It has been a busy start to February for Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) Whitsunday crews, with multiple late-night medivacs and a large-scale search and rescue operation keeping volunteers on the water across the region.

Stinger Medivac Turns Into Multi-Stop Activation

On 10 February, what began as a straightforward medical evacuation quickly evolved into a complex, multi-stage activation stretching into the early hours of the morning.

MRQ Whitsunday was initially tasked just before 10pm to retrieve a stinger victim from a yacht at Haslewood Island and transfer the patient to a waiting helicopter.

“We have been tasked by QAS/VTS to convey a stinger victim from his yacht on Chalkies to a waiting chopper on the beach. No more info available,” Skipper Shane said he was told.

However, incorrect coordinates, rough seas and shifting information added complications. At one point, crews were advised the patient had already been transferred by a passing yacht.

“No sooner had we turned for home than the radio crackled a new task. ‘Could you call into Hamilton Island on the way and pick up a patient’,” Skipper Shane said.

The combined activation — including a stop at Hamilton Island for a second medivac — took more than three and a half hours, with crews returning to base around 2am before completing refuelling, washdowns and paperwork closer to 3am.

“We don't risk our people for the sake of property,” Skipper Shane said, explaining the decision not to attempt towing a vessel in dangerous night conditions.

Dual-Vessel Search for Missing Kayaker

On 29 January, both MRQ Whitsunday vessels, WS11 and WS31, were deployed as part of a police-led search and rescue operation for a missing kayaker last seen at 5.30pm without a life jacket.

“A search and rescue was required for someone on a surf ski without a life jacket, missing since 5:30 pm. It was now close to 8pm,” Skipper Shane said.

Crews battled rough 20-knot south-easterly winds as they conducted coordinated search patterns near South Molle and Long Island.

“At 25 knots getting buffeted was no buffet,” Skipper Shane said.

The missing kayaker was eventually located by helicopter close to shore, where crews had predicted he may have drifted.

“We punched through the waves to get home and cleaned up by 10:20pm.”

Medivac Under a Full Moon

Earlier in the month, on 2 February, MRQ Whitsunday responded to another medical evacuation from Hamilton Island.

Despite the urgency, conditions were calm, with crews travelling under a full moon.

“Once the pre starts and risk assessments were done, we headed off with a light wind and a stunning full moon! It was a perfect night,” Coxswain Nat R said.

After collecting the patient from Hamilton Island Marina, crews transported them safely back to the mainland.

“The full moon on the water was really special.”

Volunteers Answering the Call

The February activations highlight the vital role MRQ Whitsunday volunteers play across the region, responding to emergencies at all hours and in all conditions.

From search and rescue missions to complex inter-island medical evacuations, crews continue to work closely with Queensland Ambulance Service, police and other agencies to ensure the safety of locals and visitors across the Whitsundays.

1. MRQ Whitsunday responded to a medical evacuation situation under the light of a full moon. Photo source: MRQ Whitsundays
2. MRQ Whitsundays works primarily to save lives at sea. Photo source: MRQ Whitsundays

The Shute Harbour Recreational Boat Ramp project is now fast-tracked for delivery, spurred on by efforts to bring lasting legacies to the region ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games.

“This is fantastic news for our region,” said Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm.

“The Shute Harbour Recreational Boating Facility has officially been recognised as a priority project, meaning planning and delivery can now be fast-tracked to ensure it’s completed as part of the 2032 Games legacy.

“This is about delivering real infrastructure for our community, not just for the Games, but for generations of locals, visitors, boaties and tourism operators who rely on safe, accessible marine facilities.”

Locals have long complained of safety and congestion issues at the current ramp, criticising its poor design.

Many believe, the existing boat ramp and walkway is a fixed-structure, meaning it is submerged at high tide, making it unsafe and unfit for purpose.

Insufficient car and trailer parking facilities have also been flagged, which lead to situations where boaters cannot launch their vessels.

