Jack Tyree Remembers

I came up to North Queensland after the war where I met an old sailor in Mackay who asked, “Why don’t you come and get a job on the boats on Hayman.” It was when Ansett had just bought the island … so there was a lot of construction to be done and materials to be transported.

When I arrived, accommodation was in tents with fly sheets and floorboards in rows for all the workers. There was a ranch house where the meals were served.

It was a great time to work there … a good life, free and easy, just what was needed after the war. You could come and go as you liked, go fishing for two or three days and then go back to a job. George Bailey, a carpenter on Hayman, built himself a little fourteen-footer and on occasion would tell Bill Ponchoy, the foreman, “The weather’s too good to be working.” So, they would take four days to sail down to Lindeman and back. Then start work again. I sailed on the ‘Sea Prince’ which won the first and second Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Races. … We were away for about a month but came back and walked straight into a job.

We would be three to four weeks on shore digging drains, putting in windows and the like and then three to four weeks on the barges bringing in the materials. It was well before Shute Harbour was built and the trucks would go on to the beach at Shingley carrying the stuff which we would load up on the barges. All of which was done by hand. There were no forklifts in those days.

Annie Lewis ran the old store at Cannonvale Beach at the time. She would watch for the barge coming into Shingley and by the time the boys had walked over she would have a meal waiting for them. She would call them ‘her barge boys’. Sometimes, she would even go and pick oysters for them.

Transport from the Flying Boat to the hotel

Before the Shute Harbour jetty was built, guests would come in on Catalinas and Sunderlands and land outside the reef where the water was not always flat calm. The dinghies had to get under the wing of the Catalina to get people out of the door and into the boat. They had to hang onto the open door … with the swell taking them up and down. As the boat came up level, you’d shout, “Right oh then jump.” Invariably the women would hesitate. They came up from Sydney all dressed up with high heels. One of them had a fur coat. She stepped straight into the sea in between the boat and plane. We hauled her out like a drowned rat … There were no life jackets. Then they would have to climb out of the dinghy … into the four-wheel drives to get ashore. If it was raining, we had an old tarpaulin that had been used to cover a cement truck.

There were lots of whales … which caused difficulty when the Catalinas took off. Sometimes a whale would emerge just in front as the plane went to take off. You had to try and shoo them off or you would hear the engine scream as the plane tried to back off. On the motor boat from Shingley, you would have to look out for whales. The boats wouldn’t hurt the whales but they could knock a hole in the boat. Once a thirty-footer was sunk by a whale.

In all they were good times, with lots of fun and not too many regulations.

Story and photos courtesy of the late Jack Tyree (25/12/1916 – 20/03/ 2017)

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Jack Tyree at Hayman Jetty. Photo supplied.
Catalinas were used to transfer people to the islands of Hayman and Daydream. Photo supplied.

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For over 15 years, long-time locals Marie Bailey and Marg Hurst have been the warm and welcoming faces greeting visitors at Bowen’s iconic foreshore information booth located by Bowen’s Little Mango.

As two of Bowen Tourism and Business's longest-serving volunteers, the pair have become familiar figures for travellers seeking insights into the region's hidden gems. Whether it’s recommending a stroll along the jetty, a swim at Horseshoe Bay, or a scenic visit to Flagstaff Hill and Mullers Lagoon, Marie and Marg are passionate about promoting their hometown.

“We get visitors from all over the world, and it’s a history lesson in the making,” said Marie.

The pair also help direct visitors to Bowen’s famed murals, which reflect the town’s rich history, and offer directions to the Whitsunday islands.

“I just love meeting people and telling them where to go,” Marg said.

“We have a beautiful town here and it’s lovely to spread the word.”

Marie is also a volunteer at the local museum and says their deep knowledge of Bowen’s past helps enhance the visitor experience.

Both volunteers’ love Bowen, and their love for the town shines through in their long-standing voluntary work.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said all volunteers are an integral part of the organisation.

“We simply couldn’t do what we do without the volunteers welcoming visitors each and every week,” she said.

“They are a wealth of local knowledge and are passionate about the region.

