Mackay Airport acknowledges the planned industrial action by Trident security screening officers and the United Workers Union on Friday 27 September.

Richard Barker, CEO of Mackay Airport, stated, “We are aware of ongoing negotiations between the security screening provider and union representatives, however, have not been party to these discussions.

“Trident Services Security are responsible for reaching agreement with the union on the outstanding matters and we are hopeful the parties will reach an outcome without disrupting the travelling public.

“Mackay Airport remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the travelling public and acknowledge the important role security screening personnel play in keeping our airport safe.

“We encourage travellers to stay informed through our official social media channels and website for any updates related to this action.

“We anticipate there may be delays passing through airport screening between 6am-10am on Friday 27 September and ask passengers to allow additional time for processing during this time.”

‍

Photo source: Mackay Airport

‍

Ever started making an Asian dish and thought... how do I get that authentic flavour? Asian Products on the Go has you covered, stocking everything you could need to make your dish taste like it has come straight from Asia.
Having been in their current store at the Whitsunday Shopping Centre for 10 years, owners Ken and Myrna, started out selling in markets and are proud of their shop, which they opened back in 2014. They love their location as people often stop by to check out their unique selection of items before heading to Coles.
Asian Products on the Go sells food, beauty, cooking utensils, woks and chopsticks. However, one product that stands out from the rest is their fermented bean paste called NATTO which gets snapped-up quickly… it’s very good for digestive health.
In addition to offering a fantastic selection of Asian products, the store also provides money transfer services for those looking to send funds abroad, distinguishing them from other stores in the area.
According to Myrna, when people head into the store, they normally pick up the delicious “noodles and rice”, thanks to the store's wide selection of brands that aren’t typically found in larger supermarkets. Another store favourite is the renowned MSG, which delivers irresistible flavour to any dish, reminiscent of takeaways or restaurant dishes.
Being one of the only Asian supermarkets in the Whitsundays, you can be sure to find anything you need to create an Asian based meal, with chefs in the area often popping in to stock up their kitchens.
Asian Products on the Go, always have customers at the forefront and owner Myrna adds that:
“If you are looking for a specific product and it's not in the store, we will try our best to get it for you.”
Whether you are wanting to make Adobo, Chow Mein, or Pad Thai, Asian Products on the Go have you covered, with their wide variety of spices, sauces, meats and more you have everything you need to make any Asian dish!

‍

Top pick:
Grab their Adobo sauce it’s delicious!

‍

‍

Providing Whitsunday residents with the popular Hawaiian/Japanese dish Poke, the owner Erina Miyake loves bringing this healthy, delicious and super quick lunch and dinner option to our region.

Erina opened Lokahi Poke Bar two years ago and loves seeing her regular customers who cannot get enough of the tasty bowls which are packed with fresh local produce and flavour.

Poke Bowl is a dish that originated from Hawaii, and it was inspired by the large population of Japanese residents on the island. Erina makes her Poke Bowls with fresh ingredients, making it healthier and more delicious.

While Lokahi Poke Bar creates Poke Bowls, Erina ensures all customers will enjoy the fresh, healthy feed. With customisation options you can create your own poke masterpiece. You can choose from delicious protein options such as sashimi tuna, salmon, teriyaki chicken and more. Erina noted that teriyaki salmon and karaage chicken are becoming immensely popular. There is also a tofu option for vegetarians looking to get that protein hit.

Lokahi Poke Bar has recently launched a new menu which includes the amazingly well-priced Cup-Bap (Rice-Cup). At just $9.90 customers that want a smaller bowl, or want less vegetables can get the same tasty meat but for a lesser price. The Cup-Bap has seven options including a vegetarian option made with japchae, an addictive chewy potato noodle that has customers always wanting more. Erina describes the Cup-Bap as an easy grab and go cup that is cooked fresh, fast and affordable.

Both Cup-Bap and Poke Bowls are cooked fresh in store and are aimed to reach your tastebuds within 5-10 minutes, making it an ideal lunch break spot. Erina loves the shop’s location at the Whitsunday Shopping Centre, she loves the community feel between all the shop-owners and also that the Whitsunday Shopping Centre is more accessible to the locals.

Lokahi Poke Bar is open Monday – Friday 10am – 3pm and 5pm – 8pm. Saturdays 10am – 2.30pm and 5pm – 8pm.

Must Try!

Grab a Cup-Bap on the go – new to the menu, this item is fresh, delicious and affordable!

‍

Uniting their passion for property and gardening, Whitsundays Property Services has expanded, opening a new store at the Whitsunday Shopping Centre that caters to the region’s plant lovers.

