Community News

Students Recognised At Whitsunday Anglican School’s 2026 Sports Awards

Students Recognised At Whitsunday Anglican School’s 2026 Sports Awards

Whitsunday Anglican School has celebrated a successful year of student sport, recognising the tremendous talent and achievements of its athletes at its 2026 Sports Awards. Among the major honours, the Bill Turner Cup Under-15 Soccer Team and Vicki Wilson Cup Year 7–9 Netball Team were named Sports Teams of the Year after winning their respective Mackay competitions and progressing to represent the Mackay Region at state competitions. Harriet received Sports Official of the Year for her commitment to netball umpiring, including her selection to officiate at Queensland Representative School Sport level, while Maverick and Chelsea were named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year for their sporting excellence, integrity and contributions to the school. The school also recognised Mr Jim Fredericksen for 20 years of volunteer coaching with its Archery Programme. Mayor Greg Williamson attended the awards, alongside guest speaker Mrs Deanna Turner, who shared insights into the value of sport in education. A former Queensland Firebirds netball player, Australian rugby league player and Queensland Rugby League coach, Mrs Turner is also a current Queensland Representative School Sport coach. Her presentation explored how sport can help build resilience, teamwork and leadership. The school congratulated all award recipients and students who represented Whitsunday Anglican School throughout 2026. Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School

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Property Point

Property Point

It’s the story about 30,000 drowned pigs and how it applies to real estate, best business practices and life in general. In an earlier life I was the editor of the Daily Mercury newspaper, back when it was published and printed six days a week and over 20,000 copies were sold on a Saturday. Different times in the media world. Anyway, this one day we were following a story about flooding in Rockhampton. Some days earlier there had been a lot of rain and some flooding in the Mackay region and, as often happens, the river system’s flood waters then made their way towards Rockhampton. When there is a rain event upstream a lot of water from various rivers and tributaries runs into the low-lying Fitzroy River system and into Rockhampton. It is very predictable and Rocky authorities can often establish that when there is flooding further north in places like Mackay that in a week’s time the Rocky area will be flooded. So up in nearby Mackay we were following the approaching flood and in communication with our sister paper in Rocky who were giving it massive coverage. It wasn’t Mackay so it wasn’t going to be front page in our paper but we were planning on a significant coverage. In the late afternoon one of our reporters came into my office and said: “30,000 pigs have drowned in the Rocky floods. They were washed away from a farm.” I said: “Thirty thousand pigs!? That’s a lot of pigs. Can we check on that?” The reporter came back five minutes later and said: “The story’s right. The farmer told the Rocky journo thirty thousand pigs have drowned from his property upstream from Rocky. Rocky’s running the story.” I asked if we had photos and he said they didn’t but would let me know when they had some, although none arrived that evening. We went pretty big on the drowning, as the Page 3 or Page 5 lead story with the obvious headline of 30,000 pigs drowning in the Rocky floods. Early the next morning the young journalist who had told me about the thirty thousand pigs drowning approached my office and tentatively knocked on the door. In a stammering voice he said: “Ah, look … about that, um, story about the, ah, thirty thousand pigs drowning near Rocky ...” I had an uneasy feeling, bordering on dread. “Uh ha … what about the pig story?” I asked. He said: “It wasn’t thirty thousand pigs. It was 30 sows and pigs.” I’m no mathematician but even I could work out that our story and big headline was out by about 29,970 dead pigs. I knew immediately how the miss-communication would have happened. A young Rocky reporter busily covering the floods. On the phone talking to a distressed farmer or piggery owner who blurts out: “Mate it’s terribly out here. I’ve lost 30 sows and pigs, all drowned.” If someone, speaking quickly, blurts out “thirty-sows-and-pigs” you can understand how someone could hear “thirty thousand pigs”. Also, who says “sows and pigs”? A piggery owner, obviously, but probably no-one else. Certainly not a reporter in the city. Anyway, we ran a correction the next day. The story reminds me that in life, real estate and business, listen to your gut. I had questioned the story. I thought 30,000 pigs was extremely unlikely but accepted it when the young reporter confirmed it. I should have asked more questions. I should have listened to my gut. In real estate, owners sometimes get the facts wrong … how many kilowatts in the solar system, how many litres the bore produces, when the previous owner had renovated the house. You can’t just pass these things on to a buyer as facts if you don’t know them 100 per cent true. You’ve got to be cautious, listen to your gut and check the facts.

