Why not start your own worm farm this Easter break?

It’s relatively easy - they eat your scraps and produce liquid fertiliser as well as a supply of worm castings that your vegetable plants will thrive off.

There are a few important things to know about worm farms:

1. We live in a warm climate and you can bake worms, so make sure they are in a shady position. Soil temperatures over 26 degrees may see loss of worm life.

2. Worms need water - a dry worm farm will die - so keep it moist but not wet.  

3. Be careful not to over feed your worms - you only need to feed them once or twice a week. Only add more food once the last batch has been consumed. My hint:  Blend, chop finely or shred your scraps before giving them to your worms.

4. You only need a small amount of worms to get started, as they populate easily.

Indian Blues are a good option for the Whitsundays, they cope with our warm climate better than some other species.

The three most important things to do when making your own worm farm:

1. When choosing your worm bin, make sure it has a large surface area. You’ll offer more oxygen and room to be active and feed with a wider tub. You can even use a polystyrene box.

2. Make sure you drill holes into the sides of your tub but remember to put mesh over the holes, so worms don’t fall out.

3. Three tubs are ideal - the bottom one to collect your worm tea (obviously no breathing holes in this tub!)

How to use it:

Worm tea is diluted to part to ten and then poured over your vegetable plants - put a tap in this layer or a hole with a bucket underneath it.

The middle layer is where you’ll put your worms - I use shredded paper in this layer that has been wet through and then squeezed out along with Coir (coconut fibre).

Add your worms, then cover them with a layer of damp hessian or paper.

The top layer is where your worms move into when the second layer is full - once they have moved home, you can use the second layers castings in your veggie garden.

Did you know:

Worms can live up to 20 years! A worm breathes through its skin. A worm has no eyes but it does have five hearts and a brain.

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Holiday season has hit and town is buzzing with visitors! Accommodation reports almost 100 per cent occupancy which means that tourist operators, food and beverage and retailers can all expect solid trade over the school holidays. More importantly, it is hoped that this will herald the start of more widespread visitation in general – with extra flights, access to the Whitsundays has never been easier.

The Whitsunday Coast Chamber participated in a couple of round table discussions during the past fortnight. The first Regional Policy Committee meeting for chambers in the Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday region was held on Wednesday, March 23 with a view to establishing the most pressing issues limiting businesses in the greater region. Mandates, staff shortages and social housing being identified as needing immediate attention by government.

Locally, the Whitsunday Coast, Proserpine and Bowen Chambers met with Gary Warrener (Council Economic Development). Gary updated the Councils efforts to attract significant industry to the area whilst the three chambers also put forward ideas and solutions to local business issues. Several positive outcomes were achieved and the collaboration of all three chambers with council will better drive the local economy and ensure advocacy is targeted and unequivocal.

The Federal Budget was handed down last week and whilst there was a splash of cash for general population to "ease the cost of living" it did little to actually reduce the immediate business input costs pressures driving prices upwards. The relief will be short lived for the consumer as the cause of the problem was not addressed and only short term symptomatic relief was provided. That's what happens when there is an election around the corner.

The next Chamber event is shaping up to be a cracker with former Australian keynote speaker of the year booked in pending final confirmation. Save the date, April 21, 2022 – it will be an evening event focussing on customer service, culture and inspiration and one for not just business owners but managers and staff as well. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page and website.

From Allan Milostic, Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce

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An entrepreneurial young local who is paving the way for environmentally conscious residents is encouraging his neighbours to drop their glass and plastic bottles into his big red bin so he can take them to the Containers for Change depot.

This non-for-profit organisation recycles used bottles by receiving donations in exchange for cash.

12-year-old William Logan, who is a year seven student at Proserpine State High School, receives 10 cents for every eligible item he delivers to the depot and has raised over $1000 so far.

Starting out when he was just seven years old and living in Logan, just south of Brisbane, William was able to secure weekly donations from four of his neighbours.

Having moved to the Whitsundays three years ago, he began collecting again and in a twist of fate, his old neighbours happened to move a block away from his new home in Cannonvale.

Rekindling a friendship and a profitable business arrangement, the couple suggested William approach the body corporate managers at their apartment complex to see if it was possible to service all 12 units.

Jumping at the opportunity, William received permission and then delivered a personal note to each home.

