9th January Edition 2025
3 min read

Sharp thinking on Carols

The Hervey Bay Carols by Candlelight was a resounding success this year, and it’s all thanks to the incredible effort and quick thinking of the organisers.

When ominous weather threatened to dampen the Christmas spirit, the bold decision to relocate the event indoors to the Hervey Bay Baptist Church proved to be a stroke of brilliance.

What could have been a soggy evening on Seafront Oval turned into a heartwarming, festive celebration of community and Christmas. church. The atmosphere was alive with joy, laughter, and the unmistakable spirit of the season.

A special mention must go to the volunteers, whose tireless dedication ensured everything ran seamlessly.

From setting up the church to welcoming guests with smiles, they embodied the true meaning of Christmas – selflessness and goodwill.

The organisers deserve our heartfelt thanks for their courage in adapting plans at the eleventh hour.

The result was a perfect Christmas celebration, made all the more memorable by their efforts.

We had a wonderful festive season filled with love, community, and resilience – just like Carols by Candlelight demonstrated so beautifully this year.

Beryl Symons – Urangan


Hervey Bay - what a magic place!

No wonder many are coming here to live, to escape their high-rise concrete jungles that draw 85% of heat and radiate it back.

The editor is right: a vibrant, dynamic, exciting place without parking meters.

As a volunteer, 71 years old after strokes and a cardiac arrest, its good therapy helping others. 

In Hervey Bay, you meet a new friend every day—some real, diverse characters. 

Hopefully, our council will extend considerably as required under the Local Government Act. 

Full transparency and full public participation in all decision-making are essential. 

A marginal majority on election day should not inflate egos with title and position, which has a use-by date.

The ability of our residents to express diverse, robust opinion should be encouraged, not silenced.

Thanks, Hervey Bay community! And Happy New Year!

Herb Taylor - Torquay


Change of Pool Hours Response

The pool is now closed on Mondays and at 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. 

The toddler’s pool is closed and fenced off. 

Looks in a state of disrepair.

It makes it difficult for young families. 

Apparently, the Council can’t staff the facility.

Hervey Bay now does not have a swimming pool up to standard at a time of the year when most needed.

D Ross


Hervey Bay Community Noticeboard: A haven for negativity? 

I agree with the Publishers Point prior to Christmas.

As a proud local business owner, I’ve always valued community connections and the shared support that makes Hervey Bay special.

However, the tone of the Hervey Bay Community Noticeboard has taken a distressing turn. 

What was once a platform for sharing events, good news, and helpful tips has become a breeding ground for negativity, particularly aimed at small businesses.

Recently, I was unfairly targeted on the page with harsh and unfounded criticism.

The complaint stemmed from a situation handled fairly and professionally, though it seems the individual wasn’t satisfied with the outcome.

While every business welcomes constructive feedback, what transpired on the Noticeboard felt more like an attack than an opportunity for improvement.

Why do the administrators allow this to continue?

The unchecked negativity damages reputations, often based on one-sided stories or personal grievances. 

For small businesses, these unwarranted critiques can have real-world consequences, impacting trust and livelihoods.

It’s troubling to consider how long it will be before a business is defamed to the point of legal action.

Administrators have a responsibility to foster a constructive environment.

Allowing baseless complaints and personal vendettas to dominate the conversation only undermines the community spirit the page was meant to promote.

Let’s remember: local businesses are the heart and foundation of our community.

Instead of tearing them down, let’s champion fair discussion and celebrate the hard work that goes into serving our community.

Name withheld by request


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