Arguably navigating people management is up there with cashflow and other demands, irrespective on the size of your business.

With ever-increasing industrial relations complexity and compliance requirements, businesses face more exposure and scrutiny when comes to how they are managing their employees and contractors. With significant financial penalties for non-compliance if known or even unknown, it is critical businesses are on top of their people management obligations.

To better support their members, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry is now offering a full suite of end-to-end employee relations and employer advocacy services in partnership with local Chamber member The Airlie Group.

The Airlie Group offers Chamber members a free of charge initial confidential consultation with structured general industrial relations and human resource advice.

“There are so many challenges IR and HR requirements place on regional businesses, particularly when we are also trying to juggle workforce availability and productivity - having local, independent expertise available to our members is highly valued,” said Chamber President Allan Milostic.

“We welcome The Airlie Group’s support services and encourage all our members to explore the range of local experts available to help business growth.”

Also, there are a number of other specialist business support services available from members to members:  

   • Finance expertise by Eclipse Financial Planning, Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting, and the Small Business Financial Counselling Service.  
   • Marketing and advertising advice and services from Melinda Louise Media, Kapow Interactive, and KB Design. 
   • Boost your business operations from the Mentoring for Growth program, and reviews by Luxton Safety and Compliance Australia and Zero Waste Solutions. 
   • Workforce solutions with the Whitsundays Customer Service Hero program, Business Wellness Coaches, and Industry Workforce Advisors.
   • Exclusive experiences with Airlie Beach Executive Services and Sailing Whitsundays. 

The Chamber wishes to thank these companies who support their members build their business. 

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Whitsunday Regional Council encourages homeowners and renters to be proactive in identifying concealed water leaks. Catching leaks early can save water, money, and reduce stress.
Look for signs like reduced water pressure, water pooling, damp patches, or unusually green grass. To check for a leak, turn off all taps and appliances for an hour and watch for any movement on your water meter reading dials.
If a leak is detected, make sure a qualified plumber completes the repair, and remember to include photos and a plumber’s report when applying for a bill concession from Whitsunday Water.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/WRCconcealedleaks.

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Following on from a recent article on maternity care in Proserpine, here is the story of two very special nurses from a past era who are remembered as a great nursing team in the maternity ward - Monie Ward and Minnie Oakhill, affectionately referred to as “M and M”.

MINNIE OAKHILL was born Mena Deicke on October 28 1903, the eldest child of Harry and Mary Deicke. She was schooled initially in Bowen and Townsville then finished her education at All Hallows College in Brisbane, travelling there by ship as there was no rail line through to North Queensland at the time.
After leaving school, Minnie worked at her parents' Palace Hotel. She started her nursing career by joining the Voluntary Aid Detachment during the war. After completing the required hours for her certificate at Proserpine District Hospital, she joined the nursing staff where she eventually worked in the maternity ward for many years and was a well-known and highly respected “Middy” in the district.
Word has it that “everything went on hold” in maternity while Gwen Meredith's serial “Blue Hills” was on the radio at 1p.m - it was apparently a daily dose of medicine for Min!
Minnie married Dick Oakhill who owned Proserpine Plumbing Works in Chapman Street and they lived in Ann Street, Proserpine for many years. Min and good friend, Mrs Joe Faust, met every morning at the corner of Faust and Ann Streets and walked together to Mass during WWII. When her husband died in December 1969 and with her own health beginning to fail, Min went to live in Newcastle with daughter, Colleen and her family.  
Minnie Oakhill, who had nursed and loved both babies and mothers in Proserpine Hospital Maternity Ward for so many years died in Newcastle on February 16, 1976.
 
MONIE WARD was born Mary Monica McNeill in 1905 to parents Francis Joseph McNeill Jnr and Madeline Elizabeth nee Armanasco. Monie served as a Pupil Teacher at Proserpine State School from 1919‑1921 then decided her true calling lay in nursing. She completed her training at Mackay District Hospital.  

