weekenderSaturday 18 July 2020

Tropical carnivorous plants eat bugs and mice Drive-in movie returns to

Shane Christensen carves a living

Mon Repos Turtle Centre wins architecture prize contents

New motel proposed on 3 Meekak site Cover story Tropical carnivorous plants eat bugs 5 and mice

What’s On in the 6 Council goes green with million 7 trees target Strawberry season begins in 8 Bundaberg Region More to music than Photo of the week Thank you to Shirley Galea sound for singer 11 Peter Knight Shane Christensen 12 carves a living Dragon fruit and lime ice cream a 14 hit at Tinaberries Kindermusik teacher Eunice recognised with 15 top award History buff takes key role at 16 Old Pharmacy Mon Repos Turtle Centre wins 18 architecture prize Michael Harris achieves surf 20 mission Proposed three storey motel site. New motel proposed on Meekak site Trish Mears

Council has received an application for a three-storey motel to be developed on the Meekak restaurant site at 222 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg. If approved, there will be 40 rooms, including a mix of studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units, as well as a manager’s residence. A pool would also be included at the podium Artist impression - north west view. level. expected to grow due to the completion of the Bundaberg Multiplex that can now cater for In applying for a material large scale corporate and sporting events. change of use, the “The proposed development would drive its own demand as visitors from outside the region seek developers cited strong high quality, easily accessible accommodation. demand for short-term “This demand would be in addition to changes to the local market over the last few years. accommodation in “Since 2015 there has also been a number of Bundaberg. tourism and economic developments that would positively influence demand for the short- “In terms of the accommodation market, stay accommodation market in the Bundaberg leisure visitors are the most significant, but are Region. supplemented by a noticeable business market “These include completion of the $10 million that includes health and government related redevelopment of the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, workers as well as corporate travellers,” the Lady Musgrave Experience (day trips to the applicants said. Great Barrier Reef) leaving from Bundaberg Port “The demand for short-stay market generated Marina, and the $70 million Knauf plasterboard by the corporate and government sector is manufacturing plant at the Bundaberg Port.” 3 28 August to 18 October Andrea Mansell with one of the many varieties of Nepenthes or Tropical Pitcher Plants grown at Exotica Plants near . The plants are eagerly sought by international clients. Tropical carnivorous plants eat bugs and mice Wayne Heidrich

“Over the years Andrea and I have been Specialising in carnivorous tropical hybridising Nepenthes and selecting numerous plants for more than 25 years has cultivars which has significantly expanded the provided a Cordalba couple with a variety of plants we currently have available.” niche market in which they boast He said Nepenthes are native to Southeast unrivalled experience and expertise. Asia including Borneo, Sumatra, Malaysia, the Philippines, India, and northern Australia and do Geoff and Andrea Mansell established Exotica particularly well in the local climate. Plants 27 years ago and during that time have “We produce plants that have broad appeal to positioned themselves as world leaders in the average plant lover who may simply want Nepenthes hybridisation, cultivar selection and colour and a unique plant that is interesting and breeding. a great topic of conversation,” he said. Their plants have attracted a worldwide “At the other end of the spectrum we also wholesale and mail-order market based primarily cultivate rarer plants which resonate with avid on the quality of the plants and the guarantees collectors. We have a very well-established associated with supply to virtually anywhere on delivery service which ensures buyers receive the planet. their plants in premium condition.” The couple’s venture into exotic plants was A visit to Exotica Plants website and Facebook informed by their 20-year love affair with page reveals a colourful catalogue of plants. collecting and growing Nepenthes, other carnivorous plants and exotic ornamentals, “These have all been produced by us which mainly as hobbyists. demonstrates to potential buyers that it’s also possible for them to grow and enjoy these “Nepenthes, or Tropical Pitcher Plants as they plants,” Geoff said. are commonly called because of their cup like qualities, are a really interesting genus of plants,” Exotica Plants is required to meet stringent Geoff said. biosecurity standards to enable national and international distribution of its plants. “They are avid feeders and enjoy a diet of flies, beetles and assorted bugs. You can feed More information on Exotica Plants is them on worms as well and some of the larger available at exoticaplants.com.au or contact varieties regularly eat mice. 41266 434 and mobile 0413 292 432. 5 2020 Drive-in Movies 24 - 25 Bundaberg Recreational Precinct Drive-in movies are back and July ready to entertain you.

