Stormwater drains can pose serious healthrisks. During rainfall, stormwater picks up pollutants from streetsand properties, creating contaminated water that may contain rawsewage, harmful bacteria, and parasites. Contact with this water canlead to illnesses, infections, and skin or eye problems. To protectyour health and the safety of your family, Council advises alwaysstaying clear of stormwater drains and flooded waterways. For moreinformation, visit Council’s website.

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Cleo is a beautiful 15-year-old senior tabby who is looking for a calm, loving home to spend her golden years. Gentle and affectionate in a quiet, undemanding way, Cleo enjoys being close to her people—sharing peaceful moments, warm naps, and soft companionship.
She has settled well into routine and feels safest when near her humans, often sleeping on the bed. Cleo is low-energy, independent but fond of cuddles, and happiest in a serene environment. She’s the perfect couch companion for someone who values calm company over constant activity.
About Cleo
   • Female, 15 years old
   • Domestic Short Hair (tabby)
   • Calm, gentle, affectionate
   • Low energy; enjoys quiet cuddles
   • Very food-motivated
   • Litter trained
   • Indoor-only
Ideal Home
   • Quiet, low-traffic household
   • No young children
   • Someone seeking a gentle companion rather than a playful cat
Health & Vet Care
   • Desexed
   • Vaccinated
   • Flea and worming up to date
   • No known ongoing medical issues
Adoption Fee
   • $100 (reduced senior adoption fee)
Senior cats like Cleo are often overlooked, yet they offer deep companionship and gratitude. Cleo needs only warmth, routine, and love—and in return, she brings comfort, loyalty, and a sense of home.
Please message us to learn more or apply to adopt Cleo. Sharing helps this lovely senior find the peaceful home she deserves.

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Suzanna Mcloughlin

Last weekend, local boaties banded together to rescue Kevin Ditton’s yacht, Freight Train, after it became one of 22 displaced by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.

The ex-racing yacht had been swept away from its mooring outside Coral Sea Marina, and shipwrecked on the rocks of Pigeon Island, during the early hours of 11th  January.

When news broke of the upcoming cyclone due to make landfall two hours north of the region, Kevin had hurried to make arrangements to move Freight Train to a safer spot. But the motor wouldn’t start, and he couldn’t find assistance, so he had no choice but to leave the boat where it was.

Being a 25-ton boat on a 50-ton mooring, so far south of the cyclone’s centre, it seemed likely the boat would withstand the weather – and for a while, it did. On the morning of the 11th, however, Kevin got a call to say Freight Train had gone for a wander – and when he headed down to Cannonvale beach, there she was, in the distance, strewn across the rocks on Pigeon Island.

This, it turned out, was relatively lucky. The island was protecting Freight Train from the swell, and her position, tipped on her topside, stopped her from being pounded on the rocks. A carefully-engineered Freires design and aluminium body also helped protect the boat from further destruction.

Built in 1983, Freight Train was originally made for yacht racing, between Sydney and Hobart. After retirement, she was brought north to the Whitsundays, where she carried backpackers and holidaymakers out to the islands for more than 30 years.
Although most of Kevin’s old crew now run their own vessels, they were the first to appear at his side, ferrying him out to Pigeon Island to assess the damage.
When the tide went out, the boat was left high and dry on the island, so the damage was easy to see. There were two holes under the water level that needed patching, and a lot of smaller holes, dents and cracks higher up on the body.

Over the next few days, Kevin and his old crew mates got cracking, patching and sealing the damage, sourcing equipment including pumps and a generator. There had been a brand new generator on Freight Train, but sadly that was now broken and unusable.

A couple weeks later, with the boat patched up, the time came to move it. A couple of cruising yachties, strangers at the time, approached Kevin and offered their help, which he gratefully accepted, having been struggling to hire assistance himself. Rescue attempts started on Saturday, with large tides working in their favour. The weekend was unsuccessful however, with a broken pump delaying their work. When Monday came, it brought extra helpers.

