By Amanda Wright

Sarina's QCWA Branch marked its centenary with a delightful high tea event that attracted guests and visitors from across the region. The celebration, a nod to the Branch's remarkable century of service, was attended by Mayor Greg Williamson, a representative of Michelle Landry MP, Councillor Karen May, and Maree Franettovich of Community Bank Sarina.

The event, steeped in bygone era charm, treated attendees to an array of freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, cakes, and pikelets. Fine bone china, tiered cake stands, and pristine white tablecloths adorned the setting, transporting guests to the past. Each table was uniquely adorned with vintage aesthetics.

Guests cherished the opportunity to unwind, connect with Sarina Branch Members, and relish the display of nostalgic memories. Attendees were also treated to gift bags containing homemade jelly jams courtesy of Sarina Branch members, alongside a special chocolate from Sarina Community Bank.

The event served as a prelude to upcoming gatherings, including Scone Day on August 11th. Watch out for ticket sales for the much-anticipated Race Day on September 5, details to be revealed soon.

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Award-Winning Shop Up For Grabs

By Amanda Wright

Nestled in the heart of Sarina, Under the Veil, an award-winning bridal shop, is now presenting an irresistible opportunity for a passionate entrepreneur to take the reins of a thriving business. With its remarkable track record and esteemed clientele, this turn-key venture promises the chance to be a part of countless couples' special moments.

Under The Veil has garnered acclaim for its commitment to offering an exceptional and personalised experience to brides-to-be and those seeking formal attire. The attentive and friendly staff create an inviting and relaxed atmosphere, where every bride's individual needs are at the forefront of attention. Your wedding gown, a symbol of your big day's significance, is treated with the utmost care and consideration, ensuring that you look and feel nothing less than spectacular. The spacious showroom boasts a wide selection of wedding gowns, formal attire, accessories, and more.

What sets Under the Veil apart is not just its commitment to excellence, but its well-established client base and industry recognition. With years of hard work and dedication, the owners have curated a loyal clientele that stretches beyond local boundaries. The business comes with a well-stocked inventory and comprehensive financial records, ensuring a smooth transition for the new owner. The industry recognition extends to winning both national and state wedding industry awards, further solidifying the shop's reputation in the bridal realm.

The decision to put this gem of a business on the market is driven by the owners' pursuit of new endeavours. While the current proprietors cherish the business, they recognise that it requires an enthusiastic successor to continue its legacy of exceptional service. A passion for weddings, fashion, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction are the qualities that the ideal buyer should possess.

The new owner will have the flexibility to choose between continuing the lease at the current location with an option to extend or relocate the business if desired. The shop has cultivated a local following for formal attire, high school formals, and after-five events.

For the visionary entrepreneur seeking a turn-key business with a successful history and endless potential, Under the Veil stands as an unmatched opportunity. Envision yourself at the helm of a shop that has already etched its name in bridal elegance and excellence, ready to continue its journey of celebrating love and life's most cherished moments. Don't miss the chance to be a part of this legacy; inquire now and step into the world of bridal beauty and splendour.

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Photo credit: Alyce Holzy Photography

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CANEGROWERS Mackay has appointed its new chief, District Manager Michelle Martin.

Michelle comes with a strong background in business and member services, and her appointment follows the passing of esteemed, long-serving CEO Kerry Latter, who lost his battle with cancer in June.

CANEGROWERS Mackay Chairman Kevin Borg made the announcement this week, saying that a long and transparent selection process had been undertaken. Mrs Martin will formally take up the position on Monday, August 7

“We are pleased to announce today that Michelle Martin will take on the role of District Manager,” Mr Borg said.

“She comes with a professional background in building, small business, administration, insurance, and education.

“Importantly, Mrs Martin has been with CANEGROWERS Mackay’s Grower Services for the past two and a half years, and Growers Services Manager since May 2022. In that time, she has had the opportunity to work closely with CANEGROWERS Mackay’s senior management and board, and has developed extensive knowledge of the industry and, with excellent relationship-building skill, has a great rapport with the membership, making her a perfect fit for the role.

