhibition and invitation opportunities through guest judges visiting our region, and this connection with Susi Muddiman OAM, and HOTA, on the Gold Coast, is an important step in recognising local artists and shining a light on our regional talent.”

The event offers the opportunity for local, interstate, and nation-wide artists to showcase their creativity with a chance to win the Woollam Art on Show Award valued at $3000, with the total prize purse increased to $12,000!

Since Art on Show’s establishment in June 2006, the event has attracted a combined 6000
competition entries and is achieving substantial ongoing support from local artists. Up to 20 leading Mackay Businesses, including major sponsor Woollam, share a commitment to invest in the cultural future of the region, while acknowledging the imagination of talented Australiana artists and directly supporting the art community of Mackay.

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Photo credit: Coffee and Hops

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Taylors Property Specialists announced this week that they’ve purchased long-standing Proserpine real estate agency, Whitsunday Realty.

Principal of Taylors Property Specialists, Rob Taylor, said that Proserpine is an exciting and energised place to do business and he anticipates further significant growth in the township.

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Troy and Mani Liesch from Whitsunday Realty have sold the business to Rob and Lauriely Taylor from Taylors Property Specialists. Photo supplied

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New Shirt, Same Faces
At Taylors In Proserpine

After 18 years running well-respected real estate agency, Whitsunday Realty, owners Troy and Mani Liesch have decided to sell their business to Taylors Property Specialists, a company they believe will facilitate a new era of further growth.

Rob and Lauriely Taylor, owners of Taylors Property Specialists, had seen Whitsunday Realty for sale several months ago and, after observing a recent and renewed energy in the Proserpine community, decided the time was right to expand further into this dynamic and rapidly growing township.

“The amount of traffic going through the whole community shows the incredible growth of our overall region,” said Rob.

“In Proserpine we’ve noticed so many new businesses starting up and the town seems really energised, people are spending money and the whole town is looking to grow – confidence breeds confidence – and we are excited to be part of it.

“We are really looking forward to being involved and getting closer to the Proserpine community.”

Whitsunday Realty has the largest rent roll in Proserpine, and this will now become part of the Taylors Property Specialist’s portfolio, along with their extensive connections both in domestic and commercial sales.

And while the shopfront will change its name to Taylors, Troy Liesch assures customers that their friendly faces will remain the same.

“Not much will change for our customers, just a different colour shirt, but Mani and I will still remain working in the business indefinitely,” he explained.

“We are proud to have brought the business this far and we know Rob can now take it onto the next level.”

Troy will continue to assist with managing the property and commercial sales side of the business, while Mani will oversee general office administration.

“We are looking forward to handing over the reins and letting Rob and his team do what they are doing best,” said Troy.

“We would like to thank the community for their support over the last 18 years.”

Taylors Property Specialists are celebrating their sixth year in business next month and the company has a team of almost 20 people who are handpicked for their professionalism, customer service and integrity.

It is these qualities that Rob is now looking forward to continuing to uphold with the expansion to Proserpine.

“Thank you to Troy and Mani, we really appreciate the opportunity, they’ve done a great job, and we really look forward to working with them.

“Thank you also to the community, we appreciate the trust and loyalty you have placed with us, and we will make sure we do you proud!”

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Hi Everyone,

Whether you are enjoying some time off with the family, working extra hard over the busy school holidays or simply continuing with life as normal – I hope you are having a happy and satisfying week.

I had a very inspiring meeting with the Trudy Crowley Foundation ‘Teal Angels’ recently and was incredibly touched by their dedication to helping people living with cancer in the Whitsunday community.

As many of you will know, I had bowel cancer five years ago and, after six months of chemo, was lucky to get the all-clear.

My journey with cancer will always be part of my life and, now that I am healthy, I feel called to do everything I can to help others who are now enduring similar experiences.

I find that people who have lived with or been around cancer have an instant connection, and that is exactly what I felt with the two cancer care nurses, Rosie and Chris, when I met them last week.

Not only are they two of the loveliest people you will ever meet, they have also guided countless people through cancer over the years.

