The Proserpine Entertainment Centre hosted the elegant and colourful 2024 Mayor’s Charity Ball over the weekend.

Over 200 people attended the evening, and it was a night of delicious food, generous fundraising and merriment.

Mayor Ry Collins selected two charities this year, BMA CQ Rescue and Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN), two charities that do important life-saving work in our region.

Over $60,000 was raised for these great charities through ticket sales, raffles, and an auction.

It was a spectacular event.

Blair Vea Vea, Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea, Melanie Collins, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins, Annette Williamson, and Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Glitter, Sparkles & Great Times
At The Mayor’s Charity Ball

Mayor Ry Collins’ first Mayor’s Charity Ball was a high-class evening, with a touch of sparkle.

This year the event had two options, the Gala Experience, complete with a three-course meal and charity auction.

This was followed with the After Dark Experience which started at 8pm and guests could dance the night away in front of the amazing 1RAR band and DJ Cue.

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Deputy Mayor and Councillor Michelle Wright, Councillor Gary Simpson, Councillor Clay Bauman, Mayor of the Isaac Kelly Vea Vea, Mayor of the Whitsundays Ry Collins, Melanie Collins, Mayor of Mackay Greg Williamson, Councillor Jan Clifford and Councillor John Collins.
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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The Collinsville Men’s Shed could get an upgrade if plans to enhance its facilities with a proposed $400,000 extension go ahead.
Under the leadership of Club President Philip Higham, the shed has served as a vital gathering place for local residents since its inception eight years ago.
Higham, who has been president for five years, emphasises the shed's role as a sanctuary where members can engage in meaningful projects, vent their frustrations, and foster camaraderie.
The shed is known for its community initiatives, including timber projects for local schools, fundraising raffles, and casual gatherings. However, as demand for its services grows, so does the need for more space.
Higham is working with Member for Burdekin Dale Last to install a larger shed, which will allow for better timber storage and the installation of an overhead dust extraction system.
“We currently have nowhere to build and store larger projects safely,” Higham explains.
The Men’s Shed has been fortunate to receive substantial support from the mines and the council, which owns the building. With upgrades to electrical systems and machinery, the shed has transformed from a small room into a well-equipped workshop. Higham acknowledges that while running the shed takes organisation and dedication, the impact it has on members is immeasurable.
“It's absolutely critical,” he states. “This space provides mental health benefits as members connect with like-minded individuals.”
Currently operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays with around 20 members, the shed plans to expand its hours to include Thursdays once the new extension is completed.
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The Collinsville Men’s Shed. Photo supplied

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Hi Everyone,

Over the weekend I had the honour of listening to Matt Stokes from Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) speak to an audience of over 200 people at the Mayor’s Charity Ball.

He was on stage to thank the Mayor and attendees for donating half of the proceeds of the ball to WSPN, but his message was so much bigger than that.

The suicide rates in Australia are heartbreaking to witness and one so recently here in our own community was undoubtedly on the minds of many as they listened to Matt speak on Saturday night.

To think an individual would feel so lost and without hope that they choose to take their own life is so shattering and so difficult for many to comprehend.

Despite suicide being so often misunderstood the incredible team at WSPN are doing such amazing work to change this stigma, to let people know that they are not alone, it’s ok to say you are struggling, everyone finds life hard sometimes.

Having such a public platform at the Mayor’s Ball opened the conversation even further and Matt’s impassioned speech really resonated with me, and I expect many others in the room.

He encouraged us all to connect, for when we connect and ask ‘are you ok?’ or take the time to check-in with others, look for signs that someone is struggling – we may just help save a life.

Suicide is not something that is happening behind closed doors, it is happening to people we all know right here in our community and, while sadly it can sometimes be too late, there is still so much hope.

If you are struggling right now reach out, talk to a friend.

Or perhaps attend a free WSPN sponsored Breathing Class – held weekly in Bowen and Cannonvale these classes are incredible – I know this from personal experience.

