The installation of a shopping centre bench wouldn’t normally involve the centre manager and a regional mayor, but this isn’t any ordinary bench – it’s a red bench.

Red benches are an initiative of the Red Rose Foundation in collaboration with Local Governments and community organisations across Australia.

This latest red bench, the fifth in the Mackay region, was launched last week at Caneland Central by Mayor Greg Williamson and centre manager Simon De Barro.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council had been working to install red benches as a permanent reminder that domestic and family violence occurs in all communities.

“Domestic and family violence is still one of the leading reasons for daily police callouts in our region, so we are definitely not immune from this community blight,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It is a scourge on our community. Still to this day, there are 15 callouts per day by Mackay District police.

“In addition to serving as a reminder of this issue in our community and sparking conversation about everyone’s role in ending domestic and family violence, our region’s benches also include the addition of a QR code,” he said.

“The QR code links people directly to a domestic and family violence information page hosted on the Mackay Regional Council website, where victims can seek help.”

Caneland Central centre manager Simon De Barro said a lot of locals and tourists visit the Centre.

“Having a red bench here provides an opportunity to create greater awareness, not just during Domestic Violence Prevention Month (May) but all year round,” Mr De Barro said.

“It’s in a prominent location and will serve as a permanent reminder, to encourage people to have a conversation about family and domestic violence,” he said.

“Importantly, it also links community members to local and national support services via the QR code and floor graphics.”

As an initiative of the Mayor’s DV Taskforce, council have already installed two red benches in council outdoor spaces, one at the Bluewater Quay and one in the Civic Precinct.  

The mayor said council was delighted to be able to partner with other local organisations, including Lendlease, Sarina Bendigo Bank, ZONTA and Mackay Women’s Services, to have additional red benches installed.  

“We have plans for additional benches to be rolled out at significant community sites over the coming 12 to 24 months,” he said.

Mayor Greg Williamson (left) and Caneland Central Centre Manager Simon De Barro speaking to Samantha Hoang about the new red bench

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Mackay Women’s Services (MWS) can now offer more counselling for victims of family and domestic violence, thanks to a second location which was officially opened last week at Caneland Central.

Simon De Barro, Caneland Central Centre Manager said the space has been gifted to MWS with no lease cost as part of Lendlease’s commitment to delivering social value to the community.

“Lendlease has a goal to create $250 million in social value by 2025 which is a significant target. This initiative between Caneland Central and Mackay Women’s Services will generate almost $250,000 in social value for the local community,” Mr De Barro said.

Late last year, a vacant Caneland Central tenancy was transformed into a dedicated facility with three fit-for-purpose spaces for MWS. To meet the additional demand, the counselling service has seen a 50 per cent increase compared to the twelve months prior to help alleviate increasing waitlists faced by those who need support.

MWS have been in operation at the Centre since January 2022 and over 800 sessions have been delivered on site to date, with three counsellors based at the Centre on a full-time basis.

“As a central community hub, we see a real need to support this service in the community,” Mr De Barro added.

“The dedicated space offers additional support and greater accessibility to community members and is well serviced by public transport. The location also benefits from having security and Police Beat onsite, providing a safe and secure environment.”

Linda-Ann Northey, Mackay Women’s Services Chief Executive Officer said it’s wonderful to have this much-needed extra counselling space for children and their mums who have experienced trauma and to help meet the demand for our services.

“The location offers an alternative approach to counselling, in particular for young men and boys who may be more comfortable at this location rather than attending sessions at our main facility,” Ms Northey said.

Caneland Central has been a member of the Mayor’s Domestic Violence Taskforce since 2017 and continues to partner with like-minded organisations to work towards making the Mackay community a safer place for all.

Linda-Ann Northey Mackay Women’s Services Chief Executive Officer, Mayor Greg Williamson and Simon De Barro Caneland Central Centre Manager officially opened the Mackay Women’s Services counselling facility at Caneland Central

Mackay Women’s Services staff joined Chief Executive Officer Linda-Ann Northey at the official launch at Caneland Central last week. Photo Credit: Amanda Wright

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Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry has thanked the people of Capricornia for electing her for a historic fourth term.

