Filby’s Motors, an iconic local family-owned Whitsunday business celebrates its 60th anniversary this October, this incredible milestone marking 60 years of providing vehicle sales and service to the entire Whitsundays region, along with supporting the community and commerce in the region.
As a respected leader in vehicle sales, repair and parts in the Whitsunday Region, Filby’s Motors offers a diversified range of services to the mining, horticulture, broadacre, tourism and domestic markets. Filby’s Motors is committed to attaining excellence in quality management via strong customer engagement, understanding their expectations and investing in our diverse workforce to ensure their competence in providing optimum service.

Established in 1964, Filby’s Motors growth is underlined by its 60 years of experience delivering integrated vehicle solutions to valued customers. Originating as a small family business, Filby’s has continued to evolve and expand over 60 years, now employing over 30 staff. Strong emphasis is placed on technical training, along with training staff to provide ultimate customer service, with Filby’s Motors achieving several accolades in recent years for sales, branding and technician achievements across the multiple franchise brands offered.

Filby’s Motors was established by Robert (Bob) Filby Snr and his wife, Thelma, in 1964 when Toyota approached the entrepreneurs who had been running five local rural and transportation businesses in Main St, Proserpine. These included Shell Agency, John Deere Tractors, Chesney Caravans and CIG Franchise (now trading under the name of R.H.H.) and T.A. Filby together with Filby’s’ Coaches.

After 10 years the car dealership became so popular that they sold off the other enterprises – placing their focus solely on Filby’s Motors.

In 1978, the couple’s eldest son, Robert, joined the business with his wife Sue, and in 1984, their youngest son Brian was next to join the ranks. Subsequent years saw the business continue to grow, taking on additional franchises – Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Mahindra, along with a second dealership site in Bowen on 15th Dec 1997, and workshops designed to service and repair these vehicles.

Over recent years, a new generation of the Filby family have continued their family’s passion, with Joshua and Hayden Filby (Brian’s children) undertaking technician apprenticeships at the dealerships, and Rebecca, Melissa, Matthew and Blake (Robert and Sue’s children) continuing to modernise and consolidate management processes to ensure continued longevity of their family legacy.

As part of the Bowen and Proserpine communities, the Filby family, and the Filby’s Motors dealerships has weathered the unpredictable landscape of operating in North Queensland. From financial hardships caused by prices of coal, cane or tomatoes to inclement weather events and cyclones, and the destruction of the local horticulture and tourism industry this threatened.
Each time the communities work together to repair and restore, and Filby’s Motors is proud to be a part of the entire Whitsunday community – sponsoring and actively participating in community events, school projects, sporting groups and fundraisers.  
Contributing to the local community is an opportunity for Filby’s to share the loyalty shown to them, and to ensure community pride and ownership within the region. Recent sponsorship projects include the WRC Mayoral Ball, National Tree Day, local sporting teams and events, Whitsunday Catchment Landcare, school projects, local historical preservations groups, Bowen Men’s Shed, CQ Rescue, Bowen Turf Club and Paul Bowman Challenge along with 26 years as sponsor of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys.
Filby’s Motors thanks the community of the Whitsundays for its ongoing support – and they look forward to continuing to provide you with sales, service and parts excellence for many decades to come!
filbysmotors.com.au

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The Filby’s team celebrating the mammoth 60 year milestone
Bob and Thelma, back when it all started
Historical photo of Filby’s in the post war era
Filby’s showroom as it looks today

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

State Election month is at full pitch, and CANEGROWERS Mackay leadership has been meeting with state electoral candidates who have shown an interest in the sugar industry, and want to learn more about the growers’ perspective.

CANEGROWERS is speaking out for growers and the sugar industry on eight points:

1. Reduce the cost of power and water to drive productivity and profitability

2. A revitalised approach to improving water quality and river health

3. Remove roadblocks to disaster preparedness

4. Commit to establishing a sustainable aviation fuel industry

5. Invest in a future agricultural workforce

6. Back our commitment to environmental responsibility

7. Fund industry research

8. Government-Industry partnership

You can read more about this plan at growthforgenerations.com.au.

CANEGROWERS is committed to working to modernise and transform Queensland’s sugarcane industry while simultaneously making the state a significant player in Australia’s bioeconomy revolution. We have worked hard in this space, we want to keep moving forward, and we need Government to back that leap forward with strong policy, legislative teeth, and practical support and partnership. The Sugar Industry Roadmap, developed collaboratively by industry stakeholders, paves a way for our future if government can get its policies right.

