The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club are once again splashing for cash to support a charity fundraising event after their successful February ‘Starlight Super Swim.’
This time, the club has chosen to support the ‘Laps for Life’ fundraiser to support Youth mental health during the month of March, where all funds raised will go directly to the ReachOut foundation, contributing to youth mental health in the community.
ReachOut is a leading online mental health service in Australia which aims to support young people during tough times while uplifting their spirits and helping them achieve not just a better day, but a better future, no matter what challenges they might be facing. The organisation provides a safe space where young people can openly express themselves, explore what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who are understanding of their situation and encourage them to overcome their challenges.

Currently seven members have dashed on board with swimming and fundraising throughout the month of March to raise awareness and funds for the youth mental health service. As of March 19, the Sinkers are well on their way to their proposed target with $3,494 already committed to the club’s fundraising efforts!
In addition to the Sinkers, two other Queensland Masters clubs have signed up in a rally of support for youth mental health. Brisbane Southside and Aqualicious Masters swimming clubs are also well on their way with funds and awareness being raised.
The three clubs have a cumulative total of $5,753 already donated towards the great cause!
Of course, the swimming aspect is not overlooked with the Sinkers happily swimming along recording 3,160 laps, (158-kilometres) as of March 19.
The Masters Swimming Queensland State Championships are to be held at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre from the April 18-21, promising to be a fantastic competition suitable for all levels of Masters and is said to attract an impressive amount of over 400 athletes.
If you are interested in adult swimming activities, the Sinkers offer a great club with multiple weekly sessions that are self-paced, with options to attend that are low key, pool or open water based and are in an inclusive, supportive environment.
For further information, visit North The  Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club online, email nthmkysinkers@gmail.com or phone 0413 805 156.
To learn more about ReachOut, please visit https://about.au.reachout.com
‍

Contributed by Dan Stampa

‍

Our regular Memorial Monday session with Coach Igor adding to skills and fitness. The session also contributes to the participants of Laps for Life swim distance.

‍

REA Group’s data business PropTrack launched a new comprehensive measure of the share of rental properties that households can afford to lease earlier this month. The PropTrack Rental Affordability Index analyses rental affordability across different household income distributions and locations.

The report showed that rental affordability is now at its worst level in at least 17 years, when PropTrack records began, driven by the surge in rent prices following the pandemic.

Low- and middle-income households are facing the toughest conditions. A household earning $49,000 per year – the 20th percentile of income – can afford essentially no rental properties.

PropTrack senior economist and report co-author, Angus Moore, said: “Surging rents over the past few years have resulted in rental affordability sitting at its worst level in at least 17 years.

“Over the six months to December 2023, households across the income distribution could afford to rent the smallest share of advertised rentals since at least 2008, when our records began. That is a substantial change from conditions before and during the pandemic.

“The deterioration in affordability has been driven by the significant increase in rents that we’ve seen since the pandemic, which wages have not kept pace with. Rents nationally are up 38% since the start of the pandemic.

“At the lower end of the income distribution, renting is extremely challenging. This highlights the importance of rental support for low-income renters, such as Commonwealth Rent Assistance. Without support, renting would be effectively impossible for many of these households.

“Longer term, increasing the availability and supply of rentals is critical to improving affordability. Rents are growing quickly because rentals are extremely scarce at the moment, with incredibly low rental vacancy rates around the country. The only way to solve that, sustainably over the long term, is to have more rentals where people want to live. And that means building more homes.”

For more information and to view the full report please visit realestate.com.au/insights

‍

Just as leaving your doors unlocked poses a risk, neglecting to install and maintain smoke alarms in your home can jeopardise the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

With more Australians dying in residential fires on average than by all natural hazards combined, it’s sparking a renewed call from experts for Australians to protect themselves with a working smoke alarm. Smoke alarms provide a critical early warning to give you and your loved ones time to escape, so testing and maintaining them plays a crucial role in the device’s purpose, saving lives.

