A Proserpine World War II veteran, Private Edward ‘Eddie’ Charles Lade, returned home to the sugarcane farming town after two years’ service in the Pacific Theatre of War, bringing with him something incredibly special.

In a ceremony at the Proserpine Returned and Services League (RSL) Subbranch last week, Edward Lade’s nephew, Ian Lade, bestowed the local chapter with his uncle’s special spoil of war: a guntō – a Japanese, ceremonial sword produced for the Imperial Army and Navy.

Forged by Japanese swordsmith Chounsai Emura, the guntō was officially left in the care of the RSL for display by the Lade family on Remembrance Day.

Ian Lade, who had travelled with the sword on behalf of his cousin Janet, said his uncle had come into possession of the sword whilst in active service in the islands of Papua New Guinea during the Second World War.

“I feel very proud and honoured to present this to the RSL and [Proserpine RSL Subbranch President] Jason Raiteri on behalf of the Lade family. I didn’t know Eddie all that well, but what I do know is he was a bit of a larrikin,” Mr Lade said.

“Just like anyone who spent time in active service, you could see he suffered from it. This RSL meant a lot to him. I’m honoured to leave his sword here.”

Chounsai Emura, the Chief Warden of Okayama Prison during the 1940s, purportedly forged hundreds of swords within his prison walls, donating them to Imperial Japanese Armed Forces Officers.

“The legend of the sword is that this prison warden [Emura] had his prisoners forge the swords and sharpen them,” Mr Lade said.

“It was believed only one of his swords was ever brought back to Australia by a Lieutenant Colonel who passed it onto the Australian War Memorial; but I’ve got a little bit of a story for them that it’s not the only one!”

The sword now joins other war artifacts displayed at the local RSL, which the RSL Subbranch President Jason Raiteri said was an exceptional honour.

“On behalf of the RSL, I would like to thank Ian for allowing us to be the caretakers of this sword for as long as the RSL is here,” he said.

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Ian Lade donated a Japanese guntō sword to Proserpine RSL and its Subbranch President Jason Raiteri

The sword was crafted in the 1940s before coming into the possession of World War Two veteran Edward Lade, a late Proserpine resident

On Thursday last week St Catherine’s Catholic College students were recognised for their academic, sporting, cultural and community achievements at their annual Awards Ceremony.

Parents, carers and community members were invited to attend one of the biggest events in the College calendar.

College Principal Mr Luke Thomson said it filled him with pride to once again see so many students recognised and rewarded for their efforts and achievements in 2022.

“Our College value of excellence is something that we encourage all students to strive for, however this will always be measured differently for different students,” he said.

“We talk of students achieving their ‘own excellence’ and in doing so we extend this expectation to all aspects of College life, with students achieving across a breadth of fields and that is what was celebrated at the ceremony.”

Mr Thomson congratulated all of the award winners for their commitment, diligence and consistency they have demonstrated this year.  

Staff were also recognised for their years of service, with 10-, 20-, 25- and 35-year milestones celebrated.

St Catherine’s Year 12 cohort also completed one of the few remaining rites of passage that we have in society today - their high school graduation.

This year they have a senior class of 46 students, their largest graduating cohort to date.

Mr Thomson congratulated each of the students on their successful completion of high school.

“We all look forward to hearing about their adventures and journeys in the years to come,” he said.

“Some may be leaving the region to chase their dreams, while we hope others will be more regular faces within our College for years to come.”

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Graduation Photo

Back: Ryan Taylor, Max Molloy, Luke Pegg, Peta McMahon-Neale, Casey Lade, Sebastian Hill, Klayton Frazer-Moore, Stella Duggan, Oscar Doland, Estrella del Solar, Darcy Burgum-Johnstone, Ella Crossley, Amy Burgum-Johnstone, Roy Blain, Charlotte Brown, Dylan Beale, Danielle Brazil, Louie Archer, Tegan Ganter, Jack Pini, William Preat

After months of investigation and scrutiny, the board of Mackay Base Hospital was sacked by the Queensland Government, following more than 100 claims of mistreatment by women who had been in its care.

