Latest news with #Yeppoon
ABC News
26-05-2025
- Climate
- ABC News
Marine rescuers call for improved radio coverage in large blackspot
Nestled on the Great Barrier Reef between two of Australia's most popular boating destinations, the Keppel Islands and Whitsundays, is a dangerous radio blackspot zone leaving boaties with no communication for days on end. The sprawling Clara Islands Group near Shoalwater Bay, about 100 kilometres north of Yeppoon on the Capricorn Coast, is a boating paradise, with crystal-clear waters and picturesque tropical isles that dot the coastline. But the popular offshore fishing haven and safe anchorage location for ocean commuters can be deadly when the weather turns, with no phone or radio communication coverage. Coast Guard volunteer Darryl Prizeman said the area had been a serious concern for a long time. "The area effectively north of Yeppoon to Mackay is probably the most remote in the state," he said. "We have had [boating] disasters up there and for comfort and for families, time is critical in those situations." In November, a 67-year-old sailor was winched to safety after his trimaran ran aground on South Barron Island near Shoalwater Bay. He had activated an emergency beacon to raise the alarm. In bad weather, if mariners are forced to take shelter, the blackspot can also mean loved ones panic and volunteers' lives are put at risk. "We can have family ring up from all over the country and say … 'We haven't been able to contact them,'" Mr Prizeman said. Mr Prizeman, based at Keppel Sands, has been a member of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association for more than 30 years. He said his squadron was frequently required to locate "overdue" or potentially missing vessels because crews were unable to log off with marine rescue authorities. From Yeppoon, where the nearest marine rescue base is located, it is a five-hour return boat trip to reach the Clara Group — if the weather is good. It can take much longer. "We're always concerned that we're putting our volunteers potentially at risk to get up there and find out they're just sheltering from the bad weather, sitting on their back deck and they're sipping their chardonnays," Mr Prizeman said. The Squadron Commodore is helping to lead a new project to improve VHF [Very High Frequency] radio coverage in the large blackspot zone. The group, along with Queensland's Water Police, is lobbying for a new VHF working channel, with repeaters strategically located to better access the blackspots and sheltered anchorages. Sergeant Shaun Halson, from Yeppoon Water Police, believed the new channel, 78, recently approved by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), would help prevent potential tragedies at sea. "A lot of these tragic incidents happen very quickly," Sergeant Halson said. "They're lucky to grab their safety equipment and valuables, let alone grab their EPIRB [Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon] to put out a mayday call, whereas quite often the VHF radio is right there on the console to get a call out." Since 1966, the land surrounding Shoalwater Bay has been under the ownership of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), for the purpose of military training exercises. Sergeant Halson said the ADF was collaborating with the group on the site chosen in the area for the repeater station. He said the necessary government approvals and processes had also been supported and endorsed to date. One of the main barriers is the establishment of the new VHF repeater infrastructure on Clara Group, just east of Island Head Creek, due to its remote location. A repeater is a stand-alone receiver and transmitter and in essence acts as a ranger extender, like a home internet booster. The site can only be accessed by helicopter and Sergeant Halson said the project also came at a cost. More than $100,000 of funding has been committed but there is a shortfall of about $150,000. "This project is vital," Sergeant Halson said. "Search and rescue is our responsibility, and until we can prove that boaties are safe and well, we have to act as if the situation may not be. "We're heading into a busy time now with yachties or luxury boats heading north to the Whitsundays and further and then vice versa at the end of the winter period they're heading back south." This is not a new concept. A similar project on Penrith Island, off the coast of Mackay, for VHF channel 83 has produced successful outcomes. "We know the solution. We know what we want. We know the how, the where, the when," Sergeant Halson said. "It's just a matter of actually getting the funds to finally make it happen."