19 Met Opera - Agrippina July THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED

19 2020 Bucca Country Markets Enjoy market day at the July Bucca Country Markets.

20 Industry Crisis to Recovery How do we revitalise our local arts industry to thrive once again now July and beyond COVID-19? Join the conversation with Be the Pat O’Neill and David Berthold. 22 2020 Gin Gin Families first to know Playgroup Gin Gin Families Free Playgroup is July returning every second Wednesday. whatsonbundaberg.com.au 6 Cr Wayne Honor, Vic Vysma, Mayor Jack Dempsey, Malcolm Brown, Maximus the dog and Ray Johnson at Gin Gin Land Care are excited about Council’s One Million Trees program. Council goes green with million trees target Derek Schlennstedt

Bundaberg Regional Council has set an “Organisations such as Burnett Mary Regional ambitious target of planting one million Group, GreenFleet, Planet Ark and local Landcare groups have indicated general support trees in four years to offset emissions, and stakeholders will be consulted as project improve livability and benefit the planning continues.” environment. Cr Honor said tree planting is also beneficial in Mayor Jack Dempsey said the bold vision aims to urban areas to improve amenity, increase shade harness support from community organisations, and reduce temperatures. landowners and residents. “We’re going to increase our planting of street trees and in parks and open spaces,” he said. “The project will establish a register of sites where permanent trees can be planted,” he said. Mayor Dempsey said Council would explore grant opportunities with environmental “This will include Council freehold property and organisations. private landholdings identified through a public registration of interest. “There will be opportunities “The focus will be on environmentally sensitive sites and planting programs that ensure high for volunteers to get involved survival rates.” when the project begins,” Parks and gardens portfolio spokesman he said. Cr Wayne Honor said the initiative was consistent with Council’s Sustainable Bundaberg 2030 “We also envisage that residents will be able to strategy. access native tube stock to plant native species “It’s part of our long-term commitment to ensure on residential properties.” environmental sustainability and promote The program is expected to commence biodiversity,” he said. on 1 October 2020 and continue until “The project will take a collaborative approach 30 September 2024. that engages community groups, indigenous There will be a web page with tools and resources organisations, volunteers, commercial nurseries related to the program, including a counter of 6 and other levels of government. trees planted over the next four years. 7 Strawberry season begins in Bundaberg Region

Derek Schlennstedt

July marks the beginning of strawberry “We commence just a few weeks prior to other season in Bundaberg, a time when the regions and that gives us a chance to have our fruit on the market earlier. local supermarkets are heaving with a range of delicious varieties from local “At the moment we’re expecting to hit peak in about another four weeks’ time around about growers. August and for some producers, depending on The beginning of the strawberry season couldn’t what they grow, this will go through until around come at a better time with research from Nielsen about October.” showing that consumer demand has increased, and people are buying more fresh produce with an increase of 5 per cent over the past few Slow start to season, months. but strong finish Bundaberg Fruit & Vegetable Growers managing director, Bree Grima said the region’s growers SSS Strawberries is run by the second generation had been taking advantage of recent favourable of the Dang family’s sons and daughters: Victor, weather conditions and an earlier start. Tam, Toan, Gina, Trini and Rena. “The cooler weather has been quite favourable for the strawberry growers, as that can reduce The business on Rosedale Road employs more pest and disease activity and slightly prolong than 300 casual staff. their season as well,” she said. SSS Strawberries’ Thanh Dang said that despite “We’re really lucky in this region, in that we have a slow start, the family-run business were 8 a window of opportunity. expecting a busy season. “The season has been pretty slow to start, but it’s starting to pick up now,” Thanh said. “The weather has actually been cold and that has helped the fruit gain in size and taste. We’re also expecting the weather to become a little bit warmer this year than usual, and when that happens the crop will begin to flourish. “Generally, we do around 80,000 tonne per season in terms of marketable fruit. This year we’ve expanded a little bit more, so just a little bit under twice the size we’ve previously had, so expecting a busy season.” Roasted strawberry crepes

