After a well-timed TV ad and a bet with his mother, Steve Haidle joined the Navy.

“The only part of the ad I remember is the submarine being in it and I said to Mum ‘I’ll be in there in a month’s time’, just jokingly,” Steve said.

“And I was, I joined up and I was on my bike down to Victoria.

“She told me ‘Do not ever come home if you get a tattoo’, so I never got a tattoo,” he laughed.

Steve was born in Wynnum in 1984.

He grew up in the Brisbane bayside suburb and got a job in the office of the livestock department with Queensland Bacon where he worked for 18 months.

At the age of 17, Steve joined the Royal Australian Navy in Brisbane City, a move that would see him serve in Vietnam.

“We Were Lucky And Unlucky”

Steve Haidle was sent to HMAS Cerberus at Western Port Bay in Victoria where he did three months of recruit school before being drafted onto HMAS Hobart in Sydney.

He had the goal of becoming a Physical Training Instructor but was instead made a quartermaster gunner in the seaman branch where he completed a test to aim Seacat missiles.

HMAS Hobart was sent to Vietnam in March 1967 with Steve on board.

He says about half of the men onboard were drafted onto another ship before its departure.

“We were sort of lucky and unlucky; lucky in the fact that we got war service, unlucky that we could’ve got killed,” he said.

The ship left Sydney with 330 men onboard.

Steve says the quarters weren’t too bad; cards and mahjong were played in the recreation area in downtime.

In his role on the ship, he would complete six-hour shifts on a lookout station above the bridge of the ship.

When it came to action stations, he would rush below deck where he would load 70kg bullets into a magazine to be automatically taken to a gun five decks above.

Steve returned from Vietnam in September 1967 and continued to serve in the Navy until 1975.

He returned to Brisbane after his departure from the Navy where he went back to work for Queensland Bacon for five years.

He made the move to Mackay in 1980 when he accepted an opportunity to manage the food and beverage section of the racecourse in Ooralea.

After 12 months in that role, which he loved, Steve worked in office equipment and bottle shops around Mackay before returning to Brisbane in 2004 and retiring in 2008.

He got married in 2009, a marriage that took him to The Philippines for six years before he and his wife came back to Mackay where he says he knows the area and the people well.

After leaving the Navy, Steve stayed active in the military community by getting involved in the Naval Association and the HMAS Hobart Association before joining RSL Mackay in 2018.

He says staying involved has been an important part of his life after the military.

“You meet new friends; you meet old friends,” he said.

“It’s somewhere you can go, and they know what you’re talking about, and you know what they’re talking about.”

As a committee member for RSL Mackay, Steve looks after purchasing, planning, and setting up merchandise and memorabilia.

He is currently working hard towards ANZAC Day, an important day to him.

“It’s a remembrance, to me.”

He is planning displays at Harrup Park and Parkside Plaza, and you will catch him selling merchandise at Parkside Plaza between Tuesday and Saturday next week.

On the day, Steve will be involved in the RSL’s activities including the dawn service, the march, selling memorabilia, raffles, and, of course, a few friendly games of two-up.

“We were sort of lucky and unlucky; lucky in the fact that we got war service, unlucky that we could’ve got killed,” he said.

“It’s a remembrance, to me.”

Steve Haidle will be selling commemorative ANZAC Day merchandise at Parkside Plaza next week. Photo: Sam Gillespie

HMAS Hobart’s company in Hong Kong in 1967

Steve’s role on HMAS Hobart saw him load 70kg bullets into a magazine before it was automatically taken up to a gun five decks above

Steve and a fellow seaman on their first night home from Vietnam in Sydney in 1967. Photos: supplied

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A former stockman who fought in World War One returned home to Clermont to find his entire family tragically washed away in Australia’s worst floods.

More than 60 people were killed, making it the worst in Australia's history in terms of loss of life in December 1916.

Private Arthur Alfred O’Donnell enlisted in the army on 17 November 1916, 41 days before the wall of water travelled the creeks and hit the historic gold and coal mining town.

