Residents are advised to check their land valuation notices and consider if they should lodge an objection against their new valuations before the six-week window elapses.

Anyone wishing to submit an objection must do so before the closing date of 16 May.

Total land valuations across the Mackay local government area have increased in by 16 per cent but it is the rural residents that have seen the greatest impact.

On average Mackay has seen rural residential land values increase by 32.4 per cent and primary production land values increase by 59.6 per cent with many cattle property valuations increasing by over 200 per cent.

Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm MP says that it is vital to check your notice so you can speak up if your valuation is inaccurate.

“New valuations have been undertaken in the Mackay Local Government area and these should reflect the property market on 1st October 2022, the date of the valuation,” said Ms Camm.

“The new valuations will take effect from 30th June 2023 for Local Government ratings, State land tax and land rental purposes.”

Your valuation may not correctly reflect current market valuations if they fit into any of the four categories.

• Sales evidence supports a different value, for example, comparable property sales don’t reflect your valuation.

• Physical characteristics or constraints on the use of the land support a different value.

• Other issues which may affect the valuation.

• Deduction for site improvements (DSI) - For land valued using site value only.

Valuation objections can be submitted online or on a Notice of Objection Form which is available from the Department of Natural Resources, Level 1, 44 Nelson Street Mackay.

Objections must be lodged by 16th May 2023.  Further information is available via https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/title/valuation/objections or by phoning                   1300 664 217.

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Full access to Eungella Range on Mackay–Eungella Road has been restored with extensive work clearing landslip debris and rectifying damage done during January’s flooding and heavy rainfall.

The road was closed temporarily on January 16 after more than 600mm of rainfall was recorded within a single, 48-hour period at Mount Charlton, and more than 1000mm within seven days at Finch Hatton.

Emergency works to remove large rocks and debris allowed the road to be safely reopened under restricted access within just eight days and has since completely been cleared.

State Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said clean-up crews removed almost 7500 cubic metres of debris, rock and loose material, with about 220 cubic metres of sprayed concrete used to stabilise key areas.

"Reconnecting communities as quickly and safely as possible was our driving focus when delivering these repairs and I thank everyone for their patience,” the Member said.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt echoed the sentiment.

“The Albanese Government is very pleased to assist the Palaszczuk Government with these roadworks and repairs to further the recovery of communities in Mackay and Eungella Range to help cut down travel times for road users safely.”

Landscaping and geotechnical investigations will continue once the road is fully reopened to identify sections requiring further restoration.

These works will be carried out over the next 12 months and will require traffic management at times.

The road repairs and emergency works are jointly funded by the Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

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Eungella Road has been fully restored after extensive work to remove debris during January’s major rainfall event

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A local bank branch has joined the “Smile Month” effort to fundraise for Clown Doctors – a national program which provides highly trained, professional “medical clowns” to help lift the spirits of sick kids by through laughter and joy.

Cannonvale Commonwealth Bank is supporting the Clown Doctors program which makes more than 230,000 visits each year to children in 22 hospitals across Australia.

The local team join branches across the country in April as they rally together to raise much needed funds via a variety of fundraising events.

In 2022, 67 Clown Doctors across Australia delivered doses of fun and laughter to over 230,000 kids, families and hospital staff.

Commonwealth Bank Branch Manager Lisa McAliece said the cause was one her branch was always more than happy to support.

Nathan Barker, Head of Community Investment at CommBank, said the Clown Doctors is something the bank’s staff are very passionate about.

“We’re thrilled to be gifting smiles of all shapes and sizes again in 2023 as we continue our 20-plus-year history of supporting the Clown Doctors and the work they do to help sick kids,” he said.

“Our fundraising for The Humour Foundation is something we love doing as a team and we encourage our communities to get behind the incredible work the Clown Doctors do for kids in need.”

In-branch donations are available until Friday 28 April, with all fundraising efforts up to the value of $100,000 to be matched by the CommBank Staff Foundation, meaning the impact of the community’s generosity will be doubled.