Prep time - 10 mins Cooking time - 10 mins

Ingredients 2 x 250g punnets strawberries, washed, hulled, halved 55g (1/4 cup) caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla essence The Dang family is pleased the 2020 strawberry season is kicking off. 4 Creative Gourmet Frozen French Style Crepes Size does matter Icing sugar mixture, to dust Warm vanilla custard, to serve Each year SSS Strawberries open their doors to visitors who are able to pick strawberries for themselves, starting around August. Method It’s the size of the strawberries this year that has Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a baking impressed many, including Thanh. tray with non-stick baking paper. Arrange the strawberries, in a single “We generally pack strawberries into a punnet layer, on the lined tray. Sprinkle with of 250 grams and one of the largest sizes I’ve the caster sugar and drizzle over the seen was two of them would fill that entire vanilla. Toss gently to coat. Roast in punnet,” Thanh said. oven, turning once, for 10 minutes or “So, two fruits in a whole punnet.” until the strawberries start to soften Strawberry growers in the region contribute and a syrup forms. about $35 million of farm-gate value and make Meanwhile, heat the crepes following up 16 per cent of the state’s production. packet directions. Divide the crepes, strawberries and syrup evenly among serving plates. Dust with icing sugar. Serve immediately with custard.

Reference Taste.com.au – Roasted Strawberry Crepe 8 9 10 He said at first, all he wanted to do was play guitar on stage and the singing came later after More to music the positive response from people and he found he had a knack for it. “When I was 23 years old, I was living in Victoria. than sound I went to a local jam session at a hotel in Geelong,” he said. for singer “I got up with the house band and played Honky Tonk Woman by the Rolling Stones. “Most importantly, the guys in the band were Peter Knight super encouraging, and made me feel safe and welcome. Emma Reid “It can be a terrifying experience getting up on stage, and those guys made me feel like I belonged. “That stuck with me – that generosity. I have made sure to be that kind of welcoming musician ever since.” Peter said he felt it was his job as a musician was to then pass on that welcoming feeling to the next generation of singers. “I have been involved with running many jam sessions at pubs here in Bundaberg and (I) have taken much delight in seeing people of all ages have their chance to perform on stage. “The most satisfying is the young kids who come, and you watch them blossom, some going on to be professional musicians themselves.” Peter’s new album has artistic honesty Peter’s seventh album Guitar Strings Pen Paper is written about his experiences and has “artistic honesty”. Peter Knight’s seventh album Guitar Strings Pen Paper is written about his experiences “By that I and “artistic honesty”. mean, it’s not 100 per cent Bundaberg singer Peter Knight has autobiographical, but has true released his seventh album Guitar artistic intent, Strings Pen Paper that gives a glimpse Peter said. into the songwriter and his muse. “My music is very much in the singer/songwriter/ Americana genre.” Peter moved to the Bundaberg Region more than 15 years ago and his songs show the He has recorded and mixed songs and albums influence of his life here. He owns Ozland Studio for many well-known Bundaberg artists, as well and says there is more to music then just sound. as doing hundreds of sessions for international artists at his studio and he says there is always “I moved here in 2004 and fell in love with the one memory that will stick with him for life. area,” Peter said. “I had a person come up to me at a gig, throw “I have been influenced hugely by our wonderful their arms around me and tell me my music had region; I named one of my albums, Black Snow, saved their life,” Peter said. after the cane trash that falls. “They had been very depressed and said that “I even have a band that plays locally, called The my music had gotten them through their darkest Black Snow Band – I just loved the term. part of their life. “I also had a song called Three shots of “That is the most amazing thing to happen. Bundaberg Rum on the same album.” You hope as an artist that the thing you creates touches someone, what happened there is more Although Peter has been playing and recording important than any financial reward I have ever music for more than three decades, he didn’t gotten.” pick up his first guitar until he was 21, but says the “music bug” then became a fixation and he Peter’s album Guitar Strings Pen Paper is was hooked. available now at Bout Time Music in Targo 10 Street for $20 or purchase online here. 11 Shane Christensen, who uses a chainsaw to create his masterpieces, including this iconic turtle. Shane Christensen carves a living Emma Reid

