After a public allegation claiming newborn babies were being ‘taken’ from COVID-positive mothers at Mackay Base Hospital, the health service issued a statement refuting the claim and to make their birthing policy clear surrounding the pandemic.

“Our policy has always been that new mothers and their babies are able to room together in the COVID-19 ward at Mackay Base Hospital if both are well,” the statement read.

“If the baby needs to go to the Special Care Nursery they will be cared for there while their mother remains in the COVID-19 ward or in the Intensive Care Unit.

“It is important that premature and other unwell newborn babies in the Special Care Nursery are not exposed to a visitor who is COVID-19 positive.”

Mackay HHS has undertaken planning to care for women with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. The hospital said these plans will continue to be updated in line with the latest advice from the Chief Health Officer.

“Our hospitals are well prepared to respond to COVID-19 to ensure they are a safe place for you and your baby.

“Staff are vigilant with cleaning, handwashing and using protective equipment to keep you and your baby safe.”

Women with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 are able to birth at Mackay Base Hospital in dedicated rooms in Labour Ward.

“This is the case as long as there are no other factors that would normally result in transfer to a tertiary hospital. Staff will use COVID-19 precautions until results are returned.

“After birthing you will be cared for in a dedicated COVID-19 ward at Mackay Base Hospital. If babies are well and not requiring care in the Special Care Nursery they will remain with their mothers,” the policy reads.

“Your mode of birth will not be influenced by COVID-19 unless urgent delivery is indicated. Your choice of feeding is supported and breastfeeding is still recommended even if you have COVID-19.”

The hospital also said that unvaccinated partners were able to be support people.

“While we can allow an unvaccinated partner to attend (provided they follow all staff instructions regarding Personal Protective Equipment), we do require that any secondary support person be vaccinated, to limit risk to our staff.”

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Providing care for Mackay’s young patients and their families is a life-long passion for paediatric staff specialist Dr Clara Menezes, who said Mackay gave her the opportunity to treat her patients holistically.

“Prior to working at Mackay Base Hospital, I worked mainly in tertiary centres for twenty years, where I would ‘treat the child for the condition they are referred for,’” she said.

“You can be a true paediatrician here. It’s not like you are just managing a few conditions for the patient, you provide care for them and their family as a whole.”

Dr Menezes first came to Mackay Base Hospital in 2011 and initially only stayed for a year but knew she wanted to come back as soon as possible. In 2015, when her son had finished his schooling, Dr Menezes packed up her life and returned to the tropics.

“When I started off at Mackay Base Hospital, my intention was to stay here forever but sometimes life doesn’t go the way we want,” she said.

“I love this place, and everyone knows it. This is like a home to me and it will remain that way.”

Dr Menezes particularly loves the family spirit at the Mackay Base Hospital, especially within the paediatric department. She credits her colleagues for helping her become the paediatrician she is today.

“We work as a team with the final goal to provide the best of care for the child and to their family.

After seven years of working in Mackay Base Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Unit, Dr Menezes has bid farewell to the place she calls home after deciding to move to New South Wales.

“I am thankful for all my support networks over the years from my nursing, allied health and child safety colleagues,” Dr Menezes said.

“Mackay is the best place and has an excellent team of professionals I learned my medicine from. We have very well-trained clinicians.”

Dr Clara Menezes. Photo supplied: Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Last Friday, All Abilities Mackay’s Summer House, the disability initiative providing a variety of program for children in the community, closed its door for one last time.

From mainstream activities for all children with their parents, smaller group programs for children with disabilities, after school programs for children with disabilities, and school holiday programs for children with disabilities, the programs of Summer House were a hit amongst the Sugar City’s parents.

Founded in 2019 by Bec Nicol, the aim was to create a place where families struggling with disability could have a safe, predictable place for kids, and then bring in neurotypical kids to socialise with them in an inclusive play setting.

Letting kids interact with other kids was the idea, but with struggles in achieving NDIS funding a constant bane for the initiative, as well as pandemic problems, Summer House closed its doors last Friday.

Ms Nicol said that she wished the circumstances were different.

“We have loved the time getting to know families and support you the best we knew how to,” she said.

“Unfortunately, we must recognise when things aren’t meant to be, and for us the time has come.”

Summer House was a “long term dream” for Ms Nicol, who said the current uncertain times forced her to be unable to continue.

“I don’t have the time, energy or tenacity left to continue,” she said.

She thanked the exceptional businesses, organisations and individuals who supported the group over the years.