Donations to the Clown Doctors can be made at any Commonwealth Bank branch throughout April or online, at: smilemonth.raisely.com

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Commonwealth Bank Cannonvale staff members Jaimee Egan, Lisa McAliece, and Lauren Ward

Sarina crafter Val Pearce is expanding her skills after a lifetime of crafting.

Val is a member of the Sarina Fibre Arts Group, whose members offer their crafts for sale at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre.

“I think it was about 1998 that I joined them,” Val said.

“They were meeting at Sarina High School then, but they now meet in the Craft Cottage, across from the Sarina Men’s Shed.

“We have about 18 to 20 at each meeting and we always learn off each other.”

Val said she learnt to knit from her mother when she was a child in Victoria.

“In Victoria in mid-winter it was cold and there was no TV so what I learnt to knit was wearable things, mum used to knit all our jumpers and socks,” she said.

She widened her interests to include dyeing of cotton fabrics, applique of fabric on fabric, and all aspects of hand sewing including handbags and quilts and is learning more from the crafters at the Fibre Arts Group.

“It’s a great group to be a part of,” Val said.

“They have enormous knowledge to pass on and it’s very therapeutic.

“It’s great to be in that group and gain knowledge in a wide range of crafts.”

A Japanese embroidery style called Sashiko is popular with the group.

“It is different from other forms and is a very ancient craft, so it’s good to learn those skills,” Val said.

“We’ve been learning old skills such as candlewicking, an early American form of embroidery, along with Hardanger (Norwegian) and Jacobean (English) styles.

“We also do felting, eco dyeing and make handbags and quilts.”

Val has an aromatic family link for sale at the Arts and Crafts Centre – sweet-smelling embroidered lavender sachets stuffed with cuttings from her sister in Victoria.

Her bags and other items are also popular.

The Arts and Crafts Centre is open 9-1 Monday to Saturday, at the Sarina Field of Dreams Parkland.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Crafter Val Pearce with a tote bag made in the Japanese Sashiko style at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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Single-use plastics will soon be removed from Whitsunday businesses thanks to a state government scheme that has already been rolled out to 600 regional businesses and it is heading here next.

So far, the free program has helped cafes and restaurants in regional Queensland eliminate more than 8.2 million pieces of single-use plastics.

Currently, single-use plastics account for more than 75 per cent of rubbish removed from Australian beaches.

The government-funded Plastic Free Project is coordinated by the Boomerang Alliance Campaign and Manager Toby Hutcheon says that over the past few years, the project has established good relationships with regional businesses.

“We provide helpful advice on packaging and show them how they can eliminate problem plastics from use,” he explains.

“There will be a focus on reusable food ware and BYO coffee cups.

“Hotels and cafes can play a big part in helping Queenslanders make the switch away from disposable packaging.”

Fast Facts:

• Half of all plastic produced is designed to be used only once

• At least 8 million tonnes of plastics leak into the ocean each year

• Turtles have a 20% chance of dying if they ingest just one piece of plastic

• More than 85% of contamination in the Great Barrier Reef is from microfibres

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Single-use plastics account for more than 75 per cent of rubbish removed from Australian beaches.

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Queenslanders with an interest in sustainable management of the state’s fisheries are urged to submit an application to join a fishery working group.

Fisheries Queensland Executive Director Dallas D’Silva said nominations are open for membership of 14 fishery working groups, which are integral to delivering world-class, sustainable fisheries.

“This is an exciting opportunity to be part of sustainable fisheries management,” Mr D’Silva said.

“Fishery working groups provide important operational advice on the management of specific fisheries and serve as an effective communication and consultative forum between fishing stakeholders and the Queensland Government.

“We are seeking a range of people to join the fishery working groups, including commercial and recreational fishers, charter operators, seafood marketers and processors, conservation representatives and First Nations peoples.”