We need the State Government to exercise policy and strategies that preserve good quality cropping land. That means having policies that recognise that urban expansion can impact farming areas in unexpected ways, such as unduly influencing land valuations. As properties around Mackay’s periphery become more in demand for housing and lifestyle acreages, sales values increase, then create a heavy cost burden on agricultural producers. When it comes to farming, not all land is equal. The alluvial plains around the Pioneer are quality growing areas, and while that land is appealing for residential owners, it is by far some of the most productive farming land for our region’s economy. Rates are becoming a serious cost-of-production impost.

While rates are set and managed by local government, there are aspects of the system that relate to State Government. It is the Queensland Department of Resources State Valuation Service that determines the valuations on properties, which local governments then apply to determine actual rates payable.

The State Government developed the Guideline on Equity and Fairness in rating for Queensland Local Governments. It would be positive to see these made mandatory by the Queensland Government so that council’s do not take a blasé approach. CANEGROWERS Mackay has argued the case for some time that Mackay Regional Council’s Canegrowing rating category is not fair and equitable. It is double the rate for other rural properties, and akin to the rate for Paget enterprises.

If State Government can have the vision to see the sugarcane industry succeed, and continue to diversify into cane-based renewable foods, fibres and fuels, then we need to maintain productivity. Mills have a minimum threshold for viability. It’s symbiotic: retaining land under cane is critical to keeping mills viable, keeping mills viable and reliable is critical to maintaining a flourishing grower/harvester sector.

We need big picture policies put into practice, that develop and support growers to operate environmentally and economically sustainable systems, with the foresight that will see the development of a strong renewables manufacturing sector for the people of Queensland. In sugarcane, we have a sector that can contribute a great deal to meeting net-zero ambitions, and to the developing the State circular economy, profiting from and re-purposing its own waste streams.

A good example is bagasse: the fibrous pulp left from crushing out cane juice. The mills have long used it use it to generate power, fuelling the boilers. And in the case of Racecourse mill, generate and feed electricity to the grid to supply one third of the region’s power. Imagine that grid capacity multiplied across Queensland’s mills. Bagasse can also be used to create biofuels.

There is a need for increased funding around research and development. This region is brimming with innovation, agronomic and engineering capabilities that just need the support. Ideas that hit two birds with one stone, increasing productivity and simultaneously delivering outcomes for land and water management practices. Precision ag capabilities and sustainable productivity strategies need to rapidly develop to realise sugarcane’s full economic potential, generating new industries in Queensland.

It is critical in developing funding programs that we see money hit the ground, allowing agronomists to experiment with ideas, and growers to invest in technologies and methods that will assist in delivering improved sustainability and productivity in tandem.

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These days, sugarcane can deliver so much more than sugar. Good government policy and programs will see that potential become an industry powerhouse.  Photo credit: Kirili Lamb.

CANEGROWERS Mackay Kevin Borg says that it is critical for policy and funding to support increased sustainable productivity on farm

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Two of the pioneering families of Proserpine and the broader region were joined as one with the union of the Filby family and the Abell family in the mid 1950’s. This union set in motion a love story that has lasted through the decades and a legacy that has spanned generations. Robert Filby Senior married Thelma Abell, their love bringing together two powerful local families and a wealth of industry within the transport sector. This established the legacy of Filby’s Motors which opened its doors in 1964 and now lives on with their children and grandchildren to this day.

In 1981, the love story continued when Dealer Principal of Filby’s Motors, Robert Filby, married his high-school sweetheart Sue. The couple were blessed with four children and, after more than 40 years together, now enjoy watching their four grandchildren blossom as well. Robert feels very grateful to share such a long life with Sue and considers family the most important success in his life.

Leaving school at 15, Robert pursued an apprenticeship as a butcher, completing the trade before moving into the family business in 1978. Over the years Robert has gained experience in almost every aspect of the business, working in every department to gather an understanding of how each section operates and drives the business as a whole. This experience led Robert Filby to become Dealer Principal, a position he still holds to this day after 35 years of successfully leading the business.

Wearing the test of time, Robert Filby has experienced many challenges over the years, but on each occasion has been able to pivot and prevail, safely guiding the business to move with the times and adapt to changing markets. It is now a proud moment when Robert is beginning to see the next generation come forward, as his daughter Rebecca Filby steps into more of a leadership role. This cements the succession plan that will see Filby’s Motors become a three-generation business.