On Tuesday November 22, Health Minister Yvette D’Ath dismissed the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) Board and appointed an Administrator.

This decision follows a show cause notice issued to the MHHS Board following the release of a damning report into its obstetrics and gynaecology unit, issued on September 30.

The show cause notice asked MHHS board members to say how they can effectively discharge their duties and obligations and whether any or all of the board members should be dismissed.

The board members had a week to respond to this show cause notice. More than a month after the deadline, the State Government made its decision with the Health Minister making her recommendation to the Governor in Council.

Damning Obstetrics Report Leads To Dismissal Of Hospital Board

Image: Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath

Standout quote to go anywhere

“You have shone a light on failings that have been hidden for far too long.”

Continued from page 1

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the obstetrics and gynaecology report is damning in its identification of failings at multiple levels within Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) and more particularly the Mackay Base Hospital.

“The Investigation team found multiple examples of substandard clinical care, poor clinical incident monitoring, poor management of safety and quality, complications and clinical deterioration and poor human resource management.

“I want to acknowledge the more than 170 women who came forward, with many telling their deeply personal and sometimes deeply traumatic experiences.”

The Health Minister announced the decision to dismiss the board on November 22.

“Governor in Council has, on my recommendation, dismissed all the members of the Board under section 275(1) of the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011,” the Minister said.

“I made that recommendation to the Governor in Council because I was satisfied it is in the public interest that all members of the Board be dismissed.

“In the circumstances, I am not satisfied that the Board is able to implement the recommendations of the report, including the cultural change needed across the hospital.”

Minister D’Ath said experienced health administrator Karen Roach has been appointed Administrator in place of the dismissed Mackay HHS Board, effective immediately.

“Karen Roach has over 35 years of experience in management and leadership positions in health organisations in the public and private sectors,” she said.

“Ms Roach has served as Interim Chief Operating Officer of Metro South and Sunshine Coast HHSs and Interim Chief Executive of Townsville HHS.

“She has qualifications in nursing and midwifery and was awarded a Centenary of Australia Award for services to nursing and health services in Queensland.

“The skills Ms Roach brings to this role will be crucial in restoring confidence in the Mackay Hospital.

“I’m confident Ms Roach will work well with Special Advisor Dr Robert Herkes and the hardworking staff on Mackay HHS to deliver improved services.”

Minister D’Ath thanked the women who had come forward as part of the investigation.

“To each and every one of these women, whether they were part of the investigation or the consumer case management pathway, I want to say thank you for your bravery and courage.

“You have shone a light on failings that have been hidden for far too long.”

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Mackay detectives have charged a local man with ten offences following investigations into two serious crashes last Sunday (November 20) at Mount Pleasant and Farleigh.

Initial information indicates shortly after 6.30am on Sunday, two vehicles collided at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Sams Road before one of the vehicles, a stolen white Toyota Landcruiser, left the scene.

The driver of the other car, a 75-year-old Blacks Beach woman, was transported to the Mackay Base Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The white Toyota Landcruiser, stolen from an Andergrove address earlier that morning, was located in Cemetery Road following the crash.

While investigations were continuing to locate the driver of the stolen vehicle, the situation took a strange twist.

Police were called to the Bruce Highway by motorists due to the alleged dangerous driving of a stolen red Isuzu MU-X 4WD at around 1.20pm.

At 1.59pm, the vehicle overtook a marked police vehicle headed south on the Bruce Highway.

Police activated lights and siren however the vehicle allegedly failed to stop and a pursuit commenced.

At 2.04pm the Isuzu MU-X 4WD collided with a vehicle travelling north on the Bruce Highway.

The occupants of the vehicle, a 70-year-old man and 68-year-old woman, were transported to Mackay Base Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The sole occupant of the Isuzu MU-X 4WD, a 19-year-old Mackay man, was arrested at the scene.

