After a wet season that had lawns growing at record speed, a local yard and maintenance company stepped up to help keep Mackay’s cemetery neat and cared for. The team generously volunteered their time and energy to mow and tidy around headstones, making a meaningful difference for the community. Locals quickly rallied to support the effort, with one resident even offering to contribute towards fuel costs. The company shared that they were still seeking a “particular little guy” they had focused on during the clean-up, and expressed a willingness to assist Mackay Regional Council with future maintenance projects. The goodwill of this simple, thoughtful act has rippled throughout the community. Comments of praise online flowed, with one local saying: “What a kind and humble thing to do! Nice work lads, so generous and thoughtful.” Photo source: Better Yards & Maintenance Pty Ltd
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Hi lovely readers, I hope you’ve had a wonderful week. On page 5, you can read all about the fantastic residents from the outskirts of our region who were honoured with the 2026 Isaac Australia Day Awards, as featured on the cover. Across pages 3, 6, and 7, you’ll also find a spread on the recent winners from our Mackay region. If you know a community hero who deserves recognition, feel free to email me or our head office. I love meeting the quiet achievers of our region and sharing their stories with you all! On page 9, there’s a follow-up tribute on the 1918 cyclone that devastated the region 108 years ago, and next week, starting Monday, we’ll celebrate National Apprenticeship Week. A fun fact about me: I actually started a career in panel beating with my dad when I was 14. Growing up around cars, it was something I really enjoyed, and still have a passion for today. I completed three years of my apprenticeship before deciding to keep it as a hobby – lol! Apprenticeships are a great launchpad for any career, and even though I didn’t finish my trade, I still carry those skills, as well as the great memories working alongside my dad. While I sometimes miss the hands-on work, I’m far happier getting to know locals through journalism, and I’m so grateful to be here. Scripture of the week: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6
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Whitsunday Anglican School student leader Amelia Bishop has been named the 2026 Young Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day Awards, recognising her exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to both her school and the wider Mackay community. Celebrated as a role model for young people, Amelia holds multiple leadership roles within her school. She is School Captain for 2026, President of the Zonta Club, Coordinator of the Year 1 Reading Program, and a committed volunteer with the Mackay Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp, showcasing a strong commitment to service and peer leadership. Amelia’s passion extends beyond her school community, with work experience placements at ATSICHS Mackay and the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service. She aspires to study medicine and hopes to establish GP clinics that provide essential health support for Indigenous communities in rural and remote areas across Australia. On the night of the awards ceremony, Mayor Greg Williamson described Amelia as an exemplary young leader who contributes widely across community, sport and service. “Amelia founded a successful Indigenous scrunchie business at just 11 years of age and has been an inspiration and mentor to many of her peers,” Mayor Williamson said. “She actively contributes to the Mackay community through her involvement in Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club patrols, Mackay Road Runners and the Mackay Marina Run.” School Principal Mr Andrew Wheaton praised Amelia’s achievements and said, “she is a remarkable role model and a most deserving recipient of this honour.” Amelia said she was overwhelmed when her name was announced at the awards ceremony. “When I heard them announce ‘Bishop’, I was completely shocked,” Amelia said. “It was such a surreal moment.” Reflecting on the award, Amelia said the recognition reinforced the importance of giving back and being a positive role model for others. “This award means so much to me because it shows that ordinary people who are simply committed to their community can make a difference,” she said. “To know that someone took the time and effort to nominate me is incredibly humbling.” She also acknowledged the support of her family, teachers and school community. “I wouldn’t be here without the support of my family, my teachers and the staff at my school. They have all played such an important role in encouraging me and believing in me.” Amelia’s achievements have been recognised across a wide range of academic, cultural, sporting and community settings. She is a recipient of the ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award (2024) and has participated in prestigious leadership programs, including the Australian National University Indigenous Summer School and the Queensland Surf Lifesaving Youth Excellence Leadership Program. A proud Aboriginal descendant of the Kamilaroi people, Amelia currently lives on Yuwi country in Mackay. She has demonstrated strong cultural pride and creativity through her entrepreneurial venture promoting Indigenous-designed products, as well as through her poetry, earning First Place in the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) Arts Competition. Whitsunday Anglican School, along with the greater Mackay community, congratulates Amelia on this outstanding achievement and celebrates the compassion, integrity and purpose she brings to every aspect of her life. Caption: Whitsunday Anglican School student Amelia Bishop has been named 2026 Young Citizen of the Year, recognised for her outstanding leadership, community service, cultural pride, and inspiring contributions across school, sport, and wider Mackay community. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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When a police radio falls silent for the last time, it marks the end of more than a shift — it signals the close of a chapter written in service, sacrifice and steadfast leadership. Officers gathered at Mackay Police Station on Wednesday, January 28, to mark the piping out of Senior Sergeant Anthony McDowall, celebrating an extraordinary 36-year career with the Queensland Police Service. Senior Sergeant McDowall retires as one of the district’s longest-serving District Duty Officers. Throughout his career, Senior Sergeant McDowall served communities across Queensland, including Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Mt Perry, Jandowae, Winton and Mackay. His leadership saw him guide countless officers through critical incidents, major disasters, search and rescue operations and complex investigations, earning deep respect for his professionalism and calm under pressure. A Queensland Police Service representative in Mackay said, “Thank you, Senior Sergeant Anthony. We wish you all the very best in your well-earned retirement.” Caption: Senior Sergeant Anthony McDowall was piped out at Mackay Police Station, marking the end of a distinguished 36-year career with the Queensland Police Service serving communities across Queensland. Photo source: Queensland Police Service
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The Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) has been awarded Gold for Business Event Venue at the Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards 2025, recognising the venue’s excellence in hosting business events, conferences, and corporate gatherings.
As the largest convention facility between Cairns and Brisbane, the MECC boasts a 1,090-seat auditorium, two plenary halls, four meeting rooms, a 100-seat studio, breakout areas, and an in-house professional conference organiser office.
Over the past year, the centre welcomed more than 80,000 visitors and hosted over 100 business events, including major gatherings such as the Australian Regional Tourism (ART) Conference, Queensland Country Women’s Association Annual Conference, Queensland Mining Awards, Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (NQ) Conference, Resource Industry Network Professional Development Conference, and the Australian Sugar Milling Safety Conference.
Key innovations contributed to MECC’s recognition, including the launch of the MECC Event Portal, streamlining event planning, document sharing, and communication for clients. The venue also upgraded its PA system across major spaces for clearer, more reliable sound and implemented a strategic team restructure to enhance client experience and operational efficiency.
Customer service remains a hallmark of the MECC, with a 95% client satisfaction rating. Initiatives such as the MECC “SHOWTIME” program celebrate staff excellence and embed service standards, while real-time QR code feedback provides instant visitor insights.
Sustainability and inclusivity are also priorities, with biodegradable catering and waste-sorting stations, energy-efficient LED lighting, and accessibility upgrades including Companion Card ticketing currently underway.
Executive Manager Andrew Bobeldyk said, “It’s been a big year, and this award is a credit to our entire team. Their hard work, passion, and commitment to excellence are what make the MECC such a standout venue for business events in Queensland.”
Celebrating innovation, service, and professionalism, the award underpins the MECC as a leading venue and a must-visit destination for high profile events.
Tucked away in one of Andergrove’s most tightly held pockets, 13/42 Wattle Street is where architectural flair meets everyday functionality. Every inch of this remarkable home has been designed with purpose – offering the perfect sanctuary for families, professionals, and entertainers alike.
Behind the understated façade lies a home that truly delivers on all fronts: five generous bedrooms, four bathrooms (three ensuited), and a selection of indoor and outdoor living zones that flow seamlessly for both privacy and togetherness.
The heart of the home – the kitchen – is a culinary masterpiece. Boasting three ovens, including a steamer, a gas cooktop, and a built-in Miele dishwasher, this space has been curated for those who value both beauty and performance. Overlooking the dining and living areas, it effortlessly connects to the undercover patio, creating a true entertainer’s dream.
Attention to detail is evident everywhere – from the VeriShades in the dining area that filter light perfectly, to the 20kW solar system that keeps energy bills in check without sacrificing comfort. The air-conditioned garage/workshop adds flexibility for hobbyists or those working from home, while rear lane access and space for a shed make it as practical as it is polished.