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Queensland Telestroke Service is Saving Lives in Regional Queensland

Queensland Telestroke Service is Saving Lives in Regional Queensland

Queensland Telestroke Service is saving lives one video call at a time, recently providing life saving consultation to 37-year-old Mackay mum Angelica Murray. Angelica suffered a stroke whilst out with a friend, and was rushed to Mackay Base Hospital. Within minutes of her arrival she was connected by video to a specialist stroke neurologist who prescribed life-saving medication. “I was in the car with my friend and suddenly I couldn’t concentrate or remember names,” Angelica said. As her condition deteriorated, her friend rushed her to hospital. At the emergency department, staff immediately recognised the signs of a stroke. “I remember all the nurses and doctors working together so quickly,” Angelica said. “They were explaining everything, even the stroke doctor on the screen.” From the advice of the Queensland Telestroke Service (QTS) neurologist, Angelica received the clot busting medication she needed. The speed of the service made a life changing difference. “I started feeling better after a couple of hours,” Angelica said. Mackay Base Hospital is now recording the fastest stroke treatment times in the state. QTS is operating live across ten Queensland sites ( Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Ipswich, Makay, Toowoomba, Kingaroy, Rockhampton, Bowen, Proserpine, and Gladstone hospitals) with more than 850 patients being treated so far. 12 Queensland hospitals are planned to be added to the list. The service aims to make sure that regional patients are receiving specialist stroke care just as efficiently as those in central areas. Local Stroke Nurse Helen Nengasha, who has spent more than a decade caring for stroke patients, said seeing outcomes like Angelica's was exactly why the team has embraced Queensland Telestroke Service. “The introduction of QTS has streamlined care for patients experiencing time-critical strokes,” Helen said. “Now, it doesn’t matter where you live, you can get that expert care straight away. “In one recent case, the team achieved treatment in just 42 minutes, well under the national 60-minute benchmark. That’s the fastest we’ve ever done.”

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Pelvic Health Is Everyone’s Business

Pelvic Health Is Everyone’s Business

From toilet training to prostate health, pregnancy to menopause — why pelvic health matters to us all. When you hear the words pelvic floor, what comes to mind? Pregnancy? Childbirth? Perhaps those exercises you were told to do but never quite remembered? For many years, pelvic health has been viewed as a women’s health issue. But here’s something that might surprise you: everyone has a pelvic floor, and everyone can experience pelvic health problems. Whether you’re a child struggling with constipation, a new mum recovering from childbirth, a man experiencing bladder changes after prostate surgery, or someone navigating menopause, pelvic health plays an important role in everyday life. Our pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of our pelvis. These muscles support our pelvic organs, help control our bladder and bowels, contribute to sexual function and work alongside our abdominal muscles during movement. When things aren’t working as they should, the impact can extend well beyond the bathroom. It might be the child who avoids school toilets because passing a bowel motion hurts. The mum who stops running because she leaks urine. The man who avoids social outings because he’s worried about finding a toilet. Or the woman who believes pelvic heaviness is simply another part of getting older. Different people. Different stages of life. But one common thread: pelvic health can influence our confidence, activity levels and quality of life. And importantly, many pelvic health concerns can improve with the right support. Pelvic health physiotherapy is about much more than strengthening muscles. Treatment might involve bladder retraining, bowel management, improving muscle coordination, addressing pain or helping someone return to activities they love. Sometimes the answer is strengthening. Sometimes it’s learning to relax. And sometimes it’s simply understanding what’s happening in your body. This broader understanding of pelvic health is also why our clinic has recently embraced a new name. After five wonderful years as Women’s Health Physio Mackay, we are now proudly Pelvic Health Mackay. Our new name reflects something we’ve always believed: pelvic health is for everyone. While our name has changed, our team, our care and our commitment to helping the Mackay community remain the same. So here’s my question to you. Have you stopped doing something you love because of your bladder, bowel or pelvic health? Perhaps you’ve given up running because of leakage, avoided social outings because of urgency, or accepted discomfort because you thought it was simply part of getting older. You don’t have to wait until symptoms become overwhelming to seek help. Many concerns can improve with appropriate assessment, education and individualised treatment. If something doesn’t feel right, start the conversation. Speak with your GP or a pelvic health physiotherapist and find out what support is available. Because pelvic health isn’t just about muscles, bladders or bowels. It’s about confidence, independence and enjoying life without unnecessary limitations. Pelvic health isn’t just women’s business. It’s everyone’s business. And your health deserves attention. Lauren Neill | APA Titled Women’s, Men’s & Pelvic Health Physiotherapist | Pelvic Health Mackay

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Search Continues For Man Lost At Sea

August 24, 2023

It has now been two weeks since 36-year-old Lee Eastham disappeared from Pioneer Bay here in the Whitsundays on his three-metre tinny with his little white Jack Russel dog named Axel.

