If there’s one Australian Christmas tradition that grew out of Australia’s climate, it’s the food. We once slaved in the kitchen cooking thick, European meals a generation or two back, turning our kitchens into saunas

But since the nineties, we’ve turned al fresco: Fresh, local ingredients, straight from the sea. We have a blue border as a skirting line down all our coastlines - the Pacific, Southern, and Indian Oceans, the Timor, Tasman, and Coral Seas – and that means we have a penchant for one thing: “Throwin’ a prawn on the barbie”.

In Bowen there’s plenty of fresh fish, crustaceans, and oysters coming in from the boats, especially at one of the town’s longest-running food establishments and an institution of seafood, Bird’s Fish Bar.

Owner Chloe Bauer said Christmas was a special time of year for the store, which also functions as Bowen Fisherman’s Seafood Company, bringing in fresh-caught produce from the Great Barrier Reef.

“Every year, we have lots of fresh, local fish coming in for Christmas; great packs and deals that include the Australian staples,” Chloe said.

“Because of this climate, it’s always nice to have cold prawns with a salad. Things that are forever popular. We have so many people over the years who come and buy a whole fish for a centrepiece, cook it all together around the barbecue. That’s what Christmas is about!”

Bird’s Fish Bar has a range of local, wild-caught fish available all the way until Christmas Eve, with specials available including the chance to go into the draw to win five-kilograms of Bowen prawns.

“For me, our Christmas is always fresh prawns, prawn cocktails, bugs on the barbie with sand crabs, and a whole baked fish,” Chloe said.

“A bit of lemon, lime, chilli – it’s so special.”

Aside from the food, Bird’s is also available as a Christmas party venue – whether it be for work, family, or friends, don’t miss your chance to enjoy one of Bowen’s most special spots. Give them a ring!

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Owner of Bowen Fisherman’s Seafood Company and Birds Fish Bar Chloe Bauer with some of their fresh, local-caught range of Christmas delights

As temperatures in the Whitsundays rise, reaching their often uncomfortably high levels, pets are likely to struggle with the heat as much as people do – if not more, according to local experts.

Greater Whitsunday Vet Services veterinarian Doctor Jason Mansfield warns of the impactful North Queensland heat’s effect on all pets, even one that might seem to revel in the heat.

“Even for snakes or lizards, this time of year can be extremely challenging for them. Which is certainly saying something, considering their cold-blooded nature,” Dr Mansfield said.

“But in particular, we need to be mindful the most of our furry, warm-blooded friends who have trouble self-regulating heat like humans do.”

In the Whitsundays’ far northern extremity, there is a high chance that your pet can experience, at its worst, heatstroke, which, according to scientific reports conducted in the United States, sees over 50 per cent of dogs taken to the vet with severe heatstroke die.

“That’s why it’s so important to follow some basic rules and thought processes during the summer months in the Whitsundays,” Dr Mansfield said.

The basic rules Dr Mansfield highlighted were for dogs and cats.

“With your dogs, if they’re being left outside during the day, you need shaded areas. Some people tie their dogs up during the day, and I do not recommend that at all – it can cause stress, which exacerbates the symptoms of the heat,” Mr Mansfield said.

“We are wanting to not overstress any animal as that will have issues with overheating them. We need them to have plenty of water and in some cases even electrolyte solutions, which can be purchased explicitly for dogs. You then need to keep that water out of the sun.

“The general rule of thumb is: If you’re hot, your animal is very likely hot, too. Think of the lollipop lady. She’s out in the weather all day with shade provided by her clothing, extra water, electrolytes. We can’t give animals clothing, so we need to remedy that in other ways.”

Although it may seem minor, heat-stress and heat-related illness is almost the opposite, according to Mr Mansfield. It is an important consideration for any pet owner, particularly as part of their duty of care to another living creature.

“There are a great number of ways pets can overheat – The obvious being the weather, but it’s also coming into the silly season and they may get a bit of Christmas ham, which can cause inflammation which can then cause vomiting, diarrhea, causing dehydration, which exacerbates heat issues. Sometimes it’s the things we don’t think about,” Dr Mansfield said.