During this time, they’ve made friends, lost friends, grieved all and had many wins along the way – throughout this, they have continued in their mission to lighten the load for anyone living with cancer.

Based in Mackay, the two nurses come to the Whitsundays regularly, attending free home visits with anyone in the community needing cancer support.

You can read their full story on page 4.

These inspiring ladies and the broader group of volunteers are hoping to start a local support group soon, bringing together people who have or did have cancer.

There is a vibrant group called the Bowen Cancer and Ostomy Support Group, but for those living in the southern end of the Whitsundays, there is nothing yet.

If you are interested in getting involved, please let me know and I will pass your details onto the nurses.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “For every mountain there is a miracle” (Robert H Schuller)

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An abandoned gold mine in Proserpine is being re-opened after extensive metallurgical test work revealed a major mineralised system exists, with only a small portion drilled to date.

The historic Dittmer Mine forms one of several old high-grade workings along a 2km north-northeast trending corridor which is also crosscut by a series of structures with associated historical workings.

The mine, which was discovered in 1934, had produced over 54,000 Oz of gold by the time it closed in 1951. 

Since that time, the mine has been abandoned, before interest was reinvigorated late last year when Ballymore Resources conducted extensive field work, including mapping, rock chip, soil and stream sediment sampling to assess Dittmer’s size potential.

The results of this exploration identified a number of high-grade shoots that compelled the company to reopen old underground workings earlier this year.

A drill program, comprising 3,000 metres of diamond drilling, has now been designed to test these high-grade zones.

An area of 513 square kilometres is being explored further.

A Queensland Government CEI grant for $300,000 has also been awarded so the project can undertake an 8,051 line-kilometre survey of the entire Dittmer Project area.

The survey area covers numerous historic mines and prospects including porphyry-related copper deposits and vein- and stockwork-hosted gold-copper epithermal and mesothermal deposits.

If mining does resume, the method of extraction is likely to be via both cyanide leach and flotation processes with test work confirming the ore is amenable to this type of processing.

The Dittmer Mine is located near the town of Dittmer, about 20 kilometres west of Proserpine.

A small population of 79 residents live in the area and local groups have already come forward to protest against the mine stating there are significant concerns about the extraction process and how it is going to impact the water quality for the entire region.

Dittmer resident, Jeudi Croker, has started a petition to appeal against the pending mining licence applications for the site.

“The entire Dittmer community rely solely on underground water for drinking and household use with most homes having bores on their properties fed from fractured rock aquifers,” she explained.

“We hold grave concerns about this mining operation being considered for approval given the nature of gold production, toxic heavy metals in proximity to Kelsey Creek watercourse and the 79 resident’s bores.”

The mine site is also within the Proserpine catchment area and water drains to Proserpine Dam which then provides drinking water to the thousands of Whitsunday residents, as well irrigation to agricultural land.

Ms Croker says she is working alongside the Whitsunday Conservation Society who are also concerned about the damage to local wildlife, namely the rock wallabies, northern quoll, Greater Glider and numerous koalas which call the area home.

“We call on the State Environmental Minister Leanne Linnard to protect our essential groundwater Water,” said Ms Croker.  

“This issue is a Federal matter, a State matter, a regional matter and a community matter; but ultimately it’s a personal matter in the manner that if we fail to take on personal responsibility for our collective ecosystem then we fail ourselves to leave a healthy world for future generations and we fail the voiceless animals and water and trees that we have a responsibility to protect.”

The old mine shafts are currently being explored. Photos supplied
The area of Dittmer and the vicinity of current mining exploration works

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Last weekend the kind volunteers at the Proserpine Whitsunday Country Women’s Association hosted a cake stall at Bunnings in Cannonvale.

With a delicious range of home-made cakes, jams and biscuits, the cake stall was a popular place to grab a goodie on the way home and do some good along the way.

Almost every weekend the Bunnings entranceway is a place where customers can engage with a local charity organisation.

In fact, there is a pre-booked schedule of community groups, charities and worthwhile organisations who all take it in turns to run a stall and raise some money.