Placing his red bin adjacent to the standard garbage bins the young man waited to see if anything would happen.

Fortunately, in less than a week his bin was full.

Estimating roughly 300 cans and bottles would fill the bin, he anticipates making $30 from each bin load and aims to save money to go towards a new car when he turns 16.

Dreaming of being a pilot when he is older, however, a portion of the money goes towards purchasing the latest model aeroplanes for now.

William is currently looking for new locations and apartment complexes that would like to donate to the cause. If you are interested, please contact him through his family business at Whitsunday Hearing – 4946 4906.

12-year-old William Logan

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The doors are open and it’s time to pack the seats as the brand-new Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) welcomes its inaugural show, The Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow.

Promising to home-deliver a belly-laugh inducing night of stand-up, sketch, satire, silliness and song, the Roadshow is hitting the highway to bring the freshest and funniest from its famous festival to Proserpine.

For 24 years the Roadshow has presented an all killer, no filler line-up of Australian stars and talented newcomers to comedy fans far and wide – and this year it will arrive at the PEC on May 3.

The rip-roaring road trip designed to satisfy all your comedy cravings will be sure to test the foundations of the newly reinvigorated PEC.

PEC General Manager, Katie Boyd, said they were still putting on the finishing touches for the venue but they were extremely excited.

“There’s been a lot of buzz about it,” Ms Boyd said.

“We’re very, very excited for our first show and the good news is we’ll have the bar running - who doesn’t love having a drink ahead of a comedy show?”

In Queensland, the Roadshow will head to 13 other locations, bringing with it the group of hand-picked, touring comedians selected from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Book now for that much-needed live comedy fix when they roll into town.

Performances often contain coarse language, adult themes, sexual references, and material that may offend, and the show is recommended for people aged 15 years or older.

The Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow will arrive at the PEC on May 3

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The doors are open and it’s time to pack the seats as the brand-new Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) welcomes its inaugural show, The Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow.

Promising to home-deliver a belly-laugh inducing night of stand-up, sketch, satire, silliness and song, the Roadshow is hitting the highway to bring the freshest and funniest from its famous festival to Proserpine.

For 24 years the Roadshow has presented an all killer, no filler line-up of Australian stars and talented newcomers to comedy fans far and wide – and this year it will arrive at the PEC on May 3.

The rip-roaring road trip designed to satisfy all your comedy cravings will be sure to test the foundations of the newly reinvigorated PEC.

PEC General Manager, Katie Boyd, said they were still putting on the finishing touches for the venue but they were extremely excited.

“There’s been a lot of buzz about it,” Ms Boyd said.

“We’re very, very excited for our first show and the good news is we’ll have the bar running - who doesn’t love having a drink ahead of a comedy show?”

In Queensland, the Roadshow will head to 13 other locations, bringing with it the group of hand-picked, touring comedians selected from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Book now for that much-needed live comedy fix when they roll into town.

Performances often contain coarse language, adult themes, sexual references, and material that may offend, and the show is recommended for people aged 15 years or older.

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Construction is underway for the new $2.5 million Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre with facilities forecast to rival the country’s best and expected to attract trainees from near and far.

Located at the Whitsunday Sailing Club in the heart of Airlie Beach, the new centre will increase the training capabilities fivefold by doubling the floor space of the entire club.

There will be five purpose-built classrooms, an engineering workshop and lecture theatre as well as a versatile boardroom which can be opened up to boast a substantial deck with expansive sea views.

While its first role will be training future mariners, the centre will also become a community hub and a multi-use function space for industry and community groups to hold meetings, workshops, seminars and more.

Director of Projects and Development, Terry Archer said that he is excited to see this game-changing facility come to the Whitsundays.

“This will make the Whitsundays one of the best learning maritime centres in the whole country,” he said.

“It will attract students from all over Australia and potentially South East Asia and the South Pacific.”

Training Manager, Kaye Williams, said that she is looking forward to expanding the services and no longer having to restrict numbers due to limited space.

“We will be able to expand our training offerings which will be terrific,” she said.

“The quality of our instructors is equal, if not better than, other training centres – we even have a Master 1 instructor which really stands out.”

The Whitsunday Maritime Centre will focus on ‘near coastal’ qualifications, inside the reef on vessels up to 45 metres in length.