Many users feel the boat ramp was poorly designed under the previous government, with insufficient community input and disregard for local needs.

A key proposal for the upgrade is the installation of a floating pontoon, which can be removed or adjusted to suit tidal conditions.

Ms Camm said the inclusion of Shute Harbour in state-wide planning highlights the importance of The Whitsundays to Queensland’s tourism and marine industry.

“These changes will cut through red tape, provide planning certainty and ensure our region benefits from the infrastructure investment that comes with hosting the 2032 Games.

“The Government is getting on with the job of delivering the infrastructure Queensland

needs, and The Whitsundays will see the long-term benefits.”

The fast-tracked delivery forms part of the Government’s broader plan to ensure the 2032 Olympic

and Paralympic Games leave a lasting legacy for communities across Queensland.

Mayor Ry Collins called the fast-tracked delivery “an important step forward for marine infrastructure in our region as the home of Olympic sailing in 2032.

“The Whitsundays offers some of the best sailing conditions anywhere in the world, and we are ready to showcase our region on the global stage."

1 – Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Hon. Brent Mickelberg, MP Amanda Camm, and Mayor Ry Collins at sunny Shute Harbour.

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A day out on the tranquil sands of Horseshoe Bay turned into a harrowing emergency for an Ayr family, when their nine-year-old granddaughter Olivia was stung by an Irukandji jellyfish.

Chris Richardson, Olivia’s grandmother, is now sharing the family’s story to raise awareness about the dangers of Irukandji stings.

On Monday 2nd February, the family spent their morning teaching Olivia to fish in the shallows – even though, as Chris jokes, the seagulls got 90% of the bait. At lunchtime, Olivia suddenly stated her skin felt really itchy, all over her body.

Thinking it was just sea lice, Chris sent Olivia for a shower, but when she returned feeling worse, she decided to take her home to see a doctor.

But quickly, the symptoms progressed, with Olivia complaining of pain, her skin now hurting all over.

Chris admits she initially wondered if Olivia was exaggerating, joking that her granddaughter has a flair for dramatics and will request a bandage for the lightest scratch.

But then, Chris asked Olivia to pinpoint the pain, and Olivia said, “it feels like it's in my chest and it's going around my back.”

Straight away, alarm bells sounded.

A former nurse, Chris recognised the symptom as an indication of heart distress, which presents this way in women — very different from the crushing chest pressure more commonly described by men.

Instead of driving home to Ayr, Chris and Olivia’s Grandfather, Bob, made a decision that likely saved Olivia’s life, choosing to head straight to Bowen Hospital’s emergency department.

According to the treating doctor, had they attempted the longer drive home, Olivia may have gone into cardiac arrest in the car.

On arrival at the emergency department, Olivia had begun going into cardiac fibrillation. Staff moved quickly, administering antivenom and magnesium — a treatment used to reduce pain and protect the heart from dangerous rhythm disturbances associated with Irukandji syndrome.

Seeing Olivia in such pain was incredibly difficult for Chris and Bob, with Bob also treated for shock.

Chris credits the staff at Bowen Hospital for their exceptional service, keeping calm, and treating her granddaughter with an astounding level of care — from the receptionist at the front desk to the emergency nurses and the attending doctor.

Praising Doctor Luke, she said, “He’s got three daughters himself, which helped him relate to Olivia. He spoke to her very gently and held her arm while she was crying, explaining everything they were going to do and why.”

Later, Chris joked to her husband, “If I ever get sick, you bring me down to Bowen Hospital.”

Olivia was kept in hospital for two days on an intravenous drip before being discharged. While the physical side effects — tingling skin and fatigue — eased within days, the emotional impact has lingered, with Olivia going through occasional bouts of tears as she processes what she experienced.

“She kept crying out, “I’m not going to die. Nanny, don’t let them make me die”,” Chris explained.

Thankfully, Olivia has now made a full recovery. The family hope the experience won’t keep her from enjoying the ocean — now equipped with a new understanding of Irukandji risks and safety precautions.