Whether that be with the classic Aussie Sausage Sizzle or the quintessential CWA cake stall, there is always something yummy on offer.

Your donated dollars are making a real difference in the community, whether that be helping a local sports club raise money or the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre generate extra financial support – each organisation is definitely worthwhile.

Next time you’re passing through to get your DIY supplies or a new house plant, make sure you stop and say hello.

Purchase a cold drink or even just donate a dollar.

While you’re there, say thank you to the hardworking volunteers who have given up their weekend morning to help make change in the community.

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The volunteers at the CWA cake stand at Bunnings last weekend. Photo: Facebook

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Residents of the Whitsundays who are living with cancer and navigating the scary and often confusing world of hospital appointments, scans and treatment, now have a free cancer service that comes right to their doors.

The Teal Angels are a team of two travelling registered nurses and one Mackay-based counsellor who operate as part of a broader charity, the Trudy Crowley Foundation.

These dedicated professionals provide a full range of free services from advice to basic check-ups, connecting you with other networks and of course being a friendly ear to listen.

Chris Giannangelo, Bec Snell and Rosie Stannard are all members of Trudy’s Teal Angels, helping people living with cancer in our region. Photo credit: Kate and Me Photography

Cancer Care Team Here To Help

The Trudy Crowley Foundation is a charity that began with one woman’s dream to provide the support and guidance that was not initially available to her when she received a cancer diagnosis.

Trudy Crowley was a brave and inspiring woman who was diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer at the age of 47.

Instead of curling up in the corner and surrendering, she “put her big girl pants on” and decided to use this terrible diagnosis for good, determined to create change within the system.

Speaking in Parliament, Trudy stood up and raised the need for more dedicated ovarian cancer support.

She also began an iconic annual Mackay event which raised a significant amount of money to help those with cancer.

Sadly, Trudy passed away in 2018, but funds from the events have been used to transform the experience of a cancer diagnosis for many people in our region. Something Trudy would be very proud of today.

Initially beginning as a palliative, end of life service, the level of support has now been expanded to include everyone, both men and women and those living with any type of cancer, and at any stage of their journey.

The two registered nurses, Rosie Stannard and Chris Giannangelo, come to the Whitsundays every eight weeks to conduct home visits to anyone in the community who needs any level of cancer support.

Rosie has been part of the charity since its inception, having worked closely with Trudy and hand-selected by Trudy to be part of her legacy.

Rosie is a Mackay born and bred local who has been a nurse for almost 45 years. She began working in aged care and spent time helping with quadriplegics in Brisbane before discovering her true passion for palliative care.

Meanwhile, Chris has been with the foundation since March last year and a community nurse in Mackay for the past 45 years, moving into palliative care 10 years ago.

When it came time for her to begin retirement last year, she was approached by the Foundation and offered a part-time role.

These two inspiring nurses are based in Mackay and work closely with the Icon Cancer Centre to offer free support services.

They also operate the Trudy Crowley Foundation Centre, a dedicated facility located in Mackay City Centre.

Here you will find a comfortable lounge setting for support group meetings, a wig room and also a free counselling service for cancer patients and individual members of their families.

Bec Snell is the third member of the Teal Angels, offering counselling support to guide people through the emotional impacts, intense feelings, and the challenging mental struggle of a diagnosis.

Working in counselling for several years, Bec is passionate about empowering people through their individual experiences.

She can speak to cancer patients at the Mackay Centre or through a telehealth appointment.

All these services are completely free.

In addition to the regular visits and counselling support, the team are also keen to start a local Cancer Support group, with more details available soon.

Meanwhile, the Trudy Crowley Centre is located at Shop 6, 41 Gregory Street in Mackay and is open from 10am to 2pm from Monday to Thursday every week.

To book a home visit with the nurses, call Jacquie on 0407 900 716.

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Registered nurse, Rosie Stannard, comforting a cancer patient. Photo supplied

Trudy Crowley, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2018. Photo supplied

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Are you due for a breast scan? If so, the Queensland Government are making it easy for you to get one free and conveniently at their mobile screening van which is visiting the region soon.