Mr D’Silva said the working groups have been very effective in developing harvest strategies and their operational knowledge and advice has been invaluable.

“Under the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy, working group membership is renewed every two years,” he said.

“We have also reviewed the fishery working groups guideline and released it for public consultation.”

Applications to join the fishery working groups are due by May 21, 2023, and consultation on the working groups guideline also closes May 21, 2023.

To nominate for the working groups and provide feedback on the guidelines, visit https://daf.engagementhub.com.au/.

Follow Fisheries Queensland on Facebook (@FisheriesQueensland), Instagram (@FisheriesQld) and Twitter (@DAFQld).

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Men are afraid of vulnerability. “There is an idea that it is a kind of weakness,” Cannonvale local Bob Eden said. “Men think that others will use it against them; use it to get a foot up on one another. That’s not the case.”

Mr Eden - whose first novel, ‘The Gift of Depression, My Little Scrap Book’, is part memoir, part treatise on mental illness – recently accomplished a 15-year ambition of starting a local wellbeing group in the Whitsundays.

Mr Eden, alongside Real Mates Talk’s Suicide Prevention Worker for the Whitsundays Adam Richards, has run two sessions of the Cannonvale Wellbeing Group.

With the backing of popular men’s health campaign Real Mates Talk and the backing of Mr Richards, Mr Eden has facilitated the event to a growing number of supporters.

“We have to do things in this area, because there’s a great need in this area for a support group of this type,” Mr Eden said.

“I’ve been trying to get this going for more than two decades and, using the banner and message of Real Mates Talk, it’s an opportunity to continue my mission, which is to eradicate suicide.”

Across the Whitsundays, Isaac, and Mackay, where Real Mates Talk began, the need for a men’s mental health campaign was obvious. Real Mates Talk reports around three quarters of people who die by suicide across the region are men.

That fact is reflected in the national average, too: The Australian Bureau of Statistics states that 72 per cent of deaths by suicide are male, despite the population share being higher for females.

Mr Eden said that comes from institutionalised ideas of “personal weakness”.

“It’s in the name: Let’s get mates to talk real,” Mr Eden said.

“It’s a male thing and a Queensland thing where you ask how they’re going and they say, ‘it’s all good! I’m good, mate’. They’re lying because they’re scared of the stigma of mental health.”

Medical literature agrees: Men resoundingly hold more stigmatising attitudes towards those with depression, anxiety, and who die by suicide.

Genuine mental health concerns are seen, mistakenly, as a “discrediting mark”, according to a American Journal of Men’s Health piece, ‘Men’s Experiences of Mental Illness Stigma Across the Lifespan: A Scoping Review’.

Men enduring mental health concerns can feel burdened by a form of stereotyping, prejudice, and inevitably a “self-stigma” – where those suffering turn the publicly endorsed stigmatising against themselves.

It is the antiquated adages: ‘Men Should Be Men’ and ‘Men Don’t Cry’.

Mr Eden, whose personal struggles with “The Black Dog” have led him on a crusade against depression, said small, community events like the Real Mates Talk Cannonvale Wellbeing Group were steps to challenging and destroying that stigma.

“Men can overcome the programmed belief that is shameful to be vulnerable,” he said.

“That’s what this is all about.”

The Cannonvale Wellbeing Group meets every Wednesday at the Cannonvale Skate Park gazebo from 10.00am to 11.30am.

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Real Mates Talk ambassador and author Bob Eden with AJ Shoesmith, and Daniel Campbell at last week’s Cannonvale Wellbeing Group meeting

By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

Sugar Terminals Limited’s decision to remove Queensland Sugar Limited and become owner/operator of the state’s bulk sugar terminals has generated a stir right across the industry. But it is an issue that has potential flow-on effects to the regional community and economy.

It is for the two entities to stop the blame game and come up with a resolution in the best interests of the industry and the regional communities they support. Right now, the Queensland sugar industry is renowned internationally for efficient, reliable and cost-effective bulk handling of our commodity and protecting this is a no-brainer.