I would like to shout out a special mention to Sharon and the crew at Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and Flagon & Dragon Mackay,” Ms Nicol said.

“Without their tens of thousands of dollars of support over the years, we couldn’t be anywhere close to where we are without them.”

The community have expressed their support for Summer House, and hope that it will continue on in some form or another, or be reborn.

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Not many people know that the op in Op Shop means opportunity, and that Mackay has a population of over 3,500 people suffering from homelessness. Many of them without opportunity, without shelter, often living within a cycle of drug abuse, or a cycle of poverty.

It is a hidden world of confrontation, and it seems that chances are hard to come by in it.

One organisation providing for Mackay’s growing population of those experiencing degrees of homelessness is Australian Street Aid Project LTD. (ASAP).

They performed a recent striking interview in a sit down with Karren in Mackay at their Chances Café in Shakespeare Street. Karren has been experiencing homelessness for six months.

“I’ve lived in abandoned houses and in the streets,” Karren said in the interview.

“I feel like I’m useless, like I’ve lost my soul, and that sometimes I don’t want to be alive. I just want to have a home and somewhere to live and be happy again. This is not happiness.

“I just hope that a lot of things change in Mackay and that the homeless situation gets help[ed] for everyone.”

Its ‘Pay Forward’ board in the Shakespeare Street cafe is a way for people to purchase a meal for those in need.

“Our Pay It Forward meal system feeds up to 60 people per week who are experiencing homelessness,” a cafe spokesperson said.

“From mothers and children to people with disabilities or those who are just down and out - homelessness does not discriminate.”

ASAP have been providing ‘op’ since their humble beginnings in 2018, and have now expanded to not only provide the tools that people need to break their cycle through employing those experiencing homelessness, but now with a new coffee shop within the Chances Op Shop in Victoria Street.

“Our cafe on Shakespeare Street is still open as per usual, but we now also have a coffee shop within our Chances Op Shop at 7 Victoria Street.

“You can grab a quick bite to eat or drink whilst checking out all the bargains, knowing that your money goes right back into the Mackay Community.”

They’re one of the many organisations championing the cause of helping those experiencing homelessness in Mackay. As a non-for-profit they are always seeking donations or volunteers on their website.

In December, Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper spoke with Paul Winter, a local man on a crusade to build a homeless shelter as part of his non-for-profit 360five, another individual doing what he saw as his part. After a long bout of drug addiction himself, Paul saw the issues in the regions firsthand.

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The Sugar City may have just become a whole lot sweeter for some with the announcement of a new brothel as Mackay’s only legal sex work establishment opening in two week’s time.

Harlots Mackay is set to open its doors February 14 in the freshly renovated Club 7 premises in Paget which closed in 2015.

Sex workers in Mackay have been operating illegally and unsafely since the closing of Club 7 seven years ago, leaving the return of an established brothel a potential haven for those pursuing the profession.

Prostitution in Queensland is regulated through the compliance of both brothels and what are known as ‘sole operator sex workers’ who are government registered, yet some workers acted outside of the law finding the regulations too restricting.

Queensland’s strict Prostitution Licensing Authority law mean escorts can only operate within the premises of a brothel, in this case Harlots, and safety regulations set by police are stringent in these regards.

They will be the only legally operating brothel in the region.

Harlots has other establishments both in ACT and in the Northern Territory, and claim they are the fastest growing network of high-class brothels in Australia.

In line with safety protocols, no alcohol will be served at the site and violent or intoxicated potential patrons will be turned away.

Harlots will be open 7 days a week, running operating hours of 12pm to 5am in its Paget address from February 14.

Harlots Management have said that they will be bringing escorts from down south from their Canberra establishment up to the Sugar City.

They also said that they would be promoting through advertising, which is strictly legislated in Queensland by the same Prostitution Licensing Authority.

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A teacher of 34 years, a junior rugby league coach for 55, Douglas Knight has imparted his own brand of wisdom to generations of Mackay kids, both in sport and in life. The local legend received his Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to rugby league on Australia day, having done “pretty well for himself.”

‘Dougy’ has a legacy of more than five decades in the game, both as a player and a coach, although admittedly not so much of a player nowadays at 77.

His illustrious career began in Bowen, but he soon realised he wasn’t making any waves on the playing side, having a self-proclaimed penchant for food, Dougy took to the coaching, which offered far less running.

“I enjoyed playing but wasn’t much of a trainer; I could never get motivated to run around the block to come back to where you started but put me into a game situation and I always put my full effort in,” Dougy said.

