Four sets of stairs, car tyres, six shopping trolleys and a mouthguard were just some of the unusual items collected as part of Clean Up, The Mackay Region.

More than three tonnes of rubbish was collected across 11 sites with an impressive 97 volunteers attending.

Clean up locations included Shellgrit Creek, Bridge Road, Sandfly Creek Reserve, Bluewater Trail, Finlayson Point Road, Grasstree Beach, Plane Creek Revegetation Site, Hodges Road, Riverside Drive and North Wall Harbour Beach.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said it was the loyal volunteers who kept these events running year after year.

“We would like to thank everyone for taking the time to help keep our region beautiful,” he said.

“While it was great to see less tonnage overall this year, volume was still at a similar level.

“Volunteers removed large quantities of micro plastics, such as drink bottle lids, plastic water bottles, bread packet clasps, straws and other small pieces of plastic from various clean-up locations.”

Council also thanked event partners including North Queensland Airports, Grasstree Beach Progress Association, Sarina Landcare, Pioneer Catchment Landcare, Mackay Land Rover Club and Mackay Board Riders Club for supporting this event.

Fast facts:

• 3.278 tonnes collected across the clean-ups

• six shopping trolleys and 36 tyres collected

• 531 “Containers for Change” donated to Incredable Tip Shop

• 852kg of resources recovered for recycling and resale at Incredable Tip Shop

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Renewable energy, regional services, economic diversification and housing accessibility were on the agenda at the third Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Regional Community Forum for 2022, held on Monday.

The forum, chaired by Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, began with site visits to the Mackay Substation Project and Resources Centre of Excellence where forum members learnt more about the Stage 2: Future Industries Hub.

“We have forum members that are really passionate about driving the future of our community,” said Ms Gilbert.

“They’ve already been out there doing work on how they can best try bringing skills into our community.

“This is everyday mums and dads, small business owners, so passionate about their community that they’ll put their hand up to come onto these committees to make sure government is delivering services and programs to best suit our community.”

With renewable energy a hot agenda item, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the forum would discuss ideas on sustainably powering the state into the future.

“Regional Queensland plays a big role in renewable energy, to drive down power bills and ease the cost of living,” the Premier said.

“Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday forum members get to be part of this, helping to unlock investment in good clean energy jobs, better services, and helping to protect our great lifestyle in regional Queensland.

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water Glenn Butcher joined Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday forum members, saying workforce shortages are of particular concern to the region’s manufacturing sector.

“What we’re now talking about in the second wave of these forums is to make sure that we’re actually on the ground listening to the community’s concerns and putting into action some things that we can do to deliver as a government for these communities,” Mr Butcher said.

“What we’re hearing through the forums, particularly for this region, the Isaac, Whitsunday and Mackay region, is the need for more skilled workers.

“One of the steps we’re doing today is really starting a deep dig into how we can help these businesses get to that level where we can get trained and skilled staff to come and join the businesses.

“We want to make sure that anyone who comes to Mackay looking for a job can get the training and skills that they need to get into new industries.

The Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday forum was one of seven held in regional centres across Queensland, with others taking place in Far North Queensland, Central Queensland, Darling Downs-South West, North-North West Queensland, Wide Bay-Burnett-Fraser Coast and Western Queensland.

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There is no magic to exercise; only that you get out of it what you put in.

That doesn't mean you have to work out for hours each day – it means you need to work smart.

Not all exercises are created equal, some are simply more efficient than others, whether they target multiple muscle groups, are suitable for a wide variety of fitness levels, or help you burn calories more effectively.

So, what are the best exercises?

Walking

Any exercise program should include cardiovascular exercise, which strengthens the heart and burns calories. And walking is something you can do anywhere, anytime, with no equipment other than a good pair of shoes.

It's not just for beginners, either: Even the very fit can get a good workout from walking.

Doing a brisk walk can burn up to 500 calories per hour. Since it takes 3,500 calories to lose a pound, you could expect to lose a pound for every seven hours you walk, if you did nothing else.

