Mackay not-for-profit organisation RACQ CQ Rescue was amazed when they opened a donation moneybox collected from Collinsville.

The fundraising team was flabbergasted to find the moneybox loaded up with notes where just loose change would normally be found.

“Small communities often have the biggest hearts,” RACQ CQ Rescue wrote on Facebook.

“They also help inspire the greatest change.”

“How incredibly generous of such a small community who are obviously grateful for the difference our service and crew make to those who live and work so far west,” the post reads on.

“Every cent counts when it comes to saving lives.

“To all our Collinsville supporters, our enormous thanks for helping ensure we can be the difference in a time of dire need to you and the rest of Central Queensland.”

As a community-funded rescue helicopter service, RACQ CQ Rescue is a lifeline to anyone, anywhere at any time across Central and North Queensland.

Thanks to the dedicated staff and generous supporters, RACQ CQ Rescue has rescued, transferred, retrieved and winched thousands of people who say their lives would be extremely different today if the helicopter wasn’t available to help them when they needed it.

Often a patient’s only lifeline, RACQ CQ Rescue offers aeromedical and search and rescue assistance to those in dire situations.

To find out more or make your own donation, visit www.cqrescue.org.au.

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There is a smorgasbord of events on the horizon happening in Mackay, and I’m sad to be missing them all!

Rumble on the Reef, the WBBL, PBR and more, it’s going to be an action-packed September and October.

Our weekly event guide is almost overflowing this week and it never fails to get bigger. Pay close attention to it over the coming weeks as there is a lot happening in sport, art and entertainment.

Don’t forget that it’s free to list an event in our guide for not-for-profit clubs and organisations, simply drop us an email with the details and we’re happy to include it.

While I’m sad to be missing so many great local events, I have a few of my own to make up for it, including baseball at Dodger Stadium, NASCAR at Talladega, Joe Rogan in Atlanta and if this rocket launch with NASA is delayed much longer then I might be able to time a visit to Cape Canaveral with an actual space launch. Only if it doesn’t clash with my Disney World day, of course.

In case you’re into ‘space stuff’, NASA’s "mega moon rocket" (Artemis 1) is now scheduled to make its third liftoff attempt on September 27. I think that’s pretty darn cool and a lot of the world will be watching.

When this edition comes out, I’ll already be in Los Angeles helping my husband prepare to compete in the Masters World Track Cycling Championships.

After the competition is when I get a holiday. While I’m driving across the southern states of North America, our Mackay journalist Sam will keep you up to date on each edition. And thanks to our trendy new online flip book, I won’t miss an edition while I’m on the road.

You’ll see me again in the first edition for November.

So, it’s bye for now, but I’ll be back before you know it. There’s no place like home!

Amanda

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Australia’s newest citizens were welcomed to the Mackay region on Tuesday evening to celebrate Australian Citizenship Day.

73 people from 22 countries became Australians, welcomed by Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, councillors and members of parliament.

“There’s no doubt that Australia, today, the Australia we all enjoy, is one of the most prosperous, peaceful and wonderful places in the world that you could call home,” said Mr Williamson.

“We truly are a vibrant multicultural nation.”

Dale Martinez and his son Jaron were two of those welcomed to Australia on Tuesday.

Mr Martinez moved to Australia in 2016 to pursue a career in nursing, leaving his family in The Philippines.

After completing his course in Melbourne, he relocated to Mackay where his family joined him two years later.

“Weather-wise, it’s basically almost like back home in the Philippines: most of the time it’s hot,” he laughed.

Mr Martinez and his wife Maria Kristine both work in Mackay as nurses and have since built a house in the northern suburbs.

“Where we’re working, they’re really supportive of us career-wise and, of course, family-wise,” Mr Martinez said.

“It’s great, life is great, but of course, through hard work.”

Mr Martinez says he’s proud to become an Australian citizen.

“I couldn’t actually put it in one word,” he said.

“Being here from a different perspective, a different culture, is actually an eye opener.

“The way I see the world a few years back and the way I see it now is way different.

