Another Summer Of Coral Bleaching

The natural wonder of the world that sits at the Whitsundays’ doorstep is under intense scrutiny this week after United Nation’s scientists released their recommendations that the Great Barrier Reef be listed as “in danger”.

The two UN-backed scientists, Elanor Carter and Hans Thulstrup - who visited the Reef in late March while the natural wonder was experiencing its seventh recorded mass bleaching event, and first ever in a La Nina year – released their findings from the 10-day trip in a 100-page report.

Concerns regarding the health of the Great Barrier Reef had been held by the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for years, but they are now looking to come to a head.

The report will likely head to the World Heritage committee in early 2023 where a decision surrounding its status as a World Heritage site will be in contention due to the “in danger” recommendation.

The report states that, while there has been much hard work and progress made on improving water quality in the Reef, they have been far too slow.

“The [Great Barrier Reef] is faced with major threats that could have deleterious effects on its inherent characteristics… for future generations,” the report reads.

The United Nations Reef Report makes a number of high-level recommendations that focus on programs targeting farmers and graziers, work on land erosion, clearer and more ambitious climate targets, and state government work to manage fisheries, amongst others.

Meanwhile, the spotlight on the reef could not come at a worse time: Scientists have said record ocean temperatures could spell another summer of coral bleaching.

Ocean temperatures over the reef reached record numbers in November – their highest since 1985 – according to data from the US government’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa).

The peak period for heat over the reef is expected for February, but a “well-timed cyclone” could stave off the high expected temperatures.

With Nooa’s predictions, there is a “good chance we will see another back-to-back bleaching event,” according to Professor Terry Hughes, a leading expert on coral bleaching at James Cook University.

Whitsunday Conservation Council member, Tony Fontes, said, alongside the potential bleaching, the report held more importance than ever.

“We have limited time and must move on the report’s recommendations,” Mr Fontes said.

“The future health of the Reef is in danger, with or without the World Heritage listing. But we still have a small window of opportunity. The recommendations in the UNESCO report need to be applied now.”

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The Christmas tree coloured coral of the Great Barrier Reef is just a stones’ throw from mainland Whitsundays, whether you rest your head in Bowen, Airlie Beach, or Proserpine -- locals can sometimes forget about that full, holiday experience at our doorstep.

With the gift-giving season coming to its head in two weeks’ time, maybe the perfect yuletide present has been staring the Whitsundays’ residents in the face all along.

One of the region’s biggest tourism operators is offering the “gift of experience” this Christmas with its full suite of premium tours.

Cruise Whitsundays is highlighting how locals can keep the holiday vibe rolling in the New Year by heading out into their own backyard. Take on the Camira Sailing Adventure, indulge with their Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet day trips, explore with Cruise Whitsundays’ Great Barrier Reef Adventure, or their biggest and best: Reefsleep or Reefsuites.

Is a cruise to Whitehaven your style? Cruise Whitsundays have you covered: the jewel of the Whitsunday Islands is yours to experience in either their half-day cruise, or chill and grill (with a gourmet burger on the beach to boot), or aboard Camira.

Their iconic 85-foot purple catamaran harnesses the wind as it sails the azure waters of the Whitsundays on its way to the unforgettable Whitehaven.

But if you’re more inclined for something entirely unique, then the tourism giant has another raft of incredible experiences up its sleeve: Reefsleep and a Great Barrier Reef Adventure.

The two-day and one-night encounter with the Great Barrier Reef that is Reefsleep is an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sleep under the stars and above the ocean.

At Hardy Reef, the permanently moored pontoon of Reefworld - located 39 nautical miles from shore – is one of the world’s most incredible experiences. Snorkel, swim, dive and explore an incredible natural ecosystem that recently garnered Zac Efron’s tick of approval.

Or head on the perfect escape to one of the seven natural wonders of the world for an adventure and see the Great Barrier Reef – the choice is yours. Cruise Whitsundays will take you there.

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Cruise Whitsundays is offering the “gift of experience” this Christmas – why not pick up a gift certificate today?

What says ‘special’ – that’s always the hardest part of Christmas shopping. What can we get for the people who seemingly have everything?

It’s all mass-produced nowadays. We can head to “The Store” – whatever it may be, they’re all basically the same - and get an elegant wooden Le Creuset Revolution for the special person in our lives who loves to bake, but it’ll still read: Kmart Wooden Spoon #211,829 on the back.

And that’s nothing against Kmart.

So, what says ‘special’ with that little twinkle of fairy dust over the words more than something hand-crafted and one of its kind?

