Walk a long way – or just a little – every step counts for Rotary Mackay Corporate’s Lift the Lid Walk on Sunday April 24 in Mackay.

The walk funds research, through Australian Rotary Health, which delivers the knowledge and tools for local mental health organisations to use on the ground in Mackay.

Event organiser, Brendan Hughes, said the morning’s walk was not about distance but taking part and making a positive step toward better mental health outcomes.

“The course goes from Bluewater Quay to a turning point near the harbour on Harbour Road. But you can turn around any time you want,” he said.

“For those who reach the top of the course, there is a coffee voucher reward, which provides a bit of incentive for those able to walk the full distance.”

Check-ins and late registrations on the day start from 7am with the walk commencing at 9am.

Local mental health organisations will be at the Bluewater Quay start-finish point where participants can catch up for a chat about issues for themselves, friends or family before and after the walk.

“We have made great progress towards removing the stigma around mental health in recent years,” Mr Hughes said.

“This walk brings mental health into the open, starts conversations, and also raises money for that vital research.

“When we gain a better understanding of mental health, we can create better ways of dealing with mental health at the local level.

“We are very blessed to have such strong mental health organisations in Mackay who do a great job with awareness and advocacy.

“What we can achieve with this walk is help those organisations be even more effective in their work.”

Mr Hughes encouraged locals to register on the website – www.liftthelidwalk.com.au/mackay and make a family day of it.

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Let’s talk Aussie made and Aussie manufacturing. The iconic logo of the green and gold kangaroo is a choice we as consumers make time and time again; supporting locals, supporting jobs and supporting industry. Australians take pride in our work, and we recognise Australian Made as a quality product.

Throughout my career I have unfortunately seen firsthand the decline in Australian Made. As a boilermaker, I used to fabricate dragline tubs and revolving frames in a workshop right here in Mackay. Nowadays these items are fabricated in South Korea or China, often to a lower quality, then shipped over here. This is just one example of the many products we now buy back once the value adding has been completed by other countries and their workers.  

I get there may be some who point to high wages as the cause for driving manufacturing offshore. However, my vision for Australian manufacturing is to compete with Germany who are known for their high tech, high quality and highly engineered products. Australia has this same opportunity. We have some of the best technology, engineers and tradespeople in the world and match this with targeted marketing; we will not only be competitive but market leading. The Paget industrial area is proof of this with the private sector already taking up many opportunities, imagine how many more there would be if we had government assistance.    

The facts around manufacturing are staggering. How is it possible that we are ranked dead last in the OECD when it comes to manufacturing, but we are resource rich in people, minerals and energy?  Australian resources and energy exports were forecasted to reach a record $425 billion in 21/22. So essentially, we are the world’s quarry. We send our resources overseas to be processed and then we buy them back as products; products that we could be making here.

The pandemic exposed Australia’s dependency on the global supply chain. We were waiting on products, vital products such as medical supplies, that could have been made on Australian soil. In true Aussie spirt, our existing industries stepped up and adapted to meet this market demand with distilleries making hand sanitizer and fashion labels making PPE.  If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that Australian Made should be at the forefront of this election.

Labor is prioritising manufacturing this election. We want to make things locally again and create good, secure jobs along the way. Labor will invest $15 billion in a national reconstruction fund. This will drive investment into new industries and technologies. I personally believe Dawson could be an energy superhub. We already have a well-established coal sector but there is much more we can be doing. Our cane farmers have big plans for biofuels, bioplastics and laminated building products. Bowen could also be a massive hydrogen producer, exporter and power generator. All this backed by the industrial might of Mackay will mean more jobs in more industries.

We have a real opportunity here to bring back manufacturing, bring back Aussie Made and develop new industries along the way.

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Sarina couple Les and Del Smith started something big when they married 70 years ago.

Their marriage has produced an astonishing 43 direct descendants in a five-generation family, including four children, 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, so their platinum anniversary this weekend on April 24 will be a big occasion.