The alarm was raised on Friday, April 8 but it was too late to start the search that day, so rescue teams jumped to action the following morning.

Despite consistent efforts to find Lee or any debris that might be from his vessel, nothing has yet been found.

The RACQ CQ Rescue Helicopter, VMR Whitsunday, Water Police and countless boating locals have all been looking for any sign of him.

A Facebook group called the Lee Eastham Official Community Search has been established and is now being managed by an Australian Missing Persons Advocate.

Any locals cruising our waterways are encouraged to go onto this page and confirm where they have been so that a map of all the search areas can be collated.

“The map gets updated all the time, so people aren’t going to the same place,” said Tammy Leech who is a spokesperson for the family.

Lee’s parents, Gail and Michael Eastham drove through the night from their hometown of Hervey Bay as soon as they heard the news and have been holding a daily vigil at the Pioneer Bay Boat Ramp in Cannonvale ever since.

They were joined by Lee’s best friend Craig Jackson who has since driven Lee’s car back down to Hervey Bay.

The Eastham’s are no strangers to tragedy which makes this experience even more horrendous for the family.

They lost their other son to suicide in 2016 and three years later their family house burnt down.

Speculation has mounted that perhaps Lee suffered the same fate as his brother but spokesperson, Tammy Leech, said this would be impossible.

“It’s not suicide – he would not do that to his parents,” she said.

“He only went out to get a feed of prawns for his neighbours and there is no way he would have taken his dog.”

Lee is known to be a survivalist having been lost in the jungle in Thailand for some weeks a few years ago, so his family are confident he would know how to fend for himself.

“It has been some time now,” said Tammy.

“He must be very weak, so it is more important now than ever before that we all do as much as we can to find him.”

The official search has been scaled back so Lee’s family is relying on local boaties to continue looking in an area that could extend north as far as Ayr, if the tide were to have taken him there.

The family would like to thank everyone who has helped them so far and taken the time to look as well as offer support, including local businesses who have provided food.

There is also a GoFundMe page if you would like to donate to help with living expenses for the family while they are here.

The search continues and Lee and his loved ones are in all our hearts.

Information in this article was up to date as of 2pm Wednesday, April 20.

Lee Eastham has been missing for two weeks

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Funding To Support Local Fishers

August 24, 2023

Fisheries Minister Mark Furner visited Mackay earlier this month to announce grants to three local groups as part of the $250,000 fishing projects initiative.

The Mackay Recreational Fisheries Alliance will receive almost $2500 to replace equipment used in its schools’ fish program.

OneLife NQ will receive $5500 to provide tools to encourage local NDIS participants to be included in fishing clinics.

And Calen District State College P&C will receive $4100 to bring together rural students with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to share and teach culture, traditional fishing methods and caring for land and sea.

MP for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert congratulated the three groups on receiving the grants which will promote more recreational fishing throughout the region.

Councilor Alison Jones represented the Mackay Recreational Fisheries Alliance.

“This grant will continue the great work Mick Connolly and their angler education team do, working with local schools teaching our young anglers about sustainable fishing,” Councillor Jones said.

Councillor Alison Jones, Fisheries Minister Mark Furner and MP for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert

Mackay Recreational Fisheries Alliance, MP for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, Councillor Alison Jones, Fisheries Minister Mark Furner

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Abuse It; We May Lose It

August 24, 2023

Vandalism is becoming a frequent problem at Haliday Bay, with the swimming enclosure being a prime target for thoughtless vandals in recent years.

Over the last two years, the enclosure has been vandalised five times at a cost of more than $5000.

The most recent incident occurred in late February when council staff discovered a huge slash in the back of the net, which has now been repaired.

