For many, fitness is a word that instantly creates a feeling of “No thanks, too hard, I don’t look like those gym people, etc.” It’s sometimes as simple as this that people don’t actually regularly exercise.

After a while, if health problems begin, then the thought of being ‘fit’ just becomes a thought it’ll never happen.

The interesting thing is that when we are actively involved in fitness, or any exercise including sport, all you really want for those people is to understand that fitness is literally different for everyone.

For me, fitness has always been about challenging myself, and ensuring I have a sharp mind, and have the ability to do a diverse range of physical tasks like mountain biking, gardening, or any rigorous work.

Fitness has also evolved over the years to really include the many mental health benefits and not just the physical. It’s always been known to us ‘fitness type people’ as we regularly have the endorphin rush from exercise, as many of us embark on some kind of physical activity every day.

In summary, I want to set the notion that:

*Fitness is different for everyone

*Fitness isn’t just about the physical

*Most people that you see that take their physical health seriously, also want you to take care of their physical and mental state too.

Group fitness can be heaps of fun as you end up exercising together, similar to playing a sport.

So, if you aren’t familiar with exercising, but you’d like to give it a go, visit practically any fitness facility and try a group class.

I’m sure you’ll love it, and your physical and mental health will thank you both in the short term and long term.

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There are so many handy ‘tips for living’ lists out there. You may have come across some of them, maybe even tried to follow their guidance.

Have you noticed, though, that most - if not all - of these lists are different to each other?

They provide different guidance, by different individuals, from different generations and backgrounds, expressing their own different beliefs, perceptions, experiences, opinions, conclusions, and insights about life.

Who is to say any of these lists are ideal or even suitable to your own individual needs, life-fulfilment, and personality? Do you have the time or the inclination to try and test any such list?

What if there exists an ultimate list of ‘tips for living’? One guiding truth which is independent of anyone’s generation, background, beliefs, perceptions, experiences, opinions, conclusions, and insights?

One generic set of everlasting principles that can be trusted with utter surety by anyone, that can be applied by any individual in their own personal life, towards their own unique happiness and value-fulfilment?

Such a list does exist. It is based on giving new meaning to our choices and actions in life – meaning that is drawn from absolute truth. The first principle is this list is the one which all others rely upon.

So much so, that if you truly follow and live that first principle with meaning of absolute truth, all of the other principles in the list are automatically fulfilled, and therefore automatically so are you.

That principle is this: Trust and acceptance of yourself.

Here are some other of those simple principles:

• There are no absolutes, save for absolute truth.

• Only you choose and create all of your own reality.

• Your perception creates the content of your beliefs as a reality in your life.

• You are not locked to any destiny, except the one you create for yourself.

• You always have choices, even though you may not notice them.

• Underlyingly, everything is connected, and there is no separation.

• Love is naught but knowing and appreciation.

• You are infinitely more than a human being.

• You are never, ever alone.

What does all of this mean in Absolute Truth? Stay tuned.

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Ears can feel blocked for a number of reasons. If you have a cold or sinus issues, your Eustachian Tube, the part of the ear that allows your ears to equalise, can become clogged with mucus. This hampers your ability to easily equalise the pressure in your ears – giving you the sensation of blocked ears. In most instances, this will resolve itself over the course of a few days or weeks.

Sometimes an ear infection in the middle ear can cause your ears to feel blocked. This occurs when bacteria enter the middle ear space and the Eustachian Tube gets blocked. You may experience pain in the ear, and a temperature. Children may also display changes in behaviour and babies may rub their ears. Again, some infections may clear on their own, whilst others will require pain killers and/or antibiotics.

Wax is one of the most common reasons a person’s ears feel blocked. Earwax is not inherently bad but becomes a problem when it causes blockages or impaction. This can result in trouble hearing, pain, dizziness, ringing in the ear. Once the wax is removed, these symptoms will often disappear.

