OPINION PIECE

I’ve always aimed to “dream big” in life.  Dreaming big has taught me that amazing things happen when you adopt this mind set. From starting up my own successful consulting business for almost 13 years, to being successful in the 2020 Local Government election and now working in my role as councillor, a privileged position that has been challenging at times, but also richly rewarding.

So, what is my next “dream big” project?

Through my involvement with the Trudy Crowley Foundation, as Chair, the board of directors have always dared to dream big.

From formation in 2018, we have employed a part-time, fully qualified palliative care nurse; employed a part-time counsellor, who specialises in oncology counselling and emotional support; opened the Trudy Crowley Community Cancer Support Centre in February 2023; employed a second fully qualified palliative care nurse in March this year and will be employing a third fully qualified palliative care nurse in 2024. All free services to our patients.

Dreaming big has achieved these amazing results.  But we believe in dreaming bigger and chasing more audacious goals!

Our next ‘dream big’ project is to bring our vision of the Trudy Crowley Palliative Care Sanctuary to fruition.  The sanctuary will provide respite and end-of-life care for patients undergoing oncology treatment and will include eight bedrooms (one allocated for children), non-denominational chapel, kitchen and amenities room.  It will be a tranquil haven for palliative care patients to be cared for with dignity, compassion and respect.

Our partners are fully behind this dream and support the need for this facility within our community.

Fundraising has begun and we require $2m to find the perfect piece of land. We are seeking companies or individuals willing to pledge money for one bedroom, which will bear their name.

This is a massive dream big project and will take some years to achieve. However, nothing has ever been achieved by thinking small and I firmly believe in my heart, this vision will become a reality for our community.

https://www.trudycrowleyfoundation.com.au/

Cr Pauline Townsend

Mackay Regional Council

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With Mackay 50’s & Better

With live music, singalongs, a fashion parade, lunch, tea and coffee, Mackay 50’s & Better celebrated Christmas in July in style.

Attendees were invited to wear an apron; the funnier and naughtier, the better.

Annette Worthington provided music and laughs throughout the morning, while the best dressed were judged before all indulged in a delicious Christmas feast at Goosies.

For more information on Mackay 50’s & Better, contact Garry and Margaret on 0400 242 779.

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Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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If you’re a bit tired reading this as you had a late night at the Human Nature show at the MECC last night, get ready for this.

If you have no plans for tomorrow, let me tell you, this will be awesome.

Saturday will be a great day to get up early because the annual day to raise money for Jeans for Genes Day is happening and we want you and the family to be part of it.

It’s the annual Kilometre Burpee Challenge with Christine and Col running the event.

A few years ago, I got a call from Christine on 4MK, asking if I would volunteer some time on the microphone to rev the crowd up as a whole bunch of legends do burpees outside the council building on Gordon St early on a Saturday in August. Of course, I said yes, and here we are three years later, and we are going stronger again.

All it takes is teams of how many you want, doing burpees after burpees going to reach one kilometre on the grass. Sounds easy right? Nope, but you know what, that’s why it’s like this.

Jeans for Genes Day is all about finding a cure for kids with cancers, and disorders which makes it difficult for them to lead a well, easier life. These kids get hit for six, their families get smacked out of the park every day, and they get back up again and do it all over again 365 days a year. So, there is the reason we do burpees. You get smacked down, and you get up again.

If you want to join us, come down after 7:30, and get ready to go after 8am. It will be fun. I’ll have the microphone so you’ll know it will be.

Once it’s done you can come to the Sarina Show because that’s where I’ll be heading to do the 4MK show live, and there’s something different this year. I’ll be putting some of my cooking up for judging to bag an award. What will I have with me? Scones? Jam Drops? Cakes? You’ll have to wait and see, and maybe join me at the Sarina Showgrounds and taste test some with the QCWA ladies too!

Oh, and yes, I’ll have to taste them myself too! Only if I must.

Enjoy the weekend, and the next time we catch up, I’ll tell you how you can have dinner on the runway at the Mackay Airport for a wonderful cause.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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Hi Everyone,

Three years ago, when News Corp announced they were shutting 14 regional newspapers overnight, three of which were located in the Whitsundays, our region instantly lost all its printed weekly news.

Friends could no longer gather to complete the newspaper’s weekly crossword, die-hard TV guide fans could no longer circle their favourite shows in ink, but more than that – the local community had lost its connection.

Whose kid had competed in what sport? What’s going on in the local property market? Whose playing at The Pub on the weekend? What local causes do we all need to get behind?