The net has also been removed from the posts on multiple occasions, making the structure unusable until staff are able to reattach it.

Unfortunately, it is ratepayers who must cover the repair bills on this popular community asset. It is also an inconvenience to residents who cannot use the enclosure while it is being repaired.

Residents are being asked to report acts of vandalism of community assets to council by calling 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

Haliday Bay enclosure. Images supplied: Mackay Regional Council

Vandalism to enclosure

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Fun Run Returns To Sarina Beach

August 24, 2023

Preparations are powering full steam ahead for the 2022 Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Fun Run, following the success of last year’s event.

Naming rights sponsor Community Bank Sarina’s Board Chair Karen May said that the aim of Cruisin’ the Coast was to provide a “carefree space for the community to get together after yet another challenging year faced by many”.

“Cruisin’ the Coast is a great way for families and friends to reconnect. Whether you want to walk or run, we just want everyone to enjoy the day at their own pace and be reminded of why we love our community so much,” Ms May said.

Registrations are now open to participate in the Cruisin’ the Coast Fun Run, to be held on May 22 at beautiful Sarina Beach.

There will be five separate events to choose from, including a new half marathon event for more serious contenders. Participants can choose to run or walk at their leisure, making this event suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club President Neil John said the Club “couldn’t be more thrilled” to host Cruisin’ the Coast for the third year running.

Previous run ambassadors Brenda Windsor and Kay Nyenuh have once again been announced as the official 2022 run ambassadors.

“We’re really putting our all into making this a fun event to remember for our participants,” said Mr John.

“It’s been such a joy to see people gather on Sarina Beach from all over the region to enjoy an invigorating morning outdoors.

“We made sure there will be an event for people of all ages to enjoy. However, this year, we’ve introduced a new event – a half marathon - to spur some healthy competition amongst the seasoned runners.

“A big thank you to our naming rights sponsor, Community Bank Sarina, for their continued support of Cruisin’ the Coast.

“All in all, we just want everyone to bring their friends and family along to connect and have some fun.”  

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.sarinafunrun.com.au.

The 2021 Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Fun Run was a successful event. Organisers are hoping this year’s event will be as well supported

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WAR VETERAN

August 24, 2023

After a well-timed TV ad and a bet with his mother, Steve Haidle joined the Navy.

“The only part of the ad I remember is the submarine being in it and I said to Mum ‘I’ll be in there in a month’s time’, just jokingly,” Steve said.

“And I was, I joined up and I was on my bike down to Victoria.

“She told me ‘Do not ever come home if you get a tattoo’, so I never got a tattoo,” he laughed.

Steve was born in Wynnum in 1984.

He grew up in the Brisbane bayside suburb and got a job in the office of the livestock department with Queensland Bacon where he worked for 18 months.

At the age of 17, Steve joined the Royal Australian Navy in Brisbane City, a move that would see him serve in Vietnam.

“We Were Lucky And Unlucky”

Steve Haidle was sent to HMAS Cerberus at Western Port Bay in Victoria where he did three months of recruit school before being drafted onto HMAS Hobart in Sydney.

He had the goal of becoming a Physical Training Instructor but was instead made a quartermaster gunner in the seaman branch where he completed a test to aim Seacat missiles.

HMAS Hobart was sent to Vietnam in March 1967 with Steve on board.

He says about half of the men onboard were drafted onto another ship before its departure.

“We were sort of lucky and unlucky; lucky in the fact that we got war service, unlucky that we could’ve got killed,” he said.

The ship left Sydney with 330 men onboard.

Steve says the quarters weren’t too bad; cards and mahjong were played in the recreation area in downtime.

In his role on the ship, he would complete six-hour shifts on a lookout station above the bridge of the ship.

When it came to action stations, he would rush below deck where he would load 70kg bullets into a magazine to be automatically taken to a gun five decks above.

Steve returned from Vietnam in September 1967 and continued to serve in the Navy until 1975.

He returned to Brisbane after his departure from the Navy where he went back to work for Queensland Bacon for five years.

He made the move to Mackay in 1980 when he accepted an opportunity to manage the food and beverage section of the racecourse in Ooralea.

After 12 months in that role, which he loved, Steve worked in office equipment and bottle shops around Mackay before returning to Brisbane in 2004 and retiring in 2008.

He got married in 2009, a marriage that took him to The Philippines for six years before he and his wife came back to Mackay where he says he knows the area and the people well.