A family man, a man of industry and a man of community, Robert Filby prides himself on his compassion and connection with others. He loves supporting events and charities, participating in local sporting groups and watching his local community thrive. When he was in his twenties, Robert travelled the world and has fond memories of his time oversees. These days he enjoys being at home with family and loves art, model building, golf and gardening. He also loves watching both the cricket and NRL with the Cowboys being his favourite team.

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At the heart of every successful business is the person who connects the departments and brings operations together to ensure seamless flow, quality workmanship and precision delivery. At Filby’s Motors, that person is Brian Filby, who not only unites the team but also connects the business with the broader community when opportunity arises.

As a Director of the company and Parts Manager, Brian is a qualified Mechanic and Parts Interpreter. He is the fountain of knowledge for every pipe, fitting, screw and engine part any of their vehicles may need when it’s time for a service. Wherever possible, he engages with the local community, opting to spend money within the region and keep the dollars flowing within the Whitsundays.

It is this community spirit that makes him a well-respected individual and he is well-known for supporting the local causes that can often fly under the radar. He is a strong proponent of supporting aged care and support related services, as he feels these community groups are often overlooked.

Born in Proserpine, Brian has lived in Cannonvale for the last 58 years. In his youth, he was a keen sportsperson, even travelling overseas to play sport. He has three adult children and two lively dogs that keep him entertained. When he enjoys a moment of relaxation, Brian can be found out in the garden or taking the dogs down to the beach.

Describing himself as quiet, patient and fair, Brian recalls one of the most significant times of his life as the day each of his three children were born. He dreams of one day going on holiday to a location he has never been to before and says his favourite movie is ‘The Choice’.
 

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Born in Proserpine in December 1982 and raised in Cannonvale, Rebecca Filby’s roots run deep in the Whitsundays Region. After a brief stint in Townsville at 18, she returned home and has lived across the region—from Cannonvale to Jubilee Pocket, Airlie Beach to Bowen—before settling in Proserpine for the past eight years.

Family is at the heart of Rebecca’s life. Married to Joel Altmann for five years and together for nine, they share two boys, Eric, 7, and Dylan, 4. Their family wouldn’t be complete without their two dogs, Callie, 13, and Benji, 10, who were Rebecca’s ‘first children’. Weekends are often spent travelling, enjoying family vacations at caravan parks, and creating lasting memories with their sons.

Rebecca’s career journey is marked by diversity and success. She began in the Jewellery Industry in 2002, where she quickly distinguished herself, owning a jewellery business and becoming a Diamond Broker by age 24. After nine years in the industry, she transitioned to banking, starting as a Teller with Westpac in Proserpine before advancing to Personal Banker in 2012. Her career continued to rise when she became the Bank Manager in Bowen in 2014, a role she held for four years.

In 2018, Rebecca pivoted to join the family business, a move that allowed her to blend her professional expertise with her passion for family. She started as Financial Controller, progressed to Sales Manager in 2021, and was promoted to General Manager in 2022. Along the way, Rebecca earned a Sales Licence, Motor Dealer Licence, completed Toyota’s two-year Future Dealer Leaders Program, and obtained an Advanced Diploma of Leadership & Management from the Australian Institute of Management (AIM).

Balancing her career with motherhood has been Rebecca’s greatest challenge and most significant accomplishment. She is determined to inspire her sons by exemplifying that success at work can coexist with a fulfilling family life.

Describing herself as outspoken and detail-oriented, Rebecca embodies resilience, dedication, and love in everything she does.