Kevin and his volunteers finally had the boat standing upright, when a new helper in a catamaran arrived, and then a third boat turned up, too. The helpers, including Mahesha Goleby, the crew of Drumbeat and Robin & Annie Cooke of the Joshua C, towed Freight Train carefully, inching her back into the water, and freeing her from the rocks.

The help was invaluable, Kevin said: “All too often nowadays, people don't want to get involved, but this lot turned up with a can-do attitude, making it happen, and that's what Australia is built on- helping a mate.”

“I said to one guy; mate, can I go get some diesel for you, something, whatever?” Kevin relays, “And he said, no. Just say thank you.”

For Kevin, that’s what community is all about. “Knowing that you’ve helped someone who really appreciated it, that's worth more than money, isn't it?”

The storm had come at a difficult time for Kevin, coinciding with his brother passing away over in the USA. He was planning to travel to join his nephew when the cyclone waylaid his plans. Amidst a tough time, it was affirming for Kevin to feel the community show up for him – whether by giving him a call, or turning up to ask how they could help. He found that kindness refreshing, comparing helpers to those who instead chose to grumble and speculate about his situation on Facebook.

He hopes his experience serves as inspiration to the community, urging them to stop when they see someone struggling, and simply ask – Can I help?

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Captain Kev by the site of the rescue

Freight Train was patched up on Pigeon Island. Photo supplied.

Stuck on the rocks. Photo supplied.

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Improvements at St. Caths. 
Students now have a covered play area to give shade and weather protection. A new school bus has also been purchased and the school has also entered the computer age with $6000 spent on computers, keyboards and printers. 
$1,888,000 for Bruce Highway. 
This was the total cost of upgrading the Highway between Bowen and Proserpine announced by local member Geoff Muntz including reconstruction from Myrtle Creek to past North Gregory. 
Pindar Variety Suffers. 
A violent windstorm destroyed 1000 tonnes of Pindar variety cane but this proved the value of other varieties that showed little or no damage under the same conditions.
Bridge. 
There was extremely good attendance for Monday’s 7 table competition which resulted in a win for Gail and Harry Walsh with Kath Kelly and Sybil McDowall in 2nd place. 
Island Camping Encouraged. 
18 beachfront camping sites in the Whitsundays have been opened from Gloucester down to Repulse Bay for both regular tour operators and private sailors. The sites have been zoned in the north down to Grimston Point, then between Hook and Henning, and South from Shaw to South Repulse.
Lions Donate To Hospital.
Secretary Wally Hinschen presented the money which will be used for the purchase of a defibrillator. 
Videos of ‘Nasties’ Upset Tourism Trade. 
Queensland Surf Lifesaving Association’s plans to show videos of sharks and stingers on incoming international flights to warn visitors of the dangers has been criticised by Tourism operators who fear they would frighten of tourists. 
Airlie Bloods A.F.L.
Pre Season. 20 people attended the meeting where Doug Murray was appointed as coach for the third season. Entering A and B Grade teams in the Mackay Competition was discussed. 
Stock Horse Society AGM. 
Whitsunday Branch elected Reg Gillen as president with Rose Gough and Jenny Searle as secretary and treasurer. 
Cannonballs. 
Proserpine Historical Society was investigating the origin 4 and a half cannonballs each weighing 36 pounds found on Long Island long ago. Several ships that had been wrecked in the area dating from the 19th century were listed as possible sources. 
Solar Power. 
Much interest was being shown in the display of solar equipment set up by Whitsunday Solar Services in Bowen. Rain and cloudy skies did not interfere with a bore pump which pumped water with power from 2 solar panels. 