“I’d like to say thank you mainly to Australia for welcoming us here, having an opportunity stay here and live here and giving us the opportunity to be one of the people of here.”

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Mackay resident and last living Australian recipient of the original Victoria Cross (VC) medal Keith Payne VC AM was invited to attend Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in London this week.

Mr Payne was among four VC recipients to be invited to the ceremony alongside Mark Donaldson, Ben Roberts-Smith and Daniel Keighran, as well as George Cross recipient Michael Pratt.

“Keith is an icon of Mackay and we’ve got to remember his contribution in the Vietnam War and since, not just around here but all over Australia really and probably around the world,” said RSL Mackay Sub Branch President Ken Higgins

Mr Payne had met the Queen many times and admired her greatly.

“He had quite a few meetings with her over the years,” said Mr Higgins.

“It’ll be a great experience for him and (the Queen was) a woman that he greatly admired, too.

“He really admired the Queen and said that quite openly and quite often.”

“We are absolutely delighted in him being invited to go to the funeral services and we’re very proud of his history and him representing the veterans and the RSL.

“We just hope that he has a safe and healthy trip with the support of his veteran mates all around Australia, particularly from Mackay.”

A memorial has been set up in the RSL Mackay Sub Branch incorporating portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III and Mr Payne.

“We’ve had quite a few discussions about it since she passed and, yeah, it’s a big thing, a big thing for the country,” said Mr Higgins.

“As veterans and as an RSL, it’s a change, it’s a massive change.

“The whole military structure changes now.”

Mr Higgins represented the RSL Mackay Sub Branch alongside fellow veteran Col Benson at a service held at Holy Trinity Church on Sunday, September 11 to farewell the Queen.

The service was agreed upon by the Queen herself and her favourite hymns and prayers were shared.

“It paid tribute to her and the actual announcement of King Charles now being our king,” said Mr Higgins.

“It was an honour for us to be there representing the town.”

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While many of our charter anglers throughout the year are travelling to the Whitsundays for pleasure and will fit in a trip on the dam while they are here, at this time of year, we start to see the regulars who are travelling to the region for the specific purpose of barra fishing. These are the true barra addicts who book months in advance and fish multiple days for that bucket list fish, specifically the ‘meteries’ (fish over 1 metre in length).

It’s hard to find a more iconic Australian fish than the mighty barramundi and while there is often an ongoing debate as to whether the saltwater or freshwater/impoundment fish rule (personally I love targeting both equally!) as we inch closer to the saltwater barra closure on October 31st, it is time for the impoundments to shine. And Peter Faust Dam is definitely one of the best options in the country, bringing its fair share of visitors to the region.

Already the campsite on the dam is a buzzing community most days right now (if you haven’t been for a drive up lately, it’s worth a look and check out the new dam-side glamping tents while you are there). Studying number plates at the ramp you’ll be hard pressed to even find one from QLD!

Damian is one such angler who travelled from NSW to fish with his mate Paul with me over three days this week, a trip he booked way back in April. The anticipation has been very high for him since.

And boy did Faust deliver with Paul notching up one our catches of the year, and certainly fish of a lifetime for Paul with this whopper measuring 117 centrimetre on the second day, one of two meteries for Paul for the trip (the other being 106!).

Next year, Damien has his work cut out for him to best this one. He might not invite Paul back again though!

Contributed with thanks to

Luke Fallon | Luke Fallon Sport & Game Fishing | www.fishingfaust.com.au

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Paul caught a whopping 117 centimetre barra at Peter Faust Dam last week

One of the first marinas nationally to make an appearance at an international boat show, Shute Harbour Marina Resort is heading overseas next month and will promote our region to a host of industry leaders at the Monaco Yacht Show.

From September 28 to October 1, developer Sam Wade will attend the iconic boat show and spruik the merits of the new marina, which has been almost 25 years in the making.

The $350 million project was officially launched in April this year following approval of plans and has now seen huge success on the market with unprecedented sales.

Sophia Cross, Sales for Shute Harbour Marina Resort said that there is a shortage of marina berths available in Australia and internationally and it is hoped that visiting the Monaco Yacht Show will let owners know of opportunities here in the Whitsundays.

