Proserpine State School has its origins in the late nineteenth century when, in response to a rapidly expanding population in the rich agricultural areas of the district, parents met to discuss the possible establishment of a school in the district.

The first application for a state school was rejected as there was insufficient local money available, so the Education Department approved a provisional school which would meet all requirements for the time being.

The original site was Waterson’s Paddock near Phaff’s Crossing, almost opposite where the junior sports fields are now located. Ten acres was proposed for the site - five for the school and grounds and five for the children’s ponies, however, the Department of Public Land considered five acres to be sufficient. Between the town and school, there were lagoons which, during the wet season, prevented students from attending school.

So why was the school located in this position? Firstly, it was determined the school should be built on government land on the main road to Bowen which, at that time, was the area opposite where the Proserpine Cemetery is now located. Water was available and the soil was of good quality. Additionally, the building material could be acquired easily as there was a sawmill within two miles of the site and a good road to The Landing at Glen Isla.

And so, on August 16, 1897, the Lower Provisional School 779 opened with thirty-one pupils and Head Teacher, Mr Robert J Walke. As the community grew, so did enrolments, necessitating the appointment of Miss Daisy Field as assistant to the principal.  In 1902, when Mr Walke was transferred, Miss Field was responsible for the education of sixty-one pupils! The Education Department advised that this number did not warrant an extra teacher however she was appointed Head Teacher with a salary of £90 ($180) per annum.

In 1904, within just seven years of opening, a new school was constructed in response to increasing dissatisfaction of parents with the inaccessibility of the school in wet weather and its distance from the growing township. The new school was built on two acres of land opposite the post office in Main Street where the Proserpine Entertainment Centre now stands. It was opened in March with Miss Field as Head Teacher to seventy-two students and Miss Armanesco as assistant. The old building was removed and re-erected for the Foxdale Provisional School.

Finally, on March 15 of that year, the school was gazetted as a state school. Proserpine State School continued to grow. By 1906, there were 102 students enrolled and in 1912, a new wing was added. By 1923, there were 300 students, eight teachers and one head teacher.

In 1929, the school became a Rural School. Domestic Science and Manual Training were introduced as once weekly lessons for grades six and seven from other small district primary schools. In 1939, a High Top was introduced for students wanting to continue studies after year 8. In 1946, the Windemere school building was moved to behind the school and used for High Top students.

In 1957, due to overcrowding and limited play areas, plans were afoot to build a new school in Ruge Street for the High Top students and also a primary school in Sterry Street. In 1961, Proserpine State School – Secondary Department opened in Ruge Street and between 1966 and 1970, the transition of students from the Main Street primary school to the new Proserpine State School in Sterry Street gradually took place.

Story and photos courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and “Enlightened Horizons” by Neville Smith.  

What: Proserpine State School 125th Anniversary Celebrations and Fete.

When: September 3, commencing 2.30pm.

Where: Proserpine State School

First Proserpine State School - photo c 1900

Proserpine State School Main Street c 1924

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Last week, the tides dipped down to their winter low and visitors and locals alike experienced Bowen’s Walk to the Lighthouse.

Around 3pm on August 11, hundreds departed to observe the annual pilgrimage which heads across a sand spit to North Head Island.

Only a few times a year do Bowen’s daytime tides go low enough (0.2 metres) for visitors to experience a walking tour of both a snippet of Bowen history and its natural splendour.

The group of roughly 300 people waded through the shallow water in the hour-long trek which headed through rocky outcrops and across sea grass flats, ending with travellers being greeted by one of Queensland’s oldest lighthouses.

The walk, which is dotted with giant red starfish and sea cucumbers, was once a low-key tradition followed annually by Bowen locals but it has now become a must for travellers cruising the Queensland Coast.

In 2018, it famously appeared on Channel 7’s Weekender with its growing a cult following, but Covid put an end to its rapid development. This year, however, it was close to its former glory.

Bowen Tourism and Business Sales and Marketing Manager Leanne Abernathy said she joined as a Walk to the Lighthouse pilgrim on the day.