Set within a boutique, secure enclave, this home provides peace of mind and a strong sense of community, yet remains only minutes from schools, shopping, and the Mackay Marina.
Whether you’re a growing family seeking space, a couple wanting room to host, or simply someone who appreciates quality craftsmanship, 13/42 Wattle Street promises a lifestyle upgrade in every sense.
At a Glance:
Contact Area Specialist Shirlz Russell today to experience it for yourself.
Photos supplied
Get ready! The Airlie Beach Festival of Music is back this weekend, and it’s set to be bigger than ever!
With more than 60 acts lighting up bars, cafes, and iconic venues across town, Airlie Beach transforms into one giant stage. Catch headline performances from Jessica Mauboy, Pete Murray, The Screaming Jets, Diesel, The Black Sorrows, Choirboys and more under the big tent at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.
This award-winning festival is the event in paradise. Tickets are still available, make sure you don't miss it!
For the first time in a long time Jessica Mauboy returns to a festival stage, and crowds in Airlie Beach will be the lucky ones to witness it.
Best known for her powerhouse vocals and warm stage presence, Mauboy first captured national attention on Australian Idol and has since become one of the country’s most celebrated artists. But despite her fame, she says it’s performing live that brings her the most joy.
“Being able to play live is my ultimate favourite. So, it’s an absolute honour and opportunity to be able to do that in Airlie Beach. I'm looking forward to that,” she said.
Festival-goers can expect a setlist spanning her full career, from early hits and soundtrack favourites from The Sapphires, through to fresh material like her latest single While I Got Time, which recently featured on Home and Away.
Mauboy said the inspiration behind the track came from a deeply personal creative brief.
“The intentional production was very intimate and just little harmonies here and there, just to kind of hear the guitar play, the emotions of the lyrics and the voice, is what we wanted," she expressed.
“I've never been a part of a project like that in my life. So this was really unexpected, but such a really warm project and sincere experience I've never been a part of.”
While she’s excited to headline the Airlie Beach main stage, Mauboy is equally passionate about supporting emerging talent through initiatives like Passport to Airlie, which provides opportunities for up-and-coming musicians to perform at future festivals.
“Our local stages are so important, so we need to take care of them, we need to nurture them. As much as the big stages outside are amazing. You always remember the beginning of it, and I still remember my first stage,” she said.
“The one thing I would say is learn from that experience. Learn from the stages. Learn from the people who build the stages from the ground up, and who create the festivals and take care of them.”
Hi Everyone,
You may notice something a little different about this edition of the paper – we have rebranded!
After five years with the same masthead, the team thought it was time to freshen up our look, and I’m sure you’ll agree the new cover really does pop! Inspired by our lush green hinterland and the Great Barrier Reef – where all four of our regional newspapers are located – we opted for a vibrant blue-green gradient.
You’ll also notice our brand name ‘LiFE’ is now more prominent. This is because we want people up and down the coast to easily identify one of our publications.
Plus, LiFE really resonates with us as a team – not only do we love life, we’re all about promoting the local lifestyle and delivering positive community news to the regions.
For more than five years, we’ve been dedicated to bringing back the community’s free voice in print, and next year I’m looking forward to broadening our scope even more.
As you know, newspapers aren’t just printed anymore – they’re experienced in many ways: holding a hard copy in your hand, scrolling through stories on Facebook, liking photos on Instagram, and heading online to read, watch and listen to the news.
As we continue to evolve, our journalists will also be updating our website daily and uploading breaking news as it happens across the region.
News moves fast – and even though we live in a relaxed regional town, so do we!
Our newly refreshed branding marks the start of a new era for us – one we’re really looking forward to sharing with all of you.
Rach
Quote of the Week: "You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make" (Jane Goodall)
Not all heroes wear capes, some crawl through storm drains.
When residents in Jubilee Pocket noticed a young curlew trapped in a storm drain and unable to escape for two days, they raised the alarm. Concerned for the bird’s wellbeing, the community reached out for help and Fauna Rescue Whitsundays volunteer Trent didn’t hesitate to answer the call.
Braving the heat and tight conditions, Trent crawled around 100 metres underground to reach the frightened curlew. After a tense few moments, he emerged safely with the little bird in his hands, tired and hot but unharmed.
