An outpouring of grief has flowed throughout social media following the death of an adventurous spirit who lived life to its fullest.

17-year-old William Baker lost his life earlier this week following a serious traffic crash involving a van and motorbike at Blacks Beach last Saturday night.

William suffered critical injuries at the scene and was assisted by an off-duty nurse who conducted CPR ahead of the emergency response. Tragically William’s injuries were severe and he passed away.

Skateboarding brand Red Lotus Company shared heartfelt words about William and is leading a push to rename the Blacks Beach Skatepark in William’s honour.

“Our young friend William Baker lost his life in a motorcycle accident,” the company posted on social media.

“Will was a beautiful young soul that was taken to early and will be missed by many.

“In his honour we are pushing to re-name the Blacks Beach Skate Park the "William Baker Memorial Park" along with a plaque of his dates and a custom mural painted on the vert wall, which Will was the first person to ever drop in on.

“We will be putting together a Fundraising day (date to be announced) in Will’s memory to help raise funds for his family to cover funeral costs and the mural.

“It has been a pleasure skateboarding with you Will and watching you grow into a rad young human being.”

The Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club posted a touching tribute on social media to their club member.

“Eimeo SLSC are deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the sudden unexpected passing of young club member Will Baker,” the post read.

“Will was a long-time member of the Eimeo SLSC along with his family, starting out as a young nipper and progressing through to a Bronze Medallion holder and volunteer patrol member.

“He was a regular at Eimeo Beach for well over 10 years, whether he was patrolling and helping around the surf club, fishing, diving or just hanging out with mates.

“Our sincerest condolences go to Kim, Andrew and Brianna Baker, and the whole Eimeo SLSC family are here to support you.

“A surfcraft vigil will be held this Sunday, June 5th at 11.30am to remember the energetic young fella who graced us with his presence and was taken way too soon.”

You can donate towards William’s memorial online at gofundme.com/f/william-baker-fundraiser

‍William Baker died last Saturday when his Kawasaki dirt bike collided with a Toyota Hiace van at the intersection of Blacks Beach and Hancock roads.

Eimeo SLSC posted a moving tribute to William who had been a long-time member

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Opening its doors at the beginning of July, the new family-run nature-based childcare centre in Jubilee Pocket is paving the way for early learning in the Whitsunday region, with its fantastical play centre and forward-thinking approach already proving popular with local families.

Running the daily operations of Jungle Zoo are its Manager, Amy Collins, and Director Emma Coughran.

At capacity, they will be able to welcome over 100 children through the doors and employ a team of 22 passionate educators.

Amy and her parents have previously run exceeding childcare centres based in the Central Coast of New South Wales and recruited Emma to move up to the Whitsundays from one of the other centres so that she could help launch Jungle Zoo.

Jumping at the opportunity, Emma made the move with her husband and their three children who are, five, seven and 11-years-old.

Emma has been working with children for 17 years, developing a passion for the industry and then studying to become an Early Childhood Teacher.

“I love the early years – the first five years of life is so important,” said Emma.

“This is the time when we are setting the foundations for children to succeed in life.”

Amy said that Emma was the first pick for the Director’s position because her personal philosophy in education and care is aligned with the family-first approach that lays at the heart of all their childcare centres.

“I love making families feel welcome – families are the first teacher for children, and they always come first,” explained Emma.

Jungle Zoo has an open-door policy where the door is never locked.

They actively encourage participation, whether that be sharing multi-cultural experiences, offering a cooking demonstration, reading to the children, or bringing in show and tell.

They are also breast-feeding friendly.

“Building that sense of belonging is really important for children and having those relationships, with the children and their families, is what we love to do,” said Emma.

“The smiles and happiness you get from young children when they walk through the doors, is the most rewarding part of the job”

Jungle Zoo Open Week starts this Monday and everyone is welcome.

Emma Coughran and Amy Collins from Jungle Zoo

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Water, water, water!

Now is the perfect time to check your irrigation system and if you don’t have one, now is the perfect time to install an irrigation system. It won’t be long before rainfall in the Whitsundays reduces significantly.

The average rainfall (which we are exceeding this month) is around 120mm but in June its 89mm and July is 60mm, and it will remain at this level for the months of August and September.

A lack of water in the vegetable and herb garden will result in plants bolting. Bolting means the plant will flower and seed prematurely, so keeping up the water is really important.  