When he took up coaching, much of his league time was spent with Souths Suburban – the Sharks – where he would hold the positions of junior president and senior president in his tenure, as well as coaching at every junior grade.

Dougy now hangs his hat as the Under 6’s coach at Souths, continuing his love of the game, which has given him so much over the years.

“Some people describe it as herding cats,” Dougy laughed.

“They’re definitely different from the other grades, but they’re keen and always want to have a go.

“I guess I get along with them well, because I never really grew up.”

He spoke of his first cohort of players back in 1969, and how good it was to see them grow up.

“I think the biggest thing was seeing different kids growing in confidence; seeing the confidence they get, and the friendships I made and the friendships they make.

“A lot of them are still close friends among themselves, and I still see them sometimes around town – I’m lucky like that.”

He said that being awarded the Order of Australia Medal was fantastic, not only for himself but for all volunteers throughout Mackay and the region in any sport.

In Rugby League, he was proud to have helped so many young people grow into not only great players, but great people.

“It’s confidence and being able to have a go at things, win or lose, you have a go and put in your best effort; that carries over into real life.”

Doug Knight has served rugby league in Mackay for over 50 years

“That’s what it’s all about, teaching these kids to become their best selves and build confidence”

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At just six, Janice Whelan was already an accomplished accompanist, playing the instrument that would lead her on a lifelong journey of knowledge, expertise, and modesty on the piano. Now, after years of servitude to the Mackay Choral Society and the region, Janice received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to music.

If there were an epitome of what an accompanist is, a musician whose sole purpose was to allow others to be the best they can be, Ms Whelan is that epitome.

She served as accompanist for the Mackay Choral Society from 1994 to 2020 – of which she is a life member - as well as still accompanying at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in North Mackay, Holy Spirit Choir and Music Minister, as well as Emmanuel Catholic Primary.

“I accepted it on behalf of all the accompanists, because it’s not often a role that receives this kind of recognition,” Janice said.

“I would be more comfortable in the background, and I suppose that’s why I’m a good accompanist!”

A calling that spanned so long and so many events has touched so many lives, with mentors and mentoring, where she said she passed on the lessons of her storied musical career.

“I want to thank those mentors that I had over my years, because I had many, each of them different and varied in good ways,” she said.

“There are too many to mention and I don’t want to miss naming them!”

Working at the Eisteddfod each year, Janice said that it gave her opportunities to forge friendships and bonds with many young artists, especially with her role as an accompanist.

She worked with one student in particular for twenty years, following her all the way to the Sydney Eisteddfod, and enabling her to become the musician and singer she is today.

Janice said that, for her, one of the most significant and beautiful moments of her career was when a girl from Emmanuel College in grade three gave her a letter which said: The way I see you is not as an old lady, I see you as a shining rainbow.

“I showed my entire family the letter at Christmas and they were all crying,” Janice said.

Of her three children and three grandchildren, she’s passed on her love and passion for music, especially to her son, who works as an instrumental teacher and trombonist.

The Mackay Choral Society said that they “cannot think of anyone more worthy of this prestigious award.”

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Ensuring a more reliable water network in the CBD is the focus of a new Mackay Regional Council project, which will take approximately seven weeks to complete.

Construction started this week on a new water main being installed along the eastern side of Brisbane Street, between Victoria and Gordon streets.

Works started at the Victoria Street end of Brisbane Street and will progress towards Gordon Street.

To minimise traffic disruption in the afternoons, work will be undertaken Monday to Friday from 6am to 4pm and on weekends when required.

A partial road closure of the southbound lane will be required to allow machinery to manoeuvre safely. However, the road will reopen to normal traffic flow each afternoon at 4pm.

Pedestrian access will be available during the works and motorists and pedestrians are asked to follow all signage on display at the site.  

Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks residents for their patience. Once complete, the work will improve the reliability of the local water network.

More than 870,000 Queensland students will return to school this Monday, with new measures put in place by the State Government in an effort to keep students, teachers and staff safe from COVID-19.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that masks will be required for all staff and high school students – and highly encouraged for most primary school students – when classes resume.

Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will also be available to students and staff who develop symptoms while at school, while those who develop symptoms at home will have priority access to RATs at Queensland Health clinics.

Premier Palaszczuk said the resumption of school will be safer thanks to the delayed start of term, which has also allowed time for more students to get vaccinated.

“As always, we have acted on the health advice and had a cautious and measured approach through the pandemic,” the Premier said.