“It was awesome. The day that I walked out, there were about 300 people who got to see a great display of marine life like starfish and sea cucumbers,” Ms Abernathy said.

“I think it’s something different. You can only do it a couple of times a year and it’s so popular with locals because of that – the natural splendour on display.”

It takes roughly 20 minutes to cross the strait from the mainland to North Head Island. Then, through the granite outcroppings of the island, it takes just 25 minutes to reach the lighthouse.

Ms Abernathy said there was a mixture of locals but a lot of visitors, including internationals.

“It was great to see locals and tourists alike taking advantage of the natural tides, and it was great for our Bowen Tourism and Business volunteers to experience the event, too.”

Melissa Beuzeville, Kev and Viv Clark, Wendy Jensen, Leanne Abernathy at the Lighthouse on North Head Island, just off Bowen

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Airlie Beach local Paitin Powell headed to this year’s Miss Grand Australia beauty pageant in Sydney in late July with one purpose: to show women from the Whitsundays that they can achieve international goals.

Representing Queensland in her Miss Grand debut – a competition similar to Miss Universe and Miss World - Paitin competed against 19 other finalists from across the country in a bid for the Australian title, and made it all the way to the final two.

“When Amber and I were called as the final two, I was so excited with how far I had come. I knew I would be grateful whatever the outcome,” Paitin said.

“When I started the competition, I said to myself: stay true to who you are and where you come from. I was the only North Queenslander, so it was important for me to promote the Whitsundays and North Queensland – I achieved that.”

Paitin placed second overall, being given the title of first runner-up – an accolade she was incredibly proud of.

“I am over the moon with that placing, especially considering this was my first time competing in this program,” Paitin said.

With the top two finish, Paitin gained not just experience, but a skincare ambassadorship with Defence Skin.

She plans to continue working alongside Miss Grand Australia and create awareness for Destiny Rescue – a charity she has already raised $2500 for in her Miss Grand Australia bid.

“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone that was a part of my journey and supported me and my fund raising,” Paitin said.

She plans to compete for the title of Miss Grand Australia 2023 next year.

Paitin Powell placed as first runner up in her debut at the Australian wide iteration of the Miss Grand beauty pageant

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The largest regional and rural advocacy group in the country celebrated a milestone in delicious style last week, inviting communities across the state into their halls to celebrate their centenary.

Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA), founded in 1922, opened its doors for a ‘Sconversation Day’ – a morning tea backed by home-baked goods - on August 11 in honour of their 100th year anniversary.

The hundreds of branches of the organisation across Queensland honoured their organisations founder, Ruth Fairfax, as well as looked towards its future in an ever-changing landscape for women.

Often associated with cooking and craft, QCWA have been and become much more than that – they are a place for effecting positive change. A place for women to connect and empower themselves, to improve the conditions of women and children everywhere – especially those in rural and remote Australia.

Although the country may have changed in the hundred years since it began – communities are closer than ever before - the need for social connection, and the need for a kind community has not.

With a symbol of the early days – scones and tea, which had been an icon of the association from the 1920s onwards – QCWA celebrated their colossal impact on rural Australia, but most importantly, the impact they had on women.

The Proserpine Branch of the QCWA marked the occasion at their premises on 4 Faust Street, with members having spent the morning diligently baking scones, cupcakes, and other tasty treats for the centenary.

“As a state, CWA is one hundred years old, and in celebration of that birthday, all branches are having scone day today,” Branch President Elaine Fieldman said.

“For me, what CWA in my 16 years of membership has meant, is having the support of other women. I think that’s why a lot of members come and be a part of the organisation.

“You meet really nice people who are generous with their time and their support, and that’s always what we’ve wanted to generate – that friendship group.”

For the Proserpine Branch, though, it acted as a dress rehearsal for celebrations next year, when they reach their own 100-year anniversary.

“Next year will be our own 100 years, and we’ll be celebrating it alongside the Mackay branch and with the public,” Ms Fieldman said.

“Dates have not been finalised, but it will be an excellent celebration, I assure you.”