On very rare occasions, a blocked ear may be a symptom of an acoustic neuroma or cholesteatoma.

In any case, blocked ears should not be ignored and should be checked by your GP or hearing specialist.  

Whitsunday Hearing’s Cannonvale clinic is open five days week, with regular visiting sites at Proserpine, Bowen, Home Hill & Ayr.

Call 4946 4906.

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There was only sporadic immigration to Australia from the Netherlands (Holland) before World War 2 as the Dutch had their own colonies and close ties with South Africa. However, after the war the situation was different.  The Netherlands was overpopulated and much land was lost through floods and salinity. Dutch colonists were expelled from the East Indies. As a result, the number of migrants increased dramatically. Many looked to Queensland because of its climate and being highly skilled in tropical agriculture, they were easily absorbed into the local population.

One Dutch family with descendants still living in the district is the Spoor Family. Patriarch of the family, Rommert Spoor, had a factory in Holland making and exporting wooden casks. He had five sons and a daughter. When the business went broke, the sons went their different ways. The eldest, Pieter, took his two sons to Australia when his wife died, leaving Holland in 1911 and settling in Mundubbera. He sent for his brother, Atze who, with his family of four, arrived in Australia in 1912. Atze had worked on trains in Holland and took a job in Cloncurry. They had two more children – Jim and Wietske. Jim was a carpenter and he built quite a few houses in Proserpine.

The second eldest son, Dirk, whose first wife had also died, migrated to Australia and also settled in Mundubbera. He went in for cattle and reputedly sold some to Faust station. He also visited the Proserpine Show with some of his cattle, Illawarras.

Tietstke, the only Spoor daughter of Rommert, married Koos van Noort. They settled in Australia pre-1920, firstly in Brisbane where Koos, a very skilled tailor, made a suit for the Prince of Wales. The Van Noorts never had any children and later came to Proserpine to live. Here Koos worked for Mr Tom Byers.

In 1924, on a trip back to Holland, they persuaded more members of the Spoor family to migrate. When Fred Spoor heard they were returning for a visit, he sold up their hardware store and with his wife, Sara, and three daughters, Wietske, Elizabeth and Mary, he headed off too. When they came to Proserpine, Peter and Bob were already farming in the area. Fred grew cane for a while and started a sawmill for tomato cases. He was a good cabinet maker and very good at French polishing, making many a beautiful chess table for locals.

Later, Fred bought a lorry and used to take a crowd to the beach on sports days. Weekly, they carted groceries for farmers – Baumgartens, Cowans, Valmadres, Thorogoods, Sinclairs and Gaspers. They also carted groceries for Happy Valley miners.

Mary married Wal Spencer and Wietske married John Holcombe. Elizabeth married their cousin, Bob Spoor, and they had three girls and one boy, Piet, who continued farming in the area.

Bertus Mazijk also migrated from Holland and eventually married one of the Spoor daughters, Christine.

Descendants of both the Spoor and Mazijk families still reside in the district with one of Piet’s sons, Dale Spoor, still farming in the Kelsey Creek area. Just one member of Rommert Spoor’s family remained in Holland.

Story courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum and “Memories” by Mary Spencer (nee Spoor); photo courtesy Spoor family.

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Cannonvale Twins Come Home

After 37 days at Townsville Hospital, twins Owen and Evan have finally made it home to Cannonvale with their proud parents and excited older brother.

The boys arrived at just 32 weeks and were kept in the Special Care Nursery while they reached a healthy size.

It had been an intense pregnancy for mum Louise (Lou) Grice who was diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome early on.

This meant the babies shared unequal amounts of the placenta’s blood, restricting the growth of one baby.

To solve the issue, Lou needed to endure an operation at 18 weeks so that the blood vessels that run from one twin to the other could be separated.

Lou says the whole journey for her and her husband Matty has been a rollercoaster - the initial news that she was carrying twins was the biggest surprise of them all.

