A group of local children has shown an incredible sense of generosity and community spirit at a young age. With their hearts in the right place, they raised nearly $100 from selling old toys to donate to the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network. It’s a beautiful reminder of how even the smallest acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.

Rather than spending the money on lollies for themselves, these kids chose to donate the $97.05 toward a cause that impacts their community in a powerful way. Their decision to donate the funds demonstrates maturity and compassion beyond their years.

This is just the beginning for these young changemakers with their next project already in the works - A deliciously enticing cupcake stall aimed at raising even more funds. It’s exciting to think about the positive impact they will continue to have as they grow and develop, fuelled by a mindset rooted in giving back.

Locals couldn't help but feel inspired by their initiative, with many just stopping by to drop off a fiver to their stall. It’s a bright future ahead for them who are already making a difference, the young children’s sense of community and responsibility truly shines. Thank you for fundraising for such an important cause!

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Local children selling their old toys to raise money for the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network. Photo Sourced: Rob Murphy's Facebook Page.

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The Whitsunday Regional Council want to inform the community about a recent scam involving a fraudulent QR code on a parking meter in Airlie Beach. The code directs users to enter their credit card details, which is part of a scam. If you've scanned a QR code on a parking meter recently, we strongly encourage you to check your bank statements for any unauthorised transactions.

Please be aware that Airlie Beach uses ticketless parking machines and only accept coin payments or direct card payments at their machines, and do not require the scanning of any QR codes.

To ensure a safe and easy parking experience, the Council recommend using the official EasyPark app, which allows you to manage your parking payments online securely. Simply download the free EasyPark app today via: http://app.easypark.net or through your device’s app store to avoid being caught out by scams like this.

The Council urges everyone to use official payment methods and to be vigilant about potential scams. If you believe you have fallen victim to fraudulent activity or spot another QR code on another parking meter, please report it to Council immediately to help protect the community.

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The affected parking meter at the beach-side parking lot, near the Airlie Beach Lagoon.
For the close up image. Photo sourced: Whitsunday Regional Council Facebook page.
For the wide-shot. Photo sourced: Google Maps.

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It has been relatively quiet this week for the team of the Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue. But the WVMR team are always ready, waiting for that extra loud, special ringtone that signifies an emergency call, and someone needing their assistance. Shane, President of the WVMR, recounts an incident where even though they weren't initially activated, they were ready to respond.

Shane and his wife were enjoying the view on their patio one late afternoon when a strange incident caused Shane to reach for his binoculars. Out in the Airlie anchorage, a puff of smoke erupted from the stern of a yacht and as he zoomed in, Shane could see someone panicking as orange flames began to spread. As his wife called triple zero, Shane recalled a calming pause before all broke lose.

“While I watched in horror, in the gloom of dusk, an explosion and fire ball erupted.”

With the fire on the horizon, the world seemed to spring into action. The water police’s semirigid vessel suddenly appeared with sirens and lights blazing, powering through the water at top speed through the anchorage. Then the fire engines arrived at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, but they couldn't help being stuck on shore.

Shane grabbed his phone and called WVMR’s controller to ask if they had been activated. “No,” came the reply, but Shane was ready to act - “Ok, get a crew together urgently because we will be, there’s a boat on fire and people in the water.” He was out of the door and arrived at the VMR1 just as another fire engine arrived with portable pumps.

Skipper Ken took the WVMR team and the Firefighters out at emergency speed towards the anchored yacht. When we arrived, it was ablaze stem to stern. Luckily the Police had picked up the people from the water and all witnessed as the fibreglass blazed, they watched the mast collapse into the flames spreading rigging everywhere.

With Ken shouting guidance, Shane backed up the VMR1 as close as they dared, remaining upwind of the burning vessel. The wire rigging in the water was a major hazard because if it were to foul their props, they would be immobilised dangerously close to the fire.

The burning hull of the yacht was sinking and as the fire reached the waterline, it quietly slipped under. There was charred flotsam, but not too much pollution and Shane recounted it was an event of great exhilaration.

If you would like some excitement in your life, while doing a great community service, visit vmrwhitsundays.com.au/volunteer/

Contributed with thanks by Shane Newell, VMRW President.

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The Whitsundays’ original and most awarded tour operator, Ocean Rafting, is stoked to take the podium and be recognised amongst Australia’s best tourism operators. Since 1984, the Australian tourism Awards have long been the nation’s premier recognition of excellence in the tourism industry. Ocean Rafting joined the nation’s best in the beautiful Adelaide and is beyond thrilled to be taking home a Bronze in the “Major Tour & Transport Operator” category in the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

Peter and Jan Claxton, the proud owners of Ocean Rafting for 28 years, along with Nathan their Sales & Marketing Captain of 13 years, were overjoyed to represent the family-owned business at the awards ceremony in Adelaide. Their heartfelt gratitude went to their passionate team, dedicated family members, and loyal guests,  whose support has been pivotal to their ongoing success.