Growing up in the Bundaberg Region, “20 years on, I have refined my own techniques, Shane Christensen never imagined but still remember what I was shown, the his wood carving hobby would last a guidance from a master carver.” lifetime and become his passion. Shane, who also uses a chainsaw to create his masterpieces, said his largest piece of work Shane’s wood carving has given him the was installed at Griffith University on the Gold opportunity to travel to other countries, and he Coast, and it weighed in at a massive 350kg of has artwork and sculptures all along the east hardwood and was home to native bees. coast of Australia. He said it was more than two decades ago when “Shaped into a giant Indigenous warrior, a he took inspiration from the late Nobby Clark creation spirit for Kombumeri mob, traditional who had created thousands of wood sculptures, custodians in the area,” Shane said. from life-size turtles to complex miniature pieces “The giant is named Jabreen, and he has a box of art. “The first thing Nobby asked me to carve of stingless bees installed inside the sculpture, was a fish, out of a piece of Mango he gave me,” honey can be harvested from the sculpture.” Shane said. Shane said he had now been a full-time artist “I did this at home by myself and brought it for about three years, “carving a living”, and back to Nobby a few days later, from memory supporting his family in a humble life near Noosa he seemed pleasantly surprised. on the Sunshine Coast. “Last week I was carving a large Barramundi to be installed in Gladstone, along the new “My sculptures are found as far south as Mildura foreshore project,” he said. in Victoria, and as far north as Cairns,” he said. “While carving the Barramundi I reflected on the “I recently came back from a playground project small fish carving I did for Nobby over 20 years in a school in Cairns, the students loved the 12 ago. noise and excitement. “I often wonder if I inspire any of the next generation to think outside the box – one of the mysteries of life is we never really know who we’ve inspired!” Shane will often return to the Bundaberg Region to see family, and takes in the beautiful coastline while here. “I snorkel or surf when I do, I learnt to surf at Nielsen’s Beach many moons ago,” he said. “I went to high school in Bundaberg, and failed art class miserably, but I’m now a full time artist.

Growing up in the Bundaberg Region Shane Christensen never imagined a hobby of wood carving would last a lifetime and become his passion.

“If I could impart anything for the younger generation of artists, I’d encourage them to ‘think outside the box’, if your dream, creative job doesn’t exist yet, make one up.”

“If you have enough passion or interest about something, you will learn exceptionally fast, and 12 people will support you to walk your own path.” 13 Pick-your-own strawberries returns mid-August Tina said this year’s strawberry season had started well, with ideal weather allowing the strawberry plants to give a high yield of fruit. “Strawberries love cold nights and dry conditions,” she said. “As it’s been cooler this year, they are doing really well. “We are open during strawberry season from 9am to 5.30pm every day.” For more information click here.

Tinaberries owner Tina McPherson said the idea of the new dragon fruit and lime flavour came about after a “little experimenting” and the combination of the two locally-grown fruits was an instant hit with customers. Dragon fruit and lime ice cream a hit at Tinaberries Emma Reid