Here’s a fascinating piece of Great Barrier Reef trivia. Have you ever wondered how long marine animals actually live? From turtles and whales to jellyfish and corals, Reef residents span an extraordinary range of lifespans — from just weeks to thousands of years.
Some creatures live fast and disappear quickly, while others quietly persist through centuries of environmental change. Let’s explore the ages of some of the Reef’s most iconic inhabitants.
Sea turtles
Sea turtles are among the Reef’s longest-lived animals, generally surviving for 50 to 100 years. Of the six species found on the Great Barrier Reef, green turtles and leatherbacks may live up to 80–100 years, while loggerhead, olive ridley, hawksbill and flatback turtles typically average 50–60 years. Their slow growth and late maturity make them especially vulnerable to human impacts.
Saltwater crocodiles
Saltwater crocodiles are remarkable for their longevity and resilience. They exhibit negligible senescence, meaning they show few typical signs of ageing such as declining fertility or physical weakness. These apex predators can live for 60 to over 100 years and may continue growing throughout their lives. They can also survive months without food.
Humphead Māori wrasse
The Humphead Māori wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), one of the Reef’s largest bony fish, typically lives for at least 30 years, with some individuals estimated to reach 50 years. Females may live longer than males, and their slow growth makes populations vulnerable to overfishing.
Humpback whales
Humpback whales generally live for around 50 years, but scientific studies—using earwax analysis—suggest some individuals may live over 90 years. They reach sexual maturity between 5 and 10 years and may migrate, mate and calve for decades. Older whales are thought to play an important role in guiding younger animals during migration.
Coral colonies
Coral colonies are among the longest-living animals on Earth. While individual coral polyps live only 2–3 years, the colonies they form can survive for thousands of years. Some deep-sea corals exceed 4,000 years in age. A black coral (Leiopathes) specimen was estimated to be around 4,270 years old, dating back to the time of Ancient Egypt.
Gobies
Gobies are small Reef fish with short lives, typically 1 to 4 years, although lifespan varies by species. The pygmy goby (Eviota sigillata) holds the record as the shortest-lived vertebrate known, surviving just 59 days. Larger species, such as engineer gobies, may live for over 10 years.
Dolphins
Dolphins usually live 20 to 40 years, though bottlenose dolphins can reach 60 years or more. Many wild individuals regularly live into their forties, with females often outliving males.
Jellyfish
Most jellyfish live for 3 to 12 months, and some species survive only weeks. The notorious box jellyfish typically lives for less than one year, with its adult stage lasting 3–12 months.
From tiny gobies to ancient corals, the Great Barrier Reef is home to animals living on vastly different timescales. Protecting the Reef means protecting not just species, but lifetimes — some stretching far beyond our own.
Contributed with thanks to Tony Fontes

Green Sea Turtle

Photo source: Tony Fontes

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The Government is getting on with their plan for Queensland’s future.

A new master plan for the Bowen State Boat Harbour will set a clear long-term vision to guide future investment, support economic growth and ensure the harbour once again works for the community. 

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Government was focused on delivery, not delay. 

“After a decade of neglect and drift under Labor, we’re getting on with the job of rebuilding Bowen State Boat Harbour and backing the region’s future,” Minister Mickelberg said. 

“This master plan, to be delivered by Arup, is about restoring Bowen State Boat Harbour as a strong economic and maritime hub that supports jobs, investment and the local community. We are backing Bowen with a clear plan for the future and a government that is prepared to do the work to deliver it.” 

Member for Burdekin Dale Last said Bowen State Boat Harbour was a critical asset for the community and local economy.

“A key focus is making sure the harbour plan aligns with Whitsunday Regional Council’s foreshore master plan, so everything works together for the benefit of the community. Locals have been clear they want a vision that supports the town, local businesses and the wider region.” 

The community will be invited to have their say when consultation gets underway later this year. Feedback will help shape a final master plan. 

Contributed with thanks to Beth Colvin.

Bowen State Boat Harbour. Photo supplied.

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Tuesday’s bowls saw some great contests across the greens. Bron Tolcher, Isobel Wheeler and Marg Wilson claimed victory over Lindy Suann, Deb Retchless and Linda Scells, while Gordon Querro, Jocelyn DeFranciscis and Laurie Land defeated Stumpy Adams, Shirley Jones and Cliff Querro. The jackpot was not claimed and will carry over to the next round.
With several of our players away competing in the BBC Classic, Sunday afternoon saw two triples matches played. Fred Quod, Jim Quod and Bouff Querro secured a win against A. Beaumont, Alby Vigar and Pat Tracey. In the other match, Toni Bowen, Lindy Suann and Deb Retchless were successful against Bill Myers, Sue Shearing and Skin Querro. Once again, the jackpot did not go off.
A special congratulations goes to Penny Warren, who travelled to Townsville on Sunday to receive the North Queensland Ladies Bowler of the Year for 2025 award. The trophy was presented by Patron Wilma Berryman at the District Annual General Meeting, in front of the Management Committee and District Club members.
This prestigious award is determined by the total points accumulated throughout the season in both club competitions and District Championships, making it a well-deserved recognition of Penny’s consistent performance and dedication to the sport.

