Latest Mackay Seaport News

Memorial plaque honours Navy cadet

Originally published on 27 September 2005

Mrs Karen Johnson, son Geoffrey and Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin display a plaque that has been positioned at the southern breakwater in memory of her son, Navy cadet Nicholas Schumacher.

A special memorial service was held at the South Wall recently to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Mackay Navy cadet Nicholas Schumacher.

Fifteen-year-old Nicholas died in a road accident involving a troop carrier near Townsville in September last year.

Nicholas' mother Karen Johnson appealed to the MPA Board to allow her to place a small Navy plaque in his honour at the southern breakwater. Mackay City Council had earlier refused the woman's request to place the plaque at the Lambert's Beach Lookout -- deeming it inappropriate.

Mrs Johnson thanked the MPA Board for its understanding.

Mrs Johnson said in a letter to The Daily Mercury newspaper: It has become more apparent to myself, my children and Nick's mates that it is very important to have separation between our home and a special place to go and have a chat and to just think about all the things that Nick had done in his short life. My six-year-old son Geoffrey now has a special place to read to his big brother. My other children aged between 19 and six have had their opportunity to do their own thing at the south wall.

Mrs Johnson also thanked the Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin for his support.