It could have been more, but Del called a halt after the birth of her four children – Lynette Nicholas of Toowoomba, Debbie Fay of Sarina, Robyn Metcalf of Bundaberg and Jon Smith of Brisbane – each born at separate locations as the couple moved north on transfers with the railways towards their ultimate destination of Sarina.

“Every time I moved I got pregnant,” Del said.

“We moved four times, every time I moved I got pregnant. We got to Sarina and I said I’m not moving anymore.”

Lynette, the eldest, was born at Maryborough. She has seven children and 10 grandchildren.

Debbie was born at Mackay and has two children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; Robyn was born at St Lawrence and has four boys and four grandchildren; and Jon was born at Sarina and has two children and three grandchildren.

Les and Del’s adored great-great grandchildren are Piper, 6, and Finn, 3, the children of Storm and Dan Sweeney of Mackay, and the ‘great-greats’ of Debbie.

Les and Del were married by the Rev Allan Kidd at the Methodist Manse, Pialba, on April 24, 1952. Del’s friend Irene Searle was her bridesmaid and a man with the famous name of John Kingsford Smith (Les’s brother) stood as best man.

The family cannot find any photos of the couple from the wedding, as Del says they didn’t have enough money for a photographer.

The couple are both from the Hervey Bay region and first met when Del was 14, at a dance at the Pialba Memorial Hall.

Del was born at Childers, where she lived with her mother Jean at Apple Tree Creek. Her first job was at a Childers chemist before the family moved to Hervey Bay where she worked at a pharmacy until the couple’s marriage.

Les was born at his family’s home at George St, Pialba, where he lived with his mother Martha until his marriage.

He worked for the railways for more than 50 years, starting on February 1, 1949, with job titles changing from load porter to station master to area coordinator as he was transferred north.

An avid golfer from the age of 25, he cut cane to supplement his railways pay to buy golf clubs. His best handicap was 3, he was a Sarina club president and won six club championships, his first in 1975.

Les was also a keen cricketer, footballer and tennis player.

Del is known for her community service to a range of groups.

One of her great achievements was raising money with friends Marca and Glad for the Sarina Aged Care Residence before it was built. They raised $10,000 which the government matched dollar for dollar.

She also helped Meals on Wheels, worked for the show society and school committees, assisted with   bingo, volunteered for hospital fetes to raise money for Sarina Hospital, and school sports days at Sarina primary and secondary schools.

She was a long-time tuck shop convenor at Sarina State High School which her children attended.

Her favourite relaxations are playing cards and mah jong  - and no doubt keeping track of her growing family.

“We’ve lived in Sarina for 63 years and we’re nearly locals,” Del said.

By Charlie Payne

Del and Les Smith look back on 70 years of marriage with love. Photo: Charlie Payne

Del Smith when she was 16. This photo was retouched with paint, a custom at the time.

Les Smith in his army gear at the age of 18, when he was serving National Service. Photos: Contributed

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Mackay Regional Council has adopted a new Corporate Plan that provides an exciting blueprint for the region over the next five years.

The Mayor and Councillors’ Corporate Plan 2022-2027 is a major overhaul of the previous plan and developed through consultation with senior leadership, staff, and the community.

Mayor Greg Williamson said councillors were excited about the new and invigorated blueprint that was adopted at last week’s ordinary meeting.

“It builds on the previous work of the council and sets an exciting and innovative strategic direction for the next five years,’’ Mayor Williamson said.

“The plan includes many of our key projects already under way, such as the Mackay Waterfront, Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails and Northern Beaches Community Hub,’’ he said.

“But it is a living document, so that means other key projects can be added throughout the life of the Corporate Plan.

“We firmly believe that we are on the way to creating Australia’s best region to live in, to work in and to play in. This Corporate Plan will help guide that journey for the council for the next five years.”

The new Corporate Plan has three outward facing pillars, including:

● Invest and work

● Live and visit

● Community and environment.

It also has two inward facing pillars, including:

● Financial strength

● Operational excellence

Mayor Williamson said council’s new purpose was to: “Create opportunity to thrive”.

He said council’s vision was: “To become the best region for liveability and livelihood”.

