The weather’s getting warmer, and those backyard pools are looking more and more enticing for an afternoon of fun with the family.

As we come into summer, it’s important to ensure you are up to date with pool safety to make sure your children’s pool parties are as worry-free as possible.

Read on to revisit some important pool safety tips.

Educate Your Children

Teaching children about the possible dangers of drowning and hazards around the pool is proven to decrease the risk of drowning. Enrolling your child in swimming lessons is the best way to keep them safe in the water and helps them adapt to the water, understand how to float and know what to do when they find themselves in water.

Supervision Is Key

Always keep your eyes on children when they’re in the water – it doesn’t take long for things to go wrong. Stay within arm’s reach of young children and beginner swimmers when they are in or around the water. Always stay close to the pool when children are swimming and take children with you if you leave the pool area.

Follow Pool Fence Requirements

All private swimming pools and spas in Australia that hold a depth of 300mm or more must have safety barriers around them. There are many requirements for these barriers to fulfil, so make sure your fence is in good condition and meets the requirements before going swimming this summer.

Learn CPR

Displaying a compliant CPR sign is an important part of pool safety and knowing how to action CPR is vital.

Ensure Safety At Public Pools

Whether you’re spending the afternoon at Bluewater Lagoon or one of Mackay’s many great public pools, make sure your children know the rules and follow the lifeguard’s instructions. Be aware of the people around you and make sure everyone has a fun and safe day in the water.

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Day-to-day our lives revolve around making a crust, but what if an actual crust meant the difference between life or death?

Sleeping rough and being homeless is a start reality for a growing number of people in Mackay, with the increasing cost of living and lack of affordable housing pushing more people out of stable accommodation.

What can you do to help?

We were inspired by Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert’s idea of buying bread, because it showed that you don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Ms Gilbert said, “The good people at Brumby’s Bakery Sydney Street have been supplying bread to local housing service, CASA - Community Accommodation & Support Agency Inc, to support people experiencing homelessness.

“Unfortunately, a recent fire at Brumby's has left them unable to trade since, leaving CASA with a bread shortage.”

Ms Gilbert added that CASA is looking for donations of bread or bread rolls (preferably white bread) to restock their freezer.

Ms Gilbert dropped off a trolley load but pointed out that even a single loaf can make a difference.

“CASA does a great job helping local families and individuals with food, accommodation, and housing support, so please dig deep if you can. Every little bit helps.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert donated bread to CASA, after a fire at Brumby’s meant the bakery could no longer supply bread to the homelessness support agency

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Twelve schools across Mackay and surrounding districts battled it out at the annual All Schools Robotics and Drone competitions staged recently at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC).

Mercy College Mackay students performed with distinction in the Robotics and Drone STEM Challenge where students plan, create and code their creations with Mercy College entering five teams to compete across both competitions.

In the Robotic competition’s Soccer Category, two Mercy teams featuring Archie Kynaston (Senior Soccer) and Aaron Greenwood and Hunter McGeary (Junior Soccer) achieved outstanding results.

Kynaston fought a hotly contested game to be pipped at the post and took out second overall while Greenwood and McGeary finished fourth overall in the Soccer Competition which saw them awarded first place in the Junior Soccer category.

The Mercy College team of Amy Ewart and Izabella Thorp competed in the Rescue category taking out first place in Senior Rescue.  

It was a deserved win for Amy and Izabella who featured in some incredible triumphs as they navigated the given courses to rescue a victim using an automated robot.  

Mercy students Matthew Keune and Darcy Edgerton (Junior Drones) and Clayton Grech and Clayton Woodrow (Senior Drones) competed in three challenges using drones to test their navigation and coding skills.  

It was a special achievement for the talented quartet with team Claytons finishing first overall and Keune and Edgerton a very close second.  

“This annual STEM challenge has continued to grow each year with students being able to engage with industry on the competition day, testing out their skills using VR,” said Mercy College Visual Art/Robotics teacher and Head of Teaching & Learning Sandra Bayliss.  

“The F1 Challenge is also run and while Mercy College did not enter a team this year, it is a great opportunity for our students to see the possibilities available” she said.

Sandra also thanked fellow Mercy College teachers Cherie Hess and Aliceon Ramsay who gave up their time to help support the students in preparation for the competition.

