Following the tragic death of 17 year old Jack Beasley in Sufers Paradise in 2019 the Queensland Police Service has been very proative in addressing community concerns about knife crime in Queensland. In 2021 the legslative framwework for ‘Jacks Law’ was put in place. This legislation allowed Police the power to use hand held scanning devices in relelvant places. Airlie Beach Safe Night Precinct is one of those areas that was named.
Since 2021 in Queensland more then 100,611 wanding operations have been carried out and more then 953 weapons seized. These wandings have taken place in Safe Night Precincts, transport hubs, shopping centres, sport and entertainment venues around the state.
On the 18th July 2025 the legislation was expanded and formalised allowing Police to conduct wanding in areas listed above, without the approval of a Senior Officer and anytime they feel necessary. On the weekend in Airlie Beach Police conducted over 400 wandings. The continuation of these laws will ensure the dafety of all persons in our community.
On Tuesday the 15th July the Whitsunday Police Community said good bye to a colleague and friend as Sergeant Brett ‘Chuck’ Norris retired from the QLD Police after almost 40 years continuous service. In a unique farewell Chuck was farewelled as he brought in PC Damian Leeding one last time. Here he marched through his family and colleagues with a Police piper.
As Officer in Charge of the Whitsunday Water Police, Chuck has dedicated over 24 years to the community here in Airlie Beach. He was awarded a Humanitarian Society Bravery Award in 2009 for the rescue of 37 people who’s yacht had become stricken in wild seas. It was the largest helicopter rescue from a vessel in Australian history.
A wonderful bloke and an exceptional mariner. Congratulations Chuck, enjoy the break mate. You’ll be missed.
Contributed with thanks to Senior Sergeant Officer in Charge of Whitsunday Police Station Anthony Moynihan
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