With Clay Bauman

I’m very happy to say that other Councillors and Whitsunday Regional Council (WRC) staff have supported my idea for a Cannonvale Community catch up which will be held at the restaurant in TAFE Cannonvale (190 Shute Harbour Rd) on Wednesday, March 29 from 9am till 11 am.  

If you can’t make it in person, you can ask a question now through the WRC Yoursay webpage. There is even a chance to win an Easter Hamper if you register or update your details on Yoursay this month. Visit yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au for more information.

I fully support the Mayor’s initiative to connect directly with the community through these events as they move around the region and I look forward to talking with as many people as possible.

As part of Council’s current Community Engagement Strategy, we are investigating creating a network of ‘Community Champions’. These people would collaborate with Council early in project development and channel information back and forth between Council and their networks.

If you have the time and passion to participate in forums, workshops and other consultation activities relevant to your areas of interest, or if you have a strong connection to social networks that you represent or share information with, being a Community Champion might be a role for you. Head to Yoursay Whitsunday for more information.

For those that haven’t heard, Council has voted against the approval for a Transport Depot near the intersection of Rifle Range Road, Mt Marlow and against a proposal for commercial storage sheds next to Tropic Rd, Cannonvale. 58 submissions and a petition played a role in Council’s decisions and shows me how important having your say is.

Working towards planning that allows new residential, industrial and economic growth, while maintaining our liveability and amenity will always be very close to my heart. It is not just the current decisions that are important, but the long term forward thinking that sets us up for a successful and prosperous future which is a key aspect of our job.

Amongst lots of meetings and reading, I’ve been following up on people’s concerns and complaints and had the pleasure of visiting the Scouts, SES, PCYC Sports Expo, the AFL Preseason Carnival and even had the opportunity to crew in the lady skipper’s sailing race on International Women’s Day.

My role as your Councillor certainly is varied and I am trying my best for everyone who has put their trust in me.

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With just two owners overseeing its entire 50-year history, Cannonvale Marine is celebrating not only an impressive personal milestone but also the outstanding achievement of being one of the most stable and longest-running businesses in the Whitsundays.

Established in 1973 by retired engineer Ron Dorman, Cannonvale Marine was the first stand-alone marine dealership in the region.

Ron’s two sons operated the business and after six years a young Darrell Hinschen started his marine engine apprenticeship with the team.

Darrell soon became an integral part of the business and, 14 years later, he was offered the opportunity to purchase Cannonvale Marine with his wife Leanne.

The couple partnered with another Cannonvale Marine apprentice, Matthew Telford, who was a partner in the business for 15 years.

Darrell and Leanne have now operated the business successfully for the last 30 years.

Both Whitsunday locals, Darrell and Leanne are originally from well-known cane-farming families.

“I grew up fishing because our farm was on the O’Connell River,” said Darrell.

“My oldest, happiest memories are fishing – going down the river with Dad – or we’d go to one of the creeks and fish, so it was only natural for me to get into this.”

Over the years Darrell and Leanne have witnessed many changes within the industry.

Technology has been one of the most significant - from the introduction of GPS and electric trolling motors to the reduction in the use of two-stroke motors which have now been replaced with modern, technically advanced, cleaner engines.

“Another big change is that up to 10-15 years ago we were selling boats, primarily for people to go fishing. We are now selling boats for people to go boating and enjoy the Whitsundays,” explains Darrell.

“We’ve still got those people that want to fish, but we’ve now also got others that probably wouldn’t even carry a rod on the boat! ”

The Whitsundays now has the highest number of boat registrations per capita in Australia – but while the nature and the scale of their boating business have definitely changed, it is the good old-fashioned service at Cannonvale Marine that has remained the same.

“Our focus has always been on doing the best job possible,” said Darrell.

“When we first started there wasn’t a big population so if you didn’t get repeat business you wouldn’t last – the fact that we’ve been here for 50 years means that we must be doing something right!”