“We are confident that she will bring the clear and strong advocacy for our members, and for the sugar industry as a whole, that both the community and our membership expect. We are confident that the organisation will be in good hands.

“On behalf of the CANEGROWERS Mackay Board and staff, we congratulate Mrs Martin and welcome her into her new role.”

Notably, the organisation is transitioning from leadership being nominally Chief Executive Officer, to District Manager, which brings the position more into line with that of other Queensland CANEGROWERS Districts.

“The rationalisation streamlines the Growers Services and District Manager positions, delivering greater efficiency and value to our members,” Mr Borg said.

Mrs Martin said she was honoured to accept the leadership role.

“I am very honoured to be a part of this new chapter for CANEGROWERS Mackay,” she said.

“I have a great team behind me and have been privileged to have been mentored by senior members and management at CANEGROWERS in my time here.

“I will continue the tradition of being a leading and vocal advocate in the industry for our local members.”

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CANEGROWERS District Manager Michelle Martin

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Funding has been secured for the region’s first two sleepbuses, with Safe Sleep Mackay urging the community to rally behind a third.

Two buses will be located in Mackay, one open to everyone and the other pink sleepbus for women and children only, while the third will be located in Sarina.

Lisa Jamieson of Safe Sleep Mackay thanked the community for their support but said $70,000 is still required for the third sleepbus, as well as volunteers to operate them.

“We couldn’t do the fundraising without the community, and we can’t operate the buses without the community,” she said.

“It’s got to be a community effort to get them here and a community effort to sustain it.”

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.

“While we all know housing is the ultimate solution, we know it’s not something that’s going to happen overnight but at least these buses give that temporary short-term relief and are that interim solution until something more permanent can be done,” Ms Jamieson said.

“These are all human beings; the majority do not want to be homeless,” added Kayleigh Brewster.

“Life on the streets is not fun, they aren’t out there with no responsibilities having a great time, they’re really struggling.”

Ms Jamieson hopes to see the first two sleepbuses in Mackay by Easter next year, with a third not far behind.

To find out more about donating and volunteering, visit www.sleepbus.org/fundraisers/sleepbusmackay/mackay-needs-a-sleepbus.

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Lisa Jamieson and Kayleigh Brewster of Safe Sleep Mackay. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Local homeless support services have shared their gratitude for the support of the region’s youth.

A group of students from Kutta Mulla Gorinna Special Assistance School (KMG) have been collecting plastic bags and turning them into mats, providing comfort and insulation for rough sleepers.

As part of the Life Skills program, students learnt to crochet, taking strips of plastic bags and crocheting them into mats.  

The crocheted mats provide a reliable, durable, and lightweight sleeping surface for those experiencing homelessness.

The mats were recently donated to Orange Sky who then shared the mats amongst Australian Street Aid Project, CASA and ATSICH for them to distribute to their clients in need.

Students and staff from KMG also raised $310 for Safe Sleep Mackay's sleepbus initiative.

Safe Sleep Mackay has also received donations from Mackay North State School and St Mary's Catholic Primary School where students and staff raised funds to help secure the region’s sleepbuses.  

In other efforts of community support, Pioneer State High School recently collected cans of food, donating around 1,100 tins to Australian Street Aid Project, while St Brendan's Catholic Primary School’s 'Winter Warmer' appeal is currently on, seeing students collect socks, beanies, scarves and travel wipes to donate to Orange Sky.

Orange Sky continues to work with St Patrick's College as they have for the last three years, with the school’s year 10-12 students making and serving breakfast twice a week for those in need.

During school holidays, the tongs are passed onto Teen Shed Mackay, who first took over the breakfast service in the 2022-23 Christmas school holidays and have been back every school holiday since.  

“You can see that the youth of our community are trying to do something,” said Lisa Jamieson of Orange Sky and Safe Sleep Mackay.

“They know that people out there are doing it tough and if we can instill that in the youth, it’s going to make a better community all around.”

