Mother’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to show your mum just how much she means to you, and what better way to celebrate than with a spectacular lunch at Ocean International, a beloved Mackay favourite.

On May 14th, from 12pm to 3pm, Ocean International will host an appetising Mother’s Day Lunch Buffet, featuring a wide variety of dishes designed to impress. From the freshest Newry Island prawns and tempura-battered tiger prawns to the rich Ilbilbie prawn and Tasmanian salmon pasta, seafood lovers will surely be in heaven.

For those with a taste for heartier options, enjoy twice-cooked pork belly and 24-hour slow-cooked Bakers Creek beef brisket. There’s also something for plant-based diners, with the ever-vibrant Korean fried cauliflower and the aromatic coconut Penang chicken curry.

No celebration is complete without something sweet, and the grand finale is sure to delight with a flowing milk chocolate fountain.

Bookings are essential, with each reservation offering a two-hour seating during this special service.

Adults: $60 per guest
Children under 12: $30 per guest

This Mother’s Day, treat mum to a memorable experience – she’ll thank you later!

To reserve your table, call 4957 2044.

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Bless mum this Mothers Day with a beautiful lunch at Ocean International. Tables are booking fast - book now!

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The next time you're strolling through the Tropical Shade Garden at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, don’t forget to look up – Queensland’s iconic floral emblem is in bloom.

The vibrant Cooktown Orchid, a dazzling species of Dendrobium, is currently flowering among the branches and rocks of the garden’s shaded paths. Known for its striking purple hues and delicate structure, the orchid holds a special place in Queensland’s identity and is often a favourite trivia tidbit for anyone road-tripping the Bruce Highway.

Botanic Gardens staff say the orchid is part of a broader group of species commonly referred to as the Cooktown Orchid and is well worth hunting down.

“It forms small to medium-sized, slender clumps on trees and rocks,” a spokesperson said.

“Visitors are encouraged to look upwards while exploring – the flowers can be easy to miss if you’re only scanning the ground.”

Beyond their visual beauty, these native orchids are part of the Botanic Gardens’ ongoing mission to conserve plant species under threat. Through careful cultivation and protection, the gardens provide a sanctuary for species that may struggle to survive in the wild.

“Here at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, we protect and conserve many plants under pressure to help ensure their survival into the future,” the spokesperson said.

“Come and visit to see them – and be a part of their survival.”

With the weather cooling down and the gardens bursting to life, now is the perfect time to take a quiet moment, tilt your gaze skyward, and catch a glimpse of one of Queensland’s most treasured blooms.

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Photo credit: Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

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Amid global uncertainty, business and economic policy reform must be at the forefront of the Federal Election

Queensland’s peak business body is calling on both major parties to prioritise business and economic policy reform ahead of this weekend’s Federal Election, with significant and compounding pressures pushing profitability to near historic lows.

Businesses across the state — including those in Mackay — are grappling with escalating operating costs, workforce shortages, insurance affordability, tax complexity, inflation, and increasing Federal Government regulation. These challenges come on top of a difficult start to the year marked by consecutive natural disasters.

Business Chamber Queensland CEO Heidi Cooper said the high cost of doing business was compounding pressure on an already stretched and stressed business community.

“Businesses consistently tell us that it’s hard to do business in Australia, amid the high cost of energy and insurance, a complex and multi-layered regulatory environment, disruption due to severe weather events, and broader macro-economic challenges such as tariff wars and Australian dollar depreciation,” Ms Cooper said.

“The impact is a material and significant hit to businesses, with historically weak profitability now returned to levels not seen since the peak of the COVID economic crisis.”

Despite these hurdles, Ms Cooper said Queensland businesses were expressing cautious confidence in the future of both the state and national economies.

“Businesses tell us their top opportunities are innovation through business-led research and development, major projects, and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games lead-up and legacy.”

However, she warned that optimism had not yet translated into improved business conditions.

“In fact, only about one in three businesses agree current economic policies in Australia are supportive of business growth.”

With election day approaching, Ms Cooper said businesses were calling for strong economic leadership, practical support, and foreign relations policies that deliver tangible improvements to their daily operations and long-term resilience.

“Businesses want to see policies that encourage them to invest, expand and employ, but instead feel weighed down by the growing cost of day-to-day operations and managing workforces,” she said.

