A familiar site has returned to the streets of Airlie Beach recently; young travellers with big smiles and backpacks have been trickling into our region, eager to explore and experience our Whitsunday way of life.

Heather Hewitt and Lucy Ball, 19-year-old travellers from Cheshire in the UK, were in Airlie Beach last week and, although they only stayed for two days, the pair said they would definitely be back.

Having arrived in Sydney, they spent time travelling up the coast and met loads of other backpackers along the way.

“We nearly didn’t come to Australia because we thought it wasn’t possible but then the rules changed so we could,” said Heather.

“COVID made us want to travel more after not being able to go anywhere for such a long time and we are so glad we came here; everyone is so friendly.”

Peter Upton, who has operated Backpackers By The Bay for the past 27 years, said that for the last two years they have only seen South American backpackers travel, many of whom decided to stay through the pandemic.

“The Europeans, Americans and Canadians all went home,” said Peter.

“It’s great to see them back again now!”

Julie Telford from Red Cat Adventures said that her charter boat company was also seeing a return of the backpackers.

Having adapted their tours to suit any domestic market, they are now thinking of re-launching their overnight backpacker vessel later this year.

Chief Operating Officer of Tourism Whitsundays, Rick Hamilton said that as international borders have opened The Whitsundays has seen the backpacker market re-emerge.

“Numbers are relatively low at this stage, but we expect this market to grow over the coming months, providing a gap in our job market,” he said.

“We look forward to working holiday makers experiencing our beautiful region.”

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Image: Backpackers Lucy Ball and Heather Hewitt

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Team Willcox: Tom Willcox, Zoe Robson, Andrew Willcox, Jack Willcox,Shannon Willcox, Chris Figg and Raylene Willcox

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Mayor Willcox Wins Seat Of Dawson

Our much-loved Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor will now become the Federal Member for Dawson following a successful election campaign which saw him receive 48,652 (60.4 per cent) of the votes, followed by his nearest contender Labor Candidate Shane Hamilton with 31,962 (39.6 per cent of votes).

Saturday’s election, however, did welcome in a new Labor Government which will undoubtedly prove challenging for Willcox who will now be in opposition.

“Of course it will be a lot harder for me in opposition, I won’t have the ear of the treasurer, but I’m up for the fight,” he said.

“I will still be pushing for what I’ve put forward and I have a list for Labor – I will be holding the government to account, making sure they deliver what they’ve said they will.”

Willcox Takes The Reins

A new face takes the seat of Dawson, with Andrew Willcox replacing George Christensen who held the seat for 12 years, announcing his resignation in 2021 and moving over to One Nation earlier this year.

Despite being new to the position, Andrew Willcox has served as Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor for six years and said he understands the needs of the region, pledging to always put those needs first when representing the Whitsundays in Canberra.

“I believe it’s very important to tell the story of how important this region is,” said Mr Willcox.

“When I go down to Canberra, I will be telling them truth: if you want us to continue delivering as a region, we need the infrastructure and services to support us.”

Since last Saturday’s election win, Mr Willcox said he has been thanking all his supporters and pulling down countless signs.

In the coming week he will be going to Canberra to “get everything set up and get my feet under the table”.

From here, he will wait to receive the parliamentary calendar to see when they will be sitting.

Residing in Bowen, which is the centre point of the electorate, Mr Willcox said he will largely be spending time travelling around his electorate but will still retain the same head office in Mackay.

“Most of the time I’ll be out and about meeting with the community, attending functions, talking to people about what they need and what’s important for them – that’s what I’m all about!” he said.

When asked about important promises made prior to the election he said that Urannah Dam and the Bowen Pipeline are already in the budget but it will be up to the new government as to whether they decide to change that budget.

“The Labor Government have said they support Urannah, providing it all stacks up, I’m sure it will happen.”

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Despite weather that was more suited to ducks than bees, the Jubilee Community Centre was a hive of excitement last week.

In conjunction with World Bee Day, the Choir of the Unheard Voices in Mackay ran an informative ‘Know Your Native Bee Day’ with artwork and handmade creations.