Overnight, all this was gone.

And while the internet is great at giving us national news and celebrity gossip, there is still nothing that can replace a printed weekly newspaper as the only source of local news gathered by local journalists.

This was evident in January this year when I received a call from a guy called Neil who was part of the Economic Development Group in the Burdekin.

He told me he loved what we do and implored us to start a similar publication in his region, assuring me we would have strong support from the local community.

I passed him over to our publisher Bec Douthwaite, and after months of discussion, it was decided that we would launch a new publication called Burdekin Life.

The new newspaper will have a very similar format to this one, but of course it will be entirely local to the Burdekin, with a full-time journalist living in the region.

For the past few months our team has been contributing to its launch and we are all heading there on September 28 to personally deliver and present the first edition.

For many of the team, the launch has involved considerable effort and planning – a whole new newspaper has been designed, advertising spots have been filled and one member of our team has moved up to the region to be Burdekin Life’s new journo.

As we celebrate this newspaper’s third birthday this week, it is exciting to now be embarking on a fresh challenge, one that will take commitment and dedication from everyone involved.

Thanks to all the team, and especially our publisher Bec who continues to back her dreams and bring us all along for the ride!

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Do one thing every day that scares you” (anonymous)

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What began as a 4,500-kilometre bike trek from Brisbane to Adelaide has become an East Coast expedition, with Hiranuma Kaoru deciding to continue and cycle to Cairns.

Initially beginning in January, Hiarnuma left his Brisbane home for Melbourne, raising funds for Guide Dogs Australia.

Completely solo, Hiranuma is using a non-electric bike, with all his belongings strapped to the frame, including his tent and sleeping bag.

After completing the Gold Coast Half Marathon in July, he decided to take on the 2,000 kilometres to Cairns.

“I think I’ll overcome new encounters and experiences on my journey and enjoy everything while climbing a local bar,” Hiranuma explained.

He has continued to share his journey over social media, taking snaps of locals along the way who have donated to his cause.

In mid-July, he faced a big setback, with his bike faulting to its highest gear and not changing, while he cycled up a hill into Gladstone.

Stopping into M1 Cycles for the repairs, he was pleasantly surprised to have the repairs completed at no cost.

“’Well then!’ I said and donated the coast of the repair to Guide Dogs Australia.”

The team at M1 Cycles shared Hiranuma’s story on their social media and got him back on the road.

Last Thursday, July 27, he moved through the Whitsunday region, enjoying a sorbet from Bowen, and he is set to hit Cairns later this week.

Through his journey, Hiranuma has raised over $3,000.

If you wish to donate, follow this link:

bit.ly/3rTsVwx

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Brisbane-based Hiranuma Kaoru has taken on the challenge of the East Coast of Australia, raising money for Guide Dogs Australia. Photo: Facebook

Tragedy has struck at the heart of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 with an Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter suffering massive catastrophic failure and falling into waters of the Whitsunday Islands last Friday night, July 28.

The helicopter was manned by four Australian Defence Force members and crashed at around 11pm on Friday evening.

The men on board have been identified as pilots Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Captain Daniel Lyon, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs.

All four men belonged to the Sixth Aviation Regiment, based out of Sydney.

The aircraft had been participating in night training operations, as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, when it was reported missing.

While some of the aircraft has been recovered, as of the time of going to print, the main frame and the four occupants have yet to be recovered.

Sadly, it is very unlikely the men will be recovered alive, with authorities discovering significant wreckage on Monday morning.

Minister for Defence, Richard Marles spoke in a press conference on Monday, sharing news that the search efforts have turned into body recovery.

“With every passing hour, it is now clear any hope of finding Captain Lyon, Lieutenant Nugent, Corporal Naggs, and Warrant Office Laycock alive has been lost,” he said.

By the evening of Monday, July 31, Mr Marles confirmed the deaths of the four ADF members.

“Our focus remains on bringing our people home to their families and supporting the Defence family through this difficult period,” Lieutenant General Greg Bilton said, Chief of Joint Operations.

The ADF continues to work closely with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to aid the recovery efforts.

Superintendent Graeme Paine said since the determination has been made that the search and rescue is now a recovery mission, QPS is working to prepare a report for the coroner.

Cause of the accident remains unknown; however the entire fleet of Taipan helicopters was grounded following the accident.

Prior to this accident, the helicopter was meant to be discontinued from December 2023, in favour for American Black Hawks.

