The Mackay Disability Expo, coming up on Friday, August 12, has almost doubled in size since the inaugural expo in 2021.

In fact, with exhibitor numbers increasing from about 30 to more than 50 this year, council has made the decision to move the event from a community hall to the Big Shed in the Mackay Showgrounds.  

The expo will kick off at 9am and run until noon, with four exciting demonstrations scheduled throughout that time.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the event organisers had arranged for Art from the Blind Side, Groove Movers, Crossroad Arts and Fit Boy International to put on interactive demonstrations at the expo.

“David Conway of Art from the Blind Side will be doing some live painting,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Groove Movers will be doing some of their interpretive dances, and are inviting attendees to join in,” he said.

“Fit Boy International is an NDIS registered fitness provider who supports people with disability to reach their fitness goals.

“And the tremendous team at Crossroad Arts will share their weekly ROAR program in the Showgrounds Big Shed with us, so everyone can have a go and participate if they like.”

The Mayor said that with more than 18 per cent of Queenslanders living with some form of disability and more than 10 per cent acting as carers, there was a very real call for an expo of this nature.

“If you crunch the numbers, that means, in our region, more than 33,000 people could potentially require some level of assistance from the disability sector,” he said.

“This expo is council’s way of offering local providers an inexpensive way to showcase themselves while also providing an opportunity for service providers and businesses to network and connect with each other.

“It’s all about promoting those who offer services, information and products that enhance the lives of people with disability.”

Entry is free.  For more information, follow the Mackay Disability Expo 2022 event on Facebook.

Peyawadee Petts, Theresa Ahwang and Julie Browne at the 2021 Mackay Disability Expo

There is lots to see and discover at the Mackay Disability Expo

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A partnership is set to take flight to help protect the Isaac region’s premier wetlands, which boasts more than 250 bird species.

The St Lawrence Wetlands has been selected as one of 10 sites to benefit from Conservation Volunteers Australia’s Revive our Wetlands project due to its significance to migratory shore birds and location in the Great Barrier Reef catchment. Isaac Regional Council has teamed up with the Koinjmal People of Koinmerburra Country and Conservation Volunteers Australia to help community-led, on-the-ground actions.

Mayor Anne Baker said the 594.9 sq km wetland area is a significant environmental and social pillar in the Isaac region.

“We already know that more than 50 per cent of Australian wetlands have been lost and it’s up to each and every one of us to help protect our prized St Lawrence wetlands,” Mayor Baker said.

The project is looking for volunteers to help support wetland conservation activities such as weed management and mapping activities on prickly acacia and giant rat’s tail, mapping and camera traps for feral pig and deer activity, marine debris collection, flora and bird surveys, and vegetation planting around campgrounds and wetland public view platforms.

CEO of Conservation Volunteers Australia Phil Harrison said Australia’s wetlands are thriving sites of carbon storage – accounting for around 10 percent of the world’s blue carbon ecosystems – but they’re disappearing at a rate three times faster than natural forests.

“Growing global research is unlocking the potential of wetlands as natural carbon sequestration and storage systems,” Mr Harrison said.

Managing director of Chevron Australia, Mark Hatfield, said that they have been working with CVA to protect the local environment through workplace volunteering and community programs for more than 15 years.

“Chevron Australia is pleased to build on our relationship with Conservation Volunteers Australia and look forward to working together to advance innovative carbon capture and storage research,” Mr Hatfield said.

The Revive our Wetlands Project at St Lawrence Wetlands is being delivered by Conservation Volunteers Australia, in collaboration with traditional owners and Isaac Regional Council, and will deliver great benefit to the health and profile of the internationally significant St Lawrence Wetlands.

Conservation Volunteers Australia has recently partnered with Chevron Australia to deliver the $3.45 million Revive our Wetlands environmental program aimed at restoring and protecting wetlands at locations across Australia over a three-year period.

To get involved and to protect the St Lawrence Wetlands register your interest with Conversation Volunteer Australia’s Revive Project Officer, Leah Scoble on 0436 335 037 or email lscoble@cva.org.au

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The Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP has called on the Labor Federal Government to honour the Coalition’s pre-election promise to commit $5 million to Veteran Wellbeing Centres in the Mackay region.

“With Vietnam Veterans Day coming up later this month, I took the opportunity to address the Parliament to call on the new government to support our veterans, Defence Force personnel and their families,” Mr Willcox said.

