One month until I’ll be in Brisbane for Magic Round. One month until Dad comes up to say hello to the grandkids. It will be three months until I head down south with my daughter to see Lizzo, and 5 months until I have to run a silly amount of k’s for the Sydney Marathon.

This year is turning into one of the best and busiest on record. I’m excited for it to all happen.

But I can’t stop thinking about Easter next week, because it will be a chance to see my kids, have some days off and relax, and eat a fair bit of chocolate.

It’ll be a pretty busy time around the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays regions too, because everyone will be getting out and about to explore the area. From camping at Eungella, to grabbing a cabin at Broken River or Cape Hillsborough, or even pitching a tent at Seaforth, we surely have it all.

If I may make a suggestion, flick the radio on 4MK, and I’ll give you plenty of chances to win some school Easter Holidays stuff in the breakfast show, then you can get in the car with the family and just drive and stop somewhere that looks interesting.

You know the feeling when you drive up the road, and you go past something that you’ve never noticed before? Like the sheep heading to Seaforth? Perhaps the hay bale art sculptures out near Sarina? What about the colourful signs along the road heading off to Habana?

So many gems in our backyard. We just need to find them.

If you’re unsure of where to go, go and see our wonderful volunteers at the tourism info centres. There’s the Field of Dreams in Sarina, the Bluewater Lagoon on River St. We’ve also got places to see at Bowen, Clermont, Airlie, Proserpine and more. Call in and see what you can do.

Here’s a few must dos over the next two weeks. Wakeboarding at Beaconsfield, Forest Flying at Finch Hatton, Beach Walks at sunrise at Bucasia, Feed the ducks at the Gooseponds, Walk the rainforest trail at the Botanic Gardens, and also grab a coffee at the Proserpine Bakery.

There’s so many hidden beauties in our area, we just need to flick the TV remote off, jump off the lounge, get in the car and drive. Plus have fun.

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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The rental crisis is real in Australia and in Queensland and Mackay is no exception to the rest of the country.

Anyone who is renting or looking for a rental property will be aware of the challenges and costs involved.

It is a perfect storm for renters because landlords are facing increased costs because of interest rate rises … their mortgage payments have gone up and they are looking to increase rents to help cover the extra expense.

This coincides with a lack of available rental properties so the old story of economics, demand and supply, comes into play and landlords are able to increase rents and take advantage of the lack of supply.

In Mackay, and in many parts of the country, rental vacancies are around the 1 per cent mark.

Meanwhile the Queensland Government is wanting to be seen to do something about the crisis in this state.

The Government recently announced a plan to limit rent increases to once a year. While that might provide some certainty for renters, it is not going to stop the increases nor deal with the lack of supply; in fact it could contribute to a dwindling of supply and make things worse.

Demand and supply is the thing and governments need to create an environment where new residential houses and apartments are built.

Michael Matusik, the excellent real estate commentator, recently addressed the issue in his regular comment piece the Matusik Missive.

He said: “Rising costs, labour shortages alongside fixed price contacts has stuffed up a lot of building businesses, with many facing the wall.

“Some major construction firms are now thinking of pulling out of the residential sector altogether.

“Working for the practice isn’t fun for anyone and even when there is a profit it is increasingly negligible making it hardly worth the risk.

“Yet all states and territories – with the exception of Victoria and the ACT – aren’t building enough new dwellings to cater for underlying demand. See charts 3 and 4.

“Over the past year we approved some 187,000 new dwellings but we needed 220,000 or 33,000 more.”

When the Greens and state governments talk about limiting rents we have to remember that the socialist approach has a history of failure in pretty much all walks of life and what governments should be doing is creating an environment that encourages a greater supply of rental properties.

Let demand and supply do its job and get the balance right between a decent return for investors and more affordable rental costs for tenants.

Post-Covid immigration is about to crank up so things are not going to get better.

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The first in a series of guided nature walks took place last week on the Glen Isla Wetlands and participants were excited to see a range of wildlife living peacefully within the serenity of our natural environment.

Members of the Whitsunday Conservation Council (WCC) have a series of exciting events to look forward to in the coming year.  

“There will be something for everyone,” said walks coordinator Suzette Pelt.

“We’ll have a night spotting walk for children during winter school holidays and a series of bird watching and photography walks in different seasons, with opportunities for spotting migratory birds and the changes in vegetation that attract different wildlife.”