Tinaberries’ popular new flavour of “We use both the white dragon fruit and the pink, because the white one is sweeter, but the dragon fruit and lime ice cream looks pink gives it that great colour!” she said. sensational and tastes divine, so it’s no “Then we use limes grown here on our farm, or wonder it’s being scooped up by locals from Linda Vickers at Bundy Limes. and visitors alike. “The lime just gives it that little something extra Tinaberries owner Tina McPherson said the idea special. of the new flavour came about after a “little “We are so blessed to have all of this great experimenting” and the combination of the produce grown here in the region.” two locally-grown fruits was an instant hit with customers. As Tinaberries dragon fruit and lime ice cream is new, Tina said they didn’t realise how popular “It looks spectacular and tastes like a key-lime it would be, especially with the current school pie, it’s sweet and refreshing,” Tina said. holiday which had given the local business an “We have our ice cream flavours of what we influx of visitors, both locally and those visiting grow here, strawberry, and passionfruit, and in the Bundaberg Region. summer we do mango – actually we thought we had enough mango to last through to next “We have frozen what we think may be enough season, but the whole concept has become dragon fruit, but seeing how busy we have been so popular that we are now out of mango ice in the last 10 days – it’s just crazy and we know cream. we won’t run out of strawberry ice cream or passionfruit ice cream as we grow those fruits “The dragon fruits are grown locally at Bruce ourselves, but with the novelty ice creams like and Carol Prickle Patch Dragon fruit farm, they this, we will just see what happens,” she said. are quite involved in the culinary tourism also, and their fruit is just perfect for ice cream. “We honestly have never been so busy at the farm, and it’s lovely to see a lot of locals getting Dragon fruit and lime a perfect combination of out and doing local things around the region; sweet and sour along with people coming from South East Tina said the combination of both the white , Gladstone and Rocky, for day trips, dragon fruit with the pink helped give the or staying in the region for a couple of nights 14vibrant colour to the sweet treat. away – it’s just fabulous.” Kindermusik teacher Eunice recognised with top award Emma Reid

BTR Performing Arts Academy Kindermusik teacher Eunice Beyer has been recognised for dedication with the Kindermusik Top Program Mezzanine award. Since 2005 Eunice has been teaching the Kindermusik program at BTR Performing Arts Academy, and this year will mark the 10th time BTR Performing Arts Academy Kindermusik teacher Eunice Beyer has been recognised they have been recognised in the top 200 for dedication with the Kindermusik Top Program Mezzanine award. international programs. Eunice has a passion for music that was “The music stimulates both sides of the brain, it instilled from a young age when she recalls her helps develop the whole body, from fine motor grandmother playing at the conservatorium of skills right through to movement,” she said. music. “If children then take up music after seven years She said although being the seventh child born of age, they have an understanding already. It out of eight in her family, and during those times also follows them through to sport, dance and she wasn’t given the advantageous of her older much more.” siblings, she followed her dreams and now as a grandmother herself takes pride in sharing her BTR Performing Arts Academy Director Amanda passion with children as young as three-days Roche said it was nice to be recognised with the old. Kindermusik Top Program Mezzanine award. The Kindermusik Top Program Mezzanine She said the program was based on empowering award recognises excellence in building an expansive program and reaching many families children from an early age. in the community, with the renowned music “This award is significant because at BTR we and movement program that promotes early are passionate about being the shining light in childhood education. children’s lives,” Amanda said. Eunice said as an early childhood music specialist, she never thought of the position as “Empowering them to extend their ‘little wins’ a job, but more of a desire to help youngsters into lifelong victories. develop the same love for music as she has. “Kindermusik is one way that we can share this passion.” “Working with children Kindermusik International CEO Scott Kinsey said for the past 10 years, Kindermusik at BTR keeps you young,” Performing Arts Academy had joined the elite she said. company of the 200 Top Programs identified as the top Educators in the world who teach “It’s really not a job but more a delight, especially Kindermusik. to see the babies faces light up, and the long- lasting relationships between children as they “Kindermusik programs have a mission: helping grow, and their parents. children become better learners and helping parents understand how to help them reach “When you see a one-year-old sitting there and tapping along perfectly to the beat of the music their highest potential,” he said. it is just phenomenal.” For more information about Kindermusik Eunice said when she first started studying the at BTR Performing Arts Academy, benefits of Kindermusik, she never realised the phone Eunice on 0422 432 097 14 impact it could have on an individuals life. or email [email protected]. 15 Visitor numbers are growing with the recent re-opening of the Old Pharmacy Museum in Childers. Volunteer Julie Viall explains the pharmacy history to family group (from left) Joy Peterson and Jo and Peter Bainbridge of Moranbah. History buff takes key role at Old Pharmacy Emma Reid

