At Let The Children Play Toyshop & Games Store

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and Let The Children Play Toyshop & Games Store is getting ready to jingle all the way into its biggest and brightest festive season yet. The whole community is invited to join the fun.

Proudly locally owned since 2013, the much-loved toyshop has become a cornerstone of Mackay’s festive season. Known not only for their quality products, but for their active involvement in the community, this year, the team is rolling out a Christmas calendar worthy of a fairy-tale finale.

This Friday, 12 December, the long-running tradition with the Mackay and District Holden and GM Club returns, bringing rumbling engines, beaming families, and one very special VIP!

Club members will escort Santa through the City Heart in classic style before he arrives at the toyshop at 6.30pm for a night of Christmas-themed games, giveaways, karaoke and photo ops.

It’s just one example of how the toyshop continues to champion community connection.

Recent highlights include A Very Merry Christmas Escape, a festive collaboration with Escape Rooms Mackay, which sold out so quickly that an Easter-themed version is already in the works. Year-round, the toyshop hosts activities that spotlight local groups and businesses, ensuring playtime strengthens the fabric of the region.

In-store, families can explore a range of toys, games and puzzles, for all creative minds, many of which can’t be found in big-box retailers, and with knowledgeable staff ready to help customers discover gifts that spark imagination. For those who prefer the online shopping experience, their webstore offers convenience, free local delivery and easy click-and-collect.

As Christmas approaches, the team extends a heartfelt thanks to the Mackay community for more than a decade of support. Because when locals shop local, the whole town stays bright, joyful and wonderfully full of play.

Pop into Let The Children Play Toyshop & Games Store today, or shop online at www.playmackay.com.au

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Councillor Namarca Corowa

When people ask how I ended up on council, I don’t really have a political story to give them.

My values weren’t formed in boardrooms or strategy sessions. I grew up at Slade Point in the 70s 80s and 90s, a family of 8 in a 2-bedroom house.  I grew up in a working-class family, so I understand what it’s like to struggle in our community. My values were shaped watching my parents go to work every day to make a living. We didn’t have everything, but what we had was everything to us and most of the time, that was each other. My values were also shaped in my adult working life, sitting with families, working in youth justice, listening and helping people break cycles instead of repeating them. Those experiences don’t make headlines, but they make leaders.

Before council, I spent years working with young people who had every reason to give up on themselves. I saw firsthand how identity isn’t built through lectures or labels, it’s built through the experience of being seen, respected and believed in. I worked with families trying to hold things together. I listened to mothers who didn’t want their children to follow the same path. I walked with men facing their own choices, deciding whether to finish the story differently than it began.

It doesn’t matter where you start, but it does matter how you finish. I’ve seen people rise from places others had written off. I’ve seen character revealed when someone takes responsibility for their own story. And I’ve seen communities heal when someone decides to finish differently than they began.

People started coming to me, not just for help with a situation, but to share ideas about the future. Every question was a sign. Every story was an invitation. And slowly, the work became bigger than a program, it became community leadership.

From youth justice, I moved into restorative practice, then to men’s programs, cultural education and local advocacy.  By the time someone asked me, “Have you ever thought about council?” it wasn’t a strange question. It felt like a natural step not a leap.

When I arrived at the council table, I didn’t arrive with a political agenda, I arrived with values formed by community; responsibility, belonging, second chances, accountability, cultural respect, identity, listening to understand.

So when decisions came across the table, when I saw agenda items, I also saw faces. When I saw statistics, I saw stories. I didn’t see a policy platform, I saw a place I love.

I want you to see some of what I see through my eyes: what it feels like to make decisions that affect real lives, how the smallest conversations can shape perspective, how every person contributes a piece to the bigger picture and how much wisdom sits quietly in our own community. Leadership isn’t telling people what to think - it’s showing what you’re learning, openly and honestly, so the journey is shared.

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Corrie Thompson is the founder of NQAIRS Group 100% Indigenous owned, Corrie created NQAIRS Group in 2016 in Mackay to help families find their missing family members and war graves from Boer War, World War 1 and 2 all over the world. Corrie has made his legacy to bring their spirits home to the families to put our Aussies heroes to rest through their dreamtime stories.

Corrie has worked as a genealogist for the Australian War Memorial for the Last Post Ceremonies and Corrie is a non- serving full member for Mackay RSL branch with his long family connection as his family members have served for Australian Imperial Force and the British Empire from the Boer War, WW1, WW2 and recent. Corrie’s family members have always served with all Australian Defense Forces from a Light Horseman to a Sergeant on the front line.

