In 2012, Peter and Melissa McGuiness’ son was driving above the speed limit, and under the influence of alcohol and marijuana when his vehicle ploughed into a broken-down car on the highway, which contained five other teenagers.

It killed four of them instantly as well as their son Jordan.

Determined to change their despair and grief into a journey of hope, the pair have spent the last ten years spreading a powerful message of road safety, by inspiring other teenagers to make the right choices before getting behind the wheel of a car.

Last week, they brought the You Choose Youth Road Safety Program to the Whitsundays, visiting three schools in the region.

Through highlighting their son’s choices and the tragic aftermath, the pair are dedicated to creating positive social change in how youth view driving and accountability.

Over the past decade, they have seen more than 100,000 young Australians at schools across the country in their nationally award-winning program.

When the McGuinness’ visited Bowen State High School, Whitsunday Christian College, and Proserpine State High School they received a great response.

The program is formatted in two parts: a 60-minute presentation, followed by 30 minutes of survey and engagement regarding leadership, student body traditions, and school community action plans.

Peter said the first portion of You Choose is road safety, accountability, and love viewed through the story of their sons’ actions.

“It’s a story that makes teenagers reflect on their choices and their own families,” Peter said.

“Jordan was coming home from his first ever work Christmas party and was over the blood alcohol level limit, driving 30 kilometres over the speed limit when he collided with a stationary vehicle.

“He wasn’t a hardened criminal by any stretch of the imagination, but he made some reprehensible decisions.”

The narrative of the McGuinness family tragedy has one goal: for students to reflect on their own family and friendship groups.

“The messages that are behind our mission are making connections between your intentions, your choices, and your loved ones, and how to act on those connections. Those messages always impact the students most at risk,” Peter said.

“They look at each other around those friendship groups and make connections with each other to make change.”

Peter said he and his wife were “uplifted and energised by young people around the region”.

“Their enthusiasm to change the world for the better is really impressive. It strikes you that one of the ways they can make those connections between choice and their loved ones is through being a passenger,” Peter said.

“Road safety provides an example for what good decision making looks like in life.”

With support of QPS, the program has been an enormous success. Peter and Melissa hope to continue to spread its message and make a difference. They also hope to return to the Whitsundays in the next 12 months to do so.

Melissa McGuiness and Sergeant Nigel Dalton introduce the You Choose Program to local schools

Jordan McGuiness who tragically died on the roads after making wrong choices

‍

‍

An opportunity for community members to interact with local law enforcement in a casual setting over a cuppa is fast approaching.

The annual Coffee with a Cop event is inviting locals to communicate with the region’s protectors for its third year running and is hosted at Whitsunday Plaza on June 30.

Police Sergeant Billy Li said this iteration will still be a regular “come and have a chat” event, but with two new facets added.

“We will have Braking The Cycle attending alongside us at Whitsunday Plaza this year, and we’ll also be chatting about police recruitment,” Sergeant Li said.

“It’s an opportunity for a casual chat, because you never really get that experience unless you’re in trouble, and then you don’t want to speak with us!”

Sergeant Li said he wanted to thank Whitsunday Plaza for providing a space for the event, as well as sponsoring its free coffees – which last year totalled almost 100.

There will be at least eight officers attending from across Whitsunday Police Station divisions, which Sergeant Li said will allow anyone interested in joining to learn about different departments.

“We’ll also have district recruiting officers attending as well for people to just learn what it’s like to be a police officer and what opportunities are available,” he said.

Braking the Cycle coordinator Declan Coull will be attending with volunteers on behalf of the PCYC-based program which pairs experienced drivers with learners to help them achieve their mandatory 100-hours of supervised driving.

‍

The Airlie Beach Fire and Rescue Station could soon move into the heart of Cannonvale thanks to new plans that will place one of our key emergency services at a location where it is needed most.

A vacant plot on the corner of McArthur Drive and Shute Harbour Road has been selected.