Sugar is a staple in our regional economy, and our capacity to reliably deliver to our export customers - the outstanding performance at bulk sugar terminals like Mackay’s - is a crucial point of difference in the world market. We can grow all the sugar in the world, but if we can’t get it out reliably, then it is all for nothing. Our customers will shy away and look elsewhere.

The flow-on from that would reach out to businesses across the region, from retail and hospitality to transport and engineering and direct sugar industry services.

Having bulk storage capability means that when sugar prices are low, we can hold onto some of our product and wait for stronger prices. It brings a better return for growers and millers that share an economic interest in the product and in turn puts more money into our community, strengthening our economy.

Concern has been expressed across the supply chain that the move – planned for end of the current contract in 2026 – will remove an important balance that the industry implemented to avoid having the state’s bulk sugar terminals placed in the hands of a private enterprise whose main objective is to appease their shareholders, who demand a strong return. This problem is compounded as a growing number of those shareholders are no longer active in the industry- a requirement to be a shareholder. This means STL is operating outside of its constitution. Further, these inactive shareholders are preventing newer growers from having access to a shareholding in these industry assets. It is absolutely critical that control of the terminals stay equitably within industry hands.

On the miller-class side, Wilmar holds the majority of miller-class shares. Wilmar, of course holds several operational arms in Australia, chiefly milling and marketing. This gives Wilmar a strong board presence. Wilmar is a competitor with QSL in the marketing space.

In 2000, when the government stepped back from direct management of the BSTs, ending the Queensland Sugar Corporation, QSL was established as a NOT-FOR-PROFIT entity, to continue the other responsibilities of QSC: marketing all export sugar produced in Queensland and managing all bulk sugar terminals. De-regulation has allowed other marketers into the industry, but QSL remains strong in that space and an effective terminal operator. That not-for-profit status allows it to cost-effectively continue BST operations as a service to industry.

At CANEGROWERS Mackay, and at CANEGROWERS state Policy Council, we have met with both STL and QSL board and management. We have heard the point of view of both sides, and have spoken firmly for the interests of growers in this debate. We are still yet to see a firm business case for how in-sourcing will make the ports more cost-efficient, and would suggest the extensive outlay in purchasing terminal assets, and the increased tax liabilities moving from a not-for-profit to a for-profit operator are both large financial hurdles to straddle. It has been reassuring to hear that terminal staff would retain employment. However. We also see that a for-profit entity is likely - by the nature of the beast, to charge what the market can bear. As growers, we need the security of having access to ports at a reasonable rate.

Mackay is home to the oldest of the six bulk sugar terminals, operational from 1957. Two-thirds of that was paid for by the Mackay Harbour Board, and through special dues on cargo. In fact, the whole harbour construction cost borne by Mackay Harbour Board was to a large extent funded by Special Dues paid by the sugar industry. Prior to 1957, 5.5million tonnes of raw sugar had been shipped from Mackay in bagged form.

It’s an industry asset. For the sake of the industry, and for regional economies, it is imperative that QSL and STL resolve this dispute with minimal disruption to the industry.

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Mackay Bulk Sugar Terminal - the exit point to export markets for the region’s sugar product - is a critical part of the regional economy.  Photo credit: Kirili Lamb

The Mackay Harbour Story (HA Moore), and Sugar in Mackay (Mackay Printing and Publishing) tell the story of our sugar port’s development

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Sarina’s Jordan Patullo (Ruddell) said she cannot thank her local Australian Army Cadets Program enough for her career in the trades sector and her recent receiving of a scholarship opportunity.

The member of 131 Army Cadet Unit Sarina is undertaking an apprenticeship in engineering (fabrication trade) and said the skills she has learnt while in the Cadets were “exactly what employers are looking for – discipline, respect, courage, teamwork, initiative, and time management”.