“We are looking forward to putting Shute Harbour Marina into an international position and helping bring international tourism back to Australia,” she said.

More than just a marina, the new facility will include 58 waterfront land opportunities with private marina berths up to 45 metres, 395 mono and multi hull marina berths, Pier 61 commercial precinct with world-class facilities, 100 luxury waterfront apartments and a resort.

Pier 61 will be a boutique precinct that will include a restaurant and bar, private Marina Club lounge with end-of-trip facilities, supermarket, bottleshop, chemist, marina office, chandlery, marine electronics and charter to name a few.

This will be the first marina built in Airlie Beach for 16 years and it is expected to be a major jobs boom for the post-covid tourism industry with almost 700 jobs to be created for the Whitsunday region.

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An artist’s impression of Shute Harbour Marina Resort

Whether you are renovating your home, embarking on an extension project or building a brand-new house from scratch, choosing the right builder is the most important choice you will make.

Changing the paint colour or the curtains can be a decision you modify over the years, but the structure, quality and workmanship involved with construction is deeply rooted and almost impossible to reconfigure. Choosing the right builder is the foundation of any project.

Here is a checklist to make sure you get it right:

• Do your research – don’t be fooled by a quick talking salesman or rely on a ‘good feeling’, make sure you check out their online reviews and ask around for other people’s experience with the builder

• Ensure they are a specialist – don’t get an ‘odd-job-guy’ to build a home from scratch. Equally if you have a unique project that involves a specific material such as wood, make sure you use a builder who has experience with that material

• Make sure you can trust them – pick someone who clearly outlines the costs and timeline upfront and details any stipulations for additional works if required. If they are honest about this, then they are likely transparent about other elements as well

• Get three quotes – always price check, but also quality check. Don’t always go for the cheapest, ensure you get best value

• Give exact specifications – when getting quotes outline measurements, materials and other factors that affect costings

• Check the builder is registered by going to the Contractor’s Board website. Here you will be able to see whether they are licenced to and can handle the work

• You can also check whether they are insured by checking if the renovation builder is a member of a locating board. This information will also be on the Contractor’s Board website

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Staging your home for sale can add thousands of dollars to the asking price, and most of the work can be achieved by you with little cost and some effort. Here’s how:

• Winning Windows - Replace tired looking curtains and heavy drapes with a more modern and breezier feel. Try sheer fabrics which allow the space to feel more open. Choose floor length curtains and hang them from the ceiling instead of at the top of the window frame, to make the room appear taller.

• Bathroom Beauty - Buy white towels to stage your bathroom – fluffy monochromatic hues will create a spa affect and give the impression of luxury. They also look clean and fresh.

• Rug Right - Find a rug that fits the space and makes the room look bigger. Avoid one that is too small and always ensure the front legs of your couch and chairs are touching the rug. This will pull the room together and make the space look larger.

• Bookcase Bliss – Remove 25 per cent of your books straight away to create a decluttered feel. Afterwards, rearrange the shelf so that some books are stacked horizontally and others are artfully slanted or vertical. Add some interesting trinkets and ornaments to act as bookends, adding character and charm.

• Polished Presentation – If you are selling your home make sure you deal with any repairs and chip marks before prospective buyers view your house and see a minefield of maintenance jobs to attend to. Get the filler out and plaster the little chips in the walls and then add a fresh coat of paint.

• Declutter and Depersonalise – When prospective buyers come to view your house they want to imagine themselves living there and a decluttered, depersonalised space allows them to do that best. Unfortunately, this means removing family photos from walls, clearing away nick-knacks and minimalizing personal effects as much as possible.

• Focus On The Three – the kitchen, master bedroom and living room are considered the most influential rooms when buyers are assessing whether to purchase a property. Use fresh, good quality linen in the bedroom, cluster up the cushions on each side of the lounge setting and wipe your sink with lemon for extra sparkle.