“Outlined in our new Corporate Plan are key themes and projects for the next five years to deliver that purpose and vision.

“We have also adopted indicators to measure our success against the goals we have set.”

A new feature of the plan is a section at the back outlining what residents could do for their community.

“This information ranges from responsible pet ownership to recycling right,’’ Mayor Williamson said.

The full plan can be viewed at mackay.qld.gov.au/corporate

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There’s been no retirement from politics for George Christensen.

Mere days after resigning from the LNP as the Federal Member for the seat of Dawson, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson announced that Mr Christensen will join her party on the senate ticket for Queensland.

Senator Hanson said Mr Christensen had been an outspoken defender of the rights and freedoms which underpin Australian democracy.

“George has been a strong advocate for the fundamental principles of Australian democracy which have been trampled by our governments during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a great representative for the people of Dawson,” she said.

“Standing for Australians’ rights and freedoms obviously has no place in the Liberal National Party, but it’s top priority for One Nation and I’m delighted to welcome George to our team.”

Senator Hanson and Mr Christensen will also be joined on the ticket by former Adani senior executive Raj Guruswamy. However, with Mr Christensen third on the ticket, political analysts have said it will be near impossible for him to be elected.

Labor Senator Murray Watt accused Senator Hanson of chasing a taxpayer-funded payday for Mr Christensen.

“If you’re wondering why George Christensen is running number 3 for Hanson it’s easy,” Senator Watt tweeted.

"If he boosts her vote, her party gets more public funding.

"So Christensen gets more money if he runs and loses. One Nation gets more money if Christensen boosts her vote. And you pay."

Senator Hanson said that One Nation’s membership has grown exponentially over the past two years and her party is fielding candidates for all 151 seats in the House of Representatives at this election.

“We will continue to put Australia and Australians first by advocating for immigration to be reduced to sustainable levels, ensuring foreign-owned multinationals operating in Australia pay their fair share of tax, and reforming Australia’s family law and child support systems.

“And we will demand a Royal Commission into the management of the pandemic by all Australian governments.”

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Council have completed major overhauls to one of the region’s main water recycling plants which services more than 63,000 residents.

In what was a coordinated effort of spring cleaning between both council and specialist contractors, the Mackay South Water Recycling Facility (MSWRF) underwent one of the biggest maintenance projects ever undertaken by council at a water treatment plant.

Council said the Bakers Creek facility is an integral part of the region.

Mayor Greg Williamson said after council took management of the facility back in 2019, investigations were undertaken to assess its condition and asset life.

“It was essential the facility was maintained in order to continue to provide the best outcome for our water recycling scheme and to future-proof it for the growing population of our region,” Mayor Williamson said.

The key assets at this facility are its four sequence batch reactors (SBRs), or processing tanks, which treat the wastewater.

These SBRs are aerated by racks of pipe-mounted diffusers that pump air into the water to assist with breaking down the pollutants.

“In order to ensure the highest quality water was being produced, the diffusers across the four batch reactors were replaced,” Mayor Williamson said.

“This was a process that took place over three months and with a huge team effort between contractors, council’s own maintenance operations teams and our environmental and laboratory staff.”

Each SBR, holding over one million litres of water each, had to be taken offline and emptied one at a time so that plant operations could be maintained with only reduced capacity.

Once emptied, the solid waste remaining in each tank had to be removed – over 100 tonnes from each tank – in a massive operation for council and MSWRF.

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As we are now in the heat of an election campaign you are being hit with a lot of information on issues which are really important to us all.

While we were raised to think ‘if it’s in print, it must be true’ that sadly is no longer the case.

Though I would prefer to dedicate space to positive announcements from your Liberal Nationals Government, I must correct the record on claims made by the Labor candidate for Dawson in this publication (08/04/22).

The 22,000 seniors living in this electorate deserve to know the truth.

The Labor candidate made the claim that the Government “has not acted on a single recommendation of the Royal Commission (into Aged Care).”

This is an outrageous lie, and just one of many peddled by Labor in this campaign.