“It is an incredible honour and a privilege to serve my community in the Federal Parliament,” Ms Landry said.

“Thank you to my amazing family, staff, and volunteers for the incredible commitment during early voting and on election day, braving the pouring rain and the wild wind.

“Running a federal election campaign is a huge task and I want to thank everyone who has been involved.”

Ms Landry said that she will continue to work hard for Capricornia and hold the incoming Labor Government to account on the plethora of promises that were made for Central Queensland.

“Labor has promised a lot for Central Queensland, and I will hold them to account to ensure that every promise is delivered,” Ms Landry said.

“This includes, stage one of the Isaac Resources Excellence Hub in Moranbah, $200 million for priority sections of the Bruce between Rockhampton and Gladstone, a Medicare Care Clinic in Rockhampton and an Electric Vehicle and Energy Training Centre in Mackay.

“Capricornia is the electorate where I was raised and where I decided to raise my two daughters. It is a community I truly love.

“I’ve hit the ground running on day one and will continue to advocate for important projects across our region.

“Thank you again Capricornia, I will not let you down.”

Ms Landry’s election commitments included:

•$14.4 million to replace the Phillips Creek Bridge on Saraji Road

•$483 million to build Urannah Dam

•$100,000 for the rebuild of Collinsville QCWA Hall – taking total federal funding to $450,000

•$6 million to Beef Australia

•$2.9 million to fund Archer Street Drainage Scheme Stages 1 & 2

•$2.8 million to upgrade the Nebo Showgrounds

•$10 million for a CQ Motor Sporting Complex

•$5 million for new veteran wellness services in Kinchant Waters and Mackay

•$10 million to upgrade the Rockhampton Airport

•$11 million to Keppel Brand to build a food value adding manufacturing facility

•$400 million to improve Queensland beef road corridors

•$6.18 million to upgrade Artillery Road and Greenlake Road

•$5 million to upgrade the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange Facilities

•$3.86 million for West Tigers Sporting Complex

•$6 million for Belmont Research Station

•$795,000 to MRAEL for their CYCLE: Creating Youth Change and Leading Engagement Program

•$9 million for a new Mackay Electric Vehicle and Energy Training Centre in Mackay

•Almost $7.7 million for better telecommunications

•Up to $24 million to be invested in the Rockhampton and Shoalwater region for four job creating projects

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He was on the campaign trail longer than any other candidate for Dawson, but instead of being disappointed for himself, Shane Hamilton says he hopes he didn’t disappoint the people who gave him their support.

“I want to extend a big thank you to the voters who saw something in me and what I stood for.

“Especially to the volunteers who helped during the campaign and on Election Day. We had an 86-year-old handing out ‘how to vote’ cards and some who drove to Prossy and Bowen. I really owe them a lot of thanks,” Mr Hamilton said.

While he managed to secure more than a 4 per cent swing in his favour, Mr Hamilton said he had wanted more to make Dawson a marginal seat.

“I was really hoping for more than a 10 per cent swing. Once you get within that 6 per cent, the seat is considered marginal instead of safe. That means more funding comes into the region because both sides really fight for the vote.

“Dawson deserves its fair share but that will only happen once the seat becomes marginal instead of safe.”

With Labor winning the Federal Election and Anthony Albanese becoming Australia’s 31st Prime Minister, Mr Hamilton said he’s looking forward to seeing the restoration of Medicare.

“MRI’s, hip replacements and knee replacements, the procedures that were stripped from Medicare, I’m glad that our health system will be restored to where it should be.”

During his time campaigning and working full-time in the mines, Mr Hamilton said the most enjoyable part was the interaction he had with a diverse range of people.

“There are a lot of great ideas out there, interacting with people and gaining an understanding of what the region needs was a privilege.”

When asked if he’ll run in the next election, he laughed and said ‘never say never’.

“I get to spend a lot more time with my family now.”

Family man Shane Hamilton paused his campaigning on Election Day to coach his son’s U6 Magpies rugby league team

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Three days after the election, roughly 76 per cent of the total votes had been counted for the seat of Dawson, with LNP’s Andrew Willcox holding 60.4 per cent of the preference count. The seat of Dawson was considered a safe seat for the LNP and this election matched the prediction, with it being one of the earliest seats in the nation to be called early on election night.