Shopping local, that’s what; uniqueness cannot be store-bought.

And there’s no better place or time in the Whitsundays than a Saturday down at the Airlie Beach Lions Community Markets for a personalised present.

A bespoke pack of perfumes and soaps might be just right for the indulgent ones.

Or maybe it’s one of those funny hats with the puffy grey wigs sticking out the top for your uncle with no hair. Oh, oh! No, it could be one of those cakes for your sweet, toothed nan!

The resident population of the Whitsundays is often not from the Whitsundays to begin with. Expats, kids on gap years and holidayers all call this region home, to name a few – as well as plenty of sailors.

And taking a little piece of the Whitsundays – maybe just something as simple as honey harvested in the Conway Ranges – and packaging it off for a Christmas Care Package can mean the world to mums and dads who miss you a whole lot.

Give them a piece of your new home, something memorable, something ‘special’.

The Lions Airlie Beach Community Markets take place each Saturday from 7.00am to 1.30pm.

Drop down for your perfect present and support the smallest of the small business owners.

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Head down to the Airlie Beach Lions Community Markets this Christmas season to see what special, unique gifts you can grab

The first of its kind in the Whitsundays, the new Lokahi Poke Bar has just opened its doors in Cannonvale and has a mission to provide the local community with healthy, balanced meals that are also delicious to eat.

For those that are yet to try this tasty treat, a Poke Bowl is a dish originating from Hawaii and inspired by the large population of Japanese residents on the island.

Bringing together a fusion of Asian and Hawaiian cultures, the Poke Bowl has a noodle, rice or salad base, a choice of protein – from meat to tofu, salmon and tuna – and a colourful array of complementary salad items on top.  

Purple cabbage, bright green cucumber and Edamame beans, yellow corn, orange carrot and pink radish – a rainbow of vibrantly coloured goodness makes you feel great inside and out.

Lokahi Poke Bar has been created by Erina Miyake, who is originally from Japan but has lived in the Whitsundays for the past five years, bringing up her two children in the area with her husband Leo.

Having visited cities like Brisbane and Sydney, Erina noticed Poke Bars were very popular and thought that, with our local healthy lifestyle, they would work perfectly here.

Available in gluten free, vegetarian and adaptable for most dietary requirements, everything is made fresh to order and the delicious dressing is also home-made.

Lokahi also serves Acai Bowls, both classic and chocolate flavoured, yoghurt cups in mixed berry and mandarin mango, and dairy free chia pudding.

Located at Whitsunday Shopping Centre in Cannonvale, look for the bright green shopfront and choose from the menu or design your own bowl.

Made fresh to order, they will be ready before you can say ‘Get Poked!’

Staff member Boyeon Cha and Lokahi Poke Bowl owner Erina Miyake. Photo: Rachael Smith

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The first trailer for a highly anticipated television series filmed in Proserpine dropped in late November – and Proserpinians will be able to spot the local locales.

The Stan Original Series Black Snow will premiere on January 1 on the streaming network, having filmed entirely within Proserpine for roughly four months and utilising 350 local extras – a few familiar faces.

Promising to be a “gripping drama”, Black Snow stars Australian actor Travis Fimmel alongside newcomers Talijah Blackman-Corowa, Jemmason Power, Molly Fatnowna, and Eden Cassady.

The drama mystery series is set in the small, fictional North Queensland town of Ashford, with Proserpine acting as its stand in. In the trailer, local audiences are treated to snippets of the story, as well as snippets of their hometown.

The atmospheric teaser shows off Proserpine Cemetery, aerial shots of surrounding cane fields and the Conway National Park abound, recognisable Proserpine side streets, and even the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal.

The story follows a group of high schoolers working on creating a time capsule in 1994. But, one week before the time capsule is set to be buried, a student, Isabel Baker, is murdered.

After 25 years, the case still unsolved, the time capsule is unearthed and reveals a letter from Isabel that shakes the town to its bones – which is where our Detective Sergeant James Cormack (Fimmel) comes in.

In six, hour-long episodes, Fimmel goes on a thrilling hunt for the killer, and treks through Proserpine while he does it.

A potential further economic boon for the region by enticing tourism, Black Snow will drop on Stan on New Year’s Day.

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A television series filmed in Proserpine launched its trailer in late November, with a few local faces and places

A local Proserpine State High Schooler has been selected for one of Australia’s highly prestigious science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs which selects only 140 students from across the country.

