Community News

PET OF THE WEEK: Obi  Happiness On Legs

PET OF THE WEEK: Obi Happiness On Legs

At just 18 months old and weighing 17kg, Obi is a happy little guy with plenty of love and enthusiasm for life. Getting along well with children, other dogs and visitors, he has plenty of potential to become a much-loved member of his new family. Obi had a rough start to life and can still find the world a little scary at times, so he is looking for a patient and understanding family willing to help build his confidence and show him the ropes. He already knows his basic commands and walks confidently on the lead, making him a great companion for someone happy to continue guiding him as he settles into his new life. Once Obi gets to know and trust you, he will become an unshakeable little shadow, following his favourite person wherever they go. If you have the time, patience and love to give Obi the fresh start he deserves, contact his carer Char on 0402 540 612 to arrange a meeting. Alternatively, email LLTAGSandDogRescue@gmail.com to find out more.

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Property Point

Property Point

No city or region in Australia has been unaffected by the property market changes that have become obvious ever since the Federal Government introduced its budget in May, removing negative gearing from established housing and changing the capital gains tax rules. But some have been hit harder than others. The latest property market review by valuers Herron Todd White gives an extensive rundown of where particular regions sit as well as the nation as a whole. HTW chief economist Cameron Kusher pointed out in the September review that inflation continues to be a factor, not only in cost of living but also projected interest rate rises in the months ahead. He said: “National dwelling values fell by 3.1 per cent over the three months to August 2026, with capital city values 3.7 per cent lower and regional values falling by 1.2 per cent.” He said property market analyst Cotality estimates that over the three months to August 2026 “there were 14.6 per cent fewer property sales than the same period last year”. “Transaction activity has seen a much greater decline in the capital cities than in the regional markets; however, falls are broad-based,” he said. “Every capital city except for Hobart is seeing a higher volume of properties available for sale relative to a year ago, and only regional Tasmania and regional NT are seeing fewer total listings. “Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra have historically high listing volumes, and although they aren’t at historic highs elsewhere, Brisbane and Perth have seen annual increases of more than 50 per cent, and Adelaide has seen an annual increase of more than 40 per cent. “The heightened volume of stock for sale at a time in which there are fewer active buyers in the market means that those who are buying have less urgency and more choice. In turn, this means that they have greater scope to negotiate on price, and there are many properties that will take a long time to sell in this market or simply won’t transact. “In the regional areas, the longest median days on market are in NT, NSW and Victoria and the lowest are in WA, Queensland and Tasmania.” The HTW monthly review includes their very interesting property clock, in which they categorise where particular markets are in the property cycle. Sitting at 3 o’clock on the property clock in a declining market are Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Sitting in the “starting to decline” category includes cities such as Alice Springs, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Several Queensland cities are included in the “peak of the market” category; Gladstone, Bundaberg and Toowoomba. And cities in the “approaching the top of the market” category include Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Townsville and the Whitsundays. What about the cities still sitting at 9 o’clock, the “rising market” category? Well, there aren’t nearly as many cities in that category as there were a few months ago but it still includes Mackay, Rockhampton and Emerald, among a few others. HTW can only go on the data in front of them, however agents on the ground experience the market as it happens. It is true that the Mackay market is behaving nothing like the free fall being felt in major cities like Sydney. The economy is going well, unemployment is virtually non-existent, rental vacancies are low and properties are selling. However, no agent in Mackay will tell you that right now Mackay is in a rising market. It’s still active and people are still buying but at the moment it’s not going up … it represents a great opportunity for those wanting to get into the market and investors seeking one of Australia’s best rental returns.

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Mackay March For Life Brings Abortion Debate Into Focus