“Marie and Margie are our longest serving volunteers and do an excellent job at the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach which is entirely run by volunteers.”

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Marie and Margie have been volunteering for more than 15 years. Photo sourced: Facebook

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It’s been a fantastic start to the school holidays in The Whitsundays. Occupancy is up on the same time last year, and it’s been great to see so many families out making memories, whether it’s a reef trip, a sunset sail, a mainland adventure or hopping between the islands.

We’re also celebrating our biggest year ever for website traffic, with 1.16 million page views- up 10% on the year before. Bounce rate is also down 5%, meaning visitors are staying for longer and engaging more deeply with our content, which are great signs for both our brand and local businesses.

And finally, a quick date for your calendar: the 2025 Whitsundays Tourism Awards will be held on Saturday, 18 October. It’s always one of the most special nights of the year as we recognise the hard work, creativity and passion behind our region’s success. Tickets will be on sale soon - we’d love to see you there!

Contributed with thanks to Tim Booth, CEO, Tourism Whitsundays

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Whitsunday Christian College students are proving themselves as forces to be reckoned with on the athletics circuit, delivering a string of impressive results across regional events and setting their sights on state-level competitions.

Annalise Kennelly placed 6th in the Under 16 girls division at the Regional Cross Country Trials in Townsville before powering into 1st place in the 16-19 girls category at the Mackay Marina Run. She is gearing up for another major event: The Queensland State Cross Country Championships from 18 – 20 July.

Joining her on the path to success is Penelope Shields. She has had a standout season, placing 2nd in the 800m at the Mackay Track and Field event, all while battling wild wind and rain. She also ran her way to 2nd in the 3km Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon, before taking out 1st place in the Under 11 girls division at the Regional Cross Country Trials. Penelope capped off her recent streak with a personal best and 2nd place finish in the Under 14 girls division of the Mackay Marina Run. Penelope is preparing for the Queensland State Cross Country Championships in July.

Meanwhile, rising star Kayne Higgins made his mark by taking 1st place in the Under 10 boys division at the Regional Cross Country Trials. He too will represent the College at the State Championships next month.

Kayne has demonstrated outstanding sporting talent across a range of disciplines, with a particular aptitude for soccer. He will proudly represent the Whitsunday District at the upcoming North Queensland Trials. Most notably, Kayne has earned a prestigious opportunity to train with the West Ham United Academy in the United Kingdom later this year — a remarkable achievement that reflects his dedication, skill, and passion for the sport.

Best of luck to all three runners as they continue to chase big goals and fast times!

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Annalise Kennelly at the Mackay Marina Run
Penelope Shields during the Mackay Marina Run
Kayne, Penelope, Annalise at the NQ Regional CC

Photos supplied

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Patches is a gentle three-year-old Mastiff x Bull Arab who was heartbreakingly left behind by his former family. Rescued in poor condition, this big softie has slowly regained his strength—and his trust in people. Now, he’s searching for a fresh start with someone who’ll show him the kindness he deserves.

He’s not an energetic dog and is happiest lounging on the couch, enjoying short play sessions or walks by your side. Once Patches trusts you, he’s incredibly affectionate, loyal, and easygoing.

He’s great with children and fine with cats. While he prefers to be the only dog in the home, he isn’t aggressive with others.

Patches’ adoption fee of $650 includes desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, flea, tick and worm treatments, and a Proheart injection.

If you’re ready to meet this beautiful boy, email Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue at bowencollinsville@gmail.com with your contact number and email address.

Rehoming fee: $650
Age: 3 years
Sex: Male
Breed: Mastiff x Bull Arab
Other dogs: yes, but not in home
Cats: Fine with cats
Fences: 5ft

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The Giant Clam certainly lives up to its name.

As the largest bivalve mollusc, the giant clam weighs an average of 200kg and can grow over a metre across its shell. They can live for several decades, with some individuals living for over 100 years.

These clams are found sitting on the sandy bottom in the warm, shallow waters of the Great Barrier Reef. They are easily spotted by their distinctive, fluted shell and the brightly coloured mantles (the “lips” of the clam).