I water my garden every morning and I get into the practice of taking my water bottle for my water intake at the same time. As a female I need to drink around two litres a day, how is your water intake?  It’s not just your plants that need water!

Watering in the late afternoon (as the sun sets) will see water settling on the foliage of your flourishing vegetable plants which promotes fungal growth. Nasty!

If it has not rained, then remember to water. It’s part of my morning ritual and I am not a morning person! So, I roll out of bed when the dreaded alarm goes off and spend half an hour watering the vegetables while I slowly wake up.

I have 20 vegetable beds, so if you have one or two, then you can find 15 minutes each morning to water your plants.

If not, put an irrigation system in now. It’s not as complicated as you may think and if you feel it’s just too overwhelming then come in and see us at 124 Paluma Rd and we will help you get set up as we have everything you need.  

If that still sounds too much, consider vegepods which have their own built-in irrigation. Put it on a timer and job done!

For those who have an irrigation system already, turn it on and check for low pressure (which could mean a leak) or nozzles that are not working. A blocked nozzle or worse still a broken nozzle, can result in a section of your plants not being watered and dying a slow and sad death.

Did you know:

Watermelons are made up of over 90 per cent water and if you eat one cup of watermelon, that is the equivalent of drinking half a cup of water. Similarly, a cucumber, made up of 96 per cent water, is easy to grow, low in calories and a great source of fibre.

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Proserpine Hospital continues to be one of 22 hospitals in the state that holds a Baby Friendly accreditation thanks to a recent audit which determined the high standards within the maternity ward had been maintained.

In 2003, Proserpine Hospital was the first regional location to receive the accreditation and Maternity Unit Manager Donna Martin said she was thrilled to provide the community with a baby friendly facility for the sixth year in a row.

“Congratulations go to the outstanding work of staff involved in the delivery of breastfeeding education and support for all mothers to care for their babies in the best and safest way possible,” she said.

“This is a world-recognised achievement and recognises that we meet standards set down by the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Health Organisation.

“The accreditation remains current for three years with regular independent review and provides facilities with a framework to continuously improve.”

A Baby Friendly facility is one that is committed to evidence-based, best- practice maternity care and ensures every mother is supported with her informed choice of infant feeding during her transition to motherhood.

The audit examined the service and information provided to mothers during both the antenatal and postnatal period.

“Our accreditation demonstrates that the highest standard of care is offered to all mothers and babies. It also reflects the commitment of staff,” she said.

“Our care is women-centred, not task-centred. Accreditation means that we have a high level of professional competence and that’s something to be proud of.”

PProserpine Hospital midwives Emma Wilson (holding baby Beau Newman), Nickey Pilgrim and Sabrina Dobe.

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Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsundays (VMRW) are thrilled to announce that InterContinental Hayman Island Resort has upgraded its support to that of a Gold Sponsor, stepping up from its former Silver category.

Arpad Romandy, General Manager of InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, said

that the sponsorship is in recognition of the support provided to Hayman Island in conducting a number of medivacs over the last year, as well as its services to the broader island and boating communities.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership and support the important work the volunteer service delivers to the Whitsundays community,” he said.

“It’s been invaluable for our Resort and guests to have the medivac support in our times of need.”

VMR Whitsunday President Mal Priday, said that the service is run by almost 50 dedicated volunteers including boat crew, radio operators, management, fundraisers and trainers.

Partially funded via government grants, VMRW is also heavily dependent upon sponsorship.

“It is very satisfying to have InterContinental Hayman Island Resort increasing their level of support and contribute to meeting the cost of some of our operational expenses - without that type and level of support we would not be here,” he said.

InterContinental Hayman Island Resort General Manager, Arpad Romandy, and VMR Whitsunday Sponsorships Officer Roger Wodson

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Three opportunities for young Whitsunday locals to gain both skills and experience in a thriving industry have just opened up thanks to the Port of Abbot Point who have announced that they are now recruiting apprentices for their 2023 in-take.

They are currently looking for two motivated individuals to undertake a Certificate III in Engineering – Fitting and Turning and one a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.

The successful candidate will join the local team of more than 385 employees and will participate in a world-class apprenticeship program that will help them develop their skills and start a career path in a trade.

Mechanical Apprentice Brittany Kane started her apprenticeship last year and says that she loves the variety in her day-to-day job.