He was transported to hospital as a precaution and was subsequently released from hospital, where he was then charged by police.

The 19-year-old appeared in the Mackay Magistrates Court last Monday charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing grievous bodily harm and left scene of incident without obtaining help (Mount Pleasant), dangerous operation of a motor vehicle (Farleigh), evade police, enter premises and commit indictable offence by break, as well as two counts each of enter premises and commit, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and disqualified and unlicensed driving.

Investigations are continuing with overview from the Ethical Standard Command.

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Travellers entering Mackay from the northwest may have noticed an unsightly addition to the Welcome to Mackay sign at the Ring Road roundabout at Glenella.

Vandals had left their mark on the sign and local residents Shelley and Phil decided to do something about it.

According to a post in the ‘Mackay Noticeboard’ Facebook Group, Porters Mitre 10 Mackay donated $140 worth of paint for Phil to paint over the graffiti, restoring the sign to its former glory.

Michelle’s Facebook post was met with mass applause.

“Great work mate and go Porters. Good to see some great Mackay spirit,” said one commenter.

“’What a good person he is’ my daughter just said. Yes you are! And so good of Porters to provide the paint to fix it too - Great community of good hearted people we have!” said another.

Shelley and Phil say they’d love to keep painting over and removing graffiti throughout Mackay, they just need the paint to do it.

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How long does it take in a new place before you can call yourself a local?

I always thought this proposition made as much sense as ‘how long is a piece of string’, because I don’t think it’s something you can quantify with time. It’s a feeling.

This week I celebrated 10 years as a resident in Australia. When I drove to Christchurch Airport very early in the morning a decade ago, it was lightly snowing. In contrast, two flights and a drive around 12 hours later, I arrived on a scorching 42 degree day in Dysart, where we lived for a couple of years before moving to Mackay.

Upon reflection of the journey, I realised that feeling like a local has more to do with the impact you have on the community around you, rather than something you can quantify with time. In Dysart, I felt like a local rather quickly. I think this is because in a small town it’s easier to get to know people in a shorter time frame.

When you first move to a new place, you have complete anonymity. You don’t recognise a single person you walk past and you rarely talk to people other than polite exchanges. Over time, that shifts. You start to recognise people everywhere you go and your exchanges are more fulfilling. You join local clubs, volunteer on committees and feel an urge to help community organisations in need.

I think that’s when you can say you’re a local. It’s not a matter of time, it’s a matter of people, connections and community.

Thanks for welcoming me into your country and community, not a day goes by where I don’t feel grateful for the adventures I’ve had exploring this magnificent, big red land.

Amanda

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Image: A crime scene was established after a 24-year-old man was shot dead by police on Bridge Road. Photo: Sam Gillespie

Dramatic scenes unfolded in West Mackay on Monday afternoon when a 24-year-old man was shot by police.

The incident which occurred on Bridge Road in a premises near the Mackay Base Hospital escalated when a 24-year-old man allegedly advanced at officers with a firearm.

Police were initially called to the Bridge Road address around 2:30pm following reports of a man making threats of self-harm. A PSPA was declared at approximately 4.10 pm with the exclusion zone including Bridge Road, Hume Street and Streeter Avenue while police continued to negotiate with the man.

The PSPA issued at the time said, “There is no imminent danger to the public at present.”

An exclusion zone was established and diversions were put in place for access to the Mackay Base Hospital.

Police said that negotiators were notified to attend the scene and speak with the man, however the situation escalated when officers were confronted by the 24-year-old allegedly armed with a firearm.

The 24-year-old man allegedly advanced at officers and was subsequently shot just after 5pm.

First aid was rendered on scene and he was transported to Mackay Base Hospital in a critical condition, where he was later declared deceased.

Residents in West Mackay reported hearing what they described as the sound of gun shots.