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We are indeed fortunate that for the first thirty or forty years of settlement, some excellent photographers lived in our district. They have left us with photographic records of weddings, picnics and important events from the past, for example, opening of the railway, Shepherd’s Bridge and original hospital, as well as members of the first council, show society, band, churches and so on.
One of the most historic photos was taken by Walter Eustace Perroux in 1911 of a group of pioneers.  Perroux, born of Indian parents who were tea and rubber planters, came to Australia in 1879. He worked in Mackay at Swanson Bros, a business he eventually purchased; travelled widely throughout North and Central Qld and then finally settled in Bowen where he never missed an opportunity to publicise the town in photographic views and newspaper articles. During WW1, he photographed many local families and events.
Unfortunately, he was thrown from a sulky, broke his arm and never really recovered from his injuries. He died in 1921, leaving a wife, four sons and 2 daughters. One of his sons, Francis Xavier Perroux, followed in his father’s footsteps and worked in a studio in Townsville. He too became a roving photographer and settled in Mackay. Like his father, he also had connections with Proserpine. A daughter, Henrietta Rosalie, taught at Foxdale School 1917-1918 and she married Joseph Atkinson.
Edmund Nicholas, an employee of Faust Brothers, came to Australia from New Zealand at any early age. He lived in what was often considered the oldest home in Proserpine, “Woodbine”, on Anzac Road. A gifted photographer, he advertised in the 1911 “Guardian” that he would be pleased to take photographs of weddings, cane cutters etcetera, anywhere in the district and it was reported that he took magnificent photos of the tramway with flood debris piled up against the bridge, and appealing views of Myrtle Creek. Perhaps it was his interest in taking photos “anywhere in the district” that almost saw him lost in the vicinity of the old river landing. A search party set out to find him but luckily, when daylight dawned, he found his bearings and made his way home safely. He sold his business to Ralph Traill in 1915. Edmund Nicholas died in 1937 after residing in Proserpine for 28 years.
An itinerant photographer, Mr C. Buderus, also advertised in the 1911 “Guardian” that he would be in Proserpine “at Champion’s shop for a month, and people should not lose time in taking advantage of this opportunity to have their photos taken.” He had good local opposition!
Born in 1891, Percy Henry Cox worked delivering groceries for Fausts Brothers when they started business in 1910. Entirely self-taught, he was a first-class photographer teaching himself the Box Brownie camera; a camera whose film could be taken out after shooting and developed at home thus popularising photography.
In 1925, he opened a studio in Chapman Street and announced a special concession week when every purchaser of a dozen cabinets would be given an Ivorette medallion. A particularly important historical photo taken by Percy was that of the Bowen wharves during the 1928 strike. An advertisement in the “Proserpine Guardian” of December 8 1928, indicates that by this time he had moved to Bowen as it states, “H.P. COX Photographer will visit Proserpine periodically.” Percy Cox died in Bowen in 1979 and after his death his photographic equipment was given to the Bowen Historical Society.
I have an old, careworn album of photographs, of histories
Family generations down the years …
Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Society Museum

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1928 Sugar strike. Photo taken by Percy Cox
Perroux photo of pioneers

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Sarina Model Speaks Out To Help Others

Eighteen-year-old Zoe Place from Sarina has made a remarkable entrance into the world of modelling, not just for her stunning appearance, but for her kind heart to help others.

After starting her journey in 2023 with Brooke-Lee Modelling in Mackay, Zoe has quickly established herself as a young woman of talent, most recently taking home the title of second runner-up at the Miss Teen of Australia competition during the Australia’s Royalty Pageant National Finals in Melbourne.

The three-day event featured an intense schedule that included training, rehearsals, photoshoots, interviews and the finals - where the winners were announced.

Zoe, reflecting on the experience, said “it was so much fun and it was such a supportive environment…even when I was crying, everyone was cheering me on and encouraging me.

“Everyone was just so amazingly supportive.”

In addition to the runner-up position, Zoe was also recognised for her online presence, winning the Social Media Award.

Though Zoe’s modelling career is still in its early stages, her accomplishments have already brought her widespread support from her hometown of Sarina and the wider Mackay region.

“I was so proud of myself,” she said.

“I had everyone supporting me from Sarina and Mackay, and it was just a really good experience.”

Her love for bright lights and big stages was initially sparked in the world of dance, however she later discovered a new way to express herself through Brooke Lee Modelling & Deportment School.

In her spare time, when she isn’t modelling, Zoe returns to her roots as a dancer and continues to spread mental health awareness. She aims to use her platform to raise awareness and help others, including children, women and men struggling with mental health challenges.

“I’ve chosen this platform because it just means so much to me,” Zoe shared.

“I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression since I was two, and I’ve really wanted to get my voice out and help other people that struggle so much with it.”

Her advice to those considering modelling is “if you want to go out and do it, you just have to do it.

“You need to push yourself and just get on that stage and once you get on that stage, you find so much comfort.”

For Zoe, raising awareness about mental health remains a personal mission. She believes it is essential to speak openly about anxiety and the challenges it presents.