“One day we’re working on the stacker-reclaimers, the next we’re out on the berths with the ship loaders. Very few days are ever the same and that one of the things I love most about my apprenticeship here,” she said.

“The other is that the people who train me are not just helpful, they all come from different backgrounds and bring different experiences and I find that really valuable as I learn.”

Second year Electrical Apprentice Tyler Warren said that his decision to apply for the apprenticeship was one of the best career choices he’s ever made.

“I really enjoy figuring out the electrical side of things and it’s a lot of fun to work with big machines like we have here. The salary’s not bad either and there’s a pathway to go further in the job as well,” he said.

“The best advice I could give the applicants for 2023 is to be confident, but humble, and if you don’t know something don’t be afraid to ask questions – that’s the most important thing.”

For more information about APO’s 2023 apprenticeship program or to apply, visit www.abbotpointoperations.com.au/the-people/. Applications close 5pm on Tuesday, 31 May 2022.

Brittany Kane with fellow apprentice Lawson Chidley offshore at the North Queensland Export Terminal

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Police are looking for two individuals who gained entry onto a locked balcony of a unit on Shute Harbour Road in Airlie Beach last weekend.

CCTV footage captured images of an unknown man and woman seating themselves on a sofa on the balcony and eating some food before the man removes his shirt and then drapes it over the security camera.

A short time later, when the shirt is removed from the camera, it is alleged that a fire extinguisher had been activated and discharged all over the ground and on furniture items present.

The man and woman are then seen to leave the area on foot.

Police are encouraging anyone who may have information about the incident or are able to identify the pair to contact officials as soon as possible.

CCTV footage of the two culprits

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Whitsunday operators attended the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) trade event in Sydney last week.

There was a total of 11 local businesses spruiking the region to over 500 global buyers in a bustling arena which saw many tourism representatives interacting with up to 70 potential customers each day.

“It’s just like speed dating!” said Julie Telford from Red Cat Adventures.

“You get back-to-back 15-minute appointments and quite often you are selling the region before you sell your own business.

“We all went there as a team, and it was great to meet lots of new faces as well as see some familiar ones.”

The trade show was held at the Sydney’s International Convention and Exhibition Centre and was the first completely carbon neutral event of its type.

This was also the first event since COVID where buyers and sellers were able to meet face to face.

“Being able to meet in the flesh instead of over a computer screen is so much more personal and builds so much more rapport,” said Julie.

“Tourism Australia did a fantastic job, and it was great to see tourism get back on track.”

Also in attendance were Daydream Island Resort and Living Reef, Discovery Parks, Explore Whitsundays Sailing Adventures, Hamilton Island and qualia, InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, Cruise Whitsundays, Mirage Whitsundays, Ocean Rafting, SeaLink Whitsundays and Whitsunday Coast Airport.

Next year’s event will be held in the Gold Coast.

The Whitsunday contingent at the 2022 ATE in Sydney

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A large section of Jubilee Pocket went into complete lockdown last Thursday afternoon when 44-year-old Paul Malcom Henderson, who was believed to be suffering an acute mental health episode, barricaded himself in the upstairs bedroom of his unit on Erromango Drive.

The exclusion zone included 100 metres encompassing Shute Harbour Road, Penticost Street, Cedar Crescent and Jubilee Pocket Road.

The situation began when a mental health care team attended the property to check on the welfare of its inhabitants.

They expressed concern to the Police who attended the property at 11.45am on Thursday, May 18.

It was established that, the Mr Henderson who had barricaded himself inside, was armed with a compound bow and wearing body armour. At this point, he was deemed to be a danger to himself and others.

By 4pm that afternoon, officers had blocked off the entire street and all direct neighbours in the apartment complex were not permitted to return home.

At approximately 6pm, up to 30 officers wearing military clothing had arrived at the scene with semi-automatic weapons.

During the evening, Police smashed windows on the property and drones were deployed to gather better intel.

On Saturday afternoon, police were confident that Mr Henderson posed "no threat to the community, however members of the public are advised to avoid the area and those within the exclusion zone are asked to remain indoors as a precaution."

By Sunday, motorists were allowed to leave Erromango Drive but not permitted to return once they did.

Neighbours, still not able to return to their homes, had now been displaced for the fourth night in a row with nothing but the clothes they were wearing on Thursday afternoon.