Mercy College will showcase its robotics/drone/pedal prix works at a special display when the Queensland Museum hosts a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) Unearthed Event this Sunday August 21 at the MECC.

Mercy College Mackay students achieved outstanding success at this year's annual All Schools Robotics & Drone STEM Challenge at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre

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A new barbecue and picnic area overlooking Seaforth’s swimming enclosure plus a splash pad water park modelled on local sea life are part of the plans to upgrade Seaforth’s Esplanade.

The project will now be starting as soon as next month, after Mackay Regional Council awarded local contractor Vassallo Constructions the tender to complete the highly anticipated upgrades to the community’s seaside parklands.

Mayor Greg Williamson said current market conditions meant the cost of the project came in higher than expected, but it was important that it went ahead.

“The total cost of the project is valued at $8.6 million, which was $4.5 million more than anticipated,” Mayor Williamson said.

“I think everyone is aware of the impact that inflation and supply chain constraints are having on the construction industry at the moment,” he said.

“It is affecting all of our projects and we have had to reschedule some of the projects we had planned to do this year because it is not feasible to complete them within this year’s budget due to price increases.

“However, this project is a key priority for council, as it will help improve the liveability and livelihood of our region and will drive tourism to our region due to its location next to the popular Seaforth camping ground.

“This is why it is important this project goes ahead despite the shortfall in the budget.”

Mayor Williamson said council was excited to see this project take shape.

“We’ve received so much positive feedback about this project in the community,” he said.

“The new recreation hub, featuring new playground facilities that cater to a variety of age groups, will be located within a short walk to Seaforth’s swimming enclosure.

“A new barbecue and picnic area will overlook the swimming enclosure and will provide visitors with the opportunity to relax and take in the scenery from sun lounges.

“We will also be installing a new all-abilities water play area to replace the old wading pool as part of the recreation hub.

“This new attraction incorporates a splash pad area with various water jets and sprays modelled on local marine life and corals, as well as a 15-to-28-centimetre shallow pool that will mimic the ocean’s tidal movements.”

Work will begin in September, weather permitting.

This project is expected to take 12 months to complete.

Proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mackay Regional Council.

For more information on this project visit connectingmackay.com.au/seaforth-esplanade and subscribe to the project update emails.

Detailed design for Seaforth Esplanade Reserve (for illustrative purposes only)

Detailed design of the water play area at Seaforth Esplanade Reserve (for illustrative purposes only)

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Unearthed is steaming back into Mackay for a fun-filled day of free activities for the whole family on Sunday, August 21.

The free Community Day will feature a range of STEAM activities, live experiments, digital workshops and a showcase of fossil discoveries made in the region and unique to tropical Australia.

Kicking off the festivities is a sticky beak at the region’s unique bird life with a bird walk at 6:45am with Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Hugh Possingham.

Then from 9:00am, the fun begins at Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre with more than 40 interactive activities and demonstrations.

Explore virtual realities, create glow-in-the-dark art with local artists, fly a drone and learn about traditional Aboriginal knowledge and culture with Yarbun Creations.

Meet Queensland Museum Network experts from across the state, watch leading researchers sequence a coral genome live, examine a dendroglyph recently discovered with Western Yalanji traditional owners and see fossils, snails, spiders, frogs and skinks up close.

For the first time at Unearthed, locals are invited to bring their precious heirlooms and have a museum expert assess the item’s significance, giving you some pointers on how to care and store those loved pieces.

Whether it’s your family recipes, clocks, books, photos or jewellery, bring your treasures to Unearthed’s very own Antique Roadshow.

Take some downtime and celebrate the stunning local landscape, flora, fauna and human history of the region with a viewing of the Eungella: Land of Clouds exhibition.

Round the day off with a boogie to Unearthed’s science rock band and a snag from the local community sausage sizzle.

Queensland Museum Network CEO Dr Jim Thompson says Unearthed provides an opportunity for museum experts to showcase regional discoveries to the community.

“This is the fifth year we have brought Unearthed to Mackay and we absolutely love bringing the museum experience to the region,” Dr Thompson said.