Peter shared, “A huge thank you to all our team, both past and present, who share our passion for tourism and showcasing natures wonders. We are proud to continue stepping onto the podium and winning awards like this for all those who have made Ocean Rafting what it is today”. Pete added, “Additionally, I would like to thank all our guests who have enjoyed a day out, whether that be on the water or in the air, in the last 28 years of operations” Jan shared the sentiment, “These awards are for our team, as much as they’re for us, so cheers to us, and cheers to the team”.

Three generations of family and almost three decades as one of the Whitsundays’ most loved on-water experiences, Ocean Rafting’s mission is still to treat every day as if it was the one and only day their guests will experience Ocean Rafting and the Whitsundays’; and this has attributed to the company’s long-term success and thriving growth over the years.

The team would also like to thank Australian Tourism Awards for facilitating these awards and their continued support for our industry. Additionally, we would like to raise our glasses to all the fellow operators and local businesses for their much-deserved recognition and awards.

Beyond their remarkable history of providing unforgettable on-water experiences, Ocean Rafting is equally committed to the environmental sector by participating in the Tourism Reef Protection Initiative and starting our very own initiative, “Tins 4 Fins,” to fund beach cleans and additional research, ensuring we protect this beautiful part of the world.

Ocean Rafting’s reputation speaks for itself and is recognised with a perfect score as Best of Queensland Experience under the national quality tourism framework along with a Quality Tourism accreditation. Additionally, Ocean Rafting is the recipient of a TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award for being in top 10% of attractions worldwide every year since 2012 and a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award winner in the Top 1% of Tourism Businesses around the world and Top 10 Experiences in Australia.

Ocean Rafting is also a coveted Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame member for being continuously Advanced Ecotourism Australia Certified for 25 years or longer. Ocean Rafting is also a Green Travel Leader, Climate Action Business and is the only company in the Whitsundays with six Master Reef Guides, who are recognised as the world’s leading reef guides, interpreters and story tellers, in addition to a team made up of Marine Biologists and Eye On the Reef trained Eco Hosts.

Ocean Rafting offers two exciting day tour adventures, the Northern Exposure and Southern Lights, with an exhilarating ride to Whitehaven Beach, the ultimate access to Hill Inlet and special snorkelling sites, as well as the Fly Raft package, 60-minute scenic flights, a range of adventure packages, charter options and the Reef Seeker environmental educational program. The fleet of eight semi-rigid inflatable vessels allow guests to experience Ocean Rafting’s signature adrenalin-fuelled ride amongst the beauty of the Whitsundays, while a maximum of 32 passengers allows for a personalised experience in the pleasure of a small group.

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Talk to anybody who has spent a bit of time diving or snorkelling the coral reef and you will hear a turtle story. Watch people encounter a turtle for the first time and you hear shouts of delight. It seems that the sea turtle is everyone’s favourite marine animal.

There are 7 species of sea turtles in the world and 6 may be encountered on the Great Barrier Reef, making it a paradise for turtle lovers. Sadly, the future of our sea turtle friends is uncertain.

From the day a sea turtle is hatched, its life is a struggle for survival. For every 1000 sea turtle eggs laid, only about one turtle reaches adulthood due to natural predators and other obstacles. Those that do make it face numerous threats from humans; habitat loss, hunting, marine debris, and pollution.

Today, most species of sea turtles are listed as endangered or critically endangered by the World Conservation Union. And now, climate change is exposing sea turtles to even greater threats.

Sea turtles are unusual as they use both marine and terrestrial habitats during their life cycles. They nest on land but spend their lives in the oceans. Unfortunately, this exposes them to multiple impacts of climate change. The beach sites of a sea turtles’ birth, where they return as adults to lay their eggs, are under threat from rising sea level and erosion of nesting sites.

Sea turtles rely on the temperature of the sand in which the eggs incubate to determine the gender of the hatchling in a nest. An increase in nesting beach temperature is impacting the sex of turtles. Typically, cooler sand produces more males and warmer sand produces more females. With increasing nest temperatures due to global warming, scientists are seeing a significant shift towards more female sea turtles. This is a serious threat to population size and genetic diversity.

Warmer ocean temperatures are also likely to negatively impact food resources. As ocean temperatures increase, healthy seagrass meadows and coral reefs are declining, reducing the sea turtle’s most important feeding grounds.