QCWA Proserpine Branch President Elaine Fieldman, Treasurer Robyn Creighton, Lindsay Creighton, and Councillor Al Grundy enjoying scones and a tea at the centenary celebration

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I was recently reminded of the importance of kindness in this world.  While visiting my sister we spoke about all the great work the Suicide Prevention Networks do across the country.

She shared with me a personal experience where she was going about her busy daily schedule when she bumped into an old school friend that she had not seen for 15 years.  They were not close at school and she had an appointment she was running late for, but made 2 minutes to say a quick hello, a hug and tell him how good it was to see him.

She didn’t give it a second thought until around a week later when she received a message from him.   He thanked her for her smile, hug and kind words and explained he was actually on his way to take his life when he ran into her.

Our lives are so busy and we constantly have our heads buried in our phones, commitments, responsibilities and schedules that we often miss the opportunities that present.  Like most mental health issues, the most valuable thing we can give to someone struggling is some of our time to talk.

We all have daily opportunities to impact those around us.  Whether we choose to ignore the opportunities or embrace them, is up to us.  Don’t underestimate the power of asking someone how they are, giving someone a smile, encouraging them on something they do well at, giving them a hug, or including them in a conversation.

A simple act of kindness can actually save a life.  

Written by Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network Treasurer Paul Burke

As little as a conversation with an old friend you pass by on the street can save a life, writes contributor Paul Burke

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The recent influx of international tourists combined with the travelling grey nomads, who enjoy spending the winter months in sunny North Queensland, have been major factors contributing to the biggest visitor numbers ever recorded in Bowen.

Bowen Tourism and Business welcomed 5751 visitors in July, an average of 185 customers per day passing through the doors of the Big Mango Visitor Information Centre south of Bowen and the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.

The previous record month was September 2020 when the team welcomed 5375 visitors.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said the visitors were from all states of Australia as well as overseas.

“We have noticed an increase in the number of international visitors since about February,” she said.

“It has been great to see Bowen buzzing this winter and we expect the numbers to remain strong.”

Records show that 23 per cent of visitors were staying in Bowen, 22 per cent were making a day trip into Bowen and a further 5 per cent wanted information for towns to the south, meaning at least half of visitors were spending money in our region.

Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays Rick Hamilton said it was fantastic to see record visitation and the return of international holidaymakers.

“Bowen attracts an array of domestic and international visitors showcasing world-class beaches, a variety of accommodation options and an incredible number of day trippers staying elsewhere in The Whitsundays,” he said.

“Congratulations to the wonderful team and volunteers at Bowen Tourism and Business. Their experience and knowledge are a testament to these results, encouraging guests to explore more, enjoying the secluded beaches, fringing reefs, stunning lookouts and of course, The Big Mango.”

QUICK FACTS

• 5751 tourists visited information centres in Bowen in July

• That’s 185 visitors per day on average

• 23 per cent of visitors were staying in Bowen

• 22 per cent were making a day trip into Bowen

• 5 per cent wanted information for towns to the south

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy with visitors John and

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Airlie Beach was alive and buzzing earlier this month with the Reef Festival kicking off the traditional events season. The main street was a hive of activity with the car show, parade and carnival bringing hordes of people not just into town but into the region.

The benefits that events bring to the region cannot be underestimated. Firstly, there is obviously the immediate financial impact that drawing people to the area brings – people in town will spend money. Accommodation suppliers, food and beverage, retail and tour operators all benefit – as do their suppliers and support industries. The exposure the area receives through direct marketing, social media and word of mouth from these events is incalculable and inarguably results in future visitation for longer periods.

Even more extraordinary is that almost without fail, the many events that the region hosts are organised, manned and run by volunteers. We are fortunate that we have an abundance of residents willing to give generously of their time. The region genuinely owes you a huge debt. You are all wonderful ambassadors for the Whitsunday Community.

And, just in case you missed it – the Mayoral election was held on Saturday 13th August. The next few years will be even more challenging than the past. We are once again heading into unknown financial and social issues. We need a leader to guide the region as a whole – ensuring we build on the strengths of our diversity.

From Allan Milostic, President of Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce

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High achieving athletes from across the region were publicly congratulated for their sporting efforts at a Council meeting earlier this week where they were presented with gift bags by the Acting Mayor John Collins.