In 1936, Monie married Henry Ward, a telegraphist at Proserpine Post Office. They resided at Foxdale with their two children, Bruce and Thea.

Monie commenced work in the old Proserpine Hospital on Bowen Road and later worked at the new hospital site in Herbert Street. She returned to nursing c.1949, working under Matron McGrath and worked in the maternity ward.
Her gentle and compassionate nature were a perfect complement to the professional skill required of a nurse. Monie’s daughter, Thea, recalls her mother being a midwife when Peter John Faltinsky, Proserpine's miracle baby, was born on July 7, 1956. “12½ weeks premature, weighing approximately 500 grams. His head, the size of a small orange and pelvis, the width of a nappy safety pin. He was fed on glucose with an eye dropper every half‑hour ...Peter spent his first 10 weeks in a humidicrib and owes his life to tender loving nursing. For 6 weeks, his only clothing was a face washer cut in half for a nappy ... his hands were the size of a halfpenny and his feet fitted loosely in a match box.” (“Proserpine Then and Now” PHMS 1988 p53)
Monie Ward spent her well-earned retirement with her children and their families at Yeppoon and Buderim. This dedicated midwife died peacefully on July 3, 1999 in her 94th year.
Proserpine women were indeed fortunate to have the wonderful care of Minnie and Monie - M and M!
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Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum Society.

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Sister Monie Ward second from left back row; Sister Minnie Oakhill second from right back row.

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At our monthly Ordinary Meeting in Bowen last week, Council made a significant decision to enhance arts and culture in the Whitsundays, officially approving a 10-year Peppercorn Lease for Creative Connections Whitsundays (CCW).

This decision paves the way for Creative Connections Whitsundays to transform the old Visitor Information Centre in Proserpine into a vibrant Community Art Gallery and cultural hub for the region.

I’m thrilled by the opportunity this project brings to Proserpine and the broader region. Establishing a cultural precinct near the Museum and Community Centre not only enriches our local identity but also strengthens our community ties.

I’ve personally witnessed the talent and dedication of CCW through their well-attended and expertly run exhibitions, and I have no doubt this hub will be a tremendous asset for our region.

My fellow Councillors share this enthusiasm, unanimously endorsing the vision to transform under-utilised council spaces into thriving hubs for arts, culture, and heritage. The 7-0 vote reflects our collective commitment to investing in the creative potential of our communities and fostering opportunities for both locals and visitors to engage with the arts.

This project represents so much more than a lease—it’s a step toward a brighter, more creative future for the Whitsundays. Congratulations to CCW on this incredible achievement, and we look forward to seeing this vision come to life.

Members of the Creative Connections Whitsundays group described the approval as a “major milestone,” but also acknowledged the hard work ahead.

They plan to breathe new life into the former Visitor Information Centre, turning it into a beautiful and welcoming venue where people can connect through art.

Together, we’re creating something truly special for Proserpine and our wider region.

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A group of forward-thinking women gathered for a special event last month, the "Women vs Women: Challenging vs Championing" which was hosted by Shiift as its special end of year event of the Thriive series.
The evening featured delicious cheese platters, drinks, and an outstanding panel of female leaders, including Dr. Julia Evans from the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kate Purdie, CEO of Coral Sea Marina, Melita Jurgen, Owner of Vee Jay's Kalfresh, and Rachael Smith, Editor-in-Chief of Life Publishing Group.
The event fostered dynamic and thought-provoking discussions, where women were able to connect, share insights, and challenge each other in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. It was an empowering evening that celebrated both the struggles and triumphs of women in leadership.

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Shiift panelists Dr. Julia Evans, Melita Jurgen, Director of Shiift Judy Porter, Rachael Smith and Kate Purdie.
Panelists during their discussion.

