As Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji Makes Landfall

On Saturday, the 10th of January the Whitsunday Disaster Management Group issued a TAKE SHELTER NOW warning.

"Tropical Cyclone Koji is approaching the coast with the Whitsunday Region in the warning zone. Destructive wind gusts up to 130km/h, heavy to locally intense rainfall, and dangerous flash flooding are possible," said a Whitsunday Disaster Management Group spokesperson.

Whilst the system was downgraded Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said it is critical to never underestimate weather systems, but it’s just as important to stay calm and informed.

"Conditions can change quickly, and even downgraded systems can still bring heavy rainfall, flooding and damaging impacts," said Mayor Collins.

"Council plans conservatively and focuses on clear, measured communication so the community can prepare without panic because being informed and ready is always better than being caught off guard."

The Whitsundays Region experienced localised flooding, minor damage to council assets including fallen trees, debris and park infrastructure.

Mayor Ry Collins said there was no major damage widespread damage and he said this is thanks to early preparation, fast response and strong community cooperation.

"Council began preparations early, activating the Whitsunday Disaster Management Group and moving to Stand Up to coordinate planning and response," he said.

"A key focus was ensuring our community was informed, prepared and not alarmed, with clear messaging throughout the event. Crews secured assets, cleared drainage where possible, staged equipment and ensured the Local Disaster Coordination Centre was fully operational. That early, measured approach made a real difference and helped keep impacts manageable."

Communication was also a priority for the Whitsunday Disaster Management Group.

"The Whitsunday Disaster Dashboard [was] used as the primary source of truth for the community. This was supported through the Local Disaster Management Group, chaired by the Mayor, along with direct SMS alerts to residents, Council social media, website updates, media alerts and engagement through our disaster networks.

"All messaging was aligned with Bureau of Meteorology advice and updated as conditions changed, ensuring residents had reliable, consistent and trusted information throughout the event.

"I also want to sincerely thank our emergency services, first responders, SES, Council crews and partner agencies for their tireless work which played a key role in keeping impacts manageable across the Whitsundays."

Clean Up
Council crews are continuing clean-up efforts across the region following the recent severe weather, with teams focusing on public parks, beaches, roadsides and other Council-managed land.

Parks and works staff have been removing fallen trees, branches and storm debris from public areas to restore access and ensure safety for residents and visitors. Council has acknowledged some community confusion around the activity and has clarified that while crews are active in public spaces, residential green waste collections from private properties or nature strips are not being undertaken at this time.

To assist households with their own clean-up, Council is offering free green waste disposal at its waste facilities. Residents are encouraged to safely manage and transport their own green waste to these sites while recovery works continue.

Council has also advised that processing of green waste will take place at the Cannonvale Transfer Station from Wednesday, January 14. The required machinery will be operating on site during normal opening hours, and visitors are asked to be patient and follow the directions of site operators while works are underway.

Council thanked residents for their patience and cooperation as crews prioritise safety, the repair of damaged public assets and the reopening of key access points across the region.

Business As Usual
Whitsunday businesses thankfully face minimal damage during Ex-Tropical Cyclone and Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry want to hear about your impact.

With a short survey, Chamber will capture the effects of the cyclone on business operations, revenue, staffing, and recovery outlook. The insights gathered will be used to inform advocacy efforts, support requests, and discussions around recovery measures and future preparedness.

All responses are confidential and reported in aggregate only.

Take a few minutes to complete the survey by Friday 30 January and help advocate effectively on behalf of the Whitsundays business community. Contact Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry for more information.

Recovery
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins says ongoing recovery efforts remain the top priority following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, as Council continues to assess damage across the region and work with the State Government to secure the support needed moving forward.

Mayor Collins said Council teams are currently focused on clean-up works, repairing damaged assets and ensuring recovery assistance is available where it is needed most.

On Monday, the 12th of January Queensland Premier David Crisafulli visited the region and provided an important opportunity to highlight local impacts firsthand and discuss recovery needs directly.

“Today’s visit by QLD Premier David Crisafulli gave us the opportunity to walk through local impacts firsthand, talk directly about recovery needs, and ensure the right support is in place for the Whitsundays moving forward," he said.

Mayor Collins said communication between Council and the State Government was consistent and collaborative both in the lead-up to the weather event and throughout Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.

“There was regular, open communication throughout the event,” he said.

"Council provided situation updates, preparedness actions and emerging impacts through district disaster briefings, while also participating in State Disaster Coordination Centre briefings."