“Our first walk, on private property on the Glen Isla wetlands, gave birders some fantastic viewing and photographic opportunities, along with the enjoyment of getting out into nature at the end of the wet season.”

The walk was guided by Dale Mengal of the Wildlife and Plants of the Whitsunday and Mackay region, along with reptile expert Kylee Gray.

The group of 20 nature lovers, enjoyed a fantastic few hours walking through often boggy ground, to get to the best spots.

If you are interested in finding out more information about future events, sign up for the Whitsunday Conservation Council via their website.  

Membership is just $1 and the group is run by volunteers who have a wealth of information.

Members will also receive regular newsletters with what’s happening in the environmental space.

For more information call Suzette Pelt WCC nature walks coordinator on 0419768195

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A group of ‘birders’ enjoy a walk in nature at the Glen Isla Wetlands

The majestic Magpie Goose

The tiny Red Backed Fairy Wren

The regal Brahminy Kite

Photo credit: Debbie Smith

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In 2020, I expressed an interest in being the council representative on (PCL) Pioneer Catchment & Landcare Group Inc Management Committee. I have to say that being part of this committee is so rewarding and I have learnt so much, but still have much more to learn. The committee is made up of some very passionate people who bring skills, knowledge and experience to the committee and that is what makes it successful. Add to this the amazing PCL staff who come to work each day with a positive mind set, and we have a dynamic organisation that is very much looking to the future and the longevity of PCL, and how we can contribute to ensuring the natural environment in this region is cared for and protected well into the future.

PCL is a non-profit community based, natural resource management organisation. It was formed in the early 1990’s as one of the first catchment groups in Queensland and was then called Pioneer Integrated Catchment Management Association (PICMA). The Pioneer Catchment area includes sub-catchments of all coastal streams from the Whitsunday region in the north to Sarina and the Isaac region in the south and extends west to Eungella and the Clarke Connors Range.

Pioneer Catchment and Landcare promotes the planned and sustainable natural resource management of the Pioneer catchment lands, rivers and coastal regions. We do this in many ways including:

• Fostering connections between landholders, community groups and government agencies in land, water and vegetation management activities

• Promotion of community and government understanding of the interactions between land use, water, soils, vegetation and wildlife

• Promotion of the value of a coordinated, catchment-wide approach for managing resources

• Identification and prioritisation of interrelated land and water resource issues in the catchment

• Encouraging and promoting regenerative agricultural practices

• Encouraging conservation of native flora and fauna

If you would like to see some of our current activities, check out the group on Facebook. If you want to chat about becoming a member or a volunteer, contact us on coordinator@pioneercatchment.org.au or admin@pioneercatchment.org.au or phone the office on 4944 1979.

Cr Fran Mann

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

The Mackay region is steamrolling towards the 2023 crush and now is the time to get on board with CANEGROWERS Mackay’s Haulout Driver training courses.

There is a high demand for haulout drivers at farms across the region during harvest season, and CANEGROWERS Mackay goes out hard to attract labour from the local workforce, but also from outside the region, with travelling rural workers and “working holidayers like backpackers and grey nomads.

Training is an important part of helping make sure we have the harvest workers we need, and CANEGROWERS Mackay has developed an outstanding grower-led, RTO-backed training course. The course was developed and is delivered by fully qualified trainer growers who have had a longstanding connection to the program.

Last year, the two four-day courses attracted people across different ages, backgrounds and genders, we are hoping to see that again when they run on 2 and 8 May, training 20 people new to the cane harvesting sector.

This training is important for our members, for new workers, and for our industry. For over 14 years we have run this training program, which builds safety and capability in people looking to join the cane harvesting sector.

While you can drive the haulout tractors on a C class driver’s licence, these are big machines that have their own demands. We want new drivers to be safe, competent, and confident behind the wheel, and working with experienced grower harvesters, on the farm with real machinery, gives them a great start.

Last year a collaboration between Queensland Agricultural Workforce Network (QAWN) supported running a second course for the first time, bolstering the original course funded by the Queensland Government through its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

We are proud to say that because of that success, the Queensland Government has not only funded us directly for two courses in 2023, but that this will extend for the next three years. That means, over the next three years, CANEGROWERS Mackay is assured of 60 trained haulout drivers being supported into the region’s sugar industry, responding to ongoing critical labour shortages at harvest season.