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Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Captain Daniel Lyon, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs are feared dead following a helicopter crash during a military training exercise in the Whitsundays. Photo supplied

By Rachael Smith

While Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) are excited about the upcoming upgrades, they are also concerned by the changing political landscape that they believe is creating an uncertain future for VMR’s right across the state.

President of the Whitsunday VMR, Paul Martin, explained that the state government is introducing a new funding model that he believes could hinder the operation of our local VMR.

There are plans for VMRs across Queensland to become state funded and all revenue streams are set to come through the government which means any localised fundraising avenues could become redundant.

Mr Martin said that to date, the Whitsunday VMR has been given very little detail on the funding changes and this uncertainty is causing the organisation to feel vulnerable.

Whitsunday VMR needs $500,000 per year to operate.

This sum comes from sponsorships, memberships and call out fees.

They have 1,500 members, each paying $100 per year.

Mr Martin says that without this money the VMR would cease to operate in the way it currently does.

“We’ve got it organised and it’s working – why change it?” he said.

“We own our two vessels, and we look after the maintenance and insurance – with this new funding model will the state government purchase the vessels or are we expected to donate them to the state government?”

With lots of unanswered questions, Mr Martin says he is looking forward to a meeting with other Queensland VMR Presidents on August 19, where he hopes they will get some answers.

“The NSW model is run by the state, and it took 18 months to implement – here in Queensland we’ve been talking about it for five years!”

Whitsunday VMR was the first VMR in the state and will be celebrating 60 years next year.

As one of the larger and more established facilities it is operating successfully, fully supported by its independent funding streams, 1,500 members and over 150 dedicated volunteers.

Mr Martin says that there are undoubtedly other smaller VMRs in the state that are struggling and would definitely benefit from state funding, but that the larger sites that are functioning well should be left alone.

“I am worried that when people find out that we are becoming state funded, our costs will go up because people will think we are getting paid by the government,” he said.

“We could lose our sponsors overnight, but we might not see any of the funding for five years!”

“We may also see membership loss and cuts on little things like hosting open days.”

When asked how he would like to see a state government funding model work, Mr Martin explained that he would prefer to see a lease agreement in place.

“A leasing agreement for our vessels that would take care of the maintenance, fuel and projected replacement costs could work,” he said.

“But all this would take away our flexibility and result in the rise of overall costs that we can’t forecast.”

With the Whitsundays boasting the highest number of boat registrations in Queensland, this issue is at the heart of the community and it is clear that more information is desperately needed to ensure the future and stability of one of our most valued local institutions.

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President of Whitsunday VMR, Paul Martin with volunteer Dick Filewood. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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With funding now in place, work on the $400,000 upgrades to the Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) building are expected to commence in October and be completed by mid-2024.

The upgrades will expand the training and operations area so that it is nearly three times its current size, giving crews a larger working space when conducting search and rescue missions.

“The police often come here and use our facilities during a search and rescue mission” said VMR President, Paul Martin.

“Previously we’ve had very little space and when the VIP’s drop in to take a look at things it’s been bedlam!”

Mr Martin said he is thrilled with the announcement and that it will completely transform operations and capabilities for the VMR.

The space upstairs will be expanded into two large training rooms which can be sectioned off to hold smaller meetings when required.

“Once it is complete, we are looking forward to opening it up and inviting the public in to come and take a look,” said Mr Martin.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said that with the level of boat use in the Whitsunday region, he feels this is a vital piece of infrastructure that is well-deserving of an upgrade.

“If you’re out fishing, snorkelling, or just relaxing, it’s comforting to know that if something goes wrong, the team at VMR are there for you,” he said.

“This is an important community development project, and as a local, I’m proud of the amazing work these volunteers do, often in high pressure situations, to support our region and keep our waters safe.”

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, with representatives from the Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue team. Photo supplied

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Budget airline, Bonza, has announced a new flight route for the Whitsunday Coast Airport.

Before the start of summer, Whitsunday residents will be able to holiday in the Gold Coast, as well as the 10 other locations serviced by the Gold Coast Airport, which include Melbourne, Mildura, and Albury.

There will be two aircrafts to service the 11 locations, and while no exact times have been confirmed, the fares will range from $49 to $79 per person one way.

“Today’s announcement is about creating more depth in our network by connecting existing Bonza destinations with the Gold Coast and also the gateway from there to Northern NSW,” said Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza.

“It is a huge boost for the economy and allows people in our existing destinations the opportunity to book an affordable flight to Gold Coast Airport and take a much-deserved holiday or long-awaited visit to friends and family.”

