Queensland Police Pipes and Drums stop by South Molle Island

A cancelled appearance meant beachgoers had some unusual guests stop by a Whitsunday island.

The QPS Pipes and Drums made a surprise stop on South Molle Island. Photo: Contributed

The Queensland Police Pipes and Drums didn’t let a cancelled appearance get them down, jumping in a boat and heading to the islands to enjoy an afternoon in the Whitsundays.

The group was scheduled to perform at the Mackay Emergency Services Day community event, but wet and muddy conditions meant a late cancellation and no plans, so the band took it in their stride.

Still dressed in their kilts and boots they headed to Airlie Beach and boarded the water police boat to South Molle Island.

The QPS Pipes and Drums gave a surprise performance on the island. Photo: Contributed

The unusual spectacle drew a crowd, as jet ski riders and boats of spectators stopped to watch.

The band then headed to Gold Coffee Plantation where they got to grab a brew and speak with locals.

The afternoon provided a different kind of stop on their country themed regional tour.

The tour was dubbed ‘Beach to the Bush’ and aimed to offer something a little different for the band and audiences with a distinctly country feel while spreading community safety messaging and good vibes.

Officer in Charge of Queensland Police Pipes and Drums, Acting Senior Sergeant Lisa Phillis-Petersen, said the Beach to Bush was an important opportunity to connect with regional communities with a unique kind of community engagement.

“Like many folks in Queensland, our rural communities have felt the effects of extreme weather events, Covid isolation and financial pressures,” Acting Senior Sergeant Phillis-Petersen said.

The group swapped the rain and mud in Mackay for the sun and sand in the Whitsundays. Photo: Contributed

“We offer an alternative way to provide support, especially for those who might feel alone. Our goal is to bring smiles, laughter, and a sense of connection.”

She added she was incredibly proud of the band.

“They’re genuinely passionate about connecting with and supporting our community,” she said.

“We’re a diverse group of individuals, and that’s definitely our strength.

“We seek to eliminate barriers to communication by pursuing an inclusive, people-centric approach to our messaging.”

Originally published as Queensland Police Pipes and Drums stop by South Molle Island