“As always, that advice has kept Queenslanders safe.”

Key features of the Back-to-School plan include:

• Mask wearing for all high school students and staff in line with the existing mandate

• Masks available and strongly encouraged for students in Years 3 to 6

• A range of ventilation measures including air purifiers as required

Temporary measures for the first four weeks of term include:

• RATs available in school for students and staff who develop symptoms while on site

• Priority access to RATs for students and staff at Queensland Health clinics

• RATs provided to staff entering remote communities

• Suspension of school camps, excursions, assemblies, and large gatherings

• Limiting of visitors on school sites, with exceptions for parents and carers of students experiencing vulnerability, and all students attending Early Childhood Development Programs, Kindergarten, Prep or Year 1

• Staggered drop off times and special drop off zones

Education Minister Grace Grace said as well as delaying the start of term by two weeks, there are a number of measures already in place to keep students and staff safe.

“These include mandatory vaccination for staff and volunteers, and the expert advice from our ventilation working group.

“Our $477 million Cleaner Cooler Schools Program is almost complete, meaning nearly all schools across the state have air conditioning which helps with ventilation.

“However, we are introducing these additional measures to help minimise the impact of Omicron in our schools.”

Minister Grace said, consistent with health advice, regular surveillance rapid antigen testing will not be required in schools.

“There is no health advice to indicate this is needed in Queensland. Instead, all students and staff will have priority access to RATs from local testing clinics if they develop symptoms.

“Of course, anyone who has symptoms should absolutely not come into school. But if staff or students develop symptoms while at school, they will be provided with a RAT to take home.  

“If there are outbreaks of COVID-19 in our schools, Queensland Health will deploy additional RATs to clinics near those locations to meet the need.”

Further information and FAQs are available online: https://qed.qld.gov.au/covid19/back-to-school

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Clermont local Alister Lawrence, who was a dedicated auxiliary firefighter for 46 years, accepted the Citizen of the Year Award from Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker at a ceremony in Clermont.

Four-time PBR champion Clermont cowboy Aaron Kleier was named Young Citizen of the Year and Event of the Year went to organisers of the Twin Hills Race Club Race Weekend.

Corporate Community Contribution of the Year winner was Clermont4Doctors, a powerhouse community initiative between Glencore Coal and Mackay Hospital and Health Service to attract and retain doctors to Clermont.

The Spirit of Isaac Award winner was Dr Sunday Adebiyi, who has served the community of Dysart diligently for over 18 years, and still maintains such a high level of dedication to his patients and their families.

Mayor Baker said all award winners played an integral part in the community and created a positive difference to the lives of those around them.

“We are a region rich in resources, but we are also blessed with the greatest resource of all - our people, especially through 2021 – another tough year with COVID but we’re making it through together,” she said.

Mayor Baker said rural firefighters were among the heart of our Isaac’s identity.

“Citizen of the Year Alister Lawrence was among those men and women who put themselves in the line of fire,” she said.

“As a dedicated auxiliary firefighter for 46 years, he battled blazes for the sheer love of his local Clermont and Isaac region communities.”

Mayor Baker said regional communities truly come alive when the rodeo comes to town.

“Having our very own champion cowboy who is a role model to many adds to the vibrancy of our region,” Mayor Baker said.

“Clermont local and professional bull rider Aaron Kleier has made history with four back-to-back Australian PBR Champion titles – 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Aaron’s a worthy Young Citizen of the Year.

“We heard about resilient and hardworking people that personify the spirit of Isaac through their passion and work and so many more.

“It is people like these who make me proud to be in Isaac. Congratulations to each of our nominees and winners - your hard work and passion is truly inspiring.”

Glenden’s Australia Day awards ceremony will be held at a later date and will be announced soon.

1 Citizen of the Year winner Alister Lawrence of Clermont. Images supplied: Isaac Regional Council

2 Young Citizen of the Year winner Aaron Kleier of Clermont

3 Corporate Community Contribution of the Year Clermont4Doctors

4 Event of the Year Twin Hills Race Club Race Weekend

5 Spirit of Isaac winner Dr Sunday Adebiyi of Dysart with Isaac Regional Councillor Sandy Moffat

6 Achievement Medallion, Senior Constable Andrew Perrett, Nebo. Pictured: Andrew Perrett, Anita Lusk, Ellie and Evie Lusk-Perrett

7 Mayor’s Award and Culture and Arts Medallion to Ilbilbie Craft Group

8 Mayor’s Award and Sports Medallion to Dysart Junior Rugby League, Bulls & Barrels Bash

9 Individual Medallion for Achievement Michael Kai-Lok Chan

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A new campaign is feeding our frontline health heroes, offering a way for the community to bolster our local health response to COVID-19.