The horrific news of his wife, two children and mother-in-law’s drownings did not reach Pte O’Donnell until he was discharged and returned home in 1919.

Pte O’Donnell had survived frostbite in Belgium in 1917, several wounds in action ranging from a deep gash to the face to a gunshot wound in his left shoulder in France in 1918. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said unimaginable sacrifices such as Pte O’Donnell will be among the stories remembered this Anzac Day.

“We will again proudly stand shoulder-to-shoulder from the Isaac coast to the west in Clermont, Isaac residents to honour the nation’s most sacred commemorative services,” Mayor Baker said.

“Pte O’Donnell, who was in the 26th infantry battalion, was on his way to the battlefront in Europe when his wife Winifred, his children and his mother-in-law Sarah Foster, lost their lives in the Clermont floods.

“We cannot imagine the torment this man had suffered while on the battlefield to protect our way of lives today to only come home to have lost everyone he had loved most in this world.”

Clermont Historical Centre says little is known about the rest of the former stockman’s

Private Arthur Alfred O’Donnell, Mrs O’Donnell and their child. Source: National Library of Australia

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A plan for a permanent ice rink in Mackay has been gathering momentum like a snowball downhill after Danish ice hockey player and Mackay local Andreas Elkjaer skated the idea for the Sugar City.

Andreas, who moved to Mackay in June last year, was desperately missing the ice - a place he said “feels like home” - and decided that he would take it upon himself to get Mackay its first permanent rink.

That led Andreas to Frozen Wonderland ice rink owner Ken Jensen – a Bundaberg resident who in previous years had tried to start up rinks in Mackay, but struggled to find a suitable location. The pair started searching for a 1000 square metre space to put up the rink, and have had some promising sites already.

“I asked the question whether there was a possibility for an ice rink because I was curious, and I was putting myself out there,” Andreas said.

“Mackay, it’s not a typical winter sport city, so I was curious to how people would react.

“I knew there was interest but I was surprised by how positive people were and what a great interaction I’ve had with people.”

With simple criteria: A shed of around 1000 square metres and 20 parking spots somewhere in Mackay, Andreas took to Facebook to gauge how hot or cold locals would be on a permanent installation.

He received over a thousand responses.

“We have found two or three great options, which we’re keeping for ourselves, but there are good options out there; two or three that could meet his criteria,” he said.

Of those two or three options, Ken has already visited one site and is very positive about its potential.

“We’ve had a look at a site and we’re negotiating with the owner. We’re just looking at the bits and pieces of whether it would be feasible,” Ken said.

Ken is bringing the financial backing for the project, with his budget roughly $100,000 per year to run the rink – installing solar and insulation.

In previous years Mackay has hosted temporary rinks at the Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre and at Canelands, each time wildly popular.

Ken said that, with Councillors positivity about the idea, the rink could be up as soon as the July school holidays.

“I have everything required for the job – chillers, skates. It’s all sitting there and it’s a matter of ticking all the boxes,” he said.

“It’s a matter of waiting to secure the building and finding the staff and getting it all up and running.”

Andreas Elkjaer is a new Mackay local hoping to bring ice skating and ice hockey to the Sugar City

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A teenager is fighting for life in a Brisbane hospital after suffering severe injuries in a dirt bike accident on Sarina Beach last weekend.

RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked by Queensland Health to airlift the teenager who was reportedly in critical condition.

A RACQ CQ Rescue spokesperson said the 17-year-old rider lost control of the bike on the beach about 5pm on Saturday, April 9 and suffered facial and internal injuries as well as possible spinal injuries.

“The rescue helicopter landed on the beach to meet first responders and ambulance officers just 10 minutes after takeoff from Mackay,” the spokesperson reported.

“The aircraft did not shutdown as the patient was loaded into the aircraft due to the fast-incoming tide.

“The aircraft quickly relocated to an oval adjacent to the beach so the medical team on board, including a Critical Care Paramedic and doctor, could continue to work on the patient for about 50 minutes before flying the teen to Mackay Base Hospital in a critical condition.”