A total of nine local students had been financially supported by Council under its Junior Elite Athletes initiative, a scheme that assists with costs incurred when travelling to participate in representative competition at regional, state or national level.

Tyson Williams-Allen competed at the Under 15 and Youth Australian Weightlifting Championships and his successful lifting gave him the gold medal for the Under 15, 67kg male Australian championship category.

Prior to this, Tyson won Gold at the state championships in April and last year. He also won gold in the Queensland all schools competition last year.

Abigail and Charlotte Lee, recently travelled to Dalby for the 2022 Australian Pony Club Queensland State Show Jumping and Jump Equitation Championships.

Abigail was riding Snapchatter and successfully came home with the silver medal in the 120cm show jumping and Charlotte rode Hazardous, placing sixth overall in the 110cm show jumping competition.

The girls travelled as part of the Zone 22 State Equestrian Team representing the Whitsunday region from Collinsville to Proserpine.

Maxwell O’Keefe and Reef Peel went to Fiji recently representing North Queensland at the National Schools Futsal Championships.

Their team made it to the semi-finals in their age group and the two boys were among the leading goal scorers in the competition.

Despite their team unfortunately losing 4-1 in the final against Suva, the boy’s talents were identified, and they have been invited to participate in the 2022 overseas tour.

Twins, Russell and Connor Harris represented Australia in the Under 15 division at the Open Skiff World Championships in Carcans, France in July.

The boys said it was great to meet sailors from around the world and compete in very large fleets. They are looking forward to participating in the World Championships scheduled to be held in Italy in July next year.

Alice Wheeler was selected to represent Northern Queensland Girls 16-19 years Football team in Cairns.

The Northern team performed well with some close games and placed sixth in the overall competition.

Jake Pettigrew recently represented North Queensland at the Queensland School Boys Championships and was selected as a shadow player for the Queensland team, heading to Sydney in September to compete at the National Championships.

(left to right) Alice Wheeler, Acting Mayor John Collins, Charlotte Lee and Abigail Lee

from left) Maxwell O’Keefe, Tyson Williams-Allen, Reef Peel, Acting Mayor John Collins, Russell Harris, Jake Pettigrew and Connor Harris

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The gate to the Historical Cemetery has been locked and the signpost has been removed from the main road near Bogie in a bid to give the local community time to heal from the recent tragedy which saw three-people shot dead on the remote cattle station nearby.

The closure was ordered at last week’s Ordinary Council Meeting after concerns were raised by Councillor Michelle Wright, who asked for the changes to be considered in respect of the Schwarz family and their neighbours.

The signpost at the Normanby Road turn-off from Peter Delemonthe Road, which signals a 77 kilometres track to the Historical Cemetery, was removed on Friday and the gate to the cemetery has now been locked.

The graves are registered, and photos have been taken of each gravesite so that they can soon be displayed at the local library for public interest.

The community are still in shock following the triple murder of a local family, 71-year-old Mervyn Schwartz, 59-year-old Maree Schwarz and Maree’s son Graham Tighe, 35.

They are survived by Maree’s other son, Ross Tighe, who was shot in the abdomen but managed to escape and run into the bushland, finding a ute and driving 40 kilometres to raise the alarm.

Owner of the adjacent property, Darryl Young, was arrested and charged with the alleged murders several hours later.

It is believed the two families had a disagreement over land boundaries and cattle branding, an issue Young is known to have had for many years and raised with previous owners of the neighbouring property.

With a population of roughly 160 people, this devastating event has undoubtedly rocked the small community of Bogie and giving them time to heal privately is a respectful way to move forward.

The signpost guiding tourists to an historical cemetery site located metres from the murders has been removed

Darryl Young has been charged

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A total of 3,500 people cast their vote at Whitsunday polling stations across the region on Saturday and when this figure was added to the 11,000 early-voters, more than 390 telephone voters and 1,200 postal votes the Queensland Electoral Commission (ECQ) deemed the result “too tight to call”.