“We are proud to be able to share our love of science and discoveries with regional communities and bringing our team on the road for free community days such as Unearthed, is a fantastic way to share our expertise and showcase our research.”

Leading researchers and scientists in the field of palaeontology will showcase a range of real and replica megafauna fossils that can be found locally at mining operations, near Nebo.

Megafauna is an extinct supersized species of mammals, reptiles and marsupials and they have been uncovered by Queensland Museum scientists during annual digs over the past decade.

Queensland Museum palaeontologist Dr Scott Hocknull has been leading palaeontological research in the Mackay region for more than a decade.

“Our team of researchers from Queensland Museum have been working in this region for more than a decade and have uncovered a wealth of knowledge about the megafauna and other species that called this area home,” Dr Hocknull said.

“We are excited to be able to bring some of our local discoveries and put them on show here in Mackay to talk to people about them, their rich history and the importance of understanding the past to help preserve the future.”

WHAT: Unearthed Free Community Day

WHEN: Sunday, August 21 from 9:00am to 2:30pm

WHERE: MECC

TICKETS: This is a free community event

Queensland Museum palaeontologist Dr Scott Hocknull

Unearthed will feature a range of STEAM activities, live experiments, digital workshops and a showcase of fossil discoveries made in the region. Photos supplied: Queensland Museum

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In a move so ironic it outdoes every line in Alanis Morissette’s famous aptly named song, Ironic, Mackay Police Sergeant Nigel Dalton received a scam phone call, while he was at Mackay’s Disability Expo last Friday, volunteering at a scam awareness stall.

A police spokesperson said “The disability sector has been hit very hard with scams in the last year according to the ACCC “Targeting Scams” report.

“Our intention at the expo was to highlight this issue to everyone.”

As Sgt Dalton was replenishing the team’s coffee supply, he received a call which was a recorded message from an internet television streaming service, telling him that his account needed updating and he was to press a number on the keypad if he didn’t want to proceed. There was pressure made that this matter needed urgent attention.

Sgt Dalton immediately recognised this as a scam and most probably what would have happened next if he had started dialogue with the caller would have been identity theft and/or phishing.

Sgt Dalton ended the call immediately and blocked the number.

With identity theft reports in the disability sector rising by over 3,000 per cent last year and $2billion being lost in Australia to scammers, we all need to be on our guard.

BUSINESS BREAK IN, ANDERGROVE

Between 12:00am and 1:10 am on August 15 three people have broken into a business on Celeber Drive in Andergrove.

An implement was used to smash a glass door to gain entry inside.

Once inside a large quantity of cigarettes was stolen from a locked receptacle, a variety of drinks and cash were also stolen.

Anyone who may have information either about the offence or the CCTV images shown are encouraged to contact police as soon as possible.

Please refer to report number QP2201393420

The Mackay Police stall at Mackay’s Disability Expo

Do you know these people?

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A seriously injured teenager was flown to Mackay Base Hospital last week, after suffering serious abdominal, leg and pelvic fractures following a dirt bike accident on a remote cattle station.

The 17-year-old had to be evacuated by the RACQ CQ Rescue Helicopter which involved an epic 7.5-hour mission from Mackay to the remote property at Mistake Creek, more than 400km from the coast.

The Mackay-based rescue helicopter flew so far south-west to reach the patient, it had to refuel at Clermont enroute to the property as well as on the return leg at Moranbah before arriving at the Mackay Base Hospital about 2am last Friday morning.

RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked by Queensland Health about 7.20pm on Thursday August 11 to fly to the remote property, located 100km west of Clermont, with a doctor, Critical Care Paramedic and rescue crewman on board.

The dust, dark and remote nature of the property proved incredibly challenging for the crew when attempting to land the rescue helicopter near the homestead.

The teenage girl was administered pain relief and treated by the flying trauma team in an adjacent paddock before being loaded into the helicopter for the long flight to hospital.

She arrived on board the chopper in a stable condition at Mackay Base Hospital more than nine hours after her accident occurred.

It was the ninth mission in just three days for RACQ CQ Rescue. Also on Thursday August 11, the helicopter crew assisted Queensland Police Service with an aerial search for four children reportedly taken from a home near The Leap, north of Mackay.