Beginners should start by walking five to -10 minutes at a time, gradually moving up to at least 30 minutes per session. So, get trotting, build up that time, and see the benefits.

Interval training

Whether you're a beginner or an exercise veteran, a walker or an aerobic dancer, adding interval training to your cardiovascular workout will boost your fitness level and help you lose weight.

The way to do it is to push the intensity or pace for a minute or two, then back off for anywhere from two to -10 minutes (depending on how long your total workout will be, and how much time you need to recover). Continue doing this throughout the workout.

Strength Training

Strength training is essential; the more muscular fitness you have, the greater the capacity you have to burn calories.

Strength-training exercises that target multiple muscle groups are the bee’s knees, making squats, which work the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteals, the go to.

Squats: form is key.

For perfect form, keep feet shoulder-width apart and back straight. Bend knees and lower your rear.

Lunges: Like squats, lunges work all the major muscles of the lower body: gluteals, quadriceps, and hamstrings.

Push-ups: If done correctly, the push-up can strengthen the chest, shoulders, triceps, and even the core trunk muscles, all at one time.

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Often referred to as “Little Paddy Fitz”, Paddy Fitzgerald was a much-loved character in the district. He arrived in Proserpine in 1932, a single man of 25 years, and set about making a name for himself as the master bootmaker of his time.

To Paddy, boot repairing was not a job; it was an art. He would lovingly coax a damaged sole or upper, back to a state of new or near new condition, applying himself with dedication. His reputation was such that people came from other towns to have their favourite shoes repaired by Paddy.

Paddy’s original live-in workplace was a little shop adjoining Bob Eckel’s Saddlery in the old Dobbins building in Main Street. Paddy had his quarters at the back of the shop in this building and later also in 1953 when the Dobbins family built new brick shops (now Colour Me Crazy). Being in close proximity to the Prince of Wales and Palace Hotels where Paddy sometimes had his meals, there were times when the door of his shop remained closed during working hours.

But his shop always re-opened and Paddy would be there again, repairing shoes for next to nothing. “Aw, a shilling ’ll do” was his usual answer to enquiries about the cost of repairs and mostly, “It’ll be right” for his poorer clientele.

No job was too difficult for Paddy. He was a surgical bootmaker and would make shoes for crippled children. Like a good surgeon, his tools of trade and his hands worked as one. Residents of the time remembered seeing him with a mouthful of tacks, handling and hammering them into the soles. And they were fascinated watching him turn soft shoes inside out and stitching them from the inside. He made his own thread by twining three cotton threads into one and waxing them to make them waterproof.

Locals recalled the mountain of shoes and boots in various states of disrepair in Paddy’s shop and were mystified as to how he knew who the owners were. He would deftly step through the pile without even disturbing one of the cobwebs and retrieve the right one!

The sisters of the convent would always present Paddy with a challenge when asking him to repair their shoes which were always almost totally worn down. But Paddy worked his special brand of magic and would not accept payment. The convent children loved the errand of collecting the repaired shoes for if they weren’t ready - which was often – Paddy would dig out a sixpence from his pocket, tell them to go and buy an ice cream, then come back in half an hour at which time the shoes would always be finished.

Paddy’s shop was rarely empty. He could talk sports (rugby league in particular), local issues and politics. He was a good listener and rarely judged anyone. There was a box for visitors on either side of the front door where many an interesting yarn took place. When people left Paddy’s shop, they did so with a feeling of well-being – even if their shoes were still in the pile.

Paddy Fitzgerlad spent almost fifty years in the district. He died in Proserpine on February 20, 1980.

Paddy’s friends were many; his enemies few. He was indeed a genius in his trade and was from an era when pride in one’s work took precedence over money.  Proserpine’s history is richer because Paddy Fitzgerald is part of it.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

Image:  (L-R) Jack Cassells, Alec (Knocky) Nicolson, Beryl  Nicolson and Paddy Fitzgerald - Taken outside the Prince of Wales Hotel

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A celebration of clever creations, the upcoming craft show at the Proserpine Museum will exhibit the intricate and expressive needlework and sewing from a host of local ladies’ groups.