“Anxiety is not an easy thing to deal with, and it can traumatise you to the point where you can’t leave the house,” she noted.

“But you can push through it…you just have to push yourself.”

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Zoe Place, 18, a model from Sarina, earned second runner-up at Miss Teen of Australia as she boosts her confidence and advocates for mental health. Photos supplied

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The new Sarina Hospital at 47 Brewers Road has officially reached its six-month anniversary, and staff gathered to celebrate.

The state-of-the-art facility, which opened on April 3, 2024 after a $31.5 million investment, has quickly become a crucial part of the Sarina community, providing high-quality healthcare in a modern setting.

Director of Nursing, Pauline Maude, brought the team together for a barbecue lunch to mark the occasion.

"It's been a huge transition for our staff, but we are now well and truly settled in our beautiful new facility," she said.

The new Sarina Hospital, with its improved layout and 19-bed capacity, offers enhanced services, including allied health and rehabilitation, all housed in a purpose-built, accessible facility.

Since opening, the hospital has provided a welcoming and modern environment, improving the patient experience and equipping healthcare providers with the tools they need to offer the best possible care. Sarina residents now have greater access to essential health services close to home, eliminating the need for longer travel for treatment.

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Staff at the new Sarina Hospital gather for a barbecue lunch to celebrate six months of the state-of-the-art facility opening. Photo source: MHHS (Facebook)

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Discover Comlink Australia’s wide range of services at this year’s Seniors Expo, all aimed at improving the health, well-being and independence of older adults across the Mackay region.

Comlink provides support for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as those aged 50 and above for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descents, who want to continue living independently in their own homes. With over 37 years of experience, Comlink Australia is committed to providing personalised, community-based care to help seniors thrive.

Need assistance organising transport? Visitors to the Expo will learn all about Comlink's Community Transport services, which provide accessible and reliable transportation for medical appointments, shopping trips and social outings. This service helps maintain mobility and ensures that seniors stay connected within their communities.

In addition, Comlink will highlight its Home Care Packages, offering tailored support for daily tasks like personal care, domestic assistance, and meal preparation. These packages are designed to meet the unique needs of each client, promoting comfort and independence.

Comlink’s Social Support Programs are also key features at the Expo, aimed at combating loneliness through a variety of individual support activities, such as one on one outings, assisted shopping and a volunteer-led companionship program.

With a compassionate team of dedicated staff and volunteers, Comlink fosters meaningful relationships, ensuring services enhance quality of life and instil a sense of belonging.

Join Comlink Australia at the Expo to learn how they empower older Australians to embrace healthy ageing with dignity and independence!

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The Mackay Seniors Expo has more than 65 exhibitors covering everything from lawn bowls to legal advice, film festivals to funeral plans and chemists to comedy players.  

This year, Mackay Regional Council will also be running free buses from Sarina and Mirani to the event at the Mackay Showgrounds.

The Mackay Seniors Expo is held in the Showgrounds’ big shed on Tuesday, October 15, from 9am to noon.  

The expo is free to attend and will feature exhibitors covering retirement homes, healthcare and funeral homes, services, products, recreational activities, mobility aids and support groups.

There will also be lucky door prizes throughout the morning.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council was looking to remove the travel barrier faced by seniors living outside of the Mackay city area.

“This year we have a 50-seater bus running from Broad Street bus stop in Sarina at 8.45am and a 57-seater running from the Mirani Town Centre council office (20 Victoria Street) at 8.30am,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Both buses are completely free and will take residents to the expo and then drop them back at noon to the pickup point,” he said.

“This is a tremendous expo with vital information for seniors, so we want to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to attend.”

Please call Sarina Neighbourhood Centre on 4961 9290 to book your seats on either bus.

Mayor Williamson encouraged all seniors, and those caring for seniors, to take the time to visit the expo.

“There isn’t another event like this where you will find so many services, businesses, groups and clubs in one place, all with a focus on seniors,” he said.  

“While we often get a few thousand people through the expo, the big shed is spread out and there is plenty of room to explore the booths and you can have conversations without needing to yell.”

Two coffee vans and the Mackay Host Lions Club (sausage sizzle) will be providing refreshments and food.  

For more information, head to council’s website – www.mackay.qld.gov.au/seniors-expo

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At The 2024 Two Feet & A Heartbeat Charity Walk

Mackay will soon host HeartKids' annual charity walk, Two Feet & A Heartbeat this Sunday, October 13, at John Breen Park.