The airline says there will be additional and new destinations that will connect with the Gold Coast and those will be revealed when the time is right.

“We are absolutely delighted to have this route,” said Craig Turner, Chief Operating Officer of the Whitsunday Coast Airport.

“We have been working for over two years with a variety of airlines to secure this route for the Whitsundays.

“It aligns perfectly with domestic and international connectivity, with the Gold Coast being one of the biggest destinations, and now people can pop up to the Whitsundays for a few days on holiday.”

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New locations announced for the Whitsunday Coast Airport, opening up holiday routes just in time for summer. Photo supplied

Theft Of Excavator And Trailer, Collinsville

An individual has stolen an excavator and a trailer from a business compound in Collinsville overnight on July 30.

Entry was gained into the fenced compound by damaging a padlock on the gate.

The machinery stolen included a yellow coloured 2008 model Komatsu excavator (track) registration number 44319C and a 2008 model Auswide pig trailer, registration number 870 PQX.

Banning Order Enforced

A 19-year-old woman was charged with breaching a banning order, after attempting to gain entry into a number of licensed premises within Airlie Beach.

She had previously been issues with a banning order and is excluded from licensed premises.

She will now appear before the Magistrates Court in relation to breaching the banning order.

Dangerous Drugs In Licensed Premise

Three men were found by police in the bathrooms of a licensed venue in Airlie Beach, at 1.15am Saturday July 29.

Police allege that the men were in the process of consuming dangerous drugs, suspected to be cocaine.

Two of the men have been charged, and an investigation will be conducted into the third.

Drink Driving Across The Region

A 22-year-old Bowen woman was intercepted on Waterson Way with a blood alcohol level of 0.54 per cent, at 3am on July 29.

At 12.50am on July 29, a 22-year-old Mount Julian woman, who has a provisional licence with a zero-alcohol limit, returned a reading of 0.36 per cent.

Both women will front the Magistrates Court in relation to these charges.

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In May 2022 45-year-old Whitsunday man, Paul Malcom Henderson, barricaded himself in his Jubilee Pocket home, after local police attempted to make a welfare check.

A four-day siege at the Erromango Drive property unfolded, and police alleged that Mr Henderson armed himself with a compound bow and shot at police multiple times.

A 100-metre exclusion zone was established, and heavily armed Special Emergency Response Team officers were dispatched to the scene.

Following his arrest on May 23 at 7.30am, Mr Henderson was initially charged with six counts of attempted murder.

He has remained in police custody since his arrest, with his charges being reduced to two counts of malicious act with intent.

His case has now been adjourned until December 2023.

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The 2023 RACQ CQ Rescue Talent Search has concluded, with a massive effort raised by the participants for the vital service.

Organised by Brooke Hargrave, owner of Brooke Lee Modelling, the event was backed-up with the chance to be discovered by an international modelling agency.

“This year’s event attracted about 40 competitors and raised more than $33,000 for RACQ CQ Rescue, bringing the total amount raised in the last nine years to about $200,000,” explains Brooke.

Taya Rush raised $13,028.50 for the cause and was crowned the Overall Charity Princess.

She held a popular charity golf day earlier this year, which raised $11,000 in total.

Runner up for the competition was Charlotte Nielsen who raised $7294.50 for the service.

“I’m so proud of all the contestants and their families as it was an incredible effort this year to raise this record figure of $33,000,” said Brooke.

“We’ve been holding the talent show for nine years now and year on year the donation to CQ Rescue has increased, so we are so thrilled to be able to contribute to such a vital service which has touched the lives of so many people in this community.”

Australian Director for Miss World, Deborah Miller and Top Model International, Sienna-Rose Jerak attended the competition and awarded two contestants, Annabelle Munt and Chelsea Hore, into the Top Model Queensland State Final in 2024.

The even was primarily a fundraiser as well as a talent search, Brooke said, and each entrant over the age of four had paid an entry fee or raised the entry fee and above through sponsorship and fundraising activities.

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CQ Rescue Talent Charity Princess Taya Rush and Runner Up Charlotte Nielsen with Brooke Hargrave and RACQ CQ Rescue crew office Ben McCauley

By Bronte Hodge

Dozens of locals rushed to the aid of a beached humpback whale last Friday afternoon, but despite dedicated efforts, the whale sadly died a few hours after it was discovered.