Mackay March For Life Brings Abortion Debate Into Focus

Locals gathered in Mackay last Saturday for the annual March For Life, which brought together supporters of the pro-life movement. The march began at Harbour Road before finishing at Caneland Central Park, where attendees heard from guest speakers and community representatives. Among those attending was Cherish Life Queensland CEO Matthew Cliff, who travelled from Brisbane for the event. Operating since 1970, and formerly known as Right to Life Queensland, Cherish Life is one of Queensland's longest-established pro-life organisations, with branches throughout the state, including Mackay. Mr Cliff, who has been CEO for around four and a half years, said the organisation's work centred on two key areas of education and advocacy, aiming to encourage greater understanding of its pro-life position, while engaging with elected representatives and participating in public discussions about abortion. Mr Cliff said the organisation also connected women experiencing unplanned pregnancies with other services that could provide practical and emotional support. Though Cherish Life do not offer direct assistance themselves, they refer women to services like Hope's Dream, a Christian-based, non-profit charitable organization which provides pregnancy counselling and support. “The rallies are really a good way of bringing public awareness,” Mr Cliff said. “It's an opportunity for people who support the pro-life movement to demonstrate why this is important to them.” Mr Cliff said his own Christian beliefs played a role in shaping his position, with his views centred on the belief that human life is valuable from conception. “The Christian method in which I believe as the CEO of Cherish Life Queensland is to walk in grace and truth, and truth in love, and that all human life from conception is valuable,” he said. The Mackay event featured several speakers and representatives, including Mr Cliff, Australian Christian Lobby Assistant Director Daniel Adsett, Family Voice Australia Queensland Director Andrew McColl, Lighthouse Church Mackay Pastor Jai Wright and St Joseph's Catholic Church Associate Pastor Rev. Fr. Raju Mandothparambil. While Cherish Life advocates against abortion, other organisations take a different view of reproductive rights. CEO of Queensland pro choice organisation Children By Choice Anjulee Singh shared: “Children by Choice believe all people have the right to make decisions about their own body and health care. “Abortion is legal healthcare and should be accessible without barriers regardless of where you live.” The organisation advocates for accessible reproductive care in regional communities, claiming that stigma and privacy concerns can make it hard to ask for help, and can prevent women from pursuing the healthcare they are entitled to. “Everyone has the right to make their own decision about their pregnancy, whether that means continuing, ending, or considering adoption,” the organisation states. “Support should be non-judgemental, confidential, and respectful.” The differing perspectives come amid ongoing public and parliamentary debate about reproductive rights in Queensland, including discussions involving Mackay MP Nigel Dalton, who earlier this year crossed the floor in opposition to restrictions on parliamentary debate about abortion. Photo source: Cherish Life QLD - Mackay Branch

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Community Encouraged To Get Behind Coastal Monitoring

Community Encouraged To Get Behind Coastal Monitoring

Mackay beachgoers are encouraged to put their photography skills to good use, with the arrival of two new monitoring stations giving community members a hands-on role in tracking changes to the coastline. Eimeo Beach and Lambert’s Beach are the first locations to introduce the newly installed CoastSnap poles, which feature a phone cradle where residents and visitors can position their phones, capture an image of the coastline and upload it through the CoastSnap app. Photos taken from the same position over time will help build a long-term record of sand movement, beach erosion and recovery, providing valuable information to support future coastal management. Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the project, led by the University of New South Wales, would give council access to valuable monitoring data while allowing the community to get involved. "It's easy to use. You just follow the barcode. And you can do it anonymously, you don't have to put your name on it," he said. Mr Williamson said the photographs and accompanying observations would help build a detailed picture of how the region's beaches change over time. "If everybody does that every day, just imagine the record that we're going to have via the University of New South Wales to manage this in the future," he said. "This is just another tool for us to be able to effectively manage the 31 beaches we've got in our region." Council's Coordinator of Waterways and Coastal Planning Robyn Burkett said the initiative formed part of the Mackay Coast Our Future project, helping council better understand coastal conditions and plan for future changes. "It's about monitoring our beaches, and community education, so that's why we're encouraging people to come along, snap a photo, and learn more about coastal hazards and how our coastal processes work in the Mackay region," she said. Ms Burkett said ongoing monitoring would help determine how much sand was lost during storm events, whether beaches recovered naturally and when intervention might be needed. "Having good information now, when we experience a storm event, looking at what those changes are, and how much sand is lost, whether it will recover over time, or whether it needs intervention is really important." The CoastSnap initiative was founded in 2017 as a pilot project by the University of New South Wales, with more than 100 poles now installed across 16 countries. The two Mackay stations were funded by council, with further locations being considered for the region. To learn more, visit www.coastsnap.com or visit connectingmackay.com.au/mackay-coast-our-future. L-R - Robyn Burkett, Coordinator Waterways and Coastal Planning for Mackay Regional Council, Kylie Cauchi, Waterways Planning Advisor for Mackay Regional Council and Mayor Greg Williamson of Mackay Regional Council, testing out the new CoastSnap pole at Eimeo Beach. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara The impact of tropical cyclone Debbie in 2017. Supplied by Mackay Regional Council

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Fitness Cartel

Cancer Nurse Conducting Chemotherapy Impact Research

August 24, 2023

Oncology nurse and clinical trials coordinator Carli Shaw has cared for hundreds of people in our community during their cancer journeys.