Currently located in Jubilee Pocket, the old station was built in 1974 and Station Officer Rees May said it has served the community well but due to the increased population, it is no longer central.

“There’s been a lot of add-ons over the years but essentially we’ve got to the point now where the station is too old and we’ve outgrown it,” he said.

“It is no longer a central location to support the community’s needs hence why we are going further into the community - it is going to improve our response area and the response time to incidents.”

Two years ago, the fire station increased its permanent staffing to 13 full-timers who work a seven/seven shift commencing at 6am and finishing at 6pm.

The station also has a pool of over 20 Auxiliary Fire Fighters on-call throughout the night.

Currently servicing from Shute Harbour to Brandy Creek, the new location will enable the response area to extend to Proserpine.

This will hasten response times to any incidents on the highway.

In addition, the new station will have the capability to become an instant command centre during natural disasters.

There will also be potential for more fire trucks as the new site will have three bays and a host of other modern facilities.

Officer May said that residents living close to the new location do not need to worry about any excessive noise.

“It won’t be that noisy after hours – we don’t leave the station with the sirens blaring late at night – if it’s in a residential area we are considerate to the residents and put sirens on at an appropriate time.”

The new location is currently in planning stages, pending final approval.

Fire Fighter Blair Mitchell, Station Officer Rees May, Fire Fighter Andrew Neil, Station Officer Paul Pfeifer and Fire Fighter Nick Bellinger are excited about the move

‍

Touted as the budget that puts health care first with an impressive $23.6 billion dedicated to the sector, Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm MP said that without doubt hospitals and allied services will benefit from Tuesday’s announcement.

She is concerned, however, that many allocations for the Whitsundays are reannouncements that were already in progress.

Despite this, she is pleased that both Proserpine and Bowen hospitals will receive improved facilities with over $10 million allocated.

Ms Camm said that the extra funding will make a big difference in the Whitsundays, especially in mental health care.

“I know we have some challenges with mental health access in our region, so I welcome the funding,” she said.

“But I am disappointed to see nothing for boat ramps at Midge Point and Shute Harbour.

“There is also no new money for social or affordable housing – we are in a housing crisis at the moment and experiencing staff shortages too – it all flows on when attracting staff – what do we do if we don’t have anywhere for them to live?”

Ms Camm was also frustrated that no money was allocated for the tourism industry at a time when she believes it needs help.

“It’s very disappointing, especially on the back of COVID,” she said.

“People are now travelling and small businesses need support – it is still challenging times for them, especially with staffing shortages.”

In addition, with the budget introducing new royalty rates for the resource sector, Ms Camm fears that mining companies will need to cut-back on local community spending to afford the levees.

“Big business employs 40 per cent of the people in the private sector,” she said.

“When they have to pay those extra levees it has a flow on effect – I am worried that the money will never return to the region.”

Attending parliament throughout the week, Ms Camm said she would continue to fight for the Whitsundays and command a fair share for our region.

What Does The Budget Mean For Our Region?

Bowen Hospital - $5.2 million for construction projects to improve facilities at the Bowen Hospital site, including a new Computed Tomography Scanner.

Flagstaff Hill - $400,000 to build a conference and cultural centre at Flagstaff Hill. Part of the Building our Regions program.

Bruce Highway (Proserpine - Bowen), Ten Mile Creek to Yeates Creek - $15 million towards safety improvements on the Bruce Highway. Delivered in partnership with the Australian Government.

Salisbury Plains Industrial Precinct - $500,000 to help establish significant industrial developments and provide for the establishment of essential services and infrastructure corridors.

Airlie Beach Fire Station - $750,000 to commence replacement of the permanent and auxiliary fire and rescue station at Airlie Beach.

Proserpine Hospital - $5 million for the refurbishment of the clinical assimilation training area, and acute primary care clinic upgrade.

Whitsunday Islands National Park - $1.8 million to extend the Ngaro walking track in the Whitsunday Islands National Park.

