The fifth annual B Kinder Day is fast approaching, and organisers are excited to see Whitsunday schools participating again this year, along with many local businesses and individuals.

This Wednesday, June 22, thousands of people - both within our community and around Australia - will be actively spreading kindness by writing messages of love to others, passing toys of kindness, planting sunflowers, visiting nursing homes and more.

This special day was inspired by a young local girl named Billie Kinder who tragically lost her life in a horse accident when she was 12 years old.

After her passing, Billie’s mum, Danny Mayson-Kinder found some beautiful artwork, poems and stories that her daughter had created, then compiling them into a book called “hope”.  

The feedback was incredible, and Danny discovered that Billie’s words were instigating conversations with children on deeper issues and creating a huge impact.  

It was this feedback that inspired Danny to create the flyhighbillie charity and b kinder day to spread love, kindness, and compassion around the world to reduce mental health issues, bullying and suicide.

Since inception, the annual event has been a huge success with more and more schools and businesses joining each year.

If you would like to get involved simply head to flyhighbillie.org for full details.

You can purchase a b kinder day card for $1 and send or give it to someone you care about, there are also b kinder day balloons which you can use to create a themed event space.

All proceeds from b kinder day are re-invested to fund the b kinder workbooks, a special program designed by teachers to promote kindness and mental health in schools.

Billie Kinder (right)

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United Australia Party (UAP) candidate for Dawson Christian Young was on the hustings in Proserpine and Cannonvale over the weekend as the election trail heats up.

Meeting with locals on Saturday and Sunday, the Dawson hopeful discussed the party’s election promises, especially the UAP’s hard-line approach to mandates.

“We know there are a lot of small business owners here in Airlie Beach, compared to Mackay, and the small business owners have been significantly affected by mandates,” Mr Young said.

“We hear from them that they have lost staff, lost income, so we stand for the abolishment of mandates.”

Mr Young also maintained the UAP’s promise of a 20 per cent reduction in company and income tax for businesses and individuals based 200km outside major cities.

Like other parties campaigning for the seat, Mr Young has noted the enormous diversity in Dawson, even in travelling from Proserpine to Airlie Beach.

“The feelings out there is that people are sick of the major two,” Mr Young said.

“They say they’re going to do this for the farmers and that for the farmers, but when the rubber hits the road, they don’t feel they’re getting any help, only barriers.

“It was still around the control the government was enforcing on farmers, and that’s what we’re all about: freedom, freedom, freedom.”

Tom Avery, Koii Minimulu, Karen Oni, Rochelle, Bek, Jaydon, and United Australia Party Candidate for Dawson Christian Young

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Bruce Hedditch

Bowen

The industry that needs support is Tourism. If the future Federal Government is sincere in their attempts to assist the Tourism industry, and particularly small business, they will create incentives to assist the sector to grow and unburden the shackles of red tape applied by the three tiers of government.

It needs financial support to actually allow tourism businesses to grow and expand.

The next Federal Government should consider creating a Whitsunday Special Tourism Economic Zone that will provide special support to tourism businesses in our area.

We are always told small business is the leading employer in the nation, then the time has arrived to actually support small business in Tourism.

Mike Muller

Cannonvale

I feel Tourism needs the most attention from the Government moving forward. Mining and Agriculture have for the most part had little set back from the past two years of the Covid pandemic.

Tourism has been savaged by Covid and has yet to come back to pre-Covid levels, especially when looking at the overseas market. Airlie Beach’s economy has been primarily focused on the backpacker market over the years and they are yet to return.

I feel the Government could help this by lending support to marketing and directly targeting the backpacker market to try and attract Backpackers back to Australia.

This would greatly help the Airlie Beach economy get back to pre-Covid levels of overseas visitors. This would also greatly help both the agriculture and hospitality sector with finding employees. There are acute labour shortages in both these sectors around the country.

Jamie-Lee Bishop-Kinlyside

Cannonvale

I think that, between the three, agriculture is the one that needs more love. We need to grow food more than we need to grow more cafes or better service. We shouldn’t be looking at mining either, because we should be planting trees and planting fruit and vegetables, not digging up big holes for whatever it may be that we mine now or in the future.

