Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm has highlighted the important work of the Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association, praising the organisation’s role in supporting local waterways, education and recreational fishing across the region.

Ms Camm said the volunteer-run group plays a vital but often unseen role in maintaining fish stocks and supporting community events such as the upcoming sooty grunter competition.

She acknowledged the organisation’s strong community contribution, particularly through education and volunteer involvement.

“They certainly play an important role right across the community,” she said.

Ms Camm said the association’s work supports both environmental outcomes and recreational fishing opportunities, with fish stocking helping to maintain healthy populations in local dams and waterways.

“Because of the recreational nature in which people love to get out and go fishing… when it’s too windy out there on the water, you want to be able to go fishing on the dam,” she said.

She also emphasised the reliance on volunteers and community support to continue operations.

“Organisations like this are run completely by volunteers,” she said.

“Through their fundraising efforts, through their corporate donations and the sponsorships they receive, they’re able to produce stock that fill our dams across our community and our region.”

The Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association continues its volunteer hatchery work, breeding sooty grunter and barramundi to support local fishing and upcoming competitions.

Volunteer Stephen Gibbs said the group is currently operating with a small team, but remains committed to maintaining fish stocks for the region.

“We are a purely volunteer group that is dedicated to improving the fish stocks around the five, particularly in the dams, for the fishermen,” he said.

He says daily work at the hatchery involves feeding, cleaning and maintaining fish until they are ready for release.

“Basically, there’s been three of us who have been running with the hatchery for the last few months.”

Mr Gibbs said the organisation is always seeking additional volunteers to support its work. The association also works with local schools, including St Patrick’s College and Holy Spirit College, to educate students about aquaculture and fish production.

The INDT21st World Sooty Championships will be hosted by the Mackay Area Fish Stocking Assoc Inc. at Eungella Dam via Mackay during the May Day weekend from 2nd May to 3rd May 2026.

“It’s always very popular,” he said.

The association continues to play a key role in supporting recreational fishing across the Mackay region, with volunteers helping ensure healthy fish stocks for both current and future generations.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm visited the Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association Inc to highlight the important role of volunteers in supporting local fish stocks, waterways and recreational fishing across the region. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

The Northern Beaches Community Hub is continuing to take shape, with construction reaching a significant milestone as structural steel is now being installed on site.

Director of Infrastructure and Operations Simon Taylor said the project is progressing steadily, with the building now visibly forming after months of groundwork.

“What you’ll see next is the building’s beginning to take shape,” he said.

Mr Taylor said the development will include a range of flexible community spaces designed to support local groups and activities, including the opportunity for a future café operator.

“The community areas that will be available to book up, and a cafe that we would love to see somebody come and run for us in the future.”

He said the design includes an underground car park, a large multi-use community space, and additional rooms to support a variety of uses.

“There’ll be lots of opportunities for groups to come in and use the building that’ll be available here.”

Facilities will include dedicated community rooms, outdoor change rooms, a wet room for arts and craft activities, and a large divisible meeting space that can be separated into two rooms or used as one larger venue.

The hub will also connect to the nearby library via a walkway, with the library building to be constructed above the community spaces.

Mr Taylor said the project marks an important milestone for the region and a step forward in delivering a long-anticipated community asset.

“We’ve got a really good milestone underway right now with the structural steel, and we’re pressing ahead for completion at Christmas.”

A project update also confirmed Stage 1B of the Northern Beaches Community Hub is now progressing, with the superstructure for building one nearing completion. Residents are beginning to see the scale and layout of the development take shape.

Stage 1B will deliver a modern library, flexible community rooms, a town square, courtyard, café space, undercover parking and customer service facilities designed to support the growing population for decades to come.

The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Mackay Regional Council, including $6.5 million for Stage 1A and $15 million through the Growing Regions Program Round 1 for Stage 1B.

Once complete, the Northern Beaches Community Hub is expected to become a central gathering place for events, services and community connection across the rapidly growing coastal corridor.

The Northern Beaches Community Hub is progressing steadily with structural steel now in place, with construction on track for completion by Christmas. Photo source: Mackay Regional Council

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A young girl lost her beloved stuffie, Strawberry, in Caneland Central mall this week, but the pair was later reunited thanks to some eagle-eyed locals and a post on Facebook.

After the loss of the big cuddly cat toy, the little girl’s mum reached out to Mackay residents on a Facebook community board, putting out a plea to anyone who might have seen it.

“If your child is taking care of Strawberry currently, I will give them some money to go out and purchase a new toy cat so our daughter can have her baby back.” She kindly wrote.