Timeline

1973

Cannonvale Marine was opened by Ron Dorman and his Sons

1979

Darrell Hinschen started his marine engine apprenticeship

1993

Darrell and Leanne Hinschen, Matthew Telford purchase Cannonvale Marine

1997

Cannonvale Marine becomes the exclusive Quintrex dealer

2008

The business diversifies to include Honda power equipment

2009

Darrell and Leanne become sole owners of Business

2023

Cannonvale Marine celebrate 50 years in business

Service, Parts And Repair

Cannonvale Marine is just as busy servicing the needs of boaters as they are in selling its impressive range of Quintrex aluminium boats and trailers.

Whether you are bringing your boat in for its 12-monthly service or you need a troublesome engine fixed, their service team offer expert workmanship, and is both fast and efficient in getting your boat back on the water.

Their chandlery also offers a range of gadgets, spare parts and accessories.

Power Equipment and Cyclones

For the last 15 years, Cannonvale Marine has also supplied power equipment to the community as a Honda supplier, offering everything from mowers and brush cutters to generators.

This side of the business operated quietly for a long time but it was when Tropical Cyclone Debbie hit the Whitsundays in 2017 that it became an essential part of the immediate recovery.

“During that time, we were open 12 hours a day just fixing generators and we didn’t charge anyone,” said Leanne.

“Everyone was in shock; everyone was just trying to cope – we rang our supplier and of course, every business has a credit limit – but they told us we could have whatever we wanted!

“I nearly cried! We were able to provide the community with the generators they needed.”

Costs Then And Now

A 25 horsepower engine – was $785 – now $5,900

A 3.7 metre boat trailer - was $180 - now $2,300

A 115 horsepower outboard - was $2,055, now over $21,000

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Owners of Cannonvale Marine, Leanne and Darrell Hinschen. Photo credit: Declan Durrant

A young Matt Telford and Darrel Hinschen in 1985. Photo supplied

25 years as a Johnson/OMC Dealer (1998). L-R: Leanne and Darrell Hinschen, Matt Telford and Paul Hamer (OMC Rep). Photo supplied

Darrel, Jack and Geoff Hinschen. Photo supplied

Airlie Beach Rotary Boat Show in 2010. Photo supplied

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To mark their half-century of trading, Cannonvale Marine is inviting the community to a special evening of celebrations at their showroom at 14 McIntosh Drive on Saturday, April 1.

A night of light entertainment, food, drinks and great conversation, Darrell and Leanne are excited to welcome regular customers, friends and those in the community who would like to join in.

“After 30 years of ownership and 50 years of Cannonvale Marine in total, I think it’s something worthy of celebrating,” said Darrell.

“It’s a good catch-up with like-minded people, that’s what it’s about – we all have that one thing in common, boating and fishing, so there is always plenty to talk about.”

On the night local talented musician Jenny Borellini will be providing entertainment, a local food van will be cooking up delicious pizza for all to enjoy and the esky will be brimming with cold drinks to say cheers to 50 years!

During the evening guests are also welcome to browse the boats, trailers and other boating merchandise – with many special deals on the night, for your opportunity to snap up a bargain.

Anyone who spends over $50 will automatically enter into a draw to win a boat valued at $13,000.

“This night is our way of saying thank you to everyone who has helped over the years,” said Darrell.

“We hope you can make it!”

WHAT: Cannonvale Marine 50 Years celebration

WHERE: 14 McIntosh Drive, Cannonvale

WHEN: Saturday, April 1 from 5pm to 8pm

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Go Boating With Quintrex!

It was 26 years ago that Darrell and Leanne made one of their best business decisions by becoming the Whitsunday region’s dedicated Quintrex dealer.

An elite brand, the decision to sell Quintrex at Cannonvale Marine allowed them to provide the best products for the booming local boating community.

“Quintrex are the number one aluminium boat brand in Australia by a country mile,” said Darrell.

“I think their sales account for around 70 per cent of all boats sold in Australia – the 30 per cent is then everybody else so they are a massive company.”

For Darrell and Leanne, however, the size, quality and market share were just one part of the picture – they also value the way Quintrex listen to their dealers and are open to taking on suggestions.

