A Hervey Bay man who disappeared in a tinny with his dog on Thursday last week remains missing despite an extensive search by the emergency services.

Lee Eastham, who is 36 years old, was last seen launching from the Pioneer Bay boat ramp at around 4.30pm on Thursday, April 7 and was reported missing when he failed to return on Saturday afternoon.

The RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter conducted a widespread search of the area between Conway Point and Dingo Beach for about three hours for the missing man and his three-metre boat, but nothing had yet been found.

It is understood that he was based at a local campground and had made friends with neighbours who had looked after his dog for two nights prior to the disappearance.

Their Facebook post described Lee as a “lovely bloke” and the dog “so pleasant to mind”.

“We only knew him a few days and raised the alarm when he hadn't returned the following morning. We are praying they're both found safe and well,” read the post.

It is now understood that Lee’s family are staying at the campground and have connected with the concerned neighbours who are helping with investigations.

Many in the community have also come forward to assist where they can, one individual reported that she had seen a broken down vessel from her own yacht in the bay.

She was about to offer assistance when the motor came to life and he sped off.

Another local was filming a wedding at Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) when he saw a tinny matching that description.

He has now handed the video footage over to police who are encouraging anyone else with information to come forward.

The registration of the tinny is ZV7160.

Information in this story is up to date as of 2pm Tuesday, April 12.

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In late January this year a juvenile green sea turtle was brought from North Bowen to the Eco Barge Clean Seas Incorporated (EBCS) facility with wounds sustained from a shark attack.

Last week, that turtle – affectionately named Eminem – was released back into the Coral Sea from Cannonvale Beach, having recovered from his injuries thanks to the team of 14 dedicated turtle carer volunteers.

Named by EBCS Founding Chair Libby Edge’s daughter, Eminem was graced with the nickname when Ms Edge and her daughter drove to Bowen to save him, all the while singing along with the famous Detroit rapper the car radio.

With a cohort of kids in tow, the Eco Barge volunteers saw the successful release of the turtle Slim Shady on Thursday, who is just one of the over 221 sick or injured turtles to have received care at the charity’s Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre.

Ms Edge said it was a very special day which would not have been achieved without the volunteers and BSTAR, a Marine Animal Stranding Response group in Bowen.

“We safely rescued this turtle from Bowen and brought it down here to the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, and this is a bit of a celebration for our turtle volunteers today for helping fully recover Eminem,” Ms Edge said.

“He has a rear missing flipper and a few injuries, but he has healed himself quite quickly - it’s amazing, and it’s because of this team.”

Eminem was rehabilitated over 78 days, with donations to EBCS going directly towards his recovery. As well as funds from sales Ballistic Brewery’s Reef Pale Ale and Lager, with ten cents from every can donated to Eco Barge.

All turtles are listed endangered, with the green sea turtle amongst those.

Ms Edge said that Eminem was released because he had returned to full physical fitness, which included “eating Eco Barge out of house and home.”

“He’s now going to head over to near Pigeon Island, have a feast of seagrass and then, highly likely, swim back to Bowen,” she said.

Renee Carroll was one of the volunteers who nursed Eminem back to health, alongside her daughter Cleo Mazonka.

“That was the first release I’ve been a part of and it was emotional – there are tears, but happy tears,” she said.

“You love them, you care for them – I feel extremely happy and emotional.”

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Seat Of Dawson Contenders Speak In Whitsundays

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called the election for May 21 and with the incumbent Member For Dawson George Christensen stepping down from politics, seven candidates have come forward to vie for his seat.

Two meet and greet events were held in Cannonvale and Bowen this week, giving the aspiring candidates an opportunity to connect with the community and field questions on how they would represent the electorate if successful.

First Week Of Election Fever For Dawson

In Bowen State High School’s McKenna Hall on Monday evening, 100 residents attended the Dawson Electorate Meet The Candidate event in the wake of the Prime Minister’s announcement that the Federal Election would be held on May 21.

The aspiring candidates introduced themselves and their key political points. In attendance were Labor candidate Shane Hamilton, Liberal candidate Andrew Willcox, Greens candidate Paula Creen, Independent Phil Batty, United Australia Party candidate Christian Young, Katter Party candidate Ciaron Paterson, and One Nation candidate Julie Hall.

