Recent underwater video monitoring surveys show Fish Habitat Reef Modules in the Pioneer River are now thriving.

An amazing 22 fish species have been recorded using the new Habitat Reefs which were deployed in 2021 by Mackay Regional Council.

All up, 45 Habitat Reef Modules were deployed at the base of three easily accessible fishing platforms on Bridge Road, Brisbane Street and Carlyle Street.

Matt Moore, Fisheries Ecologist with Catchment Solutions said recording 22 species on these reefs was a fantastic result and represented substantial increase compared to pre-deployment surveys.

“Monitoring results demonstrate the reef design and project have been a huge success, both in terms of increasing populations of iconic recreational fishing species at the sites, like barramundi, mangrove jack and fingermark, and providing habitat for juvenile fish species,” Mr Moore said.

Mr Moore said the most encouraging results had been the high numbers of juvenile fish species utilising the reef modules as nursery habitats.

“Fish typically have millions of eggs and larvae, but most of these are eaten by predators,” he said.

“A great way to increase fish populations is to provide nursery habitats for these baby fish, allowing them to shelter from predators.”

Busy fish nurseries also get a big thumbs up from recreational fishers. John Bennet from Mackay Recreational Fishing Association (MRFA) said they fully supported sensible and practical ways to improve fisheries management.

“It’s fantastic to turn desert landscapes into productive fisheries by protecting juvenile fish. If there is no habitat, then there are no juvenile fish.”

Some of the more iconic fish species spotted during the video surveys include barramundi, golden snapper (fingermark), mangrove jack, barred grunter, estuary cod and trevally.

Catches of large barramundi and barred grunter from the fishing platforms have also been reported by young and old fishers alike.

In addition to the recreational fishing species, the reef modules also provide habitats for fish species that feed on algae, such as rabbitfish, red scats, mullet and small-bodied wrasse.

Mr Moore said that these ecosystem engineers are vital for maintaining healthy habitats in Great Barrier Reef waters, as they feed on fast-growing algae, which often outcompetes slower-growing corals and molluscs.

Chair of council’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee Cr Belinda Hassan said it was amazing to see the results of the video surveys.

“Seeing just how much these innovative concrete structures have transformed into healthy marine ecosystems in a relatively short time is really exciting,” Cr Hassan said.

“Council is really pleased to see the platforms being used by so many anglers, as well as local Mackay schools for outdoor curricular activities.”

The innovative Habitat Reef Modules were designed by Catchment Solutions to provide complex vertical relief structures for a wide range of fish species and encrusting marine organisms.

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Underwater video monitoring of Fish Habitat Reef Modules in the Pioneer River. Image: Catchment Solutions

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Local growers, harvesters and industry stakeholders gathered last Friday night for the 2023 Mackay Sugar Productivity Awards.

More than 300 people attended the event at Mackay Turf Club to help recognise the key achievements and exceptional performance from the 2022 crushing season, across productivity areas such as crop yield, efficiency, innovation and sustainability.  

The annual Productivity Awards highlight the importance of sugar cane farming on the local economy as well as the hard work, dedication and innovation of local growers in the sugar industry across eight categories, with the following people being named the 2023 winners:

• Brett Minchianski – Brown & Hurley Harvesting Group Award >40,000t

• Anthony Agius – RDO Equipment Harvesting Group Award <40,000t

• Andrew Vassallo – Canegrowers Sustainable Management Practices Award

• Ross Windsor – AgForce Research Excellence Awards

• Albert Deboni – Farmacist Innovation and Technology Award

• Paul Schembri Junior – NQ Farmshed Promising Contributor Award

• Maryann Nielsen – Mackay Sugar Lifetime Achievement Award

As well as the winners of the Highest Tonnes of Sugar per Hectare award:

• Steve Russell (Farleigh region)

• Adrian Zarb (Marian region)

• Shane Mau (Racecourse region)

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The importance of the more than 270,000 stock-herding dogs across rural Australia to the country’s farmers and property owners cannot be underestimated – and Clermont musterer Frank Finger knows it.

The winner of ABC's Muster Dog program has been training working dogs for over 20 years on his property in the Isaac and is now using his platform to share his tips with farmers across Australia.