She understands the physical toll the disease takes on not only patients but their families.

What she didn’t understand and wanted to know more about was the impact of what is commonly called ‘brain fog’ or ‘chemo brain’ so she has spent the past four years researching this hidden affliction.

“I’d see all the patients with ‘chemo fog’ and be hearing things like ‘I tell my kids the same things 15 times and now they don’t listen to me’,” Carli said.

“I posed the research question ‘How does cancer-related cognitive impairment after chemotherapy impact daily life?’”

Carli was recently recognised for her efforts, with her paper taking out a top award at the 25th Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) Annual Congress in Adelaide in June.

Her research involved interviews with participants from across Australia.

“Cancer patients are trying to figure out who they are, after this shock,” Carli said.

“As a normal individual before cancer, you know who you are.

“Then cancer comes in and you’ve instantly got this brand-new identity that knows nothing.”

While forgetfulness was one of the effects of brain fog, it was just one part of the story.

“Participants have said that they're now the child and their kids are the parents,” Carli said.

“They’re spoken down to because they’re forgetting or getting mixed up with appointments and things.

“Nearly everybody described needing to change their profession or change roles within their profession because they think they couldn’t cope with the cognitive load going back to work.

“And because it's an invisible symptom, they felt the need to justify it or wondering whether they're making it up.

“And it's not something we can do a test on and say yes, this is what it is.”

Though there’s no consensus on what causes ‘brain fog’ Carli said that seeking to recognise and understand the issue was beneficial.

“I thought it was going to be really easy to answer,” Carli said.

“Although this is known, it’s a new area of study and I think it’s the formalisation of what is happening for patients.

“Every participant thanked me for being able to share their story. Quite a few said it had been really cathartic.

“I found it really challenging to hear some of these stories.”

The next step for Carli is to complete her doctorate on the subject and produce a 100,000-word thesis.

“Essentially it will be a case of now here’s the problem, how do we fix it?” Carli said.

Carli was also nominated for a People’s Choice award at the recent Mackay HHS staff recognition event.

Contributed by Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

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Carli Shaw has been recognised for standout chemotherapy research

Carli has completed hundreds of interviews with cancer patients, to tackle ‘chemo brain’. Photos supplied

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Big Birthday For Little Pioneer Valley School

August 24, 2023

Pioneer Valley’s longest-established educational institution Eton State School celebrated its 140th anniversary in style last weekend, demonstrating that while it may be small in size, it’s big in heart and heritage.

A large gathering of 250 including former pupils from bygone eras and their families flocked to the historic landmark to mark the school’s important milestone.

Visitors basked in the brilliant winter’s sunshine as they took a trip down memory lane – enjoying a school tour, time capsule, performances from current pupils, a fascinating memorabilia room display, cake cutting and delicious afternoon tea and dinner.

Cake cutting featured members of the Burgess and Sutton families who can boast five generations at the school.

Samuel Levi Edward Sutton – known as Ted – was a pupil in the original Eton State School class followed by Edward Thomas ‘Eddie’ Sutton; Leslie Robert ‘Bob’ Sutton; Emily Jane Lette; Sienna Jane Lette and Maggie Jade Lette.

The Burgess family features Madeline Butt (nee Larson), Iris Frease, Margaret Burgess, Nathan Burgess, Justin Burgess, Heath Burgess, Owen Burgess and Rylen Burgess.

Eton State School opened on August 20 back in 1883 with an enrolment of fifty students.

Through the years, the school has remained on the same site.

The school stands as part of a family orientated community with strong beliefs in the role and purpose of education that the school has provided to many students over the years.

It is evident that the community holds the school in high regard with generation after generation of families attending for an education rich in old school values and academic results.

Currently the school has 24 pupils.

Last Saturday’s event proved a resounding success – thanks to the tireless work behind the scenes of a highly efficient organising committee led by School Principal Noel Reynolds, P & C president Shane Cook, treasurer Ellen Cook, Claire Cook, Emily Lette, Kate Mann, Kay Thornton, Ronda Williamson, Margaret Burgess, Joan Ruffell, Ann Lutz and Tamara Cole.