On Tuesday, the candidates also headed to Cannonvale for the same event with a new audience.

Retiring Member for Dawson George Christensen – who was unable to attend in person – gave an opening address via pre-recorded video and said that he hoped the incoming member was “passionate about protecting your freedoms.”

“I hope they will cross the floor to go against their party, even in the face of ostracisation,” Mr Christensen said in his opening address.

Each candidate was given an opportunity to sell themselves and spruik their key party points before pre-selected questions, followed by an opportunity for locals to speak with candidates one on one in a less formal setting.

In Bowen on Monday, Labor candidate Shane Hamilton opened with key infrastructure points for Bowen.

“For me, Bowen has the potential to be an energy superhub: if you think about the deep-water port and the potential to export hydrogen, massive ability to generate wind and solar, and create green hydrogen,” Mr Hamilton said.

He also echoed the sentiments of party leader Anthony Albanese that the realm of aged care was a major one for improvement nationwide.

“We care for people, we much prefer to give them a hand-up than a push down,” he said.

Paula Creen from the Greens followed, letting Bowen know that the Green’s values coincided with her own, and that she understood the task ahead of her.

“I know it’s a tough audience in Dawson, but I have a bit of grit,” she said.

Her major point was the introduction of renewable energy: “We want 100 per cent, publicly owned renewable energy by 2030,” she said.

Liberal candidate Andrew Willcox took to the stage next, mentioning his experiences as a third-generation farmer, a successful business owner, and current Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor.

He said – if he were to be successful – the creation of jobs and infrastructure would be his main concerns, making particular note of the Liberals commitment to Urannah Dam.

“This is not an election promise, it’s locked into the budget and building Urannah Dam will create thousands of jobs during the construction, and many more in its lifetime,” he said.

The only independent in the running, Phil Batty followed Mr Willcox.

“Do I think I stand a chance to win? No,” Mr Batty said.

Mr Batty said 94 per cent of people want more influence in local development, and he was running with the goal of bringing the plight of the organisation ‘Save our Foreshore’ to a wider audience.

Christian Young from the United Australia Party spoke on the Covid vaccination mandates and that his party would move to have all workers reinstated regardless of their vaccination status – as well as highlighting the need for more specialised doctors in the regions.

Ciaron Paterson of the Katter Party said that a vote for him in a minor party was to keep the “bastards” honest – in apparent reference to the major parties.

“We have a great success in lobbying for our constituents, such as the Hells Gate Dam,” he said.

One Nation candidate Julie Hall followed, and spoke on vaccine mandates, saying that her party would first and foremost organise a Royal Commission into the handling of the pandemic.

“While some of the mandates are being removed from the 14th, this is not good enough,” she said.

The questions that followed the 10-minute speeches given by each candidate were on topics chosen by those in the electorate: climate change, mining, mandates, and the digital identity bill.

In the next few weeks, the campaign trail will heat up for each of the candidates, with the nights in Bowen and Cannonvale just a snippet of election fever.

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A plan for a permanent ice rink in Mackay has been gathering momentum like a snowball downhill after Danish ice hockey player and Mackay local Andreas Elkjaer skated the idea for the Sugar City.

Andreas, who moved to Mackay in June last year, was desperately missing the ice - a place he said “feels like home” - and decided that he would take it upon himself to get Mackay its first permanent rink.

That led Andreas to Frozen Wonderland ice rink owner Ken Jensen – a Bundaberg resident who in previous years had tried to start up rinks in Mackay, but struggled to find a suitable location. The pair started searching for a 1000 square metre space to put up the rink, and have had some promising sites already.

“I asked the question whether there was a possibility for an ice rink because I was curious, and I was putting myself out there,” Andreas said.

“Mackay, it’s not a typical winter sport city, so I was curious to how people would react.

“I knew there was interest but I was surprised by how positive people were and what a great interaction I’ve had with people.”

With simple criteria: A shed of around 1000 square metres and 20 parking spots somewhere in Mackay, Andreas took to Facebook to gauge how hot or cold locals would be on a permanent installation.

He received over a thousand responses.

“We have found two or three great options, which we’re keeping for ourselves, but there are good options out there; two or three that could meet his criteria,” he said.

Of those two or three options, Ken has already visited one site and is very positive about its potential.