The courses are fully funded (ie: free for participants) and open to a wide range of job-seekers, with women returning to the workforce, ATSI and under-employed workers all encouraged to apply.

Training is backed by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) trainer-assessor, and participants will also gain four units of competency towards a Cert II in Rural Operations.

We were able to make some interesting observations during last year’s running of the course, which included the participation of older workers just past - or near - retirement age. Several had worked across other agricultural sectors in their career and were now looking to the pleasures of the warmer winter climate of Mackay.

Older workers have a great deal to offer: they are typically reliable, and more careful with equipment. They come with a lifetime of working experience, and the seasonal work suits the work/life balance they are looking for

There have been significant shifts in employment trends over recent years, and this avenue into agriculture also presents a great opportunity for people looking to shift industries.

To find out more, and to register for screening, contact CANEGROWERS Mackay Training Co-ordinator Deborah Fowler on 4944 2600. Applications close Friday, April 14. You can read more on the web at mackaycanegrowers.com.au.

This training is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

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Grower and lead trainer Ron Gurnett talks trainees through features of a harvester in last year’s training CAPTION 2: Training is a mix of practical and theory. Photo credit: Kirili Lamb

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“Breadalbane”, “Cricklewood”, “Abydos”, and “Therallie” were the names of properties in Glen Isla owned by the district’s early settlers. The Waite brothers, George Augustus (Gus) and Charles Beveridge, owned Breadalbane, a name still in use today.

George and Charles were graziers who were amongst the first men to take up land in the area, their initial purchase being in 1873. The Waite brothers’ holding comprised all the land between the river and Main Street, back towards the show-grounds.  It was densely covered in scrub and included the area where the water tower now stands.  The Waites were big land holders, also taking up Crystalbrook and Cannon Valley runs.

The brothers played a pivotal role in establishing the sugar industry in Proserpine. When the Proserpine Central Sugar Mill finally got underway in 1897, after a decade of disappointment following the collapse of the Crystal Brook Sugar Company, the cost far exceeded the amount of security the farmers could provide. It was largely due to the generosity of Gus Waite that the problem was solved in an exceptional way.  He made 3000 acres of his own estate available to be surveyed and sold for farm blocks thus securing sufficient debentures to meet the required government valuation and he chaired the meetings which requested government assistance. What an achievement on that memorable occasion on September 16, 1897 when Lena Waite, wife of G.A. Waite, cracked the proverbial bottle of champagne.

While both Gus and Charles Waite were civic minded, it was Gus who made the most notable contributions to the district. He took part in anything to improve the town.  Before there was a hospital or a dentist, his services were often called upon, particularly to pull teeth, as he had had some medical and dental training in his youth. He was President of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Show Association, Hospital Board, Ambulance Committee and the Proserpine-Bowen Tramway Board.

Gus Waite was Chairman of the Wanagaratta Divisional Board 1888-1891; 1893-1894 and 1898-1899. In 1910, he was on the first Proserpine Shire Council when it separated from Bowen and from 1913-1914, he was Shire Chairman.  During his first year, he informed councillors that many angry men had threatened his life if a road was not put through to the show-grounds.  Councillors Waite and Biggs moved that a road be formed as speedily as possible and the motion was carried unanimously.  In later years, this road was named Anzac Road in remembrance of our fallen soldiers from World War One. In early 1914, Gus Waite was again on the Council in Number 1 Division.

It was not only farmers who benefitted from Gus Waite’s magnanimous gestures.  In 1912, the Show committee leased property owned by Gus – the value of the land was £140 with rates £4/1/8d yearly. Dr Anderson, our first resident doctor, bought land from him on which to build the homes, Parkfields and The Grange.

George Augustus Waite was a man among men.  By the time of his passing on September 28, 1914, the town had a hospital, a good school and many businesses, in no small measure due to his efforts. It is fitting that his tombstone sits at the entrance to our cemetery and is inscribed with the words “The Father of Proserpine”.

The descendants of the two Waite brothers now live far away from Proserpine but we are reminded of their influence and contribution to the district by Waite Street which is named in their honour.                                                

Story courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and photo courtesy Whitsunday Regional Council.

George Waite

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Hundreds of Whitsunday locals attended Quota Whitsundays’ Dementia Morning Tea fundraiser and raised between five and six thousand dollars in support of Proserpine Nursing Home residents who are living with the devastating condition.