The severity of the injuries meant the teenager was later flown to Princess Alexandra Hospital. Their condition at time of writing was unknown.

A 17-year-old dirt bike rider suffered critical injuries after an accident on Sarina Beach. Images: RACQ CQ Rescue

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Preparations for ANZAC Day at the Bloomsbury Soldiers Memorial Hall are now one step closer thanks to a generous gesture from Councillor Alison Jones and her husband Rick.

Rick recently gave his Sunday morning to repaint the hall’s flagpoles in preparation for the traditional celebrations held at the hall using paint donated by PI Technical Services.

The timely display of community spirit has been appreciated by all in the Bloomsbury region.

The Bloomsbury Soldiers Memorial Hall posted on Facebook, “we are so appreciative of Councillor Alison Jones and her husband Rick, who very kindly spent a recent Sunday repainting our flag poles in readiness for Anzac Day 2022.”

The Bloomsbury Soldiers Memorial Hall will host a dawn service on ANZAC Day from 5:30am.

In another terrific example of councillors contributing to the community, Councillor Laurence Bonaventura recently paid a visit to Calen News and General Store to pick up supplies for a very important job.

Laurence went out to Yalboroo, 50 minutes north of Mackay, to mow the bus stop, picking up supplies from the general store on his way.

The well-equipped store was able to provide everything Laurence needed, including safety wear, to get the job done and was happy to contribute to the project.

Rick Jones, husband of Councillor Alison Jones, recently spent a Sunday morning painting the flagpoles at the Bloomsbury Soldiers Memorial Hall ready for ANZAC Day

Councillor Laurence Bonaventura got everything he needed from Calen News and General Store before mowing the Yalboroo bus stop. Photos: supplied

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With more than 20 years in the aviation industry, a former pilot has taken over the controls of our region’s helicopter rescue service.

RACQ CQ Rescue has announced the appointment of Tim Healee as the not-for-profit service’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

With a wealth of experience in the aviation industry combined with a passion for charity work, Tim will take the reins of the Mackay-based rescue helicopter operation from Ian Rowan on April 26.

Tim, who was previously based on the Gold Coast and in North Queensland, is a former pilot who has more than 20-year experience in both senior management and the aviation industry.

He has worked in helicopter training centre management, aeromedical operations and most recently, as the CEO of a regional airline based in Far North Queensland. He has also been closely involved with charities across Queensland, helping to improve the lives of disadvantaged youth and marginalised communities.

Mr Healee said he was looking forward to leading a world-class organisation which was held in such high esteem by the community and by its supporters and further building upon the five-year stewardship of Mr Rowan who is retiring.

“I fully understand and have first-hand experience of the important role aviation plays in regional Queensland, but more specifically, how vital access to critical aeromedical care and retrieval is due to the sheer size and remote nature of this region,” Mr Healee said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Ian Rowan over the last five years and congratulate him on delivering some great projects for the organisation. I also take this opportunity to wish him all the best for his future in his retirement.”

RACQ CQ Rescue Board Chairman Chris Wright said Mr Healee had extensive experience and knowledge in aviation and business management and would help ensure the Mackay-based rescue helicopter service continued its high standard of professionalism and providing the best aeromedical emergency service to the Mackay, Whitsunday and Bowen Basin communities.

“Tim’s vast range of skills will ensure RACQ CQ Rescue’s mission to deliver the most cost-effective, reliable, safe and clinically excellent patient rescue and transfer service will continue to be achieved,” Mr Wright said.

“On behalf of the Board, we welcome Tim to the role and look forward to working with him to navigate RACQ CQ Rescue to even greater heights.”

Mr Healee will commence work at the Mackay Airport hangar and operations centre on Tuesday, April 26.

RACQ CQ Rescue’s new CEO Tim Healee. Image supplied

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What a beautiful day it was for golf last week, which attracted 25 participants for Proserpine Veteran’s Golf April Monthly Medal.  

The ladies’ winner on the day was Mandy Patterson (73 nett), second Lyn Muller (74), and the men’s winner with a fantastic score of 63 nett was John Oates, second was Peter Fox (72 c/b).