“We’ve had a look at a site and we’re negotiating with the owner. We’re just looking at the bits and pieces of whether it would be feasible,” Ken said.

Ken is bringing the financial backing for the project, with his budget roughly $100,000 per year to run the rink – installing solar and insulation.

In previous years Mackay has hosted temporary rinks at the Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre and at Canelands, each time wildly popular.

Ken said that, with Councillors positivity about the idea, the rink could be up as soon as the July school holidays.

“I have everything required for the job – chillers, skates. It’s all sitting there and it’s a matter of ticking all the boxes,” he said.

“It’s a matter of waiting to secure the building and finding the staff and getting it all up and running.”

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Image: Private Arthur Alfred O’Donnell, Mrs O’Donnell and their child. Source: National Library of Australia

A former stockman who fought in World War One returned home to Clermont to find his entire family tragically washed away in Australia’s worst floods.

More than 60 people were killed, making it the worst in Australia's history in terms of loss of life in December 1916.

Private Arthur Alfred O’Donnell enlisted in the army on 17 November 1916, 41 days before the wall of water travelled the creeks and hit the historic gold and coal mining town.

The horrific news of his wife, two children and mother-in-law’s drownings did not reach Pte O’Donnell until he was discharged and returned home in 1919.

Pte O’Donnell had survived frostbite in Belgium in 1917, several wounds in action ranging from a deep gash to the face to a gunshot wound in his left shoulder in France in 1918. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said unimaginable sacrifices such as Pte O’Donnell will be among the stories remembered this Anzac Day.

“We will again proudly stand shoulder-to-shoulder from the Isaac coast to the west in Clermont, Isaac residents to honour the nation’s most sacred commemorative services,” Mayor Baker said.

“Pte O’Donnell, who was in the 26th infantry battalion, was on his way to the battlefront in Europe when his wife Winifred, his children and his mother-in-law Sarah Foster, lost their lives in the Clermont floods.

“We cannot imagine the torment this man had suffered while on the battlefield to protect our way of lives today to only come home to have lost everyone he had loved most in this world.”

Clermont Historical Centre says little is known about the rest of the former stockman’s life as he disappeared into obscurity after learning of the deaths of his family.

Mayor Baker said this Anzac Day, the Isaac region will pay tribute to the sacrifices of diggers past and present.

“We will honour the strong sense of solidarity, sentiment and pride as we come together to remember the ANZACs and all those who fought for our country,” Mayor Baker said.

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After a well-timed TV ad and a bet with his mother, Steve Haidle joined the Navy.

“The only part of the ad I remember is the submarine being in it and I said to Mum ‘I’ll be in there in a month’s time’, just jokingly,” Steve said.

“And I was, I joined up and I was on my bike down to Victoria.

“She told me ‘Do not ever come home if you get a tattoo’, so I never got a tattoo,” he laughed.

Steve was born in Wynnum in 1984.

He grew up in the Brisbane bayside suburb and got a job in the office of the livestock department with Queensland Bacon where he worked for 18 months.

At the age of 17, Steve joined the Royal Australian Navy in Brisbane City, a move that would see him serve in Vietnam.

“We Were Lucky And Unlucky”

Steve Haidle was sent to HMAS Cerberus at Western Port Bay in Victoria where he did three months of recruit school before being drafted onto HMAS Hobart in Sydney.

He had the goal of becoming a Physical Training Instructor but was instead made a quartermaster gunner in the seaman branch where he completed a test to aim Seacat missiles.

HMAS Hobart was sent to Vietnam in March 1967 with Steve on board.

He says about half of the men onboard were drafted onto another ship before its departure.

“We were sort of lucky and unlucky; lucky in the fact that we got war service, unlucky that we could’ve got killed,” he said.

The ship left Sydney with 330 men onboard.

Steve says the quarters weren’t too bad; cards and mahjong were played in the recreation area in downtime.

In his role on the ship, he would complete six-hour shifts on a lookout station above the bridge of the ship.

When it came to action stations, he would rush below deck where he would load 70kg bullets into a magazine to be automatically taken to a gun five decks above.

Steve returned from Vietnam in September 1967 and continued to serve in the Navy until 1975.

He returned to Brisbane after his departure from the Navy where he went back to work for Queensland Bacon for five years.