A crime scene was established, as an investigation by the Ethical Standards Command continues. The investigation is subject to oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

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Image: Mackay’s fire, ambulance and police services faced off in a 60km swim challenge to raise funds and awareness for men’s mental health. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Connection and camaraderie were front and centre on Saturday when Mackay’s emergency services came together for Mackay Fire & Rescue's Annual 60km Swim Challenge.

Now in its third year, this year’s challenge was the first to pit the services against each other and while there was a competitive element to the day, the ultimate goal was to break the stigma surrounding men's mental health, a topic prevalent in the first response world.

“It’s just good getting everybody down in the one place,” said Firefighter and event organiser Kyle McCormack.

“It just breaks that stigma a bit, if everyone’s in one place and we’re all there for the same reason, you just have a sense of belonging.”

Queensland Fire & Emergency Services, Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Police Service all battled it out to reach the 60km mark first, with the ambos reaching the goal in just under three hours to claim the 60km Swim Event Shield.

“It’s a really good cause, raising money for men’s mental health and cancer,” Officer in Charge of QAS South Mackay Station Al Craig said.

“It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, it affects different people in different ways.

“I just think it’s great, the amount of turnout we’ve had, and a good day for everybody.”

Acting Constable at Sarina Criminal Investigation Branch Brett Wenzel agreed, saying QPS were happy to support the firies and the cause.

“It’s not just QPS, but all emergency services and all people in their daily lives, everyone goes through their ups and downs, and everyone’s got to be here to support each other and have each other’s backs day in, day out,” he said.

“It’s good to see all the families down here supporting men’s mental health, getting in the water and having a crack.”

Mackay Fire & Rescue are taking donations for their Movember cause for the rest of November, and you can donate by scanning the QR Code.

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On the morning of Saturday, March 17, 1962, residents of Townsville awoke to find a peculiar figure painted atop their beloved Castle Hill.

It wasn’t the first time an out of place painting appeared on the hill as university students had painted a question mark there the year before, which had since been painted over.

This time, it was the recognisable figure of ‘The Saint’, a figure that would remain on the north facing rock wall of Castle Hill for 60 years.

20 years ago, on the Saint’s 40th anniversary, after decades of speculation and controversy, seven former Mackay State High School students came forward as the ones responsible for the original iteration of what has become a Townsville icon.

They were Graeme Bowen, Lyall Ford, Rodney Froyland, David Greve, Peter Higgins, Barrie Snarski and Robert Sothman.

Mr Ford has told the story of the Saint in his book ‘A History of The Townsville Saint’, revealing for the first time who held the brush that fateful night.

“Barry Snarski was revealed in this book, for the first time, as the guy that actually did the painting but for 60 years, we never revealed who did the painting,” said Mr Ford.

The book was launched in Townsville in October to mark the 60th anniversary of the Saint, celebrated with functions at Townville’s C Bar and university alongside councillors, MPs and special guests.

60 years ago, seven young Mackay men aged between 17 and 18 had recently relocated to Townsville for their first year of university.

Commemoration Week was a tradition where university students would pull pranks throughout town, with the previous year’s Commemoration Week resulting in a 15-foot-long question mark being painted on Castle Hill.

“It got painted out the following January by four blokes in the Air Force and we arrived in February,” said Mr Ford.

“We were all thinking … ‘We should do something to put something back there.’”

The Mackay mischief makers decided on The Saint, the calling card of literary character Simon Templar created by Leslie Charteris.

“Schoolkids used to doodle The Saint, so it was a very well-known figure in 1962,” said Mr Ford.

“We organised all the gear to do the job, got hold of ropes and paints and a jeep and went up one Friday night and did the painting between 2 and 3 o’clock.”

Mr Snarski hung down the side of Castle Hill for 35 minutes, tied to posts at the lookout on top of the hill, completing the painting.

In doing so, he and his friends instigated one of the most contentious debates in Townsville history: an icon to some, an eyesore to others.