After an hour-long search of the Hampden area and along the Bruce Highway about 2pm, RACQ CQ Rescue was re-tasked to a near-drowning in the Whitsundays. A Victorian tourist was airlifted from Hamilton Island, about 90km north of Mackay, after an immersion incident on a boat anchored in waters nearby. The patient was taken to the island and then transported to Mackay Base Hospital by helicopter in a stable condition for further treatment.

Last week RACQ CQ Rescue flew to Townsville twice in 24 hours to transfer critically ill and injured patients, also to Ilbilbie on Wednesday night for a cardiac condition as well as airlifted multiple hospital patients from Proserpine and Moranbah to Mackay.

RACQ CQ Rescue flew an epic 7.5-hour mission last week to transfer a teenager from a remote property at Mistake Creek to Mackay Base Hospital. Image supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

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Driving through outback Queensland to help disadvantaged Aussie kids.

Mackay’s Greg and Sandi Power have been outfitted with 100 Where’s Wally red and white beanies made by members of the Sarina Fibre Arts Group, which they will distribute to children during the Variety Bash road trip from August 28 to September 7.

They will change personas to driver Wally and co-driver Wanda for the trip from Winton to Yeppoon, which takes in the iconic Birdsville Races.

Greg’s already done eight Bashes, and this will be Sandi’s fifth.

“It’s great fun, absolutely,” Greg said. “We always have a ball.

“We’ll make sure we get to the small schools along the way, I’m sure Where’s Wally beanies will be a big hit with the kids.”

The Bash each year raises more than $1 million for disadvantaged children.

The Fibre Arts group crafters volunteered to knit the Where’s Wally beanies after they heard of Greg and Sandi’s fundraising efforts.

By Charlie Payne

Modelling Where’s Wally beanies are Sarina Fibre Arts Group members Mary Whittaker, Di Proctor, Jill Tedman, Helen Larcombe, Margaret Schwarzrock, Variety Bash driver and co-driver Greg and Sandi Power, Lyn Bradford, Celia Gutschlag, Rosemary Rowles, Jenny Costello and Jenny Price. Photos supplied

Variety Bash driver and co-driver Greg and Sandi Power with their car after the presentation of 100 Where’s Wally beanies made by members of the Sarina Fibre Arts Group

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Oh, Jenny.

I’ve been working in media for more than a decade, but I’ve never seen a reaction to an advertisement quite like the one which escalated from page four in last week’s edition.

The newspaper had only been in shops and in stands for a few hours when the tsunami of enquiries flooded in.

The first phone call I received was from someone named Jenny. But it wasn’t the Jenny.

I hadn’t prepared for this.

I knew about the advertisement; I had read it and approved it for print. I had set aside page four due to the booking request asking for early placement. But, I had not prepared myself for what would happen next.

My phone started ringing and it did not stop. I couldn’t keep up with email requests. It had gone viral on social media and within hours media organisations across Australia had picked it up and wanted to know more. A few hours later, it had gone international. By Friday evening it had made its way to New Zealand, the UK and the USA.

Work was relatively non-existent in our office on Friday, Jenny and Steve mayhem had taken over.

The Highway Pub in Adelaide took the opportunity to apologise to Jenny, on behalf of ‘all the Steves’ on their roadside sign, thanks to their Duty Manager, Steve. The Adelaide Crows Football Club even seized the opportunity, writing “Dear Jenny, got the win for you. Now the whole town knows we’ve won three in a row. From Crows.” After beating North Melbourne.

By Saturday morning, our Sales Manager, Mike McCann, was interviewed on morning shows Sunrise and Today.

The United States of America has very strict copyright laws, so my email was inundated with requests to use our image of page four in their articles and stories. I even had to sign a materials release form giving the Drew Barrymore Show (a talk show in America) permission to use the image in a segment they were planning, based around our page four.

Our free community newspaper was being mentioned again and again across the world.

So, when people ask if the advertisement was genuine or a publicity stunt, it’s a fair question.

It was a booking received through our online booking platform. We don’t know who Jenny is, or even if she used her real surname. The name on the booking wasn’t known to anyone in our office. We don’t know if she’s from Mackay, the Whitsundays or the Isaac, but we assume Mackay since the request was made for the Mackay newspaper. We didn’t charge the credit card used to make the booking.