The idea began when owners of Whitsunday Property Services, Rhys and Karly realised they had too many plants at home and wanted to share them with fellow enthusiasts. This planted the seed of an idea to launch a side-business and Fay’s Garden grew into the flourishing wonderland of greenery customers enjoy today.

Fay’s Garden is an indoor plant store, named after Rhys’s grandmother, Fay, who inspired Rhys and created the love he has for plants today.

Fay’s Garden differs from other plant shops as they offer a unique level of service to all their customers.

“I think what makes us different is that everything is already done for you,” said Karly.

“We mix the soil to suit the plant, we offer repotting after 12 months, and have 1 on 1 contact with customers after they leave.”

Karly and Rhys maintain contact with you once you have left the shop, they email a plant specific care sheet to customers which includes all types of information, such as fertiliser information, ideal temperature information, pet safety, light and positioning information and watering needs.

Expanding on the store’s distinctive charm, each plant has been given a name. The couple say this has been proven to make people more likely to look after them properly. Karly and Rhys say the named plants have a calling to some people, with some customers letting the name choose their next plant.

Indoor plants don’t just look cute and provide a home with bright colours, they are also effective at clearing the air. They draw in carbon dioxide and other pollutants and break them down. Having them in an indoor space can also reduce stress, increase productivity and boost moods.

Top Tip!

What’s the name of your new plant? Head into Fay’s Garden to find out!

‍

Recently opened Reef Beats is set to make its musical mark in Airlie Beach. Bringing a unique vibe to the Whitsunday Shopping Centre, owner Steve Payne says he is excited to be back.
After leaving Perth in 2001, Steve moved to Airlie Beach and set up a record shop, after stumbling across the place on a tour up the east coast of Australia back when he was a youngster. Steve retold his time in Airlie Beach over 16 years and emphasised how the town was “Rockin’ 24/7.” Due to Cyclone Debbie, however, Steve was devastatingly forced to shut his beloved record store and decided to head to South Australia.
Steve returned to Airlie Beach in July this year and with him came the idea for Reef Beats, a record store with a huge range of over 5000 vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, T-shirts, guitars, drums accessories, strings and collectables. At his opening, Steve emphasised that it was great to see all his old friends, and the word had got around that he was back in town.
Reef Beats has a deep catalogue of mainly retro items, although he added that he does not neglect the newer music like Taylor Swift when stocking his store. His best sellers are old-school vinyl’s which make around 40% of the turnover. You can also get your hands on some custom orders at Reef Beats, and Steve is always open to hear any requests you may have.
Steve mentioned that his time at Whitsunday Plaza has been fantastic, especially in terms of relaxation. He values the area's great vibe and praised the excellent management. He also highlighted the beautiful location and appreciated the added benefit of easy parking.
Steve encourages all to come in and take a look at his diverse range of stock and enjoy the vibe of a retro music store whilst being greeted with a smile. He ensures that you will “walk out with a smile and feeling great.”
Back in the day, Steve would compete with bigger stores who were stocking vinyls, now he is a unique force in the Whitsundays, but has maintained the same charm.

Top Picks:
Looking for a rare vinyl? Steve’s speciality is custom orders for his clients.

‍

Boomerang Bags and Craft Shop is a beloved community hub dedicated to uniting people through creativity. The shop offers a wide array of craft supplies and is adorned with charming homemade creations, from handcrafted seat covers to delightful crochet turtles. Each corner of the store reflects the spirit of local artisans, making it a vibrant space where creativity and community come together.
Founder Tina Everett, decided to start up the group after sadly losing her mum. The group started as an outlet for Tina to go out and meet new members of the community after feeling lonesome in the transient town of Airlie Beach. What started as a small group, soon transpired into a shop after the Whitsunday Shopping centre kindly offered one of their spaces to Tina for no rent.
Tina explained how the shop has been amazing for her:
“I've come out of my shell, and I've made a whole lot of great friends.”
According to Tina, people can often find coming to the shop intimidating to start with but end up loving the experience as “craft gives people their own little bubble.”
The shop is open Thursdays and Fridays for adult craft groups and Tina encourages anyone who loves craft to come along. Most of the craft supplies in the shop are community donations and anything that can't be used in the shop gets donated to schools, daycare centres and nursing homes.
“Bring your craft, if you haven't got craft supplies, we have many supplies here.”
“It's just gold coin donation which helps pay for tea, coffee and biscuits.”
Alongside her adult craft days, Tina also provides help to the boomerang bags initiative, which creates reusable fabric bags out of donated materials. The ladies at the Women’s prison in Townsville are provided with the fabric which they turn into bags for Tina to share around the community. This is a great program providing these ladies with so much more than just sewing skills.
If you are a keen crafter looking to make new friends, head into Boomerang Bags and Craft Shop Thursday or Friday at 9am-2pm.