ABC News
14-05-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Fitness groups trade high-intensity workouts for more social outdoor activities
Shireen Rigby knows all too well the extreme work that goes into being a competitive bodybuilder and the toll it can take mentally. She saw the benefits of swapping out her high-intensity workouts for low-pressure social exercising, and she's not alone. Alternative low-pressure exercise groups are increasing in popularity with the appeal of socialising, without stress or excessive sweating, drawing in the crowds. "I've gone through body building; I've done CrossFit and been quite competitive and experienced the pressure … to maintain that sort of intensity," Ms Rigby said. The exercise physiologist, along with her dietitian housemate Keira Murray, wanted to create a space where people could exercise socially in a way that didn't have to be physically demanding. "In our practice, we've seen that social isolation was a huge component in people's health," Ms Rigby said. The duo started Salty Steps, a Sunday morning gathering in Yeppoon in central Queensland. "We really wanted to create something that was no pressure," Ms Rigby said. "It's a 30-minute walk at your own pace with no pressure, followed by a guided breath meditation, then we have the option of going for a swim." It is a more relaxed alternative to the higher-intensity run clubs that have sprung up around Australia. In Rockhampton, Mum Miles Club brings a wave of strollers to the street. The new club, founded earlier this year, has grown significantly from week to week. "We either get a coffee before or after, or a play at the playground for the kids," founder Georgia Howard said. "We've got mums of all stages of motherhood, we've got pregnant mums, we've got mums trying for babies, mums with newborns. Ms Howard said the group also encouraged important conversations. "There's a lot of domestic and family violence going on … and you see a lot of women in hard situations," she said. "I think knowing you've got that group of support, having that person walk with you and beside you, is nice and comforting." CQUniversity physical activity researcher Anetta Van Itallie said it was that kind of connection that was drawing crowds to low-key social exercise groups. "It's definitely more than just physical, to be honest, when you look at the social connection and the mental wellbeing side of being with others," she said. "Looking into habit research and how we can start exercising and being physically active every day, we know that it's got to be fun, we know it's got to be satisfying. "I think people are moving away from your traditional sports and the level of commitment that is required from them." Sian Anstis wanted to combine her love for adventuring and meeting new people in ways that didn't revolve around drinking, so she created Hike Club Social. "I think people are really jumping at the opportunity to meet people organically again," she said. "We've lost a lot of community, I think, with social media, so to use it to be able to bring people back together again feels really good." The club is based in Brisbane and travels around Queensland for different hikes and social activities. "There have been camping events, we've been out on boat days going snorkelling, and we've even gone interstate to Tasmania for a multi-day hike," Ms Anstis said. It is the same sentiment that Yeppoon's walking group shares. "We love connecting people and that's a huge part of why we started Salty Steps," Ms Rigby said. "We know that everyone lives busy lives, and it's such a great way to not only catch up with your friends but do a bit of exercise."
Herald Sun
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Narromine preview, best bets and inside mail for Sunday April 27, 2025
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Muswellbrook trainer Luke Thomas has found the ideal races – and jockey – to ensure himself of a perfect score when he takes on the 600km round trip to Narromine on Sunday. The former rodeo rider has secured the services of Clayton Gallagher to steer his westbound duo He'sthechief and Lily Bobtail in their respective assignments. He'sthechief is guaranteed his share of admirers in Sunday's The Australian Lighthorse Maiden Plate (1100m) after a brave run on debut at Scone 13 days ago. 'I thought the horse did a tremendous job,'' Thomas said, 'He had no luck whatsoever. 'He went forward then he had to prod him back a bit and he over-raced and then that other horse got up inside him and caused him to be three-wide. 'It was a high pressure race, they went hard the whole way. 'It was disappointing because I thought, given his trials, we had a fair opinion of him that he should be able to nearly win his first start – but you get over that. 