Frank said farmers are “well aware that a well-trained dog provides benefits to a farm well beyond its sale price”, which is why he’s always preferred training dogs from puppyhood.

“[You must] start small in all facets of a dog’s training,” he said.

“The initial training is all about showing them what to do until their instincts come out.”

From birth, Frank said it is essential to nurture working dog pups through their early weeks and work with them at nine weeks in short bursts of training.

“As small and cute as they are, it’s important to bond with them,” Frank said. “But not too much until they are working.”

“If too much bonding occurs before they’re working, they can become accustomed to it and come to expect it too much later on.”

Frank said to “think small” when training a small pup: incorporate small livestock such as goats or even ducks, train in short periods, and don’t overwhelm the little nippers.

“Training time and size of livestock can increase over time as the dogs grow,” he said.

“Once the dog is nine months of age, we increase the cattle size and the number of them in the yard.”

Frank said notes that one often overlooked aspect of training working dogs is that a dog's line of sight extends no higher than a trainer's knee when nearby - this is especially true for pups.

“Remembering the dogs’ eye level when training them is important,” said Frank.

“This is why we use a plastic garden rake to act as an extension of our arm and ensure we’re in their line of sight. The rake is also used as an indicator to get the dogs to stay next to the trainer and not move in front.”

And most importantly, Frank said that simple commands are the key to success.

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CANEGROWERS is calling on the owners and operators of Queensland’s bulk sugar terminals to put aside their differences and come together to find a long-term solution to the operation of these strategically significant industry assets.

Representatives from Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) and Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) fronted grower-leaders at the CANEGROWERS Policy Council meeting in Brisbane this week, to explain why terminal operations have suddenly become one of the most contentious issues facing the industry.

Queensland’s sugarcane farmers funded two-thirds of the construction costs of six purpose-built bulk sugar terminals between Cairns and Bundaberg in 1950s and 60s.

For decades these terminals have been operated safely and successfully by QSL as a not-for-profit enterprise, handling around 4 million tonnes of sugar exports annually.

However, despite having no hands-on experience in the operation of sugar terminals, in January STL, the owner of the assets, announced its intention to wind up the commercial agreement with QSL and insource terminal operations.

CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said growers are concerned the decision poses unnecessary risks to Australia’s international reputation as a reliable supplier of high quality, sustainably produced sugar.

“These terminals are a huge asset to the industry,” Mr Menkens said. “They give us a significant competitive advantage in the world market and their efficient, effective and safe operation as a service to the industry is paramount.

“Growers were the major investors in these facilities, so, we’re not about to sit quietly back and see that legacy risked in any way because these organisations are unable to agree what’s actually in the best interests of the industry,” Mr Menkens said.

Both parties need to come together and resolve their operational issues in an orderly way.  The grower-led CANEGROWERS Policy Council affirmed that growers want to be assured that:

● terminals will be operated without increased costs while ensuring efficiency and reliability

● there is a forward operating strategy and business plan in place for the terminals

● terminal operations will always prioritise sugar access

● pricing and access arrangements will continue to be on an equitable basis for all customers

“The bottom line is these terminals have operated very well under QSL,” Mr Menkens said.

“And the fact that QSL is an industry-owned, not for profit organisation has given growers confidence that these assets are being managed in the best interests of the industry.

“It is now up to STL to demonstrate to growers that they can do a similar or better job, possibly at lower cost. But we have yet to be convinced of that.

“If there is a better operating model then surely STL and QSL as two organisations that should be thinking in the best interests of the industry should resolve the situation in a professional manner.

“CANEGROWERS will continue to fight to ensure this issue is resolved in an acceptable way as soon as possible.”

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CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens

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It happened for me just a week or two ago with my cricket team in here in Mackay, Pinnacle, when we won the 3rd grade competition. The night before, there was a huge crowd in the stand for the Party in the Park and the 1st Grade Final, and just a few less for us the next day at Great Barrier Reef Arena. Well, let’s be honest, there was five, five people in the stand, and two of those were kids who wanted to go home.

It was a cracker of a game with Pinnacle Vs Souths, and we won with only 3 balls spare and no wickets left. For the non-cricket people, that means it was very close and we nearly lost.

Now normally with 3rd grade, we play on the “outer grounds” at Harrup Park, at Mirani High, at Magpies and a few other grounds, so for us to get a game at Great Barrier Reef Arena was pretty cool.