The future of the sea turtle is in doubt because of human activities on the land, the sea and now the atmosphere. It is sadly ironic that the sea turtle’s continued existence is now entirely dependent on human intervention. Protecting sea turtles and their habitat is a must, but reducing carbon emissions to reign in global warming is the most important step we can take.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council.

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The annual migration of humpback whales from the Antarctic to warm water of the Great Barrier Reef should be beginning in a couple of weeks. Humpback whales can be seen in many locations along the east coast of Australia. It’s been known for years that Hervey Bay is an important resting site in the whale migration, which has made it qualify as a Whale Heritage Site.

For many years it was never know where humpbacks gave birth, but since 2009 researchers have been putting the pieces together discovering it is right here in the Whitsundays, next to the islands!

The Whitsundays are the perfect location because it has deep troughs close to shallow reef, where whales can give birth and then move their calves to shallow water.  In shallow water there is less chance of predator attack from below and the mother can support the calf near the surface so it can breathe.

In the first few week's humpback calves spend 30% of their time suckling their mother's milk and 50% of their time on the surface breathing where they have to breathe every five minutes.  It is important that the mother doesn’t have to spend her energy reserves on protecting her calf, so she can spend her reserves on producing 600 litres of milk per day.  The mother will not feed until she returns to her feeding ground in the Antarctic.

Calves don’t have any buoyancy control for the first few weeks, so mothers have to assist them with buoyancy until they work it out for themselves. The calves are born with no fat supply, so it is important they build up insulation for when they reach cold water down south.  They also need to build up their energy to practice learning life skills.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is the size of Italy or Japan, so to have such a significant area on our doorstep is really special. It is so significant that in March 2024 the Whitsundays became a WHALE HERITAGE SITE, the first ever in a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE AREA and there is a SPECIAL WHALE PROTECTION AREA zone in the Whitsundays.

In the Whitsundays not only does the 300 metres exclusion zone apply to jet skis but to all vessels to protect the whales in the maternity and nursery area.

Whales of the Whitsundays is the project that collaborated to gain the Whale Heritage Site Whitsundays listing. To find out more about special whale events, whale sightings and information on whales in the Whitsundays, join the WHALES OF THE WHITSUNDAYS Facebook page or go to www.whalesofthewhitsundays.com.au

Contributed with thanks to Kellie Leonard - Whales of the Whitsundays

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Lucky was one of the puppies found dumped at Bowen tip but don't be mistaken, this little guy’s spirit animal is 100% sloth as he’s all about naps, cuddles, and soaking up all the love he can get.

Lucky is a relaxed and sweet pup with a loving, easy-going nature that’s hard to resist. He loves a snooze and is happiest curled up next to you. He gets along great with other dogs and is super friendly, making him a wonderful companion. He’s fantastic with young kids and has been tested with plenty, so you can rest assured he’s a great family dog!

Toilet training is going well, and he’s proving to be a smart little learner. Lucky is not a barker or crier – he’s just a calm, settled pup who loves affection. If you’ve got love to give, he’ll take it all with his sweet and easy-going nature.

Lucky is patiently waiting for a family to love him forever. Could that be you?

Interested in adopting Lucky?
Please get in touch with Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue:
Phone: 0459 757 455
Facebook: Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue
Email: bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com

Adoption Fee: $400
Currently Being Fostered in Bowen
Age: Puppy
Sex: Male
Other Dogs: Yes
Cats: Unknown
Kids: Absolutely!

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Did you know?

Mosquito borne diseases such as, Dengue Fever, Ross River Virus, and Barmah Forest virus can be transmitted through a single mosquito bite. Applying mosquito repellent when outside, particularly during the wet season, is a simple and effective way to protect yourself and your family. Mosquitoes that transmit Dengue Fever are active at all times of the day, not just dawn and dusk. Repellents containing the active ingredients Deet, Picaridin and Lemon Eucalyptus have been scientifically proven to be the most effective in repelling mosquitos. For more information, please visit Council’s website.

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Hi Everyone,

Ruth 2 Reef has been running for a month now, and what an incredible journey it has been! I'm truly grateful for the amazing response to the feature and for the opportunity to hear and share so many inspiring stories.

What has been so eye opening about starting this feature is that I never have a week where I'm struggling to find stories, as there are so many wonderful Whitsunday environmental initiatives going on in the background.

In this week's feature we have new ancient fish species, coral restoration, and more!

I love hearing your environmental stories, so please do continue to send them in to ruth@lifepublishinggroup.com.

Happy reading!