“The best thing we can do is get them out of the heat. Shelter, water, and reduce stress if your pet is anxious.

Dr Mansfield said Greater Whitsunday Vet Services was available for heat-related illnesses in any domestic animal, and had many more tips for keeping your pets safe in the hottest part of the year.

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Greater Whitsunday Vet Services veterinarian Doctor Jason Mansfield said this time of year was the time to be most vigilant regarding our animals overheating as a pet owner

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The stories of the wildlife and the incredible diversity of species and habitats are just some of the reasons that the Great Barrier Reef is so inspirational to visitors.  

At approximately 350,000 km2 in size and stretching 2,300 km along the Queensland coast, the Great Barrier Reef is the only living ecosystem on Earth that can be seen from Outer Space.

Comprised of 2900 coral reefs and 1050 Islands and coral cays, the Great Barrier Reef is home to all of this:

• One third of the world's Coral species

• 6 of the worlds 7 species of marine Turtles including; Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Flatback, Olive -Ridley, and Leatherback

• One of the world's most important dugong populations

• Giant clams that are more than 120 years old

• More than 1500 species of fish

• More than 3000 species of molluscs (shells)

• 630 species of echinoderm (starfish and sea urchins)

• 14 breeding species of sea snakes

• 215 species of birds, including 22 species of seabirds and 32 species of shorebirds

• 30 species of whales and dolphins

• 133 species of sharks and rays

• And it is bigger than the country of Italy!
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Over the next three months you have the chance to see:

• Turtle's nesting and hatching

• Fish spawning

• Jellyfish, sea squirts, salps and siphonophores which fill the water column and are fed upon by fish and turtles

• Whale sharks (which are the world’s biggest fish!)

The Great Barrier Reef is one of earth's greatest Natural wonders, and we are privileged to have it right on our doorstep.

Each and every living thing on it, has its own tale to tell, and I encourage you to choose one thing, each time you’re on the reef, and find out its story.

By doing so it will not only educate but you will appreciate, how truly amazing it is.

So don't forget to tell people how special it is and how proud we are to call it home.

Contributed by Brent Chatterton.

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Students from across the region took to Bowen in early November to learn about the latest technology in one of the Whitsundays’ major industries.

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association’s (BGGA) Innovation Field Day held at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) research station in Bowen was a “huge success” according to organisers.

Attracting over 150 producers, industry stakeholders, students, and agricultural businesses from across North Queensland, the event was both an opportunity for locals to learn about one of the region’s economic drivers, as well as businesses to see the improvements in ‘Agtech’.

BGGA Chief Executive Officer Ry Collins highlighted the attendance of over 60 students from Bowen, Home Hill, and Proserpine High schools who saw first-hand what kinds of Agtech are emerging in the industry.

“The field day was a great opportunity for industry and our community to come together, share information and learn about new technologies and advancements in the horticulture sector,” Mr Collins said.

The event hosted a comprehensive program of speakers, displays and demonstrations, including the autonomous Robotti and GUSS units that demonstrated robotic weeding, seeding, spraying, and slashing as well as automated packing from LYRO robotics.

Mr Collins said it was a key business priority for BGGA to collaborate with industry and provide growers with information and access to the latest agtech products and services that helped them improve on-farm efficiency, reduce input costs and remain profitable.

“It is vital that we continue to pursue new ways to meet and adapt to challenges, be more productive and sustainable and ensure our industry is able to continue to be prosperous into the future,” he said.

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Bowen Gumlu Growers Association hosted industry stakeholders, locals, and school students at an open day highlighting new agricultural and horticultural technology

Recycling is not just about the environment, it is also about repurposing a valuable resource, selling it onto markets and then circulating back into the economy.

Every year we make roughly $500,000 from recycling in our region, but general waste that goes directly into landfill costs us around $8 million.

Councils are working very hard to flip that statistic by educating people on the way we view our recyclable materials.

When we stop looking at items as objects and start looking at them as materials, this completely changes how we interact with our recycling bins.

Glass, metal and plastics are just some examples of materials we use every day that are worth money and can be on-sold to companies that will repurpose them into valuable products.