The win was great, the celebrations were good and went well into the night, and morning for some in my team, but there was another highlight for me.

My 12-year-old son loves his cricket. He takes a bat and ball to all my games so he can smash it around the spare grounds at Harrup Park. Our final on the Sunday was the final game of cricket for the 22-23 season in Mackay, and now GBRA gets tweaked into an AFL set up, so the pristine cricket pitch that was used for 1st and 3rd grade finals had done its job for the year.

With no official cricket left, my boy and I went out to the middle and played some father son cricket together. A cricket ground that gets used for WBBL, international matches (Australia Vs India women’s), Sheffield Shield … and me and my son. It was a pretty cool thing to do after out grand final win on that beautiful ground, perfect lawn and centre wicket.

Scotty

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Rescue Crew Kept On Their Toes

RACQ CQ Rescue experienced another busy weekend last weekend, airlifting a man from Sarina after a drug overdose on Saturday and a woman from Cockermouth Island with a dislocated knee on Sunday.

The Mackay-based helicopter has completed five missions since Friday.

Early Saturday morning, Queensland Health tasked the service to transport a patient from Bowen to hospital in Mackay.

Later the same day, RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked again by Queensland Health to fly 30km south to land near the showgrounds at Sarina to airlift a critically ill patient.

A 27-year-old North Mackay man who suffered a drug overdose and was initially taken to Sarina Hospital, required emergency treatment by paramedics and the flight doctor before being flown to Mackay Base Hospital in a serious condition about 6pm.

Later Saturday night, a patient from Collinsville hospital was transported by helicopter to Mackay after suffering pelvic and spinal injuries after rolling a ute.

On Sunday morning, the Mackay-based helicopter was tasked to Cockermouth Island, about 50km north-east of Mackay.

A woman on board a tourist vessel visiting the island was paddleboarding in the lagoon when she seriously dislocated her knee.

RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked by Queensland Health about 11:30am and the helicopter landed on the island’s beach so the medical team, including a doctor and Critical Care Paramedic, could treat the woman and deliver pain relief.

She was then airlifted for further treatment at Mackay Base Hospital.

It was an early start for the crew again on Monday morning after being tasked at 3:00am by Queensland Health to transfer a hospital patient from Clermont to Mackay in a four-hour mission.

RACQ CQ Rescue has already completed 141 missions so far this year.

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The RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter transported patients from Sarina and Cockermouth Island over the weekend. Images supplied.

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It always makes me laugh when I see two dogs walking on a footpath, unaccompanied by a human, alongside a suburban street.

They move along on a good trot, with a sense of purpose, as though they know exactly what they’re doing and where they’re going.

I saw a couple of dogs the other day walking briskly along the footpath alongside Paradise St in South Mackay.

One dog was slightly ahead of the other one, leading the way, and that’s usually the case in these dual-dog escapades.

The one in front is the leader and shows the way with a confident stride, looking straight ahead undistracted by cars, humans, those other dogs pathetically barking from behind their fenced suburban prisons and ignoring anything that could divert them from their mission. Whatever that is.

The dog that is following the leader does so with blind allegiance, confident that the boss knows exactly what he or she is doing and where they’re going.

The mission is, of course, a sham and a futile exercise that will achieve nothing and possibly end up in disaster.

The whole image reminds me of what can be a very unfortunate real estate experience … that is if you’re the seller and the agent doesn’t really know what they’re doing.

I’ve got to stress there are plenty of good agents out there but there are some who are not and if you manage to land one of them, well, it’s you and the agent making your way along Paradise St with the agent up ahead pretending he or she knows what they’re doing.

That’s you following along, initially believing the agent is all over it but after a while realising there’s no real direction, no serious engagement with buyers and that the whole exercise seems to be going nowhere.

It seemed so promising at the start. The agent was cheaper that the others. Commission was lower, marketing was a bargain compared to the expense of a premiere listing on realestate.com.au that some agents were suggesting along with a social media strategy and professional photos.

Now when you look at that crappy advertising write-up you see it doesn’t in any way convey the desirable attributes of your property and make any connection with potential buyers,  you note the lack of offers, the  poor attendance at open homes, the fact other agents at the agency aren’t bringing buyers to the table.