Giant clams are filter feeders, taking in plankton through a large, central opening. However, like corals, giant clams have a unique relationship with algae called zooxanthellae that live within their tissues. The algae provide the clam with nutrients through photosynthesis, while the clam provides the algae with a safe environment and access to sunlight. The algae also give the mantle of the clams their vibrant colours.

Now, about that “Man-Eater” Myth…

Giant clams have a wildly undeserved reputation as man-eaters, with South Pacific legends describing clams that lie in wait to trap unsuspecting swimmers. No account of a human death by giant clam has ever been substantiated, and scientists say its adductor muscles, used to close the shell, move far too slowly to take a swimmer by surprise. Even the largest specimen would simply retreat into its shell rather than attempt to sample human prey. Nice to know.

The giant clams may not eat people, but they can see you…sort of.

Giant clams can see, but not in the way humans do. They have hundreds of tiny, simple eyes called "pinhole eyes" along the edge of their mantle. These eyes are not capable of forming complex images, but they can detect changes in light, movement, and shadows. For protection, clams will often close when they detect changes in light.

Giant clams are hermaphroditic, producing both eggs and sperm. A fully-grown giant clam can release over 500 million eggs in one go. As they cannot fertilise themselves, they reproduce through broadcast spawning. When an egg is release, this triggers nearby giant clams to swell their mantles and contract their adductor muscles. This causes the clams to fill with water containing broadcasted sperm and eggs.

Globally the giant clam population has decreased substantially.  The clams are harvested for their meat, shells, and for the aquarium trade. Currently, they are listed as vulnerable.

However, the species has never been allowed to be collected from the wild in Australian waters, so it is reported to be in healthy numbers on the Great Barrier Reef. However, reef degradation due to pollution and climate change poses a significant threat to their survival.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council.

Giant Clam. Photo supplied.

Spring Comes Early at Coral Sea

While the rest of the Whitsundays are still shaking off the last chill of winter, spring has already sprung in an unexpected place – the seagrass nursery tucked inside Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach. Here, rows of sunlit tanks are quietly nurturing the next generation of seagrass meadows, offering a hopeful glimpse into the future of our coastal ecosystems.

Zostera muelleri, or “eelgrass”, has produced the first flowers for the year - and in abundance. Found in shallow waters and intertidal mudflats, this species grows in dense meadows that support marine life with its long, strappy leaves and mesh-like vein pattern. Notably, Zostera muelleri produces a large number of seeds annually, making it a valuable species for local research projects.

The early flowering came as a surprise to Reef Catchments Project Officer Alexandra (Lexi) Williams, who has been maintaining the nursery tanks. “It’s been a cold winter, but the seagrass pots are placed along the sunniest parts of the tank edges,” Lexi said. “That temperature variation might have encouraged them into flowering early - which is really interesting.”

They’re no bigger than your finger and yet these delicate seagrass flowers carry the potential to regrow entire seagrass meadows. Each Zostera shoot can produce up to five flowering spathes, and each of those can yield 10–15 seeds. That might sound modest, but under the right conditions, a single seed can regenerate up to a hectare of seagrass meadow.

Normally, flowering begins around August or September. This unexpected early bloom provides a welcome opportunity to begin collecting viable seeds for use in local restoration research trials. Once collected, the seeds are cultivated in the nursery before being returned to the Pioneer Bay mudflats as part of a research project which looks at the impact of re-seeding damaged or fragmented meadows.

Seagrass is a powerhouse of the marine environment. These meadows provide shelter for an incredible variety of sea life, from crabs and snails to juvenile fish, and are an important food source for turtles and dugongs. They also play a key role in stabilising sediment, improving water quality, and storing carbon.

With flowers forming at the Airlie Beach nursery, there’s renewed hope that seed-based methods can be used for restoring these vital habitats, ensuring they continue to support rich biodiversity and the health of our coastal ecosystems for years to come.