Ruth

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.” —Laurie Buchanan

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By Ruth Puddefoot

Queensland has recently come under the spotlight, for its newest discovery... and it’s an exciting one!

The state’s rich fossil record just became even more impressive with the unearthing of what is believed to be the smallest vertebrate fossil ever found in Australia.

Described by Queensland Museum palaeontologists, the discovery of Palaeospondylus australis sheds new light on a similar species found only in Scotland, which has baffled scientists for decades.

The species is believed to be a highly elusive, tiny "fish" from a remote area near the Northern Territory border. It inhabited the shallow edges of a marine environment around 400 million years ago.

While Scottish fossils are abundant, they are typically flattened, making detailed analysis difficult. In contrast, Queensland's fossils, though disarticulated, are remarkably well-preserved in 3D. This exceptional preservation offers fresh insight into this mysterious species and may even reveal a distant evolutionary link to modern sharks.

This fossil discovery not only deepens our understanding of ancient Australian ecosystems but also sheds light on the global connections of early vertebrate life. Ongoing research into Palaeospondylus australis holds the potential to uncover new clues about the evolution of jawed vertebrates.

Queensland can now proudly claim to be home to both Australia’s largest and smallest known ancient species!

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By Ruth Puddefoot

The recent severe weather may mean you see some more slithery friends hanging about in unusual places, trying to find shelter.

While snakes have garnered themselves a bit of a reputation, they are actually vital to our ecosystem and play an essential role in controlling rodent and pest populations, and therefore it is important to our environment that we protect and conserve them.

Knowing how to identify what snakes you may come across can help you stay safe and appreciate these fascinating reptiles from a respectful distance.

If you encounter a snake, stay calm and slowly back away, avoiding sudden movements, and observe the snake's direction. If the snake is in your home or property, call a licensed snake catcher for assistance.

Fast Fact: Some snakes can see heat!

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The Great Barrier Reef is facing a very uncertain future. Global warming is pushing water temperatures up, causing more intense and more frequent mass coral bleaching events.

Reducing global greenhouse gas emissions is the most important action to minimise the impact of climate change on the Reef. Yet the science is clear; warming ocean temperatures are locked in, with emissions reductions too little and probably too late. The Reef now needs our help to survive

We can help through the process of Reef restoration, which is a broad term for methods used to rebuild damaged coral reefs, so they can maintain healthy, sustainable ecosystems. In other words, it’s all the ways we help the Reef to help itself.

There are several reef restoration techniques currently employed.

1. Coral Gardening

Fragments of broken corals are collected and regrown in land-based or underwater nurseries, before being planted onto reefs – much like you would collect and regrow cuttings or seedlings in a pot, before planting them in your garden.

There are numerous coral gardening projects across the Reef, including the Whitsundays.

2. Coral IVF

During mass coral spawning, researchers capture excess coral eggs and sperm from healthy reefs and rear millions of baby corals in specially designed floating pools. These young corals are then placed on damaged reefs, helping to repopulate and restore them. The offspring of these corals will continue to breed, revitalising the damaged reefs.

In the Whitsundays, the Boats4Corals project is helping scale up IVF restoration in the region by harnessing the power of the people. Local tourism operators, Traditional Owners, government agencies, and recreational boaters are being trained in the Coral IVF method; from identification of spawning slicks, to releasing coral larvae from floating nursery pools onto the Reef.

3. Reef rubble

Baby corals need to settle on a clean, stable substrate. Unfortunately, after a bleaching event or cyclone, the substrate is primarily loose rubble, precluding natural recovery.

As such, restoration efforts can also involve stabilisation – using artificial means like mesh netting or carbonate rocks, or replacing damaged or lost reef with new structures, like specially-designed 3D shapes.

4. Helping corals resist warming temperatures

Researchers are investigating the genes of heat-tolerant corals which will give us an understanding of how and where corals might be able to resist warming temperatures. In turn, this will inform us about their potential to adapt to climate change.

It is important to note, the only long-term guarantee for future reefs is to quickly reduce our carbon emissions and reign in global warming. But we are running out of time. However, with effective, large-scale coral restoration, we might just buy the Reef a bit more of time.

Contributed by Whitsunday Conservation Council.

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Janet Erricker found a life of purpose in helping her community, devoting her time and energy to numerous organisations. When she saw a need, she set about fulfilling it, inspiring others through her generous, happy nature and wonderful example.

Born in Brisbane February 19, 1931 to Stanley Robinson and Edna Betsey Holloway, Janet took on the responsibility of a lot of the household chores at an early age as her older sister suffered chronic health problems and her father was a shift worker. Janet passed scholarship exams in Grade 7 and progressed through to Grade 10. She then attended commercial college and mastered typing, shorthand and bookkeeping.