Let’s start by noting it was this Government, the Liberal National Government, which called the Royal Commission into Aged Care, and this Government has been responding to recommendations since the interim report landed back in November 2019.

We have a five-point plan which responds to all recommendations from the Aged Care Royal Commission and to date we’ve made an investment of $18.3 billion into the sector.

This includes funding 40,000 additional home care packages, 34,000 additional training places, 7,000 new personal care workers and 8,400 respite places and these are being rolled out this year.

The March Budget also included $340 million to embed pharmacy services within residential aged care facilities to improve medication management for the elderly.

Another Labor lie directed at seniors which I’d like to address is downright disgusting and cruel.

Labor politicians across the country are peddling the story that this Government will be ‘forcing aged pensioners onto a cashless debit card’.

The Liberal National Government has never proposed or even discussed such a plan, and anyone who tells you different is lying.

I’ve recently seen a Labor MP scaring our elderly by sharing this lie at a seniors forum.

The Labor candidate for Dawson has also peddled this lie on his Facebook page, and frankly he should be ashamed of sharing such rubbish.

A Queensland state Labor MP, the Member for Keppel, recently had to get up in state parliament and apologise for lying about this.

She was forced to apologise because her claims were completely false!

Here are the words of the Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga.

“I want to address a contribution I made on 30 November 2021 in MPIs (Matters of Public Importance). I made statements that the current Federal Coalition Government was planning to force every aged pensioner in Australia onto the Cashless Debit Card. I wish to withdraw this statement and apologise if in making this statement I intentionally misled the House.

So seniors, please be reassured that this is a Labor scare campaign, without a skerrick of truth behind it.

I want to finish on a note of respect.

On the eve of ANZAC Day, I wish to acknowledge the contribution of our current and former service men and women in putting their lives on the line and even paying the ultimate sacrifice to protect the people of our nation.

On Monday April 25 we will gather at various locations, and even quietly in our homes or on our streets to reflect.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.

Lest We Forget.

Andrew Willcox, LNP Candidate for Dawson

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The Australian Labor Party, in partnership with Central Queensland University (CQU), has announced a funding commitment to establish an electric vehicle and sustainable energy training centre in Mackay.

$9 million has been pledged towards the Mackay Electric Vehicle and Energy Training Centre (MEVET) to be built alongside the Ooralea Trades Training Centre.

More and more businesses are looking to turn green, with mining operators such as BHP finding electric vehicles perform well both above and below ground while reducing noise and fumes.

MEVET will train the workforce to meet the growing demand from the mining industry for mechanics to convert and maintain hydrogen-powered vehicles, as well as hybrid engine maintenance and repair, maintenance of infrastructure such as charging stations, and installation and maintenance of alternative energy such as solar and wind.

MEVET will also cater to the growing demand for hybrid diesel-electric and solar-powered vehicles across both the marine industry and the private market.

Labor Candidate for Dawson Shane Hamilton made the announcement at CQU last week, speaking of the importance of preparing for the future.

“When I started out in the mining industry, it was all diesel engines,” Mr Hamilton said.

“In the future though, we know there are going to be more electric vehicles operating both above and below ground.

“I’m proud to have secured this funding, ensuring that local kids will have the opportunity to learn the skills needed to maintain these vehicles and work in secure local jobs right here in our region.”

The centre is hoped to train 100-120 skilled tradespeople each year.

The project will create up to 45 jobs throughout construction and 20 ongoing full-time jobs in training, administration, and support.

Mr Hamilton welcomed Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers to Mackay last week to make the announcement.

“As the national economy recovers from COVID we want regional Queensland to be a much bigger part of the story,” Mr Chalmers said.

“What this announcement today means is that as the needs of heavy industry change, the Mackay Whitsunday region will have the skills and the workforce to create good, secure, and sustainable jobs for locals.”

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The Easter road toll took a devastating turn on Monday morning when a motorcycle collided with a car near Koumala, resulting in a 60-year-old man passing away at the scene.

Police reported that the man was the driver of the motorcycle and his 19-year-old pillion passenger was flown to the Townsville Hospital with critical head injuries.