“Cadets has helped me be able to manage myself and others around me in the workshop, built my confidence to speak to people I've never met before, along with speaking confidently in front of a crowd,” Jordan said.

“When I finish my apprenticeship, I would like to become a trainer and mix my experience in the cadets with my career to help guide others in learning to do welding and fabrication.”

The national youth development program shares the character and values of the Australian Army and is a partnership between the Australian Army and the community.

“I’ve enjoyed nothing more than training the junior cadets and watching them grow into strong and amazing young leaders, as it gives me a sense of achievement as I realise that I do make a difference by being the younger cadets’ role model,” Jordan said.

Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Board Chair Karen May said when deciding on the 2022 Apprenticeship Scholarship recipients, “Jordan stood out – her involvement in the Army Cadets program showed commitment and initiative and the importance of community”.

“Jordan is a role model to many young students who are in the cadets program but also young women wanting to start a trade,” Ms May said.

“The 2022 CQUniversity recipients all came from a wide range of industries, showcasing the opportunities for the youth in our region, including for women in the trade sector.”

Community Bank Sarina offers multiple scholarship opportunities for high school students, as well as apprenticeship and undergraduate degree students studying through CQUniversity.

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Recycling just got a whole lot easier thanks to Anything Environmental who have just opened a new depot in Cannonvale.

This means Whitsunday residents can access recycling services in Proserpine and Cannonvale as of April 17.

Anything Environmental have been operating in the Mackay and Whitsunday region for the past five years and during that time they have processed an impressive 20 million containers.  

They work with local businesses, festivals, events and community groups to provide simple solutions to recycling bottles and cans.

On a smaller scale, they provide the community with recycling depots where they can deposit their personal recyclable waste.

The new premises in Cannonvale is fully air-conditioned so you can meet the friendly team and deposit your recycling in cool comfort.

Each eligible container receives a 10-cent refund which can be paid in cash or placed into your membership number which goes into your bank account.

Anything Environmental also offer the drop n go system this means you have the flexibility to take your bagged recycling and place them in the drop n go bins at Cannonvale or Proserpine. Label it with your member ship number and refund will go straight into your bank account once processed.

Anything Environmental are a family operated business that is dedicated to creating simple, effective solutions to the safe and efficient processing of recycling.

They also offer a commercial collection service and free bins for your Non for profit events.

Be proactive about preserving our beautiful environmental, collect your containers, save the planet, and make some money while you’re doing it!

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Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank turned to their Sarina State High School and CQUniversity scholarship winners to celebrate Youth Week. The recipients were asked what was their first job and what they have most been proud of this year.

Chelsea Trusz – 2022 Sarina State High School Scholarship recipient

“My first job was at IGA and I liked building connections with my co-workers and interacting with customers every day. I am most proud of my accomplishments academically and being able to receive this scholarship from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, because it has helped a lot this year.”

Brock Raward – 2021 Sarina State High School Scholarship recipient

“My first job was working for my neighbour, who owns the company - Hello Fern. She creates these wonderful wooden discs with laser-engraved designs for babies to celebrate their milestones. I loved working for Tahnee with her flexible hours which gave me time for my daily session of listening to music. So far, I’ve been most proud of receiving the position of school captain at Sarina State High School which has been a goal of mine I've been pursuing for many years.”

Zali Hooper – 2022 Sarina State High School Scholarship recipient

“My first and current job is as a cashier at the local IGA. I’ve been working there for about a year and a half now and enjoy it a lot. I like working with the people there and interacting with customers as well. Receiving the Community Bank Sarina State High School Scholarship has probably been my biggest achievement in the past year. I look forward to giving back to the community and making a positive impact.”

Logan Bryant – 2021 Sarina State High School Scholarship recipient

“My first job was at 13 years old, as a referee for Mackay Junior Rugby League. What I enjoyed most about being a referee was being able to make games fair and making sure there was always a good fair game of footy. This year, I’ve been most proud of my Sarina Crocs Rugby League team this season, who won their first game since 2021.”

