The transformation of the Sugar Research Institute into a new secondary school has earned a coveted gold award at Mackay Regional Council’s 2022 Heritage Awards.

Catherine McAuley College won gold in the Tom Casey New or Refurbished Heritage Place or Home category at a ceremony at Harrup Park Country Club on Thursday April 7.

The refurbishment of The Karl Langer Building, one of the region’s most significant and influential State Heritage places, has created a new Catholic secondary school.

Character and Heritage Advisory Committee Chair Cr Fran Mann said the judges noted this project was an outstanding example of council’s vision for the adaptative and sensitive reuse of heritage buildings.

She said special care was taken during master planning of the site to ensure the building and its vistas remained strong in the surrounding development.  

“Catherine McAuley College repurposing the Sugar Research Institute has paid homage to the world-class scientific research conducted from the facility in the late 20th century, revolutionising the sugar industry.”

The silver award in this category went to refurbishment of the State Heritage-listed Mackay Customs House.

Dean Williamson Dental currently resides and operates out of the building.

The award acknowledges how the design considered overcoming hurdles to repurpose the building while respecting the main heritage elements of the building.

Bronze went to BH Building Mackay, the main contractor on a project to restore the Cattle Creek administration building as part of council’s Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails.

Mayor Greg Williamson said there was strong interest in the awards, with gold, silver, bronze, and highly commended awards presented in many of the categories.

“These heritage champions in our region deserve these accolades,’’ Mayor Williamson said.

“Their extraordinary work is helping preserve the history and heritage of our region and keep alive the stories of our past for future generations.”

Other awards presented included:

‘Berenice Wright’ Heritage Champion (Individual), Gold Award – Maryann Lister

Maryann Lister has hosted several informative historic bicycle tours to educate our community on different areas of our local history.

‘Berenice Wright’ Heritage Champion (Individual), Silver Award – Christine Vaughan

Christine Vaughan, of Yesterday’s Memories Museum, committed to creating a community display of Antique and Vintage Wedding Gowns, to celebrate the Australian Heritage Festival in 2022.

‘Berenice Wright’ Heritage Champion (Individual), Bronze Award – Shelley Engwirda

In 2021, Shelly Engwirda championed an Art Camp and History program for local children, based on the history and heritage of Greenmount Homestead. Shelley facilitated this program to make heritage accessible to children aged nine to 12 via artistic expression and practice.

‘Berenice Wright’ Heritage Champion (Individual), Bronze Award – Ian Hamilton

Ian Hamilton has had a lifelong interest in local, family and church history and heritage, with contribution to local history publications, as well as the fundraising for and maintenance of the heritage-listed property and grounds of the St Paul’s Uniting Church.

‘Berenice Wright’ Heritage Champion (Individual), Highly Commended – Leigh Mansfield

Leigh Mansfield has been recognised by her peers for her continuous demonstration of her immense passion for the history of the Mackay region. Leigh is a passionate, long-serving teacher at Fitzgerald State School, who is known for frequently hosting excursions to local heritage places and sharing stories of local history during class.

Heritage Champion (Organisation), Gold Award – St Annes Catholic Primary School

St Annes Catholic Primary School in Sarina has worked closely in 2021 with Yuwi custodians to develop a deeper respectful understanding of First Nations history within our region, and to deliver a body of work that reflects the school’s commitment to raising awareness of local indigenous history.

Heritage Champion (Organisation), Silver Award – St Pauls Uniting Church

St Pauls History Group, as a sub-committee of the Church Council of St Pauls Uniting Church, conducted research and delivered a weekend of community celebrations commemorating the 150-year anniversary of the church.

Silver Heritage Champion (Organisation), Bronze Award – Sugar City Art Deco & Modernism Society

The Sugar City Art Deco and Modernism Society is a new community organisation dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the city’s rich art deco history, including its buildings, events, fashion and transport.

Gold Heritage Media, Tours and Exhibitions, Gold Award – Mackay Family History Society

The volunteers of the Mackay Family History Society delivered two informative and immersive community exhibitions in 2021.

Gold Heritage Media, Tours and Exhibitions, Silver Award – BMA Hay Point Coal Terminal – 50 Years of Memories and Milestones 1971-2021

In November 2021, BMA’s Hay Point Coal Terminal proudly celebrated 50 years of operation in the Mackay region. To mark this significant milestone, a volunteer committee organised a 50 Years of Memories and Milestones open day event at the Hay Point Coal Terminal.