Mariners can achieve their Coxswain ticket, Master 24 (5), Master 33 (4), Master 45 (3) and their MED 2 certificates from the centre.

The build is expected to be completed by the end of this year and, due to an increase in building costs, developers are currently securing more funding for fixtures and furniture.

Sailing Manager Ross Chisholm, Training Manager Kaye Williams and Whitsunday Sailing Club General Manager Robin Ross.

“This will make the Whitsundays one of the best learning maritime centres in the whole country,”

Terry Archer

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Holidaymakers will now be able to arrive at Whitsunday Coast Airport in style rather than simply depart with ease, thanks to a new bottle shop and bar experience located in the baggage claim area.

The first of its kind in all of Australia, the new bottle shop and bar will enable arriving passengers to pick up a six-pack or a bottle of wine as they arrive, making the experience flexible and seamless.

“We had plenty for outbound guests but nothing for inbound, so their holiday doesn’t start until they get to Airlie Beach - but now it starts right here!” said Taste Whitsundays owner Kevin Collins.

“We noticed it had constantly been an issue where they say the baggage takes too long – now they will be saying – slow down I’ve got time for another champagne!”

Not only will inbound guests be able to enjoy the take-away and sit-down arrival service, locals who are picking up visiting family and friends, will be able to wait next to the baggage claim.

No more traipsing through baggage control, they can relax in comfort.

As a Whitsunday Regional Council owned facility, the innovative concept not only benefits those that pass through the airport, but it will also benefit rate payers.

“The more money we make, the more money pours into the rate base,” said Mr Collins.

“That means there is less money the rate payers have to pay for services – it’s a win win – and we maximise the potential of the airport to generate income for the rate payers.”

The new bottle shop is due to open today.

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The Cowboys will soon be delivering the key messages of gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness to pre-school children in our local community thanks to funding from the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN), which is bringing The Resilience Project’s (TRP) Early Years Program to local childcare centres.

With the aim of introducing positive mental health strategies at a key point in a child’s emotional development, the program teaches both educators and families how to live a happier life and instil an attitude of gratitude in everyday living.

This is achieved by involving parents and carers with the Early Years Family Journal to raise awareness of practical strategies to build resilience for themselves as parents and within their children.

The Journal includes a space for children to capture reflections of their learning as well as ways for families to connect and share activities together.

WSPN believe that the TRP Early Learning Program will greatly assist young children and their parents in our region to cope better with the current challenging times resulting from the COVID 19 pandemic.

“Research shows that if you practice the three principles of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness your mental health improves, you feel happier and your ability to cope in challenging times improves,” said WSPN Treasure Paul Burke.

This view is also supported by recent university research commissioned by TRP.

The research looked at the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of 80,000 young people who had used the TRP resources and 80,000 young people who hadn’t.

It found that the young people who had used TRP resources managed to maintain their mental health throughout the pandemic while the other group had experienced significant mental health issues.

The delivery of the Early Years Program in the Whitsundays will be rolled out initially to two regional early learning centres and is expected to commence in term 2, 2022.

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Ergon Energy greeted Airlie Beach residents with news they were set to invest $27.5 million into the local network.

The state-owned electrical company said that the Whitsunday’s role as a tourism hub for North Queensland meant the demand for electricity in the area is growing, creating the need for a major project to bolster the region’s electricity supply.

“The Whitsundays is growing and we’re growing with you,” The Ergon Statement reads.

“This project will refurbish and expand the Cannonvale substation and duplicate key sections of the 66,000-volt underground cable network between the Cannonvale substation and Shute Harbour, providing greater network resilience.”

Ergon said this investment will increase the network’s capacity and improve the security of the electricity supply for 8,000 homes and businesses.

The company has said the existing Cannonvale substation control building across from Banjos Bar and the Whitsunday Shopping Centre will remain, with an additional modular building to be built on the site closer to TAFE.

The duplicated underground cabling will “where possible” run adjacent to the existing line, but with development in the area having progressed significantly since that initial installation, the line route options may be different.

“We’ll be able to provide more information after our detailed design is completed,” the statement reads.

The works on the substation will commence in the third quarter of 2022 and the fourth quarter of the year for the duplication through Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket, Mt Rooper, and Shute Harbour substations.

Completion is expected by the end of 2023.