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Photo credit: Chris Karas

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How Good Is Father’s Day?

August 24, 2023

This sounds like a cliché, but I reckon Father’s Day is every day. I love having kids and being a dad.

Sure, at times they give me the “you know whats”, I wish they would stay away from screens more, and actually listen better … or at all.

Being a dad gives you the excuse of being able to make funny noises and blame it on pets and other people. You can pull a jumper over your head and tell the kids they can’t see you – other dumb stuff like that, just to make your little people laugh.

Moving towards teen years as we currently are, is providing challenges though, the access to online games, purchasing a Nintendo, and YouTube channels have taken over our lives. Switch them off for a few hours and the kids go crazy, but when you tell them 18 months ago you had no Nintendo or laptop, and you managed to find something to do, they seem to forget those days.

And parents, just wondering, is anyone else not a huge fan of pretty much all school work and homework being computer based?

It’s so easy for the kids to have another tab open, that when you walk away, for another window to be opened up, and instead of doing their English homework they’re actually watching Mr Beast give away hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Whatever you do for Father’s Day, whether it’s breakfast in bed, a BBQ, fishing in the boat or just mowing the lawn so you get time to yourself, make sure you enjoy it.

Scotty

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Catch the Star breakfast show - Scotty and Rach with Kaley - from 5am, Daytimes with Johnny, Will & Woody from 5pm and the Kyle and Jackie-o Hour of Power from 7pm every weekday!

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Sarina's Coastal Renaissance

August 24, 2023

Revitalising Waterways Through Community Action

The Sarina community has banded together to support revitalisation and regeneration of two beloved beaches, as part of protection for the Great Barrier Reef plan.

Off the back of 10 community-led prompts detailed by the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Reef Community Action Plan (CAP), the Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association (SLCMA) has held a coastal rehabilitation project, calling for volunteers and locals to help out.

Working to revitalise and rejuvenate the Sarina Coast, the event saw improvement of ground conditions and prompted resilience at Carmila and Grasstree beaches.

SLCMA Coordinator Saskia von Fahland said it was great to see the CAP process come to fruition and lead to meaningful activities being undertaken in the catchment.

“Our local CAP project was a great opportunity to undertake a range of on-ground activities at local beaches and engage with the local community to raise awareness of the importance of having a healthy, resilient coastal zone, as the interface to the marine environment,” Ms von Fahland said.

Alongside volunteers and local residents, SLCMA planted 300 trees, removed an excess of 90 kilograms of invasive plants, and discovered and removed 55 kilograms of marine debris.

The Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Reef Community Action Plan was developed by Reef Catchments, to empower communities to come together and conserve and protect the Great Barrier Reef.

The top main priorities of the plan are climate change, litter and waste, revegetation, and water quality.

Of the 10 strategies outlined in the plan, only two of the strategies have evolved to on-ground projects.

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Grasstree Beach community beach clean-up. Photo credit: Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association

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Property Point

August 24, 2023

Those readers under a certain age will not have heard of a movie called Cool Hand Luke. Some of you might not have heard of its lead actor, Paul Newman, which is a shame because the film and the actor are worth seeing.

For those not in the know, Paul Newman was a superstar and fine actor who looked a bit like me except he had more hair, piercing blue eyes, a chiselled chin, a slim athletic build, a smile that women would swoon over and a natural charm and charisma that meant women wanted him, and men wanted to be him.

Cool Hand Luke was set in a Florida prison that was a statement in brutality and punishment and the key theme was the defiance of Luke, played by Newman.

There are several excellent scenes; I watched the film on TV as a teenager and I quite enjoyed the car washing scene involving the prison governor’s daughter.

And there is a scene where the prison governor hits and prepares to punish rebellious Luke.

In the scene he says: “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.”

The line became part of the lexicon of the 1970s and 1980s and if there was a mix-up over something someone might say, “what we’ve got here is failure to communicate.”

In real estate, communication is everything, but it comes in many forms. How I communicate with clients is largely determined by what they prefer.

Often someone’s age is the key determinant. It is stating the bleeding obvious that people in their 20s and early 30s generally prefer texting. Other clients are happy with the occasional text but prefer important conversations to be verbal, which is what I like.

I have an older client who doesn’t have a mobile phone so the only way I can contact him is on his landline. He lives in a fairly big house and his hearing isn’t fantastic so sometimes he doesn’t hear the phone. I used to leave a message on his answering machine but he doesn’t know how to retrieve the messages … or, perhaps he just doesn’t want to bother with it.