The choir performed for the crowd who buzzed with excitement hearing the premier of an original musical rendition ‘Homage to the Bee’.

Also launched at the event was the ‘Daily Dose of Dazzle’ journal, where more than 50 of the Mackay community’s ‘Wisdom Warriors’ gave their best inspirational advice to spark sunshine into the daily lives of those using the journal.

The journal was created by Tash Tomlinson and Margaret Ross. Tash starts every day with an affirmation and came up with the idea of the journal to spread happiness to others.

“This journal will help you to find your inner sparkle,” Tash said.

“I have worked with Tash whose love of spreading joy and happiness to others ignited a spark in me to capture her ideas,” Margaret added.

“Together we want to bring the energy and passion for the simplistic moments of life into everyone’s heart.”

You can message the Choir of the Unheard Voices on Facebook to order your Daily Dose of Dazzle journal.

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Dr Performs Classical Cello For Dying Patient

A dying patient’s last wish to hear live classical music was realised on Monday by Mackay Base Hospital medical registrar Dr Michael Lam.

Dr Lam, a gifted cellist, performed a range of soothing pieces including Bach's first and third cello suites, Saint-Saens' The Swan and Schubert's Ave Maria for the patient.

The patient had decided to end her treatment for a long-term chronic condition and when she was admitted to hospital with an acute illness, decided she wanted to pass in a dignified and peaceful way.

As part of supporting her through her end-of-life planning, she expressed a desire to hear live music one more time.

Dr Lam, who works in internal medicine and plans to specialise in palliative care, said music and medicine often go hand in hand.

“I've done this many times before and I know that a lot of patients are helped when we do non-medical things to look after them holistically,” he said.

“It's been clear to me for a long time that music has a therapeutic benefit for both patients and staff.”

He said the patient was so appreciative she asked him to play for her again later that day.

“She was really pleased and shared with me her love of classical music. She told me it reminded her of her childhood,” he said.

Prior to training as a physician Dr Lam studied music at the University of Toronto and the Shanghai Conservatory and has toured the world playing cello, piano and flute. He is also a gifted singer and choral conductor.

He believes in using music for reconciliation, as well as in medical contexts – something he has participated in as part of music outreach with the Australian Doctors Orchestra to nursing homes and geriatric / palliative care services

Clinical Director of Medicine Senior Staff Specialist Dr Manjit Pawar was among the staff outside the patient’s room in F2 ward to listen to the music.

“It was spine tingling to hear the beautiful music of Bach with staff and patients stopping to listen as they passed by.

“We could see how at peace the patient was, content and so happy with Michael playing.

“Medicine is not just about using medications and operations to ‘fix’ things, something I think we forget sometimes. Reaching out to our patients as another human is just as important, I will never forget this moment.”

Sometimes, music is the best medicine.

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Image: RIN Awards winners (L-R): Brendan Bishop (Indigenous Business Builders) and Tracey Cuttriss-Smith (C-Res), Ryan Norris from Vayeron, Nathan Corbett from Onsite Training Australia, Resource Industry Network Chair Tim Magoffin, Stephen Mounsey from Mainetec, Scott McDermott from Field Mining Services Group, Howard Nielson from DGH Engineering, John Ryland from DGH Engineering

Resource Industry Leaders Crowned

From a resilience program targeting Year 6 students in Moranbah, to a lean, green mining bucket, the 2022 RIN Awards crowned some of the region’s most resourceful businesses in Mackay last Friday night.

The 2022 RIN Awards recognised the significant achievement and enterprise that local businesses are demonstrating across seven categories including safety, leadership, export, innovation, diversity, community connection, and individual excellence.