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Zostera muelleri
Images courtesy of CQ University Australia

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Football - Whitsunday United Football Club
Friday, 18 July
6:00 PM – Whitsunday United FC Div 2 Men vs Sarina Saints Div 2 Men at Whitsunday Sportspark
8:00 PM – Whitsunday United FC Div 1 Men vs Magpies FC Div 1 Men at Whitsunday Sportspark

Saturday, 19 July
9:30 AM – Whitsunday United FC U13 FQPL vs Mackay Wanderers U13 FQPL Rubies at Whitsunday Sportspark
9:30 AM – Whitsunday United FC U14 vs Mackay Rangers FC U14 Gold at Whitsunday Sportspark
11:00 AM – Dolphins FC U13 Div 1 vs Whitsunday United FC U13 Div 1 at Mackay Football Park
11:15 AM – Mackay Wanderers U15/16 Red vs Whitsunday United FC U15/16 at Whitsunday Sportspark
5:00 PM – Magpies FC U23 Men vs Whitsunday United FC U23 Men at Magpies FC
7:00 PM – Magpies FC Men vs Whitsunday United FC Men at Magpies FC

Rugby Union - Proserpine/Whitsunday Rugby Union Club
Saturday, 19 July
1:00 PM - Reserve Grade vs Moranbah Bulls at Eastern Sporting Fields
2:00 PM - Womens vs Moranbah Bulls at Eastern Sporting Fields
3:30 PM - Premier Grade vs vs Moranbah Bulls at Eastern Sporting Fields

AFL - Whitsunday Sea Eagles
Saturday 19 July
10:40 AM - Sea Eagles Under 17s vs Bakers Creek Tigers at Etwell Park
1:50 PM - Sea Eagles Senior Women vs Bakers Creek Tigers Etwell Park
3:20 PM - Sea Eagles Senior Men vs Bakers Creek Tigers Etwell Park

Cricket – Airlie Beach Cricket Club
Contact airliebeachcc@yahoo.com.au for information about Airlie Beach Cricket Club

Netball – Whitsunday Netball Association
Contact netballwhitsunday@gmail.com for netball information

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It was a picture-perfect day for golf, with 31 players hitting the course for the July 2025 Monthly Medal. And while some rounds may have had their shaky moments, a few solid shots and timely putts were all it took to keep spirits high—and golfers keen to return next week.

Congratulations to our Monthly Medal winners: Elspeth Scotford for the ladies and Gerald Lovell for the men. We were also pleased to welcome visitors Shane Aldridge and Gerald Heavey, who added to the day’s fun.

Ladies Results
Winner: Elspeth Scotford – 73 nett
Runner-up: Jenny Hounsell – 75 nett
Rundown: Heather Luvis, Jacqui Wall, and Tiina Randmae (all with 77 nett); Robyn Whitham (79 nett)

Men’s Results
Winner: Gerald Lovell – 70 nett
Runner-up: John Grosskreutz – 72 nett
Rundown: Neil Cawthorne (72 nett on a countback), Gary Scotford (73 nett), Allen Roberts, Vic Feldman, and John Roser (76 nett), and Colin Hounsell (77 nett)

Pin Shots
Ladies A Grade: Jenny Hounsell cleaned up, claiming all three pin shots
Ladies B Grade: Tiina Randmae (2 pin shots)
Men’s A Grade: Gerald Heavey (visitor), Allen Roberts, and “I only use Titleist golf balls” Grossy
Men’s B Grade: Louis Neethling (2) and John Oates

Least Putts
Paula McQuat and Elspeth Scotford – 28 putts
Grossy – 24 putts
Chip-ins were recorded by Paula McQuat, Gerald Heavey, Grossy (twice), and Peter Fox.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Elspeth Scotford and Gerald Lovell of Veterans Golf. Photo supplied

The ladies from Marian Bowls Club have shown that community spirit is alive and well, recently donating ten beautifully handmade knee rugs to the residents of Nanyima Aged Care Home in Mirani.

Over the past few months, members have been busy crocheting and knitting squares from home, later joining them together to create colourful, cosy rugs designed to keep elderly residents warm while in wheelchairs.

On Wednesday, June 25, Marian Bowls Club President Thelma Johnston, Treasurer Judith Miller and Secretary Lyn Jackson proudly delivered the completed rugs to Tanya Tooma from Nanyima.