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KMG students recently donated sleeping mats and a cheque to support services throughout the community

Mackay North State School was presented with a certificate of appreciation after a donation to Safe Sleep Mackay

Teen Shed Mackay donate their time to cook breakfast for Orange Sky every school holidays

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Sudsy Challenge Returns

Orange Sky is inviting the community to “keep your kit on in support of people experiencing homelessness”.

The Sudsy Challenge tasks people with wearing the same clothes for three days in the month of September to raise awareness and funds for people experiencing homelessness or hardship.

“That’s another call to arms where the community can get involved and take action,” said Orange Sky Mackay Service Leader Lisa Jamieson.

“It’s about giving people an appreciation of what it’s like to be in those clothes.”

Visit www.thesudsychallenge.com.au to find out more.

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Drop In Lounge A Success

Chances Op Shop recently announced changes that will see a greater focus on Australian Street Aid Project’s homelessness support services.

The op shop’s floor space has been minimised, allowing space for a drop in lounge for those in need.

“We realised that there really is nowhere for these people to go through the day, and they needed access to amenities and charging facilities and somewhere safe to be,” said Australian Street Aid Project Founder Kayleigh Brewster.

“It’s worked really well and it’s very well utilised; we’ve had great feedback from people using the space.”

The drop in lounge provides users with amenities, charging facilities, books, desks, couches and a television to be used throughout the day.

Australian Street Aid Project has also employed a part-time Case Worker to assist with accessing drug, alcohol, mental health and legal support services.

“We’re seeing really positive outcomes for some of our service users not necessarily just around homelessness but around other factors that create barriers to housing,” said Ms Brewster.

“People just really like to have a place to be where they’re not asked to leave and where they’re out of the elements; somewhere they can relax, find support, have conversations with people.

“It’s helped us to develop better and more therapeutic relationships with people, spending a little bit more one on one time with them.”

Ms Brewster said Australian Street Aid Project has seen a dramatic increase in service users, with the number of meals dispersed into the community spiking from around 350 meals a week two months ago to over 500 meals a week.

To accommodate the increase in demand, Chances Op Shop will now be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 3pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm, closing from Sunday to Tuesday.

“We’re hoping it will help to increase our revenue which goes directly into the homelessness services so we can create a more sustainable environment and continue providing all those services,” Ms Brewster said.

The op shop is celebrating Super Saturday this Saturday, August 12 to mark the first Saturday opening, with all clothing half price and all other items discounted by 15%.

Australian Street Aid Project has also launched it’s Pay It Forward Meal campaign, asking locals to donate as little as $7.50 to pay forward a meal for their many clients who come in for homelessness assistance.

Visit www.austreetaid.org for more information.

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Australian Street Aid Project Founder Kayleigh Brewster. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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For Homelessness Week

A monthly barbecue this morning, Friday, August 11, has brought Homelessness Week to a close for 2023.

The annual event is an effort by Community Accommodation & Support Agency (CASA) to draw attention to the issue of homelessness in Mackay while providing information and resources to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“It’s about everyone who is homeless, and that can be rough sleepers, people who are couch surfing, people who live in overcrowded conditions, people who don’t have a secure tenure,” said CASA Manager Lorraine Wirth.

“For people on a low income, people who don't have a rental history, people who might be on a single income or benefit, it’s extremely difficult to get any accommodation.”

Homelessness Week offered the opportunity for the community to come together and share information and resources, including financial and budgeting tips, information sessions, meet and greets, and “homeless hacks”.

In the last financial year, CASA distributed over $470,000 and over 1,000 food vouchers to those in need.

From January 2023 to July 2023, 1,567 nights of accommodation to different people in need.

Ms Wirth said CASA’s services provide outreach, crisis housing, homestay and food services, but more needs to be done for a permanent solution.

“I would like to see more properties, more tenure, more bricks and mortar,” she said.

“Whether it’s social housing, community housing, more affordable housing full stop, anything as long as there are more options available for people.”

Visit www.casamackay.org.au to find out more.

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CASA Manager Lorraine Wirth. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Kalyan Youth Service has been providing services to the youth of the region for 38 years, celebrating their birthday at the end of July 2023.