So now, when he doesn’t answer the phone I set aside a bit of time later in the day and drop around and see him. He lives near me so if he isn’t home when I swing by I go back later in the day when I am home.

It means that we plan the upcoming sale of his house face to face. We chat about other things as well but the time is spent productively moving things forward.

When the property goes on the market I will no doubt be dropping around to discuss feedback from buyers and any offers we get. We’ll be doing it face to face.

In a world where everything has been changed by technology it is crucial that an agent works out what the client wants and that what we have is never a failure to communicate.

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Pine Islet Lighthouse Restoration

August 24, 2023
OPINION PIECE

Did you know that Pine islet Lighthouse, located at the Mackay Marina, was the last kerosene illuminated lighthouse in Australia?

The lighthouse was previously situated on Pine Islet in the Percy Group of islands, south-east of Mackay. The tower structure and keepers’ quarters were prefabricated in Brisbane before being shipped to the island in October 1884. Iron cladding for the lighthouse was brought from Britain.

The lighthouse apparatus is a second-order Chance Brothers lantern and dioptric lens rotating on a chariot wheel pedestal. The structure is one of the eight Queensland iron clad prefabricated hardwood towers of the late nineteenth century. The original lamp was an oil wick burner.

In 1923 the light source was converted from oil wick to an incandescent kerosene vapour burner. This kerosene burner was upgraded in 1934, with the installation of a refurbished unit from North Reef. After 104 years of service, the lighthouse was replaced by a fully automatic solar-powered light in 1985, before being dismantled and put into storage in 1986.

In 1989, after much lobbying, the lighthouse and apparatus were loaned to the Pine Islet Lighthouse Preservation Society for reconstruction, mainly by volunteers. Reconstruction started on 18th August 1989, and the lighthouse was restored to fully functional status in late 1995, making it the last operational kerosene light in the world. It was formally opened on 20th January 1996. While the lighthouse is not currently in operating condition, plans are underway to again restore the light to allow its operation.

We are a small but dedicated group of volunteers working diligently to undertake repairs and maintenance on the lighthouse. We have recently had a Conservation Management Plan prepared by heritage consultants, with funding generously provided by North Queensland Bulk Ports. This document will guide future work, in addition to a 3D scan, to be completed by Key Solutions Group.

If you’d like to get involved, or you have a story related to the lighthouse, we’d love to hear from you. You can find us on Facebook – Pine Islet Lighthouse Mackay – or get in touch with me on 0412 421 451, or email cr.belinda.hassan@mackay.qld.gov.au.

Cr Belinda Hassan

Mackay Regional Council

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Pine Islet Lighthouse at the Mackay Marina. Photo credit: Kendyle Bryan

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Editor's Note

August 24, 2023

Hi Everyone,

My mum is a bit of a conspiracy theorist. She was enthralled by the recent investigative book on the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines doomed 370 flight and regaled me with the theory that different governments knew about a package onboard and shot down the plane.

She is also a bit of a COVID sceptic and says that, if it was up to her, she would never agree to having a vaccine in her life. Despite this, she dutifully heads to the doctors each year for a flu jab and a COVID booster.

I like listening to her theories but am more a believer in the power of good than I am in corruption so prefer to be open to the debate until the facts prove otherwise.

Despite being happy to sit on the fence with these sorts of issues, I am a staunch advocate for the right to express our views openly and unapologetically, without the fear of discrimination.

And this is one of the reasons I love living in Australia – we are a young country with a fierce spirit and a largely accepting disposition.

Believing this, I was a little surprised when information about the ‘Forest of the Fallen’ (read on page 6) silent protest was removed from one of our local community chat pages within an hour of it being posted.

The protest showed photos of people who are believed to have died or been injured following a COVID vaccination.

Whether or not this information is 100 per cent accurate, I believe it still deserves a place in our narrative and the people behind such movements have a right to be heard.

While the government are able to promote the merit of vaccinations surely pro-choice groups such as the ones holding this protest ought to be given an open platform as well.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Upon waking in the morning, consider the privilege it is to be alive, to have the ability to think, to experience joy and to feel love” (Marcus Aurelius)

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Detrimental Move For Commercial Fishing

August 24, 2023

Government Moves To Ban Gillnet Fishing

By Bronte Hodge

The Federal Government has made the move to ban commercial gillnet fishing, a decision that will drastically impact over 90 licensed fishermen in the region.