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Keep your garden neat and tidy with Garden Bags Whitsunday, a simple and easy-to-use service that removes your trimmings and garden waste, alleviating the stress and hassle of endless trips to the tip in your Ute.

From palm fronds to lawn clippings, a variety of green waste can be placed in your dedicated bag, including clean cardboard.

The collected items are then recycled and turned into compost.

Made from strong and durable nylon, the tough garden bags are mounted on a metal frame making them easy to fill.

They can be discreetly placed in your garden and are then serviced as required, usually every four to eight weeks.

For bulk garden waste, the friendly team are also happy to remove straight from the pile and into their vehicle.

Chris and Bec McCormack, having previously discovered the Whitsundays after exploring Queensland as a family, moved to the Whitsundays from Canberra in December after Chris had an accident and his back surgeon recommended a warmer climate, and they now love living here.

The couple purchased the long-standing business earlier this year and officially took the reins in July.

Chris now works alongside his 17-year-old son, Chev, the two of them handling the day-to-day operations of the business.

Bec works from home in a government job she was able to bring with her and they have two other boys who are 12 and 22.

“Everyone has been fantastic and really welcoming,” said Bec.

“The handover from the previous owners, Geoff and Kate, was amazing, they spent the following few months showing us how to run the business. In fact, they continue helping with the transition.”

“We deliver your garden bag and stand for free!” said Chris.

“And we are happy to come and take a look at your property first if you like.

“We love meeting everyone and are very happy to help – we can work around your schedules and explain the process clearly.”

Garden Bags Whitsunday remove:

• Grass clippings

• Small shrubs

• Twigs

• Hedge trimmings

• Palm fronds

• Weeds

• Leaves

• Loose garden waste

• Clean Cardboard

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Chris, Bec and Chev McCormack from Garden Bags Whitsunday

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The Scotsman likes his heather bell

The Englishman his rose

The shamrocks please the Irishman

But I choose none of those.

Surrounding my homestead I see

And spread far to the west

The arrows of the sugarcane

And these I like the best.

(D L Moffat)

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Many a tourist and farmer standing on a farmhouse veranda on a sunny afternoon would agree with D L Moffat, that the beauty of acres of pale mauve cane flowers waving in the breeze, is hard to surpass.

When early settlers began growing sugar cane in the district, one wonders if they realised the great wealth that sugar would bring to the Whitsunday Shire.

It was all work and no play in the infant settlement and not always smooth sailing. First attempts at establishing a fledgling industry in 1885 were strangled by government intervention. It was another twelve years before Proserpine finally gained its own mill when the government provided the necessary funds to build the Proserpine Central Mill.

The mill was christened on September 16, 1897, with farmers and graziers from all around travelling by buggy and horseback to attend the celebrations. After the ceremony, there was a picnic and cricket match followed by a shareholders’ banquet that night in the sugar room and the following evening, a grand ball (all of which were echoed 100 years later at the Centenary Celebrations of 1997).

In its first crushing season (September 16 – December 24) 10,991 tons of cane was crushed. There were thirty-nine growers in the district and 568 acres of land was under cane.

Unfortunately, the powers that be had overestimated Proserpine’s potential and recommended a mill with a capacity far in excess of local farm output. District farmers could not service the debt so asked the government to take over the running of the mill. As it transpired, the government appointees were less financially responsible than had been the inexperienced shareholders and for thirty-one years the debt mounted.  

They say that adversity builds strength and there was no greater example of this than the Proserpine farmers’ determination during the Great Depression. On May 14, 1931, in a resoundingly optimistic move, they voted overwhelmingly in favour of purchasing the then government-owned mill to form their own co-operative.  

It was a momentous day on July 1, 1931 when growers once again took charge of their mill. And so began a new page in the history of the mill.

The 1931 season yielded a record crop of 117,347 tons. Fifty years on, in the 1981 season, the first one million tonnes of cane was crushed. Then, only fifteen years later, in 1996, Proserpine Co-operative Sugar Mill crushed two million tonnes – an Australian record for a sugar mill with one set of crushing mills.