Scott Stedman has answered the was a staff member when the Pharmacy was Council-run, continued to support our volunteer call and picked up the reins as the efforts after finishing her employment with Volunteer Co-ordinator at the Council. Childers Old Pharmacy Museum. “I really can’t speak highly enough of that trio The avid history buff said he was delighted to and all our volunteers who contribute their time accept the job following the decision of long- and talent to help promote this wonderful slice serving co-ordinator Bev Santacaterina to step of Childers history.” down. Scott said being involved in the Old Pharmacy “Bev has been an absolute legend in the fed his enthusiasm for history. position for the past seven years both here as He is the author of nine local history books with co-ordinator and as Secretary of the Isis District three more planned. Historical Society,” Scott said. “It’s in my blood. I love the history of Childers “She was phenomenal over that time in co- and telling the story of Thomas Gaydon and ordinating window displays, handling pharmacy how he established this pharmacy in 1894. arrangements for the annual Childers Festival, “Everything that he touched and felt is still here, pulling together events for the Historical Village the writings in his journals – around 85 percent and managing the groups who regularly visit of his memorabilia remains in this building. the Old Pharmacy. The history of his sons Geoff and Noel – a dentist “As a volunteer group, we have been so fortunate and chemist – also live on in this place. They to have the services of people like Bev and a few have a very tangible presence,” Scott said. other recent retirees including Marilyn Cross and “Last year marked 125 years of the Gaydon Elaine Turner. Building in which the shop is located and we “Marilyn played a major role in the ongoing had an extremely enjoyable day with many of 16cataloguing of historical items while Elaine, who the extended Gaydon family attending.” Scott said the Old Pharmacy had reopened around two weeks ago and visitor numbers were increasing and especially now with Queensland school holidays underway. “Social distancing is required, and this can limit the numbers allowed into the museum,” he said. “It’s pretty much business as usual for the Old Pharmacy with staff involved in on-going cataloguing of items and preparing for the restart of group visits. Returning in July 2021

Answering the call. Scott Stedman has recently taken up the role of Volunteer Co-ordinator at the Old Pharmacy Museum in Childers.

“One thing we will explore is any opportunity to source a billboard to promote the Old Pharmacy Museum,” Scott said. “This may involve an approach to Council and/ or submitting a grant application.

“The Old Pharmacy Museum is a unique experience and a place that everyone should visit at least once,” he said.

“There’s plenty on the horizon for the museum with bookings already in place for Christmas and beyond in anticipation of opening of the Queensland border and further easing of 16 COVID-19 restrictions.” 17 Mayor Jack Dempsey at the opening of the new Mon Repos Turtle Centre. Mon Repos Turtle Centre wins architecture prize Derek Schlennstedt

The Mon Repos Turtle Centre built by that minimizes waste and disruption to the site, Bundaberg firm Murchie Constructions a building skin that minimizes energy use, and materials that focuses on building life span. has won a prize at the 2020 Queensland Architecture Awards. “The overall affect is of a building that is in harmony with the site.” The modern building dedicated to the Bundaberg Regional Council delivered essential conservation of the endangered loggerhead infrastructure for the Mon Repos Centre. turtle was awarded the Queensland Architecture Medallion for its innovative design and Council supplied the site with water services environmentally minded construction. and built a new sewer pump station as part of its $1.5 million contribution. Local builder Murchie Constructions delivered The 1000sq m facility’s innovative cross-hatched the project. frame – similar to the plates of endangered Jury chair and director of COX Architecture, loggerhead turtles – was built last year using Richard Coulson, described the winning design renewable, locally sourced glued-laminated as contributing to the progress of architecture timber. in Queensland. All the timber beams were manufactured by “This unique condition has inspired a project that Hyne Timber at their GLT Plant in Maryborough. explores structural, sustainable and expressive The building’s design allows visitors to view strategies to produce a modestly scaled but breeding turtles and hatchlings unobtrusively. significant Queensland building,” said the jury. KIRK director Richard Kirk said it was both a “The building develops parallel strategies that privilege and a challenge to craft the globally minimise the effect on the turtle nesting and recognised research centre in the marine 18migration, prioritises a construction system conservation area. Construction of the new Mon Repos Turtle Centre. Photo: Murchie Constructions. “We focused on sustainability and resilience to protect both the turtles and the landscape, while creating an immersive experience for visitors in “We wanted to the Turtle Centre building.” The building also received the Sustainable protect and enhance Architecture Award. the area’s natural While Mr Kirk said the Queensland Architecture Medallion was of great significance to the beauty through team, sustainability was at the heart of their organisation. architecture,” “I think every building has to be rooted in this he said. endeavour to use materials responsibly and to build well for the long term so that’s something we are very passionate about, so for us this is the most important award to receive.”