“It was amazing; we had over 160 people attend and it was a huge success,” Quota Whitsundays Inc. Event Coordinator Jacqui Barrett said.

“For a morning tea, that’s huge. The community businesses support and to have the community turn out like they did, even when there were other events on, that is extraordinary.

“Just a cup of tea together and look at what we can raise.”

Proserpine Nursing Home General Manager Susan Blyth spoke at the event, detailing how integral the funds raised would be for the Nursing Home’s Dementia Unit and Dementia Australia.

“Proserpine Nursing Home belongs to this community,” Ms Blyth said.

Nursing Home residents provided some of the day’s entertainment, performing some “Golden Oldie” songs, as well as routines from Edge Dance School, Chez’s House of Dance, and an Irish performance by Proserpine band ‘Momma’s and Pappa’s’.

The well-attended event was supported by almost every business in the Whitsundays, from Archers Soft drinks and Harry Brown to the Proserpine Museum, Red Cat Adventures, Plants Whitsunday, Nunkeri Place, and more, and the venue was provided by St Catherine’s Catholic College Proserpine.

Ms Barrett said that sixty-one prizes were donated from local businesses, totalling roughly $3000.

“It was very well supported from Proserpine and Airlie Beach,” she said.

“People just wanted to give and people approached us even on the day saying that they wanted to support us in future events.”

The over $5000 raised will be donated to the Proserpine Nursing Home and Dementia Australia.

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Over $5000 was raised by Quota Whitsundays Inc. at their well-supported community event, a Dementia Morning Tea fundraiser

Dancers from local studios provided a portion of the morning event’s entertainment

61 prizes were donated by local businesses from both Airlie Beach and Proserpine

160 people attended from the community and helped to raise the funds which will go to Dementia Australia and Proserpine Nursing Home

The tables of community members enjoyed the fruits of Quota’s labours: biscuits, high tea, cookies, brownies, and more

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Local families were feeling fortunate after a full day of free fun at Proserpine’s Pioneer Park for the Whitsunday Regional Council Get Active Family Fun Day.

The successful Whitsunday Regional Council facilitated mental health and wellbeing event invited the community out to enjoy workshops, fitness activities, games, food, information, and entertainment from local organisations.

Activities ranged from live music, sports booths, non-for-profit information stalls, face painting at the second Get Active event of the year, and the region’s third ever.

Parents enjoyed a bit of “relaxation time” as children went wild on the jumping castle, employed their burgeoning artistic skills with crafts, or braved a meeting with some of the Whitsundays’ local wildlife – a beautiful, opalescent snake.

Council will host two more Get Active events: Airlie Beach, Sunday, April 2; and Bowen, Saturday, April 15.

The Get Active Family Fun Day initiative is funded by the Queensland Government, Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Package under Queensland's Economic Recovery Strategy.

Images: Declan Durrant

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A young Whitsunday local has been picked for the Under 12’s Girls North Queensland Touch Football team on her third consecutive attempt to win a place.

Proving that determination truly pays off, Lanie Hazeltine was successful at trials in Ayr earlier this month.

“It’s a really good feeling!” she said.

“This was the third time I tried and the last time I could get into the team.”

Lanie started playing Touch Footy when she moved to the region two years ago.

Previously, she had been playing Oz Tag and her mother recommended Touch Footy as the local alternative.

In 2020 she represented the Whitsundays in the Under 12 Proserpine team while she was at primary school but was too young to enter the North Queensland Trials.

The following years, Lanie represented the Whitsundays again but was unsuccessful in reaching North Queensland, until this year.

It was her last opportunity to do so because she is now at the top of the age bracket.

“I love running,” she said.

“I play on the Wing, but I can play anywhere, and I love scoring goals!”

Lanie is looking forward to competing for North Queensland in Cairns in May and she is bringing her whole family along.

When asked what advice she would give to another young and aspiring sports star she said:

“Never give up and always keep pushing yourself.”

“My coach used to tell me to play hard, play until you drop dead on the floor and then you know you’ve done a good job.”

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Sports star Lanie Hazeltine plays for Under 12’s Girls North Queensland Touch Football. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort brought home its third gold award at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards over the weekend, and they are celebrating being crowned our nation’s best in the Caravan and Holiday Parks Category once again.

The popular Whitsunday Resort has been owned and operated by the McKinnon family for the past 29 years and has seen a phenomenal transformation during that time to become the 4.5-star, multi-award-winning property that it is today.