Established in 1985, Kalyan Youth Service offers crisis accommodation, transitional housing, case management and support to those aged 16 to 25 and is the only youth shelter between Rockhampton and Townsville.

The not-for-profit organisation has crisis accommodation for six young people as well as medium-term accommodation units, providing young people with a home environment teaching life skills, cooking, cleaning and work seeking skills.

“The first criteria we look at when making an assessment for young people is their level of homelessness,” said Housing Services Manager Louise O'Brien.

“They could be literally homeless and have no accommodation or they’re at risk of homelessness, they may be residing in an unsafe environment or couch surfing.”

The friendly team of youth workers works with young people on a case management plan, assisting with securing employment, sourcing benefits and addressing their mental health needs to work through any barriers.

“Our role is to work with them to assist with whatever their needs are,” said Ms O’Brien.

“We do try to reunify young people with their families if at all possible.”

In the 2022-23 financial year, Kalyan Youth Service assisted 64 clients, however, were unable to assist 229 young people for a variety of reasons, highlighting the importance of their work in our community.

Monetary donations can be made to the organisation at www.givenow.com.au/youthhomelessness and non-perishable food items are accepted at 4 Goldsmith Street, East Mackay.

If there is any other assistance you think you may be able to provide, contact Ms O'Brien on 07 4951 4352.

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The Mackay Disability Expo was held at the Mackay Showgrounds last weekend and featured a range of both local and out-of-town specialist exhibitors, providing a one-stop-shop for everyone with an interest in disability services.

Crossroad Arts entertained attendees by hosting their ROAR program at the expo, which was about “exploring untapped imaginings through movement, sound and theatre making”.

Groove Movers also put on a beautiful display of movement and dance for people of all abilities and Margie Ross hosted a singing workshop attracting groups of onlookers.

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Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

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Chrissy Cahill – A1 Sleep Mackay

Sleep is a vital function that allows the brain and the body to recover and recharge, so when you’re not getting a good night’s rest, many facets of your day-to-day life can be affected.

If you have daytime sleepiness, snore, raised blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, have had a stroke or heart attack, or urinate throughout the night, a sleep test can be the key to unlocking a full night of rest; ask your Doctor for a Sleep Referral form to A1 Sleep Mackay.

Chrissy Cahill of A1 Sleep Mackay is passionate about ensuring restful sleep, with over 18 years’ experience in the industry.

Working in healthcare all her life, she was managing a healthcare business in Townsville when she approached a colleague about incorporating sleep into their services. From there, moved to Mackay 10 years ago and continued working in the Sleep industry.

Chrissy started her business in November 2021, rebranding to A1 Sleep Mackay in March 2023.

Operating seven days a week, A1 Sleep Mackay caters for those who are unable to commit to an appointment during the working week and saves the patient time on the travel involved – this is why she added this unique service of “GOING TO THE PATIENT” for the initial Sleep Test, but conditions apply.

A1 Sleep Mackay also offers sleep apnea machine and accessory sales as well as cleaning and servicing of machines and masks.

Her sleep tests are bulk-billed with no out-of-pocket expense to the patient providing they meet the Medicare criteria and she provides all of the above in a friendly, caring, and utterly genuine manner.

Chrissy says the satisfaction she feels when patients feel more rested and energised is why she does what she does.

“Once they go onto the machines, people come back and ask me what I’ve done to them because they feel so alive,” she said.

Chrissy has even brought Victorian sleep lab National Sleep Diagnostics on board who will analyse sleep tests for her, ensuring the people of Mackay get the best treatment possible.

Chrissy operates out of her home at 51 Stroppianas Road, Devereux Creek, not far from Marian in the Pioneer Valley.

Open seven days, you can contact her any time on 0406 996 722 or find A1 Sleep Mackay on Facebook.

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Stepping into the Art of Acupuncture clinic, clients start a journey of healing and growth at the stable and steady hands of renowned acupuncturist Dr Bob Wong.

The initial consult allows Dr Wong to complete a thorough health history and diagnostic exam, so that he may know what areas of the body are a concern and come up with a treatment plan.