Chris warns locals and holidaymakers to be careful; Irukandji jellyfish are small, around the size of a fingernail and so are difficult to see. The initial stings themselves can go undetected, but their aftermath can include severe pain, nausea, high blood pressure and heart complications.

Whitsunday Regional Council advises swimmers to take the following precautions:

• Wear protective clothing such as a full-body lycra or neoprene suit. Not all suits offer equal protection — lycra and neoprene offer the greatest defence.
• Wear protective clothing even when wading, as many stings occur in shallow water. Enter the water slowly, as box jellyfish may swim away if given the opportunity.
• Swim between the flags and follow lifesavers’ advice at patrolled beaches.
• Be aware of high-risk conditions, including sustained north-easterly winds, calm seas, sea lice sensations in the water, and visible salps or plankton.
• Always carry vinegar when boating or undertaking marine activities.

If you suspect an Irukandji sting, call 000 immediately. When in doubt, treat it as Irukandji and seek urgent medical attention.

1 – 9 Year Old Olivia overcame a nasty Irukandji sting. Photo supplied

2 – The brave girl spent 2 days in Bowen Hospital, receiving exceptional care. Photo supplied.

3 – Irukanji jellyfish are transparent, and one cubic centimetre- making them hard to detect. Photo source: Shutterstock

Coral Sea Marina is proud to once again support Clean Up Australia Day, inviting the community to roll up their sleeves and help protect our beautiful coastline on Sunday 1 March 2026.

Volunteers will gather from 8.30am to 10.30am, starting at Point D – The Gardens, Coral Sea Marina, before heading out to help remove litter and debris from the surrounding foreshore areas. The annual event is part of the nationwide Clean Up Australia Day initiative, which brings together communities to care for and preserve local environments.

The event is a fantastic opportunity for families, friends, boating enthusiasts and local businesses to make a tangible difference while enjoying the outdoors. Every piece of litter collected helps protect marine life and keeps our waterways pristine for everyone to enjoy.

The Clean Up Australia Day initiative was started thirty-five years ago by Ian Kiernan – just an “average Australian” with a simple idea to make a difference in his own backyard. An avid sailor, Ian was shocked and disgusted by the pollution and rubbish that he continually encountered in the oceans of the world.

Taking matters into his own hands in 1989, Ian organised a community event called ‘Clean Up Sydney Harbour’ with the support of a committee of friends. He expected just a few hundred volunteers. Instead, 40,000 people showed up, sparking a national movement.

Now, Clean Up Australia is held every year on the first Sunday in March, bringing local communities together across the nation.

Over the years, more than 23-million wonderful volunteers have stepped up, pulled on their gloves, and donated their time to improve the environment.

This year, that could include you.

Coral Sea Marina is inviting community members of all ages to volunteer and be part of this important initiative. Walk the boardwalk, hop on your own boat, or drive to your chosen destination after collecting your clean up kit from the marina. Whether you can spare the full two hours or simply want to show your support, your contribution will help keep our region beautiful.

1 – Members of the Coral Sea Marina Team, ready to make a difference. Photo supplied

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Two people have been charged with dangerous drug offences following a search warrant at Airlie Beach on Monday, 16th February.

Around 8am, Whitsundays Tactical Crime Squad (TCS), with the assistance of Dog Squad, executed a search warrant at a Hermitage Drive address.

It will be alleged police located approximately nine ounces of cocaine, with an estimated street value of more than $100,000.

It will further be alleged officers located a quantity of cannabis, utensils, and cash.

A 25-year-old man from the Sunshine Coast has been charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs (cocaine and cannabis), and one count each of trafficking dangerous drugs, possessing tainted property, and possessing utensils.

A 22-year-old woman from Brisbane has been charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs (cocaine and cannabis), and one count each of trafficking dangerous drugs, possessing property suspected of having been used in connection with the commission of a drug offence, and possessing utensils.