Among the happy recipients was Mary Norgate, a former Marian bowler and now a resident at Nanyima, who received one of the donated rugs. Fellow resident Margaret Drake also received a rug during the special visit.

The thoughtful project brought joy to both the givers and receivers, with the ladies expressing how much they enjoyed contributing to a local cause from the comfort of their homes.

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Former bowler Mary Norgate, now a resident at Nanyima, pictured with one of the donated rugs. In the background are Thelma Johnston, Judith Miller, and Lyn Jackson.

Mary Norgate and fellow Nanyima resident Margaret Drake pictured with their donated rugs, with Thelma Johnston, Judith Miller, and Lyn Jackson in the background. Photos supplied

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It’s not every week I get the privilege of having the Mayor cook me dinner — but thanks to Crunch Time, part of this year’s Mackay Festival of Arts, that’s exactly what happened.

The live-theatre-meets-dinner-party event delivered five unpredictable courses dictated by democracy and whipped up by Mayor Greg Williamson himself. Let’s just say the democratic process took a dark turn when someone voted for Natto — a fermented bean experience that confirmed some things are better left off the plate (and out of your mouth). You can read more about how he handled the heat in the kitchen (and the pressure of public opinion) on page 8.

This is just one flavour in a jam-packed Festival of Arts lineup — a reminder of how lucky we are to live in a city that punches well above its weight when it comes to entertainment.

Cr Belinda Hassan puts it best in her column on page 21 — there’s always something to do in Mackay.

Some people are quick to point out what we don’t have — a certain playground here, a bigger venue there — without stopping to appreciate what we do get. Over the next couple of months alone, we’ll see international cricket at Harrup Park, music festivals headlined by Crowded House and Amy Shark, the city centre aglow for Illuminate, and wine and gourmet food under the sun at Queens Park.

The MECC continues to draw national and international acts — including, next year, the one and only Jimmy Carr. Throw in a poetry slam, a stand-up comedy night, or a gig at your favourite pub, and the real challenge is choosing what not to do.

So get out there, support local, and discover something new — even if it’s just your mayor in an apron.

Amanda

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Last Sunday, the Mackay Army Cadets once again laced up their boots and marched with purpose – this time around the Bluewater Trail – as part of a growing movement to raise awareness and support for veteran homelessness.

Twelve months on from the extraordinary 382km trek in 2024, the cadets returned to action, completing a symbolic circuit of Mackay’s scenic Bluewater Trail. The event served as both a show of continued solidarity and a powerful reminder that, for many veterans, the battle doesn’t end when they hang up the uniform.

Mackay Army Cadet and organiser of the Just Keep Marching movement, Murray Macgroarty said, “It was wholeheartedly the cadets who decided they were going to do this memorial lap around the Bluewater Trail to kick up more conversation around veteran homelessness.”

“We’ve raised awareness and we’ve done the fundraising – now we’re really looking for something to put that money towards.”

While the cadets' steps echoed with purpose, the underlying message is to keep the conversations going. Veteran homelessness remains a largely invisible crisis, with many former servicemen and women sleeping rough, couch-surfing with family, or sheltering in cars and bushland. The cadets’ march was a call to community in remembrance of those who once served.

“Something that really jumps out to me is working in collaboration with local or larger businesses.

“We’re aiming for temporary housing solutions – like setting up miners’ houses on a semi-temporary basis.”

“We’ve got about $27,000, which isn’t a small sum, but it also puts us in an in-between space when it comes to building infrastructure that homeless veterans could use long-term.”

“Overall, what we’re looking at now is collaboration, with businesses and organisations, so we can invest this money into something worthwhile that’ll hopefully make a difference in homelessness and veteran support.”

The Mackay RSL generously provided use of their Community Wellness Hub at Illawong Beach Drive as a base for the day’s activities. Their ongoing support for local veterans has proven invaluable, not just in advocacy but in tangible aid.

The event was not only a success in raising awareness but also served as a meaningful opportunity for younger generations to understand the ongoing struggles some veterans face after service. It also reaffirmed that Mackay remains a community willing to march together in support of its own.