He said the State Government provided guidance, coordination support and reassurance that assistance would be available if required, allowing Council to focus on local response efforts.

"I’ve officially decreed that we’ve had enough weather events for the season but jokes aside, the message is still to stay prepared. Know your risk, have a household plan, prepare an emergency kit, secure loose items around your property and stay informed through official channels."

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New Year, New Focus for Whitsunday Businesses

from Chamber President Allan Milostic

As businesses reopen following the impacts of Cyclone Koji, it’s been encouraging to see the strength of our Whitsunday business community once again on display. We know the impacts haven’t been the same for everyone, and cyclone events are a reminder of how important preparedness and community support really are.

As the new year begins, many businesses across the Whitsundays are returning with renewed energy and fresh goals. The start of the year is an ideal time to pause, reflect, and set clear, practical resolutions that support long-term success.

One of the most valuable resolutions a business can make is to review what worked well in the past year and identify where improvements can be made. This might include refining operations, strengthening financial planning, or investing time in staff development. Even small adjustments can have a meaningful impact over the year ahead.

Another important focus for 2026 is connection. Strong relationships – with customers, suppliers, industry peers, and the wider community – continue to underpin resilient businesses. Participating in networking opportunities, collaborating with other local organisations, and staying informed about regional initiatives all help businesses remain adaptable in a changing environment.

Preparedness is also key. Taking time early in the year to update business plans, review risk management and insurance arrangements, and plan for seasonal impacts can reduce pressure later on. A proactive approach allows businesses to respond with confidence when challenges arise.
Finally, supporting local remains one of the most powerful resolutions we can all commit to. Choosing local suppliers and services strengthens our regional economy and helps ensure the Whitsundays continues to thrive.

The Chamber looks forward to working alongside businesses throughout the year ahead. Thank you to our local businesses, teams, and customers for looking out for one another. By supporting local and checking in on each other, we’ll continue moving forward together.

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Managing growth without losing our Whitsunday lifestyle

Growth is coming to the Whitsundays. This is not a prediction, it’s already happening and the challenge for Council isn’t whether we grow, but how we manage that growth while protecting what makes this region special in the first place.

People don’t move here just for a house. They move here for the lifestyle because of our beaches, our open spaces, our relaxed pace, and the sense of community that still exists in our towns. Preserving that while planning for the future is one of Council’s biggest responsibilities.

Good planning isn’t about stopping growth, it’s about shaping it. Making sure new development respects local character, protects important natural areas, and doesn’t overwhelm existing communities. That means thinking carefully about where growth happens, what infrastructure is needed, and how communities are supported as they change.

It also means planning for the people who keep our region running like families, workers, volunteers and small business owners. Growth brings opportunity, but it also brings pressure on housing, roads, services and community facilities. Council’s role is to look ahead and make sure those pressures are addressed early, not after problems appear.

Protecting our lifestyle isn’t just about the environment although that’s critical. It’s also about liveability. Access to parks, safe streets, community facilities, and places where people can gather and feel connected. These are the things that turn a fast-growing region into a strong one.

I understand that growth can make people uneasy. Change often does. But growth, done well, can strengthen communities rather than dilute them. It can bring better facilities, more jobs, and improved services if it’s guided by clear values and long-term thinking.

Council’s job is to strike that balance: welcoming new people while looking after those who already call the Whitsundays home. Protecting what we love, while planning responsibly for the future.

That balance won’t always be perfect, but it will always be the goal.

In my next column, I’ll share why Council spends so much time advocating to State and Federal governments and why some funding battles are worth fighting for our communities.

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Following ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, Council has conducted inspections of all stinger nets across our beaches. Wilson Beach’s enclosure is intact, while Boathaven Beach, Cannonvale Beach and Dingo Beach stinger nets require remedial works and further checks before public use.

For safer swimming, enjoy free entry to Council’s aquatic facilities, including Airlie Beach Lagoon, and the Proserpine, Bowen and Collinsville Swimming Pools and Water Parks.

If residents choose to swim in the ocean, a stinger suit is highly recommended during our stinger season, which runs from November to May every year.

Visit Council’s website or Facebook page for updates on all Council facilities following the recent weather events.

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Proserpine Lions Club will be hosting the Youth of the Year program once again. This is a special program dedicated to celebrating all the talent that the youth of Proserpine have to offer. The competition was initiated by the local lions cub to foster leadership and public speaking skills in young Australians. This year will mark the 61st Anniversary of Lions Youth of the Year which started in Brisbane in 1964.