“So far, we’ve seen varied commitments to business and economic policies from both parties — fringe benefits and instant asset write-off taxes, workplace and industrial relations policies, productivity, red tape and energy.

“All these issues are among the highest priorities for Queensland businesses ahead of this election, but they’re also looking for a robust government strategy that aligns economic and social policy to address business challenges experienced across the country, strengthen business capability, and secure opportunities for growth and innovation.”

Businesses in Mackay — particularly those in sectors like construction, tourism, agriculture and mining services — will also be watching closely for policies that help unlock future opportunities.

Business Chamber Queensland data shows Olympics preparation and legacy benefits, population growth, infrastructure build, and global trade are among the state’s most valued national opportunities.

To fully realise these benefits, Ms Cooper said business needed “a reduction in regulatory burden, space to innovate, an increase in productivity and resilience, and an improved operating environment.”

“It is essential that business is put at the centre of this federal election and is a priority for the next Australian Government,” she said.

Additional data shows the top election issues for Queensland businesses are inflation (ranked first by 72.87%), interest rates (second at 66.92%), and broader social issues such as crime, mental health, and housing (third at 62.65%), all of which have material impacts on business owners and their staff.

More than half of all Queensland businesses flagged insurance affordability as a major or critical concern (50.76%), while insurance accessibility and choice were also high on the list (46.92%).

Regulation (48.15%) and tax (46.46%) were also rated as major or critical concerns.

Housing accessibility and affordability were flagged by 42.81% of businesses — an issue keenly felt in regional centres such as Mackay, where workforce availability is often linked to housing supply.

Disaster resilience is another concern. Almost half (49.92%) of Queensland businesses agreed the Federal Government should expand joint state and federal disaster recovery funding arrangements.

When it comes to future opportunities, Queensland businesses ranked innovation through business-led research and development (73.58%), major projects (67.74%) and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games lead-up and legacy (64.52%) as the most promising.

Strong support was also shown for infrastructure investment — particularly major projects in energy (73.38%), Bruce Highway upgrades (73.38%), and water infrastructure (68.02%).

Businesses in Mackay, with its strategic location along the Bruce Highway and proximity to key energy projects, will certainly be hoping to benefit from such investment.

However, less than half of businesses (48.64%) said it was easy to procure from government or felt government understood their needs.

Only 28.27% agreed that the current taxation system was fair and supportive of businesses.

As voters head to the polls, the message from Queensland’s business community is clear: without bold and responsive economic reform, the pressures weighing on businesses — in Mackay and across the state — risk stalling recovery and choking future growth.

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Business Chamber Queensland CEO Heidi Cooper

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Winter in Queensland offers a unique opportunity to infuse your garden with vibrant colours and fragrances. The state's subtropical climate is ideal for a variety of flowers that not only withstand cooler temperatures but also thrive, providing a lively display throughout the season.

Top Winter Flowering Plants for Queensland Gardens

Violas and Pansies
These hardy annuals are perfect for adding a splash of colour. Their cheerful faces come in a multitude of hues, and they perform exceptionally well in cooler weather, making them a staple for winter gardens.

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
Known for their tall spikes and vibrant colours, snapdragons are excellent for adding vertical interest. They bloom profusely in winter and are relatively low-maintenance.

Calendulas (Calendula officinalis)
Also known as pot marigolds, calendulas offer bright orange and yellow blooms. They are not only visually appealing but also attract beneficial insects to the garden.

Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
This low-growing plant produces masses of tiny, fragrant flowers. It's perfect for borders and hanging baskets, providing a continuous display throughout winter.

Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon'
A native Australian shrub, this grevillea variety offers red flowers year-round. It's particularly attractive to birds and adds a native touch to the garden.

Crowea exalata (Small Crowea)
This small shrub produces star-shaped pink flowers from late summer to mid-winter. It's well-suited to Queensland's climate and adds a delicate charm to any garden.

Planting Tips for Success

Location: Choose a spot that receives ample sunlight, as most winter-flowering plants prefer full sun to partial shade.

Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-draining. Incorporate organic matter like compost to improve soil fertility and structure.

Watering: While winter is generally cooler, it's essential to maintain consistent moisture levels. Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Local Considerations

In regions like Mackay, where the climate remains relatively mild during winter, these plants will flourish with minimal intervention. Local nurseries often stock these varieties, and seeking advice from local gardening groups can provide additional insights tailored to the area.

