In a mammoth effort, the Cut Out Party in Proserpine has donated $38,000 to RACQ CQ Rescue.

The annual Cut Out Party, which was held in March, celebrates the sugar industry and raises funds for a vital charity in the region each year.

Organising committee member, Amanda Hadlow, said that the event attracted about 250 attendees from across the region.

“The event was an opportunity for the community to come along, share a meal and a few drinks and have a catch up with everyone in the industry whilst reflecting on the last 125 years of sugar in our community,” Amanda said.

The event took 10 months of tireless planning, and was postponed twice, before taking place earlier this year.

The committee is proud to have raised the massive amount for a worthy charity.

“If these funds save one life, it will be worth it,” Amanda said.

“RACQ CQ Rescue does incredible work, day in and day out, and we often see it flying overhead.

We are incredibly proud to play our part and support this community and a lifesaving service which we all hope to never have to use,” she said.

The event included a charity auction, overseen by Robert Murolo from Elders Rural Mackay, and comprised a series of prize donations from attendees, local companies, businesses and organisations, and sponsors.

“We are lucky to live in such a great community. Small towns are just great and incredibly generous too,” Amanda said.

“We could not have achieved this result without the support of so many businesses associated with the sugar industry, the farmers, harvesters and milling sector.”

RACQ CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee said, “It is reassuring to know local people and industry see the value of donating and supporting our helicopter that is so vital in a time of crisis.”

“We are incredibly fortunate to receive such sweet support and donations like this are an enormous help to ensuring help is available to anyone, anywhere, anytime, throughout Central Queensland.”

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A group of passionate dog-owners, who meet at Boathaven Beach each morning, are celebrating as their appeal for a leash-free zone has been granted by Council.

Just two weeks ago, the group had been warned by inspectors that a fine of $287 would be imposed for any dogs found without a lead or swimming within the stinger net.

Previously they had been enjoying good company and leash free time at the beach without realising it was forbidden.

Deciding to fight for their rights, the group contacted this paper to gain exposure and then several individuals wrote personal letters to Council.

They also spoke directly to Councillor Jan Clifford who jumped up to support their cause.

“Jan was fantastic!” said group member, Norma Strang.

“She entered a Point of Notice for us and stood up in the Council meeting.”

During the meeting Ms Clifford asked Council for a six-month trial permitting a designated off-leash dog walking and swimming area at Boathaven Beach.

Following a lengthy discussion, it was decided to reduce the term to three months instead of six.

Five out of seven Councillors voted to approve the motion.

This means Airlie Beach centre has its first off-leash on-beach designated dog area, and the group are thrilled that their morning ritual can continue.

“We are absolutely over the moon!” said Norma.

“I hadn’t been going to the beach like I normally would because I just didn’t want the confrontation.

“The decision to give us a trial really takes the pressure off – we don’t have to worry any more – even the inspectors said they were happy too!

“The next question I have for Council is - how is the trial going to be assessed? What do we have to do to get the trial period approved and for it to become permanent?”

Norma is also worried about the behaviour of other dog-owners and hopes that everyone respects the beach.

“What happens if other people come down here and don’t behave well?” she said.

“I’d like to know what criteria Council are going to use to judge their decision.”

For now, the group are thrilled with their reprieve and happy not to be “looking over our shoulders” for the next three months.

The three-month trial allows dogs to roam free and swim outside the stinger net at Boathaven Beach between 5.30am and 8.30am every morning.

Off-Leash Dog Walking Zones:

• Cannonvale Beach (Eastern end) from 5am-8pm daily (except from 8am-9am and 2.30pm-3.30pm on school days).