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Penny Warren - North Queensland District Ladies Bowler of the Year.

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Andrew Willcox Federal Member for Dawson

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has welcomed the decision to re-form the Coalition between the Liberal and National parties, describing it as a vital step in providing Australia with the strong, credible opposition it deserves.

The re-formation of the Coalition follows a period of principled stand-taking by the National Party after the Albanese Government attempted to rush the complex Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026 through Parliament with limited scrutiny.

"I have always stood by my convictions, and my priority has never wavered: I am here to do what is best for the people of Dawson," Mr Willcox said.

"This wasn’t an easy period, but it was a necessary one.”

Mr Willcox said the deal to re-form the Coalition wasn’t just a handshake, but a fundamental reset of how the Coalition functions.

“We have replaced unwritten conventions with a formal, written agreement that enshrines the primacy of the Joint Party Room, ensuring regional concerns are addressed before a final Coalition position is reached.

"By taking this stand, the National Party has secured a more transparent and accountable partnership, built on codified rules and mutual respect for our separate party rooms.
“We are returning to this partnership stronger, more united, and more determined than ever."

Mr Willcox said the Coalition’s reunion was a clear win for regional Australians who have been hit hardest by Labor’s economic failures.

"While the media was focused on the split, I remained focused on the families, growers, workers, retirees and students struggling under rising inflation and a reckless ‘renewables-only’ energy agenda that is driving up the cost of living."

As part of the reformed Coalition arrangements, Mr Willcox will return to his role as Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability on 1 March 2026.
"I am eager to get back to work in this portfolio," he said.

“Our manufacturing sector is the backbone of our sovereign self-reliance, yet it is battling soaring energy costs and red tape. I will continue to be a fierce advocate for making things in Australia and ensuring industries have the affordable, reliable power they need to compete globally."

Mr Willcox said he remains committed to standing up for the people of Dawson and holding the Albanese Labor Government to account.

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Whitsunday Regional Council has approved a 40-unit short-term accommodation development at the Jubilee Tavern site, increasing the number of accommodation options available in the Airlie Beach and Jubilee Pocket area.

The approval comes as the Whitsundays continues to experience growth in visitor numbers, along with an increase in workers and people choosing to live in the region.

Short-term accommodation developments such as this are intended to contribute to overall accommodation supply, particularly in established tourism areas like Airlie Beach and surrounding suburbs.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the shire is the fastest-growing regional local government area in Queensland, and approvals like this reflect the need to plan for that growth in a balanced and considered way.

“Expanding accommodation options helps support tourism, local employment and the ongoing vitality of the Airlie Beach area,” said Mayor Collins.

The development was assessed against Council’s planning controls, with conditions in place to manage impacts and ensure it integrates appropriately with the surrounding community.

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Tourism: Balancing Visitors and Community
 
Tourism is a defining part of life in the Whitsundays. It brings energy, jobs and opportunity and during peak season, it brings pressure too.
When our population swells over holiday periods, Council services are tested. Roads are busier, waste volumes increase, public amenities work harder, and community spaces see far more use than usual. Managing that balance is one of Council’s biggest operational challenges.
Tourism keeps the region moving. It supports local businesses, sustains jobs and underpins much of our local economy particularly in places like Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Proserpine and Bowen. But it’s also important that locals feel their needs aren’t lost during the busiest times of the year.
Council’s job is to manage that pressure as fairly as possible. That means planning ahead, increasing servicing where needed, and supporting the frontline workers who keep things running, from waste and water crews to parks staff, cleaners, rangers and customer service teams.
These workers often step up during times when most people are on holidays themselves. Their efforts ensure public spaces remain safe, clean and welcoming for locals and visitors alike.
It’s also about setting realistic expectations. Tourism peaks are intense, but temporary. Council focuses on maintaining standards, responding quickly when issues arise, and learning from each season to improve the next.
I want locals to know their patience is recognised, and visitors to understand that the Whitsundays is a living community, not just a destination. Respect goes both ways.
Tourism will always be part of who we are but so is community. Council’s role is to support both, without losing sight of what makes this region such a great place to live.
Thank you for following this six-week series. I look forward to continuing these conversations throughout the year as we deliver key projects, manage growth, listen carefully and support the people who keep the Whitsundays moving.