This means that the results of the by-election will likely be left to preferences and despite Mike Brunker being currently (as of 2pm Wednesday, August 17) in the lead with 29.11 per cent of the votes, there is a high possibility that either Julie Hall or Al Grundy could be in with a chance.

In simple terms, preferential voting means that as the candidates with the fewest number of votes are eliminated from the race, their votes are then passed onto whoever the voter marked as ‘second’ on their voting card.

This process of preference distribution will begin when the ECQ are “certain of the order of the candidates based on their first preference votes and have all ballot papers in the count.”

Postal votes must be returned by 5pm on August 23 for them to be counted but as soon as the ECQ have a clear picture on who is eliminated, it is hoped that preferences will begin to be distributed.

In the meantime, there is an agonising wait for the candidates. Current poll leader Mike Brunker stated that he’s “just got to wait for the process to take its course”.

“Hopefully it will come my way,” he said.

“But I am not popping the champagne just yet!”

Mr Brunker received almost 50 per cent of the votes in his hometown of Bowen but with four out of the five remaining candidates residing further south, it is thought that preferences are more likely to sway towards them, potentially knocking him out of the race.

Al Grundy currently has 21.63 per cent of the votes, followed closely by Julie Hall who has 20.68 per cent.

Battling a severe sickness which saw him head to hospital for IV antibiotics, Mr Grundy’s election race was hampered by poor health which saw him miss the ballot draw and candidate networking night held by the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce.

Despite this, he said that he “gave it my best shot”.

“The outcome doesn’t matter; I’ll still do my best as a Councillor and support the Mayor,” he said.

Choosing not to fill in a How-To-Vote card with preferences like other candidates, Mr Grundy believes that people should make an informed decision.

“I want people to make their own mind up, I don’t want to tell people how to vote. I hope voters read into it enough to make up their own minds, not listen to other candidates with vested interests,” he said.

Julie Hall said she was pleased with how she ran her campaign and feels that she could do very well on preferences stating that “it’s anyone’s game.”

“If people voted according to the rate cards that would make Al and Mike down the bottom,” she said.

Having never been a Councillor before, Ms Hall says she is thrilled by the trust the community have placed in her.

“The fact that I polled so high is an indication that people aren’t happy, it shows that not enough of Council are listening”

Jan Clifford is currently sitting on 13.87 per cent of the votes and said “it ain’t over yet!”

Phil Batty achieved 6.2 per cent of the votes and said it was a very eye opening, educational experience but that he is looking forward to getting on with life now it is over.

When asked who he thinks will win, he simply stated that Brunker is looking unlikely.

“It’s going to be a very close call,” he said.

“It’s down to preferences for candidates who are all from down here so it would be almost impossible for Brunker to win.”

Peter Hood received 8.1 per cent of the votes and although likely defeated this election, has already put his hat in the ring for 2024.

Al Grundy

“I am very keen to work with the planning department on short term housing. I’d like to get a better understanding of how developers, builders and real estate agents can help fast-track and fulfill the housing shortage.”

Julie Hall

“Getting feet under the desk, looking at how everything is sitting. Bringing the people together and looking at why the rates are so high. It’s the Mayors job to represent the people and that’s what I would do.”

Mike Brunker

“Our plans are in place and budget is on order, the first thing I would like to address is the roadworks in Bowen.”

Representatives of the candidates outside the polling booths on Saturday morning

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Proserpine Hospital is now equipped to provide more comfort for both carers and medical staff following two considerate donations from local community groups last week.

In June, the Whitsunday Lions Club held their inaugural Charity Golf Day at Whitsunday Green with over 120 players participating and an impressive $10,000 raised.

The proceeds were kindly put towards two attendant/carer chairs which can be used when a parent needs to stay overnight with a sick child in the paediatric ward.

Already proving useful, a recent patient commented that she “slept so good in these chairs when my daughter had emergency surgery recently”.

In addition to this practical donation, the St Pauls Anglican Op Shop in Proserpine also delivered two brand new chart trolleys to help clinicians in the hospital’s Emergency Department.