• Shingley Beach (Eastern End Only), Airlie Beach

• Queens Beach, Bowen

• Doughty Creek Mouth, Bowen

• Kings Beach, Bowen

• Denison Park, Bowen

• Bicentennial Park, Cannonvale

• Galbraith Park, Cannonvale

• Whisper Bay Boat Ramp, Cannonvale

• Wildlife Park, Jubilee Pocket

• Keith Johns Estate Park, Proserpine

• Hydeaway Bay

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The group of dog-owners are thrilled about Council’s decision to allow a three-month trial of a leash-free zone at Boathaven Beach. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

With the La Niña that has been forecasted for the past three wet seasons, many locals believe that we missed out. While we may have missed out locally, many parts of Australia had a successful La Niña season.

What is a La Niña? It is where the water is cooler on the southern American part of the Pacific Ocean and is warmer in the Northern Australasian parts of the Pacific Ocean. As the water evaporates, it causes rain, which causes above average rainfall throughout a season. Sometimes a lot at once which can cause flash flooding.

This is what was experienced throughout Qld, NT and Northern WA over the past three wet seasons. The southern areas of Qld near Gympie experienced floods last season which had devastating affects and cut off highways and railways to Central and North Qld.

While we did miss out from the flooding affects and above average rainfall of La Niña, other parts of Australia didn’t. BoM’s La Niña warning was country wide. Not locally.

We are now moving to an El Niño phase. Which then means opposite of La Niña. Below average rainfall. Possibility of droughts, bush fires and severe thunderstorms. This is currently forecast to last for the next wet season or two.

On the bright side, Mackay and the Whitsundays can sometimes be in the best spot as we are likely to get some rain and some thunderstorms every time the wet season comes around.

Remember for all your local, accurate and up to date weather info to follow L&K Mackay Severe Weather on Facebook.

Contributed by Liam Leonard from L&K Mackay Mackay Severe Weather

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Well, what a whirlwind of activity around the region this month!

Firstly, I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to the team at the Whitsunday Coast Airport who not only smashed all records for passenger traffic through our fabulous airport this month, but also opened a new Freight Distribution Hub which will ensure our great produce reaches the markets in a very timely manner whether it be live mud crabs or mangoes.

Easter and the school holidays brought visitors from all corners of the world to the town of Airlie Beach. Everyone I spoke to had experienced a most enjoyable time in the laid-back atmosphere that is so integral to who we are and how we do it.

Anzac Day of course was observed across the region with huge crowds attending all services. Thank you to all of you who showed up to honour those who endured great sacrifice to protect our home nation.

This year’s Anzac Day was particularly significant for me as the wreckage of the Montevideo Maru was recently located deep in the ocean off the Philippines. My uncle, Milton Dowd, was a prisoner of war aboard this Japanese ship when it was sunk by an American submarine. The ship carried no markings that would have indicated to the submarine that it was carrying allied prisoners and wounded soldiers. This is just one example of the sadness and loss that these wars inflicted upon our servicemen and women.

At last week’s council meeting I put forward a Notice of Motion for the introduction of a six-month trial of an Off Leash Area on Boathaven/New Beach from 5.30am until 8.30am, excluding the Stinger Net and the area around it. Council approved a three-month trial which should not interfere with beachgoers; I hope the trial is a success.

Work has commenced on the upgrading of the Boardwalk from Sorrento’s to Coral Sea Resort, so please follow the signage to use alternate pathways; thank you for your patience.

And finally, we continue to enjoy visiting Cruise Ships and welcome their passengers and crews to the region.

Jan.

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What has been your experience with the current housing crisis?

1. Anthony Ciesiolka – Cannonvale

Since the pandemic, the cost of rent has just skyrocketed. And we’re forced to pay because there’s no other option.

And the actual application process is ridiculous. There are so many applications for houses, and people are offering more rent than advertised to get the place.

Rent going from $350 to $500 in a matter of two years, that’s crazy, especially when there’s no change to the property.

I think we need more housing, and not be selling land to commercial developments. Units are always a good option.

2. Peter Clapson – Jubilee Pocket

The housing crisis is a big problem. I’m lucky because I haven’t had a rental increase, and no one close to me has been affected, at least they haven’t told me.

But I think we need more government housing. They haven’t built more government housing for years, but they talk about it all the time. It just doesn’t seem to be happening. I know it won’t work for everyone, but it does help.

