BUSINESSES, community groups and locals have rallied to support colleagues and the family of Mackay based police officer Brendan Poustie since his recent death.
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Sergeant Poustie, 44, and his wife Jakki were formally based at the Mount Isa Police Station but moved to Mackay in 2016 with their two children.
Sergeant Poustie had died last week after he had been hit by a car while jogging off-duty. His funeral was held at the St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mackay.
The station’s officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Renee Hanrahan said; “Mount Isa Police Station is very grateful for the continued support and condolences received from the community since the passing of our colleague and mate.”
The Christian Outreach Centre was thanked for delivering flowers to the station, which were “beautiful and thoughtful blooms”.
Another way the Mount Isa community has shown support is through the creation of the Red Beard Challenge event which aims to raise money for Sergeant Poustie’s family.
The event – assumed to be named after Sergeant Poustie’s facial hair – is on Friday, June 30, and is hosted by the Sanctum Medi Spa Retreat in the Simpson Street Arcade.
Co-owner Sam Corlis said all the proceeds at Sanctum that day would be donated directly to Mrs Poustie.
“I knew Jakki,” Ms Corlis said. “I was part of Zonta with her and I guess it’s the second fundraiser we have done of that sort of type.
“It’s a way of giving back to the community that gives so much back to us.”
The Lions Club would also be supporting the event by holding a barbecue in Simpson Street that day. There would also be cupcakes and biscuits for sale, Ms Corlis said.
There would also be a multi-draw raffle. She said that many businesses and families had donated events to the cause.
Raffle prizes included vouchers to local businesses, toys, a wine and chocolate hamper, and a Thermomix cookbook.
“I haven’t gone out and haven’t really had to approach anyone for it,” Ms Corlis said.
“It is one of the great things about Mount Isa.
“Everyone chips in when times are getting a bit tough.
“It’s good having other businesses behind us.”
The barbecue will be held on the footpath of Simpson Street across from Mount Isa Village between 9am and 1pm on June 30.
Sanctum Medi Spa Retreat’s business hours that day is 9am to 5.30pm.
Locals posted on the Red Beard Challenge event page offering their support and a willingness to make a booking at Sanctum or to donate raffle prizes. “I will do what I can Sam,” a local wrote.