A 63-year-old woman, the driver of the car, had moderate injuries and was transported to the Mackay Base Hospital for treatment.  Police said the four passengers in the car were not injured.

The Forensic Crash Unit investigations are continuing, and investigators would like to speak to anyone with relevant dashcam footage from that area or anyone with information that could assist.

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Mackay detectives have charged a 28-year-old South Mackay man in relation to allegations of a firearm being discharged in Rural View on Monday afternoon (April 11).

Police will allege at approximately 2.30pm in McHugh Street, a 34-year-old man was sitting alone in a vehicle when he was approached by a black SUV. It is alleged that a man and a woman were in the SUV.

A 28-year-old man from that SUV allegedly threatened him with a firearm in an attempt to steal the car and in the course of events a firearm was discharged injuring the man’s lower legs. Mackay Police said the men were known to each other.

The 24-year-old woman was arrested last week and charged with unrelated drug possession and possession of S4 and S8 medicine.

Investigations led detectives to locate the 28-year-old man who was subsequently charged with attempted robbery with violence.

He was denied police bail and faced Mackay Magistrates Court on April 14.

Investigations continue and there is no ongoing risk to the community.

Anybody who sighted a black SUV in the area or has relevant dashcam footage is urged to contact police.

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Two cases of extremely significant vegetation vandalism will cost the community more than $7000 to remediate, the Mackay Regional Council reported at its ordinary meeting last week.

The first case involved ongoing damage to foreshore vegetation on Haliday Bay Road dating back to 2013. The second case was in relation to at least 20 trees being cut down with a saw on O’Brien Esplanade at Shoal Point.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council would take immediate action to deter any further environmental damage.

“It is disappointing that we continue to see some residents in the community willfully damaging the environment to improve views to their properties,” he said.

“As a result, we will be installing a large billboard to block views at Shoal Point and we will restart the timeframe on the existing billboard in Haliday Bay.

“This sign will remain in place for five more years after 15 trees that were revegetated in 2020 were recently found damaged or removed.

“We will also install fencing behind the sign at Haliday Bay to prevent the area being used as a walkway.

“The damaged vegetation will be replanted at both sites, using a replanting rate of three trees planted for every one tree that was damaged.

“This means we will be planting 60 new trees in Shoal Point and 45 new trees in Haliday Bay.”

The cost to replant the vegetation at Haliday Bay, including a minimum six months of maintenance, is $2950. Ratepayers will also have to cover the cost of $1000 to install the new billboard at Shoal Point, plus an additional $3100 to plant and maintain the new vegetation at this location for at least six months.

Mayor Williamson said the vegetation in these areas not only provided critical habitat for fauna, but it also prevented erosion.

“Our foreshore vegetation helps stabilise the sand dunes and provides protection to coastal properties in severe weather events, such as cyclones, by acting as a barrier,” he said

“It is frustrating that some locals prioritise the view of the beach from their property over the stability, habitat and safety the foreshore provides.”

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The transformation of the Sugar Research Institute into a new secondary school has earned a coveted gold award at Mackay Regional Council’s 2022 Heritage Awards.

Catherine McAuley College won gold in the Tom Casey New or Refurbished Heritage Place or Home category at a ceremony at Harrup Park Country Club on Thursday April 7.

The refurbishment of The Karl Langer Building, one of the region’s most significant and influential State Heritage places, has created a new Catholic secondary school.

Character and Heritage Advisory Committee Chair Cr Fran Mann said the judges noted this project was an outstanding example of council’s vision for the adaptative and sensitive reuse of heritage buildings.

She said special care was taken during master planning of the site to ensure the building and its vistas remained strong in the surrounding development.  

“Catherine McAuley College repurposing the Sugar Research Institute has paid homage to the world-class scientific research conducted from the facility in the late 20th century, revolutionising the sugar industry.”

The silver award in this category went to refurbishment of the State Heritage-listed Mackay Customs House.

Dean Williamson Dental currently resides and operates out of the building.

The award acknowledges how the design considered overcoming hurdles to repurpose the building while respecting the main heritage elements of the building.