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One of the most dangerous things you can do in life, and as a real estate agent, is to make assumptions.

To assume is to make an ass out of u and me. Assume nothing. You learn the lesson quickly in real estate.

You learn it, for example, when there is a husband and wife looking at a property and the bloke asks all the questions, makes all the comments.

You could be tempted to think you’ve got it all worked out by the way he presents himself. The alpha male who runs the show. Yep, he’s in charge.

There’s the little lady hiding in the shadows, barely making eye contact, offering no comments, asking no questions. Occasionally a slight smile but that’s about it.

The husband, boss-man, likes the property. His bar would go in the second living area, a great place to watch the footy.

Plenty of room in the yard for the shed he’s going to need for the new boat he’ll be buying pretty soon.
The big sporting club is just around the corner so it’ll be great catching up with mates for a beer there.

“Oh, and look at the kitchen, love. You’ll be happy with that. Heaps of cupboards and a gas stove.”

He says he’s going to “do the numbers” and “have a quick chat to the missus” and get back to me later that day. Late in the day and he hasn’t called, so you call him.

He answers but something has changed. It’s in his voice. He is no longer Master of the Universe but something meeker, less confident.

He says: “Yeah, sorry mate. We won’t be going ahead with this one. The missus didn’t like it. She said the neighbours look like they are messy hoarders and there were some things she didn’t like about the house.”

The decision-maker was the quiet, mild little person you hardly spoke to because Big Noter did all the talking, asked all the questions and dominated the inspection.

Imagine if you had stepped away from the Master of the Universe for a few minutes and had a chat to his wife about how she felt about the property.

You might have found out she didn’t like the neighbours and you could point out that they were tenants who had given notice to leave and will be gone in a month and then the owners will be putting the house on the market, so you’ll have new neighbours.

You might have been able to point out that you had a quote for $5000 to replace the worn carpet she didn’t like and the seller was happy to factor that into the price. You might have been able to address other concerns she had.

Imagine if you assumed nothing about buyers and acted accordingly. Lesson learned.

I was recently reminded of the “assume nothing” principle of selling real estate when a colleague of mine was conducting a busy open house.

Among the people who turned up were two men, one older, the other quite a bit  younger. Anyway, they spent a fair bit of time looking at the house and my colleague got talking to the younger man, who liked the property a lot.

Things were looking pretty good so my colleague asked: “What does your dad think?”

Young bloke: “He’s my partner.”

You can recover from some incorrect assumptions, such as assuming that someone would need finance when making an offer on a property, or assuming someone spelled Brian with an ‘i’ not Bryan with a ‘y’.”

But there is no recovering from some incorrect assumptions. All they do is teach a lesson and provide an excellent source of laughter for your colleagues and friends.

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As the chill of winter begins to settle over our community, many of our most vulnerable neighbours are bracing for long, cold nights without the basic comfort and warmth we often take for granted. For those experiencing homelessness, especially those rough sleeping, the need for warm, practical clothing is not only a luxury, but a lifeline.

This week, we’re encouraging our readers to step forward with an act of kindness that can make an immediate difference in someone’s life. Chances House, a local organisation dedicated to supporting those facing homelessness, is urgently seeking donations of specific clothing and bedding to distribute to people in need.

If you have gently used or surplus items, your contribution could provide warmth, comfort, and hope to someone struggling through the winter months.

Chances House is asking for donations of warm coats, raincoats, socks, leggings, sweatpants, hoodies, jumpers, men’s t-shirts (small, medium, or large), sleeping bags, and warm blankets. These items will be given directly to people who are sleeping rough, offering them a sense of relief in a time of extreme need.

By giving, you’re not just offering a physical item – you’re offering dignity, warmth, and the reminder that our community cares. In times of hardship, knowing someone is thinking of you can provide more comfort than the warmest coat.

Please drop off your donations at Chances House, located at 2 Endeavour Street. Due to limited storage, they are only accepting the requested items.

What items can you spare to bring comfort to someone in need?

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/rolled-quilts-blankets-different-colors-294561293

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Humpback whales make one of the longest migrations of all mammals, from their tropical breeding and  birthing grounds to the Antarctic.