Nearest the pins for the ladies all went to Lyn (9th, 13th and 16th) while the men went to Neil Crawthorne (13th) and Peter Fox (16th).  

There were three chip ins on the day: Ken Granger, Neil Cawthorne and Nick Apruzzese.  

Least putts on the day for the men was Peter Fox with 27 and for the ladies Lyn Muller, Mandy Patterson and Elspeth Scotford all had 31.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Mandy Pattersonn and John Oates

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This week 73 people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course for Airlie Beach parkrun, with the rain holding off for most participants but came in a downpour for some.

Twenty first timers came out in force and seven participants recorded new personal bests: Doug, Trent, Nyrie, Roger, Carly, Irene and Lynne.

Astonishingly, Sylvie Martin and Margaret Coote completed their 200th parkrun.

The event was made possible by 17 wonderful volunteers: Nick Beecroft, Bob Barford (Run Director), Timothy McQuoid-Mason (Photographer), Kara Olver, Lesley Barford, Robyn Corrigan, Andrea Farley, Rebecca Hadley, Nathalie Blomme, Craig Boxer, Wendy McCall, Susanne Willmott, Ronald McCall, Laura Oates, Aiden, Lynne Oates and Geoff Newby-Butt.

It’s Easter weekend next week. We need a photographer, if you are available to take photos, or for any other volunteer role please send a message to airliebeach@parkrun.com.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard.

There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.

The full results and a complete event history can be found at https://www.parkrun.com.au/airliebeach/results/latestresults/

Further photos and details about registering can be found on the Airlie Beach parkrun Facebook page.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun.

Kids were out and about for the 5km, enjoying their school holidays with some fitness

Andrea welcoming the first timers

The team of terrific volunteers

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Fitness fanatics of the Whitsundays came to the end of their eight-week fitness challenges at the Base 51 Functional Fitness gym in Cannonvale this month.

The gruelling signature challenge was led by Head Trainer John Russolillo who said that the program “hits you from all angles.”

Splitting into two teams - Black Ops led by John and Sand Dogs led by fitness trainer Monique Pattison - the 40 challenge competitors set their personalised goals and smashed through them.

Based on their metrics and fitness, the coaches created 8-week programs that included everything from nutrition to strength training.

On Mondays and Wednesdays for eight weeks, they built their bases of strength, fitness, mobility, one rep max for squats and deadlifts, completed their first chin-ups or push-ups and more.

And come the end, whoever gained the most muscle and lost the highest body fat percentage was the winner.

John said that, although the physical side of things were important, plaudits needed to be given to the nutritional side.

“It’s the nutrition that helps massively and I have to shout out Manuela Modai - she does so much for the challenge and deserves a ton of recognition,” he said.

“I also want to thank Simon and Linda Lee, the owners of the gym because without them, none of it would be possible.”

Winners were announced at Anchor Bar in early April, with John’s team Black Ops claiming the top three competitors, as well as the overall winner Brian Wells, a 60-year-old paramedic and “an absolute legend.”.

Brian gained 4.8kg of lean muscle mass and lost about 2.5 per cent body fat.

“He’s made a lot of progress and he knows he can make more – he’s leaned out, but he was an ex-sprinter and a surfer, he just keeps going and getting accolades!” John said.

Mel Chapman came in second, having completed the challenge alongside personal training – her regular Monday and Wednesday, a Tuesday work out and a PT session on Thursdays. By the end, she achieved a personal best deadlift of 110kg.

Tracey Garett was the third-place finisher, also achieving excellent goals.

“She’s a great weightlifter who did a personal best deadlift at 115 kilograms, gained 1.5 kilograms of muscle and lost 1.5 per cent body fat,” John said.

John believes that the results speak for themselves, and that small group personal training is the future of gyms.

“It blends both worlds together seamlessly,” he said.

The next Base 51 Functional Fitness eight-week challenge will kick off in May.