You see the opportunity is gone. You realise there is only one chance to make a first impression. You know you’re not going to get the best price the market will pay. You now understand that all agents are not the same.

I imagine there are cheap mechanics, cheap painters, cheap plumbers, cheap accountants and probably cheap surgeons. I don’t use any of them because they’re cheap for a reason. And it’s not a good reason.

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I recently had the privilege of spending time in the company of a remarkable young woman, Kayleigh Brewster, of Australian Street Aid Project, a registered charity based here in Mackay.

Her genuine care and compassion for the 40 to 60 homeless that visit her and her volunteer staff at Chances Café daily ensures they are provided with two meals per day in a safe and secure environment. Chances Café is the closest thing to a home environment they have, where they can have a sense of belonging, companionship, and acceptance with no judgement.

When I asked Kayleigh her ‘Why’, her response was “It gives me a sense of purpose and I have a genuine passion for making a difference to peoples lives”. “There’s always a story behind every person that comes here and quite often they come from a place of trauma, and you don’t fix trauma by giving up on them”.

Her charity will benefit from funds raised at the Mayors Charity Ball in May and will hopefully allow her to employ a part-time registered nurse to administer basic first aid for those that need it.

Her ultimate goal is to convert the second-hand shop based at 1/7 Victoria Street into a Drop in Lounge, a “Place To Be”, fitted out with comfy sofas, bean bags, TV, computers and charge facility for phones. Basics we take for granted yet will do so much for the mental and physical welfare of our homeless.

Unfortunately, homelessness is on the rise and Kayleigh is seeing more people having to utilise their services. There are not enough shelter beds in our region and people are forced to squat, rough sleep and sleep in vehicles.

This charity receives no government funding, but YOU can help make a big difference.  Become a Charity Champion by visiting www.austreetaid.org where you can donate as little as $8 (or more) per week and help improve the lives of our homeless.

They may not have a big fancy space, or a lot of funding, but they have big compassionate hearts.  Donate today!

Cr Pauline Townsend

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Regional infrastructure, renewable energy and workforce attraction were in focus as the members of the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Community Forum gathered in Mackay on Monday, chaired by Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert.

“It is fantastic to gather for the first Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Community Forum of the year, and to continue the important work to create a brighter future by discussing priorities for the region,” Ms Gilbert said.

“I thank the Forum members for their amazing support and advice.”

Forum members visited key projects in the region, including the Queensland University of Technology – Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant which is engaged in pioneering research converting biomass into biofuels, green chemicals and other bioproducts.

The Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan and the Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs Meaghan Scanlon were also in attendance.

Since 2015, the state government has invested approximately $1.5 billion in the region to create about 1 gigawatt of large-scale renewable energy, supporting approximately 1,400 construction jobs.

More than $7 billion of additional clean energy infrastructure investment is forecast for the region by 2040.

The vast cane fields and mountain range surrounding Mackay will be a source of innovations in biofuels while playing home to the largest pumped hydro energy storage scheme in the world.

“The Queensland Government has set aside $273.5 million to support exploration of the Pioneer-Burdekin and Borumba Pumped Hydro Energy Storage projects,” said Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs Meaghan Scanlon.

“Community engagement and environmental and cultural considerations are central to this work, which is why the Forum is so important to this region.”

The Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro scheme was announced in September last year as part of the government’s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.

“The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan is helping to power this region,” said Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan.

“The Plan will support workforce transition and galvanise the recruitment of workers from across Australia.”

This was the first meeting of the Forum members in 2023, with three more Regional Community Forums scheduled throughout the year.

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Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert chaired the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Community Forum earlier this week where renewable energy was a top priority. Photo supplied

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Jo Sainsbury, owner of Kickass Women, dedicates her time to raising awareness and funds for those affected by domestic violence through her annual charity gala event, Shades of Women, and she’s encouraging the Mackay community to support the initiative through event sponsorship.

Proudly presented by Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, this year’s event is being held on Sat 27 May at Mantra Mackay and will gather women together to raise awareness about domestic violence and celebrate the strength, resilience, and hope of women from all walks of life.

“Shades of Women is a beacon of hope in the fight against domestic violence. It serves as a powerful reminder that, with the right support and resources, anyone can overcome even the most daunting challenges,” Jo said.