He made the move to Mackay in 1980 when he accepted an opportunity to manage the food and beverage section of the racecourse in Ooralea.

After 12 months in that role, which he loved, Steve worked in office equipment and bottle shops around Mackay before returning to Brisbane in 2004 and retiring in 2008.

He got married in 2009, a marriage that took him to The Philippines for six years before he and his wife came back to Mackay where he says he knows the area and the people well.

After leaving the Navy, Steve stayed active in the military community by getting involved in the Naval Association and the HMAS Hobart Association before joining RSL Mackay in 2018.

He says staying involved has been an important part of his life after the military.

“You meet new friends; you meet old friends,” he said.

“It’s somewhere you can go, and they know what you’re talking about, and you know what they’re talking about.”

As a committee member for RSL Mackay, Steve looks after purchasing, planning, and setting up merchandise and memorabilia.

He is currently working hard towards ANZAC Day, an important day to him.

“It’s a remembrance, to me.”

He is planning displays at Harrup Park and Parkside Plaza, and you will catch him selling merchandise at Parkside Plaza between Tuesday and Saturday next week.

On the day, Steve will be involved in the RSL’s activities including the dawn service, the march, selling memorabilia, raffles, and, of course, a few friendly games of two-up.

“We were sort of lucky and unlucky; lucky in the fact that we got war service, unlucky that we could’ve got killed,” he said.

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“It’s a remembrance, to me.”

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Image: A 17-year-old dirt bike rider suffered critical injuries after an accident on Sarina Beach. Images: RACQ CQ Rescue

A teenager is fighting for life in a Brisbane hospital after suffering severe injuries in a dirt bike accident on Sarina Beach last weekend.

RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked by Queensland Health to airlift the teenager who was reportedly in critical condition.

A RACQ CQ Rescue spokesperson said the 17-year-old rider lost control of the bike on the beach about 5pm on Saturday, April 9 and suffered facial and internal injuries as well as possible spinal injuries.

“The rescue helicopter landed on the beach to meet first responders and ambulance officers just 10 minutes after takeoff from Mackay,” the spokesperson reported.

“The aircraft did not shutdown as the patient was loaded into the aircraft due to the fast-incoming tide.

“The aircraft quickly relocated to an oval adjacent to the beach so the medical team on board, including a Critical Care Paramedic and doctor, could continue to work on the patient for about 50 minutes before flying the teen to Mackay Base Hospital in a critical condition.”

The severity of the injuries meant the teenager was later flown to Princess Alexandra Hospital. Their condition at time of writing was unknown.

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With more than 20 years in the aviation industry, a former pilot has taken over the controls of our region’s helicopter rescue service.

RACQ CQ Rescue has announced the appointment of Tim Healee as the not-for-profit service’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

With a wealth of experience in the aviation industry combined with a passion for charity work, Tim will take the reins of the Mackay-based rescue helicopter operation from Ian Rowan on April 26.

Tim, who was previously based on the Gold Coast and in North Queensland, is a former pilot who has more than 20-year experience in both senior management and the aviation industry.

He has worked in helicopter training centre management, aeromedical operations and most recently, as the CEO of a regional airline based in Far North Queensland. He has also been closely involved with charities across Queensland, helping to improve the lives of disadvantaged youth and marginalised communities.

Mr Healee said he was looking forward to leading a world-class organisation which was held in such high esteem by the community and by its supporters and further building upon the five-year stewardship of Mr Rowan who is retiring.

“I fully understand and have first-hand experience of the important role aviation plays in regional Queensland, but more specifically, how vital access to critical aeromedical care and retrieval is due to the sheer size and remote nature of this region,” Mr Healee said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Ian Rowan over the last five years and congratulate him on delivering some great projects for the organisation. I also take this opportunity to wish him all the best for his future in his retirement.”

RACQ CQ Rescue Board Chairman Chris Wright said Mr Healee had extensive experience and knowledge in aviation and business management and would help ensure the Mackay-based rescue helicopter service continued its high standard of professionalism and providing the best aeromedical emergency service to the Mackay, Whitsunday and Bowen Basin communities.

“Tim’s vast range of skills will ensure RACQ CQ Rescue’s mission to deliver the most cost-effective, reliable, safe and clinically excellent patient rescue and transfer service will continue to be achieved,” Mr Wright said.

