The well-respected owner of Bowen’s Summergarden Cinema, Ben De Luca, has confirmed this week that the rumours of a down-turn at his venue have been massively exaggerated and “taken out of all proportion”.

This follows a social media post over the weekend that speculated the Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC), which has also been operating as a cinema for the past few years, was negatively impacting business for the Bowen based cinema.

Ben confirmed this week, however, that while Summergarden has experienced a “little drop” due to the PEC, there is definitely no real concern, in fact the business is quite stable.

Ben has been running the cinema for the past 62 years and prior to this he worked there as a staff member.

During his long tenure, he has seen several Hollywood stars come through the cinema and was a central part of the first screening of the blockbuster, Australia.

A cornerstone of the local community, Summergarden is a tourist destination in its own right and a popular spot for everyone to experience the latest box office hits from the comfort of a classic old cinema, packed with charm and charisma, just like its owner.

Ben encourages everyone to come along to the cinema over the school holidays, he appreciates the support and loves seeing friendly faces.

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By Ruth Puddefoot

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Last Saturday, volunteers gathered to mark a significant milestone: Eco Barge’s 500th clean-up trip. The landmark journey began at Airlie Beach and headed to Mackerel Bay, where the team worked to remove ocean debris and make a positive impact on the marine environment.
When the volunteers arrived at the bay, they were stunned to see the tides had deposited an overwhelming amount of trash. Debris was sadly scattered across the area.
However, after about an hour of solid collection, and the volunteers working tirelessly, no stone was left unturned, the bay had transformed into an entirely different place.
Since July 2009, Eco Barge has removed 253,426kg litter from the Whitsunday region through their ever-important barge trips, and the organisation reaching 500 trips, is only part of the story of the wonderful work they do.
Alongside its debris removal program, Eco Barge also hosts a clean streets and creeks program, responds and cares for sick and injured marine turtles and recycles the marine debris collected and transforms it into reusable products.
This fantastic organisation also undertakes education and awareness activities within the community concerning the issue of marine debris, the importance of thoughtful waste disposal and what should be done in the event of a sick or injured marine turtle.
On their way back from a successful clean-up, the volunteers were treated to a heartwarming thank-you from a mother whale and her baby. The pair lingered near the boat for up to ten minutes, adding a beautiful touch to the day’s efforts, and the Founder of Eco Barge Libby Edge enthused that it was the “Best weekend ever!”
Programs like Eco-Barge can’t run without the support of their volunteers, if you want to make a difference and help support the environment and marine life in the Whitsundays head over to Eco Barge’s website:
https://ecobargecleanseas.org.au/
Congratulations on 500 trips Eco Barge, and well done to all the volunteers who help out each trip!

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The volunteers proud of their collection!
Before the clean-up
After the clean-up
Volunteers celebrating 500 trips with Eco Barge
Back at Airlie Beach after a fantastic clean-up
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Saddlery is one of the world’s oldest handicrafts. In bygone days, when ploughing the fields and transport were dependent on the horse, saddlers were an integral part of daily life. Despite the need for saddlers diminishing with time, cattle mustering, the popularity of pony clubs and racing has ensured that the master saddler still have an important role worldwide.

In Proserpine, thoughts of the saddlery trade awaken memories of Mr R.W. (Bob) Eckel.  Born at Blackall in 1908, Bob was raised in western Queensland and in his youth worked as a shearer. While working at Mitchell, he suffered a leg injury in a football game and developed gangrene. In the days of no penicillin or antibiotics and after numerous operations, the leg had to be amputated. Bob was only 22 and there were no rehabilitation services available.  He was paid 5/- per week until he gained employment. After his accident, his first jobs were looking after pumps on a cattle station and dairying, but he had to relinquish these due to difficulty trying to hold a bucket of milk as well as managing crutches.

Bob learnt the saddlery trade at Home Hill and his father had already taught him shoe-repairing.  Armed with his own equipment, he arrived in Proserpine in 1937 taking over the premises vacated by saddler, Bob Locke.  