With proceeds going back into Mackay Women’s Services, the event provides an opportunity for businesses and individuals to directly support local women and children affected by domestic violence through sponsorship or attendance.

“There are a number of sponsorship levels available, and each one provides different tangible resources for women seeking to leave volatile situations and provides necessities to begin rebuilding their lives, including Hope Bags and GPS Geo Guard Personal Emergency Devices,” she said.

Jo said that the platinum level sponsorship included a Hope Bag [valued at $500] and gold level donated a Geo Guard device to Mackay Women’s Services for women in need.

The GPS Geo Guard is a revolutionary personal safety device that provides immediate assistance in dangerous situations. With the simple push of a button, users can alert emergency services and a designated network of contacts, ensuring that they receive the prompt help they need. It has the potential to save countless lives and make a significant impact in the fight against domestic violence.

Similarly, Hope Bags are an initiative that provide emergency relief to survivors of domestic violence when they leave an abusive situation. These bags contain essential items such as clothing, toiletries, a phone, groceries gift voucher and other essential necessities, as well as resources for counselling and legal assistance.

Jo said that Hope Bags offered a lifeline to survivors who may be restarting with only the clothes on their backs and that they provided vital support for healing and recovery.

If you’re interested in sponsoring Shades of Women, please email athena@redhotblue.com.au and visit the Kickass Women Facebook page for more info.

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With increasing environmental concerns, many individuals and governments are turning to electric vehicles (EVs) as a cleaner and more sustainable mode of transportation. EVs offer lower operating costs, quieter driving experiences and improved performance, seeing them rapidly gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional cars. It's clear that EVs are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the automotive industry and Volt Car Rentals has become Mackay’s first and only car rental company offering a range of EVs.

Business owner Scott Hession grew up with a passion for cars, saying it runs in his blood.

“I started as an apprentice in 2007,” he said.

“Right out of school, I was eager to start learning and have continued carving my entire career around the automotive industry.”

Scott grew up in Tasmania, leaving the island state in 2011 after visiting family who had recently relocated to Mackay. With two bags and $350 in his account, he moved north and never looked back. Scott and his partner Casey, who are about to celebrate 12 years together, bought Torrisi’s Garage in 2016 where Scott put his expertise to the test. Having since completed certificates and short courses in mechanical, automotive sales and repair, his unique range of knowledge has been gained from hands-on experience throughout his automotive career.

A pair who are always keen for the next thing in automotive, Scott and Casey ordered their first EV, a red Volvo XC40. Eagerly awaiting the new Volvo, they took the opportunity to rent a Tesla Model 3 while on holiday in Cairns in October 2021 to see what it would be like to live with an EV. They were clearly impressed, ordering their second EV for the start of Volt Car Rentals soon after. Having driven their XC40 around the Mackay and Whitsunday regions to test its range, they decided it was time to order more vehicles for their rental fleet, with the Tesla Model 3 arriving in August 2022.

“We offer predominately electric vehicles for customers to rent, ranging from 24 hours to as long as they would like,” said Scott.

“We cover the cost of charging the vehicle at any Chargefox Charging station, unlimited kilometres, premium connectivity for Spotify, Netflix etc, maps are the latest and up to date.

In an industry of innovation, Scott and the team are always up for new challenges.

“We are always looking ahead in the future to keep up with the latest technology,” said Scott.

“We try out all of the tech before introducing it into our business to ensure ease of use and the best quality products are available for our customers.”

The family-owned and operated business facilitates a LGBTIQ+ friendly environment and a relaxed, safe and supportive atmosphere for customers and staff. The can-do attitude of Volt Car Rentals is apparent through their dedication to quality service and customer satisfaction.

“We pride ourselves in showing our customers through the vehicle and how everything works and if there are any questions during the rental we can be contacted at any time,” Scott said.

“We offer a true premium experience.”

Find Volt Car Rentals at 39 Macalister St, Mackay, email info@voltcarrentals.com.au or phone 0408 701 644.

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We all know every day should start with a good night and restorative sleep.

For those with snoring and apnea issues that might be getting in the way, CPAP Direct is here to help.

With a new store now open in Mackay, CPAP Direct Mackay are the sleep apnea specialists, specialising in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy and related products to treat chronic snoring, sleep apnea and other related conditions.