If you are between the age of 50 and 74 it is important for you to get a regular breast scan.

If you are under 50 and have a history of cancer in your family, then it is important to have a breast scan at an earlier age.

Breast cancer is the second largest cause of cancer death in Australian women after lung cancer. It also is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in Australian women.

Cancer Council Australia recommends that eligible women participate in the BreastScreen Australia program by having a free mammogram every two years, provided they are aware of the benefits and the risks.

Even though it is scary, early detection gives the best chance of survival.

Breast screening saves lives. It is one of the most effective ways to detect early signs of breast cancer, meaning treatment outcomes are much better.

Often, if caught in the early stages, the scale of treatment is reduced and less invasive.

Please note, this service is for screening only so if you have a lump or concern about a change to your breast, it is advisable to go to your doctor as soon as possible.

To make an appointment phone 13 20 50.

Dates For The Whitsundays

Collinsville Hospital
3 April – 12 April

Centrepoint Shopping Centre Carpark, Bowen
15 April – 13 June
15 July – 8 August

Proserpine Hospital
28 May – 28 June

Whitsunday Plaza Shopping Centre, Cannonvale
1 July – 23 August

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Two local nurses who also run a local flower business organised the first of what they hope to be a series of fundraising charity events last weekend.

Held at Whisper Gin Bar and Restaurant, the lively afternoon attracted around 60 attendees who all enjoyed some delicious mimosas and plentiful canapes served overlooking the beautiful Coral Sea.

Christie Ditchburn and Rosie Butterworth are the two local nurses who organised the event, electing to raise money for a cause close to their heart.

“We chose to give all the money raised to the Breast Cancer Foundation, which goes directly into supporting further research,” explained Christie.

“Breast cancer has touched a few people in our lives and working in the professions we do, we thought this was a worthy cause for our first event.”

Deciding to make the fundraiser both informative and impactful, the ladies invited cancer survivor Jo McGregor to come along and share her story.

Melinda Butcher from Taylors Property Specialists emceed the event and conducted a candid Q&A with Jo who gave the audience an insight into how she felt throughout her cancer journey, what her family went through and how others helped along the way.

During the event there was also a silent auction and a live auction hosted once again by Mel Butcher.

On offer to the astute buyer were items such as a Day at the Cabana at Coral Sea Resort, a night’s accommodation at Freedom Shores and a scenic helicopter ride with Helibiz.

There was also a raffle with a ‘ReefSleep for two’ kindly donated by Cruise Whitsundays.

An incredible $8000 was raised and donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation.

The two ladies would like to thank the following sponsors: Coral Sea Resort, Cruise Whitsundays, Boutique Beauty, The belvedere at Toscana, Principle Movements,
Helibiz, Hanger Cafe and bar, The Birdhouse Whitsundays, Glo Aesthetics, Whitsunday Green, Whistunday Gift Hamper, Livelife Pharmacy Cannonvale, Infuze Me, Whisper Gin Bar and Chalk Art Magic.

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It was a lively afternoon of fundraising with stunning Coral Sea views at Whisper Gin Bar and Restaurant

Stunning flowers by Espresso and Bloom, the florist owned by the two event organisers
Melinda Butcher from Taylors Property Specialists facilitated the auction. Photos supplied

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After two successful Big Cigarette Butt Hunts in Cairns, thanks to funding from Queensland Gives, No More Butts is now expanding the events to four new locations including right here in the Whitsundays.

No More Butts is taking action against cigarette butts, the single biggest contributor to litter in Australia and around the world, holding its first event in 2022 where more than a dozen volunteers picked up 4,500 butts in just under an hour.

In 2023, 20 volunteers from several different organisations and businesses joined forces to comb the streets of Cairns and, after one hour, had collected a total of 10,350 butts.

The success of this event saw two further events held in December 2023 in partnership with the Sea Shepherd Marine Debris Campaign, Rye, Victoria and Surfers Paradise played host to the groups, who picked up more than 14,000 butts.