Corrie has been a great advocate for so many amazing Mackay and national non-profit (NFP) charities including Shed Happens, SIDs Foundation Queensland, Mackay RSL Branch, Sarina Fighters Association (The Den Mauy Thai), Heart Kids Mackay, Fighters Against Child Abuse, Ring Side Foundation and Equal Access for Autism.

In 2017 NQAIRS Group created North Queensland Memorial Service to assist with funeral homes mentoring them for Indigenous (Sorry Business) and Buddhist funerals.

Using NQMS slideshow video memorial service is for free for children’s funerals as well assisting where we can.

Corrie has been an ancestry investigator for ancestry tv programs here in Australia, England and New Zealand.

Corrie has been a massive advocate for Indigenous companies preforming Indigenous service and programs as there are companies out there who go under NFP for Indigenous programs, but they are non-Indigenous owned or non-Indigenous boards taking Indigenous grants and initiatives away from Indigenous companies and communities. (Black Cladding).

Services: Ancestry Genealogist, Funeral service tributes, Videography, Music film producer & editor and Indigenous business wraparound mentoring,

NQAIRS@outlook.com
0432500926

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5 Edible Native Plants for Your Garden

Australia is home to more than 700,000 native plant species, many of which can also be enjoyed as food. Known as bush foods, these plants have long been used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for nutrition, medicine, and cultural practices. Here are five edible natives that are both tasty and great for your garden.

1. Macadamia Nuts (Macadamia spp.)
   Native to the rainforests of northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, macadamia nuts are loved for their sweet, buttery flavour and health benefits. Aboriginal people traditionally used them for gifting and bartering, and native animals such as possums and cockatoos also enjoy them. Macadamia trees are hardy and can be grown in a range of soils, making them a practical choice for home gardens.
2. Riberry (Syzygium luehmannii)
   Riberries have a spicy, clove-like flavour and were a staple food for Aboriginal communities along the east coast. They can be eaten fresh or used in sauces, jams, and chutneys. In the garden, riberries make attractive ornamental trees, growing 8–10 metres tall in cultivation, and provide food for native birds like emus and figbirds.
3. Kangaroo Apple (Solanum aviculare)
   This small, round fruit has a juicy, sweet, and slightly tangy flavour with a hint of melon. Aboriginal women traditionally used the unripe fruit to make a medicinal drink. Ripe kangaroo apples are safe to eat raw or in salads, while green berries should be avoided as they are poisonous. The shrub also produces vibrant purple flowers and makes an attractive addition to backyards.
4. Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora)
   Lemon myrtle is prized for its citrusy flavour and fragrant leaves, which can be used to make tea, dressings, and sauces. Rich in essential oils and vitamin C, it has long been valued for its medicinal properties. This versatile plant can grow into a medium tree or be pruned to a shrub, and its flowers attract bees, nectar-eating birds, and butterflies.
5. Midyim/Midgen Berry (Austromyrtus dulcis)
   Midyim berries are small, white and purple-speckled fruits with a sweet-tart taste. Traditionally used for food and medicine, they are also enjoyed by native birds and lizards. The plant’s attractive foliage and coppery growing tips make it ideal for a low hedge or border, while the berries can be eaten fresh or used in desserts.

Try Them in Your Garden
These edible native plants offer unique flavours and health benefits while supporting local wildlife. If you have space, consider adding them to your garden – they provide food, attract pollinators, and bring a taste of the bush right to your backyard.

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Kangaroo Apple (Solanum aviculare) is one of several edible plants you can grow in your own backyard (Photo Supplied)

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When it comes to renovating a home, not every upgrade will deliver a return on investment. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want to maximise your property’s potential, focusing on renovations that truly add value is key. Here are the top five renovations that can make a real difference.

Kitchen Upgrades

Often described as the heart of the home, the kitchen is one of the first spaces prospective buyers notice. Simple yet impactful improvements—such as modern cabinetry, updated bench tops, and energy-efficient appliances—can dramatically increase both appeal and value. Even small touches like new handles, a fresh splashback, or under-cabinet lighting can make a kitchen feel contemporary and inviting.

Bathroom Improvements

Bathrooms are another area where buyers tend to focus. Outdated fixtures or tired tiling can make even a well-maintained home feel dated. Installing new taps, vanities, and mirrors, along with updated lighting and flooring, can transform the space. For added value, consider creating a spa-like atmosphere with rainfall showerheads or a freestanding bath—luxury touches that stand out without requiring a full remodel.

Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor living has become increasingly important, especially as homeowners seek functional areas for entertaining or relaxation. Investing in a well-designed patio, deck, or landscaped garden can significantly boost appeal. Even small projects like a pergola, garden lighting, or a deck extension can make the property feel more spacious and inviting. Curb appeal, including fresh landscaping and a tidy exterior, also leaves a strong first impression.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Sustainable and energy-efficient features are becoming a major selling point. Installing solar panels, upgrading insulation, or replacing old windows with energy-efficient alternatives not only reduces utility costs but also enhances marketability. LED lighting, water-saving fixtures, and modern heating and cooling systems are practical improvements that buyers increasingly value.

Flooring and Paint

Sometimes, the most cost-effective renovations make the biggest difference. Fresh paint in neutral tones instantly brightens a home and creates a blank canvas for potential buyers. High-quality flooring—whether hardwood, engineered timber, or modern tiles—adds elegance and durability. Even replacing worn carpets with fresh, neutral flooring can significantly improve the perception of a property.

When considering renovations, it’s important to focus on upgrades that balance personal enjoyment with market appeal. Kitchens and bathrooms often yield the highest returns, while energy efficiency and outdoor spaces increasingly influence buyer decisions. Smaller, budget-friendly touches like fresh paint and flooring can complete the transformation, tying together the overall aesthetic.
Investing in the right renovations not only enhances your lifestyle but also ensures your property is well-positioned to attract buyers and achieve maximum value. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want a more enjoyable living space, strategic improvements can make all the difference.

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Last Friday, the Whitsunday Regional Council released a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) for the Build Whitsundays Water and Sewer Network program. The project promises to deliver essential trunk water and sewer infrastructure to key growth areas, enabling the development of more than 3,000 new homes over the next decade.

Mayor Ry Collins said the project represents one of the most important foundations for the Whitsundays’ future liveability, affordability and economic strength.

“This is a game-changer for our region,” Mayor Collins said.

“If we want more homes, more choice and more affordability for our families and future workforce, we have to build the infrastructure that makes that possible and Build Whitsundays delivers exactly that.”

“Council has been strongly advocating for housing-enabling works and is committed to delivering the right projects in the right places.

“We’ve fought hard to get this project moving, and Friday’s REOI release shows the momentum is real."

“This is about planning properly, delivering strategically and setting the Whitsundays up for long-term success,” Mayor Collins said.

“Our message to industry is that we’re open for business, and we want the best contractors to partner with us on this once-in-a-generation infrastructure build.”

Council invites suitably qualified contractors/suppliers to submit an EOI via VendorPanel. Those unable to attend in person can attend remotely via online Microsoft Teams. Please confirm your attendance via contracts@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au no later than 12.00 pm (AEST), Friday, 5 December 2025. The terms and conditions of this REOI will apply to the Project Briefing, and any queries must be submitted via the forum within the Vendor Panel only.

Council encourages all prospective contractors and subcontractors to attend.

In addition to supporting housing development, the project also aims to stimulate work and employment across the region, allowing people to make a valuable contribution and give back to the community.

Mayor Collins said the momentum behind the project signals a strong forecast for 2026.

“It’s an exciting time to live, work and invest in the Whitsundays, and this project is one of the biggest catalysts for growth we’ll see in a generation.”

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund.

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What 40 years of diving The Great Barrier Reef tells us

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By Ruth Puddefoot

Airlie Beach in 1979 was a raw, developing town, with unpaved roads and a social life centred on the Airlie Beach Hotel. Arriving in the area with a backpack strapped to his back, PADI Dive Instructor Tony Fontes, like many others, was looking forward to experiencing the Great Barrier Reef for the first time. Little did he know that first dive would change his life forever and lead to 40 years exploring the 2300km of reef available to him.

Over those 40 years, Tony has seen the impacts of environmental change on the reef, and he says that while a lot has changed over the decades, it has not always been for the better. “The health of the Reef has declined, primarily due to poor water quality, coastal development, poor and illegal fishing practices, and climate change. In the Whitsundays, this can be seen in reduced coral cover, increased algae, and poor visibility,” Tony reflected.

Sadly, according to Tony, the Great Barrier Reef has been no stranger to mass coral bleaching events caused by underwater heatwaves and has sadly suffered 6 mass bleaching events in the last nine years. “The immediate loss is healthy coral cover. But over time, there is a reduction in the overall biodiversity on the Reef. It can take years for a reef to recover from a serious bleaching event.”