The family owned and independently operated business provides sleep testing, treatment and on- going support for those that suffer from snoring issues (and their partners), to ensure you get the most out of the third of your life you spend in bed.

“We pride ourselves on providing a wide range of cost-effective treatment options, whilst delivering a 5-star patient care experience from sleep diagnostics through to treatment,” said local Store Manager Kiera Smith.

After years of studying and working as a cleaner, Kiera, who is Mackay born and bred, jumped at the opportunity to learn something new, pursuing a career as a sleep technologist.

“Throughout the years I have had the opportunity to work with a few businesses in Mackay and learnt a lot about sleep, diagnosing sleep apnea and CPAP therapy,” she said.

“Last year I was given the opportunity of a lifetime, managing the new CPAP Direct store in Mackay.”

She brings over six years of sleep industry experience to the role as well as reliability, commitment and dedication to helping all patients get the most out of therapy.

“I am honest, polite, respectful and fair to others and will always go above and beyond to help and support my staff, customers and members of the CPAP Direct family,” she said.

CPAP Direct nationally has a unique work culture that values family and community.

As a family-owned business, the company extends its values to its employees, treating them as part of the family.

The team at CPAP Direct is committed to helping customers find the right treatment options that are affordable, effective and include ongoing support.

Outside of her CPAP Direct family, Kiera has been with her partner Matt for 24 years, married for 15, and together they have three beautiful daughters and one handsome grandson.

Kiera’s family is a wide-reaching one, as her and Matt have been foster carers for 13 years, opening their home to many wonderful children throughout that time.

With hobbies such as sewing, crocheting and renovating, Kiera always finds the time to relax outside of work, allowing her to focus on delivering utmost customer care.

Leading from the front, Kiera will always have time for her CPAP Direct customers, with no problem being too big or small.

She is up for a friendly chat, so visit Kiera and the CPAP Direct team at the Big Bear shopping centre at 2 Ungerer St, North Mackay today, call 4863 4767 or visit cpap.com.au

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Prossie High In The ‘Swing Of Things’ For Broadway

Proserpine State High School students will take to the stage in the upcoming Broadway romantic musical ‘Sweet Charity’ in early May.

In the school’s first musical since its highly successful play, ‘We Will Rock You’, in 2021, 100 students will take roles behind, below, and on the stage in what will be an “ambitious production.”

Following the eponymous Charity Hope Valentine, a taxi dancer living in New York City in the swinging sixties, Sweet Charity is brimming with groovy love, counterculture, and gaudy fashion.

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Students Ready To Groove In Upcoming Play

Proserpine State High School students will perform the musical ‘Sweet Charity’ in early May at the school’s Drama Centre.

The musical’s Artistic Director and Proserpine State High School head of Drama, Jenny Napier said the students were ecstatic to be performing Sweet Charity – a celebrated, long-running Broadway musical which premiered in 1966.

“Sweet Charity is about a girl who is looking for love,” Ms Napier said.

“She has spent her entire life trying to find the one person for her.”

The Broadway show revolves around the life of Charity Hope Valentine, a dancer for hire living in a bustling New York City in the 1960s.

Ms Napier said the show is famed for its Fosse jazz and pushes students on technical fronts in its set design as well as its performances, allowing them to get a taste for the dramatic profession.

“A lot of our students from previous productions have gone on to work in the profession,” Ms Napier said.

“Three of our leads from Oliver are professional actors now and a lot have gone on to technical, sound, and staging. To do big, professional Broadway shows is important for the students. It gives them a great opportunity to show their skills – and to even put those on their CVs.”

Ms Napier said Sweet Charity is complex musically and choreographically for any performer, asking them to be somewhat of a triple threat.

“It is probably beyond normal high-school students,” Ms Napier said.

“But these performers are seasoned actors now, having been in We Will Rock You and some Cannonvale State School performances – we know they have the skill.”

A 28-piece orchestra will accompany the show and is comprised entirely of students who are being mentored by professional musicians.

Sweet Charity leads Xavier Johnson, who plays Oscar – a shy tax accountant - and Allegra Bradley –Charity – said they were extremely excited to be a part of the spectacle.

“I fell in love with musicals when I saw Cannonvale’s Peter Pan at six years old,” Ms Bradley said.