‍

Lumos Café is named upon the Harry Potter spell to summon light. And that is the purpose of Lumos Café - Owner Sarah Chen wants to bring a lightness to people who come in, and she wants them to leave with a big smile on their face.

To set this café apart from others, Lumos Café has a strong focus on customer service, and you’ll feel that from your first breath inside. “We care,” is how Sarah describes Lumos Café. With customers being 80-90% local, staff love remembering the order of returning customers, making them feel at home and often creating friendships.

Lumos Café has brought customer service to the next level by introducing table service. They also welcome take-away customers with the same love, and remember their orders, likes and dislikes, creating a cherished family-feel in the Cannonvale café.

“We create a vibe for people, when you come in you are not a customer to us. You are a family. So, if you come in today and you disappear for a week. When you come in the next time we will ask, how are you? Are you okay?” expressed Sarah.

It’s not just customers that feel like a family at Lumos Café.

By seeing herself as a worker first and boss second, Sarah has managed to create a family feel between her co-workers too. Staff talk to Sarah more openly which in turn develops that relationship to the next level.

Lumos Café is Sarah’s first business but having worked in the industry for more than a decade, she understands how to inspire staff and she believes that by being themselves, they can do their best work.  

At the Whitsunday Shopping Centre Sarah feels a warm support from each loyal customer and from the surrounding businesses. She shared that when they can, they buy each other’s goods, support each other, and share information.

Top Tip!

What’s your favourite order? Become a regular at Lumos and the friendly team will often remember it for you!

‍

Meet Waylon
Co-Manager And Butcher At MBW On The Barbie

After eight years at Master Butchers Whitsunday and MBW On The Barbie, Waylon has certainly found his groove, carving out not just meat but also a satisfying career and lifestyle.

When he made the switch from a large supermarket's meat department, he was ready for a real challenge, and Master Butchers Whitsunday delivered—helping him improve his skills as a third-year apprentice and eventually complete his trade in 2017.

“They taught me how to properly bone beef, pigs, lambs, and process bacon, hams—all that stuff. There's a big difference in what you learn here,” said Waylon.

His passion for the craft goes beyond the basics. For Waylon, there’s something rewarding about preparing a whole animal into chops, roasts, or steaks.

“It’s really satisfying when someone wants a specific size roast or steak, and I cut it bang on.”

While the satisfaction of mastering his trade is a big part of the job, Waylon finds just as much joy in the interactions he has with his customers.

“I love this small community, it's nice and quiet, which makes it a great place to raise a family,” Waylon said.

“Plus, it's the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Where else would you want to live?”

But Waylon’s talents don’t stop at butchering. Since picking up the alto saxophone in grade five, music has been a major part of his life. Today, he plays in two local bands—the Whitsunday Big Band and Proserpine Citizens Band—where he gets to experiment with different genres and just enjoy making music.

When he’s not behind the butcher's block or playing his sax, you’ll likely find Waylon camping with his wife and two-year-old daughter, soaking up the serenity of the Whitsundays.

Describe your personality in three words
Reliable, funny, kind

Meet Tracie
Sales Assistant With On The Barbie

Tracie’s career switch came in the most unexpected way— quite literally with opportunity knocking.

After leaving her role at a discount retailer, it didn’t take long for her to find herself back in the workforce, thanks to a serendipitous visit from Karen, one of the owners of all four MBW businesses.

On her first day of unemployment, Karen appeared on Tracie’s doorstep, offering her a job on the spot. It was an opportunity that took Tracie by surprise but it felt like a perfect fit.

Her love for creating relationships with people in the community kept her passionate about customer service, so the transition to MBW On The Barbie allowed her to continue doing what she loves while picking up a few new skills.

“I’m learning how to make different delicacies,” Tracie shared.

“I’d never made a chicken Kiev before working here.”

The hands-on training has been a highlight for her, especially with Nicky by her side.

“Nicky shows me how to improve. She's an awesome trainer,” said Tracie.

Beyond the skills, it’s the camaraderie that Tracie enjoys most.

“They laugh at all my dad jokes,” she said with a grin.

One of her go-to jokes is, “What do pirates say on their 80th birthday? AYE Mmm-atey!”