Owner Greg McKinnon, who attended the awards ceremony on Friday night with both family and staff, was both ecstatic and emotional upon being announced as the national winner.

“As both a family and a team, we are all so very proud to win this award,” he said.

“The Australian Tourism Awards are the pinnacle of awards in our industry and we are so proud to not only have won gold but to have shared a part in celebrating the very best that Australia has to offer.”

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort have a team of 74 warm, friendly and passionate staff who Greg credits with playing a big part in the success of his business.

“They can say that they work for the best park in Australia!” he said.

“That’s a wonderful reward for all their hard work.”

Over the past year, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort has focused on its offerings for guests with accessible needs, including a new vision-impaired cabin, resort Braille signage, and of course, the resort’s Sensory Room, the Reilly Room, which caters for children on the autism spectrum and their families by offering a special holiday retreat.

With more exciting plans ahead, including Bunk House dormitory-style accommodation for groups and the budget FIT market, the Resort will soon be adding more new cabins and further developments to their resort pool area and Kid’s Club.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort has become synonymous with offering the very best Australian holiday experience. Loved by return guests for their consistently friendly service, concerted customer focus and commitment to continual improvement and innovation, the resort is the first choice for a Queensland holiday.

Set amongst 10 hectares of beautifully landscaped tropical gardens, it caters for a variety of budgets with a wide range of accommodation options from camping and caravanning sites to luxury, three-bedroom condos.

What does it take to top Australian tourism?

I think it comes down to always being at the top of your game – we’ve been operating for almost 30 years and entering awards for 27 – you can’t just keep putting in the same product, you’ve got to be innovative, and constantly developing the park so that we’re a leader within the industry – we always aim to exceed expectations.

What features make you the best?

We always aim to be the ‘first-of or the best-ofs’ – we weren’t the first waterpark but we put in 13 waterslides which was pretty amazing! But of course, it is also our fantastic staff - our staff are an integral part in making people’s holidays, and their overall experience, the best it can possibly be!

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Family and staff representing BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards over the weekend

Happy faces on the awards night

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort boasts 13 waterslides

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Tourism operators across Queensland and the Whitsundays are celebrating this week following the 2022 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, which were held in Sydney last Friday night.

This year, the sunshine state managed to take home the biggest scoop of national awards since 2018 and four of them came from businesses operating in the Mackay and Whitsunday region.

A Winning Weekend For Whitsunday Tourism

BIG 4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort took home gold for the best Caravan and Holiday Park category.

Red Cat Adventures’ Wild Cat tour, based in Mackay, was awarded gold for Best New Tourism Business in Australia.

Ocean Rafting won silver for the Best Adventure Tourism experience in the country and Magnums Unique Accommodation Airlie Beach were awarded Best 3 to 3.5 star Accommodation Category.

Our region scored four out of the coveted 16 national awards given to Queensland operators, enabling our state to rise above all the others for its tourism offering.

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said that these results confirm that Queensland is Australia’s leading visitor destination.

“Queensland has literally scooped the pool at the Australian Tourism Awards,” he said.

“Congratulations to all Queensland Awards winners and finalists on an absolutely magnificent result.

“The resilience, commitment to success and creativity of Queensland tourism businesses really is second to none.”

The Australian Tourism Awards were not the only accolades brought home from operators in our region, with two other local businesses recognised for their achievement as well.

Queens Beach Tourist Village in Bowen was awarded Best Grey Nomad Large Caravan Park at February’s Great Nomad Awards.

This win accentuates the love Bowen has for the Grey Nomads and the large part they play in Bowen’s tourism industry.

In addition, Club Wyndham Airlie Beach was celebrated on an international level when it received an award for Best Interior Design for its $3 million presidential apartments refurbishment project at the GNEX Vacation Industry Awards earlier this month.

The three-level apartments have undergone a significant refurbishment with extended roof lines and extended facilities including outdoor bathrooms.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton said he is thrilled with the win, stating it’s no surprise to see exceptional Whitsundays experiences acknowledged after a year of record expenditure and visitation.

“Everything about The Whitsundays is outstanding; our icons, our people and our experiences from Airlie Beach and the islands, Bowen in the north to Collinsville and Proserpine in the west,” he said.

“These awards are a testament to just how outstanding our region really is.