Heritage Media, Tours and Exhibitions, Bronze Award – ABC Tropical North Museums Series

Christy-Lee Macqueen championed a series of radio interviews, conducted with Museums staff and volunteers, as well as private collectors, throughout the Mackay region, to promote a deeper, more meaningful understanding of local heritage.

Heritage Media, Tours and Exhibitions, Highly Commended – Sugar City Art Deco Society

The Sugar City Art Deco and Modernism Society is a group of locals, passionate about our city’s unique historic buildings. The group was established to promote the history behind the buildings and aim to preserve Mackay’s rich Art Deco and Modernism architecture.

Heritage Media, Tours and Exhibitions, Highly Commended – St Pauls Uniting Church

St Paul’s Uniting Church celebrated the 150-year anniversary of the formation of the St Pauls Presbyterian (now Uniting) Church Congregation from the first meeting held on March 15, 1872. To commemorate this significant anniversary, the Church prepared an exhibition that was displayed in the Jubilee Community Centre for public viewing from March 11 to April 6.

Winners of the 2022 Heritage Awards with council representatives, including Mayor Greg Williamson and Deputy Mayor Karen May.

Leslie Crocker, Woollam Constructions project manager, accepted the Tom Casey New or Refurbished Heritage Place or Home gold award for refurbishment of the Sugar Research Institute building to create a new secondary school.

Megan Harris, of BH Building Mackay, accepted the bronze award in that category for refurbishment of the old Cattle Creek mill administration building as part of council’s Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike trails project.

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After leaving the Air Force, Nichole Hood didn’t consider herself a veteran.

“For a very long time, I didn’t see myself as a veteran,” she said.

“As far as I was concerned, a veteran is someone who served overseas, and I never served overseas.

“When I was in, women weren’t allowed in frontline positions.

“It wasn’t until I was talking to someone, and they said ‘yes, you are a veteran.’”

Over the past three years, Nichole has become an active and respected member of RSL Mackay.

She is adored by her fellow veterans for her hard work, her positive attitude, and her love of a challenge.

Inspiring The Next Generation

Caption 2: Nichole on Graduation Day from recruit training. Photo: supplied

Nichole Hood grew up in Tully, “the wettest place in Australia,” she laughed.

After completing high school in Tully, Nichole embarked on a career in administration in the sugar mills before deciding to join the Air Force.

It was not long after ANZAC Day in 1989 that Nichole joined the air force in Townsville, and she flew to Adelaide that afternoon.

She saw it as an opportunity to leave Tully, an opportunity for adventure.

“It looked interesting, you know, a different way of life,” she said.

After three months of basic training in Adelaide, Nichole went to Wagga Wagga to complete her administration training before being posted in Canberra for six years.

Throughout her six years of service, Nichole looked after many administrative duties such as documents, leave, mail, travel, and accommodation for airmen and airwomen, officers, and active reserve squadrons.

After six years of service and reaching the position of Corporal, Nichole decided to leave the Air Force while she was still young enough to travel.

Over the next couple of years, Nichole travelled America and Canada solo and made lifelong friends.

“It was good just to go by myself,” she said.

“I just did my own thing and loved it.”

Nichole settled down in Mackay after her travels, halfway between Brisbane, where her parents lived, and home, and worked as a swim instructor.

She became involved in the RSL three years ago when members who were selling memorabilia invited her to a meeting.

She says it took her a long time to recognise herself as a veteran.

“That’s the mindset we’ve got to change,” she said.

“These young veterans that may have not served overseas, yes they are a veteran.”

The RSL is a place where Nichole can relate to people and chat to people about their experiences and stories.

In the role of secretary, Nichole looks after membership and communications with members.

“Yes, we do stir each other,” she laughed, “but that’s just the camaraderie.”

“You’re there for your mates, no matter what,”

On ANZAC Day, Nichole will be quietly reflecting.

“For me, it’s just a chance to reflect and say a silent thank you to our forefathers and foremothers that sacrificed so much just so that we can live this life that we’re living now,” she said.

“It’s probably the public’s way of saying thank you to us, too.”

“I didn’t sign up for the recognition, I signed up because that’s what I wanted to do with my life, I wanted to challenge myself.”

Nichole’s daughter is considering a career in the air force as well.