3. Veronica Black – Proserpine

There isn’t any way to fix this. I have no idea how to fix it. My daughter and grandchild have moved in with me because they couldn’t pay their rent anymore. She’s a single mum to a teenager and it’s bad.

I have no more rooms to house people either.

And the worse thing is that some people have money but no home.

4. Tahlia McNally – Cannonvale

I’m 18 and still live at home. I look at the rental market all the time.

I want to move out of home, but I balance working, studying and my social life. I can’t work full time because I have university.

And still, share houses won’t work because the rent it too high. In Cannonvale, there was only six houses for rent, and it’s too much.

I think there needs to be a cap on housing rent, to make it affordable for people.

5. Reuben Blakoe – Ayr

They’re not building enough houses and even people renovating can’t get people to finish the job. I don’t know if there’s not enough tradespeople. And interest rates keep creeping up. I worry about my daughter, because hers keeps increasing.

And it’s not going to stop.

I happen to have paid off my home, but we paid it off at 18 per cent, and paid over $3,000 in interest in three months, and only $100 off the principal.

It’s bad for our grandchildren too.

They need to make it easier for first home owners to get into the market but increasing the First Home Owner Grant will only put the government into more debt!

6. Patricia Alfword – Airlie Beach

I actually live on a yacht, have been for the past six years, so I haven’t been too affected by the housing crisis.

We’re currently refitting our boat and Airlie Beach has the best fees for that, so we have been here for 14 months, but we’re about to sail down to the Gold Coast next week.

However, the housing crisis is bad. Rent just continues to increase and I believe that one problem is that 70 to 80 per cent of rental properties don’t want pets, which is so hard.

I think they need to think about the locals. Airbnbs and holidays homes are jacking up rent for the locals. It’s hard.

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AWB First Aid First has everyone covered this month, offering their 4WD Outback First Aid Kit for only $160 for the entire month of May.

“I have this catchphrase ‘Everyone likes to Whitsundays’ because everyone here likes to go camping and fishing,” Andrew Barker, owner of AWB First Aid said.

One good thing is to have the kit, the next is to know how to use it, Andrew said.

“Which is why we offer training to go along with the kit.”

“We are now offering, once a month, a Saturday and a Monday night first aid training course, so that people who can’t make our regular times can get the training.”

The training courses offered through AWB First Aid First encompass all aspects of health, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, general First Aid, Emergency First Aid Response in an Education and Care Setting, and even Advanced Resuscitation.

“We also educate people on health issues, such as asthma and strokes, and sell tools and products that aid those conditions.”

AWB First Aid First also services the community, attending local events, and Andrew would also like to share that AWB First Aid First will be attending the Proserpine Show Ball, assisting any one who needs medical help.

To book into any First Aid course, ring 07 4945 3124 or visit their website awbfirstaid.com.au

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AWB First Aid First services the Whitsunday community with all first aid needs

When it comes to home repairs or renovation projects, many people choose to take the DIY route to save money. However, while the idea of saving some cash may sound appealing, the reality is that attempting to do it yourself can often end up costing you more in the long run.

Here are five advantages of using trades and professionals instead of trying to do it yourself:

1: Time-saving. Trades and professionals have the knowledge and experience to get the job done quickly and efficiently, leaving you with more time to focus on other things.

2: Quality workmanship. A professional's work is guaranteed to be of high quality, and you can rest easy knowing that the job has been done right the first time.

3: Safety. Some projects require specialised knowledge and equipment that may be unsafe for an untrained individual to handle. Hiring a professional ensures that the job is done safely and with minimal risk.

4: Resurfacing concrete with paint. If you want to update your concrete surfaces but don't want to replace them, consider resurfacing them with paint. This is a job best left to the professionals, as they have the knowledge and equipment to ensure a smooth, even finish that will last. Give Superior Paint a call to see how they can help you.