“There are no twins in the family, so it was very much a shock for us,” Louise said.

“I told Mathew he didn’t need to be at the scan as we had already gone down this road with our first son, Cameron.

“I couldn’t believe it when they told me it was twins and when I told Mathew his jaw dropped, and his face screwed up, but I could see he was smiling.”

Lou’s membranes ruptured on February 9, and she was swiftly moved from Proserpine to Townsville where she spent a week in hospital.

A long wait ensued, and the boys were finally born 15 days later.

Lou went into labour at 11.30pm which meant that the twins were born minutes apart yet managed to cross over two dates and will forever have different birthdays.

Evan was born at 11.56pm on 24 February and Owen at 12.02am on 25 February.

Lou said being the mum of multiples was ‘surreal’.

“The first time they were both put on me, it felt like a bit of a glitch in the matrix to look at both of them at the same time,” she said.

“You’re wired to just look at one.”

Now that she has returned to earth and is happily ensconced in the baby bubble of newborn family life, Lou says that the daily routine is hectic but fulfilling.

“Matty and I are often like a highly synchronised team swapping babies to feed, nappy change and play with,” said Lou.

“Everything takes a little longer than with one newborn so we just allow a little more time when getting out and about.

“The twins are quite the attraction when we head to the shops and have been stopped many times now in the few trips we've made out.”

Lou and Matty would like to thank everyone who has been involved with the safe delivery of their precious twins.

“The medical team who took care of us were incredible, from our GP at 121 Medical here at home, to both the pre and postnatal teams at Townsville Hospital as well as the specialists in Brisbane,” said Lou.

“And especially the midwives and nurses after birth who provided essential care in the first few weeks of their life, we learned so much from each of them and each had a unique piece of information we have taken home with us to help the transition to home life.”

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Lou Grice with her newborn twins, Evan and Owen

After 37 days at Townsville Hospital the twins returned home last week

Big brother Cameron holds his baby brother.

Photos supplied

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An aerial search mission has ended in tragedy after a young couple were found deceased in the wreckage of a light aircraft earlier this week.

The Piper Cherokee aircraft was reported missing around 6:30pm, Sunday, April 2 when it failed to land as expected at Bloomsbury’s Lakeside Airpark.

The aircraft departed from a cattle station at Natal Downs, around 300km west of Mackay, on Sunday afternoon, due to land at Bloomsbury by 5:00pm.

A large-scale aerial search was conducted overnight, covering 330km, with a QG Air Rescue helicopter from Townsville discovering the wreckage in the rainforest-covered Clark Ranges, west of Proserpine, around 10:00am Monday morning.

“Rest Easy, Cowboy”

The wreckage of a Piper Cherokee aircraft was discovered in the dense bushland of the Clark Ranges on Monday morning with the bodies of 22-year-old Rhiley Kuhrt and his pregnant 24-year-old wife Maree onboard.

The couple were enroute to Bloomsbury from Natal Downs when they were met with adverse weather conditions.

They had recently relocated to Natal Downs, near Charters Towers, to work on a cattle station and were flying east to visit family based in and around Mackay.

Mr Kuhrt, the son of a Mackay police officer, is said to have flown the route regularly.

A GoFundMe has been set up in aid of the two families by Mr Kuhrt’s sister, Beccarah Markham-Gaudion, where she described the flight as “routine”.

“We are all absolutely heartbroken and utterly grief stricken,” she said.

“Three incredible lives were cut way too short.”

Tributes have flown for the young “cowboy”, who would have celebrated his 23rd birthday on Wednesday, his wife, who is believed to have a young daughter, and their unborn child.

“A fella couldn't help but be constantly impressed by Maree and Rhiley's sense of adventure and zest for life,” said one friend.

“You figure quick they're a special kind when you’re helping her onto the back of a rodeo bull and see he's managing cattle stations at such a young age.”