In 1942, Bob married Melba Price of Bowen. In 1943, the family moved to Alpha for a short time before returning to Proserpine where Bob re-established his saddlery business, initially in one of Arthur Dobbins’s Main Street shops with the family living above. Then in 1953, he shifted to Dobbins Lane when Arthur Dobbins built new shops there, tailored to the needs of his special tenants Bob and shoemaker, Paddy Fitzgerald, Bob’s lifelong friend.

In 1946, Bob completed an upholstery course paid for by the sale of his utility. He learnt canvas work, particularly for boats and awnings, and vinyl seating for cars and chairs.  

Bob often came home with holes in his fingers where the awl had stuck while padding saddles with horsehair had to be pushed evenly and tightly into every corner.  Only the simplest of stitching was done by machine and for this Bob used an old Singer sewing machine purchased from local tailor, Mr Tom Byers. There were not many saddlers of Bob’s calibre in this area and repaired goods were often posted to properties such as Jochheim’s “Hillrise” and other outlying stations.  

But more than just a master saddler …

Bob was a great inspiration to other handicapped people.  He owned a fixed-wheel bicycle which enabled him to ride carrying his crutch and he was a familiar figure travelling to and from work.

Although he could not participate in sports, Bob took a great interest in local clubs.  He loved horse racing and helped start up horse racing at Breadalbane Station.  He was secretary of the Turf Club and a member of the newly formed Rodeo Committee.  He was a member of the A.P. and I. Show Association, Proserpine Rotary Club and a Scout Leader. He officiated at boxing matches, helped teach youngsters to box and was a timekeeper at football.    

For 30 years, until his retirement in 1974, Bob Eckel’s shop was a popular place for folks to drop in for a yarn as they watched him work.  He died in 1976 but the image of Bob, apron on, stitching away, sitting in his shop with its familiar and welcoming smell of leather, will remain as a legacy of a skilled craftsman.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

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Two (very sweet!) white female rats are looking for their forever home.
Rats are great therapists and companions, especially for children with developmental disabilities, due to their gentle and calm nature.  
A bonus is they are also extremely intelligent! You can train them to do tricks, and they are naturally curious animals who enjoy forming bonds with their owners.
The best home for rats is a wire cage; the larger and taller, the better, especially due to their active nature, with them loving climbing.
Nolah and Billie would love to be your next pet, if you are interested contact Chloe: 0423 001 510 (Private Rehoming).
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Rehoming fee: FREE to a good home!
Sex: Female
Breed: White Rats
Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors (Wired Cage)

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Jade from Tourism Whitsundays popped down to Shute Harbour this week to chat with Scamper -  Whitsunday Island Camping Connections about the stunning weather, whale sightings, and upcoming ideas for Scamper in the Whitsundays. 

Camping with Scamper is a unique adventure that allows you to enjoy the Whitsunday Islands. Jade says as an amateur camper herself, who loves the idea of camping rather than the logistics, Scamper provides a service that ticks all the boxes for a camping experience without the hassle. Setting up camp on a secluded beach, falling asleep under the stars, and waking up to the sunrise next to the water seems like the perfect way to spend a weekend. 

With Scamper, guests can expect a hassle-free camping experience. They take care of everything, from providing complete camping kits for hire, access to Kayaks to bring along, food and meal drop availability and transfers to and from desired destinations.

Whether it's a peaceful beachside retreat or an adventurous island camp, Scamper's personalised service ensures each camping trip is tailored to your preferences. They handle the logistics, so you can focus on the adventure. 

What an incredible addition to the experiences offered in The Whitsundays. 
 
Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays  

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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) announced the launch of a new Community Reference Group (CRG) in Bowen on Monday 2 September.

The CRG will serve as a platform for community members to engage with NQBP on key issues, share feedback, and stay informed about port activities.

NQBP CEO Brendan Webb said establishing the CRG is a significant step towards building a stronger relationship with the community surrounding the Port of Abbot Point.

“As a government-owned port authority, we believe that engaging with our community in an open and constructive way is essential to the sustainable development of the port and the region,” Mr Webb said.

“We have a long and rich history at Bowen, with port activities starting off the Bowen Wharves in 1867, and the more recent opening of the terminal at Abbot Point in 1984.