At 7:30pm on election night, Mr Willcox’s preference count was shown as 60.9 per cent, a figure that didn’t change too much over the following hours and days of counting. The seat had already been called as ‘LNP Retain’ at that point.

In the first preference vote, Mr Willcox received 43.4 percent, a positive swing of 0.4 per cent, over Labor’s Shane Hamilton with 25 per cent of first preference, an upward swing of 4.7 per cent.

It will be the fifth consecutive term where Dawson has been held by a member of the LNP.

While the seat had still not officially been declared, Mr Willcox took the opportunity to thank his campaign team, family and the people of Dawson.

“I would like to thank each and every one of you, who has voted for me and put your faith in me to represent you,” Mr Willcox said in a post on Facebook.

“To the volunteers, it has been a challenging few months, tough two weeks of pre-polling and an exceptionally long day on Election Day battling the weather conditions, but you kept turning up and giving it your all.

“Lastly, I wish to thank my family. Without the love and support of my wife, children and family I am nothing. You have been with me throughout this roller coaster ride, keeping me on the straight and narrow.”

Mr Willcox also acknowledged his opponents.

“I would also like to say well done to the six other candidates, families and supporters who put their lives on hold to stand up for what they believe in.

“You all ran a great campaign.”

Andrew Willcox casting his vote on Election Day. Photo Supplied

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Crossroad Arts Community Champion ReNew Mackay matched donations raised dollar-for-dollar to donate $5,000 to the Crossroad Arts 2022 Annual Giving Program. Crossroad Arts staff and Artist in Residence Brenden Borellini visited the ReNew Mackay offices to celebrate reaching the first target of $5,000.

As the 2022 Crossroad Arts Community Champion, ReNew Mackay have generously matched community donations dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000.

Director of ReNew Mackay, Craig Percival explained why ReNew Mackay chose to be the Community Champion for 2022. Craig said, “Supporting things in Mackay, from a financial point of view, is easy. It's what the people behind the scenes at Crossroad Arts do that is important to the Mackay Community and the work that really matters,” Mr Percival said.

“I encourage everyone to get involved, understand what Crossroad Arts is all about and become involved!”

Director of ReNew Mackay Sean Kelly said, “l encourage other businesses to have the conversation with Crossroad Arts, as there are different levels of support you can give.

“I think it is important to think about your business in the context of where it sits within the community and what support can be offered to organisations like Crossroad Arts.”

ReNew Mackay is a locally led private consortium with global and national success in urban regeneration and has been awarded the current redevelopment of Mackay Waterfront Development. As a local business they are committed to supporting local organisations.

Crossroad Arts are dedicated to creating outstanding inclusive art experiences for all people to build stronger communities. If you share their passion for inclusivity in your community you are invited to help them achieve their vision of Arts for All. Your support will help expand and enrich the annual program of workshops and events in regional and remote Queensland.

Donate to its 2022 Annual Giving Program up until 30th June 2022. Donate via the Crossroad Arts website at crossroadarts.com.au

Crossroad Arts Staff with Directors Craig Percival and Sean Kelly of ReNew Mackay celebrate a $5,000 matched donation

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He retired from Mater Private Hospital Mackay in 2008, but former registered nurse Paul Lanigan has continued his career of caring for people.

This year, Mr Lanigan clocked up a decade of volunteering at the Mater in Mackay, the same hospital where he worked as a midwife and manager of the operating theatres.

Mr Lanigan said helping others came as second nature to him, and during National Volunteers Week (16-22 May), he encouraged other retirees to follow in his footsteps.

“My career with the Mater started in 1979, and I worked my way up to be in charge of the operating theatre,” he said.

“These days, I enjoy volunteering once a week in the office where I can continue to contribute to the running of the hospital in my own little way.”

Mater Private Hospital Mackay Executive Officer Beth Thomas said Mr Lanigan was one of more than 60 volunteers who worked at the hospital.