The rescue has since captured the hearts of locals, serving as a reminder of the incredible dedication shown by the region’s volunteer wildlife carers.
Fauna Rescue Whitsundays posted on Facebook about the ordeal and thanked him for rescuing the curlew.
"These are the moments that remind us just how dedicated our community of wildlife heroes truly is," they said on the post.
The young curlew was released back into the wild and was spotted with a friend shortly after, a happy ending made possible by a local hero and caring community.
On Wednesday morning at 2.35am paramedics were called to Island Drive in Cannonvale after a woman suffered a head injury following an e-scooter incident.
Queensland Ambulance Service reported that the woman was taken to Proserpine Hospital in a potentially life-threatening condition.
Two hours later in Bowen, a woman in her 50s was taken to hospital following an e-scooter incident on Whitsunday Street around 4.35am.
She was transported to Bowen Hospital in a stable condition, suffering from chest pain.
Bowen is set to undergo a major transformation with the development of the Bowen Foreshore Master Plan, a long-term strategy designed to revitalise the town’s waterfront and strengthen its identity as a vibrant regional hub.
Stretching more than a kilometre along the coast, from the south-west edge of Mitchell Street to the Eddie McCane Place parklands, and including the Bowen Boat Harbour, Santa Barbara Parade, and Bowen Jetty, the plan outlines a vision to create a connected, inclusive, and sustainable foreshore precinct that celebrates Bowen’s character and community spirit.
The master plan aims to unite local stakeholders, guide future development, and deliver projects that generate long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits. By providing a clear yet adaptable framework, it positions Bowen to attract investment, secure grant funding, and advocate for initiatives aligned with Council and community priorities.
Aligned with the Whitsunday 2030 Economic Development Strategy, the plan focuses on revitalising the waterfront, stimulating tourism, and unlocking new opportunities for local businesses. Enhancements will include improved access and connectivity, greener public spaces, and vibrant social and cultural areas that encourage people to live, visit, and invest in Bowen.
A key element of the plan, Precinct 1: Leisure at the Shore, envisions a lively foreshore blending leisure, culture, and nature. Anchored by the new Bowen Jetty and the proposed Bowen Catalina Experience Centre, the precinct will feature family-friendly activities, dining, retail, and cultural attractions. Streetscape upgrades along Santa Barbara Parade will create a low-speed, pedestrian-friendly boulevard linking the foreshore with the town centre, enhancing walkability and local business activity.
Resilience and sustainability are central to the design, with strategies to mitigate climate change impacts such as sea-level rise and storm surges. The plan includes shaded areas, native vegetation, and strengthened seawalls that provide both protection and recreational opportunities.
Ultimately, the Bowen Foreshore Master Plan represents a community-driven vision, one that connects residents, businesses, and visitors through shared pride in Bowen’s heritage and optimism for its future. By balancing growth, sustainability, and identity, the plan will help shape a vibrant waterfront destination for generations to come.
The Airlie Beach Masterplan sets a bold vision for the future (Photo Source: Whitsunday Regional Council)
Whitsunday Regional Council has voted unanimously to reopen the popular Proserpine RV Rest Stop, marking a major win for local tourism and small business in the heart of Proserpine.
Located behind St Catherine’s Church on Main Street, the free 48-hour stopover will welcome fully self-contained vehicles from April to October each year, coinciding with the region’s dry season. The decision is expected to inject between $860,000 and $1.7 million annually into the local economy, as travellers spend on goods, services, and attractions around town.
Mayor Ry Collins said the move highlights Council’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional tourism and supporting local business growth.
“Reopening the Proserpine RV Rest Stop makes good sense for our region as it’s a small investment with a big return,” Mayor Collins said.
“This initiative reinforces Proserpine’s role as a welcoming gateway to the Whitsundays and delivers a real boost for local shops, cafes and service providers.
“It’s about getting travellers to stop, explore and spend time and money in our town centres.
“We have been working with staff since late last year to explore how we could reopen the site in a more economical way while still delivering strong outcomes for the community.
“It’s great to now see that work paying off and this project moving forward.”