The warm tropical water is thought to reduce energetic costs associated with thermoregulation.   Calves are born with no insulation and mothers can conserve their energy for producing milk for the calf.  Which means calves can grow at a faster rate, being protected from hash environments and potential predators.

The phytoplankton and krill that whales feed on are more plentiful in the nutrient rich water of the Antarctic, so the whales migrate back there to feed.  The warm water of the Whitsundays is nutrient poor.

How long they spend in the Antarctic, depends on the availability of food. Humpback whales spend more time in their feedings grounds following El Nino years, because the warmer water results in less krill.  This impacts their energy reserves and readiness to migrate.  Therefore, they will migrate later when there is less krill, because it takes them longer to put on body condition.

Krill provides all the nutrition they need to thrive. Thousands of kilograms are consumed each day during the peak of the Humpbacks feeding season. Humpback Whales only have a small oesophagus which is approximately the size of a grapefruit so the species of food they are able to target has to be very specific.

As they begin their migration from the Antarctic to the breeding and birthing grounds, the urge to feed is replaced with hormones for breeding and raising newborn calves.

Humpback whales will snack if there is an opportunity while migrating, but they mostly rely on their fat energy reserves once they leave the Antarctic, until they return after mating and birthing.  Adult whales will not have another proper meal until their return back to Antarctica up to six months later.

To find out more about special whale events and information on whales in the Whitsundays, join the WHALES OF THE WHITSUNDAYS Facebook page go to www.whalesofthewhitsundays.com

Contributed by Kellie Leonard, Master Reef Guide/Whales of the Whitsundays

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The Great Barrier Reef has been nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award in the United Nations Environment Programme’s prestigious Champions of the Earth awards. This nomination marks the first time a non-human entity has been nominated for the award, with the Reef Guardian Councils, Traditional Owners, marine biologists, the tourism industry, and Reef Guardian Schools coming together to back the nomination.

The announcement was made on World Earth Day (April 22), with Reef Guardian Council Chair Jeff Baines highlighting the profound impact the Reef has had on both the environment and the people who visit it. “The Great Barrier Reef is hands-down the best candidate for a Lifetime Achievement Award,” he said. “A catalyst for environmental initiatives, the Great Barrier Reef supports First Nations communities, protects marine life and teaches future generations.”

Baines explained that the nomination aims to recognise almost 10,000 years of positive environmental impact by the Reef, with the support of communities across the area. “Sir David Attenborough is among the environmental titans to have won this award, which recognises individuals who have demonstrated decades of impact in protecting the Earth,” he added.

The supporting video for the submission features Traditional Owners discussing the Reef as a teacher, healer, and provider for First Nations communities. Marine biologists and Master Reef Guides also support the nomination, highlighting the Reef’s protection of more than 9,000 species and its role in bringing millions of people together through sustainable initiatives.

Newman Catholic College students, part of the Reef Guardian Schools program, express their awe at learning about the Reef and experiencing its beauty first-hand. “The Great Barrier Reef is a mentor, leading by example in teaching us that you have got to work together for the future of our planet,” they said.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland is launching The Lifetime of Greatness Project to encourage global support. Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen stated, “The tourism industry has thrown its weight behind this nomination because we see the impact the Great Barrier Reef has on individuals every day. It really is life-changing for many people who visit and finally understand how important this World Heritage area is for biodiversity, Indigenous culture and jobs.”

Great Barrier Reef Foundation Managing Director Anna Marsden added, “The Great Barrier Reef isn’t just an environmental icon — it’s a living entity that has quietly nurtured life for millennia. This is our moment to give back and honour its contribution with the recognition it deserves.”

Tourism and Events Queensland Chief Executive Officer Craig Davidson commented, “The Great Barrier Reef is a worthy candidate for this prestigious award. As the world’s largest coral reef system, it is vital to the environment, the creatures that live amongst it, and the communities that live alongside it.”

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer Tim Booth also voiced support, saying, “Every day, we see how the Great Barrier Reef transforms those who experience it, leaving visitors with a deeper sense of connection, purpose and responsibility.”

For more information, visit alifetimeofgreatness.com.