I think they could do with some tax-free benefits in agriculture, especially for when they’re buying new farm equipment. Farmers are the backbone, so we should incentivise their work.

Paying less tax on whatever their tax would be for the year could be one way. The things they need are grants, too. For them to be able to buy feed, grain, equipment, more land – they need government grants for those.

Tony Barbagallo

Cannonvale

It’s hard to split them because they’ve all got their importance. I was brought up in the agricultural area of the Burdekin and we spent a lot of time here [In Airlie Beach], and obviously tourism is critical. And mining, I’ve got many, many people I know who rely on mining – family members, clients, etc. So, it’s very hard to split them.

Tourism was the one that has been greatly impacted [by Covid], so it’s the one that really needs to fire up. It’s very hard for small businesses here in this region that need support so they can do that.

Things to help them get on their feet, like grants because they’ve probably gone out and borrowed as much as they can in those two years. I think, with a grant, if they were able to expand their business or market reach, that would be something that would be a direct benefit.

Karen O’Donnell

Cannonvale

Mining. I think it gives a bit more [economically] to the community. A lot of the little country towns are struggling – the mining towns – and they keep taking things away from them. We used to make all our own steel and now we get rubbish from China instead. I know [mining] isn’t really good, but they should be helping those communities.

Helping out those towns in general, even if that means transitioning out of mining, but just helping them out in some way. Really, they’re the backbone of the country.

You see all the little mining towns are struggling so much with everything being taken away from them. I think the government should be helping those places with doctors and hospitals and things like that. I know the environment gets a lot of attention, but these little country towns need help from our government.

Adam Downton

Airlie Beach

Tourism, especially after lockdown. It’s vital to get tourists back on the ground to help the local economy. I think that, from my experience staying at the Mirage recently, the place is fully booked but they’ve got fewer staff than they would normally. That’s not different anywhere around town.

The staff shortage is a big issue, I think. I know there are people around here struggling for work and it’s easy to say, ‘well, be more adaptable.’  I think people need to be incentivised to look at these different industries if they haven’t worked in one like tourism before. The pay might not be as good in tourism and I think that’s where a government can help out in things like training and cost of living.

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Local environmentalists are concerned that the new Shute Harbour Marina Resort development, which is due to go ahead this year, will cause extensive damage to the fragile ecosystem at the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Whitsunday Conservation Council spokesperson, Tony Fontes, said that the project will destroy large areas of mangrove forest and seagrass meadows which are irreplaceable.

These areas are critical fish nurseries and the primary food source for dugongs and many sea turtles.

“Shute Harbour is an environmentally sensitive area and home to healthy coral reefs as well as iconic and endangered species including the dugong and sea turtles,” he said.

“Should this project go ahead, it is one more reason to list the Reef ‘In Danger.’”

Mr Fontes believes that a major issue will be the required dredging which will cause a serious water quality problem for the local marine life, particularly the coral reefs flanking the islands of Shute Harbour.

The $350 million Shute Harbour Marina Resort has been in the planning stages for over 20 years and developers say they have received all the necessary environmental and government approvals to begin construction within a year.

The project is set to include 58 managed resort dwellings with private marina berths, a retirement resort and facilities, a 400-berth marina, 100-room hotel, and 44 room backpackers’ accommodation.

It will create almost 700 jobs – 450 in the construction phase and 250 jobs ongoing and will be the first marina in Airlie Beach for 16 years since the construction of the Port of Airlie.

The picturesque Shute Harbour

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A colonial investigation into the death of 13-year-old Bailey Pini is underway and the Magistrate is examining whether he was receiving adequate supervision at the state-run care centre in Sarina where he had been staying for the month prior to his death.

It was almost a year ago that Bailey and his 14-year-old companion stole a vehicle from the care centre and drove over 200 kilometres to Bowen.

It is believed that Bailey had no pre-existing driving experience and sadly lost control of the vehicle just a few kilometres from his grandmother’s house, where it is believed he was heading.

Bailey died at the scene and the passenger survived.