More information can be found at https://bit.ly/3K5tt6s

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Our local region will be in the spotlight once again when talented singer-songwriter, Karen Jacobsen, films three destination focused music videos right here in the Whitsundays.

Launching her new album on May 22, she will be filming the videos next week and has received a $9,000 grant from Whitsunday Regional Council to contribute to production costs.

Famous for being the Australian voice of Siri and the Destination Ambassador for the Whitsundays, Karen was originally from Mackay and spent the last 20 years living in New York.

In search of a safe haven during the pandemic, she brought her family back to Australia and ventured up to her home region, falling in love with the Whitsundays once again.

Dedicating much of her time to promoting the area, driving tourism where possible and championing cultural development, Karen has become a sophisticated mascot for all that shines in the Whitsundays.

Using her song-writing skills to further promote the region, she has filmed music videos on Hayman Island and at Coral Sea Resort.

Next week she will be filming two music videos for her new album.

The first song entitled, You Are The Greatest, will feature the Airlie Foreshore and show footage of Karen travelling along the boardwalk in a pedi-cab.

The next song and title track to the new album is The Slipstream and has special meaning for Karen.

“For a long time, I was looking around at the success that other people were having and it seemed like they managed to find some slipstream of energy and then everything just worked – it seemed so easy for them,” she said.

“I was trying very hard and wondering why I wasn’t experiencing that, and this song is really about that state of desperation and feeling lost.

“There came a point for me when I realised there wasn’t something that I’ve got to go and find out there, it is something I can find in here.

“I went from thinking, what’s here for us? To, what can I provide here?”

The filming for this video takes place with the industrial backdrop of Proserpine Sugar Mill, the quintessential country stage of the cane fields, and then finishes on the Cape Hillsborough beach at dawn with the wallabies.

Karen will be wearing a custom-made golden gown by Jason Chetcuti.

“This is a very fresh delivery of the tourism messaging,” said Karen.

“They are a lasting piece of artwork that capture a moment in time with original music and I am absolutely delighted that Whitsunday Regional Council sees the benefit.”

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Jetstar Pilot James Spruce has piloted flights to international and domestic locations across the globe, but his first landing at home in Proserpine last week was the most momentous he’s had so far.

His 94-year-old grandfather, Herbert ‘Jack’ Spruce, looked on as James landed the Airbus A320 on the Proserpine runway with proud tears in his eyes - having given James the flying bug as a young boy, Jack was seeing his grandson live his dream.

Jack and James Spruce’s affinity for flying has always been common ground, with Jack taking his grandson for his first flight at the age of 14, strapping the teenager into his light plane.

Watching his grandson land the Airbus A320 onto the Whitsunday Coast Airport strip as a professional was an emotional outing for the once amateur aviator.

In his flying days, Jack was known as “Spruce Goose”, and the now 94-year-old has lived in the Proserpine Nursing Home for the last 13 years, having had a major stroke which left him unable to communicate verbally.

A lifelong sugarcane farmer, Jack was an avid aero sportsman, flying light planes for fun on weekends and holding the position of Vice President at the Proserpine Aero Club.

Jack had often taken James out to see the Boeing 737s and James remembers his grandad saying, “If I had my time again, that’s what I’d be doing”, and James is now “living the dream” for his grandad having become a commercial pilot for Jetstar.

“It was those words that really stuck with me as a young boy,” James said.

“Ever since I became a professional pilot, I’ve always had a dream to return here and have him out on the tarmac and see me fly in in a large jet.”

Jack’s daughter Jacqueline organised the occasion which saw Jack out on the tarmac watching as his grandson flew into Proserpine for the first time ever.

“For dad to still be alive at nearly 94 to see this moment is very momentous,” Jacqueline Spruce said.

“He basically gave James the flying bug, because dad would come out to do competitions for flying and take James with him in the plane.”

The whole family came out to watch on the day, including Jack’s other son Kenneth Spruce.

James said that the feeling when he saw his grandad on the tarmac was emotional, beyond words, and “absolutely nuts”.

“Proserpine airport in particular is a bit different for pilots; so, you go back to the basics, stick and rudder kind of skills and manual flight, so landing here and having him see it – hopefully having him approving it was smooth – it was beyond words,” James said.

“I get to tell him about my flying escapades now, just like he did when I was a boy; I get to share that with him.”