“Partnering with councils, businesses, local rangers and other like-minded groups is having a great impact,” said No More Butts Executive Director Mr Shannon Mead.

“Although our ultimate goal is to ban plastic cigarette filters, for now, we need to spend a lot of effort on education and prevention, as well as picking up these toxic nasty plastic parcels.”

Jumping into the “butt mobile” in April, No More Butts founder Mr Mead will travel from Innisfail to Mackay to participate in the four events across two weekends.

Identifying hot spots, based on previous visits and community feedback, Mr Mead is optimistic that others may join him in the hunt for as many butts as possible.

Although some essentials will be on hand, participants are encouraged to bring their own gloves, suncream, a hat and a water bottle.

WHAT: Big Cigarette Butt Hunt
WHEN: Saturday, April 13 from 8:15am
WHERE: Carpark next to Airlie Beach Lagoon
MORE INFORMATION: https://bit.ly/nqldbh24 or scan the QR code below

20 volunteers picked up 10,350 butts in one hour in Cairns. Photo: stock image

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A long-serving and highly dedicated nurse who spent her career working at Proserpine Hospital is being remembered by the broader healthcare community this week, the ground-breaking ideas she implemented over the years celebrated by all that knew her.

Lola, the beloved wife of Mel and mother of Marcus, Michelle and Meagan, passed away unexpectedly in January aged 74.

Lola was passionate about delivering excellent healthcare to the community and it was her lifelong dream to become a nurse.

Initially undertaking cadet nursing before starting her nursing training in the late 1960s, Lola’s long career at Proserpine hospital began in 1983 as the nurse in charge of the operating theatre.

This was the beginning of a long relationship with healthcare and the local community.

Committed to supporting funding streams which assisted in providing services such as afterhours doctors, additional administration staff and the hospital consumer bus, Lola was well-known for advocating for what she believed the community needed.

Proserpine Hospital Director of Nursing (DON) Nicola Young said Lola worked tirelessly throughout the years as a Clinical Nurse in the operating theatre, sometimes seven days a week and was often on call 24 hours a day.

“In the years gone by there was only about four weeks a year when she wasn’t on call., Explained Nicola.

“Whenever theatre was happening or required, including emergency surgeries such as caesarean sections and appendectomies, as well as planned operations, Lola was there.

“If it wasn’t for Lola there is no way we would have had a theatre when the hospital was rebuilt 25 years ago.

“She pushed incredibly hard for the hospital to have that operating theatre open and available to the community even after hours.”

Nicola said Lola was very passionate about healthcare in our community.

“She always said that just because we were small didn’t mean we could provide any less of a service or that we couldn’t provide the best service here for our community in Proserpine.”

She had a proven record for implementing advanced care initiatives, sometimes even before recommendations had been made to do so, such as enrolled nurses have sterilising certificates and the benefit of skin-to-skin contact for caesarean mothers.
“So, when places like Royal Brisbane were just starting to think about it, Lola had already implemented these initiatives in Proserpine. She really was before her time.”

Health was not the only area of interest for Lola, she loved travelling within Australia and internationally and attended many international theatre conferences.

Despite retiring 14 years ago, her work continued as a member and president of Proserpine and District Hospital Auxiliary, working to raise funds and provide a link between rural health and the community.

She also served as a Mackay Health Community Council member from 2008 to 2011 and was a Consumer Advisory Partner in Mackay and part of the Consumer Reference Group in Proserpine.

Lola was a representative on a number of statewide consumer committees including Brisbane and Cairns with a particular focus on theatres and children’s services and was the recipient of a prestigious award from the Perioperative Nurses of Queensland.

She and her husband Mel were lifelong members of the Whitsunday Swimming Club and helped form the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club, of which she was also a life member.

Lola was honoured with an Australia Day award in 2011 for her contributions to the community as a sports administrator.

The Mackay Hospital and Health Service sends their condolences to the Mudie family on the passing of this incredible community advocate.

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Lola Muddie was a nurse at Proserpine Hospital who dedicated her career to creating the best opportunities and standards for our regional hospital. Photo supplied

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