Janet met husband, Des Erricker. while both were working for the Brisbane City Council. They married in 1955. Des’s position took them to Hughenden where he was Shire Clerk and Janet was a stay-at-home mother.

With three bright young daughters, Janet was inspired to push for a kindergarten in Hughenden. She set about raising funds to build the kindergarten which had operated in temporary premises from 1962. Janet organised a band of women to sell second-hand books and comics, craft and second-hand school uniforms and she hosted ladies’ euchre gatherings to see the kindy come to fruition. And so, in 1965, a permanent kindergarten building was opened.

The Errickers were immersed in the swimming club in both Hughenden and Proserpine where Des took was Shire Clerk from 1966. For over 20 years, Janet, affectionately known as Mrs “E”, and Des were prime movers in the Whitsunday Swimming Club from the time the Proserpine Memorial Swimming Pool opened on April 28 1969. Both gained coaching qualifications and gave countless hours, for free, to ensure children could swim and reach their sporting potential. Janet was president of the club, fulfilling this voluntary role for many years. As fitting acknowledgement of their service, both were awarded life membership.

But Janet did far more than coach swimmers. The Errickers subsidised and supported many children whose families were not in a financial position to afford nominations, swimmers, track suits, gate entry, accommodation, and travel. Their home generously hosted many swim trainees (often around a dozen) for breakfast and afternoon tea, and provided a place to do homework to enable before and after-school training when parents were not able to deliver their children to or from the pool on time, or bus schedules did not fit early and late training.

Around 1985, Janet became involved with the Proserpine Nursing Home, initially as a community visitor then as a member of the nursing home board. She organised fundraising to make craft items for sale, using her skills in sewing, knitting, crochet and gardening, in addition to running trivia nights. Along with a group of lady supporters from the Proserpine Nursing Home, Janet started up a local group of the Red Hatters promoting Fun and Friendship After 50.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Ada (1970), Janet helped to organise accommodation for those left homeless. She ensured children were safely housed with different people (including in her own home) while parents worked on recovery.

As a way for women to boost fitness and get out of the house, Janet also started social aqua-aerobics in 1983/1984. She continued this until she was 81. She also co-owned and ran a gymnasium with daughter, Lynne. Janet was very involved in her children’s school P&C, tuckshop and fetes. She was also an active member of the public speaking club, Forum.

With Janet Erricker’s passing in 2021, our community lost a remarkable lady.

Story courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum and photo courtesy of Lynne Erricker.

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As a local of The Whitsundays, I’m always on the lookout for great places to recommend to visiting friends and family – and Waterview Airlie Beach is one I’m always happy to share. This boutique apartment complex, nestled in the heart of Airlie Beach, offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, with stunning views of the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands.

Waterview features just six stylish apartments, each with its own private balcony or porch, making it a peaceful and intimate spot for a staycation or to host out-of-town guests. The apartments are designed with comfort in mind, offering a fully equipped kitchenette, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and high-speed Wi-Fi. The modern décor and spacious layouts provide the ideal setting to relax and unwind after a day exploring the area.

The location is unbeatable – just a short walk from the vibrant main street, filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. The Airlie Beach Lagoon is also nearby, perfect for a swim or a leisurely day out. Plus, with a tour desk on-site, guests can easily book excursions to the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands.

Whether you’re planning a staycation or need a place for friends or relatives to stay, Waterview is a great choice. It’s the perfect mix of location, comfort, and relaxation right here in our own backyard.

Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays

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Last week, The Whitsundays wrapped up the face-to-face workshops for the Whitsundays Welcomes You Program, complementing the online training with an engaging, hands-on session. It was fantastic to see over 45 passionate locals come together, share their pride for the region, and learn how to create unforgettable guest experiences.

So, what makes us proud of the Whitsundays? Is it the friendly people, the laid-back country-coastal vibe, or the stunning blue ocean? Maybe it’s the live music, fresh local produce, or that WOW factor when you take it all in. Whatever it is, the Whitsundays Welcomes You Program is all about celebrating that pride and using it to make every guest feel at home.

The Whitsundays Welcomes You Program is open to anyone involved in welcoming guests—whether you work in hotels, tours, cafes, retail, or volunteer in the community. The program helps locals develop the skills and knowledge to be exceptional hosts, ensuring that guests leave as passionate advocates for the region.

The Queensland Welcomes You initiative is proudly funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by the Queensland Regional Tourism Network.

Ready to get involved? Local businesses and volunteers can access the free online training anytime, anywhere. To register, visit: www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au

Contributed by Tourism Whitsundays

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