Andrew Willcox Federal Member for Dawson said the decision came without consultation and allowed no rebuttal from affected fishermen, stating the supposed dangers that gillnets pose to marine life as reason behind the ban.

Willcox has addressed Parliament, voicing his concerns for commercial fishermen in the region.

“In June, a joint media release from Federal and Queensland Labor have said they’re going to ban gillnet fishing, no consultation with the community, no consultation with our fishermen, and short time frames! This is going to happen by the end of this year,” he explained.

Willcox believes this decision has a flow on effect that will harm chandlery and fishing supply stores, plus many more marine associated businesses.

“The boatbuilders, the repairers, they’re all going to go out of business. The outboard sales and service, going out of business,” Mr Willcox said.

Banning gillnets in Australia means that rather than being able to purchase locally sourced fish, consumers will only have the option of imported fish, or selected breeds that continue to be locally sourced but at an exorbitant price point.

“The wild caught fishing industry in Queensland deserves to be protected and deserves to be supported! The fishing industry is sustainable, and the fishery is in good condition!” said Mr Willcox.

For Kev Collins, owner-operator of Fish D’Vine Restaurant and Rum Bar in Airlie Beach, this ban would detrimentally impact his business.

“People travel to the Whitsundays and North Queensland for our seafood.

“This ban will mean we have no point of difference to other big cities,” he said.

“This indiscriminately disconnected decision will take the livelihood of hundreds of commercial fishermen, and dramatically spike the market price for the remaining available fish, and ultimately takes away from Queensland tourism.”

According to Mr Collins, in the 17 years since the fishermen have been required to remain with their nets, only seven dugongs have been killed, versus the 8.5 thousand killed over the same time period, in traditional Indigenous hunting that is allowed through the Native Title Act.

The gillnets in question operate at least 60 kilometres away from the Great Barrier Reef, and with the fishermen required to remain with their nets while in the water, the danger to marine life, particularly turtles and dugongs, is drastically reduced.

For these reasons, many people in the local fishing industry do not believe gillnet fishing should be banned.

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Andrew Willcox, Federal Member for Dawson, fights for local gillnet fishers. Photo: Supplied

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Wedding Day Rush

August 24, 2023

Usually organised mother-of-the-groom, Leanne Kettleton, woke up on Monday morning in a panic – it was the week of her son’s wedding, and she was completely unprepared.

Working out west for long periods of time, she had just returned back to her hometown of Airlie Beach, and life was suddenly catching up with her.

Feeling overwhelmed she began ringing around trying to organise different services in preparation for the wedding which was due to take place on the Thursday.

But this was taking some time, so she decided to “put it out there into Facebook world and see what came back!”

The post on Whitsunday Chat read: “So I'm going to be 'that guy' who has not got her s*** together for reasons I don't even know. My son is getting married in Airlie on Thursday and I need to make some bookings (yes I know it's only 3 sleeps away). Can businesses or private people who do this sort of thing only comment if you are available and can help. I have already started ringing around but am hitting some brick walls so thought I'd jump on here.”

Within a few hours responses had started flying in and by Tuesday evening Leanne had connected with eight different business, from Airlie to Proserpine, who had all jumped in at the last minute to help make the day special.

From platters to nails and eyebrows, make-up to transport services – everything was sorted and Leanne could relax and look forward to the day.

“It’s been wonderful!” said Leanne.

“I am so grateful to everyone in the community, I was so stressed out on Monday but now I feel organised and it’s all thanks to them!”

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Global Yacht Races Into The Whitsundays

August 24, 2023

In January next year Airlie Beach will welcome a fleet of 11 racing yachts, as Coral Sea Marina once again becomes Host Port for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

As Leg 4 of the around the world race, the competitors will travel north from Newcastle, in New South Wales, before stopping and resting in the Whitsundays for a brief period before beginning Leg 5.

The Clipper Race is renowned for being one of the toughest endurance challenges, coming against extreme on water conditions and testing strength and determination.

Joscelyn O'Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Host Port, Coral Sea Marina Resort said “following the positive economic impact of its previous visits, we are delighted to once again be Host Port for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.‘’

“Having the opportunity to further promote our region as a leading sailing destination in the Southern Hemisphere is one which we couldn’t pass up.