“You were honestly a beautiful couple and deserved nothing but happiness,” said another.

“I will cherish the memories and moments we had working together last year.

“Love you both to the moon and back.”

Investigations into the incident have begun between police and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, with the retrieval operation taking days due to the limited access and rugged terrain of the crash site.

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The wreckage of a Piper Cherokee light aircraft was discovered by a Townsville-based QG Air Rescue helicopter earlier this week. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Rhiley and Maree Kuhrt died when their light aircraft crashed in the Clark Ranges, west of Proserpine. Photo supplied: Facebook

22-year-old Rhiley Kuhrt and 24-year-old Maree Kuhrt passed away following a light plane crash earlier this week. Photo supplied: Facebook

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Last month, Mackay Life reported on teacher Mohamed Johnson-Kanu requesting school supplies to send to impoverished schools in his home country of Sierra Leone.

Contacting primary and secondary schools throughout the region, as well as Mackay Regional Council, he is requesting the donation of supplies such as textbooks, novels, furniture, computers, filing cabinets and other resources.

Mr Johnson-Kanu has provided an update, saying that a shipping container has been acquired and sits at Pioneer State High School waiting to be filled.

“We just need people to continue donating furniture and those sorts of things and we need to raise some money to send the container to Sierra Leone,” he said.

Anyone interested in assisting is asked to contact Mr Johnson-Kanu on 0418 402 000 or email mjo2123@bigpond.com or mxjoh11@eq.edu.au.

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Mabinty Marion and Mohamed Johnson-Kanu. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Good Deed Feed

Mackay Base Hospital staff were touched by positive support from parents Hannah and Andrew Farrar, who had been through a “rollercoaster pregnancy”.

The couple’s twins, Mackenzie Rae and Vincent Brent Farrar, were born almost two weeks ago at the local hospital, arriving just ahead of their due date at 37.5 weeks.

Ms Farrer said that she knew having twins would be more difficult than a single pregnancy but without the support of the hospital’s Women’s Health Unit and physios, it would have been an extraordinary struggle.

“Very early on I was feeling so heavy and was put in touch with Dale from the Physio Department who helped with pelvic movement,” Hannah said.

“For the last 10 weeks I rested as much as I could. My stomach muscles had separated and I was unable to drive which meant I had to be chauffeured around by my family.”

Ms Farrer and her twins extended a heartfelt thank you to the team of clinicians and staff involved in the family’s antenatal and postnatal care.

“We honestly couldn’t have got through a difficult twin pregnancy without the amazing compassion and guidance from Dr Chandika and our midwife Liz,” Ms Farrer said.

“The comfort they gave me each and every time I saw them will never ever be forgotten.

“They delivered our twins safely with genuine care and support, and for that we are forever grateful.”

The twins are now resting up before they’re introduced to the extended family throughout the year.

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Hi Readers

You may or may not have heard that WA band Spacey Jane are heading our way in June. The indie rockers seemingly came out of nowhere, developing a sound that saw them become arguably the biggest band in Australia. I was surprised and excited when I saw Mackay on their regional tour. It’s surely got to be one of the bigger contemporary acts to come north since I’ve lived here, and I think it will be a fun and important night for Mackay music. I had a chat to the band’s drummer Kieran Lama about all this and more which you can read on page 20. Also, make sure to grab your tickets and support regional live music.

It's been a relatively quiet year so far for touring artists, but filling that space, as always, has been the hardworking local scene. Gigs at Empire, the Ambassador and even the Sugar Bowl skate park have kept local music fans busy. There’s also some big releases coming this year from local bands like Red Veridian and Subservia, so keep your eyes out for these. I’m hoping to share more stories from Mackay’s growing music scene here in the paper, so if you’re interested in getting involved, reach out to sam@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com.