“She has been crying everyday asking for her to come home. She has to be somewhere.”

Thanks to some eagle-eyed locals, Strawberry was located. Somehow, the cat had been collected and donated to a charity shop – even wearing the same dress she had been lost in.

The grateful mum headed straight out to retrieve the toy, before reaching out again to thank all the helpers for bringing Strawberry home.

Commenters celebrated the toy’s return.

“Oh just imagine the story little Strawberry could tell about her adventure!” NJ wrote.

“So glad you got her back.”

1. A cuddly toy was retrieved from a charity shop after going missing last Wednesday.

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There’s something quietly special about Oscar, a gentle soul with a story that speaks to resilience, patience, and the transformative power of kindness.

At approximately three years old, this domestic short hair has already lived a life many pets thankfully never experience. Oscar spent his early years navigating the uncertainty of the streets, relying on instinct to survive. When he was eventually found injured, it marked a turning point — his first step toward safety, care, and the possibility of a better life.

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Now, in a secure environment, Oscar is slowly learning to trust. It’s a process that doesn’t happen overnight, but with each passing day, glimpses of his true personality are shining through. Beneath his cautious exterior is a sweet and slightly goofy companion, just waiting for the right person to give him the time and space he needs to fully blossom.

Oscar would thrive in a calm, quiet home — ideally with an individual or couple who understand that trust is earned, not rushed. While he’s not suited to a home with children, and his compatibility with other pets is still unknown, he has enormous potential to become a deeply loyal companion in the right setting.

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With a full belly, a soft place to rest, and a patient hand, Oscar is beginning to realise he no longer needs to live behind emotional walls. What he needs now is someone willing to continue that journey with him.

Oscar has been desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped, and is ready to find the place he can finally call home.

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Adoption fee: $190

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Please contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc for more details

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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has long been boxed into a narrow narrative: restless children, distracted students, and adults who simply need to "try harder." Yet this framing does more to obscure than illuminate. ADHD is not a failure of effort or discipline; it is a neurodevelopmental condition that challenges how individuals regulate attention, impulses, and energy in a world that increasingly demands constant focus, organisation, and restraint.

In recent years, awareness of ADHD has surged, particularly among adults who were never diagnosed in childhood. Many are now recognising lifelong patterns-chronic disorganisation, difficulty sustaining attention, emotional intensity-that were previously misread as personality flaws. This shift has been driven in part by social media, where personal stories have helped demystify the condition. While this visibility has been valuable, it has also sparked debate about overdiagnosis and the risk of trivialising acomplex disorder.

The truth lies somewhere in between. ADHD is both underdiagnosed and misunderstood. For decades, diagnostic criteria were based largely on young boys exhibiting hyperactive behaviours. As a result, girls and individuals with predominantly inattentivesymptoms were frequently overlooked. These individuals often internalised their struggles, leading to anxiety, low self-esteem, and a sense of underachievement that persisted into adulthood.

This stigma not only delays diagnosis but also prevents people from accessing tools that could significantly improve their quality of life.

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Workplaces and schools also have a role to play. Flexible structures, clear communication, and recognition of different working styles can make a profound difference. Supporting ADHD is not about lowering standards; it is about creating conditions where people can meet them in ways that align with how their brains function.

Ultimately, reframing ADHD requires a cultural shift. Instead of asking individuals to conform to rigid expectations of attention and productivity, we might ask how systems can better accommodate cognitive diversity.  

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Photo credit: Stories in Light Imagery

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Fauna Rescue Whitsundays has put out the call for wildlife volunteers – more specifically bird carers. The organisation is seeking volunteers to help care for birds in need.  

“Right now, we are stretched and need extra hands as soon as possible to ensure these animals receive the care they deserve,” the team said in a Facebook post.  

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Fauna Rescue have listed their requirements which are as follows:  

• Rescues and collections of birds from vets or members of publics

• General support with daily care

• Mediating with bird coordinators to maintain health and wellbeing of animals in care

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No experience is required as guidance and training will be provided.  

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The Whitsunday’s region is home to beautiful wildlife however human exposure and environmental factors can put them in danger. It is immensely important that we – as a community – protect them so that the area can sustain its eco-diversity.  

The call is specifically for the Whitsunday and Mackay regions.  

Contact details, expressions of interest and extensive information about wildlife conservation can be accessed via Fauna Rescue Whitsundays website.

The Fauna Rescue Whitsunday’s website contains a wealth of resources and knowledge for assisting and protecting animals in need – from birds to bandicoots.

For emergencies rescues or situations – the team can be accessed via hotline: 4947 3389.