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Hi Everyone,

I had an incredible long weekend! After attending the beautiful Anzac Day services and marches, I decided to try something new and went canoeing with Outrigger Whitsundays. It was such a fantastic experience — I met a wonderful group of people, picked up a new skill, and relished the peace of being out on the water. A highlight was meeting Michelle, one of the instructors at the club, who shared that she’s an avid reader of Ruth 2 Reef. Her guidance and teaching were absolutely spectacular!

Having spent my Friday on the water, it was only natural for me to also spend my Sunday out on the beautiful whitsunday waters as one of the Hosts for Eco Barge's first clean up trip of the year!

It was a stunning day, made even more memorable by the sighting of a dolphin, and we managed to remove an impressive 197kg of rubbish from Saba Bay on Hook Island. It was disheartening to see the vast amount of debris littering such a pristine island, washed ashore by the sea. This experience serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to reduce littering and safeguard our precious natural environments.

Happy reading!

Ruth

Fast fact: For every person on the planet, there are 21,000 pieces of plastic polluting our oceans

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May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention (DFVP) Month.

The aim of DFVP month is to raise community awareness of the social and personal impacts of domestic and family violence and the support available to those affected.

Whitsunday Regional Council are proud to support several DVFP activities which take place across our our region, including two candle lighting ceremonies organised by Whitsunday Counselling & Support which taking on the 7th May:

Bowen Town Square: 12pm
VMR Cannonvale: 3.30pm

For further information on these events, head to Council’s website or contact Whitsunday Counselling & Support on 4946 2999

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With the Easter long weekend now behind us, we saw a slight dip in occupancy compared to last year’s long weekend. That said, the school holidays held up well, thanks to the smart calendar block where many took just three days of leave for a well-earned break. It’s been great to see that flow-on effect continue to boost visitation across the region as the holidays wind down.

This week the team has been in Brisbane to represent The Whitsundays at ATE25, the 45th edition of the Australian Tourism Exchange. It’s the biggest event on the tourism industry calendar and a fantastic chance for us to connect with global buyers, promote our region and keep The Whitsundays front of mind on the international stage.

We also participated in the ATE25 Media Program, including International Media Marketplace. We met one-on-one with international media and also hosted a group of journalists here in the region to experience the very best of The Whitsundays first-hand.

And finally, for the most exciting part - this week we began rolling out our new brand platform developed in collaboration with our branding agency, members and key stakeholders. Alongside this, we're launching a fresh marketing campaign designed to drive even more visitors across May, June and July. We’re confident it’ll create a real buzz and shine an even brighter spotlight on our slice of paradise.  

Contributed by Tim Booth, CEO Tourism Whitsundays

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This Mother's Day, why not whisk Mum away — if only in spirit — to the sun-drenched beaches of the Whitsundays?

Our region is famous for its crystal-clear waters and island vibes, and this delicious, tropical cocktail brings that spirit straight to the glass.

Inspired by the classic Bahama Mama, the "Mum-Ma Mama" is a celebration of all things fun, fresh, and fabulous — just like Mum.

Bursting with sunny citrus flavours and layered in gorgeous sunset hues, it’s the perfect way to toast the most important woman in your life.

Bahama Mama Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

30ml golden rum

30ml coconut rum

50ml orange juice

100ml pineapple juice

½ lime, juiced

Ice cubes

Splash of grenadine

Pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry, to garnish

Method:

Divide the golden rum, coconut rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, and lime juice between four hurricane glasses.

Fill each glass with plenty of ice.

Stir gently, then drizzle a splash of grenadine into each glass to create a beautiful ombre effect.

Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.

Serve immediately — ideally somewhere with a view of the water (or at least dreams of it).

Whether you’re celebrating on the mainland or island hopping for the weekend, this tropical tipple is sure to put a smile on Mum’s face.
Pair it with a relaxed afternoon by the pool, a home-cooked brunch, or simply good conversation under the sun — Whitsundays style.

The Whitsundays Region is proudly recognised as a Whale Heritage Listed Area, thanks to its protected waters, which serve as a critically important breeding and birthing ground for the Eastern Australian Humpback Whales.

With the whales expected to arrive in just a few weeks, now is the perfect time to learn more about these incredible creatures.