It is understood that Bailey’s behaviour had been spiralling since the death of his mother the year before after she endured a short battle with cervical cancer.

He had been sent down to the state-run care facility in Sarina where it was hoped he would receive counselling and that his behaviour would improve.

Unfortunately, he did not get that opportunity.

In order to prevent this happening again, the level of supervision at state-run care facilities will be investigated to ascertain whether the children living in these ‘share house’ environments need to receive 24 hour supervision.

Currently, a supervisor will sleep at the premises. No-one needs to be awake throughout the night.

The question is, could Bailey’s death have been avoided if a supervising adult had been awake?

There is also a concern about whether the environment at the care facility was a catalyst to unruly behaviour instead of a supportive and safe place for him to live.

Investigations are continuing.

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Voting has now commenced for the Top Tourism Town Awards and once again both Bowen and Airlie Beach have been shortlisted.

Bowen is a finalist for the Top Tourism Town category and Airlie Beach is up for the Top Small Tourism Town.

This means our region has a chance to win both awards which would be a huge achievement.

The Top Tourism Town Award winner will receive a $25,000 strategic consulting and capacity building package provided by EarthCheck and the Top Small Tourism Town Award Winner will receive a $7,500 tourism consultancy and development package provided by The Tourism Group.

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton, said he was thrilled to see both towns become finalists.

“Soaked in the beautiful Queensland sun, Airlie Beach and Bowen offer vibrant towns, friendly locals and unspoilt natural surrounds. Visitors never have to look far for lush rainforests, award winning beaches, spectacular coral reefs and amazing experiences,” he said.

“I’m confident that with Airlie Beach and Bowen named as finalists in QTIC’s Top Tourism Town Awards, thousands of visitors will be encouraged to visit the region and enjoy The Whitsundays, in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef,” Mr Hamilton said.

Every vote counts and the community are encouraged to help support our tourism industry by adding their own vote to the competition.

The process is simple, just head to the Tourism Whitsundays Facebook page and follow the link.

Select Airlie Beach for the Top Small Town and Bowen for the Top Town.

Then in a few words, let everyone know why you love these towns so much and enter your details.

All voters enter the draw to win a $2,000 Apollo Motorhome travel package.

Voting is now open and closes on Monday, May 23.

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A Whitsunday woman, who had been living in Mexico for the past nine years, was reported missing last week when her two-year daughter was found alone outside a church in Cancun, her mother nowhere to be found.

Tahnee Shanks, a 32-year-old Conway woman, had been travelling the world for several years until she found a home in Mexico with partner Jorge Aguirre Estudillo.

The couple separated a year ago and Tahnee had plans to return to Australia with her daughter Adelynn, but unfortunately just six weeks before they were due to depart, she went missing in suspicious circumstances.

It is understood that Tahnee had been on holiday with Jorge and their daughter, travelling from their hometown of Merida to a tourist hot spot but had somehow diverted to Cancun where their Adelynn was found alone.

The couple have been missing since May 3 and police are now investigating a burnt-out car that matches their number plates which was found in Puerto Morelos, 40 minutes south of Cancun, on the same day.

Jorge Estudillo is of interest to police; he was deported from the United States for attacking a police officer and has been subject to multiple domestic violence complaints from other women.

Tahnee’s brother, Ben Shanks, who lives in Mackay, said he has grave fears for his sister’s wellbeing because she would never want to be away from her daughter and it is uncharacteristic for her to be off social media for such a long period of time.

Just days after Tahnee’s disappearance, Ben travelled to Mexico with his mother Leanne and was immediately united with his niece.

The Australian Embassy had organised an Australian passport for Adelynn and once other official documents were confirmed, they returned to Australia where they will look after the young girl.

Family friend, Ella Stower, set up a GoFundMe page for the family to assist with travel expenses and hopefully find Tahnee.

Over $30,000 has now been donated and the family left the following message.

“The Shanks family would like to express our deepest thanks to every kind donation and please know that each one has been acknowledged and appreciated from the bottom of our hearts.”

