It was a hero's welcome for Nick Amos when he returned to the Walkerston pub where he was shot trying to stop an alleged robbery on Saturday.
A 35-year-old man was allegedly trying to steal a car parked in the O'Shea's Hotel-Motel's bottle shop drive-through when customers and staff tried to stop him.
The man allegedly fired several shots in the scuffle that ensued, one of which hit Mr Amos, a regular, in the stomach.
"[My] adrenalin had run out, next thing I had seen my shirt and sort of thought, 'It's a bit tender, this,'" Mr Amos said.
"I was probably the least fortunate in getting shot, but I don't look at myself as a hero.
"I was a normal patron helping a publican and staff out as there was a blue.
The 34-year-old was rushed to the Mackay Base Hospital where he underwent surgery.
Fortunately, the bullet missed vital organs and passed straight through him.
"I don't think I should get a lotto ticket as I think I've already won it," he said.
"To be standing back here — it's like I can't really explain it.
Shot and a beer
On Monday afternoon, hours after being discharged from hospital, Mr Amos returned to O'Shea's, where he was greeted with rounds of beer on the house.
"We're like family here, mate," Mr Amos said.
"The locals that come all support each other."
For Carla-Anne Blackburn, who works behind the bar at the pub, having Nicko – as he is known around the traps – return so soon was an emotional moment.
As soon as he walked in the door, Ms Blackburn gave him a long hug.
"I just had to, because we're good mates," she said.
"He's got such a good heart and is just a really protective person and cares about everyone.
"It's actually very unreal – surreal – that he's actually out of hospital so quick afterwards.
"[There was] some angel watching over him."
Mr Amos said he would do it all again if he had to.
"It didn't register to me, I didn't think twice," he said.
Man in court
Richard Alan Harvey appeared briefly in the Mackay Magistrate's Court on Monday, charged with attempted armed robbery and assault occasioning bodily harm while armed.
The case was adjourned until Wednesday when Mr Harvey will apply for bail.
No plea has been entered.