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Rich Bates, along with his partner, has owned News Whitsundays for the past two and a half years, having taken over the business from a family who ran it for 15 years. Since then, they have expanded the team to six staff members, helping to continue and grow the legacy of the local news agency.
News Whitsundays offers an expanded selection of magazines, cards, and gifts for every occasion, now featuring a wider range of stationery, Back to School and unique souvenirs that were previously unavailable. A standout addition is the Christmas Sparkly range, perfect for spreading festive cheer during the holiday season.
“I've worked closely with manufacturers to secure exclusive products, so now we can offer items that locals have never had access to before,” explained Rich Bates, owner of News Whitsunday.
“We’ve significantly upgraded our gift selection. While other major supermarkets might offer 400-500 cards, we have over 3,000  with differing Captions!”
Rich, who hails from a regional town, expresses his pride in operating a business in the Whitsundays.
“I love that locals support locals; that’s how we all grow,” he shared.
“We’ve built a strong rapport with the community, and it’s a pleasure to serve them.”
The couple's strong sense of community stems from Rich's role as a JP and his active involvement, alongside his partner's work as a nurse at Proserpine Hospital.
They pride themselves on being customer-focused, ensuring every shopper enjoys a positive, satisfying experience in-store.
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News Whitsundays in the Whitsunday Plaza. Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot

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On Saturday 30 November, Bronwyn and Matt Calder officially opened the doors to FISHI Proserpine and felt a warm welcome from the local and surrounding community as well as Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm.

“The response has been fantastic!” shared Bronwyn.

“There was much anticipation, and we have been overwhelmed with how supportive the community has been.”

With Matt himself holding well over twenty-five years of experience in the fishing and seafood industry, the pair will soon celebrate ten years of business with a FISHI store located on Hamilton Island, Cannonvale, and now Proserpine.

FISHI proudly provides its valued customers with a 100% Australian sourced seafood menu in all its stores, with both Bronwyn and Matt committed to lobbying for businesses to label the “Country of Origin” across their products.

With Christmas fast approaching, Bronwyn and Matt advise their customers to beat the rush of the silly season, offering plenty of frozen, locally caught prawns and bugs ready to grab and get ahead of the late December scramble.

As the weather turns around, FISHI Whitsundays will soon stock a variety of fresh fish, also able to be frozen and stored until Christmas day as well as a selection of other highly sought after seafood delights.

“Customers can come into the shop and pick from fresh Cooked Mudcrab, Lobsters flown in from Tasmanian, Oysters, Mussels and an array of fish and Homemade Sauces,” added Bronwyn.

Bronwyn and Matt invite the community to pop in and visit their new store located at 174 Main Street, Proserpine.

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Affectionately known as Dr Bill, Dr William Bowman became Proserpine’s first full-time veterinarian when he established Proserpine Vet Surgery in 1975. Over the decades, the clinic has grown into a trusted pillar of the community, now approaching its 50th year of service.

Dr Bill dedicated his career to caring for the region’s animals and their owners, providing full-time veterinary care until his retirement in 2010. In the 1990s, he was joined by Dr Faye McPherson, who began locuming at the clinic and quickly developed a strong bond with full-time nurse Billye-Jean Stevens.

In 2003, Dr Faye joined Dr Bill in partnership, and together they set the foundations for the modern, dynamic practice it has become today.

Proserpine Vet Surgery remains deeply committed to its community, embracing the motto: “Friendly country service you can rely on.” 

Dr Faye and her dedicated team pride themselves on offering affordable, high-quality veterinary care tailored to the individual needs of each customer.

“One customer’s wants are often something different to another’s, and we cater to all,” Dr Faye explained.

As an integral part of Proserpine’s history, Dr Faye is proud to support local junior sports and community events.

Reflecting on the clinic’s legacy and the region’s charm, she said, “Proserpine is a close-knit community, and I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

Looking ahead, the Proserpine Vet Surgery team remains steadfast in their mission to serve with confidence, compassion, and integrity, ensuring a bright future for animals and their owners alike.