Awarding Success In Our Resources Service Sector

RIN Awards team (L-R): Stacey Grech, Kelly Strachan, Jodie Thompson, Dean Kirkwood, Sonia Andersen, Lea Yepes, and Steph Hernandez

Howard Nielson and Dave Hackett from DGH Engineering

Jamie Lee and Ben Shanks

Sonia Andersen from RIN, keynote speaker Richard Yetsenga and emcee Karen Jacobson

Melissa Halliday from BHP and John Halliday from Field Engineers

Moranbah-based training company Onsite Training Australia took out the Connecting in the Community Award for its ‘Leading Our Lives’ program targeting Year 6 Moranbah students transitioning into high school. The judges commented on how business owner Nathan Corbett understood the impact mental health was having on the local high school and his efforts to develop a leadership program where students learnt about self-awareness, understanding and relating to others, how to effectively plan for the future, and dealing with different types of change.

Local METS company Mainetec was awarded for their outstanding approach to innovation with their “Hulk” bucket, taking out the Out of the Box Award. While it may be perceived as “just another bucket”, the judges were impressed with the sustained research, the company’s Mainetrack technology, and data and client engagement, as they continued to evolve their solution.

“Trading Tracks”, a business program developed by C-Res and Local Buying Foundation, took out the Striving for Diversity Award for driving sustainable local Indigenous businesses for the future. While the program is only in its early stages, the judges commented on how it will help all businesses striving to diversify and look forward to hearing about the positive outcomes.

Eighty-year-old project manager Howard Nielson, from DGH Engineering, took out the Standing Out from the Crowd Award for his inspirational contributions to the workplace. The judges said Howard worked with integrity, leadership, patience, and cooperation, as well as having the natural ability to work with anyone he met.

Resource Industry Network general manager Dean Kirkwood said this year’s awards night was a great success with almost 300 people in attendance at the MECC to celebrate the people, the innovation, and the success stories of the resources services sector.

Mr Kirkwood said he extended a big congratulations to all finalists and winners.

“The awards recognise excellence in business and the significant contribution that those businesses make to the regional economy and community,” he said.

“This year’s RIN Awards was a special night and it’s always great to gather as a sector and collectively applaud the businesses doing great things.”

The evening was made even more entertaining with keynote speaker and ANZ chief economist Richard Yetsenga presenting wonderful insights into the economic strengths of our region.

2022 RIN Awards Winners

Out of The Box Award (sponsored by METS Ignited) • Mainetec

Chasing the Foreign Markets Award (sponsored by Trade & Investment Qld) • Vayeron

Safety Foremost Award (sponsored by Diacon Australia) • DGH Engineering

Connecting in the Community Award (sponsored by Local Buying Foundation) • Onsite Training Australia

Champion Culture Award (sponsored by Resources Centre of Excellence) • Field Mining Services Group

Standing Out from the Crowd Award (sponsored by Onsite Safety Training Compliance) • Howard Nielson (DGH Engineering)

Striving for Diversity Award (sponsored by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance) • C-Res/Local Buying Foundation

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The community is rallying to support a young family who has been devastated by the loss of a wife and mother, 31-year-old Casey Munchow.

Casey tragically died when she became trapped in her car submerged by floodwater near Mt Ossa earlier this month.

Friend Natasha Spreadborough set up an online fundraiser to support the family, Casey’s husband Josh and their three children, Dylan 10, Tommy 7 and Evie 2.

Natasha said Casey was all the good you could ever want in a person.

“Casey was one of a kind with a heart of gold, was always there for her friends and completely family oriented.

“Quite frankly, there are not enough compassionate words to compliment this beautiful woman.

“She would do anything for anyone and would never ask for anything in return.

“This has left a massive impact on everyone who had the privilege of being a part of her life and has absolutely rocked the town of Calen.”

Every donation, whether it be big or small, will go such a long way in this unprecedented time and will be appreciated more than words will ever be able to describe.

Donations can be made online: gofundme.com/f/love-and-support-for-caseys-family

Casey and Josh Munchow and their three children, Dylan, Tommy and Evie

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The crafters of the Sarina Fibre Arts Group have pooled their talents to support the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre.

The group has donated three beautiful quilts which are being raffled to raise funds for the Craft Centre, with $2 tickets now available and drawn on September 17.

One of the quilts is an exquisite creation which was started by the sister of Heather Ruddell, who was a long-time supporter of the Arts and Crafts Centre.