Urannah Dam - $650,000 to complete a detailed business case, approvals, environmental impact statements and cultural heritage and Native Title review of the Urannah Water Scheme.

Bowen State High School - $868,000 to provide new skills development and training facilities.

Strathmore Transformer Reinforcement - $3.2 million to add additional transformers at the Strathmore substation to preserve network strength in the vicinity to Strathmore.

‍

‍

A sea of happy faces disembarked the P&O Pacific Explorer last Friday morning and they were greeted with a fanfare of excited local representatives who were all eager to show them a good time.

The first cruise ship to arrive in over two years, this vessel was the beginning of a regular flow of tourists who are now able to travel by sea, visiting ports up and down the east coast of Australia.

Previously injecting $20 million a year into the local economy, watching the first passengers disembark was symbolic of a promising new era for our regional tourism where one in three jobs are directly related to the sector.

The cruise ship was carrying 1,800 passengers and the onboard security officer estimated 1,500 disembarked for the day.

The first passengers set foot on Airlie Beach soil at 8.30am and the return transfers were at 2.30pm.

The Lions Airlie Beach markets on the Foreshore were a popular destination for many, while others ventured off on local tours or explored the town.

The ship left later that afternoon, sailing overnight arriving in Cairns the morning.

The second cruise ship arrived on Tuesday this week and the third will be pulling into local waters next Tuesday.

An estimated 60 ships will be visiting the Whitsundays during the course of the remainder of the year and in November alone a record 17 ships will be arriving in one month.

All crew are required to wear facemasks and they recommend that passengers do the same but they no longer need to enforce it.

**FACT**

60 cruise ships will arrive in 2022

17 ships will visit in November alone

Cruise ships inject $20 million a year into local economy

The first passengers arrive at the Cruise Whitsunday terminal

The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors turn on the charm!

‍

A 29-year-old New South Wales woman, who was only days into married life, died in a golf buggy accident while honeymooning on Hamilton Island earlier this week.

Marina Morgan, from Sydney, had been a passenger in the vehicle which her husband, Robbie, was driving.

It is understood that the battery was running flat and Mr Morgan was trying to complete a U-turn at an intersection when the vehicle rolled over.

Mrs Morgan was not wearing a seatbelt at the time.

Queensland police Inspector Anthony Cowan said there was no indication of alcohol or dangerous driving.

“It’s just tragic that the golf buggy, maybe through inexperience driving those types of vehicles, has rolled on its side while turning,” he said.

Bystanders rushed to help, removing Mrs Morgan from the golf buggy and administering first aid but tragically she died at the scene.

Mr Morgan was not physically hurt.

The incident took place at 4.30pm on Monday, June 20 at an intersection on Whitsunday Boulevard which is at the north end of the island.

Hamilton Island released a statement on Tuesday morning.

“Our deepest thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the woman involved in this tragic incident,” read the statement.

“Our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our guests, residents and staff and we are working closely with Queensland Police to investigate the incident.”

Golf buggies are the primary mode of transport on the island and only permitted to travel at 20 kilometres per hour.  

They are also required to be operated in accordance with Queensland Road rules and requirements on Hamilton Island.

This news comes a week after a Townsville man was air-lifted from Hamilton Island with severe head injuries following a golf buggy crash.

Six years ago, two families were involved in a similar incident while being driven to the airport by an island employee on a six-seater buggy.

A nine-month-old girl, who had been sitting on her mother’s lap received serious head injuries.

Following that incident, six-seater golf buggies were removed from the island.

This leaves about 600 two- and four-seater buggies currently in use.

Marina and Robbie on their wedding day

‍

Sperm Whale Stranded At Billy Creek

The whale carcass located close to the mouth of Billy Creek south of Bowen has caused a stir amongst the region’s residents who raised theories why a Sperm Whale was found not just in Whitsunday waters, but so close to shore.