After leaving the Navy, Steve stayed active in the military community by getting involved in the Naval Association and the HMAS Hobart Association before joining RSL Mackay in 2018.

He says staying involved has been an important part of his life after the military.

“You meet new friends; you meet old friends,” he said.

“It’s somewhere you can go, and they know what you’re talking about, and you know what they’re talking about.”

As a committee member for RSL Mackay, Steve looks after purchasing, planning, and setting up merchandise and memorabilia.

He is currently working hard towards ANZAC Day, an important day to him.

“It’s a remembrance, to me.”

He is planning displays at Harrup Park and Parkside Plaza, and you will catch him selling merchandise at Parkside Plaza between Tuesday and Saturday next week.

On the day, Steve will be involved in the RSL’s activities including the dawn service, the march, selling memorabilia, raffles, and, of course, a few friendly games of two-up.

“We were sort of lucky and unlucky; lucky in the fact that we got war service, unlucky that we could’ve got killed,” he said.

“It’s a remembrance, to me.”

Steve Haidle will be selling commemorative ANZAC Day merchandise at Parkside Plaza next week. Photo: Sam Gillespie

HMAS Hobart’s company in Hong Kong in 1967

Steve’s role on HMAS Hobart saw him load 70kg bullets into a magazine before it was automatically taken up to a gun five decks above

Steve and a fellow seaman on their first night home from Vietnam in Sydney in 1967. Photos: supplied

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A Hero’s Sacrifice Turns Into Heartbreak

August 24, 2023

A former stockman who fought in World War One returned home to Clermont to find his entire family tragically washed away in Australia’s worst floods.

More than 60 people were killed, making it the worst in Australia's history in terms of loss of life in December 1916.

Private Arthur Alfred O’Donnell enlisted in the army on 17 November 1916, 41 days before the wall of water travelled the creeks and hit the historic gold and coal mining town.

The horrific news of his wife, two children and mother-in-law’s drownings did not reach Pte O’Donnell until he was discharged and returned home in 1919.

Pte O’Donnell had survived frostbite in Belgium in 1917, several wounds in action ranging from a deep gash to the face to a gunshot wound in his left shoulder in France in 1918. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said unimaginable sacrifices such as Pte O’Donnell will be among the stories remembered this Anzac Day.

“We will again proudly stand shoulder-to-shoulder from the Isaac coast to the west in Clermont, Isaac residents to honour the nation’s most sacred commemorative services,” Mayor Baker said.

“Pte O’Donnell, who was in the 26th infantry battalion, was on his way to the battlefront in Europe when his wife Winifred, his children and his mother-in-law Sarah Foster, lost their lives in the Clermont floods.

“We cannot imagine the torment this man had suffered while on the battlefield to protect our way of lives today to only come home to have lost everyone he had loved most in this world.”

Clermont Historical Centre says little is known about the rest of the former stockman’s

Private Arthur Alfred O’Donnell, Mrs O’Donnell and their child. Source: National Library of Australia

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A ‘Cool’ Idea Closer To Reality

August 24, 2023

A plan for a permanent ice rink in Mackay has been gathering momentum like a snowball downhill after Danish ice hockey player and Mackay local Andreas Elkjaer skated the idea for the Sugar City.

Andreas, who moved to Mackay in June last year, was desperately missing the ice - a place he said “feels like home” - and decided that he would take it upon himself to get Mackay its first permanent rink.

That led Andreas to Frozen Wonderland ice rink owner Ken Jensen – a Bundaberg resident who in previous years had tried to start up rinks in Mackay, but struggled to find a suitable location. The pair started searching for a 1000 square metre space to put up the rink, and have had some promising sites already.

“I asked the question whether there was a possibility for an ice rink because I was curious, and I was putting myself out there,” Andreas said.

“Mackay, it’s not a typical winter sport city, so I was curious to how people would react.

“I knew there was interest but I was surprised by how positive people were and what a great interaction I’ve had with people.”

With simple criteria: A shed of around 1000 square metres and 20 parking spots somewhere in Mackay, Andreas took to Facebook to gauge how hot or cold locals would be on a permanent installation.

He received over a thousand responses.

“We have found two or three great options, which we’re keeping for ourselves, but there are good options out there; two or three that could meet his criteria,” he said.