“We’ve had some real progress since we started the Just Keep Marching movement. We had a few homeless veterans come to the RSL seeking help – some didn’t even know that kind of support was available before.”

“It shows that the awareness campaign has worked. Now we just need to translate that awareness into action.”

With boots on the ground, compassion in their hearts, and the message loud and clear, the Mackay Army Cadets proved once again that no one should be left behind — and that every step counts when it comes to honouring those who served.

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Last Sunday, the Mackay Army Cadets completed a symbolic march around the Bluewater Trail to raise awareness and funds for veteran homelessness, highlighting ongoing community support and the urgent need for collaborative solutions. Photo source: Just Keep Marching

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$6 Million Allocated For Victim Safety And Justice Access

Mackay’s justice precinct is set for a significant transformation, with a $6 million funding injection from the Queensland Government to upgrade the region’s courthouse—placing victim safety and frontline justice services firmly back on the agenda.

The funding forms part of an $18.8 million boost to the state’s Domestic and Family Violence Courthouse Improvement Program, announced in the 2025–26 Budget. The additional investment lifts total funding for the program to nearly $68 million and ensures long-overdue infrastructure improvements in regional centres like Mackay can proceed.

Locally, the upgrades will deliver a new purpose-built safe room offering vulnerable witnesses secure and direct access to the courtroom. The courthouse entry will also be reconfigured to enhance security, and the registry refurbished to support increased staffing and improved service delivery.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the upgrades were part of a broader commitment to delivering a justice system that places the safety of victims and community outcomes at its core.

“The Queensland Government promised Queenslanders we would deliver a justice system that prioritised the rights of victims and makes our community safer and I’m very proud this important upgrade program has been saved,” Ms Frecklington said.

“These critical upgrades will ensure victims of domestic and family violence are supported as they navigate the court process, helping deliver faster and safer access to justice, while ensuring offenders are held to account.”

The investment aligns with the government’s $5.2 billion Making Our Community Safer Plan, which forms part of the broader 2025–26 Budget agenda to provide stronger laws, more police, better-resourced courts, and strengthened support for the prevention of domestic and family violence.

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the investment sent a strong message to survivors that their needs were no longer an afterthought.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that every person who walks through the courthouse doors seeking protection feels safe from the moment they arrive,” Mr Dalton said.

“For survivors of domestic and family violence, facing court can be one of the most intimidating steps in their journey.

“This new safe room will offer them security, privacy, and a sense of control when they need it most.”

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly welcomed the renewed focus on safety and dignity for victims navigating the court system.

“These upgrades provide more security and comfort for victims of domestic and family violence in our region.”

Designs for the Mackay Courthouse upgrade are currently underway, with construction due to begin in mid-2026 and completion expected in early 2027. The improvements are expected to enhance both safety and efficiency, delivering lasting benefits for victims, court users, and justice staff alike.

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton and Attorney-General Deb Frecklington outside Mackay Courthouse, following the announcement of $6 million in state funding to improve safety and support for domestic and family violence victims

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The Mackay Vietnam Veterans Support Group has crafted a colourful mud kitchen at Nebo State School, providing a creative play space for students of all ages.

With help from sponsors and grants, the project took just over two months to complete and includes cupboards, an oven, a slide-out tray, and is even painted in the school’s colours.

Kate Hardwick, a representative from Nebo State School, said the mud kitchen supports “some really creative play, particularly for the younger participants.”

She added that it is “also really enjoyed by some of the older students as well, just as a different kind of creative play outlet for them.”

The design was tailored in close collaboration with the veterans to maximise available space and allow multiple children to play at once.

Ms Hardwick said, “They worked with us to design something specific that would maximise the space we had available, but also allow as many children to enjoy it as possible at the same time.”

Les Palmer, President of the Vietnam Veterans Support Group, reflected on the group’s community involvement.

“The carers over the road gave us a hamper on ANZAC Day because we’re always doing stuff here, so we greatly appreciate it and we just like to help out the community,” he said.

Mr Palmer described the project as meaningful for the veterans involved.

“It’s very good therapy for the guys here.

“We’re limited with what we can do here because we’re getting on with age, but we still have a go and do what we can,” he said.