“She’s got the opportunities that I didn’t have when I joined.”

Nichole Hood is RSL Mackay’s secretary. Photo: Sam Gillespie

‍Nichole on Graduation Day from recruit training. Photo: supplied

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This ANZAC Day the community will gather to honour and pay their respects to all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations, marking their contribution and suffering on our behalf so we may live better lives, lest we forget.

The Following services will be held on Monday, April 25.

Proserpine Service

Dawn: 4.30am at the Proserpine Cenotaph, 14 Main Street

March: 10.30am from the Proserpine RSL

Service: 10.50am at the Proserpine Cenotaph, 14 Main Street

Bowen

Dawn: 5.50am at the Cenotaph on Herbert Street

March: 8.50am assemble, 9.15am step-off from the RSL on Williams Street

Service: 9.30am at the Cenotaph on Herbert Street

Airlie Beach

Dawn March: 8am assemble, 8.45am step-off from the Broadwater Carpark, near lagoon

Service: 9am at the Cenotaph on Airlie Esplanade

Cannonvale

Dawn: 5.30am at Cannonvale Cenotaph on Coral Esplanade

Collinsville

Dawn: 6am at ANZAC Park Cenotaph on Stanley Street

March: 8.45am from Foodworks on Stanley Street

Service: 9am at ANZAC Park Cenotaph on Stanley Street

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Did you know that Proserpine had its own “Ryan” family – four members of that cane farming family from Preston enlisted in World War One. But unlike the “famous” Ryan brothers who fought for America in World War Two, three of them losing their lives, thankfully all four of these brothers survived the war.

In this feature, we pay tribute to the sons of James and Bridget Ryan - Albert, Henry, James and Joseph.

RYAN, Albert (Mick) Michael (5th Light Horse Regiment)

Albert (Mick) enlisted on October 16, 1914 and embarked from Sydney aboard the “Persic”. He was one of the first to leave Australia for service abroad. On May 16, 1915, he landed at Gallipoli. A machine gunner, he spent five months in the trenches and was wounded twice; once seriously resulting in a shrapnel wound to the head. After seven months of being transferred to various hospitals and convalescent homes, he returned home and was medically discharged. Trooper Ryan was the first wounded soldier to arrive in Proserpine and was honoured with a hero’s welcome at the railway station and later at the Shire Hall in July 1916.

After the war, Albert married and moved to Home Hill. In World War Two, he was a private in the Australian Volunteer Defence Corps. He passed away on December 8, 1947 and is buried at the Home Hill Cemetery.

RYAN, James (Jim) Patrick (4th Pioneer Battalion 4th Division)

James (Jim) joined the AIF on November 20, 1914. He embarked on board HMAT “Shropshire” joining the 14th Battalion at Gallipoli on May 5, 1915 just eleven days before his brother, Albert. He was sent to the island of Lemnos as part of the Gallipoli evacuation. In March 1916, James was posted to the 4th Pioneer Battalion at Tel-El-Kerir. Here they were involved in engineering and construction such as field fortifications, military camps, bridges and roads.

On June 11, 1916, James disembarked from the “Scotian” at Marseilles, France. Not long after this, he sustained a gunshot wound to his left foot and it was twenty-two months before he returned to duty.  In a letter written to his brother, Mick, about his time on the Somme, he wrote: “I tell you I saw and heard more shells in France in about two hours than I saw in Gallipoli for the six and seven months I was there.” James was sent back to Australia on April 23, 1919 after five years of overseas service.

James married Mary Raftery in Proserpine and they lived at 5 Fuljames Street. He died on January 11, 1979, aged 92, and is buried in the Proserpine Cemetery.  

RYAN, Joseph (Joe) (12th Reinforcement 5th Light Horse Regiment)

Joseph enlisted on September 9, 1915 and embarked from Sydney aboard the “Suffolk” bound for Maadi, Egypt. After a number of hospital admissions due to abdominal lesions, he was returned to Australia aboard the “Clan McGillivray” on July 10, 1916.

RYAN, Henry Salisbury (29th Reinforcement 5th Light Horse Regiment)

Henry enlisted on September 3, 1917 and embarked from Sydney aboard the “Kyarra” enroute to the Suez, Egypt, where he began training as a signaller. Due to multiple illnesses, he did not see much action and was medically discharged on September 4 1919, initially returning to his parents’ farm at Preston. Later, he worked as a boilermaker at Babinda and South Johnstone Mills and then, a few years before his death, he returned to Preston where farmed cane. He died on May 14, 1933 and is buried in the Proserpine Cemetery.