Students are required to be between the ages of 15 and 19 at the time of the national final, and must have attended secondary school that year. The main focus of the program is to help students develop confidence in their ability to communicate with community leaders and present themselves so that they can excel in any field of interest. As students are about to enter employment or higher education, the program can help to hone their skills so that they are adequately prepared for whatever challenge they may face.

There are numerous benefits to entering the Youth of the Year program. These include friendship, networking as well as the consolidation of skills in public speaking and interviewing. The program has demonstrated results, with many students reporting how they learned to negotiate complicated environments such as school processes, university application interviews and post-graduate situations.

The Youth of the Year program is only possible through community support. The team is assisted by dedicated volunteer judges and organisations who facilitate the space for the events to occur.

Each school is blessed to have a mentoring teacher who assists students with application forms, practices impromptu speeches, prepares the 5-minute speeches and helps get participants ready for their interviews.

"The Proserpine community has a generous heart, especially for youth programs", remarked program chair Jane.

Mrs Erin Jarred had admirably served this role for several years and will now hand over the role to Mr Scott Casey, another talented individual with a background in debating.

"The youths are absolutely amazing, and they boggle me every single year," said Jane.

"They have beautiful manners, they chat and make eye contact, they recognise us in the street and say hello afterwards. Their speeches both prepared and impromptu are sensational and the amount of work that they quietly do in the impromptu community gives you faith that the world is in very good hands."

The public speaking final will be held on Wednesday the 18th of February at the Whitsunday Activity Leisure Centre.

2026 will no doubt usher in a new pool of immense youth talent, so the community should be excited to see what our young residents of the region have to offer.

A great thanks to all members of the community who lend their support to this very special occasion. It is clear that 2026 will mark another great Youth of the Year program.

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2025's competition was a wonderful success! Photo source: Proserpine Lions Club

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As Queensland enters disaster season, driver trainers and motorcycle rider trainers are being encouraged to keep their professional credentials easily accessible, with accreditations now available through the Queensland Digital Licence app.

The Queensland Digital Licence app already supports digital driver licences, recreational marine licences and photo identification cards, and has been adopted by more than 1.2 million Queenslanders. Around 1,000 new users continue to sign up each day, highlighting growing confidence in digital credentials as a reliable alternative to physical cards.

Additional transport accreditations are expected to be added to the app in 2026, further expanding its usefulness for professionals who need quick, secure access to their credentials.

The app now allows accredited trainers to securely store their licences in one place, removing the need to carry physical cards that can be lost, damaged or left behind during severe weather events or emergency situations. With more Queenslanders relying on digital access during floods, cyclones and other disruptions, having credentials available on a mobile device provides an added layer of convenience and peace of mind.

Driver trainer and motorcycle rider trainer accreditations are the latest additions to the Queensland Digital Licence app, following the successful integration of Queensland Building and Construction Commission licences. The expansion continues the move toward providing practical, digital access to essential government services when they are needed most.

Trainer accreditations stored in the app are protected by industry-leading security measures designed to safeguard personal information and reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud. Users can also quickly check the status of their licence, including whether it is active, nearing renewal or expired, without the need to access separate systems or paperwork.

For learner drivers and riders, the app also offers reassurance, allowing credentials to be verified quickly and easily. This is particularly important during disaster recovery periods, when training and transport services may be operating under increased pressure.

With disaster season underway, the Queensland Digital Licence app offers a practical way for trainers and other licence holders to stay prepared, connected and credential-ready, no matter the conditions.

For more information on digital credentials, visit qld.gov.au/digitallicence.

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The credentials available on the Digital Licence app are: driver licence, photo identification card/Adult Proof-of-Age card, recreational marine licence, driver and rider trainer industry authority, and QBCC licences. Photo supplied

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There’s plenty happening across the Whitsundays, with local tourism operators rolling out fresh ideas and new experiences that make visiting our patch of Queensland even better.

Daydream Island Resort and Living Reef has launched a new Adventure Package for guests keen to get out and about. It blends island accommodation with curated activities, perfect for those who want a little more action alongside their reef and relaxation time.

Out on the water, there’s plenty to celebrate. Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays is heading into 2026 under the leadership of Josh, a Marine Biologist, Master Reef Guide, Master V Skipper and Master Diver. Josh brings a strong focus on stewardship, continuing the Tomorrow’s Reef Today initiative and sharing deeper connections to Ancient Ngaro Sea Country, reef science and conservation. Whitsunday Escape is also growing its fleet, giving guests even more ways to explore the islands. A new Leopard 40 launches in September 2025, followed by an Aquila 44 in December, with a Lagoon 42 and another Leopard joining the fleet in April 2026.

