Bret Currie is no exception. He was one of Australia's best cartoonists.

There is a collection of his cartoons on the wall of my Innisfail office.

Bret was an extremely good bloke and he proved that you could be the best at something and still live in Mount Isa (inland Australia).

I have asked Bret Currie to produce our cartoons on many occasions because he had the knack of being able to get the message across with good Australian humour - the

typical Aussie larrikin sense of humour.

"We're always overloaded like this when we leave Mount Isa."

This was Currie's comment on the fact that our airfares are the highest in Australia.

"Will the King in the North survive another season, or is this his final chapter?"

Another classic from Currie depicting me as a Game of Thrones character - which I'm told is popular with the young people - culling crocs and dragons.

Bret will be sorely missed by all.

A terrific cartoonist and a terrific bloke.

Bob Katter, Kennedy MP.

Jill O'Sullivan Such sad news. Brett started art lessons with me and others at Brush and Palette in about 1988 and went on to great cartooning from there. A huge loss to the Mount Isa community

Marjorie Lord I am so very sad to read this he was an amazing artist

Nessee Lee Our sincere condolences to the Currie family. A little piece of Bret remains with many Isa families. We are so privileged to have a Currie Caricature in our home. RIP Bret

Di Perkins A talented man who has flourished in the beautiful, unique North-West. With condolences to his family

Mick Booth RIP Brett, Condolences to all the family. will be missed at the smelter.

Gordon Sparks Condolences to family and friends. Met Bret about 40 years ago. He was my ganger at no. 2 when I first came to Mount Isa. He always had a smile and ready to listen, will be missed by the whole community.

Matt Nicholls The best in the business. His cartoons have travelled the world. Loved working with him and he will be missed by the community

This International Women's Day (March 8), Mates4Mates is encouraging people to get involved and support the female veteran community.

This year, the theme is Choose to Challenge, providing an opportunity to celebrate women's achievements and take action to change the world for the better.

We know that veteran issues are often seen as a male-centric issue, but it's important that female veterans impacted by service feel seen and heard. We want them to know that there is support available for them too.

Nearly one third of all those reaching out for support at Mates4Mates are women - many who are veterans. Defence-related injuries, mental health issues and suicide can affect anyone in the Defence community.

Sadly, the rates of suicide among ADF veteran women are more than two times higher than those of Australian women who have not served.

Let's use this time as an opportunity to rally around female veterans - mums, daughters and grandmothers - and show we care. If you know a veteran, reach out and show them that they're not alone and encourage them to reach out for support.

Those impacted by service who need support can reach out to Mates4Mates on 1300 462 837.

Georgia Ash

National Clinical Manager, Mates4Mates