“Heather’s sister became ill and wasn’t able to finish it and gave it to the Fibre Arts for them to finish it,” Sarina Arts and Crafts manager Jenny Costello said.

“The Fibre Arts crafters decided that they would finish it and donate it to the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre.”

Jennifer said the while it was a club project for the Fibre Arts Group, much of the work on the quilt was done by Celia Gutchslag and Margaret Schwarzrock.

Another prize is a hand-embroidered quilt by the late Dulcie Christensen, which was donated to the Fibre Arts Group by her son Glen. Gayle Tomerini did much of the work to finish it off.

Fibre Arts crafter Val Pearce hand-knitted another prize of a woolen quilt.

Tickets are available at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre or from members of the centre and will be sold at Sarina IGA on selected days. The prizes will be drawn on September 17.

By Charlie Payne

Margaret Schwarzrock, Jenny Costello and Celia Gutschlag hold a quilt to be raffled on behalf of the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre. Photos: Charlie Payne

Val Pearce with her hand-knitted quilt, one of three to be raffled for the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre

A hand-embroidered quilt by the late Dulcie Christensen, part of the raffle for the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre

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Mackay North State High School’s (MNSHS) marching band travelled to Brisbane last month to take part in the 2022 State ANZAC Day Parade for the 28th consecutive year.

Over 100 students from years 7 to 12 marched through the capital’s CBD streets, forming the largest band in the parade.

The MNSHS marching band is the only state secondary school to be invited to perform in the parade and the only school band outside of Brisbane.

MNSHS Performing Arts Head of Faculty and Marching Band Director Kathy George says wet weather conditions provided a few difficulties for the band.

“The march was the first parade in 30 years that we’ve ever done in the rain,” Kathy laughed.

“So it was writing another page in the history of the band.”

“It did cause a few little hassles for us … but the kids actually really enjoyed it.”

Kathy says the rain caused damage to students’ hats and instruments but former band director David Bayliss, who started the band with Kathy in 1992, repaired all instruments to make sure they were dried out and oiled properly.

The band completed the route three times: once as the first civilian band in the march, once as selected by the State Marshall, and third to fill in for another band who were unable to attend.

“We were very tired at the end of it,” said Kathy.

“The Brisbane spectators are so good … it’s a long way but it’s worth it.”

Kathy says the march is an excellent opportunity for the talented students that make up the band.

“It’s a wonderful extension activity for our gifted and talented students.”

After their first performance at the ANZAC Parade in Mackay in 1993, the band’s reputation flourished, travelling to perform at prestigious events including the Shanghai Tourism Festival, the 2000 Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony, the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Los Angeles Independence Parade, and the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

NMSHS students withstood wet conditions in Brisbane last month to perform in the ANZAC Day parade. Photos: supplied

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Park benches in Isaac’s open spaces have been painted red to prompt conversations towards ending domestic violence-related deaths in Australia.

The Red Bench Project from the Red Rose Foundation aims to create a permanent reminder that domestic violence occurs within all communities.

Mayor Anne Baker said domestic and family violence affects women, men, children and families from all sections of society.

“Domestic violence has no place in our communities and this project is a statement that we as a community must take a more public stand,” Mayor Baker said.

“Isaac Regional Council has partnered with the Red Rose Foundation to raise public awareness and provide a visual reminder of this important issue.

“The simple act of painting a park bench is designed to make people stop and think about domestic violence in our communities. We have chosen seven sites for the red benches that feature a simple message on a plaque - ‘Change the ending: let’s stop domestic violence’.”

The seven benches are located at Rose Harris Park in Clermont, in front of the Council office at Nebo, the Dysart Civic Centre in Anzac Square at Dysart, near the St Lawrence pool nearby the local sportsground, Middlemount Community Hall, Moranbah Town Square and Glenden’s town centre.

The project is also in conjunction with Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month this May with the theme being, All of us, together. This theme drives home the message that to achieve real and lasting positive cultural change, all levels of society need to be involved and act against domestic and family-related violence.

If you, or someone you know, need safety and support these services may be helpful DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811, DVConnect Mensline on 1800 600 636, 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120, Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. In an emergency call the police on Triple Zero.