“At our annual conferences they ask us for our opinion and customer feedback,” explains Darrell.

“And then within a very short space of time, Quintrex would be changing certain features to suit the current market.”

Darrell experienced this firsthand when he got together with a few other dealers and suggested that the Renegade’s unique concave hull shape, which had previously only been available with premium painted boats, be used on a more affordable model.

“They started making one with a straight-sided hull but with this unique concave shape underneath which brought the price down and they are now one of the most popular models!” he said.

Cannonvale Marine has been the Queensland Dealer of the Year twice for Quintrex – once in the 2005-06 financial year and then in 2012-13 - they are now hoping they can celebrate 50 years by winning the award for the third time.

“That would be magic!” said Leanne.

Cannonvale Marine is celebrating their 50 years in business by giving away a 370 Outback Explorer with a 20-horsepower Honda engine that is valued at around $13,000.

Customers simply need to spend $50 in-store to be entered into the draw.

“We have $50 gift cards, so if you don’t know what you want to buy at the moment you can always grab a gift card and then if you get a service later on in the year, we can take your $50 off that!”

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Apprentice Jack Grigg, apprentice Lachlan Gray and service manager James McDonald. Photo credit: Declan Durrant

Owner Darrel Hinschen holding the 2012/13 Quintrex Dealer of the Year Award. Photo supplied

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A local teenager has relearned to walk thanks to a local boxing gym after undergoing two reconstructive surgeries to manage a congenital disorder.

Bowen-born Hugh Hanneman’s cerebral palsy had pulled his left foot to an almost 90-degree angle to the ground before two ankle and foot reconstructions this year remedied the issue – and left him wheelchair-bound for four months.

Hugh’s mother, Sally Hanneman, said her son had to “virtually relearn to walk” after the successful surgery, which was when they turned to a local personal trainer, Wes Bau.

“Hugh has been seeing Wes for the past two years now,” Mrs. Hannaman said.

“In that time, physically, he has improved enormously, and not only that but he loves it – he’d come every day if he could. This surgery took Hugh back somewhat, but what Wes has done for him in helping him while he was in the wheelchair is astounding.”

Mr Bau, owner and trainer at Wes Bau Personal Training, said the overall journey in those two years is just as astounding as Hugh’s efforts in relearning to walk.

“Over time, with the help of the operations and what I could contribute, Hugh has gained strength in his legs,” Mr Bau said.

“That’s given him confidence; he beams in here now, he's full of humour when he walks in. It's a good feeling for me, to have helped any kid. We never had this when I was growing up here, in Bowen. There wasn't an opportunity for kids to find help through something like boxing.

“He’s never whinged, never gives in - he just gives me cheek.”

Hugh’s physical disability, cerebral palsy, pertains to movement, presenting in various symptoms, including exaggerated reflexes, floppy or rigid limbs and muscles, involuntary motions and poor coordination.

Each of these makes it difficult to pursue any kind of exercise – though not impossible. Mrs Hanneman said training with Mr Bau had been given the “green light” by doctors.

“They said to us, whatever he is doing, keep doing it,” she said.

“What he has been able to accomplish with this help is extraordinary, and what Wes helps him and other kids achieve is truly special.

"He should be an inspiration to other kids out there who haven't had to struggle as he has."

The most impressive progress Hugh has made is going from a two-kilogram dumbbell life to six – improving 300 per cent.

Hugh said, with how quickly he was advancing, he was closing in on being able to take Mr Bau on, toe-to-toe, in the ring.

“I tell him to put the gloves on every time we go in the ring,” Hugh said.

“I get him on the ropes already, so it’s not looking good for him.”

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A Man among Men

“Breadalbane”, “Cricklewood”, “Abydos”, and “Therallie” were the names of properties in Glen Isla owned by the district’s early settlers. The Waite brothers, George Augustus (Gus) and Charles Beveridge, owned Breadalbane, a name still in use today.