A family portrait of Jack Spruce (Front), his daughter Jacqueline, and his son Kenneth with his wife Suzanne Spruce

Kenneth and his dad Jack heading to greet James on the stairs of the Airbus A320

It was a teary reunion between Jack and James on the Whitsunday Coast Airport

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The community are in mourning following the sudden death of 28-year-old Jed Farraway who tragically lost his life during a boating accident at Port Alma (south of Rockhampton) on Sunday.

The Jubilee Pocket man, who was originally from Calliope near Gladstone was known affectionately by friends as ‘Filthy’ - he was a Ringer by trade but had been currently working for a local concrete company.

Remembered as an adventurous and spirited soul, Jed will be missed by all who knew him.

VALE JED FARRAWAY

An avid fisherman, Jed Farraway was returning to Port Alma boat ramp on Sunday, April 3 at around 7am with three friends when the vessel is thought to have hit a marker buoy and flipped over.

One man in his 20’s was flown to Rockhampton Hospital in a serious condition, another man also in his 20’s was treated for leg and back injuries, while the third man in his 30’s was treated for chest, leg and facial injuries.

Jed was reported missing at 7.53am.

The Coast Guard chopper, Water Police and Marine Assist Rescue began a lengthy search of site following the incoming tide to upstream to look in nearby creeks.

Many local boaties joined the desperate search, and it was one of Jed’s friends who found him in the water near the site of the accident at 5pm.

Jed is survived by his mother and father, Lieth and Gavin Farraway

One of his closest friends and adventure companions was Scott Pocock who had known Jed for eight years and lived with him for five of those, regularly returning to Jed’s family home for Christmas.

The pair travelled Australia together, mustering at large cattle stations and living a free-spirited life on the land.

“He hated sitting still – if anyone ever mentioned anything about an adventure – he was there!” said Scott.

“There was not a day that would go by that he wasn’t doing anything – he would walk into a room and within 30 minutes he’d have the whole room doing tequila shots and dancing – he could lift anyone’s mood.”

Known for enjoying the outdoors lifestyle, Jed loved fishing, hunting and catching bulls – he had 11,000 people on instagram and 4000 people on Facebook following his adventures and captured many of his amazing achievements with photos.

When reminiscing about their wild adventures, Scott and Jed had often discussed how lucky they were to still be alive and remarked on the chances of not surviving until their 30’s, words that have tragically come true for Jed.

“I remember him saying – ‘if I die don’t let Mum and Dad cry for me, I’ve lived a full life’ – he wouldn’t want anyone to be upset, just have fun for him and live their lives to the full,” said Scott.

Jed’s girlfriend, Terri-anne Buckleigh, echoed this sentiment in a Facebook post.

“I am going to live my life to the fullest just like you did and make you proud, Baby!

“I am so, so incredibly grateful for all of the love you have shown me, the amazing adventures we have been on - you have brought so much light to so many lives, and I know there are a lot of heavy hearts right now.”

Friends have set up a GoFundMe page in Jed’s honour with proceeds going directly towards the VMR and Capricornia Rescue Helicopter – so far they have raised almost $15,000.

Jed and his best mate Scott

Playing for his hometown Calliope Roosters

Surfing with girlfriend Terri-anne Buckleigh

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Experiencing the islands is a quintessential part of visiting or living near the Whitsunday region.

People flock to see the crystal-clear waters, stark-white beaches, and unspoiled bushland atop the rugged peaks of rock.

There are a bevy of options available for people seeking this serene experience, but there are not many better than Sealink’s Whitehaven Beach Big Island Day Tour.

Excitement is high as tour goers of all ages board the classy catamaran at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal.

People roam between the three levels that make up Nancy Wake, the 29 metre catamaran that will traverse the islands – guests can decide between the air-conditioned comfort inside or enjoy the 360-degree vistas of the al fresco top level.

As the boat departs at 9am and weaves through Daydream, Molle, and Cid Islands, the skipper tells the story of the islands through the loudspeaker, thus beginning a day of informative adventure facilitated by friendly, vibrant, and knowledgeable crewmembers.

The vessel starts its circumnavigation of Whitsunday Island towards the first stop of the tour, Hill Inlet lookout; if you’ve seen photos of Whitehaven Beach, they were probably taken from here.

The view is vast and dreamlike and sea life can even be spotted in the depths below.