The red bench located at St Lawrence can be found near the pool. Six other red benches have been painted throughout the Isaac

In Clermont the red bench is located in Rose Harris Park

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Last year’s patchwork repairs to the Bluewater Lagoon provided a short-term solution to leaks discovered in the lining, but now the Mackay Regional Council are seeking tenders for a permanent fix.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the current tender was seeking a long-term solution that would see the facility fully resurfaced during the winter maintenance period for all three pools.

“The work that was completed last year was a quick and temporary response so we could reopen the lagoon during the busy summer period,” he said.

“This project will ensure this facility continues to serve the needs of the community well into the future and it is expected to increase the longevity of the lagoon.

“With the implementation of the ongoing scheduled maintenance program, the lagoon should continue operating to its full potential.”

The Bluewater Lagoon will be closed from June 1 until August 31, 2022, to complete this work.

The café at Bluewater Lagoon will also be closed during this time.

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the tender through the QTenders website.

Submissions will close on Tuesday, May 31, at 10am.

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A twilight dream for seniors to live in their hometown of Clermont in a modernised aged care facility is being strongly advocated for federal funding reality.

Isaac Regional Council is joining forces with the Belyando Enterprise Network Inc on a project to help lobby for $2.993 million in funding for stage 1 of Monash Lodge refurbishment.

Mayor Anne Baker said aged care is a growing issue for the nation and residents prefer to remain near their hometown during their twilight years.

“Monash Lodge is a valuable aged care facility for Clermont and wider community that was founded and only made available through the generous donations and contributions by the community,” Mayor Baker said.

“The Seniors Living Project is a social innovation model that could have far reaching benefits across regional Australia.

“The proposed project would deliver much needed independent living accommodation which would enable older regional Australians to enjoy their twilight years in their hometown.”

Belyando Enterprise Network Inc’s John Burnett said the Monash Lodge internal refurbishment will include upgrading the existing 20-bed facility and to create 12 independent living units plus caretaker’s apartment for 24-hour onsite management.

“This project will create jobs during the construction phase, create more health and administrative roles but more importantly, keep residents in their hometown,” Mr Burnett said.

“The closest permanent aged care services in a non-hospital environment is either in Emerald or Mackay.”

The ageing population of Clermont continues to rise with about 25 per cent of its current population aged over 60 years old. Currently there is an undersupply of 96 allocations as of 2021 and then increasing to an undersupply of 187 places by 2036.

Mayor Baker said Council, who is the current trustee of the property, continues to work with community groups to reinvigorate Monash Lodge.

“The potential outcomes of the Clermont Seniors Living concept in occupying and renewing Monash Lodge presents as a significant cost and social benefit to the community,” Mayor Baker said.

“We have committed to an in-principle long-term lease agreement with the eligible lessee through a peppercorn rate of $1 per annum to facilitate and support these critical services within the region.”

Mayor Baker said Canberra needs to understand that regional Australia has the ability to be creative, to apply fresh thinking, to find innovative solutions to help its residents remain in their hometowns in their twilight years. Visit https://www.isaac.qld.gov.au/advocacy for more information.

Monash Lodge, Clermont

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A Mackay year 12 student is well on his way to creating change in our community, getting involved in Queensland Youth Parliament as the Youth Member for Whitsunday.

Sebastian Padget is School Captain at Mackay Northern Beaches State High School and has added Youth Parliament to his repertoire of leadership experience, saying that serving as School Captain in primary school started his interest in politics.

“Even in primary school, seeing that there is the ability to create change, just sparked my interest,” Sebastian said.

“As the years have gone on I’ve got more interested in the way it runs, in the way we create change, and then this opportunity’s come up so I’ve taken it.”

He says he found balancing study, school captaincy, and Youth Parliament difficult but it has taught him a lot.

“I was thinking ‘no, this is the path I want to go down, we have to balance it,’ so that’s been really good to learn that and to learn how to do it effectively,” he said.

Sebastian travelled to Brisbane with his mentor and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm for the Queensland Youth Parliament launch weekend in early April.