Of course, we do have a bevy of big gigs to look forward to. On top of Spacey Jane in June, we have Legends on the Lawn in May, Be Social later in June, NQ's Rock'n Country in August and Tia Gostelow’s Sugar Drop Festival appears to have something in the works. I aim to keep Mackay readers and listeners on top of everything music with my work in the newspaper alongside my show on local community radio station 4CRM 107.5FM. Make sure to tune into The Prekend every Thursday from 8:00pm, where I aim to shine a light on local up-and-comers as well as bring my favourite music from all over the world to Mackay's airwaves.

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A key group of local youth sector stakeholders set out to have conversations with 1,000 youth, aged 10 to 21, to find out how they feel about living in the Mackay region and what they would like to see change.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, who was at Teen Shed Mackay earlier this week to launch the product of those conversations, the YOL1000 report (Youth Out Loud) – congratulated the project team on engaging with so many of our region’s young people.

“This tremendous report is the result of one of the most extensive, targeted engagement projects ever undertaken locally,” Mr Williamson said.

“It outlines the key things that we heard from young people and the key trends that have emerged from those conversations.

“Young people clearly told us that they value our beautiful natural environment and places and spaces, however, they also highlighted a few key things they feel are missing.

“Something they wanted more of was access to safe spaces to gather, outside the school and home environment, and entertainment options that are specifically for young people.”

Teen Shed is one of those safe spaces and, having recently moved to Mackay from the Sunshine Coast, Isabella Versaci joined to meet new people.

“I’ve made a lot of friends and met a lot of people with likeminded interests,” she said.

“It makes me get out of my comfort zone and I would definitely recommend it for other people.”

While Isabella wasn’t involved in YOL1000, she agreed that access to safe spaces was a high priority for her and her family.

“Teen Shed brings that safety and knowing that there’s an always an adult to make sure nothing happens,” she said.

Manager of Community Development at MADEC and YOL1000 member Karen Bonham said the report would spur some exciting initiatives in the youth community.

“What we also hope is that other organisations, services and businesses around the region will read the report and engage with YOL to support current and future initiatives in response to what we have heard from young people,” Ms Bonham said.

“This initiative is already encouraging local youth service providers and government to seek targeted solutions for young people.”

The YOL1000 report is available online at www.mackay.qld.gov.au/yol1000.

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Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, Isabella Versaci and Manager of Community Development at MADEC and YOL1000 member Karen Bonham. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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A Mackay school student has returned from Western Australia with a gold medal after succeeding at the 2023 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.

Nate McKinnon, a year 9 student at Whitsunday Anglican School, finished first in the U14 Male division on the weekend of March 25-26.

The achievement is the result of many hours of study and training, making Nate the first national gold medallist from the Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club and region.

Nate’s father grew up surf lifesaving at Maroochydore Surf Club and got Nate and his three siblings involved in the Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club six years ago, when Nate was eight.

“The culture (at Eimeo is) really good,” Nate said.

“It’s a really positive and a nice atmosphere to be in.

“Their support’s been really good with helping us getting over there and supplying us with boards.”

Nate attends Nippers at Eimeo every Sunday, also training four times a week at the beach and eight times a week at Pat Wright Swim School with his coaches Pat Wright and Greg Bourne, as well as his mother.

He found success at recent branch trials which qualified him for states earlier in March.

Nate then qualified for Nationals, travelling to Western Australia and finishing first.

“It was really nice to go to a new environment with different features and waves and beaches,” he said.

The championships tested his all-round ability in theory, live patient assessment and physical races, involving board, swim, tube and sprint races.

When it comes to preparation, Nate’s approach is a simple one.

“I just go out there and give it my best shot,” he said.

He said the excitement was palpable between him and his father when he won gold.

“I was really excited and surprised at the same time,” Nate said.

“(Dad) was really happy when we learnt that I got gold.”

Nate hopes to continue surf lifesaving throughout his life, striving to do return to Mackay with gold again next year.

“I’d like to keep doing surf lifesaving as I get older,” he said.