During the course of Sunday night, it is understood that fire hoses were used to spray water through the upstairs bedroom.

By the early hours of Monday morning, officers could no longer see Mr Henderson pacing around and, concerned for his safety, they entered the property at 7am making the arrest.

It is understood that he was found exhausted and unable to move.

Over the 5-day period, it is alleged that up to 20 arrows were fired at police and witnesses reported that, during the siege, police sounded a piercing alarm every five minutes.

No-one was injured but damage to emergency service vehicles was sustained.

Throughout the incident, police attempted to talk to Mr Henderson over a loudspeaker and by attempting to call his mobile phone, but at no point did he respond.

He has now been charged with six counts of attempted murder and two counts of wilful damage of police property.

If this incident or any of the content you have read has caused concern or distress for you or your family members, particularly children, please reach out for help and support by contacting:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au

Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au

Caption:

The site of the incident with the two upstairs windows smashed

Officers in military clothing with semi-automatic weapons

Police block of Erromango Drive during the siege

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After more than 30 years standing proudly in Albert Lloyd Park in Marian, ‘Joe’ the canecutter statue will finally get a facelift.

Joan Vickers, a long-time Marian resident who was involved in establishing the original statue, has spearheaded a campaign to replace Joe.  She has been working with the Pioneer Valley Tourism and Development Association (PVT&DA) with ongoing support from Mackay Regional Council’s Tracy Heathwood, to raise funds, source a sculptor and plan a community day to unveil the new statue.

“Joe’s life started back in 1990, when a group of Marian residents and myself approached the Mirani Shire Council to hold a ‘Back to Marian’ day in Albert Lloyd Park”, Mrs Vickers explained.

The day was an opportunity for residents to commemorate the families who had lived or were living in Marian, by planting a tree in the park.

“On the day, about 400 people attended, with 310 native trees being planted.  The cost of a tree and a name tag was $5,” said Mrs Vickers.

It was also decided to erect a statue of a canecutter, to honour those who had contributed to the growth of the sugar industry in the Marian area since 1983.  Donations by local firms made this possible and the statue was nicknamed ‘Joe’.

However, the weather has taken its toll on Joe over the last 30 years.  

“Joe’s condition badly deteriorated,’ explained Mr Vern Lindbergs from PVT&DA, “Mackay Regional Council decided that the original statue is a safety hazard and should be dismantled and retired.”

A campaign to raise the necessary funds to replace Joe has been very successful.  Through different grants and the generosity of local firms and individuals, the new statue will be cast in bronze by Nebo sculptor, Kay Paton.

“We’re really excited to see the new, improved version of Joe,” said Mrs Vickers.  “He has been missed from the park and we’re keen to have him back soon.  All the community is invited to celebrate the official unveiling of our bronze canecutter statue.”

The new canecutter statue will be unveiled on Sunday 19th June at 3pm in Albert Lloyd Park in Marian.  Community members are all invited to attend.

Joe the Canecutter statue was unveiled in 1990. After years of deterioration, a replacement statue will now be unveiled on Sunday 19 June in Marian. Left: Former Mirani Shire Mayor Clive Rogers, Joan Vickers and Marian Mill Manager Graham Swindles. Photo supplied by Joan Vickers

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The installation of a shopping centre bench wouldn’t normally involve the centre manager and a regional mayor, but this isn’t any ordinary bench – it’s a red bench.

Red benches are an initiative of the Red Rose Foundation in collaboration with Local Governments and community organisations across Australia.

This latest red bench, the fifth in the Mackay region, was launched last week at Caneland Central by Mayor Greg Williamson and centre manager Simon De Barro.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council had been working to install red benches as a permanent reminder that domestic and family violence occurs in all communities.

“Domestic and family violence is still one of the leading reasons for daily police callouts in our region, so we are definitely not immune from this community blight,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It is a scourge on our community. Still to this day, there are 15 callouts per day by Mackay District police.

“In addition to serving as a reminder of this issue in our community and sparking conversation about everyone’s role in ending domestic and family violence, our region’s benches also include the addition of a QR code,” he said.

“The QR code links people directly to a domestic and family violence information page hosted on the Mackay Regional Council website, where victims can seek help.”

Caneland Central centre manager Simon De Barro said a lot of locals and tourists visit the Centre.