Throughout the weekend, Sebastian and the other 92 Youth Members received media advice, learnt how to write bills, and learnt how to be effective leaders in their respective communities.

Sebastian says it was a great opportunity to network with other Youth Members and discuss the issues facing each of their areas.

“It was really cool to see our world views, how they’re a bit different, and the issues that we find are important,” he said.

Sebastian says Amanda’s mentorship, advice, and experience have been invaluable.

“She’s been absolutely incredible,” he said.

“We’ve had some really good conversations.”

One local issue that Sebastian is passionate about is Mackay Bucasia Road.

“Being in the Northern Beaches, we’re the major growth area of Mackay,” he said.

“We have a bit of a transport issue where we have one road linking Mackay to the Northern Beaches and if there was to be a flood, fire, cyclone, there’s going to be trouble in this area.

“Even with opportunities within Youth Parliament, I’ve been able to discuss the issue and raise it with council, discuss it with Amanda Camm, and we’ve been able to have some really cool discussions about how we create change even on a local level.”

Sebastian finishes year 12 this year and is looking to study Business and Law in Townsville next year and hopes to get as involved in the Mackay community as he possibly can.

“I’d love to serve in parliament, but I really want to get experience in the community before I look at something like that and I do believe that having a business and law degree would be quite a good combination,” he said.

“I’m really keen to see how local Mackay runs, how the organisations in local Mackay work, and how they push Mackay forward.”

Youth Member for Whitsunday Sebastian Padget is passionate about Mackay. Photo: Sam Gillespie

Sebastian with Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm at Queensland Youth Parliament Launch Week in Brisbane. Photo: supplied

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Two more people lost their lives along the Bruce Highway in the Mackay and Isaac region within the past week, in what has been a horror month in highway deaths.

A 60-year-old man died following a traffic crash at Carmilla on 12 May.

Early investigations indicate at about 7.20pm, the Carmila man was the sole occupant of a car that was in the path of a bus travelling Southbound on the Bruce Highway when they collided.

Emergency crews rendered first-aid to the man, however, was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the bus and one passenger (an employee of the bus company) were the only occupants of the bus, and they were not physically injured.

Two days later, a 53-year-old man died and a 41-year-old woman was transported to Mackay Base Hospital in a serious condition, following a single vehicle crash at Bloomsbury on 14 May.

Just after 6pm, initial investigations suggest, a Toyota Hiace travelling south along the Bruce Highway left the road and crashed into a tree, around 1km north of Midge Point Road.

The driver, a 53-year-old man, died on scene.

These tragedies follow a fatal motorcycle accident on the Bruce Highway at St Lawrence which claimed the life of a 50-year-old man on 6 May. On 18 April, a father and his teenage daughter were killed when their motorbike collided with a sedan on the Bruce Highway near Koumala.

RACQ CQ Rescue airlifted a 41-year-old woman to Townsville Hospital after a car collided with a tree near Bloomsbury. The 53 year-old driver died on scene. Image: RACQ CQ Rescue

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The RSL Mackay sub-branch has donated $4,000 to The Mackay Branch of the 42nd Infantry Battalion Association.

The Mackay Branch of the 42nd Infantry Battalion Association applied for a grant for $4000 from the RSL to assist with the costs of their annual reunion dinner, coming up in August.

“That’ll go towards our dinner, keep our costs down, pay for our room rent,” said Association President Garry Edwards.

“That’ll help us probably for a couple years, I should imagine, and it should be a really good year with another good turnout this year.”

The Mackay Branch of the 42nd Infantry Battalion Association was first formed in 1946 immediately following the end of WWII.

While the 42nd Battalion was originally a Central Queensland unit, the amalgamation of units and the drawing of reinforcements from all states in WWII resulted in the formation of branches of the Association in cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Townsville, Rockhampton, and Mackay.

Due to the dwindling numbers of veterans in the other states, the Rockhampton and Mackay Branches are the only two which hold formal annual reunions.

“We’re just keeping the memory of the 42nd Infantry Battalion going,” said Garry.