Caption:

Tahnee Shanks and daughter Adelynn in happier times

Tahnee’s mum Leanne and brother Ben, united with ‘Addy’ in Mexico

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In a campaign visit to the region that saw Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce stop in Bowen and Proserpine, the Nationals Party Leader committed $80 million to the construction of the Bowen Pipeline.

Alongside Liberal candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Senator Matt Canavan, the Deputy PM made the announcement that the proposed pipeline would receive $80 million towards its construction from this year’s budget.

The pipeline, which the Bowen Pipeline Company say will deliver water security in northern Queensland - protecting and creating jobs in the agricultural sector - would comprise around 100 kilometres of underground pipeline built from the Burdekin River to Bowen.

Although the commitment was brimming with fanfare, the funding, and in turn the construction, is subject to a detailed business case and demonstration of value for money and public benefit.

The business case – costing $5 million – is still pending, but Mr Joyce said he “wasn’t about waiting for things like that” and that this was about “supercharging” the region.

“This pipeline will be capable of transferring 100 gigalitres of water every year to agricultural, industry and community water users in the Bowen region,” he said.

The Bowen region is Australia’s largest winter vegetable growing area, supplying 19 varieties of vegetables and fruits to Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

The project has stated it will support the existing agricultural operations, but also enable irrigation of up to 40,000 hectares of additional land and support the creation of up to 3,000 jobs in the horticulture, agriculture, and aquaculture sectors.

LNP candidate for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said this project will also promote economic growth across the Bowen region and beyond by supplying water to the Abbot Point State Development Area.

“I’m thrilled with this commitment from the Coalition Government. Water security on this scale is a game-changer for primary industries in our local region,” Mr Willcox said.

“[It will] enable a $300 million yearly increase in horticultural production in the Bowen region, along with supporting water security for communities and businesses in Bowen, Inkerman, Gumlu and Guthalungra.”

Senator Matt Canavan, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, Liberal Candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox

Barnaby Joyce, Director of Bowen Pipeline Company Sean Brown, and Andrew Willcox

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The 2022 Resource Industry Network (RIN) Awards judging panel has meticulously looked through this years’ nominations and is excited to announce 16 finalists across seven categories.

With so many challenges facing businesses daily, the RIN Awards on Friday, May 20 at the MECC, are a positive way to celebrate the many accomplishments happening in the resources sector.

The awards truly are an all-inclusive celebration of the local resources sector and the achievements of its supply chain.

The Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region is home to an innovative world-class METS hub and the RIN Awards acknowledge, recognise, and celebrate their outstanding contributions to the industry and the community.

The 2022 RIN Awards Finalists

Safety Foremost Award (sponsored by Diacon Australia) • DGH Engineering • Ausgroup Industrial Services (QLD) Pty Ltd •

Connecting in the Community Award (sponsored by Local Buying Foundation) • Onsite Training Australia • QCCS Pty Ltd • Wisely Services Pty Ltd

Out of The Box Award (sponsored by METS Ignited) • BB Print • 4PS Software • Mainetec

Standing Out from the Crowd Award (sponsored by Onsite Safety Training Compliance) • Howard Nielson - DGH Engineering • Ben Colvin - Prochem Group of Companies • Ashleigh Vaughan - Richies Engineering Services

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

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

Chasing the Foreign Markets Award (sponsored by Trade & Investment Qld) • Mainetec • Vayeron • East West Lighting

The finalists reflect a broad range of initiatives around innovation, export, diversity, community, culture, safety, and individual excellence.

RIN congratulates all businesses and individuals who have secured a finalist spot, and thanks everyone who entered the awards this year.

“As an organisation that represents the resources services sector, we value the effort it takes to submit nominations and we wish everyone the best of luck on the awards night,” Resource Industry Network general manager Dean Kirkwood said.

“To say our sector has faced some challenges in recent years is an understatement. But in keeping with their resilient nature, they traversed every challenge with the resourcefulness they are renowned for.

“Off the back of a pandemic and many unknowns, once again it is understandable that the number of nominations in some of our categories have been impacted. But our judges have deemed those listed as worthy of finalist positions and we congratulate all of them and look forward to announcing the winners at our night of nights on May 20,” he said.