“This will be the fourth time the Clipper Race fleet has been welcomed to Coral Sea Marina Resort and the team here are very much looking forward to the buzz the race fleet creates at the marina and throughout Airlie Beach during their stay.

“We will be working closely with the Clipper Race team to find ways to engage the community with the race and make this another memorable stopover for the race crews and their supporters.”    

While hosted at the Coral Sea Marina, the 11 crews will have opportunities to explore the region and take a few days of rest before setting sail for Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

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Clipper Race 2020 Whitsundays Parade of Sail

Clipper Race 2020 Coral Sea Marina Stopover. Photos supplied

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Forest Of The Fallen Silent Protest In Airlie Beach

August 24, 2023
By Rachael Smith

A flash mob of protest signs suddenly appeared on the Airlie Beach Foreshore over the weekend when representatives of a movement known as ‘Forest of the Fallen’ publicly displayed photos of people who are believed to have died or been injured following a COVID 19 vaccination.

Dozens of faces told the story of the human toll of the pandemic and the lives believed to have been impacted as a result of adverse effects of the vaccine.

As quickly as the silent protest appeared, however, it then disappeared.

Removed within an hour of its arrival.

The group’s website states that these ‘forests’ are set up and then “left to work its intention on all who are open to witness and interact with it.”

“It is not a protest, it is not a database,” reads the website.

“It is solely a platform where we share only cv19 injection deaths and injuries that I have personally found, only where stories have been publicly shared and published on multiple sources.”

The website also asserts that it is not an “anti-vax” display.

Another Facebook group entitled Forest of the Fallen – Australian Vaccine Injury Claims, however, casts speculation on the validity of the faces in the pictures, stating that some may be false.

“I have spent months trying to verify the validity of the stories, it is very rare to find one that is even true,” said a spokesperson from the group.

“They push the anti vax agenda and while they are called Forest of the Fallen, very few of the stories relate to those who have died.”

Despite questions into the validity of the individual people who featured in the ‘Forest of the Fallen’ protest, there still remains growing concerns that suspected adverse effects from COVID vaccinations has been mishandled by the Department of Health.

Dr Melissa McCann, who has been a local Whitsunday GP for many years, launched a Class Action lawsuit to fight what she believes to be a failing government compensation scheme and unsafe vaccine earlier this year.

Since the vaccination became available, Dr McCann has witnessed an unusually large amount of patients presenting with adverse effects such as chest pain, blood clots, miscarriages and strokes shortly after receiving a COVID vaccination.

Many of these side-effects are not included in the Services Australia Covid Vaccine Claims Scheme and she is asking for people to come forward if they have been impacted.

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‘Forest of the Fallen’ – dozens of posters featuring the faces of those believed to have experienced adverse effects of the COVID vaccine. Photo: Facebook

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Fatal Traffic Accident 6 in 7 weeks

August 24, 2023

A 67-year-old Dingo Beach man has sadly passed away following a two-vehicle collision on the evening of Sunday August 20, on Strathdickie Road.

Initial investigations indicate that the two vehicles collided at the intersection of Strathdickie Road and Staniland Drive, just before 6.30pm on Sunday evening.

The 67-year-old Dingo Beach man died at the scene, while the driver of the other vehicle, a 43-year-old Riordanvale woman was transported to Townsville University Hospital for treatment.

Police urge for witnesses or anyone with relevant camera vision to reach out.

This fatality marks six deaths on our region’s roads in two months.

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10 Properties At Auction For Council Rate Arrears

August 24, 2023

A total of 10 properties are due to go under the hammer as the Whitsunday Regional Council auctions off properties with rates in arrears.

This is off the back of 13 properties that faced a similar fate in April’s auction, although only one property was successfully sold.

The properties, encompassing addresses in Collinsville, Bowen, and Queens Beach, must be in council rate arears of at least three years to qualify, and for the council to have exhausted all other repayment options.

“The process to auction properties only eventuates after every measure has been taken to help the ratepayers clear their outstanding debt,” explained a council spokesperson.

“Correspondence and conversations take place during the six months up to the auction date.

“Council works closely with the impacted ratepayers prior to this action being taken, assisting to facilitate payment arrangements before it reaches the auction listing.”

Once a property has reached this stage of arrears, the council can offer the properties as ‘Sale by Negotiation’, which “essentially allows any interested parties to reach out to Council and place their highest and best offer to purchase the property.”

In the case of properties sold, the new owner does not take on the existing property debts, as the reserve price is a minimum to cover the rate arrears.