Did you know that glass can be used as an alternative to gravel when making bitumen?

Every week, all the yellow bins from across the Whitsundays are emptied and transported down to the Mackay Material Recovery Facility for processing.

Receiving roughly 60,000 tonnes of recyclable materials each week, the team of 10 dedicated staff work long hours to process all the items, repurposing as many as possible.

A high level of contaminates, roughly 17 per cent of what arrives at the station, will be transferred onto landfill and the rest will be directed into holding bins where it is stockpiled until its market value increases and it can be sold for profit.

Materials are moved across a slow-moving hopper, under a trundle wheel and over a conveyor where they are manually pre-sorted.

They then run past a magnet and through a green machine computer with Artificial Intelligence which takes photo of every object dictating where each item goes.

Glass is then used by Mackay Council for house levelling and roads, steel is sold to business Raw Metal Corp., who operate nearby, and plastic is sent to Brisbane where it is on-sold to China.

But what happens to it after this?

An important part of the recycling process is that the product it becomes is then bought and used by everyone – from big business to Councils and households right across Australia.

“It’s the recycle cycle,” said Alyssa Zammit from Mackay Regional Council.

“We need to be buying back what we sell - it’s all well and good that our plastics get recycled but we need to then be making a conscious decision to buy something that is a recycled product to create a circular economy.”

Mackay Regional Council work with a company called Replas who make items such as bollards, seats and park benches for the region.

Plastic Forest and Close the Loop are also excellent companies to buy recycled items from.

On a smaller scale, we can all make sure we look at what we purchase at the supermarket.

Mackay Regional Council offer free tours of the recycling plant which are open to everyone, from individuals to school groups.

The tours are informative and fun, with bookings available through Council.

Recycling Tips

• Wash out all containers first

• Never recycle batteries, they are highly flammable

• Recycle lose items – anything in a bag will go to landfill

• Do not recycle shredded paper

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60,000 tonnes of recycling passes through the Mackay Material Recovery Facility each week

Once sorted, items are stockpiled until market value goes up and it can be sold for a profit

A garden of trees commemorating Queen Elizabeth the Second’s Platinum Jubilee were unveiled in an intimate ceremony at Cannonvale State School last week.

The end-of-project event - which received funding from the State Government’s Planting Trees for the Queen’s Jubilee Program - saw students, teachers, Parents and Community Association (P&C) representatives, and Whitsunday Regional Councillor Jan Clifford plant the project’s last tree: a lychee.

Led by the school’s Principal Angie Kelly and Health Teacher Erin Moore, the event concluded the planting of the Cannonvale State School’s “Queen’s Jubilee Fruit Forest”, which hosts 26 various species of plants.

“It’s time - not tomorrow, not well into the future – but now that we rewrite the future we have, and the future we have for our children, and our children’s children,” Principal Kelly said.

“We know there is no place better to start than here. It seems so little – this garden – but to me it is so big.”

The Garden stretches between the school’s pool and tennis courts and was spearheaded by Health Teacher Erin Moore.

Ms Moore said having an active garden of fruits coincided with the school’s ecological message of sustainability.

“It is a great privilege to receive this very worthwhile government grant which will honour the Queen for her remarkable 70 years of service,” Ms Moore said.

“The Queen represents longevity, and I hope these trees will experience that too. My hope is, in another 70 years’ time, these trees will continue to provide shade, beauty, purification of the air, and a range of delicious fruits for school children.”

The completed Garden also aligns with the school’s Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden – a hands-on learning program delivering food education to primary students.

“A lot of the fruits are things the students may not have tried before. It exposes them to a range of foods now and shows them the growing process,” Ms Moore said.

“Already, we’ve been making food in our Kitchen Gardens from fruits grown at the school, and this will only improve that.”

Councillor Jan Clifford presented a lychee tree as the final addition to the Queen’s Jubilee Fruit Forest on behalf of Whitsunday Regional Council.