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Nate McKinnon won gold at the 2023 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. Photos supplied

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The Greater Whitsunday Council of Mayors Suicide Prevention Taskforce has unveiled an innovative community-led suicide prevention model aimed at improving mental health care in the Greater Whitsunday region.

The Pathways Connect model is designed to work in alignment with all existing services, community groups and initiatives within the region.

"What has been developed is a community-led, early intervention suicide prevention pilot model, co-designed by community, industry, and government representatives from across the Greater Whitsunday footprint, and is intended to help our people find the right option, at the right time,” said Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson.

The Taskforce was established in response to the regions’ concerns about escalating suicide rates and the difficulties residents face in accessing appropriate mental health services.

"The most important aspect of this model is getting people to the right assistance or service for their individual situation,” said Lived Experience Representative Emma Rix.

“If we can do this, not only will it create a better experience for those who are struggling, but we will also ease the pressure on the services we have in the community.”

Over the course of 2022, Greater Whitsunday Communities worked alongside a diverse range of community members and service providers to design an outreach model to create better access to mental health resources.

“By providing early intervention and support through trained peers, it (the Pathways Connect model) enhances access to mental health services and aims to prevent suicide in the region,” said Greater Whitsunday Communities Executive Officer Carol Norris.

Greater Whitsunday Communities is now seeking financial contributions and partnerships to begin implementation of the pilot model, with the intention of working in alignment with all existing services, community groups and initiatives.

The Greater Whitsunday Council of Mayors Suicide Prevention Project Co-design Report can be publicly accessed at the Greater Whitsunday Communities website: www.greaterwhitsundaycommunities.org.au.

If this story raises any issues, please visit your regular GP, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, present at one of Mackay Hospital and Health Services’ Mental Health Units or, in a crisis, emergency departments.

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Back row L-R Fiona Bobongie, Courtney Wilson, Carol Norris, Karin Barron, Mackay Deputy Mayor Karen May, Deb Rae, Stephanie Zweers, Front L-R Whitsunday Mayor Julie Hall, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson and Isaac Mayor Anne Baker. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Banks across the region had staff dress up in colourful clown props last week to raise funds for an important cause.

Clown Doctors is a national program that provides highly trained, professional “medical clowns” to help uplift the spirits of sick kids by delivering doses of laughter and joy throughout hospitals.

The Commonwealth Bank branches at Caneland Central, Mount Pleasant, Proserpine, Airlie Beach and Bowen rallied with CBA branches across the country to raise much needed funds for Smile Month, the national fundraiser for the Clown Doctors run by The Humour Foundation.

“We’re really proud to support such a worthy organisation,” said CBA Caneland Branch Manager Elizabeth McLean (Geisler).

“Clown Doctors do amazing things for sick kids in hospitals.”

The branch held a lolly raffle throughout the day as well as accepting donations from customers to raise funds.

“People have been so wonderful in their generosity in supporting such a worthy cause,” Ms McLean said.

The Clown Doctors program makes more than 230,000 visits each year to children in 22 hospitals across Australia.

CBA branches will host a variety of fundraising events and collect customer donations during the fundraising campaign between Friday March 31 and Friday April 28.

Tony Warner, CEO of The Humour Foundation, commended CBA’s ongoing commitment to helping the Clown Doctors.

“Over the past 20 years CommBank Staff Foundation has helped provide funds and build awareness of the wonderful work the Clown Doctors do,” he said.

“We’d like to express our sincere gratitude for all the fundraising efforts in CBA branches and its customers for their ongoing contributions – all funds raised allow us to continue to bring the magic of Clown Doctors to sick kids in hospitals across the country.”

Donations to The Clown Doctors can be made at any Commonwealth Bank branch throughout April or online at: commbank.com.au/clowndoctors.

Ms McLean added that CBA Caneland is proud to support local community groups through CBA Community Grants.

“We’ve had customers vote for a community group of their choice since January,” she said.