George and Charles were graziers who were amongst the first men to take up land in the area, their initial purchase being in 1873. The Waite brothers’ holding comprised all the land between the river and Main Street, back towards the show-grounds.  It was densely covered in scrub and included the area where the water tower now stands.  The Waites were big land holders, also taking up Crystalbrook and Cannon Valley runs.

The brothers played a pivotal role in establishing the sugar industry in Proserpine. When the Proserpine Central Sugar Mill finally got underway in 1897, after a decade of disappointment following the collapse of the Crystal Brook Sugar Company, the cost far exceeded the amount of security the farmers could provide. It was largely due to the generosity of Gus Waite that the problem was solved in an exceptional way.  He made 3000 acres of his own estate available to be surveyed and sold for farm blocks thus securing sufficient debentures to meet the required government valuation and he chaired the meetings which requested government assistance. What an achievement on that memorable occasion on September 16, 1897 when Lena Waite, wife of G.A. Waite, cracked the proverbial bottle of champagne.

While both Gus and Charles Waite were civic minded, it was Gus who made the most notable contributions to the district. He took part in anything to improve the town.  Before there was a hospital or a dentist, his services were often called upon, particularly to pull teeth, as he had had some medical and dental training in his youth. He was President of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Show Association, Hospital Board, Ambulance Committee and the Proserpine-Bowen Tramway Board.

Gus Waite was Chairman of the Wanagaratta Divisional Board 1888-1891; 1893-1894 and 1898-1899. In 1910, he was on the first Proserpine Shire Council when it separated from Bowen and from 1913-1914, he was Shire Chairman.  During his first year, he informed councillors that many angry men had threatened his life if a road was not put through to the show-grounds.  Councillors Waite and Biggs moved that a road be formed as speedily as possible and the motion was carried unanimously.  In later years, this road was named Anzac Road in remembrance of our fallen soldiers from World War One. In early 1914, Gus Waite was again on the Council in Number 1 Division.

It was not only farmers who benefitted from Gus Waite’s magnanimous gestures.  In 1912, the Show committee leased property owned by Gus – the value of the land was £140 with rates £4/1/8d yearly. Dr Anderson, our first resident doctor, bought land from him on which to build the homes, Parkfields and The Grange.

George Augustus Waite was a man among men.  By the time of his passing on September 28, 1914, the town had a hospital, a good school and many businesses, in no small measure due to his efforts. It is fitting that his tombstone sits at the entrance to our cemetery and is inscribed with the words “The Father of Proserpine”.

The descendants of the two Waite brothers now live far away from Proserpine but we are reminded of their influence and contribution to the district by Waite Street which is named in their honour.                                                

Story courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and photo courtesy Whitsunday Regional Council.

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George Waite

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Bowen Community Council and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox planted the first of a garden’s worth of trees at Cooinda Family Centre last Thursday, March 16.

A small contingent of local families and dignitaries gathered for the tree planting ceremony which commemorated Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second’s Platinum Jubilee and was funded through a Queensland State Government Program.

The single tree planting event took place at the Centre’s current home on Williams Street, Bowen, with subsequent trees from the project to be planted at the new Bowen Community Centre towards the end of this year.

Chair of Bowen Community Council Christine Coventry said that the day was dedicated to the Queen’s 70 years of service to The Commonwealth.

“This tree planting honours her legacy,” Ms Coventry said.

“We are extremely grateful to be recipients of this grant, which has spent $15.1 million across Australia in the planting of trees in Her Majesty’s honour.”

Ms Coventry said the garden of trees at the new Cooinda – to be located at the Bowen Community Centre, and which she has been assured by State Government will be completed by the end of this year – will be a spectacular garden for young families.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said he was extremely pleased to see another successful planting in memory of Her Majesty in Bowen and congratulated Bowen Community Council on being awarded the much-deserved $13,636 grant.

“This round of planting was extremely special and was a reminder to this community and its businesses of our amazing Queen Elizabeth the Second,” Mr Willcox said.

“Her Majesty was a tireless advocate for the regenerating through tree planting, and this new forest will be a reminder to Bowen of her spirit for years to come.”