Why print an ad that we aren’t charging for?

Well, after receiving the booking (close to print deadline), we had already moved the newspaper content around to accommodate the page four request. We thought perhaps, at the least, this advertisement may spark conversation in Mackay and give us an indication as to how well the newspaper is read within the community. If anything, we saw it as an investment into understanding the demographics we reach.

None of us had anticipated the reaction it did get, or how far that reaction would reach.

If anything, it’s reinforced the strength of regional media as a whole.

Not only that, it put Mackay and the Whitsundays on the map in places that usual tourism campaigns would never reach.

While the message on page four wasn’t a positive one, the result for the community was.

We saw people taking pride in the fact that our small town was being talked about across the world. I would love to know the Google statistics on enquiries about Mackay and the Whitsundays over the past week.

So, Jenny.

I hope you got the reaction you were seeking.

I hope that you and Steve have made up, if there is still hope for your relationship, or I hope this has helped to give you the closure you need to move on.

If you ever wish to come forward, we would love to tell your story.

The whole world wants to meet you.

Either way, the team at Mackay and Whitsunday Life wish you both the best.

Amanda

The Highway Pub in Adelaide apologises to Jenny on behalf of ‘All the Steves’

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More than 1000 people came through the Big Shed at the Mackay Showgrounds last Friday morning to discover more than 50 exhibitors at Mackay Regional Council’s 2022 Disability Expo. With entertainment provided by Groove Movers, Crossroad Arts Inc, Fitboy International and Art from the Blindside, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive with good vibes, high energy and informative displays.

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A major investigation involving the seizure of drugs, cash and weapons was closed this week by detectives from the Mackay Tactical Operations Team.

Operation ‘Tango Muscatel’ commenced in November 2021 focusing on the trafficking of methylamphetamine, MDMA and cannabis in the Mackay District.

The operation involved police from the Mackay district, officers from specialist sections of the Queensland Police Service and assistance from Australian Border Force.

During the operation investigators identified a criminal network, reaching from Brisbane to Mackay, involved in the supply and trafficking of dangerous drugs.

Investigators employed numerous covert and overt strategies to dismantle and disrupt this identified criminal network.

Investigators located and seized illegal drugs including 150grams of methylamphetamine, 2kg of cannabis, 83 cannabis plants, 13g of cocaine, quantities of LSD, MDMA and steroids.

The total street value of the drugs seized is estimated at $425,000.

“It’s not so much, necessarily, about what we seize on a particular day or throughout the course of the operation,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Eaton.

“Whilst we seized a significant quantity of drugs, we also will allege that these persons had been trafficking and supplying a lot more than what was seized on the particular closure dates.”

Police also seized several weapons including handguns, rifles and shotguns.

“Any person in possession of illegal firearms, particularly those who have alleged to be involved in drug crime, is always important to us,” said Senior Sergeant Eaton.

Investigators seized over $200,000 in cash during the operation.

“Like always, it’s not just the drugs,” said Senior Sergeant Eaton.

“We know that drugs are often the root cause behind armed robberies, home invasions and even all the way down to break and enters, so it’s not just the drug network that we’re targeting, it also has a flow on effect into serious violent crime as well as property crime.”

On August 8, 9 and 10 officers arrested the alleged main targets of this operation through a series of raids conducted across the Mackay District.

On August 10, investigators executed a search warrant at a Habana address and located and seized five cannabis plants and equipment for drug production.

During the operation, 52 people were charged with a total of 239 offences.

“Operation ‘Tango Muscatel’ re-enforces that Queensland police will continue to target people involved in the distribution of dangerous drugs, particularly those in organised criminal networks

‍Five cannabis plants and equipment for drug production were seized from Habana address on August 10. Photo supplied: Queensland Police

Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Eaton says Queensland police will continue to target people involved in the distribution of dangerous drugs. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Blokes on bikes and a broken ballerina. It’s an unlikely partnership but one which warms the heart.

The Sons of the Southern Cross CQ Chapter donated $2,500 to Jules Thompson, founder of Broken Ballerina Inc., to enable her to continue supporting women and children fleeing from domestic violence.