“Having a red bench here provides an opportunity to create greater awareness, not just during Domestic Violence Prevention Month (May) but all year round,” Mr De Barro said.

“It’s in a prominent location and will serve as a permanent reminder, to encourage people to have a conversation about family and domestic violence,” he said.

“Importantly, it also links community members to local and national support services via the QR code and floor graphics.”

As an initiative of the Mayor’s DV Taskforce, council have already installed two red benches in council outdoor spaces, one at the Bluewater Quay and one in the Civic Precinct.  

The mayor said council was delighted to be able to partner with other local organisations, including Lendlease, Sarina Bendigo Bank, ZONTA and Mackay Women’s Services, to have additional red benches installed.  

“We have plans for additional benches to be rolled out at significant community sites over the coming 12 to 24 months,” he said.

Mayor Greg Williamson (left) and Caneland Central Centre Manager Simon De Barro speaking to Samantha Hoang about the new red bench

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Mackay Women’s Services (MWS) can now offer more counselling for victims of family and domestic violence, thanks to a second location which was officially opened last week at Caneland Central.

Simon De Barro, Caneland Central Centre Manager said the space has been gifted to MWS with no lease cost as part of Lendlease’s commitment to delivering social value to the community.

“Lendlease has a goal to create $250 million in social value by 2025 which is a significant target. This initiative between Caneland Central and Mackay Women’s Services will generate almost $250,000 in social value for the local community,” Mr De Barro said.

Late last year, a vacant Caneland Central tenancy was transformed into a dedicated facility with three fit-for-purpose spaces for MWS. To meet the additional demand, the counselling service has seen a 50 per cent increase compared to the twelve months prior to help alleviate increasing waitlists faced by those who need support.

MWS have been in operation at the Centre since January 2022 and over 800 sessions have been delivered on site to date, with three counsellors based at the Centre on a full-time basis.

“As a central community hub, we see a real need to support this service in the community,” Mr De Barro added.

“The dedicated space offers additional support and greater accessibility to community members and is well serviced by public transport. The location also benefits from having security and Police Beat onsite, providing a safe and secure environment.”

Linda-Ann Northey, Mackay Women’s Services Chief Executive Officer said it’s wonderful to have this much-needed extra counselling space for children and their mums who have experienced trauma and to help meet the demand for our services.

“The location offers an alternative approach to counselling, in particular for young men and boys who may be more comfortable at this location rather than attending sessions at our main facility,” Ms Northey said.

Caneland Central has been a member of the Mayor’s Domestic Violence Taskforce since 2017 and continues to partner with like-minded organisations to work towards making the Mackay community a safer place for all.

Linda-Ann Northey Mackay Women’s Services Chief Executive Officer, Mayor Greg Williamson and Simon De Barro Caneland Central Centre Manager officially opened the Mackay Women’s Services counselling facility at Caneland Central

Mackay Women’s Services staff joined Chief Executive Officer Linda-Ann Northey at the official launch at Caneland Central last week. Photo Credit: Amanda Wright

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Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry has thanked the people of Capricornia for electing her for a historic fourth term.

“It is an incredible honour and a privilege to serve my community in the Federal Parliament,” Ms Landry said.

“Thank you to my amazing family, staff, and volunteers for the incredible commitment during early voting and on election day, braving the pouring rain and the wild wind.

“Running a federal election campaign is a huge task and I want to thank everyone who has been involved.”

Ms Landry said that she will continue to work hard for Capricornia and hold the incoming Labor Government to account on the plethora of promises that were made for Central Queensland.

“Labor has promised a lot for Central Queensland, and I will hold them to account to ensure that every promise is delivered,” Ms Landry said.

“This includes, stage one of the Isaac Resources Excellence Hub in Moranbah, $200 million for priority sections of the Bruce between Rockhampton and Gladstone, a Medicare Care Clinic in Rockhampton and an Electric Vehicle and Energy Training Centre in Mackay.

“Capricornia is the electorate where I was raised and where I decided to raise my two daughters. It is a community I truly love.

“I’ve hit the ground running on day one and will continue to advocate for important projects across our region.

“Thank you again Capricornia, I will not let you down.”