Bronze went to BH Building Mackay, the main contractor on a project to restore the Cattle Creek administration building as part of council’s Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails.

Mayor Greg Williamson said there was strong interest in the awards, with gold, silver, bronze, and highly commended awards presented in many of the categories.

“These heritage champions in our region deserve these accolades,’’ Mayor Williamson said.

“Their extraordinary work is helping preserve the history and heritage of our region and keep alive the stories of our past for future generations.”

Other awards presented included:

‘Berenice Wright’ Heritage Champion (Individual), Gold Award – Maryann Lister

Maryann Lister has hosted several informative historic bicycle tours to educate our community on different areas of our local history.

‘Berenice Wright’ Heritage Champion (Individual), Silver Award – Christine Vaughan

Christine Vaughan, of Yesterday’s Memories Museum, committed to creating a community display of Antique and Vintage Wedding Gowns, to celebrate the Australian Heritage Festival in 2022.

‘Berenice Wright’ Heritage Champion (Individual), Bronze Award – Shelley Engwirda

In 2021, Shelly Engwirda championed an Art Camp and History program for local children, based on the history and heritage of Greenmount Homestead. Shelley facilitated this program to make heritage accessible to children aged nine to 12 via artistic expression and practice.

‘Berenice Wright’ Heritage Champion (Individual), Bronze Award – Ian Hamilton

Ian Hamilton has had a lifelong interest in local, family and church history and heritage, with contribution to local history publications, as well as the fundraising for and maintenance of the heritage-listed property and grounds of the St Paul’s Uniting Church.

‘Berenice Wright’ Heritage Champion (Individual), Highly Commended – Leigh Mansfield

Leigh Mansfield has been recognised by her peers for her continuous demonstration of her immense passion for the history of the Mackay region. Leigh is a passionate, long-serving teacher at Fitzgerald State School, who is known for frequently hosting excursions to local heritage places and sharing stories of local history during class.

Heritage Champion (Organisation), Gold Award – St Annes Catholic Primary School

St Annes Catholic Primary School in Sarina has worked closely in 2021 with Yuwi custodians to develop a deeper respectful understanding of First Nations history within our region, and to deliver a body of work that reflects the school’s commitment to raising awareness of local indigenous history.

Heritage Champion (Organisation), Silver Award – St Pauls Uniting Church

St Pauls History Group, as a sub-committee of the Church Council of St Pauls Uniting Church, conducted research and delivered a weekend of community celebrations commemorating the 150-year anniversary of the church.

Silver Heritage Champion (Organisation), Bronze Award – Sugar City Art Deco & Modernism Society

The Sugar City Art Deco and Modernism Society is a new community organisation dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the city’s rich art deco history, including its buildings, events, fashion and transport.

Gold Heritage Media, Tours and Exhibitions, Gold Award – Mackay Family History Society

The volunteers of the Mackay Family History Society delivered two informative and immersive community exhibitions in 2021.

Gold Heritage Media, Tours and Exhibitions, Silver Award – BMA Hay Point Coal Terminal – 50 Years of Memories and Milestones 1971-2021

In November 2021, BMA’s Hay Point Coal Terminal proudly celebrated 50 years of operation in the Mackay region. To mark this significant milestone, a volunteer committee organised a 50 Years of Memories and Milestones open day event at the Hay Point Coal Terminal.

Heritage Media, Tours and Exhibitions, Bronze Award – ABC Tropical North Museums Series

Christy-Lee Macqueen championed a series of radio interviews, conducted with Museums staff and volunteers, as well as private collectors, throughout the Mackay region, to promote a deeper, more meaningful understanding of local heritage.

Heritage Media, Tours and Exhibitions, Highly Commended – Sugar City Art Deco Society

The Sugar City Art Deco and Modernism Society is a group of locals, passionate about our city’s unique historic buildings. The group was established to promote the history behind the buildings and aim to preserve Mackay’s rich Art Deco and Modernism architecture.