“The Coalition made a commitment to fund two wellness centres in Mackay and another at Kinchant Dam west of the city in the Capricornia electorate held by my Coalition colleague Michelle Landry MP because there is a real need for them.”

Veteran Wellbeing Centres provide a one-stop shop, established in partnership with ex-service and community organisations, to help connect veterans and their families to extensive support and advocacy services already available, with a strong focus on health and wellbeing.

The centres in the Mackay region would also be available to first responders and their families.

“The Coalition recognises that it is critical for veterans, serving Defence Force members and first responders to have the support they need,” Mr Willcox said.

“During my speech, I urged the government to honour the ANZAC spirit of standing by your mates by standing by veterans and their families,” Mr Willcox said.

“There is an even greater need for Veteran Wellbeing Centres in Mackay, which is a major regional centre without its own RSL Sub-Branch.

“I’m looking forward to working with Mackay RSL president Ken Higgins and PTSD Frontline to get these centres up and running,” Mr Willcox said.

“The centres are about providing local solutions to local veteran issues.”

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In the Canadian province of British Columbia, around 30km south of a town called Quesnel, you’ll find a community called Australian.

This is where former Mackay resident Ben Direen became a Canadian citizen, with Canada joining Australia and New Zealand on the list of countries Ben is a citizen of.

Ben grew up in Mackay before moving to Brisbane to complete a Sport Management degree.

He then embarked on a career in sponsorship sales, working for companies such as V8 Supercars, the National Basketball League and the Townsville Crocodiles.

In a period of uncertainty in his professional and personal life, Ben took the opportunity to travel to Europe.

“On the way back, I ended up visiting my brother who was living in Vancouver at the time,” said Ben.

“I was completely conned because Vancouver was sunny for three days – its nickname is Raincouver.”

Ben was taken aback by the beauty of Vancouver and other places he visited on a road trip down the west coast of America.

After another stint in Australia, Ben secured a Visa and moved to Canada.

“Just before I left, I interviewed for the Rocky Mountaineer, the train, in my parent’s living room in Mackay,” he said.

Ben arrived in Vancouver and was met with 100 days of straight rain.

“I was like, ‘what have I done?’”

He got the job on the Rocky Mountaineer where he worked with his brother and met his now partner of six years in his first season.

It was also on the Rocky Mountaineer that Ben became familiar with the area of Australian.

“It’s a tiny little spot on the train line and there’s only two or three signs there that refer to the Australian name, but the history of it ties in really nicely with the history of the early pioneers of the gold rush of western Canada,” said Ben.

When Ben decided to become a citizen of Canada, he saw a unique opportunity given the virtual nature of the citizenship ceremony.

“I was like, ‘why don’t I try and be a little funny with it and become the first Aussie to become Canadian on Australian soil,” he said.

“Technically, it still is Canadian soil, which is part of the rules.

“By doing that, I was just being a bit cheeky.”

Ben called the owners of the ranch situated in Australian the morning of the ceremony and asked if he could complete the ceremony on their property.

He was welcomed onto the ranch by Bob Yorston, a descendant of the Yorstons who bought the property in 1903, his wife Lenore and their daughter.

A fan of symbolism, Ben took his citizenship oath overlooking the Australian ranch with a Tim Horton’s coffee in hand and sporting a Canterbury-made Wallabies jersey with an iconic plaid shirt over the top, giving his colleagues on the Rocky Mountaineer a unique anecdote to spin on their tours past Australian.

“I look back and I was pretty moved during the whole thing, it just worked out perfectly,” said Ben.

“I’m proud to be a citizen of all three countries.

“Australia is my home country and I think, personally, you’re splitting hairs with Canada, New Zealand and Australia for three of the best countries on the planet and I don’t want to give up any of them; I love each country for different reasons.”

Ben at Australian Ranch, B.C prior to his citizenship ceremony wearing a plaid shirt and a Canterbury Wallabies jersey with Tim Horton's Coffee in hand

Ben works seasonally on the Rocky Mountaineer where he came across the area of Australian. Photos supplied: Ben Direen

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Mackay residents have been mostly on board when it comes to the new Beam e-scooters.

The first official monthly report received by council, under an agreement with Beam, shows that since launching on June 7, there has been more than 38,000 trips in Mackay.

Mayor Greg Williamson said this was a staggering number of trips, with riders travelling about 89,000km.