“Congratulations to all the winners, what an incredible achievement for your businesses but also for us all in The Whitsundays.”

Tourism Whitsundays Chair, Julie Telford said the tourism industry in The Whitsundays offers exceptional experiences to a wide range of travellers, and these awards really highlight this.

"Visitors to The Whitsundays can be young backpackers on their first East Coast Roadtrip, seasonal Grey Nomads on their tenth visit, or families seeking to bond together for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure,” she said.

“The Whitsundays is an incredible destination that caters to all demographics. Our region should be very proud of how passionate and hardworking our high-quality operators are.

"Everyone working in customer-facing jobs has exceptional service that shines through to our visitors to our Whitsundays.

"A huge congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who is sharing their passion for The Whitsundays with our visitors.”

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Aimee Cameron from Tourism Whitsundays, Asher and Julie Telford ownersof Red Cat Adventures, Mayor Julie Hall, Elizabeth Hackett from MagnumsAccommodation and Dan Gabbert from Wildcat Mackay

 Peter and Jan Claxton, owners of Ocean Rafting

 Greg and Jan McKinnon from BIG 4 Adventure Whitsunday

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Following 2018 Shark Attack Rescue

The rescue officer who risked his life by jumping into the water, just metres from a recent shark attack, in order to save the life of the victim, has just been honoured with an Australian Bravery Decoration.

RACQ CQ Rescue rescue crew officer Ben McCauley said he was “just doing his job” when he attended a series of three shark attacks in Cid Harbour on Whitsunday Island in 2018.

On that fateful year, the whole community was rocked when the previously safe harbour saw a spate of attacks within a couple of months.

Justine Barwick almost lost her leg when a shark attacked while she was swimming.

The following day, twelve-year-old Melbourne girl Hannah Papps’ leg was amputated above the knee after another shark attack.

Then, less than two months later 32-year-old Melbourne doctor Daniel Christidis sadly lost his life in a third shark attack.

Earlier this week Ben McCauley was commended by The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley for his role in saving Justine Barwick.

Ben, who had only been with RACQ CQ Rescue for six months, attended the scene where Justine was found aboard a 39-foot yacht bleeding profusely with barely a pulse after being bitten while swimming.

“The shark had taken a huge chunk out of her inside leg, and she was bleeding out,” Ben explained.

“Her husband and friend on board had quickly packed the gaping wound to help stem the haemorrhaging and this undoubtedly saved her life.”

Unable to land due to high tides and inhibited by more than 30 other vessels anchored in the harbour, the rescue helicopter crew made the difficult decision to winch Justine out of an inflatable dinghy.

Ben was winched down out of the helicopter into the water – where the shark had been less than an hour earlier - and had to swim to a dinghy and climb on board.

Justine was secured into an ARV (Air Rescue Vest) and winched up with the rescue crewman into the helicopter within 20 minutes to be treated by a Critical Care Paramedic.

"To be honest I didn’t think about the shark in the water that day. When you're on the job, you're on the job; I had 100 other things that I was concentrating on other than the shark," said Ben.

Justine was taken to Mackay Base Hospital where she underwent emergency surgery before being sent to Brisbane the next day for an 18-hour vascular surgery to reconstruct her leg.

Five years after the incident which changed her life, Justine said she was very excited to hear of the news of Ben’s commendation.

“Ben was part of an extraordinary effort on that day,” she said.

“His contribution was fundamental to my survival. His bravery during my retrieval was amazing. It would seem to me that had Ben not taken advantage of what was very probably his only opportunity to reach me that the outcome for me would have been very different.

“Myself, my family and friends are all in debt to everyone who assisted in my journey through retrieval, survival, recovery, and rehab – but had I not been winched into that helicopter when I was, I doubt that I would have made it. Thank you to Ben and all at RACQ CQ Rescue. You are lifesavers.”

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RACQ CQ Rescue rescue crew officer Ben McCauley with shark attack victim Justine Barwick and fellow crew member Kevin Berry. Photo supplied

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When the kind-hearted gentlemen at the Airlie Beach Men’s Shed heard about the special delivery of supplies heading over to help families in Fiji and Vanuatu, they jumped at the opportunity to help out.

Recently, many South Sea Islander communities have been ravaged by a series of cyclones which, in many cases, have caused destruction to property and resulted in many homes needing extensive repairs.

Upon hearing about the destruction, Coral Sea Marina collaborated with four of their resident super yachts which have offered to transport donated goods to provide much-needed aid to these countries.