The pulse is believed to be closely connected to the meridians and organ system of the body, allowing Dr Wong to have a glimpse into the internal situation of a patient.

He will also conduct Postural Analysis, thermal scan and muscle testing.

He will dissect his client’s posture and alignment, at rest and at movement, to see how their muscles and joints are working together.

Believing strongly in preventive measures, Dr Wong will often recommend lifestyle changes, on top of his recommendations of clinic procedures, including acupuncture, which aids the body in naturally combatting issues.

Treating everything from migraines, chronic pain, Bell’s Palsy, and Pregnancy Care, Dr Wong is uniquely qualified in Chinese Medicines, and has worked across China, America, and Australia.

While not always diagnosing acupuncture as a necessary remedy for all patients, most patients do return to the clinic for Dr Wong and his acupuncture sessions.

Getting to the root of the issue, Dr Wong will ensure to take his clients through the journey of regaining their health.

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Recently we were talking on the breakfast show about friends, best friends …your best mate.

Well, I don’t have one. And it doesn’t bother me. It must be part of my introvertedness (if that’s even a word).

I don’t know if it’s because I’ve moved around a bit and never really stayed in close contact with some people from previous towns, or something in my psychological make up. I guess it has to be the latter mainly, because living alone never bothered me, going to concerts or sport alone doesn’t bother me either.

Some people thought it was really strange and were virtually asking me if I’m ok or needed to talk to someone. I don’t. I actually think it’s quite healthy. If you can be happy and unbothered then that’s a good thing. If however you’re like me and don’t have a mate and it does bother you, and you don’t feel great, definitely go and talk to someone.

I’ve got a lot of friends from different things I do, like work, playing cricket, beer brewing, astronomy, even back to high school and primary school days.

We catch up all the time at things like work and cricket, but rarely outside of, in true social life.

I guess it means my home beer brewing is really more for me than anyone else.

At my wedding my best man was my brother, because I just didn’t have anyone else that I thought was my best mate. The result of that was a lopsided wedding party from my side and my wife’s, but I was comfortable with that.

I reckon if I lay on a psychologist's couch, before too long we’d swap places as they had a lie down to try and work me out. I’m a shocker for not asking people how their weekend was and engage in that general small talk stuff in general. It sounds like hard work, maybe I’m just lazy. No wonder my wife says I don’t listen much, or ask her how her day was.

I’m going to blame it all on me being an introvert.

Scotty

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Anyone who wants reassurance about Mackay real estate need only look at the state of play in our local business community.

There are several crucial things you need to be across if you want to run a successful business in Mackay, or anywhere else for that matter.

Identifying a service or product that is in demand is an important start. Got the skills to provide that service or product? Yep. Well that’s a big tick.

A site to base your operations? Done! Another tick.

Now it’s just a matter of having the right staff. Um, well … we do have problems there.

Getting staff is a major issue for Mackay businesses and many are forced to look outside the usual solutions, such as putting an ad on Seek, to solve the problem.

I bumped into a successful Mackay businessman the other day who is bringing a group of skilled workers from Latin America to Mackay to provide the manpower (now there’s a word you probably can’t use any more but “people power” has a completely different meaning and “person power” sounds ridiculous) that he needs for his expanding business.

There are plenty of other businesses in the mining, mechanical, restaurant and service industries that are looking overseas to find skilled staff.

And this is where real estate comes into it. If our market were overflowing with empty investment properties, our migrant workers would be waltzing into whatever affordable, quality accommodation they wanted.

But it’s not as simple as that. It’s great to bring staff in to meet demand but they have to live somewhere and that’s where local businesses are getting creative.

Quite a few businesses are now buying property to accommodate their workers. Several have bought motels or other properties to accommodate staff coming from overseas and down south.

There is certainly a need for a separate conversation about the “housing crisis” that is an issue here and elsewhere in Australia and it is something governments need to address.

However, the point of this column is that the issues facing businesses do provide reassurance for people buying and owning real estate in this town.

Firstly, most businesses seem to be flat out and struggling to meet demand. So the economy is going well, which means business owners are making a buck and local people have jobs. That’s good for the real estate market.