Both are due to reappear before Proserpine Magistrates Court next month.

Mackay Whitsundays Support Services Group Inspector Shelley Moore said there is no place for dangerous drugs in our community.

“Our officers will continue to disrupt the unlawful supply of dangerous drugs from our streets,” said Inspector Moore.

“We have zero tolerance towards illicit substances, and investigators remain committed to holding all offenders to account.”

1 – The Whitsundays Tactical Crime Squad seized nine ounces of cocaine at an Airlie Beach address

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An ambulance was called to Magnums Hotel at 10:10pm on Sunday, 15 February, following a reported snake bite.

The patient, a man in his 20s, was treated at the scene before being transported to Proserpine Hospital in a stable condition after sustaining a bite to the leg.

The incident serves as a timely reminder for residents and visitors to the Whitsundays that snake season is in full swing. Snake activity is expected to remain elevated through to April, driven by the region’s warm and humid conditions.

The most commonly encountered snakes in the Whitsundays include the green tree snake and scrub python, both of which are non-venomous. However, residents are also urged to remain alert for venomous species such as the eastern brown snake and the taipan.

In the event of a snake bite, authorities stress the importance of calling Triple Zero (000) immediately and remaining as still and calm as possible. Lying down is recommended, with the entire body kept immobile to slow the spread of venom through the lymphatic system.

If the bite is on a limb, a firm pressure bandage should be applied over the bite site and wrapped upward toward the heart, covering as much of the limb as possible. The location of the bite should be noted to allow medical staff to assess it without removing the entire bandage.

A splint should then be applied to the affected limb using any rigid object, such as a stick, branch or rolled newspaper. The patient should remain lying down and avoid movement until emergency services arrive.

Photo source: Shutterstock

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What if business failure didn’t begin with declining sales, but with burnout, disconnection, silent terror and avoidance? What if someone was ready to talk about what really happens before a business starts to fall apart?

That conversation is being led by MyPathway's Cassandra Walsh, an experienced Small Business Mentor with the MyPathway The Self-Employment Assistance Program, who brings not just credentials, but compassion and lived understanding to the stage. Through the federally funded Self-Employment Assistance Program, MyPathway is delivering a powerful, must-hear presentation that shines a light on the emotional and mental journey so many local entrepreneurs are silently walking.

In her signature honest, hyperactive, and deeply relatable style, Cassandra opens the conversation by naming what no one else does: the gut feeling that something’s wrong, the spark that fades, the pretending that becomes exhausting.

“This isn’t about spreadsheets or profits,” Cass says. “It’s about the unspoken weight business owners carry and why we need to stop carrying it alone.”

From the early warning signs like fatigue and self-doubt, to the quiet shame that creeps in when you think you're the only one struggling Cassandra breaks it down with clarity, care, and credibility.

But the talk doesn’t stop at naming the problem; it leads into real, practical, local solutions.

Through MyPathway’s Self-Employment Assistance Program in the Whitsundays, Cassandra and the full MyPathway national network offer fully funded, practical support for business owners who are ready to move from stuck to supported.

This free program* includes:

• 1:1 personalised and Customised business mentoring
• In-depth Business Health Checks
• Strategic Business Advice Sessions (privately $500 per hour)
• Certified nationally recognised training in finance, marketing, and business planning

And it’s not just theory, it’s tailored to real small business life in regional Queensland. Whether you're running a home-based startup or managing a a small team, this program meets you where you're at.

If you’ve been feeling the pressure, if your spark is fading, or if you just need someone to talk to who gets it; this is your sign.

Cassandra Walsh is here in the Greater Whitsundays region, and the door to real support is open. You don’t need to push through alone.

The Self-Employment Assistance Program is your permission to pause, reset, and rebuild with help from business mentors that actually understand.

Cassandra Walsh. Photo supplied

There are some projects that are simply about getting the fundamentals right for our community and the Shute Harbour Recreational Boating Facility is one of them.