Ms Landry’s election commitments included:

•$14.4 million to replace the Phillips Creek Bridge on Saraji Road

•$483 million to build Urannah Dam

•$100,000 for the rebuild of Collinsville QCWA Hall – taking total federal funding to $450,000

•$6 million to Beef Australia

•$2.9 million to fund Archer Street Drainage Scheme Stages 1 & 2

•$2.8 million to upgrade the Nebo Showgrounds

•$10 million for a CQ Motor Sporting Complex

•$5 million for new veteran wellness services in Kinchant Waters and Mackay

•$10 million to upgrade the Rockhampton Airport

•$11 million to Keppel Brand to build a food value adding manufacturing facility

•$400 million to improve Queensland beef road corridors

•$6.18 million to upgrade Artillery Road and Greenlake Road

•$5 million to upgrade the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange Facilities

•$3.86 million for West Tigers Sporting Complex

•$6 million for Belmont Research Station

•$795,000 to MRAEL for their CYCLE: Creating Youth Change and Leading Engagement Program

•$9 million for a new Mackay Electric Vehicle and Energy Training Centre in Mackay

•Almost $7.7 million for better telecommunications

•Up to $24 million to be invested in the Rockhampton and Shoalwater region for four job creating projects

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He was on the campaign trail longer than any other candidate for Dawson, but instead of being disappointed for himself, Shane Hamilton says he hopes he didn’t disappoint the people who gave him their support.

“I want to extend a big thank you to the voters who saw something in me and what I stood for.

“Especially to the volunteers who helped during the campaign and on Election Day. We had an 86-year-old handing out ‘how to vote’ cards and some who drove to Prossy and Bowen. I really owe them a lot of thanks,” Mr Hamilton said.

While he managed to secure more than a 4 per cent swing in his favour, Mr Hamilton said he had wanted more to make Dawson a marginal seat.

“I was really hoping for more than a 10 per cent swing. Once you get within that 6 per cent, the seat is considered marginal instead of safe. That means more funding comes into the region because both sides really fight for the vote.

“Dawson deserves its fair share but that will only happen once the seat becomes marginal instead of safe.”

With Labor winning the Federal Election and Anthony Albanese becoming Australia’s 31st Prime Minister, Mr Hamilton said he’s looking forward to seeing the restoration of Medicare.

“MRI’s, hip replacements and knee replacements, the procedures that were stripped from Medicare, I’m glad that our health system will be restored to where it should be.”

During his time campaigning and working full-time in the mines, Mr Hamilton said the most enjoyable part was the interaction he had with a diverse range of people.

“There are a lot of great ideas out there, interacting with people and gaining an understanding of what the region needs was a privilege.”

When asked if he’ll run in the next election, he laughed and said ‘never say never’.

“I get to spend a lot more time with my family now.”

Family man Shane Hamilton paused his campaigning on Election Day to coach his son’s U6 Magpies rugby league team

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Three days after the election, roughly 76 per cent of the total votes had been counted for the seat of Dawson, with LNP’s Andrew Willcox holding 60.4 per cent of the preference count. The seat of Dawson was considered a safe seat for the LNP and this election matched the prediction, with it being one of the earliest seats in the nation to be called early on election night.

At 7:30pm on election night, Mr Willcox’s preference count was shown as 60.9 per cent, a figure that didn’t change too much over the following hours and days of counting. The seat had already been called as ‘LNP Retain’ at that point.

In the first preference vote, Mr Willcox received 43.4 percent, a positive swing of 0.4 per cent, over Labor’s Shane Hamilton with 25 per cent of first preference, an upward swing of 4.7 per cent.

It will be the fifth consecutive term where Dawson has been held by a member of the LNP.

While the seat had still not officially been declared, Mr Willcox took the opportunity to thank his campaign team, family and the people of Dawson.

“I would like to thank each and every one of you, who has voted for me and put your faith in me to represent you,” Mr Willcox said in a post on Facebook.

“To the volunteers, it has been a challenging few months, tough two weeks of pre-polling and an exceptionally long day on Election Day battling the weather conditions, but you kept turning up and giving it your all.

“Lastly, I wish to thank my family. Without the love and support of my wife, children and family I am nothing. You have been with me throughout this roller coaster ride, keeping me on the straight and narrow.”

Mr Willcox also acknowledged his opponents.

“I would also like to say well done to the six other candidates, families and supporters who put their lives on hold to stand up for what they believe in.

“You all ran a great campaign.”

Andrew Willcox casting his vote on Election Day. Photo Supplied

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