Sue Gravelle from the Whitsunday Lions Club said that after COVID put such a stress on medical facilities, they decided the local hospital would benefit most from a donation.

“It was especially nice to donate to the paediatric ward,” said Sue.

“Looking after a sick child would be such a stressful time for the parents, and I am sure the carer beds will be put to great use.”

There is still over half the $10,000 raised at the Charity Golf Day remaining and Sue says the hospital have a “wish list” of further items which will likely include some equipment for the maternity ward.

“We are looking forward to hearing what they would like to spend the money on as it will undoubtedly benefit the community further,” said Sue.

One of the new carer beds and chart trolleys at the Proserpine Hospital

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The region’s Neighbourhood Centres took part in National Homelessness Week from August 1 to 7, supporting those who need it most through fundraisers and community forums.

With the national housing crisis an ever-growing concern, the local organisations continued their advocacy on behalf of those experiencing housing stress and especially for those without a roof over their heads at all.

Over 116,000 people experience homelessness on any given night.

On August 5, Bowen Neighbourhood Centre held its annual Hamburgers for Homelessness fundraiser, collecting $900 dollars to support the homeless of Bowen through the sale of hamburgers to the local community.

Bowen Neighbourhood Centre Coordinator Stephanie Cora said they hoped to “create awareness in the community for Bowen’s homeless”.

“This year, with the help of Grace Christian Church and Project Deliver Managers donating the resources for the burgers, we were able to raise $900 at our Hamburgers for the Homeless event. These funds will go towards swags and backpacks for those in need,” Ms Cora said.

“We thank the Bowen Community for their ongoing support for this amazing cause.”

Ms Cora said the event came at a troubling time.

“At present, the Bowen Neighborhood Centre is seeing around two people a day that are experiencing homelessness,” Ms Cora said.

“[We] saw 466 couch surfers during the 2021-2022 financial year, and we had 93 crisis inquiries. A total of 559 for the year. This is the highest we have ever seen.

“As the Neighborhood Centre is a referral pathway, we do not have the ability to house people as our resources are very stretched.

“Events like this are the least we can do to help.”

In the same week, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre invited locals to a meeting to advocate for people experiencing homelessness.

The Whitsunday Centre said between six to 10 people present to them asking for housing assistance each week.

They plan to continue regular meetings.

Bowen Neighbourhood Centre volunteers served up hamburgers to raise awareness and funds for Homelessness Week

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An armed man was arrested at the Mobil Service Station in Proserpine on Sunday evening thanks to quick-thinking staff who called the police when a suspicious vehicle matching the description of a wanted man’s car entered the site.

Staff hid in the storage room while police confronted the man and made the arrest. He was wanted in relation to the alleged violent murder of a 44-year-old Townsville mother of four, Tania Trickey, on Saturday and the drive-by shooting of a Gold Coast man’s vehicle on Sunday morning.

Gunman Arrested In Proserpine For Alleged Homicide

A dramatic end to an intense 24-hour manhunt took place at a Proserpine service station on Sunday evening when police apprehended a person of interest involved in an alleged drive-by shooting just hours before.

He was also the main suspect in the alleged violent death of 44-year-old Townsville mother of four whose body was found in bushland by a group of teenagers in Bluewater on Saturday afternoon.

On Sunday, the alleged offender was seen driving erratically between Mackay and Bowen and at 11.30am on the Bruce Highway near Yarlboroo, 40 kilometres south of Proserpine, it is alleged that he fired shots at another motorist in what was reported to be an unrelated matter.

The Gold Coast motorist had been driving behind the suspect who was travelling at a low speed. When he tried to overtake the vehicle, it is understood that the motorist saw the shotgun and immediately ducked from sight, speeding away.

At this moment, a shot was fired and hit the rear driver’s side door.

Detective Inspector Jason Shepherd said that the driver of the vehicle was “very shaken up but uninjured”.

The incident was reported to police straight away and when the suspect’s vehicle was spotted at the Proserpine service station police moved in quickly to arrest the suspect at 8.30pm Sunday evening.

“We only became aware of the incident on Saturday and had the person in question in custody by 8.30pm Sunday evening,” said Detective Shepherd.