The recent announcement that the project will be fast-tracked under the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games approvals framework is very welcome news for the Whitsundays.

I’d like to acknowledge Premier David Crisafulli and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm for their support in helping move this important project forward.

For locals, Shute Harbour isn’t just infrastructure on a map. It’s where families launch their boats at first light. It’s where tourism operators connect visitors to our islands and reef. It’s part of our identity as a region that lives and breathes the water.

Having the project recognised as a priority means greater certainty around planning and delivery. That matters and not just because of the Olympics, but because our boating community deserves safe, accessible and modern marine facilities.

Yes, the Whitsundays will host Olympic and Paralympic sailing in 2032. That’s something we should all be proud of. But long after the closing ceremony, our community will still be here, launching boats, running businesses and welcoming visitors from around the world.

That’s why this project is so important. It’s about legacy. It’s about making sure the right infrastructure is in place for future generations. It’s about backing our marine industry, supporting jobs and improving safety and capacity at one of our key gateways.

The Whitsundays offers world-class sailing conditions and a community deeply connected to the ocean. Hosting Olympic sailing is a tremendous opportunity, and with it comes responsibility to deliver the infrastructure that supports both the event and our long-term future.

Council looks forward to continuing to work with the State Government to see this project delivered.

This is a practical step forward and one that will benefit our community for many years to come.

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Did you know?

When you’re in a public place with your dog, the law requires your pet to be under effective control. This means you must be physically able to control your dog by having it on a leash, secured to a fixed object and under constant supervision, or under continuous voice control in a designated off-leash area. Failing to comply can result in an on-the-spot fine. For more information, head to Council’s website.

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Coexistence Queensland is inviting residents, landholders and businesses across the Whitsunday region to a free community energy and resources forum held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on 20th March.

The event offers community members the chance to ask questions, access clear information and engage directly with industry and government about current and future development.

The Queensland Community Energy Forum will bring together community members, energy and resource developers, agriculture representatives and government for a day of presentations, question-and-answer sessions and information booths.

Warwick Squire, CEO, Coexistence Queensland, said the forum is designed to equip landholders and communities with the information they need to confidently engage with energy developers.

“When it comes to development, locals want clear information and straight answers,” Mr Squire said.

“This forum will bring everyone into the same room – landholders, industry, government and community. By listening to each other, we can reduce uncertainty, build trust and make meaningful decisions together.”

Janette Hewson, Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Resources Council, said the resources sector had a long-standing connection to the Whitsundays region.

“Whitsundays families and businesses have supported our industry for generations,” Ms Hewson said.

“Communities always want to be informed and know what developments mean for their land, their livelihoods and their future. Forums like this are important in shaping how development happens, in unlocking new resource opportunities and seeing more investment going back into regional communities."

The expo will take place between 8am – 3pm, with light refreshments and lunch provided.

For more information, visit www.qldenergyforum.org.au/proserpine-20-march-2026
or call 1300 548 021

1 - Warwick Squire, CEO, Coexistence Queensland, Stephanie McKechnie, Energy Engagement and Education Advisor, Queensland Farmers’ Federation, Cr Neville Ferrier, Mayor, Banana Shire Council, Katie-Anne Mulder, CEO, Queensland Renewable Energy Council, and Cr Shane McCarthy, General President, AgForce Queensland. Photo supplied

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Piotr Ferenc, managing director and registered migration agent at Airlie Beach’s Pacific Center, has spent over 20 years transitioning talented workers and long-distance loved ones to our shores.

From his office on Shute Harbour Road, Piotr helps onshore clients transition from temporary stays to permanent residency, and assists employers in finding effective and cost-efficient pathways to bring the talent they need into Australia

With two decades of experience, Piotr knows immigration law and visa process inside out; but the thing that sets his business apart is the team’s level of care.

According to Piotr, visa applications can be overwhelming at the best of times and feel like total minefields at the worst, with complex and often confusing instructions and requirements to navigate.