Of those two or three options, Ken has already visited one site and is very positive about its potential.

“We’ve had a look at a site and we’re negotiating with the owner. We’re just looking at the bits and pieces of whether it would be feasible,” Ken said.

Ken is bringing the financial backing for the project, with his budget roughly $100,000 per year to run the rink – installing solar and insulation.

In previous years Mackay has hosted temporary rinks at the Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre and at Canelands, each time wildly popular.

Ken said that, with Councillors positivity about the idea, the rink could be up as soon as the July school holidays.

“I have everything required for the job – chillers, skates. It’s all sitting there and it’s a matter of ticking all the boxes,” he said.

“It’s a matter of waiting to secure the building and finding the staff and getting it all up and running.”

Andreas Elkjaer is a new Mackay local hoping to bring ice skating and ice hockey to the Sugar City

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Teenager In Critical Condition After Beach Accident

August 24, 2023

A teenager is fighting for life in a Brisbane hospital after suffering severe injuries in a dirt bike accident on Sarina Beach last weekend.

RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked by Queensland Health to airlift the teenager who was reportedly in critical condition.

A RACQ CQ Rescue spokesperson said the 17-year-old rider lost control of the bike on the beach about 5pm on Saturday, April 9 and suffered facial and internal injuries as well as possible spinal injuries.

“The rescue helicopter landed on the beach to meet first responders and ambulance officers just 10 minutes after takeoff from Mackay,” the spokesperson reported.

“The aircraft did not shutdown as the patient was loaded into the aircraft due to the fast-incoming tide.

“The aircraft quickly relocated to an oval adjacent to the beach so the medical team on board, including a Critical Care Paramedic and doctor, could continue to work on the patient for about 50 minutes before flying the teen to Mackay Base Hospital in a critical condition.”

The severity of the injuries meant the teenager was later flown to Princess Alexandra Hospital. Their condition at time of writing was unknown.

A 17-year-old dirt bike rider suffered critical injuries after an accident on Sarina Beach. Images: RACQ CQ Rescue

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Councillors Pitching In

August 24, 2023

Preparations for ANZAC Day at the Bloomsbury Soldiers Memorial Hall are now one step closer thanks to a generous gesture from Councillor Alison Jones and her husband Rick.

Rick recently gave his Sunday morning to repaint the hall’s flagpoles in preparation for the traditional celebrations held at the hall using paint donated by PI Technical Services.

The timely display of community spirit has been appreciated by all in the Bloomsbury region.

The Bloomsbury Soldiers Memorial Hall posted on Facebook, “we are so appreciative of Councillor Alison Jones and her husband Rick, who very kindly spent a recent Sunday repainting our flag poles in readiness for Anzac Day 2022.”

The Bloomsbury Soldiers Memorial Hall will host a dawn service on ANZAC Day from 5:30am.

In another terrific example of councillors contributing to the community, Councillor Laurence Bonaventura recently paid a visit to Calen News and General Store to pick up supplies for a very important job.

Laurence went out to Yalboroo, 50 minutes north of Mackay, to mow the bus stop, picking up supplies from the general store on his way.

The well-equipped store was able to provide everything Laurence needed, including safety wear, to get the job done and was happy to contribute to the project.

Rick Jones, husband of Councillor Alison Jones, recently spent a Sunday morning painting the flagpoles at the Bloomsbury Soldiers Memorial Hall ready for ANZAC Day

Councillor Laurence Bonaventura got everything he needed from Calen News and General Store before mowing the Yalboroo bus stop. Photos: supplied

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Former Pilot Takes Controls Of Regional Rescue Service

August 24, 2023

With more than 20 years in the aviation industry, a former pilot has taken over the controls of our region’s helicopter rescue service.

RACQ CQ Rescue has announced the appointment of Tim Healee as the not-for-profit service’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

With a wealth of experience in the aviation industry combined with a passion for charity work, Tim will take the reins of the Mackay-based rescue helicopter operation from Ian Rowan on April 26.

Tim, who was previously based on the Gold Coast and in North Queensland, is a former pilot who has more than 20-year experience in both senior management and the aviation industry.

He has worked in helicopter training centre management, aeromedical operations and most recently, as the CEO of a regional airline based in Far North Queensland. He has also been closely involved with charities across Queensland, helping to improve the lives of disadvantaged youth and marginalised communities.