Getting around the region has also become easier. Heart of Reef Car Rental has realigned pricing, with vehicles now available from as little as $99 per day and expanded its fleet to include new people movers for families and larger groups. Over at Heart of Reef Shuttles, guests will spot newly upgraded, modern buses on the road, offering a more comfortable ride. The team has also introduced Custom Day Trips, allowing groups to design their own day out with private transfers and local know how.

It’s great to see our local businesses stepping up with new ideas and initiatives, giving everyone even more reason to get out and enjoy The Whitsundays.

Contributed with thanks to Rosanagh Gallivan, PR & Social Media Manager, Tourism Whitsundays

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Sarah Hannington Compton

It is often said that behind every successful man stands a good woman. From the early years of settlement, women were playing a major role in the development of the shire, not only in their traditional roles as wives and mothers but as active and essential members of the farming and business communities.

One such woman was Sarah Hannington Compton.

Born in Lambeth, Surrey, England on the 17th of October, 1870, she was the eldest of Sarah and John lllidge Gray's fifteen children. The family migrated to Australia on the ship “Macquarie” in 1889.

Sarah's sister, Miriam, had married and her husband was working on Havilah Station near Bowen. While visiting them, Sarah met her future husband, John Compton, who also worked there. John and Sarah married in Bowen in 1893. They had six children. Sadly, their first child died at nine years old.

In the first years of married life, they travelled around the Bowen district while John, a proficient carpenter, built homes and stockyards.

In 1895, they took up Block No. 3 on Glen Isla Estate, growing sugar cane in anticipation of Proserpine's Central Sugar Mill which opened in 1897. Until their home was built, they lived in a humpy with a grass roof. It was cool but there were plenty of snakes. Living conditions were poor, so a couple of years later, with their young family, they moved to another farm, Fern Hill, at Mt Julian.

John Compton was one of Proserpine's representatives on the Bowen-Proserpine Tramway Joint Board. He also agitated for Proserpine to become a shire separate from Bowen's Wangaratta Shire. In March of 1910, this dream was realised, and John was elected first Chairman of Proserpine's Shire Council. As Chairman’s wife, Sarah provided strong support to John throughout his time in office. In 1912, she was given the honour of opening the McGregor Bridge at Taylor's Crossing, Glen Isla.

After selling their Mt Julian farm in 1915, they built a home on Auburn, their town cane farm located where Edward Street is now situated. Sarah and family were then very involved in Presbyterian Church activities. Sarah was also an active member of Proserpine Hospital Ladies' Guild.

In 1920, the Comptons were once again on the move, selling their farm and buying another, Yelvertoft, at Mackay corner, Proserpine. Then followed a short residence in Warwick before they returned to Proserpine in 1922, living in a home on their land in the Herbert/Main Street area. In 1923, John once again caught the pioneering bug and cleared land for farming at Lethebrook where he built yet another home. Sarah continued to immerse herself in local activities.

When John Compton died in 1932, Sarah remained on the farm with the help of son, Alex. When he married and left in 1939, she hired a manager until 1949, when she sold the farm to the Pratt family, moving to a new home in Herbert Street. Sarah managed on rental income earned from five houses that had been built on Compton land by O H Gray and sons, circa 1938. She supervised these tenants. As was a common practice for widows in years gone by, she rented part of her home to young married couples; sometimes, taking in young men as boarders; usually bank workers.

Throughout this time, Sarah continued to attend the Presbyterian Church and crafted many items to sell at their functions. She was also active in CWA and Red Cross.

At 94, Sarah had a serious fall and was admitted to hospital. Unfortunately, she suffered memory loss, however she lived on to almost 103 years, becoming Proserpine's first centenarian.

Naming Sarah Compton Lane on former Compton land was fitting acknowledgment of Sarah’s contribution to her community.

Story and photo courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum.

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The Stylist Airlie Beach

Despite being in business for just over three months, The Stylist Airlie Beach has been making a name for themselves.

Husband and wife duo Amanda and Dexter Greyvensteyn noticed a gap in the market and Amanda's keen eye, exceptional attention to detail, and love for interior design made it an obvious decision.

"I thought there must be demand for it," exclaimed Amanda.

"So I made a couple of phone calls to a few of real estate agents, and they said, 'Yes, there is definitely a market for property staging in Airlie Beach'."