“With the port and the Bowen community entering a new chapter with key projects such as the new Bowen Jetty, Bowen Orbital Spaceport and the emerging hydrogen industry, we believe now is the right time to take our community engagement to a new level.”

The CRG will include representatives from various sectors of the community, including local businesses, environmental groups, and the Traditional Owners, the Juru People.

The group will meet regularly to discuss a wide range of topics related to port operations, environmental management, community impacts, and future development plans.

Positions are still available and close 5pm Friday 27 September, to apply read the terms of reference and complete the nomination form at www.nqbp.com.au

North Queensland Bulk Ports CEO Brendan Webb at Abbot Point, Photo supplied

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The Whitsunday community has once again rallied to help a family in desperate need following the news last week that 40-year-old father Joel Pringle disappeared without a trace from a residence in Cannonvale last Monday.

Every emergency service from the Queensland Police to local SES volunteers have been following every lead in a constant search to find Joel. A Facebook page has also been at the heart of operations with both friends and strangers within the community offering to help by walking bush tracks, checking remote locations and using drones to scan from the skies.

Joel Pringle went missing from Cannonvale on Monday 19th August. Photo source: Facebook

Family appeal for everyone to look for Joel’s ute

Grave Concerns For Missing Man

Concerns for the welfare of Joel Pringle are leading to despair following a 10-day search desperately looking for any sign of the much-loved family man who disappeared from Cannonvale last Monday.

Police have reported that Joel Pringle was last seen around 3pm on Monday, August 19, at Airlie Beach Lagoon.

He was driving a white Holden Crewman ute with metal tray, QLD registration 403KA2.

Neither Joel nor his vehicle have been since despite a massive ground and air search from Emergency Services and a sea of dedicated volunteers who have offered their support.

No cash has been withdrawn from Joel’s bank account since his disappearance and the last ‘ping’ on Joel’s phone was at 6am near the Conway Range the day after he disappeared.

Queensland Police Services (QPS) has confirmed that Joel’s boat is not missing which has led most search efforts to be confined to land.

A search through video footage has also added to the belief that Joel has not left the region and remains within the Whitsundays.

This information has led to concerted search efforts along remote bush tracks and mountain-biking trails that Joel and his partner Eve Houghton used to frequent.

This includes the Conway Trail, Repulse Creek Camp and Whitsundays Great Walk. Also areas such a Cape Gloucester and surrounds.

Other efforts have been focused on the area around Bloomsbury, Midge Point and Laguna Quays where Joel spent some of his childhood as he had recently been searching the area on maps for an unknown reason.

Another possibility suggested by well-meaning people as a possible theory was that Joel could have driven his car off the boat ramp and into the Proserpine River.

If this was the case, it could explain why there is no trace of the vehicle or Joel.

Queensland Police, local SES volunteers and countless community members who reside in the search areas have been scouring dense bushland constantly for the past 10 days.

Thermal drones have also been used to penetrate the heavy forest cover, hoping to find him alive if he had walked into a remote area and suffered from an injury that prevented him from returning.

All these avenues, however, had (at the time of printing this Wednesday afternoon) not led to the discovery of either Joel or his ute.

Natalie Stockdale, the mother of Joel’s partner, reported on Wednesday morning this week that they are not giving up hope and are still continuing to search areas every day.

Joel disappeared just two days before his 40th birthday and is the proud father of a 16-month-old baby he shares with Eve Houghton.

The young family had also been planning to pick up a new puppy in the coming weeks, something Joel is said to have been very excited about.

Natalie said that Joel is known for his outgoing, super friendly and sociable personality. He has a great sense of humour and is both smart and witty. He is also creative and loved drawing and his design work.

“People are drawn to him, he has a clever way with words and a great sense of humour,” she shared.

Joel’s disappearance is considered out of character and his family hold hope that he may be found alive.

They are also extremely grateful for all the support offered by the community.

“On behalf of Eve and her family, I'd like to thank the whole community for its support,” expressed Natalie.

“The ground Police, Water Police, SES, Council, volunteer searchers, individuals and businesses kindly offering their skills and services to help us find Joel.