Rach

Quote of the Week “There’s not an expiration date on needing help, or needing people. You don’t get to a certain age and it stops.” - Hanya Yanagihara, A Little Life

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Meet Darcy, a kind-hearted gentleman who generously donates his homegrown pumpkins to the Proserpine Community Centre for those in need.
In today’s world, fresh and healthy food can be a luxury, and sometimes, just one pumpkin can make a huge difference in someone’s day.
Ingrid Ruck, coordinator of Proserpine community centre commented on how amazing Darcy had been for the centre:
“He is well respected within our community, and I think he has been overwhelmed with the response.”
Many community members rallied together on the Facebook post, which was posted by the centre to thank Darcy for his generosity.
The Proserpine community centre’s free food trolley is there for community members to enjoy and they encourage everyone to stop by and say hello, for a free item or for one of their amazing events, such as the sausage sizzle, Latin dancing and more.
A huge shout-out of gratitude to Darcy for providing the seasonal treats to the community centre. if you could use a pumpkin or some other goodies, the Community Centre encourages anyone to stop by anytime Monday to Friday, between 9am and 3pm.

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Darcy generously donating his homegrown pumpkins, Photo supplied

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The search for missing man, Joel Pringle, sadly came to an end when his body was discovered last week.

The 40-year-old man was last seen on Monday 19 August at 4.30pm at the Lagoon in Airlie Beach and, when he did not return home, was soon reported missing.

A massive search ensued with emergency service personnel and dozens of regular people all involved in a desperate effort to bring him home alive.

Teams of people scoured the areas he was known to frequent by land and by air, but there was no sign of Joel for almost three weeks.

His last known location was at 6am near Conway Range, the day following his disappearance.

Despite the intensive search to find him alive, Joel Pringle has tragically been found deceased and his death is believed to be non-suspicious.

Joel’s partner Eve Houghton shared the devastating news via her ‘Find Joel Pringle’ Facebook group.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Joel was found late yesterday evening. Unfortunately, he has passed,” the post said.

“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has come together in the search for Joel – family, friends, and the many people who travelled from far and wide to help.

“We are incredibly thankful to the police, water police, SES, and local businesses that displayed flyers and posters.

“To everyone who offered their support and kindness - your love and care will forever be treasured by Joel’s family and close friends.

If this article has been a trigger for you, please reach out to LifeLine on 131144. Help is available and this service is open 24 hours a day. Locally, you can call Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network if you are worried about yourself or someone you are close to: 4945 2858.

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Congratulations to Steve Pilcher from Pilcher’s Mitre 10 Bowen who won the Mackay and Whitsunday Life 2024 NRL Footy Competition.

It was an extremely close contest, with Steve winning by just one point with 132 points and Bruce Spannagle from the Metropole Hotel in Proserpine and Stacey Gerhart from Leader Group in joint second place with 131 points each.

Steve said he has been watching football on and off his whole life and his knowledge of football plus checking weekly stats helped him reach the win.

Additionally, since entering the competition Steve has tried to watch as many matches as possible to understand the teams and see how they were performing.

Since winning Steve said he has already been bragging to his friends that are also in the competition.

Steve considers himself a Bronco’s fan but being in North Queensland he has started to root for the Cowboys too and watches them play at least two times a year in Townsville.

Although the competition is over, Steve is already thinking about the final.

“I think it's going to be a Storm vs Panthers final,” Steve said.

“I think the Panthers will just tip them, their consistency and their structure has been very impressive so far this year.”

For winning the competition Steve receives Two Grand Final Tickets, $1000 cash, a one-page profile in Core Life Magazine (valued at $1895), and a full-page advert in Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper.

Well deserved, congratulations – let’s see if you can back it up next year!