“Everyone at Mater plays a role in our patients’ care experience, but it takes a special type of person to selflessly volunteer their time, energy and passion to help others,” Ms Thomas said.

“Throughout the year, our volunteers sacrifice hundreds of hours of their own time to fulfil a range of roles in clinical services, pastoral care and fundraising to ensure Mater continues to deliver the very best care to people when they need it most.

“Thank you to those special staff members who, through their personal contributions, make Mater Private Hospital Mackay a better place to visit and work every day.”

Ms Thomas said Mater Private Hospital Mackay expected to recruit six new volunteers this month.

Mr Lanigan encouraged others to give it a go.

“Everyone has different reasons for trying their hand at volunteering,” he said.

“But we all get the same fulfilment and sense of appreciation from doing it.”

Former registered nurse Paul Lanigan has just completed a decade of volunteering with Mater Private Hospital Mackay. Photo Supplied: Mater Hospital

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A Queensland-first trial has brought two state-of-the-art buses fuelled by local sugarcane to Mackay, all aimed at cutting carbon emissions.

The two bioethanol-fuelled buses are set to become a part of the city’s public transport network for a 12-month trial commencing in late May.

The fuel itself is being produced from locally grown sugarcane.

Mackay Transit Coaches began testing of the buses last week, with services scheduled to start later this month once all checks are complete.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert praised the benefits of the trial, for both employment and the environment.

“Bioethanol is more environmentally-friendly than traditional fuel used on many buses and I’m so pleased that Sarina based Wilmar BioEthanol Australia will be producing the fuel for the trial,” Ms Gilbert said.

“The new buses will hit the road, in their distinctive design, and I encourage everyone to jump on board.”

Ms Gilbert said this was an important project for the future of public transport in this state and an exciting chance for Mackay to play its part in the state’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future.

The $1.1 million project will build on the Queensland Government’s commitment that every new bus in Southeast Queensland will be zero emission from 2025, with regional implementation to begin between 2025 and 2030.

“This trial has the potential to influence state-wide demand for biofuels as a renewable fuel source for transport,” Ms Gilbert said.

“With Scania’s research indicating these bioethanol buses could reduce carbon by up to 90 per cent compared to traditional fuel, we’ll be watching this trial with excitement over the next 12 months.”

Ms Gilbert thanked Scania, Wilmar, the Department of State Development and BusTech, which built the buses at its Gold Coast facility, for their important roles in the trial.

Mackay Transit Coaches CEO Reagon Forsyth said he couldn’t wait to start using the new buses on the network.

“We’re proud to be part of this project and eager to start giving customers a new experience on the buses,” Mr Forsyth said.

“Together with the Queensland Government, we’re working towards greener public transport in Mackay and this is another step towards that objective.

“We’re thankful for the opportunity to play our part in the trial and can’t wait to see how it progresses.”

The trial is being funded by Scania and the Queensland Government.

Two bioethanol buses will operate in Mackay over the next 12 months in the state’s first trial of the technology

Mackay Transit Coaches CEO Reagon Forsyth refuelling one of the new buses

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Are you good with your hands? Can you turn trash into treasured art?

Mackay Regional Council is inviting expressions of interest from men’s groups to showcase works, craft and creations in next month’s Men’s Health Week Exhibition.

The exhibition will take place in the Jubilee Community Centre from June 13 to June 24, and will feature an opening event on Monday, June 13 at 6pm.  

Last year, the exhibition featured photos, woodwork and hand-man creations, with a focus on activities that “bring positive connection” (the 2021 theme).

This year, it is hoped the submissions will reflect the 2022 Men’s Health Week theme of “building healthy environments for men and boys”.

If you belong to a men’s social group, be that a men’s shed, support group or club, and have something you would like to feature in the exhibition, then council would like to hear from you as soon as possible.

To submit works, collaborate or for more information, contact council’s Community Development officer Tamara Flynn at tamara.flynn@mackay.qld.gov.au

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Mackay Isaac Tourism (MIT) has appointed its new interim Chief Executive Officer and it seems there’s no one more perfect for the job.