John Russolilo, Monique Pattison, Brian Wells, Mel Chapman, and Manuela Modai celebrating the end of the eight-week challenge

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The new $1.2 million Collinsville Waterpark was officially opened to the public earlier this week and local children were excited to explore the free community facility.

With two thrilling water slides, a tipping bucket, water jets and shaded paddling area, the Collinsville Waterpark will offer a welcome and fun reprieve for families and tourists alike.

The equipment and the shade sails replicate the bright colours of Whitsunday Regional Council, whilst animal images and footprints tip toe over the anti-slip splash pad.

Mayor Andrew Willcox said the new waterpark was a great addition to the already existing Lion’s Park Precinct.

“One of the best features about this waterpark is that it is truly accessible to everyone,” said Mayor Willcox.

“The new fencing we have installed around that park also offers a safe haven for play, separating users from the road corridor.”

The new waterpark is the result of a Whitsunday Regional Council led Collinsville and Scottville community consultation in 2020 where over 100 submissions revealed that almost 50 per cent of people considered a new waterpark as their top priority.

“We listened to your feedback and today we are proud to officially open our $1.2million waterpark in Collinsville,” Mayor Willcox said.

The waterpark was constructed with funding from the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

Mayor Andrew Willcox officially opens $1.2 million Collinsville Waterpark

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Over three years Helping Hands Animal Rescue Bowen Incorporated helped close to 700 animals find their forever homes before permanently closing its doors last month

Helping Hands Animal Rescue Bowen Vice President Natalie McPhee said “life got in the way”, and the organisation slowly lost its lifeblood, the volunteers.

At its heights the organisation was a collection of 20 people, with its core committee of eight slowly whittling down to four and leaving them with little choice but to close.

“I had many people say they would volunteer, but the last meeting we had 15 people say they could help, but only one turned up,” Ms McPhee said.

“People want to work with animals, they don’t want to do the administrative side; they want to help, but they just want to do the fun stuff, not turning sausages and doing paperwork.”

Ms McPhee said that Helping Hands was almost a full-time job for many of its volunteers.

“Some mornings, by the time you do your family stuff, your work stuff, your rescue stuff, you’d be going to bed at 3.00am and getting up at 6.00am.”

“Those are the sacrifices you make.”

Members of the community expressed their sadness to see the organisation go, and Ms McPhee said the Facebook Page is still receiving messages asking for animals or asking for help with animals.

“It is really sad, even the Vets in town said it’s very sad to see it close, because it’s a service we need,” Ms McPhee said.

“Without us, it will put more pressure on organisations like Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue.”

Helping Hands is redirecting any animal rescue or fostering enquiries to Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue and Animal Rescue Whitsunday.

Helping Hands Animal Rescue Bowen Incorporated was forced to close in March due to a lack of volunteers

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Children at a local caravan park were excited to get some one-on-one interaction with our local emergency services last week when three police officers hosted a meet and greet session with holidaymakers.

Over 50 children flocked around the police car and were free to sit in the driver’s seat, wear a police hat, try on a bullet proof vest, and ask a barrage of questions to the accommodating officers.

Constable Jessica Leech said she was thrilled that so many children took the opportunity to engage with them and that she was able to pass on important information in a relaxed and friendly environment.

“It’s been really well received; all the kids have jumped in the car and put on the hats and had a really good time,” she said.

“We’ve spoken to them about who they call in an emergency and about safe bike riding.

“The aim is to create awareness in relation to what police do out on the streets but also for public safety – to encourage children to know who to call when there is an emergency.

“We are also here to create awareness and education around different issues that are relevant at the moment in regards to child offences.”

Handing out information packs to parents on cyber safety was an important initiative on the day.

“Children are very quick to learn, and they all love devices!” said Constable Leech.

“Kids absorb everything – they are like little sponges.”

Most of the children were holidaymakers from the eastern seaboard and some from rural communities to the west who had travelled to the coast for the Easter Holidays.

Topical questions on the afternoon revolved around what it takes to be a police officer and how many bad guys they had caught lately.

“The Whitsundays is a really good community with a low crime rate,” said Constable Leech.