“Following launch week, residents were really keen to try them, with each Beam e-scooter in Mackay being used an average of six times per day,” Mayor Williamson said.

“That adds up to almost 10,000 trips within the first week of Beam’s launch!

“Mackay residents and visitors are also making e-scooters part of their event days, with 1450 scooter trips taken on this year’s Wine and Food Day on July 16. That’s a total distance of 3143km,” he said.

Beam e-scooters are a greener transport alternative in the region and have saved 23,149 kilograms of CO2 emissions so far.

Mayor Williamson said he hoped residents and visitors continued to take advantage of this great service.

“The scooters are a carbon-neutral, affordable, and fun form of transportation that provide a great alternative for exploring our region.

“Riders are reminded to always use the scooters safely and follow the law while riding them for their own safety and that of pedestrians.

“It’s also important that the scooters are parked in a considerate manner so as not to block the footpath,” he said.

The Beam e-scooters’ operating area includes the suburbs of Central Mackay, North Mackay, East Mackay, West Mackay, South Mackay and parts of Ooralea, Glenella, Mount Pleasant and Mackay Harbour.

The app-based service features affordable pay-as-you-go rates, with a $1 unlock fee and $0.45 per minute.

Beam e-scooters have been a huge hit in the first month since their introduction, with more than 38,000 trips being taken already

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Boat owners in Mackay and surrounding areas will be able to dispose of their expired marine flares as part of a new service operated by Mackay Regional Council.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council was pleased to take on this important service to the community.

“We offer a one-stop location for the disposal of all waste and recyclable goods at our Paget facility,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The flares are to be dropped off in person at the Incredable Drop Off area where there will be two bins – one for damaged flares and one for intact but out-of-date flares.

“It’s essential that these flares don’t end up in our kerbside wheelie bins or in the pits at transfer stations, as they could easily ignite and cause fires in our rubbish trucks or at landfill sites,” he said.

Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said this was an extremely important service offered to the boating community that enabled the safe disposal of marine flares, which are required safety equipment for boaties venturing beyond smooth waters.

"Marine flares, by their very nature, are combustible products that can become unstable once they've reached their use-by date,” Mr Dillon said.

"Expired flares cannot be safely retained onboard vessels, so it is important facilities are provided so boaties can safely dispose of them once that use-by date has been reached.

"Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) had been providing this service at its fire stations in Mackay and North Mackay.

"However, this service ended on July 31, so council stepped into the role to accept expired flares at its Paget Transfer Station."

Mr Dillon said it was important boaties understood expired flares should be replaced, and not retained or disposed of carelessly.

"MSQ's statistics show that not carrying the right, well-maintained safety equipment is one of the 'fatal five' mistakes Queensland boaties make.

"The bright orange or red smoke from a flare could make all the difference in surviving a boating mishap one day, so it is vitally important your flares work when you need them.

"Expired flares might not work, so before that expiry date is reached, they need to be replaced and when disposing of them, remember the only safe way to do so is by taking them to a dedicated disposal facility,” he said.

The Paget Transfer Station is located at Crichtons Road, Paget.

Mackay Harbour Master Captain Jason Britton and Mayor Greg Williamson demonstrate how to safely dispose of damaged and expired marine flares

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After six years of dry taps and taking plastic bottles to school, a rural Isaac region school now has a more secure water future, thanks to charity Rural Aid.

Rural Aid facilitated the installation of a SOURCE Hydropanel array at Valkyrie State School and believes that this technology could help facilitate drinking water security for other struggling schools.

Valkyrie P&C President Kristen Michelmore said the Hydropanels have given the community a huge amount of peace of mind since their installation late last month.

Ms Michelmore said prior to the Hydropanels’ installation, students had taken it upon themselves to monitor how much water they drank during the day.

“School needs to be a safe place where kids can learn and not have to worry about turning on a tap,” Ms Michelmore said.

“Regional school children should be treated the same as those in the cities and provided the same basic services. Through my work with the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association it is clear this is not just a problem for Valkyrie – many other schools across regional and remote Australia have issues with drinking water quality and access, so it would be great to see more projects like this supported by the Government and Education Department.”

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the technology will better the students’ quality of life.

“Droughts are difficult for kids to process, so to not have safe drinking water at school, on top of dry taps at home, is an appalling situation,” Mr Warlters said.

“Rural Aid acted quickly to offer the Valkyrie school community a sustainable and drought-proof alternative to trucked-in water. We’re hoping that this installation will serve as the benchmark for providing water across more schools in Queensland that face issues of scarcity and contamination.”