Whales are a common sight in the region’s waterways from May to September as Humpbacks migrate in the thousands up the Australian coast from Antarctica to birth their calves in warm waters – but not Sperm Whales.

Local expert and Master Reef Guide, Crystal Lacey said that although this species are uncommon sights in the Coral Sea, largely because they are solitary animals that do not breach, it does not mean they are not there.

“Sperm Whales can be seen all around the Australian coastline, including the Great Barrier Reef and amongst the Whitsundays with at least one sighting every few years,” she said.

“Although this is a sad ending for this particular whale, it is all part of the circle of life and an extremely rare occurrence within the Great Barrier Reef Whitsundays region.”

The whale is now slowly decomposing on the beach and the Department of Environment and Science are reminding people to stay away from the site at this time, in particular to avoid the water as both sharks and crocodiles are present in large numbers.

Ms Lacey said it’s uncertain what will happen to the carcass, but that it is likely to be left where it is.

“Depending on the state of the deceased whale, it may be taken to a secluded location for the natural process to continue, uninterrupted by people,” she said.

“However, once a large whale like a Sperm Whale is beached, it is extremely hard to move off the sand. Other options are to bury, however there is no distinct decision at such time.”

The last event of this kind occurred in the Whitsundays in 2016 when a Minke Whale washed up near North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club in Bowen.

On that occasion the Whitsunday Regional Council buried the mammal.

A stranded whale dies on a Whitsunday sandbank

Motorists and airport users are advised that this weekend from 6pm, Friday (June 17) to 6pm, Sunday (June 19) the intersection of Milton and Archibald streets will be closed.

A temporary full road closure is required for the contractor to complete pavement works as part of the intersection upgrade.

Milton Street will be temporarily closed to motorists in both directions between Clements Street and Boundary Road East with traffic control and detours in place.

Motorists are asked to please follow all signage and directions as well as specified speed limits.

For more information on the project, visit connectingmackay.com.au.  

Image: Map depicting the temporary full road closure this weekend on Milton Street in South Mackay.

‍

Everyone is welcome to attend the induction of a new Anglican priest, the Venerable Dr Rosemary Dunn, as Archdeacon of the Mackay Region at a service at Holy Trinity at 9am on Sunday 19 June.

Rector of Hinchinbrook Parish north of Townsville and well-qualified with a PhD in medieval history and academic experience, Rosemary is currently Archdeacon of Mission and Ministry for the Anglican Diocese and has experience in street, prison and police chaplaincy.

Rosemary says: “I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for this beautiful region.”

CALL FOR SINGERS AND MUSICIANS

Singers and musicians are sought for choir rehearsals starting on Sunday 19 June at 4pm at St Paul’s Uniting Church for the Australian Church Women Winifred Kiek Memorial Scholarship (Fellowship) Day service, 10am Friday 29 July, at St Paul’s Uniting Church.

This service supports the Biblical ideal of the equal ministry of men and women; both men and women are encouraged to attend. The offering supports the Winifred Kiek scholarship for women studying theology.

The planning meeting for the service will be held at 10am Friday 1 July St Paul’s Uniting Church. Contact Rev. Dr Julia Pitman 0411 094 185 or ucamackay@optusnet.com.au.

THE SALVATION ARMY RED SHIELD APPEAL LUNCH

12-2pm Friday 24 June 2022, Ocean International Hotel. Featuring:

Major Gavin Watts, Divisional Commander - QLD, The Salvation Army

Cathy Sullivan, Mackay Red Shield Appeal Chair

MC: Jay & Dave -Triple M

and speakers Vicki Blackburn and Mayor Greg Williamson.

$60pp, RSVP Monday 20 June 2022

Business attire www.trybooking.com/BYMZT

KUCOM THEATRE 75 / ST PAUL’S UNITING CHURCH 150

The Vicar of Dibley 2, Dress Rehearsal Charity Night, 7.30pm Wednesday 13 July

Kucom Theatre, 1 Snow Wright Court, Andergrove

Tickets $25 from Pam McNichol 0411 196 146 or ucamackay@optusnet.com.au,

All proceeds to St Paul’s Uniting Church.