Club member Geoff Wells said it’s in the club’s charter to donate to charity, so the bikes get shined and primed, ready to roll to raise much-needed funds to support local causes.

“We try to pick local charities, especially the ones that don’t receive a lot of Government funding, and ones we can see make a difference in the community,” Mr Wells said.

“We had heard about Broken Ballerina and thought it was a good local cause to support. We also donate to RACQ CQ Rescue and the Mackay Hospital Foundation.”

Ms Thompson said that the incidences of domestic violence and people coming forward for help is increasing.

“The situation is escalating, it’s daily we’re receiving messages for help,” Ms Thompson said.

Clubs And Community Keeping Broken Ballerina Alive

Jules Thompson from Broken Ballerina received a cheque from the Sons of the Southern Cross CQ Chapter. Photo: Amanda Wright

“We’re getting busier, the honest truth is that other services in Mackay simply do not provide what we do, yet we don’t receive government funding.

“We need money to keep going. People can’t go and do a grocery shop with a $10 voucher that they get elsewhere,” she added.

“Clubs like this, the Sons of the Southern Cross, who are amazing, it’s the community that is keeping Broken Ballerina alive.”

Ms Thompson said that ice is continuing to be a major problem in the escalating cases of domestic and family violence.

“It’s an epidemic,” she said.

“Ice and alcohol are the major recurring themes in many domestic violence cases.

“It’s mind altering.

“My father was the nicest, most charming man when he was sober. Too much alcohol and he was violent, a very scary man.”

She said that women and children fleeing domestic violence need immediate help, otherwise they are at risk of returning to their perpetrator.

“The pressure is on us to help women and children when they need help the most, and that’s immediately after they’ve left domestic, family or sexual violence,” Ms Thompson said.

“If they have nowhere to turn, the only option many of them face is to go back to their perpetrator, and that’s what we don’t want to see happen.

“That’s what we are trying to stop, is the cycle, to help them break the cycle.

“We simply couldn’t help these people if it weren’t for clubs like the Sons of the Southern Cross, the reality is we need money to help these people to break the cycle.”

Mr Wells said that their club members get a kick out of supporting causes like Broken Ballerina.

“We’re a social motorcycle club. Just a bunch of blokes who like to ride their bikes. We combine this with raising money for charity,” he said.

The club held a bike, car and 4WD show in June, to raise funds for Broken Ballerina.

“$750 was donated by other people who wanted to contribute with the remaining $1,750 made up from proceeds from the show,” Mr Wells said.

“We did a toy run last year for the Mackay Hospital Foundation. We delivered close to 150 toys for the kids and donated money for a children’s bed and bed chair so a parent can sleep in the chair next to the kid’s bed.”

The club has its Poker Run coming up on September 17, where proceeds will again go to Broken Ballerina.

It kicks off at the Harley Davidson store in Mackay, and travels throughout the countryside, to the Kuttabul Pub, Eton Pub, the Kickstart Saloon then back to Handlebar Heaven, the club’s headquarters.

Each person received a card at each destination. Back at the headquarters, the people with the best and worst hands of poker win prizes.

While the Sons of the Southern Cross is a social club, riders do wear patches which Mr Wells said the club takes as a serious responsibility.

“We have permission to wear our patch and we don’t take that lightly, so we are careful about who we bring into the club,” he said.

“It’s like any circle of friends. We don’t want people wearing our patch and causing trouble.

“But if people are interested in joining, it doesn’t matter the make of the bike, you just have to be a good person and enjoy riding.

“Come down to meet us at the clubhouse on a Friday night and check out our Facebook Page, Sons of the Southern Cross CQ Chapter to find out what we’re about.”

‍Jules and Pete Thompson from Broken Ballerina thanked the Sons of the Southern Cross CQ Chapter for their support of Broken Ballerina through fundraising events.

Thompson from Broken Ballerina received a cheque from the Sons of the Southern Cross CQ Chapter.

Photo: Amanda Wright

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Tuesday started with a great win to club stalwart Rhonda Lloyd, whom led her team of Robin Brown and Doreen Euers to a runaway win.

Wednesday afternoon bowls again saw a one-sided win, this time led by skipper Ladda Puride with Michael Jacometti and Mario De Martini.