That’s why a migration agent’s support is so valuable, with many clients coming to Piotr too late — after their own missteps have led to rejected applications and significant financial losses.

“There is a great deal of technical detail behind the scenes that most people don’t see, along with many potential pitfalls. “The longer an agent has been in the business, the more of those traps they can foresee. That’s why experienced agents are so in demand — and why we are so busy.”

One of the most rewarding parts of the job, he says, is seeing people he helped settle in Australia years ago now thriving within their communities.

With a growing client network, Pacific Centre is expecting a strong year ahead, and working across all visa categories, the team can assist almost anyone planning to make Australia home.

1 – Piotr Ferenc, expert on all things migration. Photo supplied

Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre are on the lookout for volunteers to help out in their popular Op Shop!

If you enjoy working with people and want to support your local community, they’d love to hear from you. No experience needed, just a great attitude! A Working With Children Blue Card will be required, however, the centre can assist you setting one up for free.

So, if you want to be part of something great, meet new people, and make a difference, get in touch by calling 49467850, emailing nc@whitnc.org.au, or popping in to see the team.

1 – Join an amazing team of volunteers. Photo: Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre

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On Monday 9th February Bowen State High School’s Senior Leaders were inducted into their leadership roles in front of students, staff, family and community members. The Year 11 and 12 student leaders were elected by their peers and teachers at the end of 2025 and take on these positions with pride.

During his Principal Address, Mr Harris spoke about how “Leadership isn't a position; it’s a choice. It’s the choice to be kind when it’s easier to be indifferent. It’s the choice to look out for the people around you, even when no one is watching and there’s no reward to be given at the end of the term."

He shared this challenge for the school community, "So, my challenge to you today is this: Don't wait for a badge to start leading. Don't wait for permission to be kind.”

“The greatest leaders this school will ever see are the ones sitting in those chairs in front and beside me right now—the ones who decide, starting today, that they will leave this place a little better, a little warmer, and a little kinder than they found it. You don't need a title to be a hero in someone else's day.”

Student leaders each invited a loved one to issue them their badge. Mayor Ry Collins commented, “It was a really nice touch to see student leaders presented with their badges by family and friends in attendance- a proud moment for everyone involved.”

The student leaders hit the ground running by attending a GRIP leadership conference later in the week and selling roses and chocolates for Valentines Day. We wish them all the best for their leadership journey.

1 – Proud students leaders, ready to make a difference.

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St Catherine’s Catholic College has commenced this school year with purpose, community and faith, marked by a meaningful Opening Liturgy and Leader Commissioning Ceremony held earlier this month.

Students, staff and families gathered to bless the new school year and commission student leaders, formally acknowledging the responsibilities entrusted to them, and inviting reflection on the college’s mission.  

Principal Katherine Nelson said the event set a positive and unified tone for the year ahead.

“The ceremony was a beautiful way to begin the school year,” Ms Nelson said.

“It allowed us to come together in faith, to acknowledge the important role of our student leaders, and remind ourselves that leadership at St Catherine’s leadership is grounded in service, compassion and example.”

This week, the community also entered the season of Lent - a 40-day period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, inviting Catholics to reflect, grow in faith and prepare for Easter. It is a time for strengthening our relationship with God and supporting those in need.

The College marked Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) by raising funds for Caritas Australia through Project Compassion. Students enjoyed pancakes while contributing to initiatives that support vulnerable communities locally and globally.

On Wednesday, an Ash Wednesday liturgy was held, with participants receiving ashes as a symbol of reflection, renewal and commitment to the Lenten journey.

“During Lent, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, generosity and service to others,” Ms Nelson said.

“Our students have embraced these opportunities, demonstrating that faith is not only something we celebrate, but something we live out each day.”

1- Proud student leaders ready to make change. Photo supplied.

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Student Isaiah Howell reflects on his academic journey.