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For Whitsundays locals, paradise is often something we sell, promoteor point visitors towards, turquoise water, white sand, reef-fringedislands, all part of daily life, yet rarely paused for. The relaunchof the Whitsundays Locals Offer at InterContinental Hayman Islandquietly asks an interesting question: when was the last time localsexperienced their own backyard like a guest?

Thisnewly relaunched offer isn’t about novelty. It’s aboutperspective. Hayman Island, sitting at the northern edge of theWhitsunday archipelago and closest to the outer reef, has long beenpositioned as an international luxury destination. For decades, it’shosted jetsetters, honeymooners and once-in-a-lifetime celebrations.Yet for many locals, it remains something glimpsed from afar, asilhouette on the horizon, a name attached to postcards and tourismcampaigns.

TheWhitsundays Locals Offer reframes that relationship. With exclusiveresident-only accommodation rates, discounted return boat transfersand daily breakfast overlooking the Coral Sea, the offer inviteslocals to step inside a destination they’ve always lived beside.It’s not a holiday that requires flights or passports, just a shortjourney that leads to a complete shift in pace.

Availablefor stays between 1 February and 19 March 2026, the offer comes at atime when the Whitsundays naturally slows. The wet season softens thelandscape, the crowds thin, and the region returns to a more intimaterhythm. For locals, this window offers something rare: access toluxury without the peak-season rush, and the chance to see familiarwaters from a quieter, more reflective vantage point.

There’ssomething quietly powerful about experiencing Hayman Island as alocal. The history, from Reginald Ansett’s early vision in the late1940s to the resort’s $135 million redevelopment unveiled in 2019,is deeply entwined with the region’s own story. So too is itsfuture. Sustainability now sits at the heart of the resort’soperations, a recognition that proximity to one of the world’snatural wonders carries responsibility as much as privilege.

Beyondaccommodation, the timing of the relaunch aligns with a calendar ofcurated experiences, from Valentine’s Day dining under the stars toLunar New Year celebrations and immersive cultural events. Thesemoments aren’t just for visitors flying in from afar; they’re nowwithin reach for the community that calls the Whitsundays home.

Atits core, the Whitsundays Locals Offer isn’t about selling a stay.It’s about reintroducing locals to the extraordinary on theirdoorstep. It’s an invitation to slow down in a place defined bymovement, to reconnect with the reef, the island and the sense ofwonder that first drew so many people here.

Becausesometimes, the most meaningful escapes aren’t about leaving home,they’re about seeing it differently.

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Hook Island has reached a pivotal point in its long-awaited restoration. With a new $2.4 million
jetty complete, facilitated by Tract’s planning team, the DA approval is now secured for the planned eco-lodge. Construction is set to begin in May, unlocking the next phase of the
island’s transformation into a leading destination for sustainable luxury in the Whitsundays.

The jetty, supported by a $1 million contribution from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation under the Great Barrier Reef Island Marine Infrastructure Package, marks a critical step in enabling safe and reliable access to the island.

The eco-lodge is scheduled to open in 2027, inviting travellers to reconnect with the island’s rugged beauty.

Glenn Piper, CEO and Founder of Epochal Hotels says: “Our focus is on bringing Hook Island back to life in a way that honours its natural beauty, culture and ecology, creating a sustainable, world-class experience that celebrates Queensland.”

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the opening of the Hook Island Jetty is a significant step in re-activating one of the region's most loved island resorts: He said: “This new jetty provides safe access to Hook Island’s pristine environment while supporting a new proposed eco-resort that respects the island’s heritage and ecology”.