The side were far too strong for the rest of the field

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls completed Round Four with wins to Whitsunday Gold A coffee, Woolies Allsorts, Tuk Tuks, and PRD.

PRD had their fourth win, leading the field on 12 points.

The school finals competition will be held on Friday September 2 at 4pm. All welcome to view our young talented teams of boys and girls.

Friday afternoon in front of a huge crowd saw the Mens A Grade singles final: Russell Jackson against Manny Isgro.

Manny proved too strong. Australian cricket had Don Bradman and ABBC has Manny Isgro.

This week was the end for Ladies Triples, with a last bowl win to skipper Elaine Kippen.

Saturday morning scroungers saw first round winners John Askew, Colleen Raines, Andy McDougall, and Rick Galea with Rick brilliantly winning the final in a strong return to form .

Sunday afternoon’s social bowls saw 20 players contest the prize with Keith Bates as skipper guiding his team of lead Elaine Hadlow and Michael Jacometti coming home the victors.

Finally, the Spring Fling Celebration on Monday requires more teams. Contact Margo Stanley on 0412 469 989 to sign up.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Club champion Manny Isgro with Club President Peter Barratt, and Russell Jackson

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Next weekend will see its second-ever Mackay and Whitsunday Professional Bull Riders (PBR) event buck to life at The Bull Pit – a brand new $2.6 million dollar venue near Midge Point.

Hosted by Dittmann Bucking Bulls – a family-owned business founded in Bloomsbury by Jason and Kelly Dittmann – the PBR Bull Pit Bull Bash 2022 is bringing some of the country’s top bull riders to north Queensland.

With an express-built venue for the purpose of large-scale bull riding and bucking events, the Bull Pit will host not just extreme talent, but extreme excitement.

Starting at 2.00pm on Saturday, August 27, live bull riding, a DJ throughout the day, food vendors, a side show alley, stall holders, kids jumping castles, slides, and camping will turn the small town into a bustling hive.

It will be the second high-quality rodeo-style event Team Dittmann have run in as many years – although they’ve run smaller Rodeos at the Bloomsbury facility in between - a “world class rodeo facility” crafted as part of Jason’s “long-time dream.”

Owner of Dittmann Bucking Bulls, Jason Dittmann, whose family has cultivated a pedigree in bull breeding as one of the country’s top breeders - said it’s been a revelation to see people flock through the gates, seeing his own famous bulls on home soil.

“That’s been my dream, my goal for a long time. When spectators come to this event, I want them to walk out of these gates saying I’ve been to the best bull rider in Australia. That’s what I’m here for,” Jason said.

“I said, dreams do come true if you put in the hard yards to get it.”

The PBR Event begins at 5.00pm with Mini Bulls and Rising Stars before a start at 7.00pm for the PBR Main Rodeo.

What: Inaugural PBR Bull Pit Bash 2022

When: Saturday, August 27 from 2.00pm to midnight

Where: The Bull Pit, 145 Midge Point Road, Bloomsbury

The Bull Pit in Bloomsbury, a $2.6 million dollar, world-class facility will host a Professional Bull Riders event next weekend

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Straight off the back of the Airlie Beach Race Week, the Hamilton Island equivalent is due to set sail this weekend after a two-year hiatus.

Known as Australia largest offshore keel boat regatta, this is the 36th Hamilton Island Race Week and organisers say that this year’s fleet is at capacity with 224 boasts registered and over 2000 sailors, family and friends joining the festivities.

Hamilton Island CEO Peter Brulisauer said they are looking forward to welcoming back the sailing fraternity for some great competition and camaraderie on and off the water.

“This year Hamilton Island will also play host to the Australian Yachting Championships which is the sport’s national authority-sanctioned series and 52 of the 225 entrants have signed up for this prestigious event which will run in conjunction with the Hamilton Island Race Week Rating Class,” he said.

“The Race Week social calendar is as varied as the offshore action, with highlights including a Paspaley luncheon at qualia and a series of exclusive lunches and dinners across the island with visiting top chefs Peter Gilmore, Paul Carmichael, Analiese Gregory and Will Cowper.”

WHAT: Hamilton Island Race Week

WHEN: 20-27 August

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