Proserpine State High School year nine student Ella Cram earned her place in the six-month learning program Curious Minds after a rigorous application and short-listing process.

The program – which enables high potential female students in years nine and 10 – invites its 140 students to benefit from the expertise and mentorship of 94 STEM coaches across a half-year period of exploring all aspects of STEM through lectures, experiments, workshops, coaching, and networking.

The young Proserpine student was ecstatic to receive the news of her successful application and said she had “not been expecting it”.

“I thought my chances were incredibly slim; really, really slim,” Ella said.

“It took a lot of work and detail with teacher referrals, information about my grades. I’m excited to start the six-months of training in January through July.”

Ella had completed this year’s International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) test – a voluntary skills-based assessment program that functions much like school examinations – when her teacher, Ms Sherelle Shields, had suggested attempting to gain a place in Curious Minds.

“I encouraged Ella through the Curious Mind application process as she is an amazing student. Ella shows excellent aptitude in the area of STEM and is an exemplary role model for all of her peers,” Ms Shields said.

The year nine student has always had an interest in biology and chemistry and believes the program will help her achieve her dreams of working in the sciences.

“The career I want to go into once I finish school is in the sciences – I’ll go to medical school and then become a forensic pathologist,” Ella said.

“I want knowledge of that field from this program and an understanding of what that kind of rigorous learning is like.”

Ella will take part in multiple Curious Minds camps throughout 2023 during the six-month program.

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Proserpine year nine student Ella Cram will take part in a prestigious STEM program called Curious Minds in 2023

A returning Proserpine resident, who moved back to the area 12 months ago, has written five children’s books over the past year and sold over 650 copies.

Kaye Ogilvie grew up on a cane farm in Lethebrook and has spent over 30 years living away from the region, most recently down in South Burnett where she ran a 123-acre farm with her partner and ‘star’ of her books – Farmer Dodds.

The couple started their farm from scratch, beginning with ducks, turkeys, geese and chooks before bringing in some goats and 12 calves.

Each animal at the farm has its own name and individual personality and, Kaye would often regale her family with stories of their antics, so much so that her son said she could write a book about them.

So, she did!

There are now five in the series of ‘Tales of Cackleberry House’, each sharing a story inspired by a farm animal or funny incident on the property.

From the Irish Wolfhound who was scared of everything, to the red cattle dog that taught him the ropes – every character in the book is real, although many of the stories have been embellished for fun.

Kaye does all her own illustrations as well, using a mixed medium of watercolour, ink and acrylic penicils on water colour paper.

“I found my own method and own forms,” said Kaye.

“Now I’ve got them all down pat.”

Once the stories are created, she scans them into the Canva app and creates the books from scratch.

She then self-publishes them, and they are available both in digital and hard copy.

You can purchase them through her website thetalesofcackleberrylodge.com.au or through Amazon.

The books are suitable for children aged three to 10 years of age and Kaye is available for author talks at any local schools.

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Children’s author Kaye Ogilvie with her ‘Tales of Cackleberry House’

The star of the books, Farmer Dodds attending to the cattle

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In this year’s already extended sugarcane crushing season, the Proserpine Mill has reported a crush of over 34,000 tonnes for the week, a decrease -and another setback - in weekly throughput due to rainfall.

Up to 120-millimetres across the region has once again pushed back the season’s endpoint in Proserpine.

This week’s harvest brings the season-to-date total to just over 1.5M tonnes.

Average CCS levels have decreased to 12.80 units, 0.42 units less than the previous week. This was 0.10 units below forecast, which was expected as a result of the rainfall.

Average bin weights remained similar to the previous week at 9.33 and 9.35 tonnes respectively.

The highest CCS sample was 15.26 units from a rake of Q208 ratoon in the Elaroo Productivity District.

Wilmar Sugar is urging growers to access the 2023 forecast maps, which have been uploaded to GrowerWeb, and please update with any changes for the 2023 crushing season.

As well, the local sugarcane mill, with the crushing season extending into the school holiday period, are asking parents and caregivers to talk to children about the dangers of playing on or around our cane rail network.

“Do not linger near any part of the rail network, and only cross the line using designated crossings,” Wilmar write in their sugar mill report for the week.

“Remember our locos are towing heavy loads and can take up to 1km to come to a complete stop. Our cane trains are in operation around the clock, seven days a week during the crushing season, including over the holiday period.”

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A local supermarket is living up to its motto of being “proud to serve our local community” with separate donations totalling $2,700 for a series of Proserpine community groups on December 1.