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Cannonvale State School P&C President Sabrina Mitchell, Whitsunday Councillor Jan Clifford, Cannonvale State School’s Enviro Captain Airlie Fisch, Health Teacher Erin Moore, and Principal Angie Kelly unveiling one of 27 trees in the school’s new Queen’s Jubilee Fruit Forest

Councillor Clifford and School Enviro Captain Airlie Fisch planting a lychee, donated by Whitsunday Regional Council

A Proserpine World War II veteran, Private Edward ‘Eddie’ Charles Lade, returned home to the sugarcane farming town after two years’ service in the Pacific Theatre of War, bringing with him something incredibly special.

In a ceremony at the Proserpine Returned and Services League (RSL) Subbranch last week, Edward Lade’s nephew, Ian Lade, bestowed the local chapter with his uncle’s special spoil of war: a guntō – a Japanese, ceremonial sword produced for the Imperial Army and Navy.

Forged by Japanese swordsmith Chounsai Emura, the guntō was officially left in the care of the RSL for display by the Lade family on Remembrance Day.

Ian Lade, who had travelled with the sword on behalf of his cousin Janet, said his uncle had come into possession of the sword whilst in active service in the islands of Papua New Guinea during the Second World War.

“I feel very proud and honoured to present this to the RSL and [Proserpine RSL Subbranch President] Jason Raiteri on behalf of the Lade family. I didn’t know Eddie all that well, but what I do know is he was a bit of a larrikin,” Mr Lade said.

“Just like anyone who spent time in active service, you could see he suffered from it. This RSL meant a lot to him. I’m honoured to leave his sword here.”

Chounsai Emura, the Chief Warden of Okayama Prison during the 1940s, purportedly forged hundreds of swords within his prison walls, donating them to Imperial Japanese Armed Forces Officers.

“The legend of the sword is that this prison warden [Emura] had his prisoners forge the swords and sharpen them,” Mr Lade said.

“It was believed only one of his swords was ever brought back to Australia by a Lieutenant Colonel who passed it onto the Australian War Memorial; but I’ve got a little bit of a story for them that it’s not the only one!”

The sword now joins other war artifacts displayed at the local RSL, which the RSL Subbranch President Jason Raiteri said was an exceptional honour.

“On behalf of the RSL, I would like to thank Ian for allowing us to be the caretakers of this sword for as long as the RSL is here,” he said.

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Ian Lade donated a Japanese guntō sword to Proserpine RSL and its Subbranch President Jason Raiteri

The sword was crafted in the 1940s before coming into the possession of World War Two veteran Edward Lade, a late Proserpine resident

On Thursday last week St Catherine’s Catholic College students were recognised for their academic, sporting, cultural and community achievements at their annual Awards Ceremony.

Parents, carers and community members were invited to attend one of the biggest events in the College calendar.

College Principal Mr Luke Thomson said it filled him with pride to once again see so many students recognised and rewarded for their efforts and achievements in 2022.

“Our College value of excellence is something that we encourage all students to strive for, however this will always be measured differently for different students,” he said.

“We talk of students achieving their ‘own excellence’ and in doing so we extend this expectation to all aspects of College life, with students achieving across a breadth of fields and that is what was celebrated at the ceremony.”

Mr Thomson congratulated all of the award winners for their commitment, diligence and consistency they have demonstrated this year.  

Staff were also recognised for their years of service, with 10-, 20-, 25- and 35-year milestones celebrated.

St Catherine’s Year 12 cohort also completed one of the few remaining rites of passage that we have in society today - their high school graduation.

This year they have a senior class of 46 students, their largest graduating cohort to date.

Mr Thomson congratulated each of the students on their successful completion of high school.

“We all look forward to hearing about their adventures and journeys in the years to come,” he said.

“Some may be leaving the region to chase their dreams, while we hope others will be more regular faces within our College for years to come.”

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Graduation Photo

Back: Ryan Taylor, Max Molloy, Luke Pegg, Peta McMahon-Neale, Casey Lade, Sebastian Hill, Klayton Frazer-Moore, Stella Duggan, Oscar Doland, Estrella del Solar, Darcy Burgum-Johnstone, Ella Crossley, Amy Burgum-Johnstone, Roy Blain, Charlotte Brown, Dylan Beale, Danielle Brazil, Louie Archer, Tegan Ganter, Jack Pini, William Preat

After months of investigation and scrutiny, the board of Mackay Base Hospital was sacked by the Queensland Government, following more than 100 claims of mistreatment by women who had been in its care.