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The Whitsunday Regional Council is proposing important amendments to Subordinate Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2014, aimed at strengthening the regulation of short-term accommodation (STA) across the region. These changes are designed to strike a better balance between supporting tourism and protecting the lifestyle and amenity of local residents.

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The proposed amendments focus on improving compliance and accountability, particularly in residential areas where poorly managed short-term rentals can disrupt neighbourhood harmony. While recent Planning Scheme updates addressed where STA is appropriate through designated precincts, the Local Law amendments concentrate on how these properties operate.

Key changes include clearer guidelines on which types of accommodation are exempt from requiring an STA licence, particularly where existing regulations already apply or impacts are minimal. Additionally, property owners will be required to display STA licence numbers on online booking platforms, making it easier for Council to monitor compliance.

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The amendments also introduce formal complaint handling and escalation processes for property managers, ensuring that resident concerns are addressed promptly and consistently. Stronger enforcement measures are proposed for cases involving repeated breaches or poor management practices.

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Council is encouraging community members to review the proposed changes and provide feedback. Residents can participate through an online survey.  

This is an opportunity for locals to have their say on how short-term accommodation is managed in the Whitsundays.

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The Whitsunday Regional Council has announced upgrades and works for the Bicentennial Boardwalk (from Lagoon to Coral Sea). Works on the final stage of the boardwalk will commence on Monday 27 April and are expected to run through to late June with a detour in place via Mazlin Street and Hillcrest Avenue.  

The upgrades will create a wider boardwalk and footpath between Lagoon and Coral Sea Resort with new durable decking to reduce maintenance costs. These upgrades ensure a safe and more accessible structure for everyone.

Work hours will generally occur between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, with some earlier starts required for concrete pours. Residents and visitors may notice increased construction activity, including heavy vehicle movements and temporary changes to traffic and parking conditions.

Whilst under construction, the boardwalk section will be closed until late June and parking at Broadwater Avenue will be reduced until early May.

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Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists are asked to take care around the work zone, follow all signage and directions from traffic controllers, and allow extra time when travelling through the area.

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To stay updated you can:

• Follow the ‘Your Say Whitsunday Page’ for regular construction updates and photos  

• Subscribe for email notifications via the ‘Follow Project’ button

• Follow Council on social media for milestone announcements

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With demand for skilled automotive tradespeople remaining strong across Australia, TAFE Queensland teacher

Adrian Sidea is helping build the pipeline from the ground up at Bowen and Whitsundays campuses.

Adrian delivers the Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation (AUR20720) to school students, alongside the Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620) for apprentices – creating pathways into industries including automotive, mining and broader technical trades.

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After years working in the trade, Adrian transitioned into teaching to share his experience and support the next generation.

“I wanted to take what I’d learnt and use it to help others get started,” he said.

Through VET in Schools, students gain early exposure to tools, systems and real workplace expectations, building practical capability and confidence before entering the workforce.

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“These courses give students a strong foundation,” Adrian said. “It’s not just about one job – it’s about learning skills they can take anywhere.”

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The training focuses on real-world application – developing problem-solving ability, teamwork, safety awareness and technical precision.

For many students, the experience provides clarity and direction.

“Some come in unsure of what they want to do,” Adrian said. “By the end, they’ve built confidence and can see what’s possible.”

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Adrian continues to stay connected to industry, ensuring his teaching reflects current practices and emerging technologies.

“When students leave ready to take that next step, that’s what it’s all about.”

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For more information on studying automotive, visit tafeqld.edu.au or call 1300 308 233.

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Bowen State High School is hosting its annual Apprenticeship Readiness Evening, inviting Year 9-12 students along with their parents and carers to discover local career opportunities. 

This event will feature a panel of industry experts who will share valuable insights into current modern workplace demands. Beyond general career advice, attendees will gain information on the application processes for key businesses and learn about the specific steps necessary to secure apprenticeships and traineeships in the coming years.  

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Principal Rob Harris highlights the importance of this event as a chance for students to connect with potential employers, emphasising that understanding the relationship between education and local industry can help students make informed decisions about their futures.  

The evening will also include participation from key staff members and current and former trainees from Bowen SHS, who will offer firsthand advice to students and their families. 

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Event Highlights:

​Industry Insights: Panel discussion with local employers, trainers and apprentices 

​Application Roadmap: Step-by-step guidance on securing a traineeship or apprenticeship in 2026 and 2027

​Target Audience: Students from Years 9 to 12 and their parents and carers

​The evening commences at 6:00 PM in McKenna Hall

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WHAT: Apprenticeship Readiness Evening

WHEN: Wednesday 29th April, 6pm  

WHERE: McKenna Hall, Bowen State High School

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Lake Proserpine is coming alive and it’s driving a real wave of momentum right across town as we head into peak season.