18 The largest loggerhead turtle rookery in the South Pacific is located at Mon Repos. Photo: Mon Repos Turtle Express. 19 At 55 years of age Michael Harris said it was a great feeling to come first in Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Lifeguard Proficiency Test, The Mission in 18 minutes and 2 seconds, beating some lifeguards half his age.

Michael Harris “It’s something I enjoy doing, and two of my family members that are doing lifeguard as well, and a younger daughter who is in nippers now achieves and she will do it. surf mission “I really enjoy the days when I get to go against Emma Reid some of the younger people, Shalom College teacher Michael Harris and it’s enjoyable.” pipped lifeguards half his age as he crossed the mission test line first in the Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Lifeguard Supervisor for Wide Bay Capricorn Branch Julie Surf Life Saving Queensland lifeguard Davis said there were about 35 life guards who proficiency testing at Kellys Beach. had travelled from as far as Yeppoon and Hervey Lifeguards from across the region were put Bay to complete their proficiency testing at through their paces and faced both physical and Kellys Beach. mental challenges to ensure they remain ready Julie said the assessment, combined with a to respond to various incidents that may occur rigorous training program, ensured the highest on beaches from Yeppoon to Hervey Bay. standard of competency. Part of the proficiency test has the lifeguards “Basically, what today is, is bringing all the life tackle the fitness test named the mission, which guards together … so all of our lifeguards are on comprises a 600m swim, 800m run, 600m the same page, ready to hit the ground running board, 800m paddle and then another 800m when we start up on 19 September,” Julie said. run again, all up 1.2km of water and 1.6km of Julie said after watching the lifeguards running. participate in the mission test and seeing one of The lifeguards have 28 minutes, along with an the older lifeguards finish with the fastest time 800m timed swim in a pool, to complete it in showed the quality of lifeguards in the region. order to obtain their ticket. “I think it shows the quality of people we have At 55 years of age Michael said it was a great here in Bundaberg, you know they just give it feeling to complete the mission test in 18 minutes their all and are very passionate about what and two seconds. they do, they like doing it,” she said. “It’s always good to be the old person winning,” “There’s a bit of camaraderie between all the Michael laughed. guys as well, which I think is fantastic. I am really “I think I am the oldest lifeguard here and I proud of all of them, they do a fantastic job.” have been competing now in everything from Lifeguards also undertook water-based rescues, swimming, water polo, lifesaving and triathlons jet skis, first aid and advanced resuscitation, as for the last 50-odd years.” well as other competencies during the day. 20 Take your kids on an adventure through the Botanic Gardens

Get a FREE copy of the activity booklet with map from Hinkler Hall of Aviation, Cafe 1928 and Bundaberg & District Historical Museum 20 $25/car DRIVE IN five people max 6.30 IES pm Bundaberg OV Recreational M movie starts Precinct Entry via University Dr only FRI 24 JULY The Goonies SAT 25 JULY Dirty Dancing

Book tickets online at B whatsonbundaberg.com.au dy A Can from 10 July R Upcoming Taste of weekends • 28/29 August Bundy Pack • 25/26 September • Cha Cha Chocolate bar • 23/24 October • Caramel popcorn MOVIES TBA • Macadamia nuts Tickets available two weeks • Bundy Juice, prior to each weekend Bundaberg Ginger Beer or water

SINGLE ...... $12 FAMILY 4 ...... $40 FAMILY 5 ...... $50

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