The first of its kind, the event will be relaxed and interactive with everyone invited to simply ‘walk-through’, marvel at the locally crafted masterpieces and stop for a tasty Devonshire tea.

For just $5 you will receive entry into the craft fair, and broader museum if you choose, plus tea, coffee and scone.

Inspiration from the event came from the family of Lesley McDonald who passed away last year.

She was an inspiring member of the community and known for crocheting beautiful doilies which her loved ones now want to share with the community.

The ladies from the Chat and Patch group have now also joined in and so have the Tivaevae group who create unique patchwork quilts in a style that originated from the Cook Islands.

From delightful doilies to quintessential quilts and natty needlework, all will be on display at the event which promises to both honour and celebrate our local skills and heritage.

“It’s our way of showing the museum in a different light,” said volunteer Larraine Biggs.

“We are celebrating some of the lovely crafts we have here, and many will be available for purchase.

“It’s going to be a nice afternoon and everyone is invited!”

WHAT: Craft Show

WHERE: Proserpine Museum

WHEN: Sunday, October 19 from 1.30pm to 4.00pm

ADMISSION: $5 includes Devonshire Tea

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One of the country’s top crime writers will make his way to the Whitsundays as part of a national tour.

Bestselling novelist and ex-journalist Chris Hammer will be the guest of honour at Proserpine, Cannonvale, and Bowen libraries on October 11 for Author Talks on his latest crime novel, The Tilt.

Hammer, a renowned journalist of 30 years, stepped into the creative sphere with a series of bestselling crime novels: The Martin Scarsden series.

In free events across the region’s libraries, Hammer will sit down with journalists from the region – including Whitsunday Life journalist Declan Durrant – to answer questions and sign copies of his novels.

Attendees will also be able to purchase limited copies of Chris’ newest novel.

In The Tilt, to be published October 5, a swirling sequence of events revolving around the Murray River lead newly minted homicide detective Nell Buchanan down a path of familial intrigue.

A man runs for his life in a forest, a woman plans sabotage, a body is unearthed, and Buchanan, who returns to her hometown, annoyed at being assigned a decades-old murder, begins to question how well she truly knows those closest to her.

Gripping and atmospheric, The Tilt is a stunning, multi-layered novel that serves as a light sequel to Hammer’s novel Treasure and Dirt.

Hammer will visit the three libraries for an hour respectively, with 25 minutes allocated to in conversation with a journalist, then roughly thirty minutes of question time.

Bookings via Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3xL4d1g

What: Author Talk - Chris Hammer In Conversation

When and Where:

Tuesday, October 11, Proserpine Library from 10:30am to 11:30am

Cannonvale Library from 1:30pm to 2:30pm

Bowen Library from 6:00pm to 7:00pm.

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More affordable and still growing were the main take-homes about the Whitsunday property market following an informative Annual Property Research Night hosted by PRD Whitsunday at the Reef Gateway last week.

Over 50 people attended the event, including PRD staff members who were available to answer questions.

There were also representatives from Whitsunday Regional Council, including Councillor Jan Clifford and many Whitsunday residents.

Dispelling the myths surrounding the housing market, and with the intention to remove the fear surrounding issues like rising interest rates, keynote speaker Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo (Dr Asti for short) was excellent at explaining complex topics in a relatable format.

As PRD’s Chief Economist and RBA Liaison Partner, Dr Asti is at the forefront of the most up to date economic and property market trends.

Her role involves having quarterly meetings with the RBA so she can help inform them of market changes.

“We tell them what we are seeing on the ground and they take that all into account when they work out what monetary policy they are going to use for next three months,” she explained.

More locally, Dr Asti was able to offer an insight into how best to make property decisions here in the Whitsundays.

“While every other place in Queensland is going down in terms of property growth, Whitsundays is actually still growing,” she said.