Throughout the many ups and downs the Saint has endured, including being painted over and repainted countless times, clashes with council and a copyright dilemma, the prevailing stance of the people of Townsville is that the Saint is an icon, and they have these seven Mackay men to thank.

“It was just a student prank,” laughed Mr Ford.

“I guess we assumed it’d probably get painted out by someone,”

The Saint has since been adopted by the university, the university’s rugby league club and other clubs and businesses throughout north Queensland as their logo or mascot.

“The council accepted that it was an icon of Townsville and that they wouldn’t remove it,” said Mr Ford.

To purchase ‘A History of The Townsville Saint’, contact Lyall Ford on 0400 772 278 or email lyallrford@gmail.com.

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Mackay’s smallest and most vulnerable babies will be given the best start possible in life thanks to a collaboration on the use of a new state-of-the-art cot for neonatal transfers to the Mackay Base Hospital from the Mater Private Hospital.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) Nursing and Midwifery Executive Director Karen Wade said the initiative was aimed at providing the best care possible for vulnerable babies.

“The neonatal transfer cot is a state-of-the-art piece of equipment to care for premature babies or any babies who need a high level of care who might be born at the Mater and need an immediate transfer to the Base hospital’s Special Care Nursery (SCN),” Ms Wade said.

“Every minute saved in transfer is of vital importance when a mum has had a premature or sick baby, and this new cot will give these little ones the best chance possible.

“This is a great example of our hospitals collaborating on care for the benefit of our most vulnerable patients.”

Mater Private Hospital Executive Officer Beth Thomas welcomed the initiative.

“The neonatal cot will be in place at Mater Maternity to enable these vulnerable babies to be transferred with minimum delay,” Ms Thomas said.

“This is the best equipment available for transporting premature babies, consisting of a temperature-controlled capsule, monitoring equipment, resuscitation equipment and its own power source.

“It then sits on its own stretcher so it can be immediately loaded onto an ambulance for transfer.

“The Base and Mater hospitals are always collaborating to provide patient care, but the sharing of resources takes that collaboration to another level.”

Nursing staff at both hospitals will be provided with training in the use of the cot by Special Care Nursery Clinical Nurse Consultant Louise Johnson, who holds a Masters degree in Clinical Nursing in Neonatal Intensive Care.

Last week’s announcement coincided with World Prematurity Day, which is celebrated annually to raise awareness of our most vulnerable babies, their families and the clinicians who care for them.

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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) has completed major infrastructure works at the Port of Mackay with the completion of Wharf Five.

The Port’s newest wharf now boasts a $4 million western approach deck, positioning the Port to continue to take advantage of future trade opportunities.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey celebrated the project’s completion.

“The Palaszczuk Government is proud to support Queensland’s strong trade industry, and delivering better infrastructure is just one way of doing that,” Minister Bailey said.

“Not only has this $4 million project seen a new deck delivered, we’ve supported good local jobs and supply chains throughout construction.

“Having infrastructure of this calibre at our state-owned ports means we can expand into new industries and capitalise on the investment made in renewables throughout the region.”

NQBP Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Fertin said the works were part of a number of infrastructure upgrades at the Port.

“Over the past 18 months we’ve invested $1.8 million to expand cargo capacity at Wharf Four, $2.5 million to extend Wharf One and recently completed our new $8.5 million tug berth facility, all aimed at supporting growth and diversified trade,” Mr Fertin said.

“The Port of Mackay is an essential gateway linking Central Queensland to the world, servicing mining and agricultural industries and supporting 2,100 trade jobs with goods to the value of around $4.9 billion passing through the port.

“We are dedicated to supporting our local economy and workforce and are pleased we were able to achieve this during the Wharf Five project with our principal contractors V2R Projects.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said opportunities in Mackay were booming.

“You only need to take a drive around our growing region to see the investment being made in our region,” Ms Gilbert said.