Heritage Media, Tours and Exhibitions, Highly Commended – St Pauls Uniting Church

St Paul’s Uniting Church celebrated the 150-year anniversary of the formation of the St Pauls Presbyterian (now Uniting) Church Congregation from the first meeting held on March 15, 1872. To commemorate this significant anniversary, the Church prepared an exhibition that was displayed in the Jubilee Community Centre for public viewing from March 11 to April 6.

Winners of the 2022 Heritage Awards with council representatives, including Mayor Greg Williamson and Deputy Mayor Karen May.

Leslie Crocker, Woollam Constructions project manager, accepted the Tom Casey New or Refurbished Heritage Place or Home gold award for refurbishment of the Sugar Research Institute building to create a new secondary school.

Megan Harris, of BH Building Mackay, accepted the bronze award in that category for refurbishment of the old Cattle Creek mill administration building as part of council’s Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike trails project.

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After leaving the Air Force, Nichole Hood didn’t consider herself a veteran.

“For a very long time, I didn’t see myself as a veteran,” she said.

“As far as I was concerned, a veteran is someone who served overseas, and I never served overseas.

“When I was in, women weren’t allowed in frontline positions.

“It wasn’t until I was talking to someone, and they said ‘yes, you are a veteran.’”

Over the past three years, Nichole has become an active and respected member of RSL Mackay.

She is adored by her fellow veterans for her hard work, her positive attitude, and her love of a challenge.

Inspiring The Next Generation

Caption 2: Nichole on Graduation Day from recruit training. Photo: supplied

Nichole Hood grew up in Tully, “the wettest place in Australia,” she laughed.

After completing high school in Tully, Nichole embarked on a career in administration in the sugar mills before deciding to join the Air Force.

It was not long after ANZAC Day in 1989 that Nichole joined the air force in Townsville, and she flew to Adelaide that afternoon.

She saw it as an opportunity to leave Tully, an opportunity for adventure.

“It looked interesting, you know, a different way of life,” she said.

After three months of basic training in Adelaide, Nichole went to Wagga Wagga to complete her administration training before being posted in Canberra for six years.

Throughout her six years of service, Nichole looked after many administrative duties such as documents, leave, mail, travel, and accommodation for airmen and airwomen, officers, and active reserve squadrons.

After six years of service and reaching the position of Corporal, Nichole decided to leave the Air Force while she was still young enough to travel.

Over the next couple of years, Nichole travelled America and Canada solo and made lifelong friends.

“It was good just to go by myself,” she said.

“I just did my own thing and loved it.”

Nichole settled down in Mackay after her travels, halfway between Brisbane, where her parents lived, and home, and worked as a swim instructor.

She became involved in the RSL three years ago when members who were selling memorabilia invited her to a meeting.

She says it took her a long time to recognise herself as a veteran.

“That’s the mindset we’ve got to change,” she said.

“These young veterans that may have not served overseas, yes they are a veteran.”

The RSL is a place where Nichole can relate to people and chat to people about their experiences and stories.

In the role of secretary, Nichole looks after membership and communications with members.

“Yes, we do stir each other,” she laughed, “but that’s just the camaraderie.”

“You’re there for your mates, no matter what,”

On ANZAC Day, Nichole will be quietly reflecting.

“For me, it’s just a chance to reflect and say a silent thank you to our forefathers and foremothers that sacrificed so much just so that we can live this life that we’re living now,” she said.

“It’s probably the public’s way of saying thank you to us, too.”

“I didn’t sign up for the recognition, I signed up because that’s what I wanted to do with my life, I wanted to challenge myself.”

Nichole’s daughter is considering a career in the air force as well.

“She’s got the opportunities that I didn’t have when I joined.”

Nichole Hood is RSL Mackay’s secretary. Photo: Sam Gillespie

‍Nichole on Graduation Day from recruit training. Photo: supplied

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This ANZAC Day the community will gather to honour and pay their respects to all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations, marking their contribution and suffering on our behalf so we may live better lives, lest we forget.

The Following services will be held on Monday, April 25.