The sequel to Kucom Theatre’s highly successful 2018 season, the Vicar of Dibley, directed by Bronwyn Grannall and adapted from the original BBC TV scripts by Richard Curtis, returns in 2022 as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts. The latest production features the wedding of Alice and Hugo, Geraldine’s romance with David Horton's younger brother, and the Dibley Nativity Play.

General season 14-16 and 21-23 July, 7.30pm Kucom Theatre, 1 Snow Wright Court, Andergrove.

Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Gordon Street

‍

‍

Six members of the Scouts Queensland Hibiscus Coast District (HCD) received Long Service decorations in recognition of their voluntary service at the Annual Management Seminar last weekend.

The Chief Commissioner of Scouts Queensland Mr Darryl Scott came to Mackay for the Seminar and had the pleasant task of presenting the awards.

Margaret Hodda, currently the Treasurer of the Scouts Fellowship Committee, was presented with her 60-year service badge.

Introduced to scouting in 1961, Margaret has been a great inspiration and mentor, filling roles in the National Training and 3rd Mackay Group (now Mackay City Central (MCC) Group) including District Venturer Scout Leader and District Commissioner for Mackay District, a position she held for 15 years.

HCD Leader for Public Relations Mary Wallace was presented with her 40-year Service Badge.

Mary joined the Calen Scout Group as Secretary of the Committee before becoming the Mackay District Cub Scout Leader and, most recently, Leader for Public Relations.

MCC Group Leader Greg Milne was presented with his 35-year service badge.

Greg spent his first 25 years scouting in the Northern Territory and has also been a part of the Adventurous Activities Team.

MCC Assistant Group Leader Deborah Rutherford was presented with her 20-year service badge, spending most of that as Cub Scout Leader at MCC taking on her current role last year.

Banksia Scout Leader Matthew Holmes was presented with a 15-year service Badge.

Most of Matthew’s service has been to the Kennedy Region, serving on the parent committee before signing up to be a scout leader, a Group Leader and the Region Leader for Information Technology.

HCD Adventurous Activities Leader Brendan Ross was presented with his 10-year service badge after moving through the youth sections, achieving the Queen’s Scout Award, advancing to Rovers and becoming a leader.

Hibiscus Coast District Annual Management Seminar was held at the Kinchant Outdoor Education Centre where a management seminar was facilitated by District Commissioner Ms Katrina Hoare.

HCD Leader for Public Relations Mary Wallace says it was inspirational to hear the abilities of the young Adventurous Activities Leaders and Rover Scouts who have taken on leadership roles.

“They are a credit to their former leaders as well as themselves, for the dedication and time they are prepared to give to volunteer to the Scouting Movement,” Ms Wallace said.

“It is enlightening to see that they are now imparting their knowledge and skills onto the youth of today.

“Scouting in the Hibiscus Coast District is alive and well in good hands.”

Katrina Hoare, Brendan Ross, Matthew Holmes, Deborah Rutherford, Greg Milne, Mary Wallace and Margaret Hodda were all presented with Long Service decorations by Scouts QLD Chief Commissioner Daryl Scott. Photo supplied: Mary Wallace

‍

‍

Two guitars signed by illustrious rock band the Foo Fighters went for an incredible $20,000 each at a live auction during the Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball last month, which helped the fundraising event to reach an astonishing $135,121.80.

After GST of $13,512.18 was deducted, it left a bottom-line profit of $121,609.62, to be split equally between this year’s two beneficiaries.

HeartKids Mackay and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), which is building a Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital, will each receive $60,804.81.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was a wonderful night at the MECC, with a record crowd of 434 in attendance at the disco-themed ball.

“Everyone there had a great time, and it was good to see big crowds enjoying themselves at an event again in Mackay,” he said.