Taya Murray – 2022 CQUniversity Higher Education Scholarship recipient

“My first job was at a café where it was always busy and never really any quiet periods. I loved constantly having something to do and my co-workers. I’ve had a few achievements in the past year, but the one I’m proudest of is a community achievement. I make ANZAC poppies every year for the Greenhill Dawn Service, and the money raised is donated to Legacy. This is my third year crocheting them and it’s something I really enjoy doing.”

Be prepared for your first job by setting up a Bendigo Bank Student Account. Speak to Charmaine and the team at Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank on 4943 2634 to set up your bank account or visit bendigobank.com.au.

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Karen May, Taya Murray, Charmaine Matsen and Maree Franettovich

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I hope you are all enjoying the holiday spirit and some well earnt down time, or, as is the case for many – enjoying the holiday boom!.

With the entire state bursting with visitors, increased flights and access to the Whitsundays has paid dividends with nearly 100 per cent occupancy rates across the Whitsundays for the Easter break and 85 per cent for the school holidays – and for once, these are genuine reflections of capacity – not a percentage of reduced capacity due to staff shortages. The international influx of short-term holiday visa workers has filled many unskilled labour gaps taking pressure off owners and existing workforce.

A great result for the region and for once, the Easter weather has stayed away with perfect weather for everyone to enjoy.

Housing continues to make headlines across the state with an increasing number of people and families resorting to living in their cars whilst trying to find accommodation they can afford. It is happening here. It is a disgrace. And whilst state governments are finally turning summits and talks into action with new social housing projects in completion or underway – the alarm bells have been ringing for years with little done to prevent the crisis.

Some local councils have adopted laws to address the short-term letting issues with some success. Noosa now has a short-term letting approval process annually with properties to comply with town plan, other regulations and results in a change in ratings category. Approval notice is to be displayed at the front of a property with 24/7 complaints number. The process seems to be working with some properties reverting to long term rentals helping families and workers remain in the region.

The Chambers’ next event is a casual networking breakfast on Thursday, April 20, 7am at Whitsunday Green. With a couple of major announcements and introductions to be made, we invite all chamber members to attend. 2023 will be a pivotal year – we plan to tackle it proactively. See you all soon.

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Hello everyone,

Thanks to those of you who have been joining us at the Community catch-ups across the region. The turnout in Cape Gloucester was great and it provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with residents to discuss current and future plans. We appreciate the time you have taken out of your busy schedules to meet with myself, my fellow Councillors and the Community Engagement and project teams.

Easter holidays are in full swing and it’s amazing to see so many of you out and about enjoying everything our beautiful region has to offer. Across Division 5 we saw lots of people heading to the beaches of Hydeaway Bay and Dingo Beach to relax, unwind and enjoy our beautiful coastline.

Across in Division 3, Lake Proserpine is offering free camping to all children at the lakeside campgrounds throughout the month of April! What a spectacular opportunity to get out and about and enjoy our own backyard. If you haven’t visited Lake Proserpine yet, be sure to put it on your Whitsunday bucket list.

The Proserpine RV park is also back open and ready to welcome travellers arriving in our region to enjoy our Whitsunday winter. There is also a new RV park in Collinsville which has been very busy hosting many new faces to the area.

Back in Division 5 there’s good news for lovers of walking and hiking, as the sealing of Forestry Road edges near completion. This road meanders up to the beginning of the Great Whitsunday Walk in Brandy Creek.

The road was almost washed away in the floods of 2019. However, thanks to funding from the State Government, we have renewed nearly 50 storm water crossings along the track and will be extending the existing seal in the next couple of months to mitigate such events in the future. The Forestry Road project was made possible thanks to $500k of funding from the Transport and Tourism Connections scheme and $250k of funding from the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.

As well as upgrading the road, we are also installing a much-needed amenities block in the car park which services multiple visitors and locals year-round. This is expected to occur early in the new financial year thanks to funding from Works for Queensland, Round 4.