Peries SUPA IGA Proserpine distributed funds from its ‘Community Chest’ to three non-for-profits: Proserpine Whitsunday Junior Rugby League, Proserpine Meals on Wheels, and Proserpine Scouts.

The Community Chest program has run in IGAs across the country since 2010, collecting portions of the total price of any specially ticketed items during “promotion weeks” before redistributing them to worthy causes.

The community outreach program regularly supports over 1,200 local causes annually, and Proserpine Peries SUPA IGA Proserpine Manager Keiryn Stacpoole said it simply reflected the mentality that “IGA was all about community”.

“[All the funds] are going towards good causes that have supported us as a business and this town,” Mr Stacpoole said.

“I’ve missed the past few years where we’ve given the funds out, so this year is very special for me personally to be able to give back to the town that means so much to us.”

Whitsunday Junior Brahmans President Justin Follet said the $1,000 dollars that his sports club received would go towards “so much more than just tackle bags.”

“We really appreciate this - it’s fantastic,” Mr Follet said.

“Last year, we spent $2,500 on just footballs alone and this $1,000 will go towards more balls, cones, poles, stuff like that. We’ll be able to get a few big tackling tubes that are nothing like the old ones where you hold the bag. This equipment means the world to us at the grass roots level.

“The development is key. It’s awesome and not a small amount of money by any means.”

Of the Community Chest funds, $1,000 was donated to both Proserpine Meals on Wheels and Proserpine Whitsunday Junior Rugby League club each, and the remaining $700 to Proserpine Scouts.

“Speaking with Proserpine Scouts, that $700 will go a long way,” the store manager said.

“It will pay for people to go to courses, more first aid training, and anything they need.”

Mr Stacpoole said he was hoping to be “able to get [the groups] more money” for next year’s Proserpine iteration of Community Chest. He also hoped that more non-for-profit groups would come forward to receive donations.

“I think it’s great because it’s not about publicity, it’s about community,” he said.

“A lot of people shop in this shop from town and we’re supporting those who support us. As long as it puts smiles on their faces, it’s really good.”

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Proserpine Whitsunday Junior Rugy League club administration members Russel Mau, Kim Bates, President Justin Follet, Peries IGA Proserpine Manager Keiryn Stacpoole, and Melanie Porter

Local Workshops Teach Family Members How To Offer Support

Navigating the world of substance use and helping a family member to break free of a cycle with either alcohol or other drugs can be a challenging and often confusing place to be.

Fortunately, there is help out there and next week not-for-profit, non-government organisation Drug ARM is coming to the Whitsundays to offer two free workshops as part of their 'Breakthrough for Families' program.

Anyone who is concerned about a loved one and wants to learn how to best help them is invited to attend these informative sessions.

At the sessions you will learn how to:

• How to have a conversation with someone who has a substance use issue

• How to set healthy boundaries and keep them

• Information on why people use alcohol and other drugs

• Information on lapse and relapse

• Introduction to the Stages of Behaviour Change

• Trustworthy information about alcohol and other drugs and their effects

• Information on how to navigate the alcohol and other drug treatment system

• Accessing support for family members, including connection to ongoing social or health services.

You don’t have to do this alone, reach out to support services, connect with others and share experiences to learn how to best help those you love.

Through this session you will also receive links to other programs in the local area, like AOD group programs, withdrawal support, services or counselling.
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WHAT: Community Information Sessions On Alcohol and Drugs

CANNONVALE: Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, Thursday December 15 from 1.30pm to 4.30pm

PROSERPINE: Proserpine Community Centre, Wednesday December 14 from 1.30pm to 4.30pm

COST: Free

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A brand-new parenting support program will be launching in Collinsville at the end of January with the aim to offer regional families a place to connect, create friendships and discover referral pathways for services.

Zoe Williams from Stella Life Care is helping to organise the event which will be facilitated weekly by Jill Wilson.

“I’ve seen a real need for it in the community,” said Zoe.

“Sometimes people don’t have the confidence to attend playgroups and getting out of the house can be an issue for some people.

“We have really limited mental health services here and people are often going to the hospital to seek help.”

The support program will help connect parents with other likeminded people but also important services that can assist with mental health.

Parents will have the opportunity to share experiences and learn how to build self-resilience in a peer-to-peer support network.

“We hope this program will help connect people and get them out of the house – it takes a village to raise a child,” said Zoe.

The Parents Support Group will start on Thursday, February 2, and then every Thursday from 4pm to 5pm at the Collinsville and Scottville Playgroup.