Secondly, what does it tell us about the real estate market if rental accommodation is so tight that business people are buying property to accommodate staff? It comes back to economics … supply and demand.  

There is a pretty good reason to be confident about buying into a market when supply is tight and demand is strong, particularly when there appears to be no sign on the horizon of that changing any time soon. But that’s just my opinion.

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Opinion Piece

On July 26, council adopted the Mackay Region Recreational Vehicle Strategy, and I am unapologetic in how exciting this was for me personally.

In 2016, I and other councillors started advocating for this strategy based on feedback from people in our community who travel throughout Australia in their own RVs. We received clear messages that people who own RVs want different camping options in the locations they travel to, and that we, as a region, needed to ensure that travellers didn’t keep bypassing us on their way to other destinations.

In October 2022, Council engaged Otium Planning Group to assist in the preparation of the Mackay Region RV Strategy. Some of the objectives of the strategy were to have actions that would attract a greater share of the RV market, provide economic benefit to the region and to have an action plan that clarifies council’s role. There was significant desktop research conducted as well as consultation sessions so all relevant stakeholders could be heard before releasing the draft strategy document for public consultation.

The caravan and camping market was already growing before Covid-19 and since 2019 has been expanding rapidly with high demand for caravans and RVs. Caravans are getting longer and are increasingly self-contained. Some key statistics from the strategy is that total registrations of RVs in 2022 was 772,598, that Queensland continues to have the most RV registrations and the 30-to-54-year market makes up 47 per cent of all trips, followed by the 55+ market with 29 per cent.  

Mackay

Part of the message from council in the strategy is that it represents council’s vision to transform the Mackay region into a chosen destination for RV adventurers, with the goal to facilitate an array of RV stay options and strategic promotion of our key destinations, all aimed at capturing an even larger portion of the RV market.

With the first stage of the mountain bike park already underway, I believe the strategy will be an important step in the success of this unique adventure tourism offering and I can’t wait to welcome many more travellers and RVs to our region.  

Cr Fran Mann

Mackay Regional Council

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Local Yachties Ready To Win

A sail full of strong ambition and a hull lot of healthy competition is at the heart Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) where old rivals come together to test their mettle.

Throughout the week, marina berths have filled with white yachts and laughter as crews are reunited and anticipation builds for another exciting event.

One of these crews is from Treasure Vlll, a 36-foot yacht which has competed in ABRW for the past 16 years, eight of which with current owner and skipper, Rob Davis.

Comprising largely of old friends, the crew are a spirited and jovial bunch who have managed to achieve second and third place over the years, but are of course hoping for a first place medal this year.

“We’ve got the best crew this year and really hoping for a win,” said Davis.

“Airlie Beach Race Week is the pinnacle of sailing for us each year and we are excited to get out there and compete.”

Treasure Vlll is made by the prestigious Reichel/Pugh design company, which is famous for its fast designs, and was made in Dubai by the English boat makers, Seaquest Yachts.

Davis has been sailing for over 30 years and bought the vessel in 2015 when his wife finally permitted him to spend the money on his dream boat.

Since then, he hasn’t looked back, competing regularly in the Magnetic Island Race Week, Hamilton Island Race Week, and regattas in Bowen.

Gathering comrades for this week’s competition, the crew are made up of locals and a couple of new recruits.

Sue Neales was part of an all-women team that won their division in the Magnetic Island Race week last year and she will be on the Treasure Vlll’s crew along with “secret weapon”, Japanese recruit Yusuke Takahashi, who has flown over specifically for the event.

Treasure Vlll is competing in the Performance Handicap Cruising Division this week so if you are out there too, make sure you say hello.

“We love Race Week, it’s like a big catch up for us all!” said Davis.

“It’s a big family – but of course we are friends on shore and enemies on the water!”

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The crew of Treasure Vlll are welcomed by Whitsunday Sailing Club Manager, Robin Ross. Photo credit: Rachael Smith.

Robin Ross greets owner of Treasure Vlll, Rob Davis, with a welcoming handshake. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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