“This event keeps going from strength to strength each year and that is thanks to our organising committee, which includes representatives of the community, council and the MECC, our generous corporate sponsors, and our community.

“The funds raised were boosted by two Foo Fighter guitars, signed by band members, including drummer Taylor Hawkins, who died recently, which went for $20,000 each in the live auction on the night.

“But there was generous bidding throughout the live and online auctions, which helped come up with this magnificent tally.”

The funds were announced and officially presented to representatives of HeartKids Mackay and Ronald McDonald House Charities at a council morning tea today to thank all sponsors.

Sponsors were also presented with certificates of appreciation for their support.

HeartKids Queensland state manager Holly Williams said the aim of the organisation was to make a real and lasting impact for the Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) community here in Mackay.

“We are extremely grateful for the amazing sponsors, organisers, and attendees of the 2022 Mackay Mayors Ball,’’ she said.

“Their generosity affords HeartKids the opportunity to seek to give every child, teenager, and adult in Mackay with congenital or childhood acquired heart disease a fighting chance to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.

“Our support is a commitment for life because there is no known cure. People with congenital heart disease face unique challenges for their entire life.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia chief executive officer Tamara South was delighted with the announcement of the funds raised for charity.

“Our sincerest thanks to Mayor Greg Williamson for selecting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia as one of the beneficiaries of the 2022 Mayor’s Charity Ball,’’ she said.

“The funds raised from this event will make a vital difference to the construction of our Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay.

“It will have a real, positive impact on the lives of seriously ill children and their families.”

Platinum partners for the 2022 Mayor’s Charity Ball included long-term sponsor DGH Engineering, Fergus Builders and Daly Bay.

Gold sponsors were Allure Laser and Skin Studio, Southern Cross Industrial Group and Champ. Bronze sponsors were Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure, Shoal Point Waters by Pointglen and Mortar Finance.

Media partners included 7 News Mackay, Daily Mercury, Hit 100.3 and Triple M 98.7, as well as Tropical Exposure.

Inkind assistance was also provided by Signarama, In The Booth and photographer Daryl Wright, of Wricor Photography.

Sponsors and media partners for the 2022 event were presented with a thank you certificate at the Mayor’s Charity Ball sponsor’s morning tea on Wednesday, June 8

Melody Burton, HeartKids Mackay volunteer, and Maria Martin, HeartKids Mackay Support Worker, being presented with a cheque from the Mayor’s Charity Ball by Mayor Greg Williamson

Samantha Lee, Ronald McDonald House Charities Community Engagement Executive, being

‍

‍

What was your favourite novel as a child? Do you think you could have read and memorized five novels to take part in a competition?

That’s the premise behind the Readers Cup. Organised by the Queensland branch of the Children Book Council of Australia, Fitzgerald State School was the host for the annual competition in Mackay. The competition requires teams to read and study five novels.

Schools were invited to send a team of up to five students to compete in the Year 5/6 primary school competition.

This year the cup went to St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Mackay. The team consisted of Katie Sul, Lara Savige, Lily Cheyne, Millie Camilleri and Georgia Arbuthnot.

Throughout the term the girls worked independently to study the texts and composed their own questions to test each other in preparation for the competition.

St Mary’s School has been working towards improving reading engagement and reading success across the whole school. Every student from Prep to Year 6 participates in ‘Boost Reading’ sessions where students read in small groups with direct support from a teacher or teacher’s aide. These sessions occur up to three times per week and provide opportunities for students to boost or extend their reading skills.

The Year 6 teachers used this time to allow their Readers Cup team to work independently to prepare for the competition.

The school’s literacy intervention teacher, Val Paul, nominated the team.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for the girls to challenge themselves as readers,” Mrs Paul said.

St Mary’s School has now been invited to represent Mackay at the Readers Cup State Finals to be held in Brisbane. The team will have to read another five novels and prepare for more questions to test their knowledge.