“Rural Aid is proud to have provided a solution to this rural community’s drinking water woes,” Mr Warlters said.

SOURCE Global’s Director of Market Development, Alex Polson, said that the innovative technology will shore up supplies and provide much needed resilience for students, parents, and teachers within the Valkyrie community.

“No parent or teacher should have to worry about where they’re going to get drinking water from for their children and students, so we’re glad that SOURCE Hydropanels can ensure a consistent, drought-proof supply of water here in Valkyrie,” he said.

Rural Aid, SOURCE Global, the Central Queensland Mining Rehabilitation Group and Stanmore Resources have covered the majority of the panels’ costs with some local funding also helping to finalise the project.

With the school previously reliant on plastic bottled water and donations, SOURCE also highlighted the environmental benefit of the Hydropanels, with the Hydropanel array able to offset more than 800,000 plastic bottles over its 15-year lifetime.

“The use of decentralised, renewable technologies like SOURCE Hydropanels give regional and remote parts of Australia the ability to become healthier and more climate resilient, while avoiding the cost, waste, and inconvenience of single use plastic bottles,” Mr Polson said.

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Free Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits are now available to eligible Commonwealth concession card holders at nine Mackay Hospital and Health Services facilities across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday communities.

Mackay | 54 Victoria St (previous vaccination & testing clinic)

Sarina Hospital | ED reception

Clermont MPHS | Reception

Dysart Hospital | Outpatient reception

Moranbah Hospital | Conference room entrance

Proserpine Hospital | Ambulance entrance (park on the road and walk in)

Cannonvale Community Health Centre | Administration reception

Collinsville MPHS | Administration reception

Bowen Hospital | Main administration building

Check each facility’s open hours online https://bit.ly/3oK9YHO

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Eligible people are to present their physical concession card or digital card in the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app at each facility when collecting the RAT kits.

Free RAT kits for concession card holders are no longer available through community pharmacies.

Mackay Base Hospital is not a designated distribution point.

More information and eligibility for free RAT kits, please visit https://bit.ly/3bqJKGZ

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The end of July was a busy one for our region’s rescuers, with two primary missions on one day taking them from Inland Isaac to an island off the coast of Mackay.

On July 29 the Mackay-based rescue helicopter flew direct to the scene of a serious single vehicle accident on the Fitzroy Development Road near Oxford, after a Toyota ute towing a trailer loaded with storage tanks left the road and flipped about 11am.

The driver suffered serious injuries but was able to free himself from the wreckage of the ute before collapsing. The helicopter landed on the road so the flying trauma team could treat and prepare the patient for flight. The driver was transferred to Mackay Base Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Upon return to Mackay, the chopper was then tasked to airlift a person from St Bees Island suffering a cardiac condition. He was flown to Mackay Base Hospital for further treatment.

The busy week drew to a close after two transfers of patients from Proserpine and Collinsville and three patients from Bowen, Collinsville and Clermont to Mackay during the two days prior.

RACQ CQ Rescue attended a single vehicle accident on the Fitzroy Development Road

RACQ CQ Rescue flew a patient from St Bees Island to Mackay. Images supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

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Since opening in April, Red Dog Brewery has poured countless quality beers for patrons seeking something more flavourful from their brew.

Red Dog Brewery was established to give the people of Mackay access to real quality beer made locally from scratch.

Brewed right here in Mackay using a 6HL all-grain brewery, Red Dog mash, lauter, boil and ferment all beer with quality ingredients from all over the world.  

“Our beer is not filtered, pasteurized and we don’t use extracts,” said Head Brewer Jamie “Woodsy” Woods.

“We use malt, yeast, hops and water.”

Red Dog Brewery brews beers based on traditional styles from Europe, the UK, America and the Pacific, so let your schooner take you around the world with these delicious drops.

German Pilsner (Europe)

A crisp, clean lager originating from Germany, the key feature of the Pilsner is the lagering process.

Red Dog conditions the beer for six weeks at minus 1.5 degrees.

Using brewer’s yeast strain from Weihenstephan in Germany allows the brewing of beers with a good balance of floral and fruity aromas and gives clean flavours and high drinkable beers.

Northern Brewer hops originate from Germany and is a dual-purpose hop.

It has a herbal, fragrant aroma and gives a good, clean bitterness.