While Queensland has the most stringent fire safety laws in the country, the latest data shows just 73% of households tested their smoke alarms last year. While nearly two in three (62%) of those who do not have interconnected smoke alarms installed say they are likely to install them in the next 12 months.

Research from Brooks Australia reveals that the majority of Aussies (90%) don’t test their smoke alarm to the recommended standard – which is once a month.

Furthermore, a stunning one in five (22%) Aussies that have disabled their smoke alarms admit to never having replaced the battery when it ran out.

Cathy Brand, CEO of Brooks Australia, says testing your smoke alarm isn’t a task, it’s a responsibility.

“Smoke alarms are the most effective early warning sign when there is a fire, but if they aren’t tested and maintained properly it can put you, your family and your home at risk. Unfortunately, our research has found that households across Australia don’t regularly test their smoke alarms, placing Aussie families at significant risk,” Brand says.

“We’ve seen in recent months just how important smoke alarms are in saving lives including the escape of a family on the Gold Coast earlier this year.”

The absence of working smoke alarms can increase the possibility of a fatal fire by 60%.

Brand says testing your smoke alarms should be a regular maintenance routine of Australian households.  

“While the recommendation is to test your smoke alarms once a month, cleaning the device to remove any dust, insects or cobwebs every six months can minimise false alarms and help smoke reach the internal sensors easily,” Brand says.

“Testing smoke alarms is a lot simpler than people might expect, just remember 10 - smoke alarms need to be less than 10 years old, take less than 10 seconds to clean and less than 10 seconds to test. That’s why we are encouraging Aussies to set a reminder every month to test your smoke alarm.”

Smoke alarms are a crucial safety feature in every household, but they can only protect you if they are working properly. To ensure that your smoke alarms are always functioning correctly, Brooks Australia recommends performing regular maintenance checks.

Brooks Australia is urging all Australians to check their smoke alarms once a month by joining #TestitTuesday where on a Tuesday during the month, households set a reminder to test their smoke alarms. To find out more about it, head to https://www.brooks.com.au/homesmoke-alarms

‍

Back Row: Jessica Moon, Voytek Antkowiak, Kaitlyn Moon, Cameron Grice, Alliara Leppard and Jet McMullen
Front Row: Angelina Mihailou, Indie Lovett, Zahlia Leppard and Ivy-Leigh MacNamara. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

‍

Hi Everyone,

Happy Easter!

Bonnet parades, school shows, mad dashes to the shops for last minute Easter eggs – this is not a relaxing time of year for parents – but it is a lot fun!

This morning I sent my (almost) 7-year-old boy to school with blue hair – it was ‘free dress day’ and he was desperate to utilise the tin of blue hair spray we purchased several weeks ago.

We stood on the veranda with a towel wrapped around his shoulders and I sprayed his hair, neck and back of his ears, blue.

He was delighted!

When we got to school there was an array of colour pouring out of car doors and walking to classrooms – pink tutus, Tie-dyed shirts, clothes featuring everything from Pokémon to rock bands, more died hair, a few striped socks and a whole lot of attitude!

It made me think about how our clothing choice is such a big expression of who we are, especially when we are children.

What did you wear when you were a kid that you find funny now?

I was a bit grungy in my teenage years, so it was Bon Jovi t-shirts and a lot of black.

Before that I remember loving one of my grand-dad’s old hats and refusing to take it off!

Younger still and it was a bright red Betty Boop jumper that was my absolute favourite.

Watching these beautiful youngsters display their personality and start to frame their identity at the local primary school this morning was fascinating.

It reminded me of my own youth and made me wonder what my own child was going to wear and look like as he aged – hopefully not too many piercings and tattoos!

Regardless of what you are wearing (!) or what you are doing this Easter long weekend, I hope you have fun and enjoy time with those you love.