“It’s just good for all of us to get together, and we hope the kids are enjoying their mud kitchen.”

The mud kitchen has become a favourite among students, who use it daily for imaginative play.

Ms Hardwick said, “It’s totally covered in dirt and the kids love it. They brush it down at the end of the day and get to go again the next day to make mud pies and cupcakes and drinks and all the rest.”

The Mackay Vietnam Veterans Support Group remains a place for ex-servicemen to come together in support, share camaraderie, and give back to the community whenever they can.

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Vietnam veterans Doug, Les, Bill and Gary worked together to build the mud kitchen for Nebo State School students. Photos supplied

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A rising number of missed specialist appointments across the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) region is placing strain on the public health system and putting patients’ own health at risk, officials have warned.

Last year alone, 20,204 patients across the Mackay HHS – which includes rural facilities in Proserpine, Bowen, Sarina, Collinsville, Clermont, Dysart and Moranbah – failed to attend specialist appointments. At Mackay Base Hospital’s Specialist Outpatient Department, the figure was 11,985 missed appointments in 2024, which equates to an average of 230 per week.

With 9,490 missed appointments already recorded from 1 January to 31 May this year, 2025 is on track to mirror last year’s record high. Mackay HHS Chief Executive Susan Gannon said the impact was significant both for individuals and for the broader health system.

“Last year we had 20,204 patients across our health service who failed to attend their specialist appointments,” Ms Gannon said.

“If we narrow it down to just those who failed to attend Mackay Base Hospital’s specialist outpatient department, there were 11,985 missed appointments in 2024, which is an average of 230 appointments every week.”

Missed appointments not only delay diagnosis and treatment for the individual but also increase wait times for others. Gastroenterologist Dr Robert Anderson said he is concerned by the trend.

“Appointments are made so that specialists can investigate health concerns, and missing those appointments is a definite health risk,” Dr Anderson said.

“It also means that others waiting on specialist appointments are waiting longer to be seen.

“We want to reduce the amount of time people are waiting for a specialist appointment, so we’re asking the community to help us deliver that care sooner.

“If I look at the number of people who have failed to attend appointments with a gastroenterologist, it’s 246 over the past twelve months (financial year).

“Our message to patients is ‘please attend your appointment. If you can’t attend for various reasons, then ‘Let us know if you’re not going to show’.”

Jenny Farley, Executive Director of Operations for Mackay HHS, stressed that missed appointments have real consequences for patients on waiting lists.

“We understand there are good reasons people can’t attend an appointment so we are simply encouraging people to call the hospital, or respond to the SMS messages they receive, so that we can offer that appointment to someone else who is waiting,” she said.

“We endeavour to follow up with people who miss their appointments.

“If we do not get a response and people still want the appointment this will mean they need to see their GP for a new referral and commence on the waiting list again.”

While health leaders are calling on patients to take responsibility, some patients say systemic issues are contributing to missed appointments.

Samantha Jones, a long-term patient at Mackay Base Hospital, said communication has become increasingly difficult.

“Rarely does anyone answer the phone, and often if you leave a message you don't know if it's been actioned or not.

“I received a missed appointment letter once when I had left a message to reschedule my appointment."

Others point to parking challenges as a barrier. Eileen Clarke, who is in her 70s, said she missed an appointment due to lack of accessible parking.

“I circled the car park for 20 minutes and couldn't find a single park. I tried up and down Bridge Road. I would have had to have parked near the cemetery and walked, and I'm in my 70s. I wouldn't have made it in time if at all.

“I think there is a golf cart service operating but no one knows how you access it or where you park to get shuttled.

“I have another appointment coming up and I'm considering paying for a taxi because of the fear of not being able to find a park, and that cost for someone on a pension isn't fair.”

As Mackay HHS works to tackle appointment backlogs, hospital executives and clinicians continue to call on the public to be part of the solution—by showing up, or speaking up.

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Mackay HHS Gastroenterologist Dr Robert Anderson, Mackay HHS Chief Executive Susan Gannon and Executive Director Operations Mackay Jenny Farley. Photo supplied

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