“We are humbled by your love and support.”

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

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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Joel’s partner Eve Houghton has been desperately appealing for the father of her baby to come home safely. Photo source: Facebook

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I am excited to take my turn in the hot seat this week and it’s wonderful to say hello to you all!

For those that haven’t met me yet, my name is Daniel and I have been a cadet journalist at Whitsunday Life Newspaper for almost six months now.

I can’t believe how quick the time has flown by!

I am loving the role, but I have to admit, I do get home-sick from time to time, especially when I watched my home-town rugby team win the Grand Final last weekend (Go Brighton!)

But more than that, it is of course connection to family I miss most. That’s one of the reasons I have been particularly impacted (as I am sure many of you have) by the devastating news that a young Whitsunday father has gone missing.

At the time of writing this Editor’s note, Joel Pringle is still missing and everyone here at the Whitsunday Life team, are praying he is found soon.

After moving to this region almost six months ago I have always been blown away by the love this community offer to anyone who needs it, and the outpouring of support for Joel and his family has been incredible to witness.

From people using drones to fly over bushland to individuals spending hours walking along remote tracks – the community effort is real.

Seeing this strong connection we all have here in the Whitsundays makes me proud to call this region home and it is a great place to begin my professional career.

I am looking forward to showing my good friend Liam around this week when he arrives for a visit and I also look forward to welcoming my sister and her partner up shortly afterwards.

If you see us around make sure you say hi!

Quote of the week:
“Chance would be a fine thing” – Mark Corrigan 2009

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One person has died after a cabin caught alight on Star Drive in Sugarloaf on Wednesday 21st August.
The fatal fire is said to have started just after 7pm when emergency services were called due to reports of a “large blaze.”
Upon arrival at the scene emergency services stated that the “cabin was located fully engulfed.”
Despite all efforts, a person in the property at the time died at the scene.
Nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution; however, no one else was physically injured.
Investigations into the fire's cause are still underway, with the property remaining a crime scene as officers work to identify the occupant.

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Seven-year-old wildlife advocate Theo Imhoff is making a difference through his work with Fauna Rescue Whitsundays, a non-profit voluntary group that rehabilitates sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife.
Registered carer for Fauna Rescue Whitsundays, Erica Imhoff, and her son Theo, who recently returned to the region, wanted to contribute to the well-being of local wildlife.
Since joining Fauna Rescue Whitsundays, Theo has helped care for native animals such as possums, Melomys, bandicoots to name a few, and helps with feeding and holding the animals for warmth.
“If we're not holding the animals, we have to prepare a heat pad for them or a hot water bottle, but Theo would just prefer to hold them and keep them on him while he's on the sofa, or even while doing homework,” Erica explained.
Erica mentioned how Theo has also been into school to show the rescued animals to his year 2 classmates:
“Theo enjoys sharing how we can help our native animals and how important they are to the ecosystem.”
Theo recently received a Certificate of Recognition for being a ‘Wildlife Warrior’ from his school and both Fauna Rescue Whitsundays and his parents are extremely proud of his involvement.
“He's such a caring, sensitive soul, and, yeah, we're so proud of that,” Erica added.
Theo feels upset whenever he hears negativity about native animals, particularly when people refer to possums as pests and struggles to understand why others don't share his love for these animals.
“He cares so deeply for the animals and understands their place in in our community, and that they were here long before us,” Erica stated.
Great job, Theo! We can't wait to see you following in David Attenborough's footsteps!

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Over 100 people attended the Thanks Doc event which was held in Bowen last Saturday and dedicated to showing gratitude towards local doctors, giving them recognition they truly deserve.

Seven doctors were recognised on the night and awarded with a bottle of locally produced Agave spirit to celebrate the long-anticipated moment.

Stephen Darwin chaired the evening and began by commending the local doctors.

“The medical profession is one where no matter what you do, you effect people’s lives in some way, which in turn creates an enormous responsibility that is probably very much underrated,” he said.

“I come from the newspaper industry, and like most other professions if we made a blunder we could apologise, replace, or rebuild, but in your profession those options don’t exist which make you the extra special people you are.