‍

Rach

Quote of the Week: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” (Emerson)

‍

Sometimes a good deed is more than a spontaneous moment of kindness, it can be working within a system to create real change that helps countless people achieve something simple by removing the barriers of cost.

This was a project that the team at Reefside Marine in Bowen embarked upon this year when they realised some of their clients were struggling to get their boat licence because the cost would often be well over $1000 when you include travel, accommodation and the ticket itself.

Kate Cullen from Reefside Marine said they had some customers who are pensioners and had unknowingly been driving without a licence for years.

Other customers were school kids who loved heading out on the water on the weekend but could not afford to get the licence because they had to travel to Townsville to get there.

Motivated by making sure all her customers are safe and legal, Kate embarked on a long process which involved many phone calls.

Finally, she managed to organise the Marine Rescue boat licence certifiers to come from Brisbane and conduct the course in Bowen over one weekend.

She also ensured this was all conducted at cost-price, making nothing herself from the interaction, simply wanting to make a boat licence something her customers could access affordably and locally.

As a result, the cost of a licence decreased from $900 to $300, with no travel costs involved.

The first event took place in February, and it was so popular they are organising another one for May, 11 and 12, with a few spots still remaining.

This is a full two-day course where participants complete the theory course followed by the exam on the first day and then the practical training, followed by the exam on the second day.

‍

A passionate group of community members are celebrating a game-changing accreditation this week with the confirmation that the Whitsundays is now formally recognised as a Whale Heritage Site.

The Whitsundays is the first Whale Heritage Site to be declared in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the only site in the world to be in a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

This significant breakthrough came about as a result of a dedicated locally-active community program by Whales of the Whitsundays (WoW) a group which advocates for the importance of our region for humpback whales to calve.

World Cetacean Alliance formally announced the news earlier this week and WoW are thrilled with a certification that will put the Whitsundays even more on the map.

The only other designated site in Australia is in Hervey Bay and WoW Program President, Olivia Brodhurst, said they are excited for the Whitsundays to join Hervey Bay and the nine other designated Whale Heritage Sites in the world.

“The Whitsundays with its beautiful fringing reef and calm, protected waters and 75 islands are clearly the chosen calving grounds for these majestic mammals migrating from the Antarctic,” Ms Brodhurst said.

She added that the group is committed to ensure the harmonious co-existence of whales and the vibrant tourism industry operating in the Whitsundays Whale Heritage Site.

“Continuing to raise awareness to ensure protection of whales is incredibly important, not only directly for the animals, but also for increasing stewardship of the environment,”Ms Brodhurst explained.

“Whales are the kind of species that people connect with, are in awe of, and will make lasting changes to protect”.

WoW holds annual community events including the Welcome Whale Event, a cultural celebration of the start of Whale Season in the Whitsundays.

This year’s event will be on the 14th of June at the Airlie Beach Foreshore and is expected to be a unifying and breathtaking dive into the world of whales.

WoW liaises with leading citizen science programs and provides educational opportunities for local tourism operators and members of the public to provide vital research on humpback whales, including collecting whale song using hydrophones.

The Whale Heritage Site program promotes global best practice for destinations with cetaceans (whales, dolphin and porpoises) that champion whales, dolphins, porpoises and their ocean habitats.
The WoW is supported by corporate sponsors Coral Sea Marina, Cruise Whitsundays, Zig Zag, Whitsunday Sailing and NautiLass Apparel.

WHAT: Welcome Whale Event
WHEN: June 14
WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

‍

Whales of the Whitsundays Program Steering Committee members, from Left to Right Deb Duggan, Lindsay Simpson, Robert Congoo, Olivia Brodhurst and Deanna Vierling. Photo supplied

‍

The Whitsunday Regional Council is set to unveil a brand-new bike track, aiming to provide a fun yet challenging experience for local bike riders, scooter enthusiasts and skateboarders.