“From new bypasses, a better Bruce Highway, and upgrades to our Port – the Palaszczuk Government continues to put money into creating jobs in regional Queensland.

“I was here alongside the Premier just a few months ago and the amount of work that has been completed since is incredible.”

V2R Projects Director Paul Chambers said the company has valued working with NQBP on the project which has resulted in an important piece of infrastructure for the region.

“We have been proud to work with a number of local and regional based subcontractors and suppliers for the delivery of this project,” Mr Chambers said.

“Our site-based team are all local Mackay residents and all took pride in the delivery of infrastructure that will support their local community and economy,” he said.

Wharf Five facilitates the import and export of fuel, dry bulk (grain, magnetite and fertiliser) as well as break bulk (scrap metal).

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Local builders Anthony and Lynelle Wolff from Hotondo Homes Mackay are celebrating after Hotondo Homes’ night of nights, walking away with the prestigious 2022 National Display Home of the Year Award.

Inspired by the Australian coastal lifestyle, their award-winning Seacoast 259 design elegantly captures the essence of relaxed family living.

“The Seacoast 259 is coastal, light and open, designed to perfectly suit our location and lifestyle,” said Lynelle.

“It embraces open plan living, with a focus on creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow between the entertaining area and out to the alfresco and pool.”

“It’s a great home for entertaining and everyday family life in Mackay,” added Anthony.

The contemporary single storey design offers a functional family-friendly layout, complete with two spacious living areas, four bedrooms and a double garage.

The home was recognised for its quality workmanship, sophisticated design, impeccable presentation and understanding of the local market.

“The design is bathed in natural light and caters to a laidback, beachside lifestyle,” said Lynelle.

“The colour scheme is right on-trend and from the high ceilings to the skylights, there’s lots of wow factors.”

“The quality of workmanship and finishes make this home a true standout,” said Anthony.

The Seacoast 259 also recently won Best Display Home in the up to $550,000 category at the 2022 Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards.

The award wins come after the building industry has navigated a range of unprecedented challenges, experiencing record levels of demand amidst widespread materials and trades shortages, price spikes, delays and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved, and it’s very rewarding to be recognised for our efforts and hard work during this time,” said Anthony.

“It’s a great achievement, and we couldn’t do it without our team.”

As a local family-owned business, Anthony and Lynelle have helped clients build their dream home across Mackay and surrounds for over 10 years.

Visit 26 Beachway Blvd, Shoal Point to take a tour of this sensational home, open 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm.

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The giving tree at Mackay’s Explore Property is back again in 2022, gathering goodies and gifts for children in need.

The toy drive is collecting presents for girls aged 10 – 13 and boys aged 9 – 11 which will be donated to the Pyjama Foundation.

The Pyjama Foundation was created to provide children in care a world of unlimited opportunity, to create positive relationships, and to instill a love for learning.

After only being up for a short while, Explore Property is thrilled with the response its received already from generous givers.

You can donate to the toy drive by visiting Explore Property at 224 Victoria Street, Mackay.

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Cape Hillsborough is one of the Mackay region’s most popular destinations with its kangaroo and wallaby experiences, bushwalks and stunning views on the bucket lists of many.

Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park provides a central point for backpackers, travellers and families to stay while visiting the National Park and the popular nature-based visitor holiday park may get a facelift soon after being acquired by NRMA Parks and Resorts.

Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park will retain its current branding for now with future plans for significant refurbishments to the park facilities including new accommodation options and destination experiences, such as guided tours and Indigenous experiences at hand as part of a broad reaching three-year masterplan.

Animal lovers can rest assured that the Sunrise with the Wallabies encounter, taking place each morning on the beach in front of the park, will remain.

NRMA Parks and Resorts Chief Executive Officer Paul Davies said the easy connection with wildlife in its natural environment set the park aside as a nature-based experiential property.