“On behalf of the Board, we welcome Tim to the role and look forward to working with him to navigate RACQ CQ Rescue to even greater heights.”

Mr Healee will commence work at the Mackay Airport hangar and operations centre on Tuesday, April 26.

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Left Image: Rick Jones, husband of Councillor Alison Jones, recently spent a Sunday morning painting the flagpoles at the Bloomsbury Soldiers Memorial Hall ready for ANZAC Day

Right Image: Councillor Laurence Bonaventura got everything he needed from Calen News and General Store before mowing the Yalboroo bus stop. Photos: supplied

Preparations for ANZAC Day at the Bloomsbury Soldiers Memorial Hall are now one step closer thanks to a generous gesture from Councillor Alison Jones and her husband Rick.

Rick recently gave his Sunday morning to repaint the hall’s flagpoles in preparation for the traditional celebrations held at the hall using paint donated by PI Technical Services.

The timely display of community spirit has been appreciated by all in the Bloomsbury region.

The Bloomsbury Soldiers Memorial Hall posted on Facebook, “we are so appreciative of Councillor Alison Jones and her husband Rick, who very kindly spent a recent Sunday repainting our flag poles in readiness for Anzac Day 2022.”

The Bloomsbury Soldiers Memorial Hall will host a dawn service on ANZAC Day from 5:30am.

In another terrific example of councillors contributing to the community, Councillor Laurence Bonaventura recently paid a visit to Calen News and General Store to pick up supplies for a very important job.

Laurence went out to Yalboroo, 50 minutes north of Mackay, to mow the bus stop, picking up supplies from the general store on his way.

The well-equipped store was able to provide everything Laurence needed, including safety wear, to get the job done and was happy to contribute to the project.

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The election has been called for Saturday 21 May, which will make the next six weeks interesting to say the least. While it’s easy to become disenchanted or disengaged in the name calling and petty finger pointing, I’m looking forward to something other than COVID occupying the headlines every day.

The polling will pit Scott Morrison's Liberal-National Coalition against a Labor Party led by Anthony Albanese. While these two parties have always dominated the votes, I do wonder if the disruption to people’s lives caused by vaccine mandates and COVID restrictions will see a bigger swing towards the smaller parties who have spruiked freedom of choice.

In the lead-up to the election we will strive to provide balanced coverage for our region’s federal candidates to keep you informed of their policies and what it will mean for Dawson and Capricornia.

Some candidates have chosen to support our locally owned publication with additional advertising. Being a free publication, we rely on advertising to continue to provide free news to the community, so while at times it may appear one candidate may receive more coverage than another, they may be paying for that privilege. These spaces will be marked as advertising features and give candidates the opportunity to share their voice.

It’s important for us to be transparent so readers understand why a candidate may be represented more than others. Candidates who haven’t approached our newspaper to be included are also encouraged to make contact so the community can stay informed on who is standing for what.

Strap in and let the games begin!

We are interested in your thoughts, and Letters to the Editor can be sent to:  amanda@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

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A growing community in Walkerston has been treated to a new and improved library, located across the road from its predecessor.

Mayor Greg Williamson and students from Walkerston State School and St John's Catholic Primary School Walkerston did the honours of cutting the ceremonial ribbon in what is a new chapter for the library.

Since it first opened in 1977, this little library has been a hub for Scrubby. The move across Dutton Street to its new location in the Walkerston Shopping Centre on Creek Street has been a remarkable success.

A Mackay Regional Council spokesperson said “Memberships are skyrocketing, demonstrating that the community appreciate the increased accessibility, parking, space and new technology.

The opening celebrations included cupcakes and tours of the new facility.

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Construction has begun on a $1 billion coal mine near Moranbah, which will create up to 1000 new local jobs.

Speaking from the Olive Downs coal mine last week, Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the project would bring significant economic benefits to all of Queensland.

“The Olive Downs mine is estimated to be worth $10.1 billion to the gross state product and will be an absolute jobs jackpot,” Mr Stewart said.

“At its peak, this mine will produce 15 million tonnes per annum of steelmaking metallurgical coal.

“This will be transported by rail to the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, for export to key international markets such as Japan, India and South Korea.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said increasing coal exports would make Australia wealthier and stronger.