5: Professional cleaning of upholstery and carpets. Upholstery and carpets can harbour dirt, dust, and allergens that can impact your health. A professional cleaning service can remove these contaminants and leave your home looking and feeling fresh. Call Protect and Sanitise to see how they could help you.

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Anzac Day 2023

Cloudy, windy and rainy weather did little to prevent early morning Anzac Day events earlier this week, as thousands recognised that the conditions paled in comparison to what our diggers endured.

Services, marches and meaningful celebrations were held around the Mackay region from dawn to dusk; an opportunity for those who’ve served to reflect and a reminder to us all of their great sacrifice.

Veterans, family members, schools and organisations marched, some with badges proudly displayed, while many watched on, honoured and paid their respects.

Anzac Day is a day not to glorify war, but a day to reflect on the atrocities it has brought to so many families and the sacrifices made for Australia’s way of life.

See the photo gallery here

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In May last year, 92-year-old Mackay resident Claire McDonald called for an ambulance. At the time, Claire lived alone and wasn’t able to catch her breath that night.

“I had a heart attack, but I didn’t know I was having a heart attack,” Claire recalled.

Claire was brought to Mackay Base Hospital by paramedics before being transferred to the Cardiac Care Unit.

“The ambulance men were very nice to me and settled me down though I don’t remember a lot.”

Claire underwent an insertion of a stent, a small mesh tube that aids in holding open narrow passages in weak or narrowed arteries, restoring blood flow.

“I can’t find the words to express how thankful I am … all the staff were just exceptional,” she said.

“From the time they pushed that bed from the ambulance to the hospital, till the day the female doctor came around in the morning and said, ‘you can go home today’, they did nothing but 100 – 200 – 300 per cent good!

“You could not complain.”

Claire has since returned to her South Mackay home and enjoys regular care from the Community Health and Therapy Services (CHATS) and attends a weekly fall and balance group.

She’s doing well in her classes according to physiotherapist Michael Dalton, but she’s a bit annoyed that she’s still feeling ‘a bit weak’.

“I've neglected my unit for the simple reason that I've had to put me before the house,” Claire said.

“I like things neat and clean, so I was a fanatic in the house.

“When I have my next appointment with the doctor, I’m going to ask him for a tonic.”

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Claire McDonald is grateful to the staff in the CCU of Mackay Base Hospital. Photo supplied

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Hi Readers

On the next page, you’ll read some profound words from the President of the RSL Mackay Sub Branch, Ken Higgins OAM. He said this to me while chatting quite frankly about his experience of being conscripted into the Australian Army during the Vietnam conflict at the innocent age of 20. The conversation genuinely changed the way I view war, veterans and commemorative occasions like Anzac Day.

I kept Ken’s story and stories just like his in mind on Anzac Day earlier this week, as the country stopped to reflect on the atrocities of war, the bravery it reveals in people and the sacrifices it forces people to make. Flick through the next few pages to see how the Mackay region marked this important day.

While telling Ken’s story to my father last weekend, he recommended The Odd Angry Shot, a 1979 Australian comedy war film following the experiences of Australian soldiers during the Vietnam War. While I haven’t had the chance to watch it, and I’m sure there are plenty of similarly important films, I thought I’d share his recommendation.

More and more of these Vietnam war stories will come to light throughout the year as the country commemorates 50 years since the 1973 proclamation of the end of Australian involvement in the Vietnam War. Services will be held by RSLs around the country, including right here in Mackay, in the month of August.

In the lead up to these services, Mackay Life hopes to work with Ken and the RSL Mackay Sub Branch to uncover the stories of Mackay’s Vietnam veterans. Personally, I’m looking forward to learning more about this conflict and sharing these stories with you.

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As the sun rose across the cane fields, a time of day symbolic of one of Australia and New Zealand’s most infamous military involvements, thousands gathered at dawn services across the region.

Anzac Day is a day to reflect on all veterans, all conflicts and all impacts made by war.

With a full timetable of services around Mackay and surrounds, people took every opportunity they could to commemorate the day.