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At the weekend Ride Whitsundays, a local bike shop and community hub in the Whitsundays, celebrated its third birthday.
Owners Cole and Kerr Claxton, locals to the Whitsundays with backgrounds in tourism and action sports, are passionate about building a vibrant cycling and mountain biking hub for the community, where enthusiasts of all levels can connect and explore the sport.
Cole Claxton expressed his excitement about reaching the three-year milestone:
“We’re incredibly excited. I can’t believe it’s already been three years.
“We're locals with a love for outdoor adventures—biking, motocross, camping—and a deep connection to nature. From the start, we aimed to create a space that brings the community together around those shared passions."
Cole and Kerr are excited about the future growth of their business, with plans to expand both their tourism offerings and potentially launch a coaching program tailored to young girls and women riders.
“If you want to help expand biking in the area—whether it’s mountain biking, bike paths, or just making the town more bike-friendly—get the word out, support the club, and reach out to the Council.
“It takes momentum to make it happen, and we need all the help we can get.”

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Young riders enjoying Ride Whitsundays 3rd Birthday

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Mikey, a sweet and loving dog rescued from death row at the Burdekin pound, is still searching for his forever home. Fully vetted, desexed, microchipped, and vaccinated, Mikey is a big goofball with a gentle heart.
His foster family describes him as affectionate, obedient, and easy to train. He’s learned basic commands like "sit" and walks well on a lead. Mikey gets along with other dogs and would do best with older kids, as his size might overwhelm little ones.
Mikey needs a home with secure fencing and lots of love. If you’re looking for a loyal companion, Mikey is ready to meet you!

Name: Mikey
Breed: Bull Arab X
Sex: Male
Age: 2yrs
Adoption fee: $400
Fences: 5ft

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New lifejacket regulations came into effect across the state on Sunday 1 December, 2024 as part of the Queensland Government’s initiative to increase maritime safety.

Although enforcement of these new laws will be delayed until 1 July 2025, the Queensland Government advises boaters to understand and abide by these changes to stay safe and compliant on the water.

“We will be focusing on education, with enforcement delayed until 1 July 2025, to ensure all boaties are aware of the change,” said a Maritime Safety Queensland spokesperson.

In the interest of increasing water safety, the new regulations will make wearing a lifejacket mandatory in the following circumstances:
   • Boating alone, or only with children under 12 years on an open boat less than 4.8m in length whilst underway.
   • Crossing designated coastal bars on an open ship, and on an open area of a boat of any length, and on certain craft.
   • Children one year or more and under 12 years are on an open boat or an open area of a boat of any length whilst underway.
   • Nighttime boating, between sunset and sunrise on any open boat less than 4.8m in length whilst underway.

The rules apply to a plethora of boats and crafts (excluding body boards, and stand-up paddle boards), like small sailboats, pedal boats, rafts (including inflatables), rowboats (except Club Surfboards by Surf Life Saving Australia), and sea kayaks.

The legislative change hopes to bring Queensland in line with the safety standards observed in other states, with the Queensland Government stating the change hopes to ensure you, your passengers and your loved ones get home safely.

Within the last 5 years, there were 64 boating fatalities in Queensland, and only 5 were known to be wearing their lifejacket at the time of the incident. Studies have concluded time and time again that children, and those boating alone, at night or crossing coastal bars are at the highest risk of drowning at sea.

To access up to date and relevant information on legislative changes and maritime safety, please visit www.msq.qld.gov.au.

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New lifejacket laws came into effect across Queensland on 1 December 2024.

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Asbestos exposure doesn’t announce itself. It lurks silently, often undetected for decades, until it strikes with devastating force. For a former Mackay mother, Leah Smith, this invisible killer stole her life just eight months after her diagnosis with mesothelioma, a rare and incurable cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. Her family, friends, and community were left heartbroken, but they refused to let her story end there.
To honour Leah’s life and raise awareness of the hidden dangers of asbestos, her loved ones have created a national event: Ride in Shorts for Leah. This heartfelt tribute reflects Leah’s vibrant spirit and her love of horses, while also serving as a powerful reminder of the ongoing risks of asbestos exposure. Through this campaign, Leah’s legacy will not only live on but will inspire others to protect themselves and their families from a preventable tragedy.