Steve Pilcher winner of our 2024 Footy Tipping Competition. Photo supplied

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4-year-old Theo Large is described as an easy-going and fun-loving kid, who always has a bright smile on his face. Sadly, little Theo’s life changed on the 14th August 2024, when he was diagnosed with Childhood Leukaemia.
Theo was taken to the Proserpine Hospital on 14 August, as it was clear to his parents something wasn't quite right. He was taken by ambulance to Mackay hospital that evening. Theo was then flown to Brisbane by Life Flight on the 15th of August and his treatment began at the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane on 17th August.
The news has been devastating for Theo’s family. As the middle child of three, Theo's family has been temporarily divided, with Theo and his parents staying in Brisbane while his siblings are with their grandparents in Proserpine.
With the need for the community to rally around them for support, the family, alongside The Hangar Cafe and Bar have organised a community raffle to help them raise much needed funds, to help mitigate the mounting bills for ongoing treatments and travel and living expenses the family are currently enduring.  
Every contribution counts. Whether you make a small donation or purchase a $20 raffle ticket online or from The Hangar Cafe and Bar, you can truly make a difference in this little boy's life. Plus, you’ll have the chance to win amazing prizes, from an acrobatic flight to a thrilling skydive over the stunning Whitsundays.
Family friend and manager at The Hangar Cafe and Bar, Dan Shoebridge, stated that the money raised from the raffle will help relieve the pressure for the family.
“It will help give some stability and normality to them, while their life's been turned upside down,” he shared.
Despite the devastating news, lovely Theo still has a smile on his face, and seems to be remaining positive.
Dan commented on how amazing the Whitsundays community has been in the midst of such turmoil, and in just 24 hours of the fundraiser being live, the community had helped raise over $9000.
“It's so overwhelming, to see the amount of support that everyone rallies together and brings, especially in the trying, tough times we're all experiencing at the moment with financial hardship, it's amazing to see people giving.”
Theo still has a long journey ahead, and with the raffle continuing on until October, you still have plenty of time to enter.
“Any funds that come through are extremely appreciated on behalf of the family.”
Help support Theo’s journey and his family by donating anything you can through this extremely difficult period.
The Whitsundays are thinking of you Theo.
Head to The Hangar Cafe and Bar Facebook page to donate or call the cafe to find out more: 0487 006 929

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Four-year-old Theo battling through with a smile
Help raise funds for Theo and his family

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Equipped with all-new, state-of-the-art facilities, the brand-new Airlie Beach Fire Station has opened its doors and is ready to serve its community members.
The stunning new space has replaced the older and smaller station that was located in Jubilee Pocket, near PCYC.
With Airlie Beach’s continued population growth, the decision to upgrade and expand the local fire station was in order to better help serve the community, with the old station having been in operation for the past 45 years.
Fourth class firefighter, Jay Steele mentioned how the new station offers modern facilities and a dedicated training room for firefighters.
He also stated that the new location on MacArthur Drive in Cannonvale enables improved response times.
It allows for better coverage of areas like the highway and maintains service to existing areas.
Firefighter Blair Mitchell also spoke about the new facilities and their improvement on response times:
“It means much better response times, we are in the centre of the community now, rather than all the way out in Jubilee Pocket.”
Station Officer, Kevin Tomas, expressed his excitement about the new facilities and how they will improve the firefighters' operations:
“It allows us to respond a bit more towards the highway as well, so we can reach a lot more jobs.”
The move will enable firies to get to the residential areas quicker and more efficiently, in turn, better serving the Airlie Beach community.
Senior fire fighter Blake Broadwood explained how the brand new large and open space, allows for more expansion opportunities within the station itself including it becoming a 24/7 fire station.
“It is capable of harbouring a 24/7 fire station,” he shared.
An official opening ceremony was held last Thursday, and in attendance was firefighters and their families alongside special guests, Amanda Camm MP and Councillor Gary Simpson, although the official operations began on Monday 16 September.
The fire station is also looking for any new potential Auxiliary Firefighters that can help assist at the station. At present the station has 11 Auxiliary firefighters and maximum capacity is 20.
If you are looking at getting in the red truck and being Airlie Beach’s newest firefighter, make sure to enquire at the brand-new station which is actively hiring, or head on down to take a sneak peak of the shiny new facilities in Cannonvale.

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Firies showing off their brand-new station
Blair Mitchell, Jay Steele, Blake Broadwood and Kevin Tomas with the fire truck.
Amanda Camm MP visiting the new facility.

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Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP is calling on Whitsunday residents frustrated with the lack of decent boating infrastructure in our region to have their say and register their support for boat ramp upgrades.

“We have the highest boat ownership per capita in the state and our boating infrastructure is not sufficient to meet demand,” Ms Camm stated.

“And the infrastructure we do have is not only under par but in some cases dangerous.