Mr Healee said he was looking forward to leading a world-class organisation which was held in such high esteem by the community and by its supporters and further building upon the five-year stewardship of Mr Rowan who is retiring.

“I fully understand and have first-hand experience of the important role aviation plays in regional Queensland, but more specifically, how vital access to critical aeromedical care and retrieval is due to the sheer size and remote nature of this region,” Mr Healee said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Ian Rowan over the last five years and congratulate him on delivering some great projects for the organisation. I also take this opportunity to wish him all the best for his future in his retirement.”

RACQ CQ Rescue Board Chairman Chris Wright said Mr Healee had extensive experience and knowledge in aviation and business management and would help ensure the Mackay-based rescue helicopter service continued its high standard of professionalism and providing the best aeromedical emergency service to the Mackay, Whitsunday and Bowen Basin communities.

“Tim’s vast range of skills will ensure RACQ CQ Rescue’s mission to deliver the most cost-effective, reliable, safe and clinically excellent patient rescue and transfer service will continue to be achieved,” Mr Wright said.

“On behalf of the Board, we welcome Tim to the role and look forward to working with him to navigate RACQ CQ Rescue to even greater heights.”

Mr Healee will commence work at the Mackay Airport hangar and operations centre on Tuesday, April 26.

RACQ CQ Rescue’s new CEO Tim Healee. Image supplied

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Proserpine Veterans Golf

August 24, 2023

What a beautiful day it was for golf last week, which attracted 25 participants for Proserpine Veteran’s Golf April Monthly Medal.  

The ladies’ winner on the day was Mandy Patterson (73 nett), second Lyn Muller (74), and the men’s winner with a fantastic score of 63 nett was John Oates, second was Peter Fox (72 c/b).

Nearest the pins for the ladies all went to Lyn (9th, 13th and 16th) while the men went to Neil Crawthorne (13th) and Peter Fox (16th).  

There were three chip ins on the day: Ken Granger, Neil Cawthorne and Nick Apruzzese.  

Least putts on the day for the men was Peter Fox with 27 and for the ladies Lyn Muller, Mandy Patterson and Elspeth Scotford all had 31.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Mandy Pattersonn and John Oates

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Airlie Beach Parkrun

August 24, 2023

This week 73 people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course for Airlie Beach parkrun, with the rain holding off for most participants but came in a downpour for some.

Twenty first timers came out in force and seven participants recorded new personal bests: Doug, Trent, Nyrie, Roger, Carly, Irene and Lynne.

Astonishingly, Sylvie Martin and Margaret Coote completed their 200th parkrun.

The event was made possible by 17 wonderful volunteers: Nick Beecroft, Bob Barford (Run Director), Timothy McQuoid-Mason (Photographer), Kara Olver, Lesley Barford, Robyn Corrigan, Andrea Farley, Rebecca Hadley, Nathalie Blomme, Craig Boxer, Wendy McCall, Susanne Willmott, Ronald McCall, Laura Oates, Aiden, Lynne Oates and Geoff Newby-Butt.

It’s Easter weekend next week. We need a photographer, if you are available to take photos, or for any other volunteer role please send a message to airliebeach@parkrun.com.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard.

There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.

The full results and a complete event history can be found at https://www.parkrun.com.au/airliebeach/results/latestresults/

Further photos and details about registering can be found on the Airlie Beach parkrun Facebook page.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun.

Kids were out and about for the 5km, enjoying their school holidays with some fitness

Andrea welcoming the first timers

The team of terrific volunteers

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Whitsunday Gymgoers Smash Their Goals

August 24, 2023

Fitness fanatics of the Whitsundays came to the end of their eight-week fitness challenges at the Base 51 Functional Fitness gym in Cannonvale this month.

The gruelling signature challenge was led by Head Trainer John Russolillo who said that the program “hits you from all angles.”

Splitting into two teams - Black Ops led by John and Sand Dogs led by fitness trainer Monique Pattison - the 40 challenge competitors set their personalised goals and smashed through them.

Based on their metrics and fitness, the coaches created 8-week programs that included everything from nutrition to strength training.

On Mondays and Wednesdays for eight weeks, they built their bases of strength, fitness, mobility, one rep max for squats and deadlifts, completed their first chin-ups or push-ups and more.

And come the end, whoever gained the most muscle and lost the highest body fat percentage was the winner.