“The winner of those groups will get a $500 funding boost, and the runner-up will get $250.”

A new round of funding nominations will begin in July; visit https://www.commbank.com.au/about-us/opportunity-initiatives for more information.

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Elizabeth McLean (Geisler), Marissa Thompson and Shani Garioch of CBA Caneland Central delivered smiles aplenty. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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When Nanyima Aged Care invited residents to “make a wish”, Colleen and Ken Walker suggested fish and chips on the beach.

The local pair, who met at a Friday night dance as teenagers, have long loved the beach.

“My parents had a beach house, and we were down there all the time,” said Colleen.

“At that age, all the young ones were at the beach of a weekend.

“It’s just a lovely place with lovely people.”

“They’re just loving being out here in the fresh air having a meal with everybody in the community,” said Diversional Therapist Tanya Tooma.

“It actually boosts their confidence and self-esteem.”

When the aged care home contacted Scott Palmer at the surf club to book a lunch, he was ready to go “bigger and better”.

After lunch, residents were treated to punch on the beach and a toe-dip in the ocean thanks to the surf club’s beach wheelchair and buggy.

“We’re just trying to show that the surf club isn’t just the beach, it’s the whole community,” Scott said.

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14 Nanyima Aged Care residents enjoyed fish and chips at Mackay Surf Life Saving Club before dipping their toes in the water. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Schools across the region are now more informed about the hazards of screen time addiction, ‘sextortion’ and other digital dangers that are impacting the well-being of children.

The Australian Institute of Family Studies found that children between four and five average more than two hours of screen time per day.

By the time they reach their teenage years, this has risen to more than three hours during the week and over four hours per day on the weekend.

This means that up to 30 per cent of the average Australian child’s wake time is spent in front of a screen.

The Queensland Police-led educational sessions, which were presented to 4,718 students, 260 teachers and 210 adults/parents over the past few weeks, are aimed at informing our community about the signs and symptoms of screen addiction.

Led by internationally respected speaker and expert in digital addiction, Brad Huddleston, the talks have opened the conversation and inspired changes in behaviour for many students.

Brad has been facilitating annual Digital Rehab and Cyber Safety tours in the region for over a decade and he teams up with this year’s Citizen of the Year, Sergeant Nigel Dalton, to provide information on both the education and the potential legal dangers of online safety.

During the talks, Brad shows attendees images of the brain which illustrates the neuroscience of how our brains are impacted by excessive screen time.

“Limiting screen time doesn’t work,” said Brad.

“You have to actually detox – cold turkey – for between four and six weeks in order for the brain to return to normal.”

Concerned that extreme screen time can lead to behavioural issues and angry outbursts, Brad says that because a child’s pre-frontal cortex is not fully developed, when dopamine floods the pleasure centre of the brain they have “no brakes”.

Brad is concerned that as the ‘metaverse’ starts to gain traction in the form of 3D goggles and 3D reality – children will sink even further into addiction.

Children in this state lack empathy, constantly say “I’m bored” and need more and more to stimulate their brains.

“It’s like a drug,” said Brad.

“They need to do more to achieve the same result and they get angry when you take the device away.”

During the sessions, Nigel also talks about ‘sextortion’ and while they were visiting local schools, two cases came in where unsuspecting teenagers had been targeted.

Sextortion largely involves an online relationship where a youngster is encouraged to film intimate acts and nudity then send the images or video to their online lover.

When the content is received the scammer will blackmail the teenager for money.

In one local case, a boy gave the scammer $500 of his savings and was only caught when he attempted to use his mother’s credit card.

As most of this originates from offshore perpetrators it is almost impossible for anyone to get their money back.

The Digital Rehab and Cyber Safety tour visits schools from Bowen to Sarina every year.

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Sergeant Nigel Dalton educates students about ‘sextortion’

Internationally respected speaker and expert in digital addiction, Brad Huddleston. Photos supplied

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