“Unfortunately, as our oceans heat up, we can only expect more frequent bleaching events,” Tony added.

Despite this, Tony states that the Whitsundays itself has not suffered through a major bleaching event. While the reef in 2017 did suffer a very serious mass bleaching event that should have hit the Whitsundays, instead it received Cyclone Debbie, “which provided enough cloud cover and rain to reduce the water temperature and prevent serious bleaching.”

The local weather and changing conditions, which have led to, as Tony explains, “more intense rainfall and cyclones”, have meant that the infamous Cyclone Debbie, unfortunately, did have a detrimental impact on the reef’s health. While the Great Barrier Reef still hosts a vibrant underwater city for tourists to enjoy, sadly, some of the best dive and snorkel sites are “yet to fully recover,” Tony admits.

Part of being a diver is having a special responsibility to protect the marine world and the reef. For Tony, it’s about wanting to give back to the place that has been his home for the past four decades. Therefore, he has “built a reef protection module into all [of his] courses, particularly at the instructor level.”

“The modules are designed to increase one’s awareness as to the fragility of the Reef and how we can better protect it,” Tony emphasised.

Since the headlines have hit about mass bleaching and Cyclone Debbie, the tourism industry has still managed to thrive, with snorkelling to see some of what the Whitsundays have to offer being plentiful.

After years of exploring this submerged continent of biodiversity, Tony is now the President of the Whitsunday Conservation Council, where he continues to work hard to protect this underwater haven as the Reef Campaigner, focusing on fostering community awareness and education programs. This includes regular public presentations (Green Drinks), reef walking tours for kids and adults, and support for hard-working conservation groups like Eco Barge and Whitsunday Seagrass, alongside the occasional film night.

“We also advocate for better Reef protection, working with the council, state and federal governments. I have recently returned from a week in Canberra knocking on the doors of our Federal politicians to improve our current Nature Laws (which just passed),” Tony enthused.

So, do we still have time to save the reef? Tony's answer in short is “yes.”

“The future of the Reef is unknown, but it is also unwritten.” [CREATE JUMP OUT QUOTE]

“There is certainly an urgency but there is still time.”

“Climate change is the greatest threat facing the Reef. To rein in climate change will require a global response to reduce carbon emissions and move to renewable energy sources. Australia must lead the way.”

“But climate change is not the only threat. Poor water quality, coastal development and poor/illegal fishing practices are homegrown threats that reduce the resilience of the Reef. But boosting the Reef’s resilience, we can buy the time we need to stop the onslaught of climate change.”

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Tony Fontes has been diving the Great Barrier Reef for 40 years. Photo supplied.

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Hi Everyone,

With just a few weeks until Christmas — how are we all holding up!?

I honestly love this time of year: the build-up, the anticipation, the summer heat, the parties, the catch-ups, the gift-giving… all of it.

And then suddenly, like a balloon, something just pops and it all becomes a bit too much!

That’s exactly where I’m at right now — all the good vibes and happy moments have crescendo’d into overwhelm, and I’m simply taking it one day at a time while looking forward to that blissful, free week at Christmas.

Once a year our papers take a break, and it’s the one time I can fully let go, detach, and switch off. I love it so much.

Of course, it also means special family time, reconnecting, enjoying the slow pace, embracing that content, slightly lethargic feeling of having eaten too much, and indulging in those luxurious afternoon naps.

Whatever your festive season looks like this year, I hope you’re carving out a little calm in the chaos. I hope you’ve got friends and family close, and enough energy to get through the big day with a smile.

Here at the paper, we’re excited to capture all the festive moments for you — from the Airlie Beach Christmas Carols last Sunday to the Proserpine Twilight Markets on Friday. There are so many vibrant community events happening, so make sure you get out and enjoy them!

While you’re wandering around in the coming weeks, you might spot our new Cadet Journalist, Sebastian Conidi, out and about with his camera in hand.

Seb has just moved up from Melbourne and is new to the region, so if you see him around, please stop and say hello.

Welcome to the team, Seb — can’t wait to see you dive into local stories across this beautiful community.

Rach

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Join Eco Barge's Land-Based Clean-Up

The community is invited to join a coastline clean-up this Friday to help protect the marine life that depends on the Whitsundays’ natural environment. Eco Barge Clean Seas will host the event at Boatyard Road, Jubilee Pocket, with volunteers meeting at 8:00am on Friday, 12th December. Everyone is welcome, from regular volunteers to first-timers wanting to make a positive impact while connecting with others.