An investment of $300,000 was poured into the project with the help of Bowen Rail Company. Construction works on the Darcy Munro Park Pump Track in Collinsville will commence on April 2, with stage one of the four-stage circuit expected to be ready for locals both young and old to enjoy by early May.

Bowen Rail Company has fully-funded the first stage of the bike track, with a designed route for users to apply a push-and-pull technique rather than pedalling to make their way over a series of rollers, jumps, and berms. Council will manage the construction works.

Bowen Rail Company General Manager Brendan Lane said, the business was excited to see such a safe, active, fun, and social community asset built for the people of Collinsville.

The funding for the project is part of a 2019 Infrastructure Access Agreement signed with Council for the construction of the Carmichael Rail Network (CRN). The CRN entered operation in early 2022 and connects the Carmichael mine to Aurizon’s Newlands System about 70km south of Collinsville.

“We wanted the construction of the Carmichael Rail Network to leave a positive legacy in Collinsville beyond the significant economic benefits of employing locals and awarding contracts to local businesses, or having rail workers spend their wage in local hotels, stores, and pubs,” Mr Lane said.

“Better playground equipment and new and more diverse activities for older kids were two things that resonated loudly in the 2021 Collinsville Masterplan, and the Pump Track is a perfect fit.”

The beauty of this new addition to Darcy Munro Park is it will be accessible to everyone, young or young at heart, and a toddler on a balance bike will benefit as much as an X-Games superstar.

“We’re deeply grateful for the incredible support we’ve received from Collinsville and the greater Whitsunday region as we’ve built our railway and grown from a start-up to a thriving rail operator.”

“Our team can’t wait to see their friends and family out there shredding around enjoying the Pump Track -and having a crack on it themselves.

Whitsunday Regional Council Capital Program and Network Planning Director Adam Hagy said detailed design of all four stages had been completed, with each adding new levels of challenge. 

“We have the full picture of what the finished product looks like and we’re confident the design will provide fun, challenge, and learning for years to come,” he said

“Naturally, stage one is most suitable for beginners and intermediates to get a foothold as stages two through four come online.

“The timing of stages two through four will be subject to future budgets, and incremental development will ensure the facility grows with the community.”

‍

There will soon be a new pump track in Collinsville. Stock image illustration only

Birdseye view diagram of the Darcy Munro Park Pump Track

Image Supplied

‍

The man accused of killing three family members and wounding a fourth on a remote property in Bogie had his case mentioned in the Bowen Magistrates Court Last week.

In August 2022, 60-year-old Darryl Valroy Young allegedly invited the neighbouring property owners over to the estate’s borderline to discuss a dispute regarding boundaries.

During this conversation, Mr Young allegedly said he was going to "end this once and for all", before allegedly producing a shot gun and firing off five rounds.

Within minutes husband and wife Mervyn and Maree Schwarz along with Ms Schwarz's son Graham Tighe were shot dead.

Ms Schwarz's son Ross Tighe was also shot but managed to escape and drive 40km to call for help.

Last week’s court mention was the first time the police account of the tragedy was presented, and a detailed statement was given about the lead up to the alleged shooting as well as the aftermath.

Police detailed how the families had been involved with a dispute for some time, and there had also been disagreements between Mr Young and the previous owner of Schwarz's Sutherland station.

The court heard how Mr Young phoned Graham Tighe at 7.05pm on August 3, 2022, to arrange a meeting to discuss the recent dispute.

The location of that meeting was the front gate of the defendant's property of Shannonvale.

Later that night, Mr Young allegedly phoned another person, where he allegedly asked someone to help, offering to pay "$500 to do someone in for me".

The hearing also revealed that, despite the fact the weapon was never found, there were shot gun cartridges located at the scene that were allegedly ballistically matched to the one spent cartridge located in the defendant's dwelling and fired from the same gun.

The Bowen Magistrates Court also heard how survivor, Ross Tighe still has a bullet lodged in his body and was suffering from post-traumatic stress.

Mr Young remains in custody while the court case progresses and the defendant has still not yet entered a plea.