“I knew I had to be a part of them and to be in the lead has been amazing. It is such a great opportunity.”

The show encompasses students from Grades 8 to 12 and runs with a ‘double cast,’ meaning some characters will be played by a new set of actors on alternative nights.

Sweet Charity will run at the Proserpine State High School drama centre from May 3 to 6 with tickets available soon.

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Proserpine State High School students at the first dress rehearsal for their May performance of ‘Sweet Charity’

Proserpine State High School Students will perform a Broadway-style play following the character Charity Hope Valentine, played in half the performances by student Allegra Bradley

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The grieving mother of Luke Gilbert, who was tragically killed in a police shooting in Airlie Beach six months ago, is calling for an independent inquiry to bring the officers who she believes should be “charged with murder” to justice.

Nicola Gilbert believes that investigations so far have centred around Luke and his role in the incident, rather than the officers who she believes used unnecessary force.

“We have to fight to get any information at all and then when we do it’s very one-sided and vague,” she said.

“You cannot have a police force being allowed to get away with the most abhorrent crime in the world, taking the life of another, simply because they wear a uniform.

“It’s too late to save our son, nothing we do will bring him back, but we can try to save other lives from being lost needlessly.”

On October 1 last year, Luke Gilbert, who resided in Townsville, had been visiting the Whitsundays on an unplanned trip to help a mate who had been experiencing car trouble.

Nicola said that Luke was not expecting to travel that day and was still wearing his work uniform which included a small pen knife on his belt which he used as a tool.

He decided to stay in Airlie Beach for the night and was walking to another pub just after midnight when the fateful incident occurred.

Nicola has since been told that when Luke saw two police officers, he covered his pen knife with his hand so that he wouldn’t get stopped.

She believes Luke then passed another two officers while still covering the knife with his hand and, because he was intoxicated, almost bumped into them.

“The officers asked if he was ok and when Luke didn’t respond, they noticed he was covering something,” said Nicola.

“Luke then unclipped the pen knife to show them, only walking slowly towards them.”  

In contrast, a Queensland Police report stated that Luke “allegedly threatened officers advancing on them”.

Nicola said that officers then drew their firearms and pointed them at Luke which “escalated the situation very quickly” and likely caused him to be “terrified and confused”.

She asks why a taser or pepper spray was not used in the first instance, rather than a firearm.

“Luke had been walking slowly, they were backing away quicker than him, he did not launch at or threaten the officers at any point,” she said.

“Luke had his arms down by his side approximately 20 feet from the officers when they opened fire only 18 seconds after they stopped him.

“Luke was shot at five times by both officers, three went into his chest and two hit nearby cars.”

When Luke fell to the ground, Nicola says that the police officers turned him onto his stomach and handcuffed his arms behind his back.

“It was seven minutes before the police attempted to give Luke CPR,” she said.

Luke died a short time after arriving at Proserpine Hospital.

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Luke Gilbert with his mother, Nicola, in happier times. Photo supplied

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On Saturday evening, Chantelle Jensen and her friend Bek Sinclaire were enjoying a picnic down at Cannonvale Beach with Chantelle’s mum when they saw a couple trying to free a stingray which had become trapped in the nearby stinger net.

Eventually, the couple gave up trying to set it free so the girls walked over to see if they could help.

When they arrived the baby sting ray was clearly distressed as it had likely been stuck in the net for hours due to an extremely low tide.

The girls found a couple of sticks which they used to untangle the ray and lever it free.

“We were a bit worried about its barb at first,” said Chantelle.

“We were really cautious about where we were holding him and made sure we knew where the barb was at all times.”

Using her mum’s scarf, Chantelle and Bek were able to move the stingray into a makeshift stretcher with the help of two young girls who came to assist.

They then carried the ray to safety, carefully making the long trek to the shoreline which was over 100 metres away.

Eventually, they got to the water and placed it in the shallows.

“It took some time to move as it was quite stressed,” said Chantelle.

“But it was definitely breathing, I think it just needed a bit of time to chill out as it had been stuck out there for a few hours.”

Chantelle said she was really pleased to help an animal in distress and that she believes everyone should do the same if it is safe to do so.

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Chantelle and Bek with the two young girls, Kaidence and Becky, who came to help

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