Everyone is welcome.
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WHAT: Collinsville Parenting Support Program

WHEN: Thursday, February 2 from 4pm to 5pm

WHERE: Collinsville and Scottville Playgroup
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Parenting Tips For Regional Communities

• Ask for help

• Find a parenting or play group to join

• Quieten the internal critic and don't try to be perfect

• Keep a sense of humour

• Try to reduce stress and make time for you- self-care is vital

• Establish routines and be organised

• Involve your children even in the everyday tasks

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I know a dark secluded place

A place where no one knows your face… (Archie Bleyer)

Mention the words “Hernando’s Hideaway” and a smile will come to the faces of any restaurant workers, housemaids and porters as they recall their magical, carefree days as a staff member on Hayman Island. No matter what you were or where you worked, you were always welcome at Hernando’s.

Hernando’s Hideaway was a small beachfront hut. Decked out with fish nets hanging from the rafters, buoys scattered with thick mooring ropes lying about and palm fronds, Hernando’s was purposely built for the staff to go after hours but guests were also welcome.

The building was established in 1961- 62 (the exact year is unknown but it was definitely in operation in 1962). The “hut” was officially opened by Andre Maestracci who wanted to call it “The Wreck” however, the name Hernando’s was chosen by someone of influence in Ansett.

Located at the far end of the bay with beach access which was tidal, the journey to and from Hernando’s could be quite perilous. When the tide was in, one had to walk along the higher goat track; a trek that was scary and eerie enough without the added screeching of curlews in the dead of night. Many stories abound of hairy trips home after a night at Hernando’s. Not long after it opened, one staff member, Jack Jones, fell down the mountain on to the beach in his inebriated state. Jack sustained hardly a scratch. From all accounts, it seemed that only the non-drinkers were the ones to get injured. Then there were reports of those who returned soaking wet but insisting that the tide was out!  And also, the tales of lost souls found in the bushes in the morning light as others made their way to breakfast.

By the light of the moon, night clubbers would make their way along the rocky path to the inner sanctum of Hernando’s, so dimly lit, that it was hard to know who was and was not there. But the bar could be seen from the open door with the ever-busy barman dishing out cheek and drinks and in later years, the occasional pie straight out of the microwave – with soft pastry and the filling the temperature of molten lava (especially to an angry, drunk patron).

The dance music blasted through the speakers making it impossible to talk but friendships were made and romances blossomed. Here, staff could let their hair down and dance and drink the night away. Many did drink the night away and then made their way directly to work the next day.

And no one cares how late it gets

Not at Hernando's Hideaway, ole´

The morning would dawn into another beautiful Whitsunday but Hernando’s didn’t have the same appeal in the day. “It was a night creature. You could hear the booming music as you rounded the last corner. Dark and moody with flashes … lighting spilling out onto the beach … The vibration penetrating my inner core - That’s my memory of this magical place. Unforgettable!” (Robbie Muller - early 1980s)

Hernando’s was also unforgettable for the kids of Hayman. On a weekend or afternoon, they were often seen down on their hands and knees looking for any loose change in the cracks of the floor board or under the big long wooden bar, dropped there by the carefree and careless patrons.

The kids made a small fortune. The staff made lasting memories.

Story and photos courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and “Hayman Island Golden Days till 1985 closing” Facebook page.

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Hernando’s was located on the beach at Hayman Island

Hernando’s music in the early days

Hernando's Hideaway

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Image 1: Kieran Horsfall was awarded Mackay Man of the Year at the International Men’s Day Breakfast

Decades of community service, voluntary work and supporting youth was recognised last month as Kieran Horsfall was awarded Mackay Man of the Year at the International Men’s Day Breakfast.

Kieran’s role as Police Coordinator for Project Booyah Mackay sees him help and mentor disadvantaged youth through issues at home, school and with the law.

He is also involved in the community through local sport and organisations, his passion for youth development apparent in every role he fills.

“I’ve always been around youth, to be honest,” Kieran said.

“For me, being a member of the community, it’s all about helping the community and providing a service that supports young men and people in the community to become who they want and succeed.”

Role Models Honoured At Breakfast For Blokes

Image 2-4: Chances Cafe, TEEN Shed and Vinnies Men's Hostel received cheques for $3,000 thanks to diners and sponsors

Image 5-6: Two pieces of art from the International Men’s Day Art Show were auctioned. Photo credit: Liz Andrews

Image 7: L-R DGH Engineering General Manager Dave Hackett, Shed Happens Mackay Convenor Frank Cowell and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal CEO Steve Rae

Image 8: Photo credit: Liz Andrews

Kieran said it was a shock to be recognised as Mackay’s Man of the Year.