'If anything it should have improved him, just with the match fitness and picking up some race experience,'' Thomas said. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! He'sthechief is a son of the speedy mare Exalted Mollie whose four wins came at distances ranging from 900m to 1100m, one each at Yeppoon, Rockhampton, Emerald and on the Springsure Cup day undercard; the same day as Epaulette won the Golden Rose 1500km away in Sydney. Stablemate Lily Bobtail, meanwhile, is ready, able and deserved of a win on Sunday after a string of honourable performances from Scone to Taree and elsewhere in recent times. The daughter of Harry Angel boasts form around the likes of some handy types, none more promising than Saturday's Highway participant, Speedy Henry. 'I've been trying to find an excuse to put her in the paddock but can't find one,'' Thomas said. 'She's trained on the farm and doesn't go to the track much, she spends a lot of time either swimming or in the paddock and is thriving. 'She only had three starts when I bought her off Godolphin and only paid $5000 for her so she's worked out being a good buy. 'She keeps running a cheque every time she goes around and she's had some terrible runs in terms of getting caught wide. 'I think next prep, all being well, I think if she improves again, she could measure up to Highway grade.' Lily Bobtail may have herself once worn the Royal Blue colours of Sheikh Mohammed but she undoubtedly has 'cerise' coursing through her veins. Her first three dam-sires all stood at Woodlands at one time namely Commands, Lonhro and English Derby winner Quest For Fame. On top of that, her fifth dam is one of Woodlands' most prized and celebrated 'foundation mares' in Shaybisc. Apart from her still current deeds in the breeding barn, Shaybisc was an outstanding filly/mare. She won nine races altogether including five stakes-races and has the unusual honour of beating a Melbourne Cup winner (Just A Dash) and Golden Slipper winner (Dark Eclipse) along the way. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ NARROMINE TIPS BEST BET Race 1 No.4: MISSY MOSS Sets up well at 1300m after a close and closing second over 1200m last time. NEXT BEST Race 3 No.9: IMASTATEMENT Already bright prospects went up considerably when she drew barrier one. VALUE BET Race 6 No.11: LILY BOBTAIL Been racing well in some strong races at Scone and Taree. Deserves a win. QUADDIE RACE 4: 2, 10 RACE 5: 7, 13: RACE 6: 6, 7, 11, 15 RACE 7: 4, 14 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW CLAYTON GALLAGHER will be popular to win the Narromine Jockeys Challenge for good reason. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ NARROMINE INSIDE MAIL RACE 1: MAIDEN HANDICAP (1300m) MISSY MOSS (4) turned in her best effort in three runs for Mack Griffith, last start at Mudgee when a close and closing second in a 1200m maiden. That's not to imply the two before that weren't anything but sound. Won't get a better chance to win one. Expect short odds and rightfully so. JASPER'S WAY (2) was safe in the market when he finished seventh in that same race at Mudgee on April 20. That was only his first run so we can perhaps anticipate improvement. BET: MISSY MISS to win, exacta 4 to beat 2. RACE 2: CG&E MAIDEN PLATE (1100m) HE'STHECHIEF (8) had trialled rather well prior to his April 14 debut at Scone hence why he opened up at $3.30, although he drifted out to SP at $5.50. Raced handy but was passed late, clocking in a length and tail off the winner in fifth spot. Drawn well again and gets a top jockey again. MICRO MIKKI (4) passed a lot of horses at Edenhope on March 8 at his last run for Ciaron Maher. Won a trial at Dubbo by five-and-a-half for Brett Robb. BEST DEFENCE (1) and BLUTINS (2) have claims. BET: HE'STHECHIEF to win, quinella 4,8. RACE 3: F&M MAIDEN PLATE (1100m) IMASTATEMENT (9) resumed at Dubbo on April 7 in a 1000m maiden (and not a bad one either), leading until the very last stride when pipped by a race-fit and progressive horse named Dusty Vermerr who goes around in race 6. Anyway, as for Imastatement, barrier one and Clayton Gallagher are two huge advantages. Former Queenslander ANTILLES (1) has some reasonable runs on her CV Trialled well and should/could be getting home hardest of all here. She's a granddaughter of Danni Martine by the way. BET: IMASTATEMENT to win, trifecta 9 (standout) to beat 1,10,12 (boxed). RACE 4: CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (1600m) HIDEYO (10) is a former Kris Lees-trained galloper, still owned by Australian Bloodstock, but with Todd Howlett now. In fact, her last five runs have been under Howlett's management, the most recent of which was a length third in a 14-horse mile race at Dubbo. Mile is her best trip, this is just a beautiful race for her. Ditto that last bit vis-a-vis GREEN PINEAPPLE (2) who is absolutely