The Stylist Airlie Beach focuses on making homes look spectacular for sale, and Amanda said she likes to think of it as part of the marketing strategy for selling your house.

"We present your property in the best way that it can be presented," she said.

"So when people walk into the homes they fall in love with the house and can see themselves living there. When more people are attracted to the property it creates more competition within buyers."

Most importantly it makes viewers feel an emotional connection to the home.

"I go by the motto of first impressions matter," said Amanda.

"I think it's very important that when somebody does walk into that house, they fall in love straight away, they want to buy it, and so they put their best offer in and hopefully gets the seller the best price they can achieve."

The Stylist Airlie Beach have various packages ranging from a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment to large four-to-five bedroom homes. Amanda and Dexter provide a complete end-to-end staging service, including furniture selection, delivery, installation and styling. After the sale, all items are professionally removed, leaving no work for the seller.

They prioritise all areas of the home and source everything, artwork, furniture, and outdoor living too.

Amanda acknowledges that some sellers may initially be deterred by the cost but explains that staging does not usually require an upfront payment. In many cases, real estate agencies allow the cost of staging to be paid from the settlement proceeds once the property has sold, offering a stage now, pay later option.

Since starting last October The Stylist Airlie Beach has received great reviews with Amanda noting that numerous clients comment "I'm so glad I've done this" and "I don't want to sell my house anymore." Reviews that are a testament to the hard work, love and care that Amanda and Dexter have for their business.

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Amanda and Greyvensteyn style your homes ready for sale. Photo supplied

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Role: Skipper

Skipper David Sautret says a lifetime on the water has taught him that sailing is as much about character as it is about skill.

David, from near Bordeaux in southwest France, has been sailing for 26 years and is responsible for every aspect of the Yacht Club Punta del Este vessel and crew.

“It’s complicated, I am responsible for everything,” he said.

"From the boat being on-course, off-course, boat safety, crew safety. So everything that's that's happening on-board is under my responsibility. It has to be monitored by myself."

David has been sailing for over two decades and says it's the freedom and challenge that holds his interest.

“It’s the only thing I keep on doing through the years,” he said.

“I love the freedom it gives you, to be in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the ocean, confronting yourself to nature and the elements.”

His path to the Clipper Race began unexpectedly in 2023 while training in the UK. He recalls being astonished by the number of boats, the training and the organisation.

David said he was so impressed he applied for the race but he just missed the cut off, so he considered his application was an early application for the next bi-annual race.

Reflecting on the race so far, David described it as “good and bad, but at least it’s an adventure”.

Despite challenges he said recent strong results had lifted the team.

We scored a lot of points in the in the last two races. We are coming back in the overall ranking. So I'm pretty happy about that."

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David Sautret is Skipper onboard the Yacht Club Punta del Este. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Role: 1st Mate

Though hailing from Cork in Ireland, the Clipper Race is the most amount of travelling first-mate Lorraine O’Hanlan has done in her life. Discovering an interest in sailing in her early 20s, Lorraine is clearly very passionate about getting out onto the water, having participated in last the race as well as the current one. The prior race was her first time ocean sailing.

“I love ocean racing; I like the big long distances”.

Despite the brief experience, Lorraine clearly possesses insightful knowledge into how races are one and lost.

“You can fall behind, but because they’re such long races you can fight and come back up. If you fall behind it’s usually because you haven’t had a good 24 hours, maybe your speeds haven’t been great, maybe your sail plan hasn’t been as good for the conditions you have compared to other boats. In another 24 hours with a better sailing plan, superior speeds and current, you can start knocking miles off.”

As the first mate, she has the role of assisting the skipper and crew, “you’re almost like the second in command.”

Above all, Lorraine most enjoys the direction and sense of purpose that sailing gives.

“It’s almost like a simple world. You have one objective which is to make the boat go as fast as it can. Regardless of the weather it’s always this amazing environment, it really puts everything in perspective.”

With the team achieving their first podium position in the race, Lorraine hopes to find similar success with the subsequent legs of the race.

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Role: Crew

Perth-born sailor Colin Thomson has wrapped up his Clipper Round the World Yacht Race campaign after completing the first four legs of the global event.

Now based in London, Colin said he first noticed the Clipper race advertised in the UK years ago before finally signing up.

While he originally planned to sail the entire circumnavigation, he's changed his mind and his adventure will end here in the Whitsundays.

Remarkably, Colin began the race with no sailing background.

"I came in with no sailing experience,” he said, explaining he joined to learn through Clipper’s intensive training program. “I thought this was a good way to learn how to sail, to do all the training and to get up to this level.”