Four of the five members of the winning St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Readers Cup team, consisting of Katie Sul, Lara Savige, Lily Cheyne, Millie Camilleri and Georgia Arbuthnot

‍

‍

A new inclusive all-abilities playground is set to be built as part of the first stage of Woodlands District Park between Beaconsfield and Andergrove. Construction of the playground is expected to start next financial year after the drainage and earthworks are finalised.

The playground, which was initially planned as part of stage three of the park’s development, has been brought forward into stage one thanks to a $1.5 million commitment from Mackay Regional Council.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council was committed to building inclusive communities and the new playground in Woodlands District Park was a positive step towards reaching that goal.

“The new facilities will provide hours of entertainment for children of all ages and abilities and those of us who are children at heart,” he said.

“It will be a district-level facility, so it will be similar in scale to the playgrounds at Queens Park and Northview Park, however this play facility will be designed for all-abilities.  

Mayor Williamson said the council was working hard to provide inclusive facilities across the region.

“We’ve been focusing on providing facilities such as all-abilities path upgrades, the installation of adult change facilities that cater to members of the community with a disability, and inclusive water play, which will be an exciting feature of Seaforth Esplanade’s new upgrades,” he said.  

“We’re looking forward to adding this new all-abilities playground at Woodlands District Park to the list of inclusive facilities available for the public to enjoy.”    

The development of the new 21-hectare Woodlands District Park will be staged, with initial construction works set to occur in the western side of the park where the former Broomdykes Drive Park in Beaconsfield was located. This area has already been cleared and will be referred to as the park’s Central Precinct.

Mayor Williamson said the Central Precinct would focus on active recreation.

“In addition to the all-abilities playground, the precinct will offer a range of family-friendly facilities including barbecue and picnic facilities, public toilets, multipurpose tracks and an expanded path network catering to everyone’s needs,” he said.

“Those wanting to enjoy a relaxing walk, bike ride, or jog, or something more adventurous like scootering, skateboarding or rollerblading will all be accommodated with a multipurpose track.”

Stage one of Woodlands District Park upgrades will include:

• A new all-abilities playground

• A multipurpose active track (Woodlands Track), which will be suitable for all ages

• New barbecue and picnic facilities

• Public amenities including a Changing Places facility for the disabled community

• Additional paths including the start of a new north-south connection through to Caledonian Drive and the extension of the existing cross-park (east-west) link.

• Drainage and landscaping improvements including the reshaping and re-planting of the unsightly open swale drain to naturalise the water course

Woodlands District Park precinct map

‍

‍

Ensuring menstruation isn’t a barrier to education, Education Minister Grace Grace visited Pioneer State High School last week and welcomed the installation of the school’s Dignity Vending Machine to provide students access to free period products at school.

The vending machine is aimed at ending the shame and stigma surrounding periods, in conjunction with Period Talk, a menstruation education program.

Minister Grace said Pioneer State High School is among two schools in Mackay, and one of 62 state, Catholic and independent schools across the state to receive a vending machine in the first round of the initiative.

“I was delighted to announce during Queensland Womens’ Week in March that the Palaszczuk Government was delivering on the first 62 Dignity Vending Machines to schools as part of our $2.5 million partnership with Queensland charity Share the Dignity,” Ms Grace said.

“It’s great to see the machine being installed at Pioneer State High School so students can continue to focus on learning and reaching their goals without worrying about access to period products.”

Minister Grace also visited Mackay State High School to see another Dignity Vending Machine in action.

“I know the machines will make a real difference, especially for students whose families are doing it tough, have unstable accommodation or are fleeing domestic and family violence,” Minister Grace added.

“The partnership means all Queensland schools have access to the Period Talk education program, which is designed to educate students in Year 5 to Year 8 about menstruation and the impact of periods.”

Pioneer State High School Principal Lisa Veney said she was delighted the school was receiving a Dignity Vending Machine.

“Pioneer State High School is a welcoming and inclusive school community which supports students in their learning as well as their health and well-being,” Ms Veney said.