This special event aims to honour children lost to Childhood-onset Heart Disease (CoHD) and raise awareness of the condition that affects over 80,000 Australians.

HeartKids is the only charity in Australia dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by congenital heart disease and has been running this event since 2014, with a focus on uniting families and communities in over 30 locations nationwide.

Participants in Mackay will have the option to walk either 4 kilometres, in memory of the four children who lose their lives to CoHD each week, or 8 kilometres, in recognition of the eight babies born with CoHD each day.

HeartKids CEO Marcus Sandmann highlighted the importance of events like this and said that, “Bereaved families need all the support we can give them, and HeartKids’ mission is to do what we can to ease the burden on families following the tragic loss of a child.”

He added that Two Feet & A Heartbeat allows families to come together in memory of their Heart Angels, in a community that truly understands their grief.

The walk begins at 4pm, with participants encouraged to arrive by 3pm to enjoy the range of family-friendly activities, including free face painting, a barbecue and games. Mackay's own HeartKids ambassador Jace, along with his family, will be participating in the event, adding a local touch to this vital cause.

Zoe Corbett, mother to Heart Angel Jaxxon said, “Few understand just what it’s like to go through this, but HeartKids have put in so much effort to ensure that we can all come together like this.”

What: Two Feet & A Heartbeat Charity Walk

When: From 3pm, Sunday, 13th October

Where: John Breen Park

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HeartKids Ambassador Jace

On Sunday, October 13, participants will come together at John Breen Park for the Two Feet & A Heartbeat Charity Walk to raise awareness and honour those lost to Childhood-onset Heart Disease. Photos supplied

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As concerns around fast fashion’s environmental impact and the rising cost of living continue to grow, Zero Waste Solutions is excited to host its 4th Preloved Market Night. The fast fashion industry contributes significantly to pollution, waste, and exploitation, but together, we can make a difference.
The Preloved Market Night offers a solution by creating a space where fashion meets sustainability. The market invites customers to enjoy an evening filled with coffee, snacks, music, and the excitement of winning great prizes, including the chance to be crowned the "Top Fashion Thriftsta" for the most stylish second-hand outfit of the night.
In addition to promoting sustainable fashion, organisers are taking the opportunity to give back. They will be collecting donations of new and unused self-care items, such as face masks, makeup wipes, hair care products, and other pampering essentials, to support local women who are escaping domestic violence.
Head down to the pre-loved markets for an uplifting evening that’s all about making mindful choices, building community connections, and showing how small actions can lead to big changes.

What: Zero Waste Solutions Preloved Market
When: Friday, 25th October, 6-8pm
Where: 3 Little Birds Espresso, 2/402 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach
Admission: Free

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In her 45 years working at Proserpine Hospital, Leigh Ironside has witnessed many incredible and dynamic changes in the nursing profession.

Tourism, technology and a transient population had reshaped healthcare delivery in the Whitsunday region since the Proserpine local began her hospital-training at Mackay Base Hospital in 1979.

She commenced full-time work at Proserpine Hospital in May 1982.

“I’ve seen many colleagues I’ve worked with start their careers, get married, have babies and then their babies actually come to work here – it’s very generational at Proserpine,” Leigh said.

The number of patients presenting to the small rural hospital had increased significantly over four decades, as had the acuity.

“Patients used to come with one health issue – now they have several illnesses and with an ageing population, there’s a much greater degree of co-morbidity.”

On public holidays the rural hospital was extremely busy – the cost of GPs and long wait times had also changed the face of primary healthcare, Leigh said.

“We generally see be between 60 and 70 people every day in the ED here, for a range of conditions,” she explained.

“Once upon a time GPs stayed in the area and saw many generations of the same family – that just doesn’t happen anymore.”

As a clinical nurse in the busy emergency department, Leigh is impressed by the standard of care and the rural hospital’s response to major incidents in the region.

“I’ve seen some really impressive responses to large trauma cases; how the entire staff mobilise and really pull together to triage,” she said.

“I worked triage a few years ago after a serious bus accident – it was incredible to see the whole staff response to such a terrible incident and how teams were allocated to each individual patient and were met upon arrival.

“Bloomsbury has always been major fatigue zone on Bruce Highway – we’ve really seen a huge increase in the number major traumas coming here over the years.