‍

Mervyn and Maree Schwarz along with Ms Schwarz's son Graham Tighe were killed in the shooting in August 2022. Photo supplied

‍

Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) is thrilled to announce naming rights sponsors, Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay to 2024’s Airlie Beach Race Week!

Organisers are thrilled to have already received 60 registrations for the 36th annual event, signifying it will be another vibrant regatta this year.

Ocean Dynamics is a perfectly aligned sponsor, the family run luxury charter business demonstrating a love for the ocean and all its vessels.

Carolyn Lewis, director of Ocean Dynamics said, “I am excited to be partnering with the Whitsunday Sailing Club and Mount Gay for Airlie Beach Race Week 2024.
 
“The Lewis family are avid sailors and boating enthusiasts who have competed at Race Week many times in the last 20 years. This year, we look forward to seeing competitors on the water from the spectator and photography vessels,” Lewis said. 

As part of the package, Ocean Dynamics will provide a special spectator vessel for a minimum of three days of the week-long race, for a Whitehaven Beach trip, plus a special competitors’ satchel bag for each boat.

Competitors and volunteers will receive a cap each, with special giveaways in competitor bags and special bottles of Mount Gay rum awarded at the official prizegiving.  
  
“Mount Gay Rum is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of the Airlie Beach Race Week, solidifying our commitment to the vibrant sailing community of Australia.

“As one of the most esteemed and picturesque sailing events in the country, it perfectly embodies the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that Mount Gay Rum stands for,” said Stefano Redo, Mount Gay Australia Brand Manager.
  
Whitsunday Sailing Club, which last year unveiled its new clubhouse and facilities, has made major changes this year and Club President Terry Archer said he is thrilled to welcome new competitors and visitors to the new premises. 
 
“We’ve also put together a new regatta team with a mix of volunteers and club staff to fine-tune the great regatta that we’ve been organising for the past 36 years. This team has achieved amazing results. 
 
“We’ve also launched a new website where prospective competitors can enter online and download the Notice of Race,” Archer ended. 
 
Among entries already received is Paul Mitchell’s Extreme 40, Ullman Sails. The Airlie local is one of the most prolific winners (including last year) and he is a continuing support sponsor of the regatta with Ullman Sails. 
 
Mitchell says, “You have to support your local club and event where you can.” 
 
Mitchell keeps busy between family, work and sailing: “I’m taking my boat to Brisbane for the Moreton Bay Multihull Regatta, then I’m doing a J/70 regatta in Italy in June and then Airlie Beach Race Week,” says the sailor who will also contest the J/70 State and National Championships in Victoria in November. 
 
He says of Race Week, “I like racing at home, it’s easy and the competition is always good in the multis.”
 
With limited marina berthing available, WSC urges prospective competitors to get in early. 
  
  
By Di Pearson/WSC media 

‍

A lot of changes at ABRW this year but the beautiful scenery and great racing remain

Nothing rivals sailing at ABRW

The scene at ABRW this year will include red Mount Gay caps on heads

Photo Credit: Andrea Francolini and Vampp PhotographyJPG

‍

‍

Australian music royalty, Kylie Minogue touched down in the Whitsundays over the weekend, choosing to enjoy a much-needed mini-break in our beautiful region.

In the middle of her Las Vegas Residency entitled, ‘More Than Just A Residency’, Kylie decided to fly back to her home country, posting photos of herself at 5-star luxury resort qualia on Hamilton Island.

The 55-year-old singer was seen to be enjoying the views wearing a red bikini and white combat pants, indulging in a bottle of her own branded sparkling Rose wine.

‍

Kylie Minogue posted was in the Whitsundays this weekend. Photo credit: Instagram

‍

One of our favourite local real estate agents is celebrating this week with the news that they have once again claimed a sweep of prizes at the Rate My Agents Award.