John said that, although the physical side of things were important, plaudits needed to be given to the nutritional side.

“It’s the nutrition that helps massively and I have to shout out Manuela Modai - she does so much for the challenge and deserves a ton of recognition,” he said.

“I also want to thank Simon and Linda Lee, the owners of the gym because without them, none of it would be possible.”

Winners were announced at Anchor Bar in early April, with John’s team Black Ops claiming the top three competitors, as well as the overall winner Brian Wells, a 60-year-old paramedic and “an absolute legend.”.

Brian gained 4.8kg of lean muscle mass and lost about 2.5 per cent body fat.

“He’s made a lot of progress and he knows he can make more – he’s leaned out, but he was an ex-sprinter and a surfer, he just keeps going and getting accolades!” John said.

Mel Chapman came in second, having completed the challenge alongside personal training – her regular Monday and Wednesday, a Tuesday work out and a PT session on Thursdays. By the end, she achieved a personal best deadlift of 110kg.

Tracey Garett was the third-place finisher, also achieving excellent goals.

“She’s a great weightlifter who did a personal best deadlift at 115 kilograms, gained 1.5 kilograms of muscle and lost 1.5 per cent body fat,” John said.

John believes that the results speak for themselves, and that small group personal training is the future of gyms.

“It blends both worlds together seamlessly,” he said.

The next Base 51 Functional Fitness eight-week challenge will kick off in May.

John Russolilo, Monique Pattison, Brian Wells, Mel Chapman, and Manuela Modai celebrating the end of the eight-week challenge

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Collinsville Waterpark Creates A Splash

August 24, 2023

The new $1.2 million Collinsville Waterpark was officially opened to the public earlier this week and local children were excited to explore the free community facility.

With two thrilling water slides, a tipping bucket, water jets and shaded paddling area, the Collinsville Waterpark will offer a welcome and fun reprieve for families and tourists alike.

The equipment and the shade sails replicate the bright colours of Whitsunday Regional Council, whilst animal images and footprints tip toe over the anti-slip splash pad.

Mayor Andrew Willcox said the new waterpark was a great addition to the already existing Lion’s Park Precinct.

“One of the best features about this waterpark is that it is truly accessible to everyone,” said Mayor Willcox.

“The new fencing we have installed around that park also offers a safe haven for play, separating users from the road corridor.”

The new waterpark is the result of a Whitsunday Regional Council led Collinsville and Scottville community consultation in 2020 where over 100 submissions revealed that almost 50 per cent of people considered a new waterpark as their top priority.

“We listened to your feedback and today we are proud to officially open our $1.2million waterpark in Collinsville,” Mayor Willcox said.

The waterpark was constructed with funding from the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

Mayor Andrew Willcox officially opens $1.2 million Collinsville Waterpark

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Pet Rescue Permanently Closed

August 24, 2023

Over three years Helping Hands Animal Rescue Bowen Incorporated helped close to 700 animals find their forever homes before permanently closing its doors last month

Helping Hands Animal Rescue Bowen Vice President Natalie McPhee said “life got in the way”, and the organisation slowly lost its lifeblood, the volunteers.

At its heights the organisation was a collection of 20 people, with its core committee of eight slowly whittling down to four and leaving them with little choice but to close.

“I had many people say they would volunteer, but the last meeting we had 15 people say they could help, but only one turned up,” Ms McPhee said.

“People want to work with animals, they don’t want to do the administrative side; they want to help, but they just want to do the fun stuff, not turning sausages and doing paperwork.”

Ms McPhee said that Helping Hands was almost a full-time job for many of its volunteers.

“Some mornings, by the time you do your family stuff, your work stuff, your rescue stuff, you’d be going to bed at 3.00am and getting up at 6.00am.”

“Those are the sacrifices you make.”

Members of the community expressed their sadness to see the organisation go, and Ms McPhee said the Facebook Page is still receiving messages asking for animals or asking for help with animals.

“It is really sad, even the Vets in town said it’s very sad to see it close, because it’s a service we need,” Ms McPhee said.

“Without us, it will put more pressure on organisations like Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue.”

Helping Hands is redirecting any animal rescue or fostering enquiries to Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue and Animal Rescue Whitsunday.

Helping Hands Animal Rescue Bowen Incorporated was forced to close in March due to a lack of volunteers

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