Following the amalgamation of 31 RQR and 42 RQR in January 2008, membership has been extended to members of the new joint battalion.

The only personnel entitled to join the Mackay Branch of the 42nd Infantry Battalion Association are those who have given service in the 42nd Battalion or those who are currently serving members of 31/42 RQR.

Those interested in learning more about the Association are asked to contact Garry on 0400 242 779.

L-R Shane Edge, Garry Edwards, David Ward, Ken Higgins, Nichole Hood, and Liz Ward

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Global micromobility company Beam will launch up to 300 e-scooters in Mackay following the successful tender application with Mackay Regional Council, with operations to commence in June.

The app-based e-scooters will be available in the Mackay City Centre, Waterfront, Bluewater Trail, Caneland Central precinct, Mackay Harbour, North Mackay, Mackay Base Hospital and Botanic Gardens. Beam’s service will feature affordable pay-as-you-go rates, with every ride covered by Beam’s personal accident insurance.

Mayor Greg Williamson said e-scooters would provide a fantastic transport option for residents and tourists to get out and about, exploring our region in a safe, convenient, and fun way.

“For visitors staying in the Mackay CBD without a car, or locals simply wanting to explore as much of the city as they can in a short period of time, an e-scooter is going to be a tremendous option,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The e-scooters may also provide assistance in easing parking congestion in certain areas like the Base Hospital precinct for workers or people attending events at the Botanic Gardens,” he said.

Beam’s General Manager (ANZ) Tom Cooper said the company is thrilled to be piloting Mackay’s first shared e-mobility trial.

“We look forward to partnering with the Mackay Regional Council to bring our safe, affordable and sustainable e-scooters to both residents and visitors,” Mr Cooper said.

“As micromobility becomes more commonplace in Australia, we believe its usage will only continue to increase exponentially, with more citizens engaging on the streets and leaving their cars behind.

“As we look forward to expanding our footprint, we are also committed to developing collaborative partnerships with local community members, small businesses and organisations, and engage in discussions around the safe operation of e-scooters to ensure the safety of both riders, pedestrians and other road users.”

Each e-scooter comes with a helmet, which must be worn, and safety rules must be followed, such as following vehicle laws, maintaining a safe distance between riders and pedestrians, and not riding under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

The e-scooters can reach a maximum of 20kmh. However, speeds will be limited in certain locations for safety reasons. These “slow zones" are set by agreed stakeholders and managed by geofencing.

Mackay businesses can now apply to be part of Beam’s free Booster program.

The Beam offering will include:

•Beam’s Saturn e-scooter fleet: Featuring tip-resistant dual-kickstands, triple electric and mechanical brakes, a bluetooth-locked helmet, and swappable batteries

•Beam Booster for Retail Support: Beam’s Booster platform utilises a blend of GPS-technology, in-app notifications and partner incentives to help stimulate economic activity at the local community level. Participation is free, with applications now open for local businesses via www.ridebeam.com/anz/booster

•Virtual Docking for Cleaner Streets: At Beam, we believe that the future of micromobility is docked rather than dockless. But a docked system does not require hardware racks fitted on the pavements. Fixed parking docks can be created virtually, using technology and GPS to direct riders to appropriate parking spots through a combination of guidance, incentives, and disincentives.

•Climate Neutral Operations for A Greener City: Beam is the only operator in ANZ to be Certified Climate Neutral, and has recently announced a pledge to go Carbon Negative by 2025. Beam is committed to continuing to lead the industry in sustainability, adopting technological advances to reduce its environmental impact.

Beam is the largest and safest micromobility operator in Asia Pacific, with operations in Australia spanning capital cities such as Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra, and regional cities and towns including Port Douglas, Magnetic Island and Townsville.

The app-based e-scooters will be available in the Mackay City Centre, Waterfront, Bluewater Trail, Caneland Central precinct, Mackay Harbour, North Mackay, Mackay Base Hospital and Botanic Gardens.

Up to 300 purple Beam scooters will arrive in Mackay next month as an e-scooter trial was approved by the Mackay Regional Council last week. Images Supplied: Beam

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