While many will have noticed the return of the Proserpine RV Rest Stop, the bigger story for me is the momentum building right across the town, particularly out at Lake Proserpine.

For the third-year running, we’re seeing the lake come to life with major events and growing visitation. This July, the Reef Trail concert series returns, bringing its Sundowner event back to the lakeside and it’s exactly the kind of activation that continues to put Lake Proserpine on the map.

We’ve always known what a special place it is. Home to the famous metre-long barramundi, it’s long been a favourite for keen fishers. But what we’re seeing now is that broader appeal with families, campers and event-goers all discovering what the lake has to offer.

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That’s where the return of the RV Rest Stop fits in.

It’s not just about providing a place to stay, it’s about making it easier for visitors to experience everything Proserpine has to offer, from the lake through to our local shops, cafes and services.

When you’ve got a well-activated destination like Lake Proserpine, combined with accessible, welcoming facilities for travellers, it creates a strong flow-on effect for the whole town.

And that’s exactly what we want to see with more people stopping, staying and spending locally.

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Importantly, the RV Rest Stop will operate seasonally, allowing us to maximise those benefits during peak travel periods while managing it in a practical and sustainable way.

Proserpine has always played a key role as the gateway to the Whitsundays, particularly for the northern drive market.

What we’re doing now is building on that and creating more reasons to stop, more to see and more to experience.

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Because when we get that right, the benefits don’t just stay at the lake or the RV site, they flow right through the town and support local businesses, jobs and community life.

And right now, Proserpine is well and truly open for business.

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Lund Industries is a locally based, multi-faceted business with a strong focus on sustainability, agriculture, and practical innovation. Established in 2011 by David Lund, the business has expanded over time to include several complementary operations that support both the agricultural sector and the wider community.

One of its newest ventures, Liquid Fish Whitsundays, began in 2023 and focuses on processing waste from the local fishing industry. Instead of allowing this material to go unused, the business ferments it into a fish hydrolysate product that supports plant growth and acts as a natural soil conditioner. This process turns what would otherwise be waste into a valuable resource for regenerative agriculture.

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Alongside Liquid Fish, Lund Industries also operates as an agent for Predator Power Products, a range of petrol engines, pumps, and generators widely used in agriculture and rural industries. This agency was added in 2018, helping farmers and landholders access reliable equipment for their operations.

The business also runs a grass-fed breeding and fattening beef operation near Bloomsbury, using regenerative farming practices designed to improve soil health, biodiversity, and long-term environmental outcomes.

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The motivation behind these ventures stems from a desire to produce chemical-free, nutritionally dense food while improving the environment at the same time. As interest in regenerative agriculture continues to grow, demand for natural soil inputs such as fish hydrolysate has increased. Many producers do not have access to the raw materials needed to produce it themselves, creating an opportunity for businesses like Liquid Fish Whitsundays to support the industry.

Like many regional operators, the business faces challenges including regulatory pressures, infrastructure limitations, and operational costs. Despite this, the focus remains on steady growth and practical solutions.

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Key advice for other business owners includes having a clear vision, progressing through small achievable steps, prioritising customer service, and maintaining honesty and transparency in all dealings.

As a new Chamber member, Lund Industries looks forward to networking opportunities and connecting with other local businesses.

Learn more about Liquid Fish Whitsundays: https://www.liquidfishwhitsundays.com.au/

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry

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Across the Whitsundays this ANZAC Day, residents and visitors are invited to pause, reflect and honour the courage, sacrifice and spirit of those who have served Australia. From dawn services to community gatherings and traditional games, a full program of events will be held throughout the region.

Dawn Services and Marches

Airlie Beach / Cannonvale
The day will begin with a Dawn Service at 5:30am at the Coral Esplanade Cenotaph in Cannonvale.
A march and main service will follow from 9:00am, departing the Broadwater Avenue car park and proceeding to the Airlie Esplanade Cenotaph.

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Bowen
A Dawn Service will be held at 5:45am at the Stanley Street Cenotaph.
Participants are asked to gather at the RSL from 8:50am for a 9:30am march and main service at the Cenotaph.

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Proserpine
Commemorations begin early, with the Dawn Service held between 4:30am and 5:30am at the Cenotaph.
A traditional “Gunfire Breakfast” will follow at 6:00am in the RSL Function Room, with lunch available from 12:00pm.
From 1:30pm, the community is invited upstairs at the RSL for a game of Two-Up. Breakfast and lunch tickets can be purchased at the bar.