ripe for 1600m third-up off a closing third over 1400m at Orange. BET: HIDEYO to win, exacta 10 to beat 2, quinella 2,10, box trifecta 2,4,6,10. RACE 5: DIGGERS CUP (1300m) POWER BEAU (7) has four wins, three seconds and two thirds in his 16 starts. To be fair, we should say all those wins and placings are from 13 starts with Wayne Brown. He ran a huge race in the Country Champs Heat three runs ago and as for last start, he was a half-length off winning a Newcastle Benchmark 68. PLENITUDE (13) has some standouts runs on his CV He ran a really good race in a Highway back on Five Diamonds day. Fast forward to the present and he was fourth to Gallant Star on the WRA Qualifier. BET: POWER BEAU to win, quinella 7,13, Daily Double 1st Leg 7, 2nd Leg 4. RACE 6: BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP (1100m) LILY BOBTAIL (11) was once part of the Godolphin string. She had four runs for James Cummings including a pair of thirds at Gosford and Wyong respectively. In her time with Luke Thomas, her CV reads as one win, two seconds and two thirds and that's from 10 starts so it's all pretty rosy. Her last three starts have been close to career best, she deadset deserves one. Interesting that Lily Bobtail's last win came at the expense of Nevermista who resumed with an entirely emphatic win at Tamworth. DUSTY VERMEER (6) is a similarly progressive horse drawn well. BET: LILY BOBTAIL to win, exacta 11 (standout) to beat 6,15 (boxed). RACE 7: BENCHMARK 50 HANDICAP (1300m) PODCAST (4) raced four times for Chris Waller from November to January. Three of them were pretty underwhelming but he did manage a 15500m maiden win at the Sunshine Coast two days after Christmas. His first and only run so far for Dar Lunn, was an outstanding third at Dubbo when ninth of 12 at the 400m. That was 1200m, this is 1300m – tick. EILRAHC (14), or Charlie backwards, has only won once in 15 starts but he has placed six times and five of them are seconds. This is bang on his trip and he ran a noteworthy fifth in rather a strong Class 1 at Orange last start. BET: PODCAST to win, quinella 4,14.
News.com.au
26-04-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Narromine preview, best bets and inside mail for Sunday April 27, 2025
Muswellbrook trainer Luke Thomas has found the ideal races – and jockey – to ensure himself of a perfect score when he takes on the 600km round trip to Narromine on Sunday. The former rodeo rider has secured the services of Clayton Gallaghe r to steer his westbound duo He'sthechief and Lily Bobtail in their respective assignments. He'sthechief is guaranteed his share of admirers in Sunday's The Australian Lighthorse Maiden Plate (1100m) after a brave run on debut at Scone 13 days ago. 'I thought the horse did a tremendous job,'' Thomas said, 'He had no luck whatsoever. 'He went forward then he had to prod him back a bit and he over-raced and then that other horse got up inside him and caused him to be three-wide. 'It was a high pressure race, they went hard the whole way. 'It was disappointing because I thought, given his trials, we had a fair opinion of him that he should be able to nearly win his first start – but you get over that. 'If anything it should have improved him, just with the match fitness and picking up some race experience,'' Thomas said. He'sthechief is a son of the speedy mare Exalted Mollie whose four wins came at distances ranging from 900m to 1100m, one each at Yeppoon, Rockhampton, Emerald and on the Springsure Cup day undercard; the same day as Epaulette won the Golden Rose 1500km away in Sydney. Stablemate Lily Bobtail, meanwhile, is ready, able and deserved of a win on Sunday after a string of honourable performances from Scone to Taree and elsewhere in recent times. The daughter of Harry Angel boasts form around the likes of some handy types, none more promising than Saturday's Highway participant, Speedy Henry. 'I've been trying to find an excuse to put her in the paddock but can't find one,'' Thomas said. 'She's trained on the farm and doesn't go to the track much, she spends a lot of time either swimming or in the paddock and is thriving. 'She only had three starts when I bought her off Godolphin and only paid $5000 for her so she's worked out being a good buy. 'She keeps running a cheque every time she goes around and she's had some terrible runs in terms of getting caught wide. 