“As the NRMA Parks portfolio continues to expand, we’re conscious of growing in a considered way and offer our guests the chance to interact in a memorable and sustainable way with Australia’s own incredible wildlife and Aboriginal cultural histories and stories,” Mr Davies said.

“There are so many unforgettable experiences we’d like to offer our guests, and the Sunrise with the Wallabies experience is a perfect example.

“As the sun takes its first glimpse over the horizon, our guests join the kangaroos and wallabies on the beach as the friendly Tour Guides share stories about the unique environmental aspects of the location and the region.”

The park was purchased from long time owners Ben and Renae Atherton and whose work was recently recognised through a gold award for the Best of Queensland Award for Best Caravan or Holiday Park and the Most Outstanding Contribution by an Individual at the Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards 2022.

The acquisition marks the eleventh property in Queensland for NRMA Parks and Resorts and brings the total to 40 holiday parks and resorts across the nation.

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Every Thursday night, a group of savvy and enthusiastic teenagers meet to share life skills, laughs and lessons.

They are the PCYC Emergency Services Cadet Unit.

Cadets is a fun and encouraging program that equips its participants with skills and knowledge to take into the world, whether the participants choose to pursue the emergency services or not.

“The last few weeks we’ve been doing preparation for storm season,” said PCYC Emergency Services Cadet Unit Coordinator Andrew Nicholson.

“We’ve been teaching them about knots, radios, what to have, tarping, sandbagging and getting them all to work as a team to do it.”

Andrew has been in the coordinator role for the last five years but involved in the SES for much longer.

“At the time, I’d just gone into being the deputy local controller then three months later, all of a sudden, I became the one in charge, so I had some real sudden learning curves,” he laughed.

He says he’s loved the responsibility of teaching children these valuable life skills.

“Getting out there, helping the young ones, getting them up to speed with life skills and getting to know them and helping them along and keeping them off the streets,” he said.

“I have seen some really good cadets come through over the years and quite a few that wish they could stay.”

There are currently 12 cadets in the unit, including 15-year-old Noah Weber and 16-year-old Bianca Oakley.

They both agree that cadets is a great place to make friends and learn new skills, and that’s what keeps them coming back.

“All the people and the community, honestly,” said Bianca.

“I know just about everyone here off by heart.”

“The life skills that I’ve learnt, the people that I’ve made friends with and just everyone in general, they’re just great people to be around,” agreed Noah.

Noah plans to contribute his Cadets skills to the air force when he finishes school, while Bianca is already in the field, recently joining the SES Calen Unit.

“Since I started Cadets, I’ve always wanted to be in the SES because my mum was, my step-dad has been, I’ve always been around it so it’s just kind of normal,” said Bianca.

“Now that I’m 16, I can actually go and be a part of it and be involved.”

An annual highlight for Cadets is the Cadet Games held in Townsville every year, giving cadets the opportunity to put their skills to the test in a competitive environment and meet different cadet units while doing so.

“It was a lot of medical-based stuff, this year,” said Noah.

“First aid, triage, the stretcher obstacle course,” added Bianca.

The Games includes other cadet units including Navy, Army and Surf Life Savers from areas including Emerald, Charters Towers, Hughenden, Cairns and Thursday Island.

“It’s open to any cadet group agency,” said Andrew.

The Mackay group won the Squad Challenge in 2021 and Noah says they weren’t far off this year.

For more information on PCYC Emergency Services Cadets or to join, visit www.pcyc.org.au/join-a-unit.

Bianca and Noah’s Disaster Tips

Ask the SES or Emergency Service Cadets – “Most events we go to, we’ll set up a tent where we’ll have bags, folders, a book with all the stuff you should know,” said Bianca.

Check your risk – “Check where you are, make sure you’re not going to get flooded out,” said Noah. “If you are going to get flooded out, move when you can. There’s no point in waiting until it’s at your doorstep.”

Check the storm guide – “There are websites that you can use,” said Bianca. “The government has a section on their website where you can download information.”

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