LEST WE FORGET.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

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Airlie Beach will be buzzing this weekend as athletes from across the state, and some from around Australia, compete in the Colorbond Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival – testing their mettle against each other in the spirit of camaraderie and community.

To the backdrop of our stunning Whitsunday vistas over 200 individuals, ranging from as young as six right up to people in their 70’s, will participate in an array of events that have designed to suit every age, stage, and development level.

The weekend begins with the Sebel Whitsundays Junior Triathlon where youngsters will swim laps of the Airlie Beach Lagoon, followed by a ride along Broadwater Avenue and a run along the Airlie Beach boardwalk.

Saturday also sees the return of the Coral Sea Marina Resort Ocean Swim, with distances ranging from 1500m and 750m.

“If you aren’t particularly confident in the water, then the ‘anything goes’ – a 750 metre swim may be for you. Wear your fins, use a pool bouy, even swim with a mask and snorkel,” said event organiser James Carman.

An event for the whole community to enjoy, the festivities kick-off at 1.30pm from the Broadwater carpark near the lagoon and the public are invited to come down, enjoy the spirit of the festival, get refreshments from the food vans, soak-up the entertainment and free amusements.

A firework display will also take place at 7pm that evening.

The serious racing starts on Sunday morning at 6am with the Sprint, Enticer and Olympic distance triathlons – once again the community are invited to watch the spectacle – either at the start of the race, the moment athletes sprint from their swim to mount their bikes or at the finish line.

“We have once again attracted a stellar male and female professional field including the nine-time Airlie Beach Triathlon winner Sam Betten and fresh off a win at the Husky Ultimate, Caleb Noble, and will result in a hotly contested race, from start to finish,” said Mr Carman.

The Colorbond Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival is on this weekend from Saturday, April 23 to Sunday, April 24 – for full details head to airliebeachtriathlon.com.au.

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When it comes to going to the pub, it’s been a strange couple of years. Firstly, we couldn’t even leave the house.

When we were allowed to go to the pub, we had to stay seated, check in, and wear a mask.

Thankfully, it appears as though we’re on the other side of these turbulent times, and to say thanks for sticking around, local pubs are giving away free burgers as part of the ‘Burger That Gives 2 Bucks’ campaign.

“You’ve shown resilience and supported us through these uncharted territories of mandatory mask-wearing and QR code check-ins,” said a representative from Hotel Metropole and the Grand View Hotel.

“That’s why you deserve to get back to your local to tuck into a BURGER THAT GIVES 2 BUCKS!”

The Hotel Metropole in Proserpine and the Grand View Hotel in Bowen are giving away 500 free burgers each from Tuesday, May 3 at 12pm.

For every burger redeemed, $2 will be donated to the SES.

How can you get in on this?

Simply head to the websites below to redeem a free burger from your nearest venue.

You’ll be asked to submit your details and, if you’re one of the first 500 entrants to do so, you’ll receive a code via SMS.

Take your code to the corresponding venue between May 3 and 31, bringing your ID with you, and enjoy your free burger while supporting the SES.

Go to the websites below to redeem your burger and get in quick!

Hotel Metropole Proserpine - www.hotelmetropoleproserpine.com.au

Grand View Hotel Bowen - www.grandviewhotelbowen.com.au

T & C’s apply.

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Court documents have revealed how the contracted lifeguard services, who were responsible for patron safety on the tragic day that a father and his five-year-old son drowned at the Airlie Beach Lagoon, allegedly did not have the relevant experience for the job.

The Whitsunday Regional Council contracted company, Ellmill Enterprises Pty Ltd, were initially employed to oversee security and then agreed to provide a lifeguard service.

They are now attempting to use their lack of experience to defend their blame in the double drowning.

It was October in 2018 when Yuanwei Zhang and his son Chenxi drowned at the lagoon, just metres away from lifeguards.

Wife and mother, Jie Tan, has now filed a $4.5 million dependency lawsuit claiming their deaths could have been avoided if proper safety measures were in place.

A sea of contradictory reports are something the court will process in length when official proceedings begin early next year.