Pale Ale (America) – Woodsy’s pick

The Red Dog Pale Ale is brewed as a traditional American Pale Ale using 2-row pale malt and American yeast strain producing neutral and well-balanced ales with a clean and crispy finish.

Reg Dog’s Pale Ale uses all American Hops including Citra, Simcoe and Cascade.

It is golden in colour with medium bitterness and high levels of tropical hop aromas.

“My favourite beer to brew and drink is the Red Dog Pale Ale,” said Jamie.

“The perfect beer for all seasons and occasions.”

Pacific Ale (Australian)

Made famous by Australian brewery Stone & Wood, the Pacific Ale is a style of beer that is known to be highly refreshing due to the fact that it contains high levels of hop fruitiness with low to moderate amounts of bitterness.

Red Dog only uses the Australian Hops - Galaxy.

During the brewing process, the hop additions are towards the end of the boiling process and through dry hopping in the fermenter.

Red Ale (UK)

Red Dog Brewery’s Red Ale is based on the Irish Red Ale style.

It’s brewed using a moderate amount of kilned malts and roasted barley, giving the beer its red colour.

Using English ale brewer’s yeast, it produces balanced fruity and floral notes.

As a modern twist on a traditional style, Red Dog uses the hops Citra which, as the name implies, has a strong citrusy profile.

This is largely credited to its very high myrcene content.

It has an extraordinary flavour profile of grapefruit, lime and tropical fruit.

INTERNATIONAL BEER DAY, AUG 5

To celebrate International Beer Day, Red Dog Brewery has the full line-up of Red Dog beer on tap.

Local food truck Spicy ‘N’ Saucy will be on site and the talented Luke Miller will be providing a set of acoustic rock.

If you’re not sure which beer to drink, beer-tasting paddles are available and will provide you with a broader understanding of the flavours - you can choose any four beers from the line-up.

Woodsy will also be at the brewery for those looking to chat about all things beer.

Red Dog Brewery is part of the Independent Brewers Association and the brewery is certified independent.

Keep an eye out for Brewery Tour packages launching soon.

Red Dog Brewery also takes bookings for private events and functions.

Find them on Facebook.

Head Brewer Woodsy. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Red Dog Brewery has a huge range of beers available, and a tasting paddle will help you navigate them all. Photo supplied: Jamie Woods

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The Mackay Regional Council’s decision to cover a piece of public artwork at the Camilleri Street Skate Park has been met with “extreme community reactions” said Mayor Greg Williamson.

The artwork, which was initiated without council approval, was painted over last Thursday, with the newly blank wall targeted by graffiti later that day.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm originally opened the skate park in 2019 and felt the frustration of the community, penning a letter to the mayor and council and hosting a gathering at the park.

“Approximately 80 community members of all ages came to the Camilleri Street Park in support of our young people,” said Ms Camm.

“The aim of the event was to reassure young people that there are adults in the community who hear them and who will advocate for them.”

The Mackay Regional Council councillors who voted against keeping the artwork have also had the opportunity to have their say.

Ugly Threats Received By Council Among Heartfelt Pleas

Artwork was controversially installed at the Camilleri Street Skate Park using community-raised funds following the death of Blacks Beach teenager Will Baker in May.

Will frequented the skate park and was the first to drop in on the wall on which the artwork was painted.

In a letter addressed to Mayor Greg Williamson, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm has aimed to fully inform the council of community sentiment surrounding the decision to remove the artwork.

Ms Camm reminds council that the artwork was not intended as a memorial, but rather a revitalisation of a space enjoyed by many.

“I understand Council Policy and that it is not appropriate for a memorial, however (Will Baker’s death) did trigger a large community response,” the letter reads.

“This response resulted in a positive placed based activity that culminated in a non-identifiable public art project that displays a skateboarder and brings the skate park to life.

“This artwork has provided a positive overlay of the graffiti and words that were left post a tragic loss; and not withstanding due process was not necessarily followed.

“The community is united that this Artwork is not about one teenager who lost his life; this Artwork is about a community responding positively to create a sense of place and belonging to benefit all young people across our community.”

Mr Williamson, who was one of three councillors who voted for taking the final decision back to community consultation, says some of the emotional outpour from the community has translated into offensive and threatening messages sent to councillors.

“The democratic decision of council has been made and that’s democracy in action,” Mr Williamson said.

“All of the elected members are here to do the right thing by the community in their view.