Leah Smith, who tragically lost her battle with mesothelioma, pictured enjoying one of her greatest passions—riding horses, a legacy now honoured through the Ride in Shorts for Leah campaign. Photo supplied

Leah’s Legacy
Turning Loss Into Life-Saving Awareness

Every year more than 4000 Australians die from asbestos-related diseases.
In 2024, mother of two, Leah Smith from Mackay, was among them because she’d been exposed to asbestos fibres as a 3-year-old while pottering around the new family home her parents were building, unaware Leah was inhaling asbestos fibres which would one day take her life.
In 2023, when 48-year-old Leah began struggling to breathe with an unknown illness, she and her loved ones could not have imagined that the tests she underwent on her 49th birthday would reveal malignant mesothelioma - a deadly cancer caused by her exposure to asbestos fibres as a child.
Sadly, on 22 August 2024, just eight months and one day after Leah’s diagnosis, her husband Phillip and their family were left devastated when Leah lost her battle with this terrible, but preventable, disease.
Clare Collins, Chair of Advocacy Australia and the Asbestos Education Committee said, “When Leah was little, asbestos-containing building and decorator products were popular among young couples when building their own homes, not knowing they could be risking their lives and the lives of their children.”
“What most people don’t know is that although asbestos was banned in Australia in 2003, asbestos had been used extensively in the manufacture of more than 3000 building and decorator products that could still be lurking in any brick, fibro, weatherboard, clad home, apartment or shed built before 1990.
“Asbestos is not only in fibro sheeting. It could be under floor coverings including carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, home extensions, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm structures, chook sheds and even dog kennels. It was used everywhere!
“With many of these products remaining in 1-in-3 Aussie homes, if disturbed during renovations, demolition or maintenance, they pose a serious health risk to whoever is present or nearby,” she said.
Leah’s husband, Phillip Smith said, “Until Leah was diagnosed with this hideous disease, we knew a little bit about asbestos, but we’d never even heard of mesothelioma or that it was caused by asbestos fibres.
“Don’t think this can’t happen to you. Everyone needs to stop and assess their premises before renovating or demolishing structures to identify the potential dangers that may lie within,” he said.
“Importantly, if you do have any breathing issues and there is the slightest chance that you may have been exposed to asbestos, make sure you notify your Doctor, as they don’t regularly associate asbestos to illnesses unless told so,” Mr Smith said.
“Until someone you know is affected by it, most wouldn’t know much about it, either because there’s less awareness of mesothelioma than there is for other cancers like breast, skin and prostate cancer.
“With mesothelioma diagnosed between 20 and 40 years after exposure, to help save lives, one of Leah’s wishes was to create awareness of asbestos and the diseases associated with it,” said Mr Smith.
“With no known safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, the only way we can prevent asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma, is to increase awareness of the dangers of asbestos and how to manage it safely,” he said.
“Everyone who knew Leah, knows how deeply she loved animals, particularly horses. She was extremely well known in our local horse community, so we’ve created an event for people to learn about asbestos while doing what Leah loved - riding in shorts and a singlet or T-shirt when not competing,” he said.
“When it came to creating an asbestos awareness event in Leah’s honour, we thought what better way to do it than through inviting all horse lovers to have fun with their horses and friends and Ride in Shorts for Leah,” said Mr Smith.
“I’m doing this for my beautiful wife to increase life-saving awareness about the dangers of asbestos and to raise vital funds to support the Asbestos Education Committee’s national Asbestos Awareness campaign.”
Phillip hopes to make “Ride in Shorts for Leah”, a national annual event and has started a Facebook page and a Facebook event where people can learn how to hold a “Ride in Shorts for Leah” event, take photographs and upload them to share their celebration of Leah’s life while raising funds and increasing awareness of the dangers of asbestos in their communities.
“If everyone from across Australia who loves horses, gets involved through their local equestrian or horse-riding group, together we can make a positive impact in creating awareness of asbestos to help save lives while honouring my beautiful wife who loved horses and riding with a passion,” said Mr Smith.
The inaugural “Ride in Shorts for Leah” event will run from 7-15 December. To mark Leah’s 50th Birthday on 11 December, Phillip, Leah’s family and friends will ‘Ride in Shorts for Leah’ in Mackay and are encouraging people to make a tax-deductible donation via: www.mycause.com.au/ride-in-shorts
Clare Collins welcomed the initiative saying, “Because Australia was one of the highest consumers of asbestos-containing materials globally, the importance of continuing to increase awareness and developing practical resources that build community knowledge about asbestos cannot be overstated.
“When it comes to asbestos-containing materials, if sealed and in good, stable condition they don’t pose a health risk. However, when disturbed during demolition, renovation or maintenance and microscopic fibres are released, this can lead to a range of life-threatening diseases including malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer, while evidence suggests links to ovarian and laryngeal cancers and increased risk of breast, stomach and colon cancers.
“The main message we want people to hear is what NOT to do with asbestos!
“Don’t cut it! Don’t drill it! Don’t drop it! Don’t sand it! Don’t saw it! Don’t scrape it! Don’t scrub it! Don’t dismantle it! Don’t tip it! Don’t waterblast it! Don’t demolish it! Don’t dump it! And whatever you do... Don’t remove it yourself!”
With many Australians still unaware of asbestos risks and the asbestos-related death toll predicted to rise, the Asbestos Education Committee is urging Australians to visit asbestosawareness.com.au because it’s not worth the risk.
DONATION LINK: www.mycause.com.au/ride-in-shorts