Taylors Property Specialists took home five top gongs for the regions of Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Cannon Valley, Strathdickie and Jubilee Pocket.

One of their star Property Specialists, Mel Butcher, was also the recipient of the prestigious Real Estate Agent of the Year Award for Cannonvale.

This is the fifth time in her seven-year career that she has received this award and Mel says she is thrilled to bring it home once again this year.

The fact that the awards are all people’s choice and derived from personal testimonials, makes them even more special to her.

“I love these awards because they’re all the result of people taking the time to write a review,” she said.

“If people make the effort to do that, it shows they really appreciated the effort we made and the overall experience with Taylors.”

Personally reading each of the 143 reviews, Mel said that a common theme with her service was that clients loved her energy, compassion, enthusiasm and the fact that she always went the extra mile.

Beginning in the industry seven years ago, Mel initially went for a property management role but was instantly diverted to a sales position due to her lively personality.

She has since been working directly alongside Taylors Property Specialist Principal Agent, Rob Taylor, who has personally mentored her.

“I’ve been fortunate to always work alongside Rob,” said Mel.

“He’s a good mentor and a good leader, I’ve been very lucky.”

“I would like to thank everyone I work with, all our supporters and the many people we reach that put their trust in us to deliver.”

Taylors Property Specialists opened its doors almost six years ago, with a team of 5 individuals.

It has now expanded to a team of 18 and a large office space that includes a dedicated auction room.

Over the last 12 months, Taylors has sold 195 properties in our region.

‍

The dynamic team at Taylors Property Specialists. Photo supplied

‍

Returning for its 12 year, the award-winning Airlie Beach Festival of Music has released its first line-up, announcing a host of iconic names that will grace the main-stage at the big top tent located at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

Renowned as one of the most picturesque and inspiring festival locations, festivalgoers enjoy a four day event to the back-drop of the stunning Coral Sea.

There are also dozens of break-off live music gigs held at venues right across the town and featuring a range of talented artists – the whole of Airlie Beach comes alive with music!

For over a decade the Airlie Beach Music Festival has been raising the bar for local events in the region, and 2024 will once again be reaching for the stars with the first release of names already tantalising ticket buyers.

Household names such as Sweet, Jebediah, Thirsty Merc, Christine Anu, Pseudo Echo, Ash Grunwald, Bondi Cigars, 19-Twenty, and Avalanche have been announced, with many more expected to follow.  

All the way from the UK and making their debut in North Queensland, Glam Rock legends Sweet will bring their iconic hits like "Fox On The Run" and "Ballroom Blitz" to the tropical paradise, promising an unforgettable performance.

The band are beyond eager to come, saying "We can’t wait to play The Airlie Beach Music Festival, it's going to be the highlight of our Australian Tour!" 
 
Australian favourites Thirsty Merc, unquestionably one of Australia’s finest live acts, having released four critically acclaimed albums and having over 250,000 album sales under their belt and Christine Anu, one of Australia’s most popular recording artists and performers, are also set to captivate audiences with their timeless hits.

Reflecting on her return to the region, Christine Anu expressed her excitement, stating, "The Whitsundays region is such a beautiful part of the country, and I cannot wait to come and play for you all at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music this year!"

Also joining the lineup is Australian New-Wave icons Pseudo Echo, who helped pioneer the 80's down under and still continue to be one of Australia's leading recording and touring acts.  
 
Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton expressed his enthusiasm for the festival and the draw card it creates for The Whitsundays. 
 
“The Airlie Beach Festival of Music is a fixture in many people’s calendars, a music festival that takes in an entire town and overlooks the magnificent Whitsunday Islands is an easy yes when deciding what festivals to attend,” he said. 
 
“We’re looking forward to a big festival this year in celebration of 12 years. It’s a credit to the organising committee that this event has endured all these years.”  
​​
Tickets for the Airlie Beach Festival of Music are on sale now, starting at only $310 including entry to the Thursday pre-party and Monday post-party in Airlie Beach.