These reports range from witnesses detailing how Yuanwei Zhang was a competent swimmer, smiling and laughing with his son, explaining the reason he was never flagged for concern by lifeguards.

Others state he may have suffered a medical episode and further reports suggest the ‘sudden drop’ to a 2-metre depth may have been the cause.

The biggest confusion, however, surrounds the fact that two Chinese tourists were able to slip below the water without anyone noticing or able to raise the alarm, especially with over 300 people reported to be swimming in the lagoon at the time.

Whitsunday Regional Council have since changed the lifeguard company responsible for safety and increased signage and warnings throughout the free community facility.‍

Tributes left at the site in 2018

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Mayor Andrew Willcox has taken a leave of absence to “ensure there is no conflict of interest, perceived or real” while he vies for the seat of Dawson at the federal election on May 21.

He addressed his councillors and constituents in an open letter at Council’s ordinary meeting last Wednesday, indicating that with his selection as Liberal candidate for Dawson in the federal election, he would step aside.

As Deputy Mayor, Michael Brunker will fill the role of acting Mayor in Mayor Willcox’s stead.

Councillor Brunker’s position as Deputy Mayor was due to end on April 14 as part of the rotational nature of the office, which had previously been decided in April 2020, and has now been amended.

The amendment removed the concept of a rotating Deputy Mayor and extended Councillor Brunker’s term until such a time as Mayor Willcox returns to the role of Mayor, or another person takes the Oath of Office for the position should Mayor Willcox succeed and become our Federal Member.

“If Mayor Willcox comes back to Council, I would then resign as Deputy Mayor and council would select a new deputy mayor,” acting Mayor Brunker said.

“All we know is he’s going to come back, or he’s going to leave.”

Councillors voted on the decision to amend the rotational role, as well as whether Councillor Brunker would remain Deputy Mayor for the remainder of the federal campaign.

Councillor Michelle Wright said with the encroaching council budget “the need for stability, continuity and experienced leadership during that period is essential.”

Councillor Brunker was previously Bowen Shire Mayor and Whitsunday Region Mayor for a combined 22 years. He also ran for the seat of Dawson all the way back in 2010 for the Labor party.

Three councillors voted against the motion: Councillors Jan Clifford, Al Grundy, and Gary Simpson, splitting the vote, and the acting deputy mayor, Michael Brunker, broke the tie with a casting vote.

Councillor Brunker will act as Mayor until around May 25 - the current date of the earliest council meeting post federal election. Councillors will then vote on a new Deputy Mayor for the period of 12 months.

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Whitsunday-based yacht Rex has set a new race record in the 57th Brisbane to Gladstone Multihull Yacht Race over the easter weekend.

Seven multihull vessels departed Brisbane on Friday morning, with Rex completing the course to Gladstone in 14 hours, 16 minutes, and 28 seconds.

Rex was the first to cross the finish line and won in OMR and PCF divisions.

Rex’s skipper Dale Mitchell says he’s still riding the high of the weekend.

“It’s still sort of sinking in,” he said.

“We knew the record was a chance…but didn’t want to put too much emphasis in that, more just wanted to go out, have a good hit out with the guys, and keep working into this boat,”

Dale was raised on sailing in the Whitsundays and met many of his crewmembers through competition.

He says six of the eight crew grew up sailing with and against each other in north Queensland.

“These days we all have such a common mindset and have sailed with each other so much that we keep finding ourselves on the same boats.”

Rex also finished with line honours in last year’s Brisbane to Gladstone race, completing the course in 16 hours, 47 minutes, and 25 seconds; more than two hours longer than this year’s efforts.

“We’ve been competing for a number of years on the owners’ previous boat,” Dale said.

Dale is now setting his sights on the Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race in August.

He says that scheduling conflicts won’t allow Rex and her crew to partake in Airlie Beach Race Week but he looks forward to Hamilton Island Race Week instead.

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In a time of increased pressure on the vital and much-loved Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday Club (VMR), the Whitsundays institution is set for expansion thanks to $420,000 from Federal Government.

Minister for Regionalisation and Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Bridget McKenzie met with VMR President Mal Priday on Saturday to announce the funding, accompanied by Liberal Nationals Party candidate for Dawson, Andrew Willcox.

Senator McKenzie said the demands on the rescue service have outgrown the club’s base of operations on Altmann Avenue in Cannonvale.