Previous Queen’s Jubilee Tree Planting events in the Whitsundays have taken place at the Bowen Sporting Complex, where 160 Australian native trees are to be planted this year, and at Cannonvale State Primary School, naming their 27 trees the ‘Queen’s Jubilee Fruit Forest’.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox helped to plant the first of many Queen’s Platinum Jubilee trees at Bowen’s Cooinda Family Centre last Thursday

The MP had a few helping hands to dig in the dirt and plant the new tree

Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, Community Council, and Cooinda Family Centre members gathered for the commemorative ceremony

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Staff members from Bowen’s The Grand View Hotel shaved their noggins and chins last Sunday for the World’s Greatest Shave annual charity event which raises funds for Australian families currently facing blood cancer.

The ‘Shavees’ – Peter O’Toole, Brett Crich, Aaron “Pumba”, Andrew Jackson, Stephen Knight, and Stephen Sherriden – were joined by a few brave patrons who donned the cape and went under the blades, shaving their heads for the good cause and raising a $1077.

The pub’s general manager Brett Crich said he and his duty managers have always strived to fundraise for charities and this cause was no different.

“The staff here are really, really good with charity – they’re always eager to support a great cause,” Mr Crich said.

“Aside from the fundraising side, just shaving our heads and beards shows the support to those going through battles with cancer, which is just as important.”

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Staff at the Grand View Hotel shaved their heads and bears last weekend for the World’s Greatest Shave, pictured here are hairdresser Tanielle Hunter, Grand View Hotel General Manager Brett Crich, and hairdresser Jayde Rogers pre-shave

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Locals and visitors still have the chance to win $2100 worth of holiday vouchers.

The Visitor Information Centre passport competition being run by Tourism Whitsundays in conjunction with Bowen Tourism and Business and Mackay Isaac Tourism is coming to an end.

Locals and visitors have until the end of March to visit the information centres in Bowen, Proserpine and Sarina to have the chance to win.

You can collect the passports at any of the three centres and all you need to do is visit all three to have them stamped and go in the draw to win.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said this was the second year that the competition had been run and it had proved popular again.

“The staff at the three information centres in the Whitsundays and Mackay regions have worked together to encourage more people to visit both regions,” she said.

“It provides an incentive for travellers to visit all three information centres and also encourages locals to check out their own backyard.”

Please note that the competition finishes at the end of March so get in quick for your chance to win!

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Kerry Meier of Bowen Tourism and Business is encouraging everyone to visit the information centres in Bowen, Proserpine and Sarina before the end of March for the chance to win. Photo supplied

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Pilchers Mitre10 in Bowen is pulling out all the stops in preparation for the Easter Holidays, particularly for those planning family camping trips.

The local store has pulled together some ‘Easter Festivities’ for youngsters alongside their ‘Adventure Kings Center’ – a new display for the store’s large selection of outdoor and camping equipment.

It’s a double whammy of entertainment with things for the kids and the parents: Bring the youngsters in to be entertained over the holidays with the ever-popular Pilchers Mitre10 Easter Colouring-in Competition, Giant Easter Egg Photobooth, and the ‘Easter Wall,’ then check out the Adventure Kings range of holiday camping kits to deck out the rest of your time off.

The kid's photo booth in the Pilchers Garden Centre will have parents capturing that Easter excitement and sharing that memory with family and friends.

Then grab one a Colouring-in sheet for the Pilchers Mitre10 Competition, with three age categories able to enter their best artwork to win three amazing Kids Outdoor Adventure Easter Packs – which include children’s paddleboards.

Enter in-store, bring back your child’s masterpiece, and proudly display it on the Pilchers Easter wall for all to see, with winners to be drawn Wednesday, April 5, at 3 pm, just in time for the easter long weekend.

And, when all the festivities are said and done, the Adventure Kings Centre will be beckoning with fishing gear, drones, paddle boards, camp chairs, and fridge freezers. As well as swags, sleeping bags, gazebos, firepits, and camp kitchens, if a little glamping in the holidays is on the cards.