The next stop is the iconic Whitehaven Beach, where the sand’s magical white sheen can be attributed to the 98.9 per cent pure silica it consists of.

Here, passengers have the option of walking to another lookout, playing some beach sport, swimming, or simply lounging in the sun, and there is plenty of time for all of the above.

The lookout provides vistas that ever-so-slightly surpass the beauty of the first lookout, and the water is so clear and invigorating that it’s near impossible to get out when the time inevitably comes.

After leaving Whitehaven, the boat heads around the south of Whitsunday Island past the high rises of Hamilton Island, making the rooftop observation deck the place to be, to take in the impressive views.

Complimenting the tour is a terrific variety of food provided, including muffins and fruit for morning tea, meat and salads for lunch, and an Instagram-worthy cheese platter perfect for finishing off the day with a cold drink from the fully licensed bar.

Nancy Wake docks back at Shute Harbour at 5pm, ending an inspiring yet relaxing day on the water that is a must for anyone in the region.

Sealink’s modern vessel is the epitome of style and comfort

Whitehaven Beach is a sight to behold. Pictures supplied

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Grapevine Group’s training coordinator Edie Weiss had been awarded the highly regarded LiFE Award by national body Suicide Prevention Australia for her outstanding contribution to the Queensland community.

Some of Ms Weiss’ significant contributions include personally training more than 5000 people in suicide prevention through 164 safeTALK sessions, coordinating Grapevine Group’s 3-hour safeTALK training and the 2-day ASIST Intervention training for Run for MI Life.

Ms Weiss has worked as a guidance officer for St Patrick’s College and Catholic Education, volunteered as a Lifeline Crisis worker and contributed over 30 years to suicide prevention activities.

Ms Weiss has also devised her own toolbox presentation called Suicide Mythbusters which gives an introduction on the signs to look for, where best to find help and the skills to be able to support those experiencing suicidal thoughts. Her extensive experience with Lifeline and in the education sector has provided her a strong background to develop this extra tool for Grapevine’s suicide prevention arsenal.

“Edie’s work is exceptional in this field,” said Grapevine president Debbie Knight.

“She is so humble about the things she’s done and achieved as a volunteer that she probably wouldn’t want us to make a fuss over this special recognition.

“We should make a fuss though because she’s an inspiration with an incredible commitment that has undoubtedly saved many lives,” Ms Knight said.

This is the third time the Grapevine Group has been recognised with Suicide Prevention Australia’s highly regarded LiFE Awards. The first time was when Grapevine president Debbie Knight won the Community Engagement category in 2017 and the organisation itself was awarded the Communities Matter honours in 2020.

Grapevine Group’s training coordinator Edie Weiss had been awarded the highly regarded LiFE Award by national body Suicide Prevention Australia for her outstanding contribution to the Queensland community.

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Raw Metal Corp Mackay loaded its first full ship with recycled metal on Friday afternoon last week, finishing up on Monday mid-morning having worked tirelessly for 64 hours to get the job done.

Loading up the clean scrap steel for recycling, the local company filled the ship's holds with 12 thousand tonnes, and General Manager Brett Crosby said they were more than happy with the outcome.

“Very excited; it was exciting for our whole team as our first ship - and it went off without a hitch. Everyone was extremely happy to be a part of this process,” Mr Crosby said.

The recycled steel, which will head to a mill in Vietnam, was collected and processed over three months and comprised everything from old machinery to washing machines and dryers and a “good mix of other household items.”

Ten trucks operated by local workers from Mackay completed the work along with about 10 internal Raw Metal Corp staff on two shifts.

“It was good for us, but also good for those truck drivers because it’s providing a bit of a boost to the local economy,” Brett said.

“As well, we made sure they were well fed, had a barbecue and a tent set up for food, a coffee van set up in the café for the whole three days of work.”

It was the company's first ship ever, which Brett said had been an aspiration for the business since its early days.

“It’s something we always wanted to do - now we’ve done one and we’ll continue to do more,” he said.

In three months, Raw Metal will fill another ship, and Brett said if any Mackay locals are looking at wanting to be a part of the recycling process, to send their material Raw Metal’s way.

Over 64 hours, Raw Metal Corp transferred 12 thousand tonnes of steel to ships in Mackay

Day and night the Raw Metal Corp group worked tirelessly

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