Special guest speakers from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority will be presenting on:

• Fascinating facts about humpback whales
• How you can contribute to citizen science by recording whale sightings via the Eye on the Reef App
• Trends and insights gathered from Eye on the Reef data
• Updates on the special regulations for the Whitsundays Whale Protection Area
• This event is open to all locals, tourism crew, and recreational boaties. Everyone is welcome!

What: Whale Infortmation Night
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club
When: Wednesday 14th May, 6:30pm

Please click on this link https://forms.office.com/r/w5M5p9M4xD or scan the QR to register.

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The Whitsunday Regional Council is moving closer to releasing a community engagement plan regarding proposed changes to how short-term accommodation (STA) is managed across the region.

Director of Regional Strategy and Planning, Neil McGaffin, confirmed last week that while no firm dates have been set, Council is aiming for a mid-June release. Once open, residents will be able to provide feedback through the Council’s online portal at yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.

Council will present areas it believes are suitable for short-term accommodation and are seeking input from the community on whether they agree with these proposed locations.

The planning scheme amendment, under development since August 2024, aims to balance residential amenity with the region’s appeal to visitors and investors. Short-term accommodation, defined as anything rented for less than three months, has become a topical issue, especially in traditional low-density residential neighbourhoods.

Mr McGaffin said Council acknowledges growing community concern about the impact of STA in quiet residential zones. The proposed amendment aims to limit STA in those areas, while supporting it in precincts better suited to tourism, particularly along the coast where mixed housing and tourist accommodation already exist.

“We are trying to strike a balance between being an attractive destination for visitors and investors, while safeguarding the amenity and lifestyle valued by our community,” Mr McGaffin said.

He noted that Council has identified 10 precincts where short-term accommodation is considered appropriate and would be “code assessable,” meaning it would still undergo planning checks but generally be supported. These areas typically feature higher-density development and established tourism infrastructure.

The proposal has undergone a state interest review from September 2024 to April 2025. During this time, Council addressed issues such as the justification for the precincts and potential impacts. The mapping and supporting detail were finalised in collaboration with the State Government.

The next step is to place the amendment on public exhibition for a minimum of 20 business days, with Council likely to extend the consultation period to encourage broad community feedback. Once public submissions are reviewed and analysed, they will be presented back to Council for consideration before any final decision is made.

More details and updates on the consultation process will be available at yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au as they become available.

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The local community was rocked by the news that much-loved business owner, Tim Perkins, had suffered a severe injury after falling 10 metres from a palm tree on the 3rd December.

Tim, who co-owns Whitpro Pty Ltd with his wife Norina, was performing a task he had completed thousands of times before, as an arborist— climbing and cleaning numerous palms on a local property, when the catastrophic accident occurred.

Five months on and Tim is sharing his story to help create change for other spinal patients so that when the worst happens, they can also stay in Townsville rather than heading to Brisbane for specialist rehabilitation.

Sign The Petition To Help Continued Funding For Specialist Spinal Care In Townsville

From the rehabilitation centre at the Townsville University Hospital, Tim recalls every moment of the fall, looking up at the head of the palm while plummeting to the earth,
thinking “this is going to hurt”.  Tim landed with such impact, that the force bounced him from his back onto his chest. The impact breaking 26 bones and crushing Tims spinal cord.

Tim instantly realised that he could not feel his legs.

When Norina arrived onsite, she recalls his first words to her “will I walk again?” and she replied, “I don’t know, it’s not looking good”, as Tim’s back had a large visible bulge which she correctly deduced was a broken back.

“What we did not realise at that point was the extent of Tim’s other internal injuries which were worsening by the second,” she explained.

Norina recalls with gratitude, the Whitsunday ambulance and fire brigade crews acting swiftly to get Tim as stable as possible and transporting him to the PCYC where the BMA CQ Rescue helicopter flew in from Seaforth.

On arrival the paramedic reviewed Tim and told Norina that he would not survive the flight and that they would need to operate immediately on location.

“She said I could say goodbye before they got started,” shared Norina, painfully reliving the tragedy.

Tim was placed in an induced coma, and emergency surgery was performed on the grass of the PCYC field, blood that had been flooding his lungs was drained out, saving his life.

Tim was then airlifted to Townsville Hospital and Norina, with the support of their sons, made the long 3.5 hour drive north, not knowing if Tim would survive the flight.

“The paramedic called me when they arrived at Townsville University Hospital to tell me that Tim had made it, that there was a team of doctors waiting as they landed and that Tim was in the best possible hands, he would make it.”