The arrest comes just 24 hours after the body of a woman, known to be in a “recent relationship” with the alleged offender was found in Bluewater in Townsville.

There are suspicions this could be a domestic violence offence and it has been confirmed that the man was known to the police.

The autopsy took place on Tuesday and it is understood a weapon was used but there has not yet been confirmation of whether it was the same shotgun used in the drive-by incident.

The suspect is in custody and has been transported to Mackay.

His vehicle is also in Mackay and it underwent close examination earlier this week.

Police are calling out to anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage on Jaloonda Road in Bluewater, Townsville at any time prior to 4.40pm on Saturday, August 13.

They would also like to see footage from the Bruce Highway between Mackay and Bowen on Sunday, August 14.

‍The vehicle wanted in relation to two serious crimes as it entered the Proserpine service station

Detective Inspector Jason Shepherd at the press conference on Monday

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A dramatic end to an intense 24-hour manhunt took place at a Proserpine service station on Sunday evening when police apprehended a person of interest involved in an alleged drive-by shooting just hours before.

He was also the main suspect in the alleged violent death of 44-year-old Townsville mother of four whose body was found in bushland by a group of teenagers in Bluewater on Saturday afternoon.

On Sunday, the alleged offender was seen driving erratically between Mackay and Bowen and at 11.30am on the Bruce Highway near Yarlboroo, 40 kilometres south of Proserpine, it is alleged that he fired shots at another motorist in what was reported to be an unrelated matter.

The Gold Coast motorist had been driving behind the suspect who was travelling at a low speed. When he tried to overtake the vehicle, it is understood that the motorist saw the shotgun and immediately ducked from sight, speeding away.

At this moment, a shot was fired and hit the rear driver’s side door.

Detective Inspector Jason Shepherd said that the driver of the vehicle was “very shaken up but uninjured”.

The incident was reported to police straight away and when the suspect’s vehicle was spotted at the Proserpine service station police moved in quickly to arrest the suspect at 8.30pm Sunday evening.

“We only became aware of the incident on Saturday and had the person in question in custody by 8.30pm Sunday evening,” said Detective Shepherd.

The arrest comes just 24 hours after the body of a woman, known to be in a “recent relationship” with the alleged offender was found in Bluewater in Townsville.

There are suspicions this could be a domestic violence offence and it has been confirmed that the man was known to the police.

The autopsy is taking place today and police anticipate being able to confirm cause death afterwards.

It is understood a weapon was used but there has not yet been confirmation of whether it was the same shotgun used in the drive-by incident.

The suspect is in custody and has been transported to Mackay.

His vehicle is also in Mackay and due to undergo close examination today.

Police are calling out to anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage on Jaloonda Road at any time prior to 4.40pm on Saturday, August 13.

They would also like to see footage from the Bruce Highway between Mackay and Bowen on Sunday, August 14.

Detective Inspector Jason Shepherd at the press conference today

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A full-page ad in Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper went viral this week when a woman named Jenny decided to take revenge on her cheating partner by booking the premium placement ad spot to tell everyone in town about his alleged actions.

Jenny booked the ad through our newspaper’s online portal and it was published in this Friday’s edition which is read by over 50,000 people in the Mackay and Whitsunday Life community.

The ad read:

Dear Steve,

I hope you are happy with her.

Now the whole town will know what a filthy cheater you are.

From Jenny.

P.S. I bought this ad using your credit card.

When payment for the ad was due to be processed it was noticed that the name on the credit card was different to the name on the booking so no payment was taken for the ad.

As soon as the newspaper hit the stands, we were inundated with calls from the community so we felt it best to release the information on Facebook.

Here is what it said:

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**ANNOUNCEMENT** We have been inundated with dozens of messages this morning about the Advert on Page 4 of Mackay Life - As there’s too many to reply to; we would like to address it here.

1. We do NOT know who Steve is, but apparently he’s been very very bad.

2. We won’t be revealing any details about Jenny.

3. We have not charged the credit card in question.

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Within hours of the post hitting social media the story went viral, gaining over 2,500 likes and generating both national and international media interest.

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