Natassia Wheeler will temporarily take the reins, drawing on her vast experience in the tourism industry while the Board recruits a new CEO following Tas Webber’s departure earlier this month.

Ms Wheeler has over 16 years’ experience in the industry, including her time leading Tourism Whitsundays as CEO over the past few years.

She says Mr Webber has left a legacy of dedication and passion and she hopes to build on his hard work.

“Tas has been a force in the organisation driving growth in visitation, length of stay, visitor expenditure, and dispersal to our region,” Ms Wheeler said.

“His leaving marks an end of an era.

“As I am stepping into my role as interim CEO, my main priority is to focus on ensuring consistency and continuity not just for the MIT team but also the MIT members and partners.

“During my time here in MIT, I would like to ensure that the region has a sustainable tourism base that is prosperous and progressive for the years ahead.”

Throughout Ms Wheeler’s 16 years in the tourism industry, she has gained a strong appreciation for the importance of regional tourism and recognises the vital role MIT plays in connecting visitors, tourism operators, and government stakeholders.

In a world where consumers want to travel for good, be closer to nature, attend world class events and enjoy the offerings of intoxicating food and wine, Ms Wheeler says the region has it all.

“There is a lot to love about this beautiful diverse region,” she said.

“Where else in the world would it take just five minutes to the beach and 40 minutes to the mountains?”

The Mackay Isaac region has already seen healthy growth in tourism experiences with the development of wallabies on the beach, the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail, Wildcat, and the growing event portfolio, and Ms Wheeler says experiences like these give the region a strong opportunity and future.

“As an organisation and community across the Mackay and Isaac areas, we need to work together to not only continue to build more experiences and products but support the ones we have,” she said.

“Tourism brings tremendous economic value to destinations, but it also touches and impacts several industries directly and many more indirectly through tourism spend.

“In addition, tourism is one of the important sources of employment generation in the Mackay Isaac region.”

Ms Wheeler is looking forward to attending the Mackay Beach Horse Races, the Mackay Festival of Arts, and the St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend over the next couple of months.

“One of the things I absolutely love is that the Mackay Isaac events calendar is jam-packed with amazing events,” she said.

Find out more about the diverse events across the region at www.mackayregion.com.au.

Ms Wheeler says the region has a lot to offer, all within easy reach of Mackay’s city centre

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Timber, tools, tea bags, and Tim Tams.

These are a few things you can find in the Seaforth Men’s Shed, along with the friendly, approachable, and skilful men that contribute so much to the community.

The role of the Men’s Shed is to provide a place for men to meet up, have a chat, and develop their skills, whether that be life skills or woodturning skills.

They are heavily involved in the community, donating their time to schools and other local establishments.

Last month, the Seaforth Men’s Shed donated two timber benches to Woolworths Marian.

Kerry Smith of Woolworths Marian says she found the need for comfortable chairs for people to sit on while waiting at the checkouts.

“It was suggested that we contact the Men’s Shed, which we did,” Kerry said.

Owen Clatworthy of Seaforth Men’s Shed said they frequently take donations of timber and furniture for such projects.

“Luckily, we had timber here, but my neighbour, her brother was moving house and wanted to know if we wanted some timber,” Owen said.

“So, we put our timber and the timber he had and ended up making the chairs.”

The exemplary display of community service was just one end of a good deal, with Woolworths Marian providing bread and sausages for an upcoming Men’s Shed sausage sizzle in return.

“They’re awesome, they’ve been very supportive, and Owen especially had rung me quite a few times and asked me what I thought of various aspects,” Kerry said.

“Woolworths are very proud to support them, especially with their barbecues, I know they raise a lot of money through their barbecues, so it’d be really great for the community to support them through that as well.”

You can find the men of the Seaforth Men’s Shed at their next sausage sizzle on June 12 at Bunnings North Mackay.

Camaraderie is another great benefit of Men’s Sheds.

Chris is a member who is travelling around Australia and says the guys at Seaforth Men’s Shed have welcomed him with open arms.

“The guys were really nice and welcomed me in, so I stayed for a little bit and helped them a tiny bit and doing a couple projects myself for my mental health so made me feel welcome,” Chris said.