Conway locals noticed the whale on Friday morning, many of whom organised themselves with shovels and buckets in an effort to get the mammal back to water.

Jubilee Pocket locals, Ti Hokins and family, were enjoying a day off when they saw the news on the Whales of the Whitsundays Facebook group.

With wife and daughter in tow, Ti attended the scene with two buckets and a shovel.

They were some of the first people on the beach.

All the first responders had were two good buckets, one broken bucket, a serving dish, towels and shovels, which were all used in a desperate effort to save the whale.

“It was quite beautiful to see the community come together to help the whale,” explains Ti.

“The whale was groaning and grunting and blowing water from its blow hole, as well as flicking with its tail.”

The rescuers soon realised, however, that the tide was far out from the whale’s position, and Ti said it would have been a “miracle for the whale to survive that long” waiting for the tide to come back in.

“It was alive for two hours, until it just stopped,” said Ti.

“Everyone kinda just realised at the same time that it had stopped moving or making noise.”

By that time, numerous community members and even representatives from ZigZag Whitsundays were on the ground, splashing the whale and towelling it.

“It was heart-warming to see everyone drop everything to come down and do anything to help the whale,” said Ti.

“Even afterwards, when we were leaving, there were streams of people coming down to the beach to help where they could.”

To report a sick, injured, or dead whale, ring 1300 130 372, and advise of its location, a description of the whale and a description of injury or situation.

The Great Barrier Reef Park Marine Authority will then access and make a plan of action.

Until authorities arrive at the whale, it is best to splash water over the whale and lay damp towels over its skin to keep it cool, and keep dogs and loud crowds away from it to minimise stress.

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A massive humpback whale beached itself last Friday morning. Photos supplied

Veterans in Bowen have gathered at the Bowen RSL last Thursday, July 27, to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Armistice of the Korean War.

Veterans of the Korean War Bill Barty and Garry Kirk attended the service with their family.

Both men are the only two surviving veterans of the Korean War in Bowen and were joined by ex and current military personnel from Townsville.

Mr Barty was a part of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, while Mr Kirk served in the Navy.

They were both presented with certificates of thanks for their service.

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Veteran of Korean War Garry Kirk presented Bowen RSL with memorabilia of his time on HMAS Bataan in Korea 1950-1952

Veteran of Korean War Bill Barty standing behind his wife and with his family

Immediate Past President John Eyles presents Korean War Veteran Bill Barty with a certificate of thanks

Veteran of Korean War Garry Kirk with his wife Edna and family. Photos supplied

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With the events season well underway and gathering steam, our region comes alive with iconic events and festivals. Congratulations to the Triathlon club for a hugely successful weekend – packed with visitors and contestants.

The Whitsunday running club has also run (no pun intended) its Running Festival in mid July with the trail festival to follow.

With the Great Barrier Reef Festival followed by Airlie Beach Race Week and Hamilton Island Race Week coming up – the visitation and exposure that these events bring to the region is incalculable. We sincerely thank the organisers and volunteers – the entire region benefits from your efforts.

These regional events depend on local business support and financial contribution. Our local businesses community plays a big role in investing in our community for everyone’s benefit. As a thank you, be sure to support those businesses with purchase, a social media shout out, online review, or refer your friends as they help make these events come to life.

Another way you can support local businesses is by nominating them in this year’s Whitsundays Business Awards. The Chamber, in partnership with Tourism Whitsundays, seeks nominations for the 2023 Whitsundays Business Awards across five award categories.  

The awards are open to members of the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce or Tourism Whitsundays, and you can nominate in more than one category. Nominating is easy – all you have to do is provide a 250-word statement on the business and share links to their website and social media accounts. Nominations close Monday 21 August. Visit our website to learn more and good luck with your nomination.

This year, the Chamber has undergone extensive redevelopment and expansion, and we now invite you to be part of it. One of the major outcomes is our new membership model. It aims to provide unmatched opportunities to drive advocacy and connectivity for small business, commerce, and industry in the Whitsunday region. Visit our website and join today!

Our next Chamber event will be held 10am-12pm Wednesday 16 August in Proserpine. Pop Up Chamber – a new initiative – will be an informal gathering of business owners and the Chamber team.

Feel free to pop along at a time that best suits you, learn more about business in the region, get up-to-date on Chamber developments, share your view on regional business priorities, and grab a coffee.

The theme for this Pop Up Chamber is ‘Chamber membership: What’s in it for you?’ This event is free and open to all Chamber members and the broader Whitsundays community. Visit our website more information.

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