“it’s an honour to be awarded with such an accolade,” he said.

“I’ve had good role models, good mentors in my life.

“There are good male role models in the community doing great things and I think it should be recognised.”

Shed Happens Mackay Convenor Frank Cowell said Kieran’s active involvement in the community helped him stand out.

“Kieran impressed us with his enthusiasm for voluntary work and also the things he said about raising his family and the Project Booyah lads, you could tell he had a passion for it,” he said.

Friday’s International Men’s Day Breakfast was the fourth time the occasion has been recognised with a breakfast in Mackay, with 120 people attending the Ocean International Hotel.

The day started with light exercise led by Steve Eden of City Fitness, followed by addresses, speeches and welcomes from Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, Reverend Doctor Solman Zwana, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal CEO Steve Rae and Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox.

Two pieces of art from the International Men’s Day Art Show earlier this year were auctioned and donations were given to Chances Cafe, TEEN Shed and Vinnies Men's Hostel.

Group discussions were held throughout the morning, discussing the role of a positive male role model in the community.

“The biggest message that came out of that was that most people’s positive male role model was their dad or their grandfather,” said Mr Cowell.

“We talked about the qualities of a good role model, and they were integrity, honesty, the ability to listen.

“We need to celebrate the good things, when people do good things.

“That’s what International Men’s Day is all about, is celebrating the positives.”

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Image 1: Sharon Fox is urging people to not forget about her friend Helen Barnett who has been missing February. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Image 2: Helen was last seen about 300m from her home on Turnors Paddock Road at around 4:20pm on Sunday, February 13. Photo supplied

Sharon Fox was looking forward to a road trip with her good friend Helen Barnett earlier this year but before the two could reunite, Helen went missing.

54-year-old Helen of Koumala went missing on Sunday, February 13, 2022, and after thorough searches, no trace of Helen has been uncovered.

“My immediate response was shock because she expected me to be there on the following Wednesday,” said Sharon.

“I just couldn’t believe it.”

Sharon and Helen met around nine years ago through mutual friends and became very close very quickly.

“We had similarities and we always called each other sisters,” said Sharon.

“She’s just an amazing person – loved life, loved people, not once in all those years have I ever seen Helen in a bad mood.”

Sharon said Helen is a free-spirited person who loves to travel but when she had a seizure at the wheel of her small bus and lost her license, her mental health took a turn.

“That contributed to a fair bit of her depression at the time she went missing,” said Sharon.

The pair planned a road trip, with Sharon to pick Helen up from her Koumala home on Wednesday, February 16.

Helen was seeking support for her mental health at Sharon’s suggestion and was released on Friday, February 11.

“She’d gone home and then her carer called me on the Sunday and said she was missing,” said Sharon.

“From that day on, I searched for a whole week down there with a couple of friends to no avail.

“We’ve found nothing, we’ve heard nothing.

“It’s just heartbreaking to know that we can’t find her.”

Helen’s disappearance is shrouded in mystery.

While it wasn’t unlike her to go for walks, Sharon says she would never have left without her joggers and phone.

She was also taking regular epilepsy and blood pressure medication, which was left at home alongside her beloved dog Rocky’s ashes and her cat Smudge.

“Helen would never have wanted people to give up on her,” Sharon said.

“She would never have given up on us.

“That’s the sort of person she was.

“I hope we find her, and I hope she’s returned to us all in one piece.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Image: New stinger signs were installed at Eimeo Beach last week

Do you know a Box from an Irukandji?

Mackay Regional Council is installing new warning signs at a number of popular beaches to coincide with the beginning of stinger season.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the signs were designed to increase awareness of the risks of two of the most dangerous species of jellyfish (stingers) found in the region; the Box jellyfish and Irukandji.

“Stinger season runs from November to May each year, so we want to increase awareness around this issue,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We had a death in our region earlier this year due to a jellyfish sting, so we want to remind residents to remain vigilant when visiting our beaches,” he said.

“Full length stinger suits provide the best protection against jellyfish stings when swimming at local beaches.”

Mayor Williamson said the new signs were designed to give users a better appreciation of the risks of swimming at the beach.

“The signs detail the time of year when these jellyfish are most likely to be found in our waters, what protective measures should be taken, symptoms, first aid information, emergency locations and contacts.

“Beachgoers can also scan the QR code on the signs, which provides a link to even more detailed information in the event of a sting.”

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