“All I can say is the Bowen community is very lucky to have had such a great group of doctors who have always remained loyal to their patients and more so to our whole community making Bowen a great place to live, work and play.

“To our doctors here tonight and the families of those who aren’t, we hope that by the end of tonight you all leave with a feeling that all your efforts haven’t gone unnoticed and you know this community feel blessed and honoured to have been served by such dedicated professionals as yourselves.”

Rotary Club of Bowen Club President Helen Woodhouse said it was a wonderful evening.

“It was really great to see the acknowledgement of the hard work that those doctors have done over the years,” said Helen.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP was also in attendance and he gave a heart-warming speech commending the local Doctors, many of whom he said had looked after him and his family over the course of their lives.

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Thanks Doc event was well received as local doctors were acknowledged for their hard work, Photo supplied

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Stella Life is hosting a special morning tea, inclusive of uplifting music, inspiring speakers and an overview of their new Neighbourhood Heart program set to help combat community loneliness.
The Neighbourhood Heart program is a free initiative designed to link local residents through volunteer support, creating a network of care and inclusivity. The program will highlight how you can get involved in enhancing your community's sense of belonging, safety, and support.
Head on down for a cuppa and see what you can do to support the community!

What: The Neighbourhood Heart Program Morning Tea
When:  Wednesday, 4 September, 9–11 AM
Where Bowen Garden Club Hall, 65 Williams Street, Bowen
RSVP: RSVP by 26 August and inform of any allergies or dietary requirements. Contact info@stellalife.com.au 0456951980 to secure yourself a place.

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A new expanded seagrass nursery
has been unveiled in Airlie Beach
which will support the enhancement
of degraded seagrass meadows,
helping to build their resilience against the
increasing impacts of climate change.
CMERC Director, Professor Emma Jackson,
said the new expanded nursery, which
is part of the Coastal Marine Ecosystem
Research Centre, would play a crucial role
in seagrass restoration in the region.
“Seeds collected from nurseries are used
to re-seed damaged or fragmented meadows,
helping to improve their overall condition
and resilience,” Professor Jackson
explained.
“This upscaled initiative which is hosted
by the Coral Sea Marina Resort in Airlie
Beach builds upon the success of the pilot
nursery, which demonstrated outstanding
seagrass growth and serves as a model for
other areas,” she said.
“The new nursery is three times larger
than the pilot nursery and will enhance
our capacity for seagrass restoration, but
also have more accessibility for local community,
schools and tourists to visit and
learn about this important habitat.”
The project is working with Traditional
Owners as custodians of Land and Sea
Country to deliver restoration activities
and build capacity. As part of the project,
CQUniversity has employed two local Traditional
Owners to maintain the nursery
and safeguard the seagrass.
“This collaboration underscores our commitment
to integrating traditional knowledge
with scientific practices. Community
members can also volunteer to help collect
seagrass flowers, with multiple events held
each year.”
The nursery is part of the Great Barrier
Reef Foundation’s Reef Islands Initiative
Whitsunday Seagrass restoration Project
and is a partnership with the Great Barrier
Reef Foundation, CQUniversity, Reef
Catchments, the Coral Sea Marina Resort
and Ngaro and Gia Traditional Owners.
Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Reef Islands
Initiative Senior Program Manager
Clarissa Elakis said the importance of seagrass
to the Great Barrier Reef could not
be overstated.
“The Pioneer Bay seagrass meadows are
an important nursery and food source
for endangered species like the turtle and
dugong and help filter pollutants like fine
sediment and nutrients from the water.
But they also have another critical job –
mitigating climate change by storing carbon.
“However, as the climate continues to
change, the Reef ’s seagrass meadows are
struggling to recover from increasingly
severe and frequent cyclones like Cyclone
Ului and Cyclone Debbie which severely
impacted the region’s seagrass meadows in
2010 and 2017.
“The new expanded seagrass nursery will
give local seagrass meadows an additional
boost toward recovery.”
Professor Jackson said the increasing impact
of climate change and water quality
had been felt by seagrass meadows worldwide.
“Initiatives such as this play an important
role in building the health and resilience
of these important marine environments.”
The Reef Islands Initiative is supported by
funding from Lendlease, the Australian
Government’s Reef Trust, the Queensland
Government and the Fitzgerald Family
Foundation, and locally coordinated by
Reef Catchments.