The Men’s Shed is made up of members from Marian, Ball Bay, Hamden, Seaforth, and Mount Ossa.

The gents come from a variety of backgrounds including the military, surveying, and carpentry.

To anyone considering joining the Men’s Shed, Owen says “do it”.

“Just come and enjoy the company,” said fellow member Sam.

Seaforth Men’s Shed is open 9-12 Mondays and Tuesdays next to the Seaforth Bowls Club and men interested in joining are encouraged to just rock up.

They also welcome donations of furniture, equipment, and tools.

“That’s the idea of the Men’s Shed: discuss things, have a cup of tea, tell some jokes, and mainly just talk,” said Owen

“Men will talk more about their health issues more here than anywhere else.”

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Long-time historian and Mackay Historical Society Member Dr Lyall Ford is launching his new book next Friday as part of the Society’s fifty-year celebrations.

‘Against the Odds, The Life and Times of Frederick Stanley Williams Senior’ will be officially launched at the Jubilee Community Centre at Jubilee Park on Friday June 3 from 11am.

Dr Ford says he’s long had an interest in history which he has turned into a wide portfolio of publications about his family, main roads, health and photography.

“It was when my dad died that I got interested in researching family history and in those days, there was no internet,” he said.

“My mother collected a lot of photographs and stories and newspaper cuttings and all sorts of things in her lifetime, as did her sister, so I had a good foundation of a source of information from them.”

The story of ‘Against the Odds’ begins in the 1870s when Lyall’s mother’s grandfather first came to Mackay and worked as a wharfinger.

His son, who was Lyall’s grandfather, became an accountant before Lyall’s mother became the first female accountant in Mackay.

Dr Ford says his grandfather and other family members were involved in many local organisations and he delves into each of them in the book.

“It’s a family history, and there’s a heap of personal family stuff in there, but I did a history of every organisation that he was involved in,” he said.

These organisations include 4MK, Mackay Golf Club, Mackay Ratepayers Association, Mackay School of Arts, Mackay State School’s Committee, New Settlers League, Rotary Club of Mackay and the Temple Masonic Lodge.

Other well-known locals including Professor Clive Moore and the late Rod Manning, former editor and Walkley Award-winning journalist of the Daily Mercury, have also contributed to the writing of the book.

“Anyone interested in the history of Mackay will find heaps to read in there,” said Dr Ford.

Dr Ford says he’s relieved that this book is finally being launched.

“Especially one like this that took 10 years,” he said.

“I typed every word myself and did all the research myself.”

Those wishing to attend the launch are asked to RSVP to the Mackay Historical Society at mackaymuseum@gmail.com or 07 4953 0002 by Thursday June 2.

The book will be available for purchase at the book launch, through the historical society and through Lyall directly at lyall@taipanpress.com or 0400 772 278.

Dr Lyall Ford has a PhD in History and is launching his newest book next Friday

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A large section of Jubilee Pocket went into complete lockdown last Thursday afternoon when 44-year-old Paul Malcom Henderson, who was believed to be suffering an acute mental health episode, barricaded himself in the upstairs bedroom of his unit on Erromango Drive.

The exclusion zone included 100 metres encompassing Shute Harbour Road, Penticost Street, Cedar Crescent and Jubilee Pocket Road.

The situation began when a mental health care team attended the property to check on the welfare of its inhabitants.

They expressed concern to the Police who attended the property at 11.45am on Thursday, May 18.

It was established that, the Mr Henderson who had barricaded himself inside, was armed with a compound bow and wearing body armour. At this point, he was deemed to be a danger to himself and others.

By 4pm that afternoon, officers had blocked off the entire street and all direct neighbours in the apartment complex were not permitted to return home.

At approximately 6pm, up to 30 officers wearing military clothing had arrived at the scene with semi-automatic weapons.

During the evening, Police smashed windows on the property and drones were deployed to gather better intel.

On Saturday afternoon, police were confident that Mr Henderson posed "no threat to the community, however members of the public are advised to avoid the area and those within the exclusion zone are asked to remain indoors as a precaution."

By Sunday, motorists were allowed to leave Erromango Drive but not permitted to return once they did.