“Not only is it still growing, it is also more affordable.”

When asked about interest rises and the growing fear that homeowners will no longer be able to afford increased repayments she said not to worry.

“It’s not about being afraid, it is more about preparation and being aware of how the changes will affect your household,” Dr Asti explained.

“What’s most important is understanding your financial situation as a whole - a house is your primary need and on average 38.4 per cent of people’s household income is committed to paying mortgage or rent – that’s a massive chunk!”

If you are looking for sound property and financial advice, ask the team at PRD Whitsunday.

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Three of the greater region’s tourism organisations are bringing back a collaborative stamp-collecting effort that proved a major boon for the tourism sector.

Tourism Whitsundays in partnership with Mackay Isaac Tourism and Bowen Tourism and Business are excited to announce the return of the Visitor Information Centre Passports Competition from Saturday, 1 October to entice travellers to visit and collect stamps at each destination.

The passport, which includes information about the regions and will encourage travellers to collect stamps from each of the three accredited Information Centres in Proserpine, Sarina and Bowen, sees those who complete them go into the draw to win $2,100 worth of holiday vouchers.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton said visitors love the collaboration and the potential to win prizes just for visiting our Information Centres.

“The Visitor Information Centres are an invaluable part of each community, their local knowledge is what attracts visitors to stop in,” Mr Hamilton said.

“This campaign encourages more visitors to stop in and talk with our volunteers and staff about ways they can explore the area.”

Passports are available at all three of the accredited Visitor Information Centres and when a visitor stops in at each centre the friendly team will stamp their passports.

At the third information centre stop, visitors will collect their final stamp and pop their completed passport into a raffle box. The prize up for grabs is $2,100 worth of holiday vouchers that the winner can put towards their next visit to The Whitsundays and Mackay regions.

The competition will close at 6:00pm (AEST) on Thursday, March 31 of 2023, with the winner to be contacted after this date.

Bowen Tourism and Business Manager, Leanne Abernethy, is pleased to be working with Tourism Whitsundays and Mackay Isaac Tourism on the Visitor Information Passport project again this year.

For more information on the Visitor Information Passport, please click here.

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Three industrious siblings have been banking the big bucks over the school holidays with a home baking project that has earnt them more money than the average teenager working a part time job.

Jack, Evie and Archie Oberg have been running a roadside stall on the corner of Schnapper Street and Beach Road in Cannonvale for the past week using a home-made recipe that is proving to be a real crowd pleaser.

Their dad, Tim, said that the idea came from a school project last term where the students had to create a market stall based on recycling and sustainability.

“This really planted a seed for Jacko!” he said.

When a friend came around with Rocky Road last week, the idea for the school holiday stall was born.

The three siblings worked together and, assisted by their parents, learnt how to source ingredients, think in unit values, make a unique recipe, package the goods, draw-up signage and sell the sweet treats to real customers.

They even designed a logo on Canva and started up a Facebook site calling their business ‘Airlie Confectionary Co’, uploading an image with their location every morning and afternoon.

Tim said they are now waiting for their branded stickers to arrive.

Surprised by its success, the kids said they are frequently selling out and have so far sold over 60 bags, retailing at $5 each.

What started out as a bit of extra pocket money soon became a quest for a bigger dream – they are now putting the money into purchasing a family tinny with mum and dad saying they’ll match whatever the kids contribute.

“I loved the idea of being able to transfer a school project into an out of school project,” said 10-year-old Jack.

Both Evie (8) and Archie (5) agreed they loved cooking the most, smelling the chocolate and then getting to try it afterwards.

Tim said he would love to see a ‘kids collective’ start up where other families bake, create or make and then come together to run a kid’s market stall.

Reach out on Facebook if you’d like to join them.

Image: Siblings Evie, Jack and Archie host a Rocky Road roadside stall

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The Whitsundays’ homegrown space manufacturer are always looking to the stars for their next small step for Australia.