“Students are better able to meet all of their goals at school while they feel supported in all areas of their life.”

Founder of Share the Dignity, Rochelle Courtenay, welcomed the installation of the vending machines at Pioneer State High School and in schools across Queensland.

“I am so proud to know that students at schools with a Dignity Vending Machine will be able to access free period products at the push of a button,” Ms Courtenay said.

“Not only will this help us ensure menstruation isn’t a barrier to education, it will help us end the shame and stigma surrounding periods as the schools also receive Period Talk, our menstruation education program.”

School Caption for Pioneer State High School Alyssa McClarty, Education Minister Grace Grace and Vice School Captain Alarna Wilson with the school’s new Dignity Vending Machine

‍

Two cyclists passed through Mackay last week on a week-long endeavour from Brisbane to Cairns raising funds for dementia research in honour of their good mate Al ‘Midget’ Forsyth.

The Adventure4Dementia team of Matt Collard and Heather Roberts, along with support crew Cody Dennis, Max Padovan and Merv Collard, left Brisbane on Friday June 3, passing through Mackay the following Monday and arriving in Cairns last weekend.

Not content with that effort, Matt went on to compete in the Cairns Airport IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship last Sunday.

Their mate Al Forsyth is an ex-serviceman who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2011.

Mr Collard said his friendship with Al started back in 2006 and the pair get along like a house on fire.

“Al’s done a lot for me over the years, a hell of a lot,” said Mr Collard.

In 2018, while Al still had early-onset dementia, the group took him on the Kokoda track.

Since then, they’ve been on a bike ride from Brisbane to Birdsville and now from Brisbane to Cairns, aiming to go on more adventures, get more people involved and raise more money.

“This started off as a shits and giggles between a few mates and we turned it into something that is an ongoing thing for dementia research,” said Mr Collard.

“I took on that mentality of what (Al) had, I suppose, which was always aspire to be better,”

Since 2018, Al’s condition has worsened.

“He couldn’t do his own shoes, he couldn’t go to the toilet, he couldn’t do all that sort of stuff,” Mr Collard said.

“It was very disheartening.”

Now in its third year, Adventure4Dementia is aiming to raise $50,000 dollars for dementia research at Queensland Brain Institute’s (QBI) Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research.

“The guys at QBI do a fantastic job, what they do is mind-blowing,” said Mr Collard.

“If the money that we raise can help a family out to prolong the life and response of their loved ones, then we’ve achieved what we’ve set out to do.”

On day four, before making it into Mackay, Matt started to experience a leg twinge.

Rather than risk further injury, he travelled to Mackay where he made up the distance lost in the pool at Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex (ARC) while Heather completed the day four leg on the bike.

Support crewmember Cody Dennis says the team at ARC provided Mr Collard with a free lane and an air-conditioned room for the afternoon.

“Big thanks to the Mackay Aquatic Centre for helping us out at such short notice,” Mr Dennis said.

“Within two minutes they had it all squared away, they did a real good job and that saved us for the day.”

Other supporters of the journey include Tait Auto Group, Appoint, LSKD and BSF Mobile Cranes.

“There’s a lot of teamwork that goes into it and that’s what Al was about,” said Mr Collard.

“He never put anyone down.”

Support the Adventure4Dementia team by donating to its JustGiving page - www.justgiving.com/campaign/Adventure4Dementia - or visit www.qbi.uq.edu.au to help brain research at QBI.

“Whether you’ve put a dollar in, whether you’ve put $1,000 in or whether you’ve put ten grand in, it goes a long way,” said Mr Collard.

Cyclists Matt Collard and Heather Roberts with support crew Max Padovan, Cody Dennis and Merv Collard at Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Centre before making their way to the Calen Hotel for dinner. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The Adventure4Dementia team are raising funds for good mate ‘Midget’ who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2011. Photo: supplied

Heather Roberts arrived at the ARC completing the day 4 bike leg before joining Matt for a swim

‍

‍