However, as outlined in section 143 of the Local Government Regulation, the local government must set the reserve price for the property at either the market value of the land, or the higher of either the amount of overdue rates or the charges on the land, or the value of the land.

If the reserve price is not reached at auction, the council can enter negotiations with any bidder who attended the auction, but the sale price must still be more than the reserve price of the property.

“Setting of the reserve price is delegated by Council resolution to the Chief Executive Officer,” explained the Council spokesperson.

Once sold, it is the new owner’s responsibility to exchange titles and mortgage.

“Upon settlement the new owner should lodge the transfer document with the titles office then the mortgage should be taken off the title.”

In terms of vacancy and tenants, the properties are sold without specified vacancy.

“The property is sold as is, the new owner has the responsibility of getting vacant possession,” said the spokesperson.

“It is important for Council to undergo the Intention to Sell process in order to ensure that outstanding rates arrears aren’t increasing which puts a burden on all other ratepayers who pay their rates on time.”

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On The Beat

August 24, 2023

Stolen Car Recovered

A Mitsubishi Triton was stolen from an address north of Proserpine on August 20.

The Triton was later found abandoned on Leichardt Street in Bowen, on the same day.

Police continue their investigations.

Drink Drivers

Whitsunday Police have intercepted 13 drink drivers across the last week, including a 34-year-old Sydney man who returned 0.16 per cent alcohol breath test on Hamilton Island, on the morning of Sunday August 20.

Also on Hamilton Island, a 37-year-old Sydney man was charged with four offences, including contravening a police requirement, obstructing police, and two counts of failing to supply breath specimen.

A 51-year-old Proserpine woman was issued with a notice to appear in court, following an incident on the evening of August 18.

The woman was intercepted after she was spotted missing a corner on Anzac Road and almost crashing into a pool area.

She returned an alcohol reading on 0.209 per cent.

Snake Bite

Bowen – snake bite

Paramedics transported a stable female in her 20s to Bowen Hospital following a reported snake bite on Powell Street at 11.07pm, on Monday August 21.

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Concert And Conversation At Whitsundays Songwriters Festival

August 24, 2023

With less than a week to go until the second annual Whitsundays Songwriters Festival and Residency kicks-off, organisers are excited to not only bring together a stellar line-up of legendary musicians for their mentorship program, but also to showcase a host of amazing talent at an intimate concert on Saturday evening.

Attracting a high calibre of artist to lead this year’s event, the festival is expected to flourish once again and will feature special guests, Tony Childs, Vika and Linda, Mark Sholtez, and event founders Francesca de Valence and Karen Jacobsen.

From Thursday, August 31, festival attendees will participate in a professional-level song writing retreat, connecting with other writers, co-writing, and masterminding new music.

On Saturday a special one-day workshop event for emerging songwriters will take place.

This will be followed by an evening performance by the professional faculty at Paradiso on the Airlie Beach Foreshore.

This intimate Concert and Conversation event will offer guests an up-close and personal insight into these talented musicians who will each share their new and original compositions, and the personal stories of their musical journeys.

Highly acclaimed local musicians, Karen Jacobsen and Francesca de Valence are co-founders of the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and say they are absolutely thrilled to be bringing this event to the region.

“To have artists of the calibre of Toni Child’s, Vika and Linda, and Mark Sholtez coming here is very exciting,” said Karen.

“Our mission is to develop a next generation of songwriters in the Whitsundays, and the support from the community and local businesses has been incredible.

“Imagine hearing Vika and Linda in an intimate performance setting then hearing Toni Childs share about her career and creative process?

“The Concert and Conversation event offers exactly this and it’s really special to be able to bring this never to be repeated format with these artists right here in Airlie Beach.”

Whitsundays Songwriters Festival would like to thank Whitsunday Regional Council, Arts Queensland, the Whitsundays Arts Festival, Yangaro, Cruise Whitsundays and Paradiso for their support.

WHAT: Whitsundays Songwriters Festival, Concert and Conversations

WHERE: Paradiso Restaurant

WHEN: Saturday, September 2 from 5pm

TICKETS: $60 from whitsundaysartsfestival.org

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Festival co-founder Karen Jacobsen will be performing alongside Tony Childs, Vika and Linda, Mark Sholtez and co-founder Francesca de Valence next Saturday at Paradiso.

Photo Credit: T. D'Herville

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