“But, yes, we have caught a few bad guys!”Sergeant Nigel Dalton, Constable Kaitlyn Cousins, siblings Louie, Archie and Darci Kane and Constable Jessica Leech

Reef Thackray sitting in the police car and talking to Constable Jessica Leech

Sergeant Nigel Dalton fitting a young boy with a bullet proof vest

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After a two-year sabbatical, the Colorbond Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival is back in action hosting avid athletes in a weekend of sporting fun this ANZAC Day weekend.

This will be the 21st festival of its type, with up to 200 competitors expected to participate in a range of events over the two-day schedule.

The Junior Triathlon will kick-off on the Saturday with those who are over 12 years old competing in an exciting 350 metre swim at the Airlie Lagoon, followed by a 2-kilometre bike ride and a 1-kilometre run. The 6–12-year-olds can compete in a shorter course.

Saturday will also see an Ocean Swim take place, the perfect warm-up for many of the competitors.

An event for the whole community, the festival’s central hub at the carpark to the left of the Airlie Beach Lagoon, will be transformed into a festive arena on Saturday evening with an array of food vans, lively music and the fireworks are expected to kick-off at 8pm.

The main events take place on the Sunday with a Sprint, Enticer and Olympic distance Triathlon starting from 6am.

The community are invited to watch the excitement, either at the start or the end of the races or as competitors make the quick change from their ocean swims to mounting their bikes.

With 150 athletes registered so far, there is still time to sign-up if you would like to get involved in the challenge.

For more information and the festival event guide please go to airliebeachtriathlon.com.

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A local community champion and inspiring mentor to many people navigating the often scary and unknown world of cancer treatment has passed away after a long and brave battle with the disease.

Karen Filby passed away at Proserpine Hospital on Saturday at 58-years-old.

First diagnosed with cancer in 2018, Karen had 15 tumours between both lungs and it had spread to her lymph nodes, spine, hips and left leg.

At this time, she was given just three months to live with no treatment options available in Australia.

Refusing to give up, she embarked on a mission to explore integrative medicine, connecting with a local reputable naturopath who referred her to a progressive clinic in Thailand.

Spending nine weeks in treatment in Thailand, Karen’s scans showed incredible results, the lung tumours had reduced from 15 to five and only one lymph node was now affected.

By November 2020 scans showed that miraculously Karen’s cancer was no longer active.

Deciding to use her experience to inspire and assist others Karen shared her story in Core Life Magazine and studied to become a counsellor specialising in oncology offering free consultations for many people living with cancer.

Tragically, a month after she received the ‘all clear’ Karen’s partner, who had been by her side throughout her treatment, passed away suddenly.

This took its toll on Karen physically and mentally and a few months later a scan showed the cancer had returned.

Despite her depleting heath, she continued to help others while she fought bravely until the end.

Karen is survived by her three siblings – Judy, Brian and Robert Filby - nine nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends who will all miss her dearly.

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An exciting milestone has been reached at the Cannon Valley Reservoir with the first brand-new water tank full and ready to service our community, ensuring improved water security for our region.

The process took seven days and began last Friday, from 8am until 1pm each day, finishing up this afternoon.

The week-long fill period meant that the water needs of the community were still met without putting any extra stress on our water sources, or completely depleting our water storage infrastructure during the fill period.

To achieve this, Council isolated certain sections of the water network so they did not over pressurise the system (which could lead to bursts) and to minimise any risk of non-potable water entering the potable water network.

Council also monitored and flushed the network at strategic locations to minimise any potential effects on water aesthetics during the fill period.

Each of the two new water tanks holds 12.5 megalitres of water and will double the potable water supply to Airlie Beach and Cannonvale, providing greater resilience during severe weather events by giving us far greater water capacity.

The $7.5 million project is co-funded by the Whitsunday Regional Council and Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

The previous water tank in Airlie Beach was damaged in 2017 Cyclone Debbie and when the other two are fully operational it will be possible to make the necessary repairs.

The two water tanks at the Cannon Valley Reservoir

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