“Sometimes, we don’t get it right and that’s not the cause for the community to start piling on and making terrible threats so what we’re saying: enough; line in the sand; let’s start this process again.”

Mr Williamson has invited community members and organisations to reapproach council and begin a consultative period to get the artwork restored through official channels.

“There is a process and a policy to be actually delivered here,” he said.

“We can work with the community to get that outcome.”

Councillor Justin Englert was one of eight councillors who voted against sending the decision back to community consultation and says in his column on page 16 of this week’s Mackay Life that he’s received multiple death threats since the decision.

“It’s not the first message of its type this week and I certainly don’t believe it will be the last,” he wrote.

“I voted to have the memorial at Camilleri Street skate park taken down because council policy doesn’t allow public memorials – one example is an application for Shandee Blackburn that was denied.

“We haven’t allowed memorial murals for anyone else, so why did they think they could just put one up there? 

“That’s not fair, that’s not equitable.”

Cr Alison Jones said she is disappointed in the miscommunication from other councillors.

“When I became a councillor I willingly took an oath to faithfully and impartially fulfil the duties of office, in accordance with the local government principles under the local government act to the best of my judgement and ability.  Not abiding with council policies is a breach of that Oath and not truly representing the majority of the Mackay Region and certainly not respecting the majority vote of council,” Ms Jones said.

“The miscommunication of three other three councillors is disappointing that they would portray we have said no to further consultation, when our first vote was to say no to an illegal memorial/mural and our second vote reinforced our original position.  

“It is disappointing that this decision is not being respected by other councillors.  Consultation is welcomed when achieved through the correct policy and procedures.”

Cr Martin Bella echoed the consensus surrounding the slack of consultation.

“We’ve been criticized for the lack of consultation.  How many were consulted with and agreed on a design before the mural was painted, there are 20,000 people in the Northern Beaches,” Mr Bella said.

“If there was a desire for a memorial and the youth was a member of the Eimeo Surf Club it could quite easily be put there and I would wonder why the former president of the surf life club did not suggest it.

“Even though the petition was started after the painting was started, very few were from Northern Beaches.  Approx signatories were 50 Northern Beaches and close to half were out of our region such as Brisbane, Sydney and overseas, so only a fraction of 1 per cent of residents of the Northern Beaches signed their name.”

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm held a gathering at Camilleri Street Skate Park last week following the removal of a mural. Photo supplied: Amanda Camm

Council has been reminded that the artwork is not intended as a memorial for Blacks Beach teenager Will Baker who passed away in May. Photo supplied: Amanda Camm

Mayor Greg Williamson voted for public consultation on the decision and has invited community members and organisations to begin a consultative period with Council to get the artwork restored through official channels. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Are You Ready? Are you shaking at the knees? It’s High Voltage time, Little Lover – Simon Gardner’s Classic Rock Legends of the 80s & 90s Show is crash-landing at The Pub in late August.

It’s big! It’s loud! It’s coming your way! One of the country’s best rock shows – fully costumed and choreographed, rocking out theatres across Australia – is arriving at The Airlie Beach Hotel.

It’s a first every for locals’ favourite local, bringing a theatre show of epic rock proportions to the bar top stage.

All aboard, time to Bark at the Moon as Whitsunday audiences relive the heady days of fist pimping, head banging, anthem screaming classic rock with crazy licks, riffs and roof raising production.

Led by one of Australia’s premier rock guitarists, Simon Gardner, this show sets the Heavens On Fire courtesy of his frenzied, powerful playing.

You’ll be on your feet screamin’ for more when they recreate the primal, heart pumping tunes and theatrical antics of heavy rock classics from monsters of the genre like Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, AC/DC, Kiss, Van Halen, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake and more.

It features the outstanding, powerhouse rock vocals of Dellacoma Rio, Tara Graham, and Shaleena Bain, together with an absolute killer live rock band, it’s unlike any other show The Pub has ever seen.

Show creator Melanie Evans said they were so looking forward to rocking out at the Airlie Beach Hotel this month.

“We’re super pumped for our upcoming weekend of shows at Airlie Beach Hotel,” she said.

“We’ll be smashing out some absolute classic rock tunes for the Classic Rock Legends Show, especially as its going to be our first of the year! We cannot wait.”

It may be Simon Gardner and Shaleena Bain’s first time performing at Airlie Beach Hotel, but Tara Graham and Dellacoma Rio have both rocked out onstage before for No Doubt About Gwen and the Australian INXS Show respectively and are eager to entertain Airlie audiences once more.