Mater Foundation is driving a call to arms for the community to show their support for frontline health workers who are working tirelessly during the nation’s Omicron surge.

Back up the Frontline is a campaign aimed at easing the load for healthcare heroes by providing ready-made, healthy meals to more than 6000 frontline workers across Queensland.

Mater Foundation Executive Director Andrew Thomas said every $50 donation to Back up the Frontline would be doubled to provide a $100 Youfoodz voucher.

“Right now, frontline health workers are physically and emotionally exhausted; they need all the love, energy and support we can muster,” he said.

“The current Omicron surge is seeing a significant increase in hospitalisations and frontline health workers are caring for the community in difficult and demanding conditions.

“Providing a healthy, cooked meal at the end of a gruelling, extended shift in full PPE may not make their work any easier at the moment, but it will lighten the load for them when they finally make it home.”

Mater Public Hospital Emergency Department nurse Lisa Lawrence said it’s a daunting time to be a frontline health worker.

“It’s a rollercoaster,” she said.

“They’re long days and very busy.

“You get very run down. You see a lot of things. It’s not an easy job.

“The big thing with nurses is we help other people, but we forget to help ourselves. We get burnt out – and that’s even without a pandemic.

“Having ready-made meals will make life just that little bit easier for frontline workers like me and those with families at home – little kids, teenagers and husbands.

“It’s a little peace of mind after a long day. It takes a little bit of the home pressure off.”

Clinical nurse Chantel loves her job but said the pandemic has tested everyone in Emergency.

“We’re not drinking enough water and when you get home your lips are dry and you feel exhausted from wearing the PPE all day," Chantel said.

“But my colleagues make it easier, particularly on the hard days.”

Donate to Back up the Frontline at www.backupthefrontline.com.au.

Clinical nurse Chantel said the pandemic has tested everyone working in Emergency. Images supplied: Mater Hospital

Support a frontline health hero by donating to the Mater Foundation’s Back up the Frontline food campaign

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Mrs Maggie Tracey takes up duties as Proserpine’s first official Postmistress

From 1896 until 1904, shopkeeper, Jonathan Jupp, operated an unofficial post office with telegraph facilities from his general store in Main Street. The area was then known as Lower Proserpine. The “Port Denison Times” (March 1904) stated that “a site for a Post and Telegraph Office in Proserpine had been purchased and tenders were open for the erection of this building.”

Enter Mrs Maggie Tracey (nee Hall-Scott) of Bowen.

Maggie had assisted her husband, George Tracey, in his position as Postmaster at Croydon and then later at Springsure. It was there that George contracted pneumonia and died in 1901. Having been left with three small children, the youngest born just six weeks after his father’s death, Maggie chose to return to her relatives in Bowen.

Because of her proficiency as a telegraphist in sending morse-code messages, she was offered the new position of Postmistress at Proserpine. The offer also included a residence allowing Maggie to support her family independently. The post office entry was on the side at the back of the building and the residence at the front. It was reported in the “Port Denison Times” (August 2, 1904) that “The new Proserpine Post and Telegraph Office is finished and Mrs Tracey will leave Bowen to take charge on Wednesday inst.”  

When the official post office opened, the “Lower” was dropped from Proserpine’s name. The office was the agency for the Queensland Government Savings Bank and also opened every Saturday night especially so that the sugar mill workers could bank and withdraw their pay. This was the only banking facility in town until 1907 when the Bank of New South Wales opened.  

The mail coach arrived in Proserpine on Tuesday and Saturday evenings from Bowen and returned on Thursday and Monday Mornings. (“Proserpine History by Post” - “Proserpine Guardian” December 27 1968) It was not until 1941 that a letter delivery service was first sought. By this stage, the post office had reached official Grade 3 status. “It was proposed to deliver mail by a telegraph messenger at first pending appointment of a postman. … It was a morning delivery which was considered adequate for quite some time as the mail trains arrived in time for all mail to be delivered in the morning run.” (“Guardian” Dec 27, 1968.)

In 1909, Maggie left her position with the post office after marrying Frank Gataker, a sugar cane inspector, the previous year. She was presented with a silver salver in recognition of her services. Upon her departure, Mr J Cameron took over the position as Postmaster.