Proserpine Service

Dawn: 4.30am at the Proserpine Cenotaph, 14 Main Street

March: 10.30am from the Proserpine RSL

Service: 10.50am at the Proserpine Cenotaph, 14 Main Street

Bowen

Dawn: 5.50am at the Cenotaph on Herbert Street

March: 8.50am assemble, 9.15am step-off from the RSL on Williams Street

Service: 9.30am at the Cenotaph on Herbert Street

Airlie Beach

Dawn March: 8am assemble, 8.45am step-off from the Broadwater Carpark, near lagoon

Service: 9am at the Cenotaph on Airlie Esplanade

Cannonvale

Dawn: 5.30am at Cannonvale Cenotaph on Coral Esplanade

Collinsville

Dawn: 6am at ANZAC Park Cenotaph on Stanley Street

March: 8.45am from Foodworks on Stanley Street

Service: 9am at ANZAC Park Cenotaph on Stanley Street

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Did you know that Proserpine had its own “Ryan” family – four members of that cane farming family from Preston enlisted in World War One. But unlike the “famous” Ryan brothers who fought for America in World War Two, three of them losing their lives, thankfully all four of these brothers survived the war.

In this feature, we pay tribute to the sons of James and Bridget Ryan - Albert, Henry, James and Joseph.

RYAN, Albert (Mick) Michael (5th Light Horse Regiment)

Albert (Mick) enlisted on October 16, 1914 and embarked from Sydney aboard the “Persic”. He was one of the first to leave Australia for service abroad. On May 16, 1915, he landed at Gallipoli. A machine gunner, he spent five months in the trenches and was wounded twice; once seriously resulting in a shrapnel wound to the head. After seven months of being transferred to various hospitals and convalescent homes, he returned home and was medically discharged. Trooper Ryan was the first wounded soldier to arrive in Proserpine and was honoured with a hero’s welcome at the railway station and later at the Shire Hall in July 1916.

After the war, Albert married and moved to Home Hill. In World War Two, he was a private in the Australian Volunteer Defence Corps. He passed away on December 8, 1947 and is buried at the Home Hill Cemetery.

RYAN, James (Jim) Patrick (4th Pioneer Battalion 4th Division)

James (Jim) joined the AIF on November 20, 1914. He embarked on board HMAT “Shropshire” joining the 14th Battalion at Gallipoli on May 5, 1915 just eleven days before his brother, Albert. He was sent to the island of Lemnos as part of the Gallipoli evacuation. In March 1916, James was posted to the 4th Pioneer Battalion at Tel-El-Kerir. Here they were involved in engineering and construction such as field fortifications, military camps, bridges and roads.

On June 11, 1916, James disembarked from the “Scotian” at Marseilles, France. Not long after this, he sustained a gunshot wound to his left foot and it was twenty-two months before he returned to duty.  In a letter written to his brother, Mick, about his time on the Somme, he wrote: “I tell you I saw and heard more shells in France in about two hours than I saw in Gallipoli for the six and seven months I was there.” James was sent back to Australia on April 23, 1919 after five years of overseas service.

James married Mary Raftery in Proserpine and they lived at 5 Fuljames Street. He died on January 11, 1979, aged 92, and is buried in the Proserpine Cemetery.  

RYAN, Joseph (Joe) (12th Reinforcement 5th Light Horse Regiment)

Joseph enlisted on September 9, 1915 and embarked from Sydney aboard the “Suffolk” bound for Maadi, Egypt. After a number of hospital admissions due to abdominal lesions, he was returned to Australia aboard the “Clan McGillivray” on July 10, 1916.

RYAN, Henry Salisbury (29th Reinforcement 5th Light Horse Regiment)

Henry enlisted on September 3, 1917 and embarked from Sydney aboard the “Kyarra” enroute to the Suez, Egypt, where he began training as a signaller. Due to multiple illnesses, he did not see much action and was medically discharged on September 4 1919, initially returning to his parents’ farm at Preston. Later, he worked as a boilermaker at Babinda and South Johnstone Mills and then, a few years before his death, he returned to Preston where farmed cane. He died on May 14, 1933 and is buried in the Proserpine Cemetery.

LEST WE FORGET.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

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