“It is vital that this club of around 50 dedicated volunteers has the appropriate technology and space to keep our boaties safe on the water, especially at busy times like Easter,” Minister McKenzie said.

“This funding means this beautiful Whitsundays holiday hot-spot continues to be protected by a highly skilled and capable marine rescue.”

Mr Priday said the development will expand the buildings top level, giving the region’s marine communications hub the space needed for regular rescue services, as well as full scale search and rescue operations.

It will include a kitchenette, multiple whiteboards and planning spaces, separate meeting rooms and other facilities.

“Last year we were 30 per cent up [on activations] and at the moment we are 60 per cent up on that and that's putting a lot of pressure on us,” Mr Priday said.

“We need to make sure we have a proper search and rescue centre. And that's part of what this proposal is: an expanded training room to provide better facilities for our volunteers. “

Liberal Nationals Party candidate for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said the expansion is a boost to the local Whitsundays communities of Airlie Beach and Cannonvale.

“The Whitsundays is one of the most attractive boating holiday destinations in the country, with high numbers of local boat ownership as well, so it’s essential that the hard-working volunteers who watch out for our boaties have the services they need,” Mr Willcox said.

VMR President Mal Priday  LNP Candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Senator Bridget McKenzie, and VMR Volunteer Rodger Wodson aboard Coral Sea Marina VMR 1 Rescue Boat

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A contingent of the Proserpine Scout Group and Girl Guides gathered to mark the beginning of ANZAC day commemorations on Easter Monday, with many local volunteers giving their time to place flags at over 400 graves sites which hold the bodies of local service men and women who fought in wars.

The Proserpine Cemetery, adorned with bright flowers and green lawns, was a colourful and peaceful place for the kind-hearted individuals to honour those that served in the armed forces and had since passed away.

One of these was fifth generation Scout, Ryan Penhallurick, a young man who attended with his mother Tracy and her parents to honour Ryan’s great-grandfather, Rusty Norman, who he affectionately called ‘Old Dad’.

Small plastic flags were placed at grave sites by roughly 30 volunteers which included children, relatives and Scout Leaders.

Lyn Burke and Lloyd Fox started the ritual six years ago and had been placing flags by themselves for four years before enlisting other volunteers two years prior.

Ahead of the annual event, the pair spend time mapping out the grave sites of ex-service men and women and share some history of each recipient with an attending relative where possible.

They have also spent four years conducting military history research of the region and wrote a book documenting their findings.

This year local indigenous soldier Patrick Brady, who resides in the Catholic section, will receive a Commonwealth War Grave and his relative was present to place a flag at his grave ahead of this significant moment.

The flags will stay in place for four weeks and present a cheerful, respectful vista for community members attending graves or driving by the cemetery.

Nine-year-old Ryan Penhallurick with his grand-parents Margaret and John

Representatives from Proserpine Scout Group and Girl Guides

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It has now been two weeks since 36-year-old Lee Eastham disappeared from Pioneer Bay here in the Whitsundays on his three-metre tinny with his little white Jack Russel dog named Axel.

The alarm was raised on Friday, April 8 but it was too late to start the search that day, so rescue teams jumped to action the following morning.

Despite consistent efforts to find Lee or any debris that might be from his vessel, nothing has yet been found.

The RACQ CQ Rescue Helicopter, VMR Whitsunday, Water Police and countless boating locals have all been looking for any sign of him.

A Facebook group called the Lee Eastham Official Community Search has been established and is now being managed by an Australian Missing Persons Advocate.

Any locals cruising our waterways are encouraged to go onto this page and confirm where they have been so that a map of all the search areas can be collated.

“The map gets updated all the time, so people aren’t going to the same place,” said Tammy Leech who is a spokesperson for the family.

Lee’s parents, Gail and Michael Eastham drove through the night from their hometown of Hervey Bay as soon as they heard the news and have been holding a daily vigil at the Pioneer Bay Boat Ramp in Cannonvale ever since.

They were joined by Lee’s best friend Craig Jackson who has since driven Lee’s car back down to Hervey Bay.

The Eastham’s are no strangers to tragedy which makes this experience even more horrendous for the family.

They lost their other son to suicide in 2016 and three years later their family house burnt down.

Speculation has mounted that perhaps Lee suffered the same fate as his brother but spokesperson, Tammy Leech, said this would be impossible.