In 2011, following a series of global and local setbacks over the previous decade, the difficult decision was made to sell the mill to Wilmar Sugar (Singapore). And so, after eight decades as a Co-Operative, it was the end of an era.

This year, in its 125th crushing, the crop estimate currently stands at 1.826 million tonnes, at the time of printing.

Over 125 years, the growing, harvesting and milling of sugar cane has witnessed considerable change and development – increased mechanisation in both the harvesting and growing sectors; the shift to green cane harvesting; new and improved cane varieties; increased irrigation and other improvements in farm management practices.

Throughout this time, farmers, harvesting contractors and millers have demonstrated a willingness to embrace changes; a determination to work together and the resolve to confront challenges that arise. In the current uncertain world climate, these qualities will be more important than ever.

Story and photo courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum.

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The fourth annual Comiskey Mining Services Don River Dash blasted across the riverbed on the weekend, with over 200 bike entries and 110 car entries from buggies and trophy trucks to side by sides and motorcycles.

The famed Bowen event saw cars crashing and skidding through sand and dirt over the weekend in one of the “best offroad races on the East Coast”.

Hitting record entries for its race across the river, the Dash was again a smash hit for the region.

This year, the King and Queen Of The River crown was claimed by a couple: Aaron and Liz Haby, a husband and wife duo from Element Offroad Racing.

The pair travelled across the country to take part, racking up a distance of 2500 kilometers over 28 hours, all before the race had even begun. They claimed the iconic, 300km crown in their NO. 1 Unlimited Class Car.

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Jack Collins and Hayden Farrier

This October, Walk For A Kinder World is back and the community are invited to join in the fundraising initiative to promote kindness while raising money for innovative school programs.

The charity flyhighbillie is organising the second ever iteration of the event, which hopes to connect people around the globe, one kind step at a time.

Its participants will decide their walking distances, source sponsorship from friends, family and other community members, and get going.

Once they reach their pledged number of steps, they send in their sponsorship to be given to the charity and used to pay for b kinder workbooks.

These workbooks cost $20 each and are used for teaching a curriculum in kindness at schools all over the country.

The inspiration for this came from 12-year-old Billie Kinder, who tragically lost her life in a horse riding accident.

After her passing, Billie’s mum, Danny, created b kinder day which is held on June 22 each year. The event was inspired by a book created from her daughter’s work, bringing together her poems, stories and artworks.  

“The feedback we got from Billie’s book ‘hope’ was incredible,” said Danny.

“Billie’s words were instigating conversations with children on deeper issues and creating a huge impact.”

Over 60,000 b kinder day cards have since been sent to countries all over the world and the movement continues to spread love, kindness, and compassion to reduce mental health issues, bullying, and suicide.

By joining forces and walking together to raise money for this worthy cause, participants can all contribute to improving the mental wellbeing of school children and overall kindness in communities.

To take part in the event go to fundraise.flyhighbillie.org.

Here are some ideas of how you can spread kindness today:

• Dropping a kindness message in someone's letterbox

• Walking someone's dog

• Picking up litter along the way

• Offering to collect groceries for someone

• Helping an elderly person go for a short walk

• Make a phone call and connect to someone that you haven't spoken to in a while

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The team from Proserpine State High School participating in Walk for a Kinder World event last year

Billie Kinder who inspires the event with her kindness

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A brave band of family and friends who have lost loved ones to suicide came together for a special memorial service at the Volunteer Marine Rescue Building (VMR) in Cannonvale on Saturday morning.

While the mood was sombre, a shared sentiment of hope and healing created solace and comfort for those grieving.

Pastor Olwyn Harris from Proserpine Liberty Church officiated the service, which was emceed by Megan Mattingley, a counsellor from Bowen.

Both women offered a powerful message that reassured loved ones that all emotions are valid and acceptable, that this is a unique type of grief that often invokes feelings of anger and pain.

During the ceremony Brendon and Jess from YWAM played a beautiful accompaniment to some poignant moments, giving attendees the opportunity to sit and reflect.