On Tuesday November 22, Health Minister Yvette D’Ath dismissed the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) Board and appointed an Administrator.

This decision follows a show cause notice issued to the MHHS Board following the release of a damning report into its obstetrics and gynaecology unit, issued on September 30.

The show cause notice asked MHHS board members to say how they can effectively discharge their duties and obligations and whether any or all of the board members should be dismissed.

The board members had a week to respond to this show cause notice. More than a month after the deadline, the State Government made its decision with the Health Minister making her recommendation to the Governor in Council.

Damning Obstetrics Report Leads To Dismissal Of Hospital Board

Image: Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath

Standout quote to go anywhere

“You have shone a light on failings that have been hidden for far too long.”

Continued from page 1

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the obstetrics and gynaecology report is damning in its identification of failings at multiple levels within Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) and more particularly the Mackay Base Hospital.

“The Investigation team found multiple examples of substandard clinical care, poor clinical incident monitoring, poor management of safety and quality, complications and clinical deterioration and poor human resource management.

“I want to acknowledge the more than 170 women who came forward, with many telling their deeply personal and sometimes deeply traumatic experiences.”

The Health Minister announced the decision to dismiss the board on November 22.

“Governor in Council has, on my recommendation, dismissed all the members of the Board under section 275(1) of the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011,” the Minister said.

“I made that recommendation to the Governor in Council because I was satisfied it is in the public interest that all members of the Board be dismissed.

“In the circumstances, I am not satisfied that the Board is able to implement the recommendations of the report, including the cultural change needed across the hospital.”

Minister D’Ath said experienced health administrator Karen Roach has been appointed Administrator in place of the dismissed Mackay HHS Board, effective immediately.

“Karen Roach has over 35 years of experience in management and leadership positions in health organisations in the public and private sectors,” she said.

“Ms Roach has served as Interim Chief Operating Officer of Metro South and Sunshine Coast HHSs and Interim Chief Executive of Townsville HHS.

“She has qualifications in nursing and midwifery and was awarded a Centenary of Australia Award for services to nursing and health services in Queensland.

“The skills Ms Roach brings to this role will be crucial in restoring confidence in the Mackay Hospital.

“I’m confident Ms Roach will work well with Special Advisor Dr Robert Herkes and the hardworking staff on Mackay HHS to deliver improved services.”

Minister D’Ath thanked the women who had come forward as part of the investigation.

“To each and every one of these women, whether they were part of the investigation or the consumer case management pathway, I want to say thank you for your bravery and courage.

“You have shone a light on failings that have been hidden for far too long.”

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Mackay detectives have charged a local man with ten offences following investigations into two serious crashes last Sunday (November 20) at Mount Pleasant and Farleigh.

Initial information indicates shortly after 6.30am on Sunday, two vehicles collided at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Sams Road before one of the vehicles, a stolen white Toyota Landcruiser, left the scene.

The driver of the other car, a 75-year-old Blacks Beach woman, was transported to the Mackay Base Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The white Toyota Landcruiser, stolen from an Andergrove address earlier that morning, was located in Cemetery Road following the crash.

While investigations were continuing to locate the driver of the stolen vehicle, the situation took a strange twist.

Police were called to the Bruce Highway by motorists due to the alleged dangerous driving of a stolen red Isuzu MU-X 4WD at around 1.20pm.

At 1.59pm, the vehicle overtook a marked police vehicle headed south on the Bruce Highway.

Police activated lights and siren however the vehicle allegedly failed to stop and a pursuit commenced.

At 2.04pm the Isuzu MU-X 4WD collided with a vehicle travelling north on the Bruce Highway.

The occupants of the vehicle, a 70-year-old man and 68-year-old woman, were transported to Mackay Base Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The sole occupant of the Isuzu MU-X 4WD, a 19-year-old Mackay man, was arrested at the scene.

He was transported to hospital as a precaution and was subsequently released from hospital, where he was then charged by police.