Rocket and satellite company, Gilmour Space, last week announced plans to launch Australia's first ‘caravan' into low orbit in late 2024 from their Bowen launch-site at Abbot Point State Development Area.

The site in Bowen - which is still under construction and counting down towards its first expected launch in 2023 - will be host to the “innovative rideshare mission”.

The Australian launch services company said that, unlike most rocket launches which host a primary customer payload, a rideshare launch comprises of many customer payloads – a caravan like cubesats, microsats or other small spacecrafts.

Adam Gilmour, CEO and co-founder of Gilmour Space said the vessel will be named Caravan-1 and will have a lift capacity of 1000 kilograms.

“This mission will provide affordable access to new space customers looking to launch into a mid-inclination orbit at the end of 2024,” Mr Gilmour said

“The next few years are going to be a very exciting time for the global space industry, and missions like this will allow us to support the growth of new satellite and in-orbit technologies that could benefit humanity on Earth, in space, and beyond.”

The venture-capital-backed company is developing Australian rockets that will deliver a variety of spacecraft into low-earth orbit (LEO); and is expecting to launch the first of what it has coined Eris vehicles from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport early next year.

The Spaceport recently saw Whitsunday Regional Councillors tour its progress, with construction on the orbital launch facility – one of Australia’s first - well underway with contractors working on the construction shed and launch pad.

When the facility becomes operational, rockets carrying small satellites will be the most common item launched into low-Earth orbit.

Gilmour Space predicts that up to 92 rocket launches annually could be conducted from the Spaceport by 2032.

In the United States, rocket launches at Cape Canaveral regularly see attendances of over 150,000 spectators – a figure which has been suggested to be an “absolute boon” for Bowen tourism if numbers match even a tenth percent of that figure.

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Hi Everyone,

I hope you’ve had a fantastic week!

School holidays has certainly transformed our towns into thriving hubs for both visitors and local families who are all enjoying being out and about – spending money at our small businesses and generally improving the mood for everyone.

This week I met two sets of very different people who both shared the same dream and I’d like to share their stories with you now.

On Monday I chatted with a 71-year-old real estate agent who had just started up his own business.

While many others would be kicking back in retirement, his industrious spirit ran deep and he found reward, not by sipping cocktails on a sunlounge, but with the sweet smell of entrepreneurial passion.

On Wednesday, I met three siblings, aged between five and 10 who had started their own business selling Rocky Road from a roadside stall.

Not only did they have a sign and a bucket of change, they also had a Facebook page, a Canva designed logo and now a newspaper article!

This is not the first kid we covered over the school holidays; you may remember young Trinny who told us about her bracelet making business last week.

For many of us who are in the midst of our working careers, we look enviously at retirees and their leisurely lifestyles or our children enjoying their carefree days – I know I do!

But as we know, the ‘grass is always greener’ and we often forget the sense of purpose and passion we feel after fulfilling day’s work or the thrill of having a successful career.

Whatever stage you may be at, enjoy every moment and don’t be afraid to set up that business or chase that dream, no matter your age.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter!” (Mark Tawin)

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Recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of Mackay Isaac Tourism and current Whitsunday Councillor Al Grundy, caused shockwaves last week when he resigned from his position following an unsuccessful bid to become Mayor.

Cr Grundy said that it was a difficult decision to make but that ultimately, he “wanted to be a leader” and had “excess capacity” to create more positive change within the community.

“It’s pretty hard to steer a car from the backseat,” he explained.

“I’ve been learning for the last two and a half years and now I am ready to run, I want to be a leader.”

Cr Grundy said that he initially joined the Whitsunday Regional Council because he wanted to work with Andrew Willcox on a “journey of uniting the community”.

“When the mayor went to Federal, I thought – ‘I’m ready to run for mayor’ – and was looking forward to strategically planning how to improve and unite the region over the next 10-15 years,” he said.

“When I was unsuccessful, it took me a while to digest.

