Editors Note

Hi Everyone,

Sadly, this edition of the paper reports about some tragic events that have unfolded in our region over the past week.

Our hearts are with everyone effected, especially the family of Proserpine local, Gavin Hussey, who lost his life in a road accident on Tuesday.

Also, our sympathies go out to the family of the 50-year-old Townsville man who died in Bowen on Tuesday evening when a train hit the vehicle he was travelling in.

There were two other incidents, both involving boats - one where a family was lucky enough to escape their burning vessel and a second where five French tourists were rescued from a capsized boat.

Fortunately, everyone survived.

This week, our hearts also go out to the six children who had been suffering abuse at the hands of sex offenders in the Whitsunday and Mackay area.

Thankfully seven people have been arrested and the children are now safe.

This newspaper is known for its positive and engaging stories that bring us all together, but I think it is also important that we all come together to share at times of sadness and injustice as well.

We aim to report these tragic news stories in an informative and accurate way that is also sensitive and respectful to the individuals and family members involved.

I hope we’ve achieved this.

By sharing this news, we hope that everyone can spare a thought for those suffering right now for I believe it is with empathy and compassion that we become a stronger community both locally and globally.

These tragic events have also reminded us all how lucky we are to wake up every morning, how precious and fleeting life can be, and also to hold our loved ones close.

Take a moment this evening to stop and reflect at how lucky you are to be alive.

Rach.

Quote of the Week: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever” (Mahatma Gandhi)

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