Training in the UK proved challenging. “We went out in a storm in the English Channel… I think eight people were puking,” he said.

Primarily a watch leader, Colin worked primarily on the foredeck, describing it as “quite hectic,” before finishing his campaign and heading on a holiday around Australia, before going back to the UK.

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Role: Crew

Originally from Melbourne, crew member Voula Skinner has lived in Hobart for 20 years. In a male dominated area, she hoped to bring more female representation to the Clipper Races. The lack of sailing experience required to join, and dedicated training program were a major draw.

“I love the training; they do a really good job of making it an even playing field. It is just supreme.”

Voula developed a passion for sailing in her late 30s and hasn’t looked back since. She cites the close friendships she’s developed as one of the best parts of her sailing experience.

“I loved the hard bits as much as the easy bits.”

Voula enjoys the obstacles of the sea, finding joy in the challenge of the great stretch between South Africa and Fremantle.

“I wanted that really big ocean crossing, it was cold, it was ferocious”.

Although returning to Hobart for now, Voula hopes to continue at a later leg of the race.

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Role: Crew

Sailor from 1707, Chris Heath is continuing his journey around the globe after a hard-fought leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, finishing third after more than 4,000 nautical miles at sea.

Chris who describes 1770 as his personal home port, said the Clipper Round the World race appealed to him because of its raw challenge.

“You can’t tame the ocean, you can only beat it, and each time you beat it, it’s only a short victory,” he said. “The next time it’s always hitting you with something else later on.”

After signing up in March 2024, Chris joined the race from Portsmouth and has faced everything from brutal weather to equipment failures and injuries.

“We’ve had just about everything thrown at us you can,” he said.

“It was a fair bit of a psychological thing to keep going every day but now I think we've got to the point where we can actually enjoy the racing and enjoy the conditions."

Now preparing for the next leg to the Philippines and China, he said, “The more we go, the more enthusiastic I’m getting to keep going.”

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Chris Heath is looking forward to the remainder of the race. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Following the heavy rainfall and flooding caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji earlier this week, health authorities are urging North Queensland communities to remain alert to the risk of melioidosis, a rare but potentially deadly tropical disease found in soil and water.

Melioidosis is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which lives naturally in deep soil and muddy water across northern Australia. Cases are most commonly reported during the wet season, particularly after periods of heavy rain or flooding, when the bacteria can rise to the surface and spread more easily.

While melioidosis is rare in healthy adults and children, it can cause severe illness if it enters the body through cuts or sores, is inhaled in contaminated dust or water droplets, or is consumed in untreated water. Symptoms can appear anywhere from one day to three weeks after exposure and may include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, skin ulcers or non-healing sores. In serious cases, the infection can spread through the bloodstream, leading to sepsis and, if untreated, death.

People most at risk include those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, kidney or lung disease, cancer, or weakened immune systems, as well as people who drink alcohol heavily.

The seriousness of the disease was spotlighted a couple of years ago after a local mother lost her leg after contracting melioidosis in 2024. In her case, a small cut sustained during everyday activity became the entry point for the bacteria, leading to a life-threatening illness that required intensive medical care.

Health experts say early treatment is critical. Melioidosis is treated with strong antibiotics for at least three months, and severe cases often require hospitalisation and intensive care. Prompt medical attention can be lifesaving.

There is no vaccine for melioidosis, but prevention plays a crucial role, particularly during the wet season. Residents are encouraged to:

• Avoid contact with muddy soil or floodwater where possible
• Wear waterproof footwear and gloves when gardening or working outdoors
• Cover cuts, sores or wounds with waterproof dressings
• Wash skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with soil or muddy water
• Take extra care with foot and wound hygiene, especially for people with diabetes
• Consider wearing a mask when using high-pressure hoses around soil or bore water

Melioidosis does not usually spread from person to person or from animals, but exposure can lead to illness days, months, or even years later.

Health authorities are reminding the community that while most people exposed to the bacteria do not become sick, melioidosis can be life-threatening for those who do. Awareness, early recognition of symptoms and preventative measures are key, particularly as wet weather conditions continue.

Anyone feeling unwell after potential exposure to muddy water or soil is urged to seek medical advice promptly. For health advice, residents can contact their local doctor, health centre or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) at any time. In an emergency, call 000.

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Water and mud can pose serious health risks, including exposure to rare tropical diseases like Melioidosis. Photo credit: Jenya Smyk

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