Division 3 Councillor John Collins said the unanimous 7–0 decision reflected the strong community support behind reopening the site.
“I’ve advocated strongly for the return of the RV Rest Stop because the community has been very clear that it works for Proserpine,” Cr Collins said.
“This is a win for our local business community, our tourism operators and the many volunteers who have worked hard to make visitors feel welcome here.
“Council’s unanimous 7-0 decision shows we’re united in backing projects that make a difference for Division 3 and for the broader Whitsundays.”
Under the plan endorsed at this week’s Ordinary Council Meeting, the Rest Stop will reopen in April 2026 with minor upgrades, improved signage, and a seasonal operating model designed to minimise wet-season maintenance.
Council will now move forward with the Development Approval amendment and finalise lease and operational arrangements ahead of the official reopening.
The upgraded Proserpine RV Rest Stop will re-open in April next year. Photo supplied
A local woman has sparked an incredible wave of community generosity after launching a fundraiser to support a young girl from Charters Towers living with Rett syndrome.
When Airlie Beach local Abby Duffin shared a simple Facebook post seeking raffle prizes for a fundraiser, she never expected the overwhelming response that followed.
“I’m shocked myself with how much it took off,” Abby said.
“I just wanted to do something to help Haven and her family. I grew up with them, they are basically family.”
Two-year-old Haven was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects only girls and causes severe impairments in movement and communication. While children with Rett maintain full understanding, their bodies slowly lose the ability to function.
“Haven is two and a few months, but she still can't talk and she can't walk either,” said Abby.
“The more I can make, the better it is for her future.
“Her mum, Shannon, is trying to get her to go to there's a therapy place in Brisbane, and there's like three weeks stints of intensive therapy for her to try and get her walking, or as close to walking as much as they can.”
Abby’s fundraiser will be held at Lola’s Bar, with a $5 entry fee and all proceeds going directly to Haven’s family to assist with travel, medical, and therapy costs. The night will feature live music, karaoke, and raffles with prizes donated by both local and national businesses.
“The support has been insane,” Abby said. “Mirage Whitsundays donated a two-night stay in a three-bedroom villa with a private plunge pool, Big4 offered a weekend getaway for Haven’s family, and even Australia Zoo got involved.”
Abby now has 12 major raffle bundles, and each are worth around $500 or more.
Abby said she will continue accepting donations and prizes right up until the event.
“It’s just blown me away how generous people have been,” she said. “This community really does rally behind people when it matters.”
Anyone wishing to contribute a raffle prize or donation can contact Abby via abbyduffin19@hotmail.com.
The fundraiser will take place at Lola’s Bar, on 21st November from 7pm til late. Attendees encouraged to come dressed in their coolest retro outfits for an evening of fun, music, and meaningful support.
Preparations are officially underway for the construction of the new Collinsville Community Hub, marking a major milestone for the town’s social and recreational future.
Whitsunday Regional Council has announced that the current Collinsville Community Centre will close after 26 November 2025 to allow site preparation and equipment storage to commence ahead of construction.
The new Community Hub is expected to provide a modern, versatile space that better meets the needs of residents, local groups, and visiting organisations. Once complete, it will serve as a central point for gatherings, meetings, and events—continuing the strong community spirit that Collinsville is known for.
To ensure activities can continue during the construction period, Council has arranged for community events to be temporarily relocated to the Collinsville Rugby League Clubhouse. This arrangement will ensure there’s room for local groups to meet and for social activities to continue uninterrupted.
Council say they are eager to see this long-awaited project move forward and will share updates as key milestones are reached, including the announcement of the successful tenderer and the commencement of construction.
Council also said they will provide construction dates, progress updates, and further details once the tender has been awarded.
The Whtisunday Regional Council urge residents to stay tuned as thye prepare to bring this exciting new community hub to life in Collinsville!
The new proposed Community Centre in Collinsville. Photo sourced: Facebook
Almost 12 weeks on from his disappearance, the search continues for 42-year-old Brett Breeze, with his family and friends greatly concerned for his welfare, spreading their love far and wide across the East Queensland coastline.
Brett was last seen leaving the Bowen Hospital on Tuesday, the 19th of August, wearing a blue fishing shirt, black shoes and black shorts with a khaki backpack. Shortly after he was last seen, his belongings including his shoes and phone were found on the right-hand side of Kings Road 20 meters into the clearing.