Leah Smith, just two months before losing her courageous battle with mesothelioma, pictured with her beloved family—her greatest source of strength and joy. Photos supplied
A young Leah Smith, just five years old, full of curiosity and energy, unaware that her early years spent on her parents' building site would lead to a tragic battle with mesothelioma decades later
Leah Smith’s memory lives on through the Ride in Shorts for Leah event on 11 December 2024, raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos

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There’s a moment in every cancer journey when survival becomes more than just about living—it’s about enduring the pain, the fear, and the uncertainty. For me, those moments came to an end with the last chemotherapy session, the last dose of Oxaliplatin running through my veins. It was the moment I’d fought for. The moment I’d been working toward through every tear, every side effect, every sleepless night.
When I first heard the words, “It’s cancer,” the world seemed to pause. I felt like I was caught in a suspended moment, overwhelmed with questions. How bad was it? How long did I have? What happens now? I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think. For me, the fear was like standing at the edge of a vast, unknown ocean, feeling the pull of the tide with no clear path to land.
The journey was not just about the physical battle—it was the mental and emotional weight that came with it. There were moments of deep fear and uncertainty, where the future seemed like a blurry fog, and I wondered if I could make it through. It wasn’t always about pushing through the pain or nausea; it was about facing each day with the knowledge that I had to keep going, even when every part of me wanted to stop. I never liked the ‘brave’ tag and didn’t think it was about being fearless; it was about moving forward despite the fear and finding the courage to keep hoping that I wouldn’t leave my little boy without his Mumma.
When my oncologist told me that the PET scan showed no signs of cancer, there were no words, just tears. I cried for everything I had been through, for the relief, for the fear that was finally gone. Then, when the infusion pump beeped, signalling the end of my treatment, the tears came again. It was relief, the weight of it all, finally lifting.
Then, there was the bell, the sound I continually told myself I wanted to hear.
I stepped forward, took hold of the bell, and rang it.
Once, to bring hope to the future.
Twice, to thank all who walk this path with me.
Three times, to remember all those on this journey, past, present and future.
I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone at Mackay Base Hospital—the incredible oncologists, surgeons, nurses, and the oncology team whom I came to know so well. Your professionalism, expertise and care made all the difference during my darkest days.
Though there’s still a road ahead, both physically and emotionally, I can finally say: I’m here and I’m moving forward.
I rang that bell to embrace the future that I fought so hard to keep.
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Amanda

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By Hannah McNamara

In a moving act of empowerment, Sisters on Steel SMC, a non-for-profit organisation led by a dynamic group of female motorcyclists, has donated $2,500 to Broken Ballerina Inc. Aligned with their mission to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, this donation serves as a cornerstone of women’s unity, driving meaningful change and creating a ripple effect of hope for those who need it most.