Participants can register online at ecobargecleanseas.org.au/volunteer, and lunch will be provided. By working together, the community can help stop debris on land before it reaches the sea.

When: Friday, 12th December at 8am
Where: Meet at Eco Barge Clean Seas, Boatyard Rd, Jubilee Pocket
Sign-Up: ecobargecleanseas.org.au/volunteer
Lunch provided

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Hi everyone,

This week’s edition features a special profile of long-time Ruth2Reef contributor and Whitsunday Conservation Council President, Tony Fontes, who shares insights from 40 years of diving on the reef. We’re also highlighting a fantastic land-based clean-up with Eco Barge happening this Friday!

Happy reading,
Ruth

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Whitsunday’s Maritime Historian

Considering his widely renowned depth of knowledge of the history of the Whitsunday Passage, coastline and islands, one could be forgiven for thinking that local historian, Ray Blackwood, was born on a boat of sea-faring parents and spent his entire life on our waters! Not so.

In fact, Ray comes from a banking background. The oldest of three boys, Ray was born in Harrisville near Ipswich where his father, Eric, was a bank officer. According to bank policy of the time, the family moved to towns throughout Queensland as Mr Blackwood Snr was transferred. After completing his secondary schooling at a boarding school in Warwick, at 16 years of age Ray also became a “Bank Johnny” when he commenced work at what was then Bank of New South Wales in Toowoomba.

In 1944, whilst World War II was still raging, Ray joined the Royal Australian Air Force, doing his initial training at Kingaroy. From there he went to Canada where he finished his training as a navigator. Shortly after Ray “got his wings”, he was returned to Australia just as the war had ended.

After his arrival home, Ray resumed his banking career in Queensland before being transferred to the Port Moresby branch in Papua in 1948. He remained there for 2½ years, returning to Queensland before being transferred to Fiji in 1951. In Fiji, Ray met and married Mavis Murray and while living there a daughter, Roslyn, was born. Upon the family’s return to Queensland, Ray took up a position in International Foreign Exchange at the Chief Queensland Office of the bank in Brisbane. Son, Vaughan, was born in Brisbane.

In 1981, Ray and Mavis retired to the tropics and bought a house at Shute Harbour. Their magnificent view across Whitsunday Passage inspired him to research and document the many stories including those of courageous people who chose to gamble their future for a life in the tropical sun known as ‘Paradise’. He became passionate about recording the history of the Whitsunday islands and their immediate coastline and correcting the many distortions of its history which had evolved. And so began his relationship with the Proserpine Historical Museum and the Bowen Historical Society and Museum. Ray became Patron of the Proserpine Museum in June 2013.

Taking his quest to explore Whitsunday’s history as a personal journey, in his yacht “Seaquel” and dinghy, “Fishbone”, Ray roamed the Whitsunday waters and islands repeatedly over the years, retracing the paths of early settlers. He ignored secondary sources and delved into all available first-hand information, basing his writings on a diligent search of primary sources such as shipping charts and recorded accounts, letters, diaries and official records. He purchased valuable maps from London; from the Navy; interviewed locals; continually returned to official records to authenticate or contradict previous publications and religiously sifted through his writings until his thirst for Whitsunday history was satisfied - or almost! As most historians would agree, research goes on forever.

The outcome of Ray’s vast and meticulous research was his publication “The Whitsunday Islands – An Historical History” and the later translation to digital CD format (IBM compatible), “The Whitsunday Islands 1770 -1990 Historical Encyclopaedia”. Ray has donated all of his research material to the Proserpine Museum and has also deeded to the museum the copyright of his work. “The museum is where my research and maps should be,” he declared.

In 2019, due to health issues, Ray and Mavis left the area they loved so dearly to be closer to family. Sadly, Ray passed away in 2022.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

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Ray Blackwood. Photo supplied.

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Some everyday items can spark dangerous landfill fires if they’re thrown in the bin. Common culprits include household batteries, lithium-ion batteries from phones and tools, gas bottles and butane cans, flares and ammunition.

Drop batteries off safely at B-cycle collection points at Council Customer Service Centres and libraries, at the Collinsville and Cannonvale Transfer Stations, and participating supermarkets and hardware stores. For all other hazardous items, talk to our friendly staff at your nearest transfer station or landfill and they will help you manage them correctly.

Disposing of these hazardous items safely helps protect our environment and keeps our community safe. For more information, visit Council’s website.