“We are now working hard to put the final touches on the Gala Dinner where RIN has secured ANZ chief economist Richard Yetsenga as the keynote speaker for this wonderful night of celebration. Richard will be joined by entertainer, performer, and voice of “Siri” Karen Jacobsen as our emcee.

“We invite the resources community to join us for this special evening where we firmly place the region’s resource services sector in the spotlight,” Mr Kirkwood said.

“This year we are fortunate to welcome Metarock as our major partner and Mackay Regional Council as our silver partner, and we thank them for their valuable contributions.”

2022 RIN AWARDS GALA DINNER AWARDS NIGHT

Friday, May 20

WHERE: Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre

TIME: 6:00pm

TICKETS: Individual Members: $180 | Individual Non-members: $230 Member Table of 10: $1700 | Non-member Table of 10: $2200

REGISTRATIONS: www.rin.org.au/events

Jason Holt from Field Mining Services celebrates winning the Connecting in the Community category award in 2021  

Keynote speaker Richard Yetsenga – chief economist at ANZ  

Voice of “Siri” and RIN Awards emcee Karen Jacobsen

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The road to recovery for domestic abuse survivors can be a long and painful one. Overcoming fear, a sense of betrayal and learning how to build self-esteem are steps towards healing, but without professional help, this journey can be difficult.

Broken Ballerina has helped many women and children escape from domestic violence, now the not-for-profit organisation is taking a further step to help survivors recover from the mental trauma with the goal of breaking the cycle.

Jules Thompson, Director of Broken Ballerina, said that helping women identify red flags in a relationship was key to breaking the cycle of abuse.

“I was born into domestic violence and I then married two abusers. So many times I would repeat the cycle.

“Thanks to Ibis Mackay and the Accor Group, we have received a $15,000 grant to pay for Broken Ballerina’s first counsellor.

“We can offer personalised trauma counselling for eight of our clients to help them to rebuild their self-worth and self-respect.”

General Manager of Ibis Mackay Adriette Meyer said the grant was possible through Accor’s Live Limitless Crisis Fund which was created to help people financially impacted during the COVID-19 health crisis.

“In 2022 they expanded that program to vulnerable people in the community, and in Australia we use that to support victims of domestic violence,” Ms Meyer added.

“Broken Ballerina was our chosen charity to provide the $15K to help them provide these counselling services.

“They provide an excellent service in Mackay that’s personal. It’s not just calling a helpline, Jules is there in the courtroom, she’s there to provide that personal service when they need it the most.”

Ms Thompson said the counselling is an intensive six-week program involving two-hour sessions with work to take home.

“It’s not a case of ‘come back and see us in a fortnight or a month’, it’s ongoing,” Ms Thompson said.

“We’re hoping to continue to receive support financially so we can continue this program for those who may still need treatment and new women who need this support.”

The counselling will be provided by Breakthrough Counselling and Support Services. Director Rebecca Snell said the goal of the counselling was to ensure these survivors had the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

“We want them to be able to create the best life possible and not fall back into those same habits to stop the cycle of domestic violence for them and their family,” Ms Snell said.

“The counselling will explore mechanisms that are hindering them and we help them replace those with beneficial ones.

“We also get them relationship ready so they can recognise healthy relationships and create healthy boundaries for themselves. It’s not just helping them in their lives but creating an impact for their children and the community. The bigger picture is that for generations to come there will be a better quality of life.”

Ms Snell said that when someone is a victim of abuse, it can limit their capability to think in a healthy way.

“Some are victims of generational abuse where generation after generation before them suffered violence. In their minds they don’t know what the first step of having a healthy relationship is,” she said.

A key part of the program is for the counsellor to visit the survivor at home.

“Some may be young mothers, they may not have a driver's license, they aren’t in a great position sometimes. We want to be able to go to them where it’s comfortable.

“Some of these women have a lot of trauma where even just going among the general public is debilitating for them with anxiety. We can help them in a safe space.”

Rebecca Snell, Jules Thompson and Adriette Meyer at the Ibis Hotel Mackay to celebrate a $15K grant to Broken Ballerina thanks to the Accor Group. Photos: Amanda Wright

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A 36-year-old woman has been charged with manslaughter following an investigation into the death of a 15-year-old boy at North Mackay last year.