'I think next prep, all being well, I think if she improves again, she could measure up to Highway grade.' Lily Bobtail may have herself once worn the Royal Blue colours of Sheikh Mohammed but she undoubtedly has 'cerise' coursing through her veins. Her first three dam-sires all stood at Woodlands at one time namely Commands, Lonhro and English Derby winner Quest For Fame. On top of that, her fifth dam is one of Woodlands' most prized and celebrated 'foundation mares' in Shaybisc. Apart from her still current deeds in the breeding barn, Shaybisc was an outstanding filly/mare. She won nine races altogether including five stakes-races and has the unusual honour of beating a Melbourne Cup winner (Just A Dash) and Golden Slipper winner (Dark Eclipse) along the way. â– â– â– â– â– NARROMINE TIPS BEST BET Race 1 No.4: MISSY MOSS Sets up well at 1300m after a close and closing second over 1200m last time. NEXT BEST Race 3 No.9: IMASTATEMENT Already bright prospects went up considerably when she drew barrier one. VALUE BET Race 6 No.11: LILY BOBTAIL Been racing well in some strong races at Scone and Taree. Deserves a win. QUADDIE RACE 4: 2, 10 RACE 5: 7, 13: RACE 6: 6, 7, 11, 15 RACE 7: 4, 14 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW CLAYTON GALLAGHER will be popular to win the Narromine Jockeys Challenge for good reason. â– â– â– â– â– NARROMINE INSIDE MAIL MISSY MOSS (4) turned in her best effort in three runs for Mack Griffith, last start at Mudgee when a close and closing second in a 1200m maiden. That's not to imply the two before that weren't anything but sound. Won't get a better chance to win one. Expect short odds and rightfully so. JASPER'S WAY (2) was safe in the market when he finished seventh in that same race at Mudgee on April 20. That was only his first run so we can perhaps anticipate improvement. BET: MISSY MISS to win, exacta 4 to beat 2. HE'STHECHIEF (8) had trialled rather well prior to his April 14 debut at Scone hence why he opened up at $3.30, although he drifted out to SP at $5.50. Raced handy but was passed late, clocking in a length and tail off the winner in fifth spot. Drawn well again and gets a top jockey again. MICRO MIKKI (4) passed a lot of horses at Edenhope on March 8 at his last run for Ciaron Maher. Won a trial at Dubbo by five-and-a-half for Brett Robb. BEST DEFENCE (1) and BLUTINS (2) have claims. BET: HE'STHECHIEF to win, quinella 4,8. IMASTATEMENT (9) resumed at Dubbo on April 7 in a 1000m maiden (and not a bad one either), leading until the very last stride when pipped by a race-fit and progressive horse named Dusty Vermerr who goes around in race 6. Anyway, as for Imastatement, barrier one and Clayton Gallagher are two huge advantages. Former Queenslander ANTILLES (1) has some reasonable runs on her CV Trialled well and should/could be getting home hardest of all here. She's a granddaughter of Danni Martine by the way. BET: IMASTATEMENT to win, trifecta 9 (standout) to beat 1,10,12 (boxed). HIDEYO (10) is a former Kris Lees-trained galloper, still owned by Australian Bloodstock, but with Todd Howlett now. In fact, her last five runs have been under Howlett's management, the most recent of which was a length third in a 14-horse mile race at Dubbo. Mile is her best trip, this is just a beautiful race for her. Ditto that last bit vis-a-vis GREEN PINEAPPLE (2) who is absolutely ripe for 1600m third-up off a closing third over 1400m at Orange. BET: HIDEYO to win, exacta 10 to beat 2, quinella 2,10, box trifecta 2,4,6,10. POWER BEAU (7) has four wins, three seconds and two thirds in his 16 starts. To be fair, we should say all those wins and placings are from 13 starts with Wayne Brown. He ran a huge race in the Country Champs Heat three runs ago and as for last start, he was a half-length off winning a Newcastle Benchmark 68. PLENITUDE (13) has some standouts runs on his CV He ran a really good race in a Highway back on Five Diamonds day. Fast forward to the present and he was fourth to Gallant Star on the WRA Qualifier. BET: POWER BEAU to win, quinella 7,13, Daily Double 1st Leg 7, 2nd Leg 4. LILY BOBTAIL (11) was once part of the Godolphin string. She had four runs for James Cummings including a pair of thirds at Gosford and Wyong respectively. In her time with Luke Thomas, her CV reads as one win, two seconds and two thirds and that's from 10 starts so it's all pretty rosy. Her last three starts have been close to career best, she deadset deserves one. Interesting that Lily Bobtail's last win came at the expense of Nevermista who resumed with an entirely emphatic win at Tamworth. DUSTY VERMEER (6) is a similarly progressive horse drawn well. BET: LILY BOBTAIL to win, exacta 11 (standout) to beat 6,15 (boxed). PODCAST (4) raced four times for Chris Waller from November to January. Three of them were pretty underwhelming but he did manage a 15500m maiden win at the Sunshine Coast two days after Christmas. His first and only run so far for Dar Lunn, was an outstanding third at Dubbo when ninth of 12 at the 400m. That was 1200m, this is 1300m – tick. EILRAHC (14), or Charlie backwards, has only won once in 15 starts but he has placed six times and five of them are seconds. This is bang on his trip and he ran a noteworthy fifth in rather a strong Class 1 at Orange last start.