Over the past year, members of Sisters On Steel SMC have worked tirelessly through community events and initiatives, giving their weekends and personal time to fundraise. While the journey hasn’t been easy, their efforts are now set to make a life-saving impact for some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

Jules and Pete Thomson, founders of Broken Ballerina Inc, were deeply touched by the heartfelt donation.

“It’s just amazing to have received this funding from the awesome Sisters on Steel SMC,” Jules said.

“They’ve worked incredibly hard over the last 12 months to raise this money.

“We know how challenging fundraising can be, and we’re so grateful that they chose us.

“This generous donation will help save lives and change lives in our community.”

The funds will be used to create five emergency packs, each containing essential supplies for women fleeing dangerous situations. These packs provide a vital lifeline, offering immediate support and helping survivors begin the process of rebuilding their lives with dignity.

Representing Sisters on Steel, Maxine Deacon and Alli Carthew presented the donation and spoke passionately about their organisation’s mission.

“We’re all about supporting victims of family and domestic violence, and that’s exactly what Broken Ballerina is all about,” Alli said.

“We love that our money is staying local because we’ve worked so hard for it.

“It might not seem like a huge amount, but it represents a year’s worth of dedication and effort…and we’re very pleased to give it all to Broken Ballerina.”

Sisters on Steel is more than just a motorcycle club - it’s a sisterhood of advocacy and action. Comprised of women from diverse backgrounds, the group is united by a shared love of the open road and an unwavering commitment to empowering women.

“We’re a group of like-minded women who enjoy riding our motorcycles, the freedoms of the open road while observing our code of Sisterhood.”

With every dollar raised, every kilometre travelled, and every act of kindness, they remind us all of the strength found in unity and the impact that comes when women support women.

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Sisters on Steel SMC recently donated $2,500 to Broken Ballerina Inc., showcasing the incredible power of women uniting to support domestic violence survivors. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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It was a bittersweet day as the Mackay police community bid farewell to a beloved and highly respected colleague - Police Dog Neo. A special "piping out" ceremony took place last Wednesday morning at the Brisbane Street side of the Mackay police complex, where Neo was honoured with the same respect typically reserved for long-serving police officers transitioning into retirement.

Neo, a 10-year-old black Labrador, has had an extraordinary career, serving in three separate police districts as a drug detection dog. His calm demeanour and remarkable skills earned him a stellar reputation within the Queensland Police Service (QPS).

Alongside his handler, Sergeant Felipe Peraza, Neo was instrumental in locating drugs and firearms during numerous operations and search warrants, spanning areas from Cairns to Townsville, and even Thursday Island. He played a pivotal role in establishing drug detection capabilities within the Mackay-Whitsunday district and his tireless work directly contributed to the safety and security of the region, helping locate dangerous drugs and firearms, while also mentoring the newest drug dog on the team, Baron.

The ceremony, which included a traditional bagpipe procession, was a fitting tribute to this loyal canine officer. Neo walked proudly beside Sergeant Peraza, flanked by his fellow police dogs and colleagues, as well as members of the public.

As Neo enters retirement, he will enjoy a well-deserved rest with Sergeant Peraza and his family.

“His days will consist of relaxing, enjoying many good-quality bones, and getting some exercise,” said District Officer Superintendent Shane Holmes.

“He has been a very, very good dog.”

The police community, along with the broader Mackay region will certainly miss Neo’s presence, but they are deeply grateful for his dedicated service.

The community wishes him all the best as he enjoys his well-earned retirement.

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After years of dedicated service as a drug detection dog, Police Dog Neo, a 10-year-old black Labrador, was honoured with a "piping out" ceremony in Mackay last Wednesday, marking his retirement within the Queensland Police Service. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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