“As a returned service person, I look at Anzac Day as a reflection on our service and the sacrifice of the 100,000 that died for our way of life in Australia, but also the hundreds of thousands that have been traumatised by war,” said Mackay RSL Sub Branch President Ken Higgins OAM.

“We need to honour those people who served and died but we also need to be mindful that war’s a horrible thing and not to promote it as a heroic thing.

“There are heroes in war, but that’s the consequences of war.

“Most veterans aren’t interested in war; what they’re interested in is peace.”

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Photo credit: KR Photos & Videos

Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Photos supplied: Mackay Regional Council

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Click for galleries below:

Mirani

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northern-beaches

walkerston-anzac

mackay-at-dawn-anzac

mackay-anzac

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Mackay could soon be the new location of a thriving biofutures industry thanks to government plans to create a new hub for producing sustainable plant-based resources in the region.

With growing global demand for cleaner fuels, this industry is booming as it assists the aviation, maritime and heavy vehicle sectors to decarbonise and transition to more sustainable fuel sources.

If plans go ahead, Mackay will become one of 13 SDAs (State Development Area) with other locations including Cairns, Townsville, Abbot Point, Gladstone and Bundaberg.

“Now more than ever, consumers, governments, shareholders, corporations and their supply chains are looking for solutions to reduce carbon footprints and ensure they can participate in decarbonised markets,” said Deputy Premier Steven Miles MP.

“Queensland has delivered Australia’s first sustainable aviation fuel, first containerised shipping and renewable diesel trials and we’re continuing to build our local biofuel market by working with the aviation, construction, maritime and transport sectors.”

Touted as the industry that brings the old and the new together, many innovations are refining traditional practices to create new products.

An example of this is using the biproducts of cane farming to create a new resource.

Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbery, said that a Mackay State Development Area would transform the region into a space where businesses could be brought together to form value chains in industries like biomanufacturing and bioenergy.

“These are the industries that could utilise our wonderful locally sourced, plant-based organic materials to make everything from fermented foods to aviation fuel,” she said.

“An SDA could be the key to unlocking future opportunities and creating good jobs in exciting new industries while protecting existing jobs in traditional industries like sugar.”

To kickstart the project, a Queensland Government project team has been formed to investigate whether a suitable site in the region could be declared as a State Development Area (SDA).

The project team will be led by Queensland’s Coordinator-General and will consider the potential for a site for what would become Queensland’s newest SDA.

It’s possible a decision about an SDA could be made late in 2023 and work on a development scheme for an SDA could begin in 2024.

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Mackay could be a biofutures hub thanks to new government plans

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Mackay track cyclist Hamish Wright proved once again that he is a force to be reckoned with at the Australian Masters Track Cycling Championships, held at the Anna Meares Velodrome earlier this month. In the M4 category, Hamish emerged victorious in both the sprint and the keirin events, successfully defending the two national championship titles he had won in 2022. He also claimed a bronze medal in the scratch race, rounding off an impressive performance.

Though no stranger to winning, Hamish’s achievements this year meant more to the veteran racer, who had only welcomed his newborn son into the world 10 days prior to his competition.

“It was certainly an unconventional leadup to nationals compared with other years,” Hamish said.

“The focus the past few months has primarily been on welcoming our son Brydon into the world, so training had taken a backseat, particularly around the time of his birth when my wife and I navigated a new world of 2am feeds and endless nappy changes.

“But it added a new dimension to my determination, I had an extra 8 pounds and 2 ounces of motivation every time I hit the track.”

Hamish said his experience played a large part in defending his two national titles.

“The racing was hard, as you’d expect when you put yourself against the best in the country.

“In the keirin the gold was won on a photo finish, by approximately 1/1000th of a second. It came down to the throw of the bike,” Hamish added.

“In one of my sprint rounds, to progress into the final it came down to another photo finish. Those fractions of a second were the difference between gold and silver or bronze.”

"The level of competition at this year's championships was incredibly high, but that's what makes it so rewarding when you come out on top."

"Every race is a battle, and you have to be prepared to fight for every inch."