The entirely free show will have every rock fan’s heart thrumming with the electric energy of Simon Gardner’s Classic Rock Legends.

What: Simon Gardner’s Classic Rock Legends

When: August 20 and 21 from 2.00pm to 5.30pm

Where: Airlie Beach Hotel

Simon Gardner’s Classic Rock Legends of the 80s & 90s Show arrives at the Airlie Beach Hotel on August 20 and 21

This incredible show is a first for The Pub as they welcome what’s normally a full-theatre experience to their bar top stage

Fully costumed, choreographed, and with special effects, this show is going to rock The Pub all day long

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A newly minted gelato store on Airlie Beach’s main strip is churning freshly made authentic gelato in store - both classic and inventive - since opening on July 14 and is fast becoming a favourite for the locals.

Gelatissimo Airlie Beach is serving Whitsunday residents and tourists alike with gelato made “for the flavour obsessed”.

Drawing customers with its gorgeous storefront that screams modern gelato parlour and harkens an authentic Italian gelateria, Gelatissimo is pulling in passers-by with its aesthetic, and keeping them with tasty treats.

The gelato franchise, which started in King Street, Sydney in 2002, may have stores across the globe nowadays, but franchisee of Gelatissimo Airlie Beach, David Lim, said it was, in its creamy heart, an artisanal gelato store focused on community.

“Gelatissimo is a business about small moments; it’s a business about making Australians smile over a scoop of gelato,” Mr Lim said.

“Whether that be in Gelatissimo itself, in a park – or here in Airlie Beach by the lagoon, that’s the beauty of gelato.”

Gelatissimo has been wanting to bring its famous gelato far north – and Airlie Beach seemed like a match made in heaven.

“We thought: Airlie Beach, with its tourists and local people, and its weather, is perfect for gelato. They deserve a brand that’s made for the seekers of indulgence, and flavour cravers alike here in Airlie,” Mr Lim said.

With over 30 flavours in total available at Airlie, it’s easy to see why they’re the cherry atop the gelato world, with popular flavours like award winning Mango sorbet made with Australian Kensington Pride Mangoes, and Deluxe Wicked Double Choc Brownie that just won gold at the Australian Dairy industry Awards.

“Things like perfect texture, flavour, and hard work makes us different from any other gelato or ice cream shop,” Mr Lim said.

“We introduce new and exciting flavours monthly. They’re creative and have a touch of localisation; for example, we have an exclusive Airlie Beach Tropical Sunrise flavour that’s a refreshing Passionfruit and Yuzu sorbet.

“That’s reflected in the store. We want customers to feel really welcomed and to feel free to explore flavours, rather than getting the same every time.

“We want them to be happier when they leave than when they came in; for us, it’s a dream job. No one is angry when they come in to get gelato – but we want them to be even happier because that puts a smile on our faces.

“I see that Airlie is a tight-knit community and I know that when I treat them well, that is treating the community well.

“Whatever we can do, we want to give back to the locals.”

Gelatissimo Airlie Beach has been open for just shy of a month, but the gelateria is already raking in the approval from satisfied locals!

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At 1 am on October 19, 1949, an early morning wake-up call shook the residents of Proserpine as a disastrous fire swept through the wood and iron buildings in Main Street. Residents were awakened by the glare or falling glass. Most business people living away from Main Street were wakened by the Post Office exchange ringing their homes, or the railway engine incessantly blowing a warning signal.

The fire started in Exelby's building (Filby’s side of the street). Mr Exelby was sleeping on the premises, upper level, and fled in his night attire after waking his co-worker, Mr Cole, who slept on the veranda. He stated that at the end of the evening, there was fire burning in his stove at the rear of the cafe. Being in the habit of allowing the fire to burn out, he was awakened by the heat and smoke.

The fire soon became a raging inferno covering a 40-yard (36.5m) frontage to Main Street as the south easterly wind intensified with the advance of rain. It burnt through three other businesses - Briggs & Mazlin’s (auctioneers and commission agent), Gillespies’ Mercery Department (owned by Mr F. Wilson) and Foxlee’s Butchery. (This area extends from the site of the current café next to the Metropole Hotel to the newsagency in Main Street)

At the time, there was no official fire brigade and no reticulated water but the fire was eventually controlled by 3 am thanks to a bucket brigade. Almost 100 people, some in their pyjamas, fought the fire for two hours - buckets, copper boilers, basins, a baby’s bath and tubs were used; anything that would hold water. Rain water tanks were smashed open with axes to increase the flow of water. Hoses were coupled to wind-mill water tanks to supplement the rain water supply.