Opening of the Sea Grass Nursery, Photos supplied

Sea Grass Nursery

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A recent article published by Whitsunday Life Newspaper and written by the Proserpine Museum set in motion a remarkable story of connection.

It revealed that a current Proserpine Hospital obstetrician is in-fact the grand-daughter of the first baby born at the facility 100 years ago.

The connection only became apparent when Dr Kyren (Ky) Baxendell was reading the article about the history of maternity care in the Proserpine region and noticed the maternity ward’s official opening date of 12 July 1924.

This was just one day prior to the birth of her maternal grandmother Joyce Alice Nicholas.

“My grandmother was always super proud of being born at Proserpine Hospital on 13 July 1924,” Ky said.

“She loved the fact that I was working here and said ‘you just wouldn’t believe it Ky, I was born there and now you are delivering babies there’. She just loved that.

“Now I really understand why as not everyone was born in a hospital in those days; most births were attended by untrained midwives at home.”

The first hospital maternity ward was an extension of the original Proserpine Hospital built in 1911 on the riverbank opposite the Junior Sporting Complex on Crystalbrook Road.

Ky’s beloved grandmother Joyce Bagley (nee Nicholas) sadly died in Brisbane in May this year, just two months shy of her 100th birthday.

“We combined Joyce’s 100th birthday celebration and her funeral on her actual birthday on 13 July,” added Ky.

“She had already received her letter from the King prior to passing away two months before her birthday.”

“Whenever patients come into the hospital who are around that vintage I often tell them my grandmother was born here and tell them her name.

“They often don’t remember her, but then remember her playing at the dances or remember her brother Fred Nicholas who lived in Proserpine all his life.”

Although moving to the Whitsundays in 2019, Ky feels very connected to the Proserpine community.

“From a rural doctor perspective, it’s a great hospital in that it’s a non-specialist hospital and I’m a GP obstetrician. It also has a very high birth rate at more than 300 births per year,” she said.

“I was already familiar with the Whitsunday area, we loved the coast and I knew rural doctor jobs here didn’t come up very often.

“I’m not local, but kind of, sort of am really,” she said.

“My family is local and I’m incredibly proud to be delivering babies here where my own grandmother was born.”

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Dr Kyren (Ky) Baxendell and her grandmother Joyce Bagley.
Young Joyce Nicholas
Albert and Joyce Bagley wedding party in Proserpine 1945
Joyce and Albert Bagley with family (including mother Elizabeth Nicholas)

Photos supplied

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Woodman Group of Companies (WGC), a proud Proserpine local business, is your go-to destination for all your building needs.

With a wide range of products and services, WGC caters to both trade professionals and the general public.

Whether you're a seasoned builder or a DIY enthusiast renovating your home, WGC has you covered.

Their extensive stock includes essential building materials such as fixings, fibre cement products, timber, and pine.

The business also boasts sizing and dressing facilities, ensuring that you get the exact materials you need for your project.

What sets WGC apart is their commitment to offering competitive prices without compromising quality.

They understand the importance of value for money, especially in today's economic climate.

To make things even more convenient, WGC provides delivery services, saving you time and effort.

As a proud stockist of trusted Australian brands like Hume, James Hardie, Hyne Timber, and Laminex, WGC guarantees the highest quality products for your building projects.
These renowned brands are synonymous with durability, performance, and aesthetic appeal.

Located at 2 Mann Street, Proserpine, WGC welcomes both trade customers and the general public.

Their friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to assist you with product selection, advice, and any questions you may have.

With convenient yard hours of 7am-4pm from Monday to Thursday, and 7am-1pm on Friday, WGC makes it easy for you to visit and explore their extensive range of building materials.

For more information or to place an order, contact WGC on 07 4952 9057 or 07 4945 1466.

Woodman Group of Companies – Building your future, one project at a time.

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