Contributed with thanks to Ellie Lee.

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The new Jetty ready to welcome visitors. Photo supplied.

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Whitsunday anglers have been making the most of the past week on the water, with barramundi season delivering plenty of excitement since reopening on 1 February.

From creeks and estuaries to coastal waterways, fishers across the region have dusted off their rods and launched boats to chase one of North Queensland’s most iconic sportfish. Early reports suggest a strong start to the season, with warm water temperatures and favourable wet-season conditions producing lively sessions and early success.

Barramundi season is now open across Queensland’s east coast and the Gulf of Carpentaria, running through until 31 October. The annual reopening follows the closed season from November to January, which plays a critical role in protecting breeding fish during their most vulnerable spawning period.

Highly opportunistic and thrilling to catch, barramundi remain a cornerstone of the region’s fishing culture. February through to May is widely regarded as prime barra time, with productive tides and flowing systems creating ideal conditions, while another strong window often returns in September and October.

Fisheries authorities are reminding anglers to remain mindful of regulations as the season continues. Barramundi must measure between 58 centimetres and 120 centimetres to be kept, with bag limits set at five fish per person, or 10 per boat when two or more people are onboard. Possession limits apply across boats, vehicles and at home.
Fishers are encouraged to check current size limits, bag restrictions and seasonal closures by downloading the Queensland Fishing 2.0 app, which provides localised updates and reminders.

With prime conditions lining up and barra firmly back on the menu, anglers are being urged to fish responsibly, respect local waterways and enjoy another exciting season on the Whitsunday coast.

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Barra season has reeled back in across the state. Photo source: Fisheries Queensland

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Recreational fishers in the Airlie Beach region are being reminded to follow Queensland’s mud crab regulations after a series of recent prosecutions, including multiple offences detected locally.

In October, Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) officers in the Airlie Beach district issued five infringement notices over a six-week period for unlawful interference with crab fishing apparatus, totalling $8,065 in fines. The offences form part of a broader statewide crackdown aimed at protecting Queensland’s fisheries.

The local enforcement follows several high-profile cases, including a Bundaberg man fined $20,000 after officers uncovered 26 offences under the Fisheries Act 1994. He was found with 14 female mud crabs and multiple undersized crabs concealed beneath the floorboards of a tinny, with evidence revealing ongoing illegal sales.

Under Queensland rules, it is illegal to take female mud crabs, and strict minimum size and possession limits apply. Mud crabs must be kept whole, with shell and claws attached, and possession limits include crabs on boats, in vehicles and stored at home. Interfering with another person’s crab pots is also a serious offence.

Since May 2025, QBFP has recorded more than $61,100 in court-imposed penalties and $85,699 in on-the-spot infringement notices statewide.

Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director-General Fisheries and Forestry Pauline Jacob said increased patrol capacity was strengthening compliance efforts.

“Whether it's interfering with crab pots, taking undersized or female crabs or engaging in unlawful trade, no offence goes unnoticed and our staff are ready to take action,” Ms Jacob said.

“The message is simple — if you lift someone else's pots or take crabs outside the rules, you will be caught and face serious penalties.”

Local fishers are encouraged to check the latest size and possession limits using the Qld Fishing 2.0 app before heading out on the water.

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State-wide crackdown has landed illegal recreational fishers in hot water. Photo source: Shutterstock

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After a wet season that had lawns growing at record speed, a local yard and maintenance company stepped up to help keep Mackay’s cemetery neat and cared for. The team generously volunteered their time and energy to mow and tidy around headstones, making a meaningful difference for the community.

Locals quickly rallied to support the effort, with one resident even offering to contribute towards fuel costs. The company shared that they were still seeking a “particular little guy” they had focused on during the clean-up, and expressed a willingness to assist Mackay Regional Council with future maintenance projects.

The goodwill of this simple, thoughtful act has rippled throughout the community.

Comments of praise online flowed, with one local saying: “What a kind and humble thing to do! Nice work lads, so generous and thoughtful.”

Photo source: Better Yards & Maintenance Pty Ltd 

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