Since his disappearance, his family have established the Facebook page titled Missing Person Brett Breeze in an effort to gather details of his whereabouts and promote searches across the coastline and further inland.
Amanda Breeze has coordinated countless efforts into remote areas of the Whitsundays Shire, with one conducted just last week along the roads neighbouring Crofton and Cowrie Streets.
Many concerned locals have posted in the group to highlight areas where possible sightings have been reported and offer their assistance to Brett’s family through the flying of drones to covering remote waterways.
Brett has been described as Caucasian, approximately 180cm tall with auburn hair and blue eyes. If anyone has any information about his whereabouts, authorities are urging the community to contact Amanda on 0466 256 175, emergency services on 000, crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 or police link on 131 444.
At the time of print Brett Breeze is still missing.
Michael and Val Kimpton, originally from Melbourne, have quickly become familiar faces and community champions in Airlie Beach.
After successfully helping to revive the Airlie Beach Triathlon, the pair have turned their energy toward another cause, securing a Mobile Blood Bank for the Whitsundays.
In the 1970s, Michael received a life-saving blood transfusion after a serious accident, an experience that continues to inspire his passion for helping others.
Proserpine Hospital currently relies on blood supplies transported from Mackay. With blood having a limited shelf life — and only a small number of locals able to make the long trip south to donate — maintaining adequate supplies continues to be a challenge.
On Sunday 2 November, Michael and Val travelled to Mackay for a Cabinet meeting, where they presented their proposal to Queensland Health Minister Hon. Tim Nicholls, pledging their own financial contribution to help get the service off the ground before seeking state funding.
The Whitsunday region’s population now exceeds 41,000 - not counting backpackers and seasonal workers and it continues to grow. The Kimptons believe this growth strengthens the case for a regular mobile service.
While Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has responded that current supplies are sufficient, the Kimptons disagree and are backed by Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm.
The couple plan to continue their campaign until a Mobile Blood Bank becomes a regular visitor to the Whitsundays, making it easier for locals to donate and save lives.
Val and Michael Kimpton want to see a Mobile Blood Bank come to the Whitsundays. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
The Whitsundays is set to benefit from a boost in social and affordable housing, with the State Government announcing dozens of new homes now underway or under contract across the region. The initiative aims to support local families and individuals struggling to secure housing, ensuring more residents have access to safe, stable and affordable places to call home.
In the region, 30 new social homes are planned for Proserpine, 32 for Bowen, and 11 affordable homes for Moranbah. This is all part of a growing housing pipeline aimed at tackling Queensland’s housing shortage.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor said the projects form part of the Government’s commitment to delivering 53,500 social and community homes by 2044.
“Projects like this one are vital to meeting the need for social housing for Mackay-Whitsunday locals waiting for a place to call home,” Minister O’Connor said.
“We’re ramping up construction across the State to deliver 2,000 social and community homeseach year on average by the end of this term.
The new approach also empowers community housing providers to apply for funding year-round, supporting a steady supply of new homes in regional Queensland.
In Mackay, 18 new social homes are now under construction, comprising 15 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom units to be completed by late 2026.
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the 141 new homes across the Mackay-Whitsunday region mark a significant step forward.
“These 18 new social homes will be life-changing and provide stability for some of our most vulnerable locals,” Mr Dalton said.
The Governments new housing hopes to help locals find a place to call home. Stock Image
Last Friday the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) hosted their biggest Monthly Brekky in front of nearly 70 people.
The monthly breakfast held out the front of Shirtfront Solutions and Enzed Whitsundays has been growing every time and President of WSPN Matt Stokes said these breakfasts are a fantastic way to promote conversations amongst mates.
"It's great to see the numbers increasing and I'd like to see it even bigger than this. So keep inviting your mates!" he said.
"Suicide prevention is everyone's job, so if you know anyone struggling, make sure you bring them along."
Matt also thanked Earthwise Waste Solutions for being the sponsors of the BBQ Brekky, and Food From the Heart Airlie Beach who donated Bacon. Matt said he wants to keep this event free forever and urges sponsors that are interested to come forward.