“Shute Harbour boat ramp is a prime example of a government refusing to undertake proper community consultation on design and leaving our community with an unsafe ramp, not fit for purpose”.

The boat ramp has been a point of contention for boat-owners within the Whitsunday community since it opened in 2021.

The $1.8 million state-owned structure has been called an “engineering disgrace” and becomes submerged at hightide, with many boaties calling it dangerous and not fit for use.

Ms Camm is calling for safer ramps with more all-tide access, more trailable carparks, better lighting and security and for more local consultation on design and planning.

“It’s time the government got serious about our infrastructure. Instead of just patchwork upgrades, it’s time to look at the big picture and look at new infrastructure, like at Shute Bay,” Ms Camm stated.

“For the last four years I have been standing up for our local boaties, but this government has refused to listen.  

“It’s time for locals to have their say on what boating infrastructure improvements they want in our region and call on this government to make a commitment ahead of the election in October”.

Ms Camm invited the community to go to www.betterboatramps.com.au to register their support.

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Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP fights for local boaties
The Shute Harbour boat ramp has been labelled an “engineering disgrace”

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Last week in this newspaper we incorrectly stated that Julie Hall ran against Amanda Camm in the last state election.

Please note, this information was incorrect.

Julie Hall in fact ran for the One Nation Party in the Federal election.

We apologise to Ms Hall and look forward to featuring more about her current election bid as a candidate for the role of Member of the Whitsundays in the upcoming state election due to be held on October 26th.

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Direct flights from Adelaide to the Whitsunday’s started earlier this month, and the flight path has been an instant success.

In just two hours and 20 minutes people from Adelaide can get to the region, whereas previously visitors would have to catch a connecting flight, equalling approximately an eight-hour journey.

CEO of Whitsunday Coast Airport Craig Turner said the new route is making it much easier for people from Adelaide to get here to the Whitsundays and beyond.

“For a long time, it's been so difficult for people from Adelaide to get here,” said Craig.

“It was expensive, inconvenient, and it was a long way to get here, going via Melbourne or Brisbane, whereas now it's cheaper, it's faster, and it's direct.

“1.2 million people from South Australia can now access the Whitsunday coast effectively and conveniently.”

To display this new route, Jetstar the airline supplying the service, and Whitsunday Coast Airport have been advertising everywhere.

Advertisements in this paper, posts on social media, digital billboards in Adelaide and Whitsunday Coast Airports plus on radio are just some ways the route has been advertised.

Whitsunday Coast Airport are thrilled the Adelaide flights are up and running but they won’t stop there.

“We're really happy, we will continue to monitor the flights. We are also active in the market to make sure that these flights are sustainable, and they last,” said Craig.

“Just because we've got the flights in, doesn't mean the jobs done.

“There's still more to do to make sure people know where they can fly to or from when they're in the Whitsundays.”

The new flights are great for local tourism and also supplies local residents with another potential route.

“The airport services the whole region, from tourism, visitors, mining, agriculture – everyone in our community!” said Craig.

“The airport is the funnel to drive the economy for the Whitsundays.”

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Skytrans Airline has been operating a flight from Whitsunday Coast Airport to Cairns for over two years and they want more people to know about it.

Why fly south and spend up to six hours in transit, when in just 1 hour and 25 minutes you can get from the Whitsundays to Cairns, and still enjoy that wonderful tropical weather?

Whitsundays to Cairns is over 600 kilometres and a takes several hours to drive, which is a long drive and too long for some.

The direct flight from Whitsundays to Cairns connects people in Cairns and the Whitsundays, allowing people to fly seamlessly between the two, without having an expensive and longer flight connecting from Brisbane.

In Cairns you can experience the iconic Skyrail, Indigenous tours and white-water rafting, or explore the greater area such as Port Douglas or the Daintree.

During Pre- Covid times the Whitsunday Coast Airport visitors would be 45% international.

International customers would arrive via Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, but they did not have international customers arriving from the north.

CEO of Whitsunday Coast Airport Craig Turner said “People can fly now into Cairns and then straight to the Whitsundays directly.”

“It was strategically important because it opened up a northern international entry point for us as a destination,” he explained.

“We are already seeing more and more international tourists coming in on that flight.”