“To become as strong as possible as quickly as possible, we must produce and sell more of the products that create wealth,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Coal is one of our biggest export earners and a significant economic driver, helping pay for services such as our Defence Force, the NDIS, and hospitals and schools.

“If we don’t put coal on boats, Australians must choose which services and opportunities they don’t want because without that income, our nation will become weaker and poorer.”

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the Olive Downs mine will further drive the success of the resources industry in Queensland.

“In Capricornia during the 2019-20 financial year, the resources industry contributed around $1.1 billion in wages paid to 7,335 full-time jobs, with $4.5 billion in royalties shared across Queensland,” Ms Landry said.

“Around $2.7 billion was also spent on goods and services locally, benefitting around 1,306 local businesses.

“The resources industry is alive and well in Queensland and the start of another project will go a long way in assisting the state as we move into a post-COVID-19 economy.”

Isaac Regional Council Deputy Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said Olive Downs is symbolic of a strong future for metallurgical coal and the Isaac region’s communities.

“We welcome Pembroke to the mining community and thank them for bringing a new opportunity of such incredible scale to this region,” Cr Vea Vea said.

Pembroke Resources Chairman and CEO Barry Tudor said the official start of works at the project opened the door to new job and economic opportunities for Central Queensland.

“The high quality steel-making coal that will be produced from our mine will contribute to national and state economies as well as much needed infrastructure across the world, delivering economic benefits and jobs from a grassroots to a global scale,” Mr Tudor said.

“Importantly, Pembroke is committed to providing workers with an opportunity to live in towns near the mine including Moranbah and Dysart and is building sustainable futures for people in the communities in which Olive Downs operates.”

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Known for his extravagant lifestyle and wild parties, Travers Beynon, known as the Candyman, has a flamboyant style and the capacity to push boundaries. Arriving in Mackay last week with two of his many luxury cars, a Ferrari, and his famous gold Lamborghini, Mr Beynon is more than a successful business owner, he is an entrepreneur with a difference, one who sees no boundaries in living life to its fullest, but stays grounded by keeping close to his team and customers.

The fast cars have become a part of his brand, FREECHOICE, but it’s not the beautiful women, parties and exotic cars which define him. He’s also a loving father who enjoys the joy it brings to children’s faces when they get the opportunity to sit in his exotic cars.

Mr Beynon brought his cars to Mackay last week to celebrate the opening of a new store in Rural View as well as celebrate the first anniversary of his Bucasia store. His affiliation with Broken Ballerina saw Jules Thompson on the end of the tongs, providing free sausages for locals keen to get close to the fast cars.

CANDYMAN’S

Sweet Backing Of Broken Ballerina

Travers Beynon is a passionate lover of life who sees the beauty in everything – art, fashion, cars, women. He’s charismatic and campaigns for what he believes in: hard work, a positive attitude and a genuine desire to inspire others to succeed.

His brand FREECHOICE stands for accepting and celebrating the diversity in people’s beliefs and most importantly freedom of expression, freedom of speech and freedom of choice…FREECHOICE. It is this mantra which saw his brand align with Broken Ballerina who also advocate for people to live their lives free from fear with freedom of choice.

Mr Beynon said he’s always excited to bring community events to rural areas and loves the positivity he receives from locals.

“We really love Mackay, which is why this time I’ve transported up the Ferrari and the Lamborghini,” Mr Beynon said.

“The Ferrari was the first exotic car I bought in 2006, the Lamborghini in 2016. They really are part of the brand. 20 years ago I was doing store openings and I was in my suit handing out fliers, it’s part of who we are.

“We let the kids sit in the cars and get photos. The best part of the day is when you see the look on the kids' faces, and not just the kids but some of the adults too, it’s a great experience.”

He said his brand is proud to be affiliated with Broken Ballerina.

“It’s important to collab with the right people,” Mr Beynon said.

“The story behind Broken Ballerina is similar to the FREECHOICE brand. When I first came out onto the market, I had a lot of haters and a lot of people putting me down.

“Life should be about the freedom to be yourself.

“Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right; it allows dialogue on important issues in society and plays a vital role in the healthy development process of a society. Restriction of freedom of expression is the beginning of the end, the decline of a free world.

“It’s about not giving up despite facing adversity. When you get knocked down, you get back up and stay strong.”

