Carina Chesson Receives Queensland Day Award We all know it’s the people who make Queensland truly legendary. And when disaster strikes, it’s often the quiet heroes who rise to the challenge without fanfare or fuss. Carina Chesson is one of those heroes. Recognised as one of this year’s Queensland Day's five Local Legends, Carina showed what it means to step up for your community when it needs you most. From heart to hand, her actions during the devastating February floods in Ingham proved that
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Bull Arab X Vivacious Vixen is a bundle of joy just waiting to bring some serious sparkle to the right home. This gorgeous girl has been in care for over 500 days and is bursting with love, loyalty and playful spirit. With a big, beaming smile and a tail that never stops wagging, Vixen thrives on long daily runs, a spacious yard and plenty of attention from her people. While she loves to stretch her legs and let loose on outdoor adventures, Vixen also treasures the quiet moments like cooling o
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For Prestigious Queensland Training Award Seventeen-year-old Sophie Johnson is making waves in the healthcare sector, earning recognition as a finalist in the 2025 Queensland Training Awards. A student at Gilroy Santa Maria College, Sophie is one of only three contenders shortlisted in the School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year category for the North Queensland region - an impressive feat given that more than 750 applications were received statewide. Sophie is the first school-based tr
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Read the full storyNew lifejacket laws have come into effect that all boat users must be aware of. The changes include stricter rules on when lifejackets must be worn as well as the phasing out of older Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) that do not meet modern Australian Standards.
While safety on the water is paramount, many North Queenslanders consider the new laws to be impractical as they fail to consider the realities of local boating conditions.
The laws came into effect on December 1, 2024, however there are still many people who are unaware of the new requirements. We are told that enforcement of the new rules will be delayed until July 1, 2025, as Marine Safety Queensland (MSQ) attempts to improve communication and education of the public about the requirements.
For those who aren’t yet aware, the changes now make it mandatory to wear a lifejacket in the following circumstances:
• When boating alone, or only with children under 12 on an open boat under 4.8m while underway.
• When crossing designated coastal bars on an open ship or in an open area of any boat.
• For children aged 1-12 who are on an open boat or in an open area of any boat while underway.
• During night-time boating (sunset to sunrise) on an open boat under 4.8m while underway.
In response to community concerns, I moved a disallowance motion in Parliament to scrap these heavy- handed changes which were introduced by the State Labor Government just prior to the 2024 State election. Although I had hoped for the current State Government’s support, the subordinate legislation was passed and will remain in force.
I will continue to push back against government over-regulation and fight to protect our cherished North Queensland freedoms. For more information about the new rules please visit https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/About-us/News-and-stories/New-rules-for-wearing-lifejackets or phone MSQ on 13 23 80.
Contributed with thanks to Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook
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