“Being a Councillor, the bulk of the decision making and advocacy falls to the mayor so I was left thinking – ‘what am I going to do’ – I have all this excess capacity.”

Initially surprised when he was awarded the role at Mackay and Isaac Tourism, Cr Grundy said that it took him some time accept the position.

“I understand there will be some people out there that feel frustrated and annoyed with my decision,” he said.

“But I still have the best interests of the community at heart and at the end of the day I’ll still be able to make a difference.”

Eager to unite the regions of Whitsundays, Isaac and Mackay, Cr Grundy said that he is looking forward to harnessing all his industry knowledge and thinking of new innovative ideas that can further enhance our overall tourism offering.

“I’ve got a great opportunity to help grow a really important economic driver for our Greater Whitsunday Area,” he said.

“With this new role, I can have a direct line back to the decision makers and the broader RTO network across the state.”

Cr Grundy will reside in Mackay during the week and aims to return to the Whitsundays to spend time with his family on the weekend.

He is unsure whether he will run for Mayor again in 18 months, but says he will always help the community in any way he can.

Image: Al Grundy, with his wife Ruth and their two children

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Movement Tips From The Experts

Proper health and movement – getting and staying active – can often be overwhelming and hard to stay in the routine. We can get so busy in life, and balancing work with good exercise can fall by the wayside. Good movement is a critical part of staying healthy and developing your health, whether it be mental or physical.

While there are plenty of approaches one can take to improve, there are some simple steps anyone can take to get the ball rolling.

We asked the experts: if you could give one piece of movement advice, what would it be?

Sonny Ivanovic – F45 Airlie Beach

“My number one tip would be to stay consistent. It’s very difficult to expect to see any results if you are always stop starting. Set a time daily to exercise and treat it like it’s an appointment. Most exercise only needs to be 30 to 45 minutes daily, so it’s not a lot of time in the grand scheme of things, yet its so import for your physical and mental health.”

Manyia Vale – Vibe Yoga

The best ‘movement’ advice from Manyia came in the form of a daily routine mixing mindfulness with movement and emotion: “Breathe deeply and calmly with awareness. Sweat, meditate, and remember to laugh.”

Dr Tim Harris – Whitsunday Spine Care

If you’re doing something, make it walking! After adjustments, we always recommend a short walk to help the bodies nervous system recalibrate. The short-term benefits of walking can help with blood flow to the back and pelvis, which assists with healing and maintaining the spine. It also helps produce serotonin which not only makes you feel good but helps manage chronic pain. Bonus if you grab a coffee for your walk, with the view of the Whitsundays!

Emma Whybird – Edge Dance

The owner of Edge Dance, which caters for children across the Whitsundays, said she had just one piece of advice for youngsters (and adults) in whatever part of their dance journey they were in: “Dance from the heart.”

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Peries IGA Proserpine recognised those making a difference in the Whitsundays’ community last weekend through their Local Hero Award.

The Proserpine store highlighted those working in charity groups, organisations, or services who provide their time to benefit the community.

It is the second year running that the local store has organised the award, with nominations open throughout August.

The winner received a $500 dollar IGA gift card and a plaque as appreciation from Peries IGA Proserpine on behalf of the local community.

Peries IGA Proserpine Merchandise and Marketing Manager Colin Hickey said the award “recognises those people that do a lot for the community and don’t always get recognised.”

“IGA’s motto is: ‘Where Locals Matter’, so we want to recognise people within the Proserpine community for being good locals, especially during Covid, which was where the idea originally began,” Mr Hickey said.

“Peries Group are all about locals and being involved in the community, and we want to recognise those heroes who make the community what it is.”

The IGA Local Heroes Award recognised seven members of the Proserpine community this year : Bryce Fraser, Faye McPherson, Kelsey Fyffe, Ingrid Ruck, Chris Hinschen, and Ailsa Reinke, as well as the eventual winner.

This year’s Winner of Peries IGA Local Hero award went to Elsie Magee for more than 10 years Elsie has worked five and a half days a week as the volunteer manager of the Proserpine Vinnies shop.