Having competed at the World Masters Track Cycling Championships in Los Angeles last year where he won silver and bronze, Hamish said that he’s unlikely to contest the championships this year.

“With a newborn our focus will be on family which gives me the opportunity to relax and work on building a solid foundation of strength and endurance for future goals,” Hamish said.

“I have my eye on competing in France in 2024 or 2025.”

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Hamish Wright said his newborn son Brydon was the extra motivation he needed to defend two national masters track cycling championship titles less than a fortnight after his son was born. Images supplied

Hamish Wright (centre) successfully defended his keirin title at the Auscycling National Track Cycling Championships

Hamish Wright in action in the sprint

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The region’s Youth Members had their first taste “of our state's democratic process” last week at the annual forum of the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament in Brisbane.

Newly minted Youth Member for Mackay Lilly Uhr attended the three-day event, taking part in the representation of issues of young people in their electorate while learning about government processes in a mock parliament context.

The St. Patrick’s College student met with the other 93 Youth Members from across Queensland at the April forum, including Sam Rogers, Whitsunday representative, and ex-Whitsunday Youth Member Sebastian Padget, now sitting for Hervey Bay.

At the meeting, Youth Members formed committees and discussed ideas. These committees meet again over the course of six months to eventually distil their ideas into bills, which are then debated in mock sittings at Queensland Parliament House by the youth members during the September–October mid-semester break.

The Youth Member for Mackay, Lily Uhr, said the first session in Brisbane Parliament last Friday was extremely engaging.

“It has been a great way to meet a lot of likeminded and interesting people,” she said.

“The highlights have to be the activities and being in parliament, which was fantastic.”

Ms Uhr is part of the T.O.R.C.H. Committee (Transport, Outreach, Regional Communities, and Housing) and said her group had begun discussing building community up in areas that lost it during the Covid pandemic.

“I think our community itself is disconnected since Covid I would love to see more areas for youth to hang out,” she said.

“We’re also looking into social housing, disability housing, and homeless shelters.

“For me, personally, I’m passionate about disability housing – I play a role in disability sport in Mackay and have met people who have struggled to find housing. That’s why I chose this portfolio.”

State Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm said she was looking forward to supporting Lily – who lives within her electorate of Whitsunday - Sam, and Sebastian as they commence their Youth Parliament journey.

“This role is critical because youth represent a large proportion of our community and there is a significant amount of legislation that impacts young peoples' lives every day,” Ms Camm said.

“In the past this programme has developed ideas and policy that has become legislation. I look forward to seeing the bills that are debated this year.”

Former Whitsunday Youth Member Sebastian Padget, now representing Hervey Bay, will work on the Regional Development and Manufacturing, Resources, Agriculture, Trade and Investment Portfolio alongside Youth Member for Whitsunday, Sam Rogers.

“In my portfolio, I’m excited to work alongside the Youth Member for Whitsunday, Sam Rogers, who brings a lot of knowledge and enthusiasm to the table,” Mr Padget said.

“The Queensland Youth Parliament’s a great way for the young people in our region to get our voices down to Brisbane.”

The Youth Parliament will work for the next six months before meeting again in September.

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State Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm with Mackay Youth Member Lily Uhr at the recent three-day sitting of the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament

The annual event sees Youth Members from across Queensland converge at state parliament in Brisbane to distil their ideas into a bill in a mock form of the democratic process

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Tuesday, April 18 2023, will forever be marked in history for Pioneer Dolphin, Jade Bounden. She described her travels to the Gold Coast for the Australian Swimming Championships for the 50 metre freestyle event as an incredible experience, rubbing shoulders with Olympic Royalty like Shayna Jack, Meg Harris and Emma McKeon to name but a few.

Jade will no doubt be back again next year, stronger again! Jade and her family thanked her club for the overwhelming level of support received from home. We congratulate Jade – her commitment and love for the sport of swimming is admirable.

Contributed by Pioneer Swim Club

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Jade Bounden at Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

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