Broken Ballerina Founder Jules Thompson agreed, saying she enjoyed working with FREECHOICE.

“We were asked to do the opening of the Bucasia store last year. They were so nice to work for that when we were approached to do the sausage sizzle this year we said yes, Ms Thompson said.

“FREECHOICE paid us to do that which goes to Broken Ballerina.

“We stand for the same thing, free choice. Being able to be free to live your life how you choose to.

“With fundraising opportunities like these we’re able to help people change lives and save lives, so they can live free from fear. We are the only organisation in Mackay helping domestic violence victims 7 days per week and we don’t receive Government funding.”

FREECHOICE stocks a diverse range of items. As you would expect, it has a diverse range of tobacco items, but it also provides nicotine-free vaping products, a large range of unique giftware and homewares, incense and candles, party products and adult items, even snacks and drinks.

“For us it’s about more than just the products we sell, it’s about the brand name, FREECHOICE, especially in the times we’re faced with today,” Mr Beynon added.

“Freedom of choice, freedom of speech. We are all mortals, and our demise is not negotiable nor predictable, so why not live our lives to the fullest.”

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The Whitsundays Arts Festival’s Art Prize Exhibition has opened its entries for artists Australia wide, giving them a chance to take home their share of the total prize pool of $11,200 for the 2022 Festival running September 17 to 30.

The exhibition – to be held at Coral Sea Marina Resort - is seeking submissions of works which respond to the theme ‘Memories.’

The finalists will be selected by a highly lauded judging panel of industry professionals who have had over 20 years of experience and are enthusiastic in developing innovative programs to grow artist platforms.

The year’s judging panel is being led by Tracy Cooper Lavery, Director of Gallery and Visual Arts at HOTA Home of the Arts Gold Coast - the largest public gallery outside of a capital city.

Ms Lavery said she was looking forward to seeing the work of the Whitsundays Art Prize finalists in 2022.

“Art Prizes both big and small are a fantastic opportunity not only to introduce your work to a larger audience but perhaps win an award or sell an artwork in the process,” she said.

Whitsundays Arts Festival President Jess Begun said in what has been another incredibly challenging year, they are asking artists to take a moment to reflect.

“To remember and reminisce on what the theme ‘Memories’ means to them - I look forward to seeing how artists have chosen to connect with the theme,” Ms Begun said.

In 2021 the Art Prize Exhibition received over 100 artwork submissions, with 53 finalists selected, and received over 1,000 votes in the People's Choice Award.

New this year is the inclusion of works from Australian artists working in any 2D or 3D medium, excluding photographs.

Entries opened April 1 and close on August 1, with finalists announced August 22.

For more information on Art Prizes visit: www.whitsundaysartsfestival.org/art-prize-exhibition-2022

Mayor Andrew Willcox presenting last year’s winner of Whitsunday Regional Arts Prize, Lisa Ashcroft

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The English writer Virginia Woolf said that memories expand; “the past is beautiful because one never realises an emotion at the time.”

When Bowen local Cheryl Stanton saw her father lose sight of his own beautiful past in the fog of Alzheimer’s disease, she understood the fragility of memory and that the rose tint of yesteryear counts for nothing if it is lost.

A passionate photographer her whole life, Cheryl captured her family memories on film, and realised the potential of taking photography and the written stories of her life in combination to craft Life Story Books.

She’s now taking her Life Story Books online, assisting families to share their stories before they lose them forever, allowing future generations of families the privilege of reading them.

“I am sure all families can relate to the many stories they hear from their parents and grandparents,” Cheryl said.

“The laughter and passion, love and sorrow, heartbreak and despair, success and hardships, fun and adventure and the many tidbits of everyday life along the way.

“These are the stories that should be told and these are the stories that will be lost in time.”

Over 12 months, Cheryl sends clients one prompting question per week, like what is your fondest childhood memory? Describe your life at school in the early years. Tell us about your favourite family tradition? Or what was the fashion of the era?

You can choose from a suggested list of questions or write your own.

These answers are then compiled into a hardcover Life Story book – 200-page collections created for “all generations to enjoy.”

Cheryl said the prompting questions are also a fun way to reminisce, and a journey that loved ones can cherish.

“Every moment creates a memory; every memory creates a story.”

Cheryl Stanton is helping people across the country keepsake their treasured memories

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