They will be departing on March 31 and over the past few weeks, dozens of people within the community have been donating clothes and other essential items.

Last Friday the local Men’s Shed also got involved by donating their surplus tools to the cause.

A large cut-off saw and several other battery-powered items such as grinders, sanders, drills and of course basic hand tools such as hammers were all packed up and sent off.

The night before, two Men’s Shed volunteers cleaned the tools, charged them up and ensured they were in good working order.

If you would like to donate, they are now taking donations of items such as nails, tarpaulins, hand tools, large cooking pots, laundry soap for cold water hand washing, female hygiene products, plastic bins with lids and first aid items.

Donations can be received at the Coral Sea Marina Office located above the Garden Bar Bistro.

All items must be clean and in good working order.

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Don Campbell and Alan Corney. Photo caption: Rachael Smith

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Hi Everyone,

This week it has been wonderful to see so many of our local tourism operators receive national acclaim and recognition for all their hard work at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards which were held in Sydney last Friday night.

Our region brought home two golds, one silver and one bronze award, representing 25 per cent of the total awards given to all Queensland operators – this huge contribution helped enable our state to top all others and be crowned best state for tourism in our country.

Well done everyone!

We spoke with many of the operators this week (see our special feature on pages 10-13) and each was asked what it took to top Australian Tourism.

The four central pillars of success that the owners of these incredible businesses mentioned most were – passion, consistency, innovation and resilience.

I can see how these admirable qualities helped these businesses stay on track as they battled through challenging times such as Cyclone Debbie, Covid 19 and the restrictions that followed.

It was resilience that got them through and saw them come out smiling on the other side.

It was innovation that allowed them to pivot their business model and adapt to a changing tourism landscape.

It was consistency that saw them show up every morning and deliver a quality product no matter what.

And of course what ties it all together is passion – with enthusiasm, motivation and a genuine love for their jobs promoting the magical holiday destination of the Whitsundays – anything is possible!

Once again, a huge congratulations to everyone involved in the local tourism industry – from crew to cleaners, owners to skippers, the wonderful team at Tourism Whitsundays and of course each of us in the community for providing a warm welcome.

Rach

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Quote of the week:

“If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life” (Marc Anthony)

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Calling for immediate action and a “crisis response” to the housing situation in the Whitsundays, Council has moved into strong advocacy mode by calling on the Australian Government to extend the deadline for the operation of the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).

At Wednesday’s ordinary meeting in Bowen, Mayor Julie Hall and Councillors voted unanimously to submit a motion to the Australian Local Government Association for potential inclusion in the National General Assembly 2023 Business Papers.

“As an elected advocate for our Whitsunday community, I am committed to creating a region where everyone should have access to safe, secure, and affordable housing,” said Mayor Hall.

“Unfortunately, many families and individuals in our community are currently struggling to find affordable rental accommodation, and this is a problem that needs urgent attention from the top tiers of government.”

Mayor Hall was recently contacted by a resident who said he would be homeless in June as well as his 82-year-old neighbour because the NRAS will end for them, and they can’t afford the 30 per cent increase in their rent.

The NRAS scheme helps people afford housing by providing incentives to property investors to build and rent out affordable housing, helping to increase the supply of rental properties and lower rental prices.

When the program begins its staggered shut-down soon, it will affect many households right across the region.

Mayor Hall says she is determined to advocate strongly for its extension.

“Families, couples and singles are counting on the Federal and State governments to act and it breaks my heart that homelessness is on the rise,” she said.

Homelessness in Queensland has increased by 22 per cent, and a recent report by the Queensland Council of Social Service revealed 300,000 people across Queensland are experiencing housing insecurity amid soaring rental prices and inadequate social housing supply.

“This is a crisis, and it deserves a crisis response,” said Mayor Hall.

“In the decade leading up to 2017, there was "minimal" investment by state and federal governments in affordable and social housing.”

Mayor Hall said the housing shortage and rental crisis are not issues that emerged overnight so there are no “quick fixes” that will see the problem disappear.

“Advocacy on behalf of my community to ensure they are not forgotten will be key as it is going to take a whole range of short, medium and long-term solutions to fix this crisis,” she said.

“By extending the NRAS, we can continue to create opportunities for our residents to secure affordable housing, and we can also support our local economy by encouraging investment in our region.”

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