Police were initially called to a Malcomson Street address on September 30 after the 15-year-old was found unresponsive inside the premises.

He was subsequently transported to Mackay Base Hospital, where he passed away on October 1.

Five other children found at the property were also transported to Mackay Base Hospital for treatment.

Operation Tango Themisto was established as a result where detectives from Mackay Child Protection and Investigation Unit allege the 36-year-old woman and sole adult at the property, had provided large quantities of a strong prescription medication to the six children, leading to the 15-year-old’s death.

Last week, the woman was located in Brisbane City and charged with one count each of manslaughter and grievous bodily harm, and two counts each of negligent acts causing harm and supply medicines or hazardous poisons.

She appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on April 28.

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After six years of overseeing the region’s tourism growth, Mackay Isaac Tourism Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tas Webber has announced his resignation from the organisation.

Mackay Isaac Tourism acting chair, Cr Justin Englert, said while the Board is sad to see Mr Webber go, they readily understand his desire to further his career and have accepted his resignation.

“Tas has been a fierce advocate for tourism in the Mackay Isaac region for many years and has implemented a number of initiatives to make the region stronger,” Cr Englert said.

“Tas has been offered an exciting new position in Brisbane and he leaves with the Board’s blessing.”

Cr Englert said organisational renewal is common after six years and although Mr Webber’s drive and passion will be missed, it is a great opportunity for Mackay Isaac Tourism to refresh.

“New ideas, new approaches and new thinking are a critical element of strong organisations, and we will take this opportunity to look forward to the next phase of the region’s tourism growth under a new CEO,” Cr Englert said.

Mr Webber said he is sad to leave the region he loves but he is satisfied with many of his achievements.

“Prior to the pandemic, the Mackay region recorded 13 consecutive quarters of visitation growth,” Mr Webber said.

“One of our most recent achievements was the formal partnership with the Isaac Regional Council which led to the renaming of our organisation to Mackay Isaac Tourism. I also think the building of relationships with Keswick Island has been extremely significant and there is more in this space to come,” Mr Webber said.

Cr Englert said recruitment for a new CEO will commence immediately, with an interim executive officer expected to be announced soon.

Mackay Isaac Tourism Chief Executive Officer Tas Webber

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There was a Mackay debut for the North Queensland Cowboys last month, but not where most would suspect.

Former Mackay North State High School student, Caitlin Lauga made her first appearance for the Cowboys Cheer Squad in their game against the Titans.

The Cowboys blazed to an easy 30-4 victory in that late April fixture, and it's impossible to know whether Caitlin’s debut in the Cheer Squad was the difference maker on the day.

Now Studying Secondary Teaching HPE and English at James Cook University in Townsville, the Mackay born professional dancer has quickly cemented herself in the cheer line-up.

A part of the Cheer Team and Dance Troup all of high school, Caitlin has been a dancer from the age of seven, and with her move up to the tropical north is fulfilling a childhood dream.

When she arrived in Townsville to study at JCU, a call was put out by the Cowboys seeking prospective cheerleaders, and Caitlin jumped at the opportunity.

With a certificate in dance as well, Caitlin was the perfect candidate, and three weeks later she was making her debut in front of the home crowd.

“I loved it. I had my dad and his friend come and watch, it was so great,” Caitlin said.

“Sitting on the field as well, the atmosphere is amazing and it feels good to perform, to watch the game and support the boys as well.”

The now Townsville resident joked about her rugby league allegiances.

“I actually was raised a Roosters supporter and my brother and dad are Broncos’ supporters,” Caitlin laughed.

“But, if the Cowboys are playing I’ll still support them.”

Her mum was eagerly watching away on television down in Brisbane and said she caught a snippet of Caitlin.

“They didn’t show much of us, but mum got a little glimpse of me and recorded it,” Caitlin laughed.

There are 18 cheerleaders in the Cowboys Cheer Squad, and Caitlin is extremely proud to be amongst their ranks performing in the pre-game cheers as well as the guard which ushers in the players.