Whitsunday Zonta and Whitsundays Property Buyers both donated $500 to WSPN.
WSPN are a community funded organisation that spend money where it matters most - finding counselling for people that are the most vulnerable to suicide.
"Our message is simple, it is that suicide prevention is everyone's job, and we are really grateful for everyone here today."
Whitsunday Zonta Vicky Krogh, President of WSPN Matt Stokes, and Whitsunday Property Buyers Lara Kell-Colliver and Drew Colliver
WSPN Di, Rob and Gis
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
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Few Australian soldiers fought in Europe in World War 2 however the RAAF, including thousands of Australians who were posted to RAF squadrons, made a significant contribution to the bombing of Germany and patrolling of allied shipping in the Atlantic. The air war in the European theatre claimed the lives of 5488 RAAF airmen.
One of those who was fortunate to return home was Flying Officer Cecil Graham Mazlin 018007 (434989) whose flying logbook was recently loaned to the Proserpine Museum. Cec Mazlin served in the Royal Australian Air Force undertaking 50 combat missions in the skies over Europe in World War 2.
Born in Proserpine on July 24, 1924, to parents, Cecil Evelyn Mazlin and Kathleen Doris nee Ledlie, Cec, as he was known, attended Proserpine State School and completed his education at Brisbane Boys’ College and Thornborough College. Upon leaving school, he worked as a clerk for CC Wakefield Oil Company in the Valley in Brisbane.
After about a year with the company, Cec left to join the RAAF enlisting on February 25 1943 as Air Crew V with the rank ACII. His initial training was in Kingaroy after which he went to Wireless and Gunnery School in Maryborough and Bomb and Gunnery School in Evans Head. Cec graduated in November 1943 as a Sergeant Wireless Operator Air Gunner.
In Sydney, in December 1943, Cec boarded the steamer “Willard A Holbrook” bound for San Francisco. After crossing the USA by train and eventually embarking on the “Queen Elizabeth”, the troops arrived in Glasgow then travelled by train to Brighton for conversion courses on Ansons, Wellingtons, Halifaxes and Lancasters. In March 1944, he was reclassified to Wireless Operator (Air).
In October 1944, Flight Sergeant Cec Mazlin was posted to 100 SQN RAF (a subsidiary of 460 SQN – Australian) at Waltham, outside Grimsby. This was a British Squadron into which RAAF crews were seconded to boost numbers. There were three major operational commands in the RAF – Bomber Command; Fighter Command and Transport Command. Cec and his crew flew 35 successful combat missions operating Lancaster bombers over Germany - a significant achievement considering that for RAAF members in RAF Bomber Command, more than one in three were killed. (Source: Australian War Memorial)
Cec and his crew were then posted for instructional duties however the men did not like this, so they volunteered for Pathfinders (PFF) and were posted to the south of England. After a couple of trips, someone discovered that their skipper did not have adequate eyesight for a pilot!
Cec then applied for a transfer back to 100 SQN where he joined a Canadian crew and completed 15 more combat missions before war’s end. Just prior to the end of the war, he was promoted to Warrant Officer. Cec and his crew then flew to Europe where they participated in the Berlin airlift operation to help repatriate ex-POWs to the UK. In September 1945, he was commissioned as an Officer with the rank of Pilot Officer while on a posting to Headquarters in Brighton where he spent five months.
Pilot Officer Cecil Graham Mazlin embarked for return to Australia in November 1945 and was demobbed in February 1946. After his return to Australia, he was promoted to Flying Officer. He was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-1945, and the Returned from Active Service Badge.
Back in Australia, Cec returned to Wakefields. In 1949, he married Ailsa Johnson, and they moved to Proserpine where he worked as a clerk for Briggs and Mazlin before buying into part of the firm then branching out on his own. Cec and Ailsa had three children – Joanne, Graham and Warren.
Cecil Graham Mazlin passed away on November 8, 1991. He is buried in the Proserpine Cemetery.
LEST WE FORGET
Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and Cec Mazlin’s son, Warren Mazlin. Information also sourced from “The Proserpine News 1939 – 1945 WWII” by Lyn Burke and Lloyd Fox
Cec Mazlin. Photo supplied.
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