Cheers

Cr Gary

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Do you know who your workplace’s Employee Assistance Program provider is?

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) ensures employees have access to professional and confidential counselling services.

Whether it be workplace relations, mental health or stress, grief or loss or issues at home, EAP provides a safe space to discuss outside of the workplace.

Robyn Geiger of Phoenix Counselling implores all local businesses to get an EAP provider, and to support local when doing so.

“It provides a confidential outlet for anybody who wants assistance with things that might be happening within the workplace, that they might not be comfortable discussing openly with anybody else,” Robyn said.

“It’s done quietly, confidentially and without anybody else getting involved in that early stage.”

EAP provides support for both the employee and employer, where any issues that may be affecting an employee's performance can be addressed and discussed.

“I think it’s really beneficial for companies to have some of their staff have an assessment every now and then,” Robyn said.

“It’s good to find out how their staff are doing, find out if their staff need support in any areas.

“People have been under a lot of pressure lately – are they coping as well as they could be? Is the stress that they’re under affecting their work performance?

“That might be all the support they need to move forward, get back on their feet and regain their confidence as an employee.”

In an assessment, Robyn will chat to the employee about what may be concerning them before reporting back to the employer to recommend a way forward.

“That’s the only thing I discuss with the employer,” she said.

“Everything that’s said in my office is, of course, confidential.”

Robyn is registered with the Employee Assistance Professional Association Of Australasia (EAPAA) and has provided EAP services Australia-wide for the last five years.

She is also able to facilitate sessions via email or Zoom to companies who may have employees working remotely.

To find out more, call Robyn on 0497 912 009 or find Phoenix Counselling on Facebook.

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It is not a uniquely Australian character trait to lend a hand, but Aussies do it better than most.

When things turn sour, the ‘lucky country’ shows its compassion the best way it knows how; getting stuck in.

Firefighters embody Australia’s ethos of helping in times of crisis. Through secondary employment, Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) auxiliary firefighters balance full-time work with fighting fires and saving lives.

At the Airlie Beach Fire Station, there are roughly 15 of the casual, station-based firefighters who respond to emergency situations when the demand arises. One of them is Thomas Torzsok.

Mr Torzsok said being an auxiliary firefighter might seem superhuman to some, but to him it is simply serving his community.

“In Airlie Beach we have mineworkers, real estate agents, physiotherapists, and electricians balancing their lives alongside saving others with the FRS,” Mr Torzsok said.

“People working these normal, everyday jobs, still living the life they want, while giving back and serving their community.”

Mr Torzsok, like others at the station, wears “many hats”. In addition to his auxiliary role, he works full-time at tourism business Ocean Rafting, plays football, and runs his own business on the side.

“If you saw me ten minutes before I put on the uniform, in my boardshorts, a t-shirt, and thongs, you would never know,” he said.

“Being able to switch and turn into a firefighter is the best feeling in the world. I have not had a feeling like I have had inside a fire truck when you are gearing up to go somewhere.”

The paid position requires permission to attend emergencies from a full-time employer and requires two weeks of basic training and testing, then two to three nights a week being on-call alongside regular weekly trainings.

Mr Torzsok said he was swayed to join the FRS when meeting some of Airlie Beach’s firefighters and watching them in training.

“That is something I would recommend to everyone; there is no pressure watching a training session,” he said.

“I knew instantly that was what I wanted to do, and I would never have known if I had not come to watch.”

Mr Torzsok said the appeal of being an auxiliary is obvious; helping others is its own “reward”. The additional benefits of camaraderie, working alongside a team in mentally and physically challenging conditions, contributing during bushfire emergencies and flood events, were secondary.

“It makes me proud to be an auxiliary firefighter,” he said.

If you are interested in a career change and want to learn more about auxiliary firefighters, head here: https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/careers-and-volunteering/fire-rescue-and-operations/aux-firefighter

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