Seeing more and more international visitors coming directly from Cairns is encouraging and is on trend with the State and Federal Government forecast of international visitation reaching its full strength and pre-covid levels at the end of 2025.

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Earlier this month Paige and I attended ‘Love Letter to Queensland’ a heartwarming event at the Coral Sea Resort Hotel as part of the Whitsundays Writers Festival. This special celebration honoured the Queensland writing competition that captured what makes our state truly remarkable. The atmosphere was filled with romance and country pride as we settled in to hear the inspiring words of our speakers. 

The event boasted a diverse lineup of special guests, each contributing their unique perspective. Marco Renai, the 2024 Queenslander of the Year, moved us with his heartfelt poetry. Andrew Wilcox MP and Dr. Chris Sarra CEO of the Office of First Nations Engagement and Innovation shared their insights and wisdom. Elizabeth Hackett and Dr. Melissa Ashley enriched the evening with their literary contributions, while Karen Jacobson's performance added a touch of magic to the event. 

'Love Letter to Queensland' was not just a celebration of writing, but a testament to the deep love and pride we hold for our state. It was an evening that beautifully showcased the vibrant community spirit of Queensland and the incredible talent within it, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. 

I took many heartfelt moments away with me from this evening, one of which was spoken by Elizabeth Hackett in her own Love Letter to Queensland; Elizabeth wrote, "Love, without a doubt, is the most important thing, love in its romantic form, love in its nurturing form, love born of grief, love born of fulfilling other’s needs, it is the most wonderful of all feelings."  

I find myself constantly inspired by the incredible people within our community and truly appreciate these experiences offered in The Whitsundays. It was a wonderful event; well done to the organisers.  
 
Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays

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Many will know that the Proserpine Community Centre does a lot of great things for the community and recently the Centre has been busy cultivating a wonderful garden for everyone to enjoy. Five dedicated volunteers, have come together to transform the space into a beautiful retreat and learning ground for the community.
The project has involved volunteers clearing ground, constructing garden beds and planning and creating a herb garden and garden shed.
Coordinator of the Proserpine Community Centre, Ingrid Ruck, emphasised that the garden will be accessible for everyone, including those with disabilities.
“We're making sure that in between each garden bed there's enough room for a wheelchair and walking frames to go through,” she explained.
The community gardens will be a way for the individuals to learn how to grow produce and help those who may need some fresh food.
“We want to try and show our community and especially our children, that you can actually grow your own fresh and healthy food, if you know how,” Ingrid added.
Alongside the garden, Proserpine Community Centre is looking at hosting guest speakers. The guest speakers will aim to empower community members with valuable skills and knowledge for successful gardening.
The centre has already had various donations from members of the community, such as two garden beds, tools, fruit trees and hoses.
“Donations such as these, are so important to us, not because they help save money, but because it shows people are actually interested in helping us,” Ingrid explained.
While the gardens aren’t quite ready for planting to begin, the centre welcomes community members to come take a look and learn about soil or even about how to set up your own garden.
When you are next in the area, pop by and see the great work being done at the community gardens and the community centre in general.

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Proserpine Community Centre Gardens are beginning to take shape. Photo supplied

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It’s been another busy time for businesses in the region, with a number of regional events wrapping up and school holidays upon us.
While business owners are constantly dealing in 'the now', we also need to keep an eye on 'the future'. 
With the Queensland State Election on our doorstep, the Chamber will soon issue our State Election Statement that reflects the critical priorities our members want to see addressed.
We have invited Chamber members to share their view, and provide impact examples, on issues ranging from urgent road infrastructure, business red tape and regulation, business insurance and affordability, regional housing, utility (water, electricity, energy, and digital) costs and reliability, securing regional involvement in the 2032 Olympics, and increasing Whitsunday and north Queensland representation in state government decision making.
The Chamber will be undertaking advocacy work with all candidates and allied stakeholder groups to represent the priority needs of the region’s business community. 
We will be hosting a members-only Meet the State Election Candidates event to discuss business community priorities. We encourage other regional special interest groups to hold their own forums with candidates so to provide our community with priorities to meet candidates and discuss priorities.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Alan Milostic.

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