There’s also a range of items in Kings Kids, Kings Adult, and the latest Kings Hot Pink selection.

There are plenty of fun and excellent offers for these Easter Holidays at Pilchers Mitre 10 – so bring the kids and have a little Easter Fun!

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In summer, the Whitsundays becomes a condensed thermal spring. It seems like three-quarters of the earth's water has leapt up from the sea to join the air, and being outside is measured in the time between air conditioning units.

So, when the winter wind finally arrives in the Whitsundays, it is as if the rest of the country’s beautiful summer days have reached the region – and with them, all of summer’s frills and bows.

Cloudless skies let the sun’s heat in and mornings spent with friends stretch into long afternoons and what are summer clothes in the Southern States become the Whitsundays’ winterwear.

At Coral’s City to Country in Bowen, the businesses' Queensland-sourced One Summer and Relax are the quintessential affordable dress ranges for the region.

“It’s always summer up here and you’re always wanting to wear something airy and beautiful,” Coral’s City to Country co-owner Wendy Bickhoff said.

“This range is suitable for all our Whitsunday climates because they’ve been created by a dressmaker who has lived in the region for decades.

There are four ranges sister of summer dresses available at the Bowen store - Relax, One Summer, Orientique, and Escape. Each varies in its level of curated craftsmanship – never losing its excellent standard - offering something for every pricing scale.

“These dresses are perfect for enjoying that transition into the cooler months,” Ms Bickhoff said.

“Having a picnic with family or friends, there’s no nicer feeling than wearing a gorgeous dress in the sunshine.”

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Ten Indigenous Whitsunday students celebrated their successful receipt of school scholarships as part of continued reparations to the First Nations people of Australia.

The cohort of 10 Bowen State High School students were successful in Round 14 of The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) scholarships this year.

QATSIF was formed in 2008 to give Queensland’s Indigenous families increased educational choices and life opportunities, and was developed from the unclaimed stolen wages of Indigenous Australian elders.

The program offers scholarships worth $2000 each to help support senior First Nations students in attaining their Queensland Certificates of Education/Queensland Certificates of Individual Achievement.

Over the past 4 years, Bowen State High School has had several senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students receive their QATSIF scholarships, with 16 QATSIF recipients currently studying at the school.

At a morning tea held in their honour, the students were reminded by QATSIF Coordinator Deb Belyea of the responsibility of being awarded this scholarship and the importance of valuing their education.

Bowen State High School Principal Rob Harris said recipients now have a “newfound status as role models to junior students and as such they needed to be upstanding.”

“We look forward to watching these students flourish in their new leadership roles,” Mr Harris said.

Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) School Leaders badges and certificates were also presented to student leaders Danzel – School Captain - and Jordan - Student Council Treasurer.

Both students are Round 13 Recipients of the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation Scholarship.

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Back row: Bowen State High School Principal Rob Harris, Talithia, Brock, Clarice, Wade, Jamarcia , QATSIF Coordinator Deb Belyea, and Community Education Counsellor Mrs Raylene Van Veen, and in front: Dakota, Olivia, Alexia, Graeme, and Rahkiya

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It’s been estimated that at least 1,200 people currently experience homelessness in the Mackay region.

With local support services at capacity, a group of community-minded people working in the sector have come together to form Safe Sleep Mackay, an initiative dedicated to delivering the region’s first sleepbus.

With 20 beds onboard, televisions, toilets, charging facilities and storage, sleepbus promises a safe and restful night’s sleep for those who have nowhere else to go.

“If we can get some safe accommodation for people to sleep at night, it’s going to make a difference to their life and it’s going to make a difference to the community,” said Orange Sky Service Coordinator Lisa Jamieson.

“It’s probably the option that the fewest people fall through the gaps,” added Australian Street Aid Project CEO Kayleigh Brewster.

A Safe Sleep For Those On The Street

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John spends his days reading and listening to music, a book about the Knights Templar, his current obsession.

“You’ve got to find somewhere comfortable and cool, which is the library, basically,” he said.