Given the festival's popularity, accommodation is expected to sell out quickly, so attendees are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

For more information or for tickets to the 2024 festival from November 8-10, visit www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au, and follow @airliebeachfestivalofmusic on Facebook and Instagram. 

‍

WHAT: Airlie Beach Festival of Music
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club
WHEN: November 8-10
TICKETS: airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au

‍

Airlie Beach Festival of Music main stage is located in the big top tent to the backdrop of the Coral Sea. Photo credit: Bailey Simmons

Expect large crowds and an unforgettable party atmosphere: Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes

Ash Grunwald is among the names announced on the line-ups first release. Photo supplied

‍

The Rotary Club of Bowen are creating and opening up little libraries as part of their goals for the year.

Current President Helen Woodhouse, who has been President for six years, said one of her goals was to have little libraries all over Bowen.

Little Libraries are small, bird house-looking, honour-based enclosures.

The concept is people take a book and leave a book, some even have donation boxes.

Helen wanted to create them as she believes it is important for children to read books.  

There are currently 4500 registered little libraries in Australia and Helen has decided to make five more in Bowen.

Helen is working alongside fellow Rotarian, Marty Tanzer, who is the creator of the little libraries.

He has already built three and will build two more for a total of five.

This project was a goal that was attainable for the Rotary to complete.

‘It’s something we could do with the small membership numbers,’ said Helen.

Other goals included, increasing their membership by one or two, to be more active and raise the profile of the Rotary and to encourage members to travel to the district conference.

Helen is grateful and eager to share what they have achieved with the community and the Rotary Club of Bowen are awaiting signage to arrive before opening the libraries.

If you would like to join this small and friendly team, please reach out to them on Facebook to find out how you can get involved.

‍

Little libraries are gaining popularity in Australia
Stock image

‍

Chaz
Height: 6’4
Age: 15
Position: Centre, Power Forward

Liam
Height: 6’2
Age: 16
Position: Small Forward, Shooting Guard

Two local boys are celebrating a once in a generation sporting achievement, with both junior athletes recently selected to play in their respective Northern Region School Sport (NRSS) Basketball teams.

16-year-old Liam Steen is now playing in the Under 19’s team and his sporting buddy, 15-year-old Chaz Calder is in the Under 16 squad.

Both boys were awarded their place within a week of each other and have since found out how long it has been since a Whitsunday local achieved a similar level when vying against highly-competitive Townsville players.

Beating almost 50 other competitors to secure their position, the two youngsters said they are thrilled to have been accepted and excited about what the future might hold.

The two boys developed a strong friendship on the court when they realised they were both equally talented and skilled at playing basketball.

Liam has been playing basketball for two and a half years, and Chaz, started at the beginning of 2022 when his parents purchased a hoop for their yard.

Since the basketball first touched their hands, they’ve both been playing as much as possible every day since, which is a key reason to their success.

Liam, who also recently played for the Under 23 Mackay Meteors at an intercity tournament in Rockhampton, said he tried out for the NRSS team last year but was unsuccessful and went back this year hoping to get in.

“I was disappointed when I just missed out on last year's trials so thought I had a good chance this year,” he said.
  
Chaz also played well and said he tried to be as confident as he could so that he was noticed by the scouts.

“It was mainly just skill and outplaying the other people that were there,” he said.

Although in different age groups, the boys play together most days, meeting at training sessions and connecting over basketball and then carpooling to trainings together.

Chaz plays in his first NRSS game in Cairns on Wednesday 8 May and Liam’s is on Wednesday 22 May in Townsville.

Once they’ve competed at this level there is a chance they could be picked for the Queensland School Sports Team, which is what both boys are hoping for.

After school both of them have an idea of their futures.

Liam wants to go into finance or sport and Chaz wants to help people and become a police officer.

‍

Liam Steen (left) and Chaz Calder (right) - Photo credit: Rachael Smith

‍