The 19-year-old appeared in the Mackay Magistrates Court last Monday charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing grievous bodily harm and left scene of incident without obtaining help (Mount Pleasant), dangerous operation of a motor vehicle (Farleigh), evade police, enter premises and commit indictable offence by break, as well as two counts each of enter premises and commit, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and disqualified and unlicensed driving.

Investigations are continuing with overview from the Ethical Standard Command.

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Travellers entering Mackay from the northwest may have noticed an unsightly addition to the Welcome to Mackay sign at the Ring Road roundabout at Glenella.

Vandals had left their mark on the sign and local residents Shelley and Phil decided to do something about it.

According to a post in the ‘Mackay Noticeboard’ Facebook Group, Porters Mitre 10 Mackay donated $140 worth of paint for Phil to paint over the graffiti, restoring the sign to its former glory.

Michelle’s Facebook post was met with mass applause.

“Great work mate and go Porters. Good to see some great Mackay spirit,” said one commenter.

“’What a good person he is’ my daughter just said. Yes you are! And so good of Porters to provide the paint to fix it too - Great community of good hearted people we have!” said another.

Shelley and Phil say they’d love to keep painting over and removing graffiti throughout Mackay, they just need the paint to do it.

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How long does it take in a new place before you can call yourself a local?

I always thought this proposition made as much sense as ‘how long is a piece of string’, because I don’t think it’s something you can quantify with time. It’s a feeling.

This week I celebrated 10 years as a resident in Australia. When I drove to Christchurch Airport very early in the morning a decade ago, it was lightly snowing. In contrast, two flights and a drive around 12 hours later, I arrived on a scorching 42 degree day in Dysart, where we lived for a couple of years before moving to Mackay.

Upon reflection of the journey, I realised that feeling like a local has more to do with the impact you have on the community around you, rather than something you can quantify with time. In Dysart, I felt like a local rather quickly. I think this is because in a small town it’s easier to get to know people in a shorter time frame.

When you first move to a new place, you have complete anonymity. You don’t recognise a single person you walk past and you rarely talk to people other than polite exchanges. Over time, that shifts. You start to recognise people everywhere you go and your exchanges are more fulfilling. You join local clubs, volunteer on committees and feel an urge to help community organisations in need.

I think that’s when you can say you’re a local. It’s not a matter of time, it’s a matter of people, connections and community.

Thanks for welcoming me into your country and community, not a day goes by where I don’t feel grateful for the adventures I’ve had exploring this magnificent, big red land.

Amanda

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Image: A crime scene was established after a 24-year-old man was shot dead by police on Bridge Road. Photo: Sam Gillespie

Dramatic scenes unfolded in West Mackay on Monday afternoon when a 24-year-old man was shot by police.

The incident which occurred on Bridge Road in a premises near the Mackay Base Hospital escalated when a 24-year-old man allegedly advanced at officers with a firearm.

Police were initially called to the Bridge Road address around 2:30pm following reports of a man making threats of self-harm. A PSPA was declared at approximately 4.10 pm with the exclusion zone including Bridge Road, Hume Street and Streeter Avenue while police continued to negotiate with the man.

The PSPA issued at the time said, “There is no imminent danger to the public at present.”

An exclusion zone was established and diversions were put in place for access to the Mackay Base Hospital.

Police said that negotiators were notified to attend the scene and speak with the man, however the situation escalated when officers were confronted by the 24-year-old allegedly armed with a firearm.

The 24-year-old man allegedly advanced at officers and was subsequently shot just after 5pm.

First aid was rendered on scene and he was transported to Mackay Base Hospital in a critical condition, where he was later declared deceased.

Residents in West Mackay reported hearing what they described as the sound of gun shots.

A crime scene was established, as an investigation by the Ethical Standards Command continues. The investigation is subject to oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

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Image: Mackay’s fire, ambulance and police services faced off in a 60km swim challenge to raise funds and awareness for men’s mental health. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Connection and camaraderie were front and centre on Saturday when Mackay’s emergency services came together for Mackay Fire & Rescue's Annual 60km Swim Challenge.

Now in its third year, this year’s challenge was the first to pit the services against each other and while there was a competitive element to the day, the ultimate goal was to break the stigma surrounding men's mental health, a topic prevalent in the first response world.