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After just 10 weeks in its new location, Figs and Honey Café is already becoming a favourite stop for locals, offering a warm, cosy atmosphere and a menu built entirely on fresh, house-made food.

Owner Amber Jamieson who has lived in the region for thirteen years, originally ran Figs and Honey as a home-based catering and specialty cake business. Known for her wedding cakes, event catering and raw and vegan-friendly treats, she continues to offer these services while now operating the café full-time.

Moving into a storefront at 6/35 Main Street in Proserpine has allowed her to expand Figs and Honey and now welcome regulars.

The true hero of Figs and Honey, isn't Amber or the star barista Ellie Callan, it is the homemade products.

“We make everything ourselves. Food should be real food—fresh, nutritious and made from scratch,” she said.

“Nothing is brought in pre-packaged. We make our own dressings, frittatas, granola and all our baked goods.”

The café serves an all-day menu with classics such as bacon and eggs, alongside weekly specials and a varied cabinet selection that typically includes bagels, Turkish breads, vegetarian options, waffles and cakes. Fresh juices, made to order from ingredients such as apple, pineapple, watermelon, ginger, celery and mint, have also become a customer favourite.

Within weeks, the café has built a solid base of regulars—some so comfortable they simply say, “Just cook for me.”

“If we’ve got the ingredients, we can make it,” she said.

“I want people to enjoy what they eat, and I like keeping things flexible and personal.”

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Owner Amber Jamieson and barista Ellie Callan. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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A Brave Boy Looking for a Fresh Start

Once a terrified dog with a heartbreaking past, Zephyr is now learning what it truly means to feel safe and loved. This gentle boy came into rescue after experiencing significant trauma, and while the scars on his face tell part of his story, they don’t define who he is today. Thanks to patience, care, and the comfort of a stable foster home, Zephyr has begun to flourish into a loyal and affectionate companion.

In foster care, Zephyr has proven himself to be calm, gentle, and incredibly devoted. He loves spending time with his people and has shown just how resilient he can be when given kindness and consistency. His transformation from fear to trust has been remarkable.

About Zephyr:
• Gentle, loyal and affectionate
• Calm and easygoing once he feels secure
• Enjoys walks and quiet companionship
• Best suited to a peaceful home with patient owners
• Has been around a cat but will need supervision
• Desexed, vaccinated and microchipped

Zephyr has come a long way—he now plays, cuddles and greets each day with a little more confidence. All he needs is a forever home where he can continue his journey surrounded by understanding and care.

To learn more or arrange a meet-and-greet, get in touch with Bowen & Collinsville Pet Rescue by emailing bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com. Zephyr is ready for his happy ending — he just needs someone willing to give him the chance.

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Whitsundays Writers Festival Appoints Leadership Team

Following its successful return, the Whitsundays Writers Festival is strengthening its foundation with a new leadership team dedicated to celebrating the region’s own literary voices.

The Festival is proud to announce the appointment of three local professionals to guide its future. Richard Evans, a Whitsunday author of nine political thrillers will serve as President and Festival Director. He will be joined by Secretary, Strategy and Marketing Manager Cait Fleming and Treasurer and Operations Manager Dr Julia Evans, who also works as a publishing services consultant. They will be supported by a committee of local authors, community specialists, and representatives from regional libraries and schools. Together, they hope to build upon the legacy of outgoing President Karen Jacobsen and her committee.

“Our core mission is to provide a platform for the exceptional writers we have right here in the Whitsundays and to connect them directly with our community of readers,” said incoming President Richard Evans. “We are building a festival that is by, for, and about our region’s literary culture. Our vision is bold: to shine a spotlight on local literary talent.”

The team’s first priority is a focused, community-centred event in 2026, which will pave the way for future growth.

The Festival Committee is now seeking expressions of interest from local authors for programming and participation in the 2026 event and beyond. Writers in the Whitsundays region are invited to contact hello@whitsundayswriters.com

“This is a festival built on local talent,” said Cait Fleming. “We want to hear from our writers, involve them in the journey, and create an event that truly reflects the stories of our home.”

The Whitsundays Writers Festival promises to strengthen its community focus of fostering a vibrant literary culture by connecting local authors with readers and celebrating the power of local storytelling.

All are welcome to save the date for a special one-day celebration of local literary talent.

• When: Sunday 13 September 2026
• Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, Airlie Beach
• What: A day dedicated to local authors, local stories, and the readers who bring them to life.

Contributed with thanks to Dr Julia Evans

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Welcoming the new team. Photo supplied

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