Maggie and her family moved to Kingaroy. Later, she returned to Bowen and tried a number of farming ventures during the 30s and 40s. During this time, she acted as a judge at the Proserpine Show.  Maggie died in Bowen in 1958.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

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For over six months New Life Church has been running regular Sunday services from the school hall at Whitsunday Christian College, connecting with the community and inspiring many people to join its vibrant church.

“We’ve been facing COVID together with everybody,” said Pastor Andrew Clout.

“We’ve made God accessible, and our message is quite real – as we emerge from the pandemic, we want to be part of the solution for people.”

A contemporary style of service, the church offers a modern and meaningful way to worship which attracts a congregation of all ages, who enjoy the live band playing moving songs and the informative preaching from Pastor Clout.

This year, New Life Church is looking forward to hosting some family fun days with jumping castles, food offerings and visiting speakers.

Linked with the New Life Church in Mackay, they are able to get access to high-profile speakers who attend both Mackay and the Whitsundays.

In the coming months they are looking forward to welcoming inspirational speaker, Shane Willard, who is a well-known American Bible teacher.

New Life is also planning a series of multi-cultural food nights showcasing some cuisine from around the world, including from their Filipino and South African church community.

In addition, the second annual Camp Unshakeable is due to take place mid-year.

Last year, the event attracted over 130 youngsters who all enjoyed connecting with mentors and learning about positive believes and relationships.

This year, it is hoped the event will get even bigger.

If you would like to be part of this forward-thinking and dynamic church, then simply like their Facebook page - NewLife Whitsundays - to keep up to date with the events.

If you wish to attend a weekly service, head down to the Whitsunday Christian College at 5pm each Sunday.

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The Whitsundays is on-track to become a thriving hub of marine farming thanks to two new Aquaculture campuses that have are due to be complete by the end of the year.

The $3.4 million Bowen Aquaculture Centre of Excellence will be located at the Bowen Campus and the $2 million Whitsunday Aquaculture Centre will be located in Cannonvale.

The architectural design plans are finalised in readiness for tender release and construction will commence next month.

Upon completion the campuses will boast a Smart Centre with data analysation and computerised training technologies, a Mixed Reality Virtual Room with training in advanced technology for the emerging industry needs and a Science Laboratory for data, sampling and analysis where the students can interact directly with the data gathered.

There will also be a general workshop and garage space with large work benches and an Aquaculture Shed with tanks will be housed to demonstrate the process of fish farming.

The Bowen campus will have some additional features including a Farmbot with a focus on robotics, nutrition, soil science, biology and coding.

There will also be a Growpod monitoring a stable growing environment to produce a wide

range of horticultural and agricultural products in all climates.

Our region is known nationally as the food bowl of the state and these two campuses are set to train future leaders in a new and emerging industry that will see aquaculture practices take centre stage.

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The Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) has been recognised on a national scale thanks to the dedicated work of its President and Chair, Ron Petterson, who has been nominated for an Impact Award.

For the past six years Mr Petterson has been a passionate advocate for changing the stigma surrounding suicide through his tireless work with non-for-profit foundation WSPN.

Organising numerous community events to raise money for different suicide awareness initiatives, Ron Petterson, alongside treasurer Paul Burke and other volunteers, have brought suicide into the conversation within our region.

From the hugely successful Queen Tribute Night at the Airlie Beach Hotel to fashion shows, men’s groups and family sporting events, Ron and the team ensure they are regularly front of mind and an active part of our lives.

“When we first started sponsoring events, we were told we couldn’t put our logo up because it had the word ‘suicide’ in it,” said Mr Petterson.

“Now we’ve come such a long way and you can even see our logo on the back of a bus!

“Making suicide a comfortable topic for people to talk about is what makes people feel comfortable to talk about it when they really need help.”

WSPN use all the money raised to actively help members of the community that are impacted by suicide or mental health issues.

There is a weekly breathing class held in Cannonvale which helps people relax and nurture their bodies and minds.

There is also funding for post-vention counselling, support for families impacted and suicide intervention training programs.

In 2018, the Whitsundays became the first place outside of a large city to host the annual Wesley Life Force National Conference thanks to the networking skills of WSPN.

“It really does take a team and family support,” said Ron when asked about his nomination.

“You can’t do these things without the people behind you, and I would like to thank my wife, Kellie and the kids, as well as everyone who has been part of WSPN over the years – it’s a community effort.”

Ron Petterson giving a speech at a fundraising event

Treasurer of WSPN Paul Burke, Ron Petterson and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP

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