“I didn’t think it was going to be possible to get in,” she said.

“I just want people to know that they shouldn’t be afraid to put themselves out there. It feels really good to be a part of this and to achieve this goal.”

Her next performance will be at the home game on May 21.

Mackay’s Caitlin Lauga is the newest cheerleader in the North Queensland Cowboys Cheer Squad

Caitlin with some of the group of 18 cheerleaders in the Cheer Squad

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Young adults from across the region who would have previously found it challenging to accrue the necessary hours to pass their driving test will now have the opportunity to access a vehicle and learn to drive for free with the Whitsunday Braking the Cycle Driving Mentor Program.

Newly appointed coordinator, Declan Coull, will be managing the program which is operated from the PCYC Whitsunday.

At just 18 years of age, Declan is young for the role but Youth Club Manager Sergeant Billy Li said that he came with some impressive credentials which more than qualified him for the job.

Driving go-karts and competing at events across West Australia and South Australia since he was 10 years old, Declan has impressed many driving professionals with his talent.

During this time, he won the Future Star Award, an award from the Australia Institute of Sports and several championships.

Last year he initiated a Defensive Driving Course to help teach young drivers’ life-saving road safety skills.

He is also competing in the Australian Formula Three this year, which will be televised nationally.

With a passion for helping people, and a talented racing car driver himself, Declan was ideally suited to take the role of the Braking the Cycle Whitsunday coordinator.

Under his guidance, disadvantaged youth who do not have access to a supervisor or a vehicle will now be able to apply for the program which can offer up to 90 minutes in free driving practice with a qualified mentor each week.

Applicants simply need to be over 16 and have a minimum of 10 hours driving experience.

Steve Fraser has volunteered his time to mentor young learner drivers with the program and is looking forward to helping out.

"I am really excited to be part of this ground-breaking program,” he said.

“Many young people have no opportunity to actually begin to get their driving licence due to one reason or another and I believe a current driving licence is crucial to anyone wanting to break into employment.

“I really hope that I can make a difference to the lives of some young people.”

If you would like apply for this free program simply email Declan on btcwhitsunday@pcyc.org.au.

They are also looking for additional driver mentors who need to have a minimum of one year driving experience and be willing to get a blue card. If you have some spare time and would like to help young people, please reach out.

Sergeant Billy Li from Whitsunday PCYC and Braking the Cycle Coordinator for the Whitsundays Declan Coull

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Over 100 of the region's leading growers, agribusinesses, industry figures and dignitaries attended the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) gala dinner at the end of April, with the community enjoying the opportunity to connect.

Held at the Bowen State High School, the event was attended Queensland Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, the Hon Mark Furner, Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, Acting Mayor, Mike Brunker, Councillor Michelle Wright from Whitsunday Regional Council and Burdekin Regional Council Mayor, Lyn McLaughlin.

The flagship annual event proved very popular – the theme of theme of the night was ‘growing forward’ and guests were indulged with plenty of dishes inspired by the local provenance.

Commodities grown in the region included local prawns, corn fritters, seasonal greens, pumpkin salad and of course a special mango infused desert.

BGGA General Manager, Ry Collins, said the event was about coming together, moving past the challenges faced and continuing to be faced by the industry.

“It’s about celebrating the success of our local farming businesses and highlighting the opportunities to move the industry forward and continue to be a driver of the regional economy,” he said.

BGGA President, Carl Walker, presented at the event and used his address to highlight the focus on agriculture at the upcoming federal election, the importance of the sector and food security in light of recent supply shortages as well as the role of government in supporting the industry in the region.

“No matter what the result of the upcoming federal election is, we want the leaders of the day to know we’ll work with them to address issues facing the industry and our consumers and support the actions needed to move forward together,” he said.

BGGA is the regional industry body representing agricultural growers, producers and businesses in North Queensland.

This event was a platform to extend thanks to its members, partners, supporters and government for their role in continuing to support the association, playing a part in overcoming adversity and continuing to strive toward a better future for local farmers, businesses and the community.

Troy Walker, BGGA President Carl Walker and Councillor Michelle Wright

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