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Airlie Beach ANZAC Day Activities

Two-Up at Airlie Beach Hotel
Continuing a long-standing ANZAC Day tradition, Two-Up will be played from 1:30pm to 3:30pm in the sports bar at the Airlie Beach Hotel, in partnership with the local RSL. The game, once played by soldiers during wartime, remains a symbolic way to honour their legacy.

Aussie Rock Tribute Festival
The Airlie Beach Hotel will also host an Aussie Rock Tribute Festival from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. Featuring live performances celebrating iconic Australian bands like INXS, Cold Chisel, AC/DC and Divinyls, the event offers a chance for the community to come together in a relaxed setting following the day’s commemorations.

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Whether attending a solemn dawn service, joining a march, or gathering with friends and family later in the day, ANZAC Day in the Whitsundays provides meaningful opportunities to remember, reflect and connect.

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Bowen State High School Student Isaiah Howell has been praised by the Bowen community for receiving the Premier’s ANZAC Prize.  

Last week, Principal Mr Harris and Isaiah had the honour of celebrating at Parliament House alongside Isaiah’s family, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and the other students privileged to be shortlisted.

Friends and family took to Facebook to congratulate Isaiah on his wonderful achievement.  

“Thank you Bowen State High School for supporting Isaiah throughout the entire process of this amazing opportunity. This is certainly going to be a life changing experience,” said Melinda Howell.  

The Premier’s ANZAC Prize is an annual award that offers talented students an exciting opportunity to develop their research skills, attend workshops and participate in community events in preparation for a 2-week tour to Europe to visit historical sites and key World War I memorials. The tour culminates with attendance at the nationally televised ANZAC Dawn Service near Villers-Bretonneux on the Western Front.  

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The community gathered this week to mourn the tragic passing of 22-year-old Isabella Vickery, a much-loved young local who will be remembered for her love of life, cheeky personality and kindness.

Izzy’s funeral was held at the VMR in Cannonvale on Monday, with more than 100 people in attendance. In honour of her family’s wishes, many wore purple, a fitting tribute to a vibrant life gone too soon.

Isabella was described as “radiant light, laughter, joy, childlike at times, smart, super smart, tender, silly, kind, happy, a little bit naughty, and above all, love. She had the most beautiful heart”.

Until the age of 12, Izzy was raised by her father Tim, with the unwavering support of her grandfather Roger. Her grandmother was also part of her early years, though sadly passed away when Izzy was still a toddler. She attended both St Catherine’s and Proserpine State High School.

In her early teenage years, Tim met Sarah, and together they built a close and loving family. Sarah stepped into Izzy’s life, becoming a friend and a confidant to Izzy but even more importantly the mother that Izzy never had. A beautiful and pure relationship developed.

Through this, Izzy also gained extended family, with grandparents Jill and Brian offering even more love, support and encouragement.

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Not long after, her younger sister Olivia was born. Their connection was immediate and unbreakable, best friends who shared a bond that will never be broken.

After finishing school, Izzy began studying criminology at Griffith University before transitioning to behavioural science at QUT, living in Brisbane for three years.

This new degree was more in line with what Izzy was passionate about. She wanted to make a difference. She wanted to help those living with disabilities, sickness and the elderly, to give them dignity, show them kindness, compassion, care and companionship.

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That was who she was at her core, someone who gave love so freely.

In recent weeks, family and close friends have been navigating immense grief, while also finding comfort in sharing memories and celebrating the joy Izzy brought into their lives.

They smiled recalling her love of comfort, especially her fondness for PJs, once spending a large portion of her savings on six pairs from Peter Alexander pyjamas. She also loved karaoke, embracing the stage with confidence, living in the moment and simply having fun.

Izzy had returned to the Whitsundays at Christmas and decided to stay. During this time, she met someone special who made her smile and gave her excitement for what lay ahead.

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“She was full of life, excited, hopeful, and so in love with the future,” shared the family.

“And that is what makes this so hard.

“But even though her time with us was far too short, the impact she has left is immeasurable.

“She will forever be in our hearts, in our memories, in our stories and in the quiet moments where we feel her presence.”

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The family has asked that anyone wishing to honour Izzy’s memory consider making a donation to the Epilepsy Foundation.   

They also extend their heartfelt thanks to the community for the outpouring of love, support, and kindness during this incredibly difficult time. The Vickery family have been truly overwhelmed by the generosity and compassion shown to them.

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Scan here to donate to Epilepsy Foundation:

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