She is almost 81 years old.

“In today’s world, few people would show such long-term voluntary commitment on a weekly basis and never seek payment of any kind, so I think the local heroes award would be a wonderful and completely unexpected reward for Elsie,” her nomination read.

Ms Magee said she couldn’t believe she’d been awarded the honour.

“For 33 years I’ve volunteered at Vinnies and I think more people should,” she said.

“It’s given me purpose; I go in there every day. Helping people, meeting them, it’s been some of the most rewarding moments of my life at Vinnies. I think older people should come by and get out of their homes, because they’ll love the people and do something with purpose like I do.”

Ms Magee said that both Proserpine Vinnies and Airlie Beach Vinnies were looking for volunteers, and with the platform of her award – which would go on her mantle at home next to her Citizen Of The Year award from 2000 – she wished for others to become a part of the Vinnies’ family.

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Cancer Survivor Walks From Townsville to Airlie Beach

Three ex-Australian Defence Force personnel with more than 40 years of military service combined have made the walk from Townsville to Airlie Beach in aid of a charity supporting veterans.

Orchestrated and walked by Pete Schefford, who was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic bowel cancer three years ago, and two others, the long walk was aimed at recognising and continuing to embody military values, all while faced with insurmountable odds.

Over September 19 to 24, the trio of Schefford, Beau King, and Jason Handsaker made the more than 270-kilometre journey to prove that something as small as just walking can make a major difference.

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The Long Walk To “Make A Difference”

Pete Shefford has already beaten the odds.

Diagnosed with a form of terminal bowel cancer just after his 50th birthday, the Townsville man and Defence Force veteran was issued with a life expectancy of roughly two years.

That was almost three years ago, and he wants to keep beating those odds – which is in part why he and three other men from Queensland’s far north took on the walk from Townsville to Airlie Beach in blistering heat last week.

In the face of his prognosis, Pete saw an opportunity to establish a legacy for future veterans; reinforcing his belief that “diagnosed medical conditions need not define nor restrict us.”

In collaboration with charitable organisation Eyes Front Ltd, he established the ‘Pete Shefford Enduring Spirit Award’, aimed at recognising the esteemed military values within a critically or terminally ill veteran and provide an opportunity for them to tick something off their bucket list.

“A ‘Make-a-Wish’ opportunity for community-minded ex-defence personnel if you like,” Pete said.

“I’ve had a good life; I’ve done a lot of good things. I know that not everyone had the opportunities I had and they get too old or too sick to do things they might wanted to have done. The idea is to give back to people who are giving already while raising money for hands-on charities.”

Joined by ADF veterans Beau King and Jason Handsaker, the three ordinary blokes – fathers, husbands, footballers, mates, and veterans – set out to prove that “one doesn’t need to be a celebrity or a socialite to make a difference.”

They walked the shoulder of the road for roughly 270 kilometres, through Ayr, Gumlu, Bowen, Proserpine, and finally Airlie Beach, raising roughly $7,000 (at the time of writing) along the way.

“What we realised along the walk was that everyone was willing to give us a hand. Places like Travellers Motel, The Grandview, Original North Australian and Metropole Hotel looked after us,” Pete said.

“Free food, free accommodation. We had lots of chats with locals, too, lots of interest in what we were doing, and quite a few people who donated as much as they could. People just dropping cash into my hand and things like that.”

They walked for as long as 13 hours a day during some of the stretch and looked forward to a dip in the Airlie Beach Lagoon come the end.

“The message we want to get out there is: we want people to focus on what they can achieve – who they can help. None of the buts, just what you want and to focus on that. And it’s a reminder that you can do things if you’ve got support,” Pete said.

“That’s been my message. It’s not about the physical side of things. It’s about having a go, it’s about three ordinary blokes who are saying, we can make a difference, and we can do it together.”

You can continue to donate to the Enduring Spirit Charity via the link: https://enduring-spirit.square.site/enduring-spirit-award

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