“The retrieval process has undergone phenomenal change – a transfer used to be done by road ambulance once a week. Now the helicopter flies into Proserpine several times a week.”

Growth in the tourism industry had changed the dynamics of the hospital, the staff and consumers.

“During Christmas and over New Years the region gets an influx of about 8000 people – that puts significant pressure on our ED and hospital,” Leigh said.

“A lot of people visit the Whitsundays and end up moving to the region – who wouldn’t want to live here in paradise?”

Leigh’s passion for rural nursing started early in life. Her mum was a nurse and midwife and she had several aunties who were nurses.

“When I was still at school, mum got permission from the matron for me to work here at Proserpine as an Assistant in Nursing over Christmas and during the school holidays,” she said.

“That’s how I learnt to take blood pressure, make beds and shower and feed the oldies. It’s how I knew that I really wanted to do this as a career.

“Times have changed. Gone are the days of no-aircon and wearing those starched white nurse dresses and stockings.

“When I first started nursing there was only computers in the office; so ieMR (digital records) would definitely have to be one of the biggest changes I’ve seen in my nursing career in addition to medical equipment.”

Leigh admits she considered retirement after a health scare last year, but still enjoys the pace and face-to-face demands of nursing. She remains invested in her patients, in the hospital and the community itself.

“I have no children so work is my socialisation,” she said, “but I love that at Proserpine you aren’t just a number – we really get to know our patients and they become part of our family.

“At a rural hospital like this we get to experience a bit of everything, from surgical to paediatric, and that’s very appealing to the next generation of the healthcare workforce.”

Contributed with thanks to Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

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Leigh Ironside has witnessed many incredible and dynamic changes in the 45 years she has worked at Proserpine Hospital. Photo supplied

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This week
Season to date
Cane crushed
97,268
968,604
Average bin weight
9.66
9.61
CCS
14.38
13.99
Cane variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q208
20.8
15.01
Q253
9.7
13.96
Q240
15.3
14.13
KQ228
5.1
13.89
Q183
14.1
14.55
SRA12
2.1
14.14
SRA9
10.2
14.79
Q247
1.1
13.47
Comments

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Proserpine Mill processed 97,268 tonnes of cane for the week, which is the highest factory throughput since 2020. Thanks to all sectors of the industry for working together to achieve this great result.
We’ve now processed close to 970,000 tonnes of cane for the season, representing about 56 per cent of the total estimated crop.
The average weekly CCS came in slightly below budget at 14.38 units.
The highest CCS was 17.16 units from a rake of ratoon Q208 from the Kelsey Creek productivity district.
Please remember to use your train brain and always take care around our cane rail network.
A fully loaded cane train can take up to one kilometre to pull up. Our cane trains work around the clock, seven days a week.
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Peter Luke
Cane Supply Manager
Proserpine Region

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This October, Proserpine YouthSpace is offering a vibrant lineup of activities designed to engage young people in fun, creative, and health-focused experiences.

YouthSpace, located at 65 Marathon Street (Old St. Cath’s School), will host a variety of workshops and social sessions throughout the month.

YouthSpace activities are scheduled every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, with great events on Fridays. The calendar is packed with exciting options such as art workshops, fitness sessions, and Halloween-themed fun.

October Highlights

   • Mental Health Week LEGO Challenge (Wednesday 9 October and Thursday 10 October, 3:00-5:00 PM): In support of Mental Health Week, there are two sessions that will inspire creativity while promoting mental wellness through a LEGO challenge.

   • Zentangle Drawing (Wednesday 23 October, 3pm – 5pm): A calming and mindful drawing activity, perfect for young people to relax and explore new artistic techniques.

   • Halloween Craft & Party (Tuesday 30 October and Thursday 31 October, 3pm - 5pm): Celebrate Halloween with spooky crafts on the 30th, followed by a Halloween party with food and fun on the 31st.

In addition to these special events, there will be ongoing Youth Fitness Bootcamps every Tuesday to help young people stay active and ‘Chat n’ Chill’ sessions for informal socialising.

Outreach and Support
Proserpine YouthSpace also offers one-on-one support for young people by appointment in surrounding areas Cannonvale, Airlie Beach, and Jubilee Pocket.

For more information or to register for the activities, contact YouthSpace at 0458 438 169, or visit them on social media.

There’s always an action-packed program at Proserpine Youth Space. Photo sourced: Facebook

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