Afterwards, sunflowers, which are a symbol of hope, were given to everyone and a special moment took place at the water’s edge where everyone let go of their sunflower and watched as it drifted away.

“In no way is this letting your loved one go,” said Pastor Harris.

“This is a symbol of letting go of the pain and the anger while still holding close memories of your loved one.”

A light morning tea was then served inside and everyone had the opportunity to chat with others who had a shared experience.

There were also two counsellors present who were available to talk to anyone and help where needed.

“It’s about supporting the community and providing a way for people who have lost a loved one to suicide to honour and remember them,” said Mel Turner from Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN).

“It’s a way to connect and express loss in some way.”

The community memorial service was an initiative of WSPN who actively help those effected by suicide here in the region.

WSPN offer free counselling to anyone impacted by suicide. If you would like to reach out you can call 07 4945 2858.

If you are worried about a loved one or this article has raised any issues for you, then reach out to one of the support services below.

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

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Matt Stokes and Mel Turner from WSPN, Olwyn Harris from Liberty Church in Proserpine and Counsellor Megan Mattingley

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A meaningful and meditative occasion, the Proserpine Health Festival, returned to town this year and organisers said they were excited to see so many people from the community attend and support the event.

“It exceeded our expectations and it was such a great turn out,” said organiser Selena Daly.

“It shows there is a need for this sort of event and the whole weekend felt like a very supportive, inclusive environment – it’s been relaxed but was also nourished by a wealth of knowledge and wisdom from our local health practitioners.”

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP opened the festival and during her speech commented that it was wonderful to see so many Proserpine-based health related businesses that were creating this vibrant wellness culture.

Over the weekend between 40 and 50 people attended a range of seminars, workshops and interactive events.

Topics included naturopathy, nutrition, fitness, colonics, breathwork, yoga and more.  

There was also opportunity for people to interact and network, eat delicious food and spend time learning more about empowering choices around healthy living.

The biggest year so far, organisers are looking forward to growing the event next year and welcoming more guests to what is becoming a thriving local festival.

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Camille Rains from Novella Health and Selena Daly from Bottoms Up Colonics

Delicious foods and inspiring talks motivated minds and nourished the body

Organisers Melissa Jong from the Wellness Centre and Selena Daly

The region’s toughest trail running event saw over 100 participants race across the Conway National Park in a variety of distances last weekend.

Whitsunday Running Club hosted The Whitsunday Trail Fest last Sunday in another successful outing of the club’s largescale race through a Whitsundays’ national park.

The longstanding event has a 17 -year history in the region, originally beginning with a concept by the Mackay Road Runners and eventually becoming the event its known as today with the Ultru 58 kilometre, Honeyeater Challenge, and the more recent Kids Beach run.

For 2022 the race precinct transformed the Airlie Beach foreshore into a running station as competitors kicked into gear as early as 5:30am.

Sixteen children competed in the event’s second ever Trail Fest beach run, while 17 took on the Honey Eater 10.5km. The Trail Fest’s most popular event hosted 56 competitors taking on the 28-kilometre track, and 14 racers smashed out the 58 kilometre trail run to end the weekend’s festivities.

Over the Whitsunday Trail Fest 28-kilometre, local Airlie Beach racer Roland Henderson broke away as the overall winner with a great time of 2:34:07.3.

For the female category, Montana Mcavoy claimed the overall win with a time of 2:37:06.2. An exceptional and honourable mention to competitor Geoff Stanton who ran as the only 60 to 69 competitor, finishing with a time of 4:26:24.3.

Of the 14 racers who dared to crack the 58-kilometre trail run, Dale Cameron was crowned the overall top finisher with a 5:52:16.8, followed closely by Sonja Schonfeldt-Roy – last year’s overall female winner who held onto her top spot with a 6:34:59.0 and the overall second place finish.

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Whitsunday Trail Fest racers trekked across the Conway National Park last weekend in the event’s 17th year

Competitors from as young as three and up to 60 took part in the variety of distances in the Trail Fest

The successful outing saw locals and out of state racers smash personal records and claim top prizes

14 racers took on the elite distance of 58-kilometres