“I spend a lot of time in the library reading, or anywhere that’s comfortable with air conditioning.”

When the sun goes down, John seeks shelter from sporadic late-night downpours and other more sinister threats, because he currently lives on the streets.

“You just pick certain spots where you feel safe and sleep,” he said.

“It’s not a comfortable feeling.

“You’re not living in this world.

“It’s an underground world because there’s such a stigma about being on the street.”

The 70-year-old Mackay local has moved around Australia for most of his life.

He’s a surveyor by trade, has a skipper’s ticket, but spent most of his time in northern New South Wales where he owned a 15-acre bonsai nursery.

“I’ve had a good life,” John reflected.

“I’ve lived in places that have had lifts in them.

“I had peacocks in the backyard and a great big pool.

“I’ve been there and done that and here I am at the other end of the scale.”

John returned to Mackay 20 years ago after his mother had a stroke and has been here since.

A workplace injury has prevented him from working for years and, either way, he said he should be enjoying his retirement.

“It basically comes down to money,” he said.

“I was never able to work again, basically.

“Being on the pension, things go downhill.

“We’re just people and we’ve hit hard times.”

When John learnt of the possibility of a sleepbus in Mackay, he thought the news was great.

“If you can get 20 people off the street that aren’t going to get bashed, knifed, shot, whatever, of a night time … shit like that does happen … if it was coming somewhere, I’d be there, alright,” he said.

“It’s safe, for a start, and it’s a comfortable bed.”

sleepbus provides a safe, temporary overnight accommodation service, getting people off the street by offering an immediate and cost-effective solution for the community’s most vulnerable.

Each sleepbus has up to 20 secure, climate controlled, individual sleep pods with a lockable door and toilet that will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Everyone is looked after with overnight volunteer caretakers and CCTV surveillance as well as under bus storage for belongings, and pets are welcome.

Orange Sky Service Coordinator Lisa Jamieson said sleepbus will not only provide respite for those on the street, but it will also take pressure off support services who are having to turn people away.

“It is so hard to have someone turn up and you know there’s nothing you can do,” she said.

“If we can get some of that short term relief out there … the likes of CASA and St Vinnies have the opportunity to prioritise.”

Safe Sleep Mackay are currently in the process of raising the $100,000 required to build a sleepbus.

The organisation is welcoming community donations, applying for grants and asking for the assistance of local businesses, with corporate sponsorship models available.

“It really needs to be a community solution to the problem we’re seeing at the moment,” said Ms Jamieson.

“This is an investment in Mackay’s future,” agreed Kayleigh Brewster, Australian Street Aid Project CEO.

“Homelessness can happen to anyone at any time.

“Having that security and that back up for the entire region can put a lot of people’s minds at ease.”

There are currently sleepbuses operating in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Maroochydore, Redcliffe, Byron Bay, Sydney and Ballarat.

sleepbus Founder Simon Rowe conceptualised the initiative after an interaction with a man sleeping rough who looked “tired to his very core”.

“I design and build sleepbus vehicles to help keep people safe and healthy, and to provide Government and agencies tasked with assisting people with finding their pathway out of homelessness time to do so,” Mr Rowe said.

“sleepbus should not exist.

“We can do better than this.

“However, for now, we don’t have an abundance of affordable housing; more people become homeless by the day in our country alone; so sleepbus will do its part in providing a safe place to sleep until such time as it’s no longer required.”

Ms Jamieson admitted that sleepbus is not a long-term solution.

“There’s always going to be a sector of the community that we’re never going to have enough to cater for,” she said.

“It’s a long-term need, but we need a short-term fix to get us over this crisis that we’re in at the moment.”

To find out more, visit Safe Sleep Mackay on Facebook or scan the QR code.