Nearly five months later, Norina has not left Tim’s side since that day.

Tim was fortunate in that there was no brain damage and his cognitive abilities remained intact. After a seven-hour surgery, which took place a few days after the accident, Tim was told he would likely never walk again. The grief of this news still sits heavily with both Tim and Norina, who now spend long days rehabilitating at the Townsville Rehabilitation Unit.  Every day is dedicated to Tim’s recovery, so he can become as mobile and active as possible while Norina supports him through his daily tasks.

The NQSIS (North Queensland Spinal Injury Service) is a team of 10 spinal injury specialists that have given support and knowledge to the rehab team and Tim in his recovery, giving him the best possible outcome and strong foundation for the rest of his life.

Without this team, spinal patients like Tim are not able to stay close to home but rather are sent to Brisbane for rehabilitation.

“Nobody could understand what he’s going through on a daily basis if they have not been on this journey,” Norina explained.

“It’s like being reborn; you’ve got to learn to do so much all over again, even sitting up unassisted has been a challenging exercise.”

The hospital’s rehabilitation department had received a Federal government grant to trial a specialist spinal cord consulting team, who has been integral to Tim’s rehabilitation.

Unfortunately, that funding will end in June.

Tim is one of the last few spinal injury patients fortunate enough to remain in Townsville Hospital Rehabilitation Unit with the NQSIS to be dispersed as of the 30th June due to state funding not being allocated in 2025 - 26 to this specialty service in our region.

Tim and Norina now hope to use their story to help push for this important funding for government support and recognition, that regional Australia in North Queensland need this service.

“North Queenslanders are being sent to Brisbane, over 1,300 Kms away from family, friends, local community and personal resources, at a time when individuals are coming to terms with a life altering injury,” expressed Norina.

“It is demoralising, lonely, depressing and demotivating, not only for patients but for family too and that is going to affect not only health outcomes but also relationships.”

“You can’t change what has already happened to you in life, but you can choose how you deal with it,” she added.

“If what we are going through can help others and can change a system in regional Australia, that lets down spinal and brain injury patients, then at least our heart breaking journey is given a silver lining.”

Tim and Norina are now appealing to you, to lobby the government to fund the specialist spinal consulting team to continue and create a 10 bed dedicated spinal ward at Townsville University Hospital, with specialist spinal medical staff for regional Queenslanders. This would mean families can stay close to their loved ones during recovery knowing they are in safe hands, with strong outcomes, setting the foundation for the best possible life moving forward.

“I resisted going to Brisbane for rehabilitation because I did not want to be separated from my family while I was learning to accept, navigate and re-learn to use my body, for nine months or longer,” shared Tim.

As the Federal Election approaches, Tim and Norina are asking for federal funding promises from candidates including MP Phillip Thompson, they are also reaching out to MP Amanda Camm, Minister for Families, Seniors, and Disability Services, to lobby for urgent funding relief at the state level.

Those who know Tim will fondly recall his big smile, quick wit, and kind personality, always stopping to chat with anyone. As Tim and Norina embark on the long road to recovery, they want everyone to know that Tim still embodies these traits, along with a stubbornness to prevail, a dogged determination to fight, and an unshakeable will to not only survive but to embrace life as a paraplegic, a husband, a father and an active community member.

Together they asked:

“Help make a difference to not only Tim’s recovery but to the next spinal injury in your town, the next mate, friend, family member who never thought a spinal injury would happen to them.”

“We are asking that you, our community be a voice and to get online or use the QR code and sign the petition to lobby for funds to ensure the North Queensland is not neglected when it comes to regional spinal injury health requirements. It is not just the capital cities that should receive the bulk of health funding.

“Join us and have a voice regional Australia, before North Queensland’s Spinal Specialist team are dispersed for good.”

Sign the petition giving your support via the QR code and help Transform lives of people with spinal cord injury.

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SIGN THE PETITION HERE: https://chng.it/nQSWGb6XSs

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Tim and Norina at the rehabilitation Centre at Townsville Hospital. The couple say they want to use their tragedy to help create change for others

Tim in a coma shortly after the incident
Together with family at Townsville Hospital. They are now campaigning so other spinal patients can receive rehab close to home

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