“It’s just good getting everybody down in the one place,” said Firefighter and event organiser Kyle McCormack.

“It just breaks that stigma a bit, if everyone’s in one place and we’re all there for the same reason, you just have a sense of belonging.”

Queensland Fire & Emergency Services, Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Police Service all battled it out to reach the 60km mark first, with the ambos reaching the goal in just under three hours to claim the 60km Swim Event Shield.

“It’s a really good cause, raising money for men’s mental health and cancer,” Officer in Charge of QAS South Mackay Station Al Craig said.

“It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, it affects different people in different ways.

“I just think it’s great, the amount of turnout we’ve had, and a good day for everybody.”

Acting Constable at Sarina Criminal Investigation Branch Brett Wenzel agreed, saying QPS were happy to support the firies and the cause.

“It’s not just QPS, but all emergency services and all people in their daily lives, everyone goes through their ups and downs, and everyone’s got to be here to support each other and have each other’s backs day in, day out,” he said.

“It’s good to see all the families down here supporting men’s mental health, getting in the water and having a crack.”

Mackay Fire & Rescue are taking donations for their Movember cause for the rest of November, and you can donate by scanning the QR Code.

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On the morning of Saturday, March 17, 1962, residents of Townsville awoke to find a peculiar figure painted atop their beloved Castle Hill.

It wasn’t the first time an out of place painting appeared on the hill as university students had painted a question mark there the year before, which had since been painted over.

This time, it was the recognisable figure of ‘The Saint’, a figure that would remain on the north facing rock wall of Castle Hill for 60 years.

20 years ago, on the Saint’s 40th anniversary, after decades of speculation and controversy, seven former Mackay State High School students came forward as the ones responsible for the original iteration of what has become a Townsville icon.

They were Graeme Bowen, Lyall Ford, Rodney Froyland, David Greve, Peter Higgins, Barrie Snarski and Robert Sothman.

Mr Ford has told the story of the Saint in his book ‘A History of The Townsville Saint’, revealing for the first time who held the brush that fateful night.

“Barry Snarski was revealed in this book, for the first time, as the guy that actually did the painting but for 60 years, we never revealed who did the painting,” said Mr Ford.

The book was launched in Townsville in October to mark the 60th anniversary of the Saint, celebrated with functions at Townville’s C Bar and university alongside councillors, MPs and special guests.

60 years ago, seven young Mackay men aged between 17 and 18 had recently relocated to Townsville for their first year of university.

Commemoration Week was a tradition where university students would pull pranks throughout town, with the previous year’s Commemoration Week resulting in a 15-foot-long question mark being painted on Castle Hill.

“It got painted out the following January by four blokes in the Air Force and we arrived in February,” said Mr Ford.

“We were all thinking … ‘We should do something to put something back there.’”

The Mackay mischief makers decided on The Saint, the calling card of literary character Simon Templar created by Leslie Charteris.

“Schoolkids used to doodle The Saint, so it was a very well-known figure in 1962,” said Mr Ford.

“We organised all the gear to do the job, got hold of ropes and paints and a jeep and went up one Friday night and did the painting between 2 and 3 o’clock.”

Mr Snarski hung down the side of Castle Hill for 35 minutes, tied to posts at the lookout on top of the hill, completing the painting.

In doing so, he and his friends instigated one of the most contentious debates in Townsville history: an icon to some, an eyesore to others.

Throughout the many ups and downs the Saint has endured, including being painted over and repainted countless times, clashes with council and a copyright dilemma, the prevailing stance of the people of Townsville is that the Saint is an icon, and they have these seven Mackay men to thank.

“It was just a student prank,” laughed Mr Ford.

“I guess we assumed it’d probably get painted out by someone,”

The Saint has since been adopted by the university, the university’s rugby league club and other clubs and businesses throughout north Queensland as their logo or mascot.

“The council accepted that it was an icon of Townsville and that they wouldn’t remove it,” said Mr Ford.

To purchase ‘A History of The Townsville Saint’, contact Lyall Ford on 0400 772 278 or email lyallrford@gmail.com.

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