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Orange Sky Service Coordinator Lisa Jamieson Australian Street Aid Project CEO Kayleigh Brewster are leading the way towards acquiring a sleepbus for Mackay’s most vulnerable. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

sleepbus Founder Simon RoweCaption 3: sleepbuses have been tried and tested in other regions around Australia. Photos supplied

The bustling Ports of Hay Point and Mackay are now operating a little smoother thanks to a new 22-seater bus that provides much-needed transport to an on-shore haven where weary seafarers “can relax and enjoy having their feet on land with the grass between their toes”.

Stella Maris Seafarers Mackay is largely run by volunteers who help provide this special service to over 2000 seafarers each year.

“The ports operate 24/7, and so do our volunteers, coming and going in all hours of the day and night,” said Stella Maris Centre Manager Pauline Harris.

“Our bus drivers connect the seafarers with our Centre, providing them with a home away from home”.

Located on Brisbane Street, the Stella Maris Seafarers Centre is an unassuming, but fully renovated and equipped house.

It includes an onsite bar, currency exchange, tourist souvenir shop, pool table, chapel and most importantly, access to grass.

“You’d be surprised by how many of the seafarers just want somewhere they can relax and enjoy having their feet on land with the grass between their toes,” Ms Harris says.

The service also regularly transports crew to the airport when required or to local shopping centres for personal items, and to doctors and health professionals for medical appointments.

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) said they are proud to be one of many organisations that have contributed funds towards the purchase of the new bus.

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Stella Maris Bus - Stella Maris Centre Manager Pauline Harris with North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) A/Chief Executive Office Belinda Kenny. Photo supplied

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Mackay Highway Patrol Group officers had an unusual encounter on the Bruce Highway near Mackay over the weekend when they intercepted a unique vehicle from overseas.

The officers stopped a 1974 model Austrian Steyr Puch truck, which was left-hand drive, had six wheels and was imported from Belgium, making it an unusual sight on Australian roads.

Senior Constable Carl Butcher described the interaction as "one of the more unusual intercepts that I have ever made."

The two French nationals who were driving the vehicle were found to have the correct permits and were travelling appropriately on an international registration.

The tourists were more than happy to chat with the officers and share their stories of their travels around the Mackay and Whitsunday district.

They also allowed the officers to take a photograph of their incredible vehicle, which they had shipped over from Europe for their journey around Australia.

The officers were impressed with the vehicle's unique design and enjoyed the opportunity to inspect it up close.

They appreciated the chance to see a vehicle of this type, which they had never encountered before.

As the tourists continued on their journey, the Mackay Highway Patrol Group wished them safe travels and thanked them for sharing their experience with the officers.

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Mackay Highway Patrol Group intercepted a 1974 model Austrian Steyr Puch truck. Photo supplied

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As my baby bump continues to grow larger than my love for cream doughnuts, it's time for me to take a break from working life and start preparing for the arrival of my mini-me in six-days’ time.

While I continue the nesting to welcome my little bundle of joy into the world, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your unwavering support and encouragement. The kind words and well wishes from readers have brought me so much joy during this exciting time in my life.

As I briefly step away from my role as editor to focus on the joys of motherhood, I'll miss the hustle and bustle of our vibrant community. It's been a privilege to work with our talented team to bring you the latest news and insights from our beloved Mackay region. I'm proud of the work we've done together, and I'm confident that we will continue to deliver outstanding content in my absence. Our journalist Sam Gillespie is stepping up to look after the planning of each edition while I’m away, with the support of our Whitsundays-based team.

They say it takes a village, and I’m lucky to be surrounded by a lot of tribes. The staff at Mackay Base Hospital who have been wonderful. My husband and his supportive workplace, who have given him time off at the drop of a hat to attend appointments. My own workplace at Core Publishing who helped me to execute my gender reveal and then threw me a beautiful baby shower, and my parents, who have travelled from New Zealand to be with me for three months.

While I'm filled with mixed emotions and nerves about this new chapter in my life, I'm excited to take on the challenges and joys of parenthood. I can't wait to hold my little one in my arms and start this incredible journey together. And when I return, I'll be eager to re-connect with the community and face the juggle that no doubt will come with being a working mum.

Thank you again for your ongoing support, and I look forward to catching up with you in May when I return.

Amanda

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