Bowen State High School gives so many opportunities to students to excel in many different fields.

For me, participating in Tournament of Minds since 2023 has been a highlight. Bowen State teams progressed to the state finals in 2024 and 2025, and last year we represented Queensland at the International finals. Our STEM Racing team (formally F1 in Schools) will soon progress to the National finals, competing in coming weeks.  

The school has also made me aware of Global engagement opportunities. Last year I applied for the QLD Premiers ANZAC Prize, and I’m honoured to be chosen as one of 8 QLD students as a recipient of the Prize. This has given me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of the profound significance of the ANZAC Legacy. Participating in the Young Historians Workshop earlier this year has taught me a variety of research skills in preparation for our tour of the Western Front in April. This opportunity could not have been done without the support of the school.

The Premier's Anzac Prize is a unique, life-changing opportunity for all Queensland high school students to engage with the Anzac tradition first-hand and explore how the Anzac Legacy relates to modern Australian life. In preparation for the overseas trip, recipients are supported in the development of research skills and preparation of commemorations of their chosen service people. All their research comes to life over the 2-week tour to Europe.

As part of the prize, I’m raising money for Mates4Mates, an organisation that partners with the RSL to support veterans and Australian Defence Force Personnel’s mental and Physical health. I have set a goal of $2000. Part of the fundraising includes planning events that will be advertised in the near future. Later this term I will also visit local primary schools to share with them the importance of the ANZAC Legacy.  

These experiences have taught me that when an opportunity presents itself, it should be embraced. Bowen State High School has shown me a wide range of opportunities through classes, such as Tournament of Minds and STEM Racing, which are units we undertake as a part of the Academy Program. School notices also promote additional opportunities, including the Premier's ANZAC Prize. Without the ongoing support of teachers and administrators, I would not be where I am today.

Photos supplied

Queensland’s special schools are set to receive an increase in workplace health and safety support, with the state government announcing 30 full time Health and Safety Coordinators to be placed across the state’s 46 special schools. The move is part of a broader investment in school safety and comes as enrolments in special schools have risen by more than 38 percent since 2019.

According to the government, the additional coordinators are intended to increase support for teachers and school leaders, reduce administrative workloads and strengthen responses to occupational health and safety concerns. The positions will work directly with principals and leadership teams to improve safety processes, manage risk assessments and oversee reporting requirements. The initiative follows a previous commitment to fund an additional 140 Workplace Health and Safety Officers for state schools over four years.

Education remains one of the largest areas of state expenditure, with this year’s $21.9 billion Education Budget also funding a $45 million Behaviour Boost program, a $33 million anti bullying plan and six new special schools to address growing demand. The new health and safety roles in special schools are being funded through the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, which the government says fully funds state schools for the first time in Queensland’s history.

Minister for Education John Paul Langbroek said recruitment is already underway.

“Every teacher, staff member and student deserves to feel safe in our schools and we’re boosting support with more boots on the ground,” he said.

“We are committed to improving workplace conditions and cutting red tape for teachers and there will be more to come in both of these areas this year.”

The announcement has also drawn attention to broader concerns about teacher workload and workplace safety. In recent years, teacher unions and education stakeholders have highlighted rising administrative demands and increasing complexity in classrooms, particularly in special education settings. Data released by the government notes that teacher WorkCover claims reached more than $80 million in the 2023 to 2024 financial year, underscoring the pressures faced by school staff.

At the school level, leaders say additional support could make a meaningful difference. Aspley Special School Principal Kath McDonald welcomed the initiative.

“We will be able to implement a more proactive and consistent approach to managing risks which are complex and ongoing in a special school setting,” she said.

As enrolments continue to grow and expectations on schools evolve, ensuring safe and supportive learning environments remains a shared priority across the political spectrum. The effectiveness of these new roles will likely be closely watched by educators, families and policymakers alike as Queensland works to meet the needs of its most vulnerable students.

Photo source: Shutterstock

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