Neighbours, still not able to return to their homes, had now been displaced for the fourth night in a row with nothing but the clothes they were wearing on Thursday afternoon.

During the course of Sunday night, it is understood that fire hoses were used to spray water through the upstairs bedroom.

By the early hours of Monday morning, officers could no longer see Mr Henderson pacing around and, concerned for his safety, they entered the property at 7am making the arrest.

It is understood that he was found exhausted and unable to move.

Over the 5-day period, it is alleged that up to 20 arrows were fired at police and witnesses reported that, during the siege, police sounded a piercing alarm every five minutes.

No-one was injured but damage to emergency service vehicles was sustained.

Throughout the incident, police attempted to talk to Mr Henderson over a loudspeaker and by attempting to call his mobile phone, but at no point did he respond.

He has now been charged with six counts of attempted murder and two counts of wilful damage of police property.

If this incident or any of the content you have read has caused concern or distress for you or your family members, particularly children, please reach out for help and support by contacting:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au

Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au

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The Whitsundays welcomed a host of new Australians to the rank of citizens over the past week at ceremonies in Bowen and Cannonvale.

Seven conferees were officially made citizens at their service at the Queens Beach Hotel in Bowen on Thursday, May 19, and 35 more conferees were welcomed the following Tuesday at the Reef Gateway Hotel.

Officiated by Acting Mayor Mike Brunker, the ceremonies were a special occasion for all involved with family and friends watching on with proud smiles and cries of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!”

“Inducting citizens into the Australian community is a very important part of local government,” the Acting Mayor said.

“It’s a very special, important day for them. It’s fantastic – I have people from 22 years ago who will come up to me and say ‘Do you remember me? You gave me my citizenship 20 years ago. People remember them and cherish the days.”

In Bowen, Member for Burdekin Dale Last was a special dignitary on the day.

“It’s always nice to attend these ceremonies. They’re so excited to become new Australians citizens and permanent citizens of Australia, Mr Last said.

“To welcome them as Aussies, and particularly to regional places like Bowen, it’s a great thing.

“I extend my congratulations to all of them.”

Ambre Bougraud – a French expatriate - was just one of the new Australian citizens welcomed in the Bowen ceremony.

“It feels like a beautiful day. I feel privileged to be here and to be welcomed,” she said.

The 35 conferees in Cannonvale were joined by dignitaries including Councillor Al Grundy, Jan Clifford, and Gary Simpson, as well as Acting Mayor Mike Brunker.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm was unfortunately unable to attend, but celebrations were still in full swing as the new Australians cut the cake on a life down under.

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A familiar site has returned to the streets of Airlie Beach recently; young travellers with big smiles and backpacks have been trickling into our region, eager to explore and experience our Whitsunday way of life.

Heather Hewitt and Lucy Ball, 19-year-old travellers from Cheshire in the UK, were in Airlie Beach last week and, although they only stayed for two days, the pair said they would definitely be back.

Having arrived in Sydney, they spent time travelling up the coast and met loads of other backpackers along the way.

“We nearly didn’t come to Australia because we thought it wasn’t possible but then the rules changed so we could,” said Heather.

“COVID made us want to travel more after not being able to go anywhere for such a long time and we are so glad we came here; everyone is so friendly.”

Peter Upton, who has operated Backpackers By The Bay for the past 27 years, said that for the last two years they have only seen South American backpackers travel, many of whom decided to stay through the pandemic.

“The Europeans, Americans and Canadians all went home,” said Peter.

“It’s great to see them back again now!”

Julie Telford from Red Cat Adventures said that her charter boat company was also seeing a return of the backpackers.

Having adapted their tours to suit any domestic market, they are now thinking of re-launching their overnight backpacker vessel later this year.

Chief Operating Officer of Tourism Whitsundays, Rick Hamilton said that as international borders have opened The Whitsundays has seen the backpacker market re-emerge.

“Numbers are relatively low at this stage, but we expect this market to grow over the coming months, providing a gap in our job market,” he said.

“We look forward to working holiday makers experiencing our beautiful region.”

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Image: Backpackers Lucy Ball and Heather Hewitt

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