Fanned by the breeze, the flames reached out across Main Street to Faust Bros’ Hardware and John Maltby and Co. businesses. Plate glass windows were cracked and paint blistered and peeled. Newly built businesses with brick walls on either side of the burnt-out buildings prevented more damage. These were the Co-operative Society store to the east and Mr A J Dobbins’ premises occupied by Mr P Casey (barber) and Mr. Viv Ball (billiard saloon proprietor) to the west.

Daylight showed burnt twisted sheets of iron and charred wood. The council cleared debris from the street and extinguished smouldering debris. Electricity was restored by 7.30am and work commenced to replace the awning in front of the Co-op which was torn off to prevent the spread of fire. Damage was estimated to be between £20,000 and £30,000. Fortunately, all businesses were insured.

It was almost twelve months before, in September 1950, the Council advertised for a part time Fire Chief and land for a Fire Station and residence was purchased in Main Street. But there was still no reticulated water in town so an 800-gallon tank mounted on a truck was purchased and supplemented by tanks belonging to local businesses and the Sugar Mill. Twelve auxiliary firemen were recruited, paid for attendance at fires and had uniforms supplied. An alarm siren was installed on a 30-foot pole at the CFO’s house.

It would be another three years (1953) before approval was given to build the station and another four years (1957) before Proserpine had reticulated water with the completion of the water tower. This fire station was closed down in 2018 with a new Disaster and Emergency Centre being built in Hinschen Street.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

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The race for the Whitsunday Mayorship continues to heat up ahead of the August 13 election date; electioneering is in full swing with candidates canvassing across the region.

Early voting began on Monday this week (August 1), and a divide in opinion is playing out between the six candidates – one that may have a tactical tilt to it.

Candidate Mike Brunker has been the most outspoken of the six candidates on his choice to not hand out How-To-Vote Cards – but why?

Mr Brunker says he’s doing it “out of respect for voters intelligence” and that they have to “only vote 1” for him, should he be their mayoral candidate of choice.

Other candidates - Jan Clifford, Phil Batty, Peter J Hood, and Julie Hall – have opted for their own How-To-Vote Cards, each of which lists Mr Brunker as their sixth preference.

Candidate Al Grundy has chosen not to allocate preferences, instead telling voters it’s “their choice”.

This is where the confusion lies for voters: unlike the recent Federal Election, which was full preferential, the Whitsunday Mayoral by-election is optional preferential.

Electors can choose to “vote for one, vote for some, or vote for all” candidates on the ballot paper on election day.

The way this is done is by denoting your first-choice candidate, second choice, third, and so on. Or, by simply selecting a single choice and voting one – the beauty of the ‘optional’ in optional preferential voting.

So, why have some candidates listed preferences on their How-To-Vote cards while others have not? It could be what are known as “preference deals” between the political candidates.

When voting is counted, polling officers will begin by tallying all first preference votes – those numbered 1 on all ballot cards.

Once those are tallied, and there is no clear winner (a candidate must receive more than 50 per cent of the vote) the candidate with the fewest votes will be excluded.

If you voted first for that candidate, your ballot paper will be re-examined and your second preference will receive your vote.

Here is where preference deals come into play: if candidate A numbers candidate B second on their How-To-Vote card and vice versa, it affectively gives the pair of them more chance of taking the mayoral office.

This is where Mr Brunker’s claim that candidates Hood, Clifford, and Hall are swapping preferences (a preference deal) and “working as a team” are born from.

If they are, are they gaming the system? No. Preference deals have long been an accepted part of Australian politics – namely for one reason: electors do not have to follow How-To-Vote cards to a tee.

On election day, or beforehand if you are early voting, your vote is your own. Candidates can vote 1 for their preferred choice or vote for all six – it is an individual choice.

The only preferences that count are the numbers written on ballot papers by voters themselves. All candidates can do is try to influence what voters write.

The Whitsunday Mayoral By-Election Day is August 13. More information can be found here: https://bit.ly/3OKXyKc on the Electoral Commission Queensland Website.

The Whitsunday Mayoral by-election is fast approaching, but residents have been confused by optional preferential voting – so what is it?

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