“It’s not suicide – he would not do that to his parents,” she said.

“He only went out to get a feed of prawns for his neighbours and there is no way he would have taken his dog.”

Lee is known to be a survivalist having been lost in the jungle in Thailand for some weeks a few years ago, so his family are confident he would know how to fend for himself.

“It has been some time now,” said Tammy.

“He must be very weak, so it is more important now than ever before that we all do as much as we can to find him.”

The official search has been scaled back so Lee’s family is relying on local boaties to continue looking in an area that could extend north as far as Ayr, if the tide were to have taken him there.

The family would like to thank everyone who has helped them so far and taken the time to look as well as offer support, including local businesses who have provided food.

There is also a GoFundMe page if you would like to donate to help with living expenses for the family while they are here.

The search continues and Lee and his loved ones are in all our hearts.

Information in this article was up to date as of 2pm Wednesday, April 20.

Lee Eastham has been missing for two weeks

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Fisheries Minister Mark Furner visited Mackay earlier this month to announce grants to three local groups as part of the $250,000 fishing projects initiative.

The Mackay Recreational Fisheries Alliance will receive almost $2500 to replace equipment used in its schools’ fish program.

OneLife NQ will receive $5500 to provide tools to encourage local NDIS participants to be included in fishing clinics.

And Calen District State College P&C will receive $4100 to bring together rural students with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to share and teach culture, traditional fishing methods and caring for land and sea.

MP for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert congratulated the three groups on receiving the grants which will promote more recreational fishing throughout the region.

Councilor Alison Jones represented the Mackay Recreational Fisheries Alliance.

“This grant will continue the great work Mick Connolly and their angler education team do, working with local schools teaching our young anglers about sustainable fishing,” Councillor Jones said.

Councillor Alison Jones, Fisheries Minister Mark Furner and MP for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert

Mackay Recreational Fisheries Alliance, MP for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, Councillor Alison Jones, Fisheries Minister Mark Furner

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Vandalism is becoming a frequent problem at Haliday Bay, with the swimming enclosure being a prime target for thoughtless vandals in recent years.

Over the last two years, the enclosure has been vandalised five times at a cost of more than $5000.

The most recent incident occurred in late February when council staff discovered a huge slash in the back of the net, which has now been repaired.

The net has also been removed from the posts on multiple occasions, making the structure unusable until staff are able to reattach it.

Unfortunately, it is ratepayers who must cover the repair bills on this popular community asset. It is also an inconvenience to residents who cannot use the enclosure while it is being repaired.

Residents are being asked to report acts of vandalism of community assets to council by calling 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

Haliday Bay enclosure. Images supplied: Mackay Regional Council

Vandalism to enclosure

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Preparations are powering full steam ahead for the 2022 Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Fun Run, following the success of last year’s event.

Naming rights sponsor Community Bank Sarina’s Board Chair Karen May said that the aim of Cruisin’ the Coast was to provide a “carefree space for the community to get together after yet another challenging year faced by many”.

“Cruisin’ the Coast is a great way for families and friends to reconnect. Whether you want to walk or run, we just want everyone to enjoy the day at their own pace and be reminded of why we love our community so much,” Ms May said.

Registrations are now open to participate in the Cruisin’ the Coast Fun Run, to be held on May 22 at beautiful Sarina Beach.

There will be five separate events to choose from, including a new half marathon event for more serious contenders. Participants can choose to run or walk at their leisure, making this event suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club President Neil John said the Club “couldn’t be more thrilled” to host Cruisin’ the Coast for the third year running.

Previous run ambassadors Brenda Windsor and Kay Nyenuh have once again been announced as the official 2022 run ambassadors.

“We’re really putting our all into making this a fun event to remember for our participants,” said Mr John.

“It’s been such a joy to see people gather on Sarina Beach from all over the region to enjoy an invigorating morning outdoors.

“We made sure there will be an event for people of all ages to enjoy. However, this year, we’ve introduced a new event – a half marathon - to spur some healthy competition amongst the seasoned runners.

“A big thank you to our naming rights sponsor, Community Bank Sarina, for their continued support of Cruisin’ the Coast.

“All in all, we just want everyone to bring their friends and family along to connect and have some fun.”  

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.sarinafunrun.com.au.

The 2021 Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Fun Run was a successful event. Organisers are hoping this year’s event will be as well supported

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