Originally from Bondi, Tracie came to the Whitsundays nearly 30 years ago after falling in love with the area while on holiday.

“It reminded me of Bondi when they looked after their locals,” Tracie said with a laugh.

“They don't look after locals anymore in Bondi, it’s all yuppie now.”

But in the Whitsundays, Tracie found a place that still holds onto that tight-knit community feel.

“The community here is awesome; everyone steps up to help each other. It’s brilliant,” she said.

Describe your personality in three words:
Upbeat, reliable and hardworking

‍

Meet Nicky
Co-Manager At MBW On The Barbie

MBW On The Barbie has been serving up top-quality cuts and mouth-watering meals for a decade now, and at the heart of it all is Nicky, who has been with the business since day one.

Originally working in supermarkets and a bakery, Nicky felt the need for a change. Knowing the owners before joining, she saw an opportunity to carve out a new path in the butchery business. That decision led her to become an essential part of the MBW team.

Nicky spends most of her time behind the front counter, but her role stretches beyond customer service.

“I do pretty much everything except cut meat,” Nicky shared.

“I make all the products, I serve on the counter, and I also slice ham and bacon.”

Having been with MBW On The Barbie from the beginning, Nicky has had a front-row seat to the company’s growth. She’s seen it expand from one bustling store to four, saying it’s great to see the business thriving across the region.

When she’s not busy at MBW On The Barbie, Nicky is hard at work on another passion—renovating her home.

“They call me Bobette the Builder,” Nicky laughed.

“I renovate my home and build stuff at home. I’m a bit of an arty-farty type person.

“I have plants and enjoy making the house look nice.”

Her home, complete with a pool and a cozy spot for beers, is her haven. It’s where she spends time with her “crazy black Great Dane” named Jonesy, whom she affectionately refers to as her child now that her four children are grown and spreading their wings on their own adventures.

Describe your personality in three words
Hardworking, reliable, kind

Meet Lockie
Apprentice Butcher With MBW On The Barbie

From a young age, Lockie knew his calling.

Following in the footsteps of his uncle, he set his sights on becoming a butcher. Now, at just two-and-a-half years into his apprenticeship with MBW On The Barbie, Lockie is proving that his passion runs as deep as his skillset.

Lockie’s natural talent and keen interest in the craft have allowed him to thrive in his apprenticeship. He’s particularly proud of the progress he’s made, saying that his training at MBW On The Barbie pushed him ahead of schedule, picking up second-year skills during his first year on the job.

For Lockie, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as breaking down an animal and preparing it into different cuts that leave customers excited to take home a perfectly prepped steak or roast.

“The best part is seeing their faces when they get a good steak,” he shared.

His favourite task? Making sausages. While it might seem simple to the untrained eye, the art of crafting the perfect snag requires precision, speed, and a lot of practice.

“I’m getting pretty quick with them now,” Lockie said with a smile.

“I like making the thick ones, those take a bit more focus. They’re easy to overfill, and if you add just a bit too much pressure, they can burst, and they are a pain to clean when they explode all over the wall.”

Whether it’s mastering the art of sausage-making or breaking down a cut to perfection, he’s a butcher who takes pride in every step of the process.

Outside the shop, Lockie unwinds with his mates, spending his weekends fishing, pigging, or simply chilling out.

Describe your personality in three words
Easy-going, quick-learner, honest

‍

What began as a service to the community and a desire to ensure a local shopping centre still had a butcher shop, has become a labour of love for a humble team of passionate staff members who have transformed a closing Butchery into a thriving business over the past 10 years.

One of the longest running businesses at Whitsunday Shopping Centre, MBW On The Barbie, is the brainchild of entrepreneurial meat-specialists, Karen Rix and Don Cameron. Ten years ago, when the couple heard the lease was not to be renewed by the existing tenant butcher and decided to step-in to ensure the continuation of this valuable service.

“We thought – every shopping centre deserves a local butcher!” expressed Karen.

“And the community welcomed us with open arms, everyone was excited to see that we’d continue at the convenient location, and we have had fantastic support ever since.”

Led by the demand for growth, Karen and Don were humbled by the support which encouraged them to expand from the Master Butchers Whitsundays store, which had been operating on Stewart Drive in Cannonvale for five years at the time, to the new premise at Whitsunday Shopping Centre. Determined to differentiate the new store from its big brother, the pair decided to specialise in quality barbeque products while also offering the same meat staples available at the other location.

Inspired by the outdoors lifestyle of the Whitsundays, the ‘On The Barbie’ branding was an instant success, with customers loving the delicious range of barbeque meats and helpful advice from the knowledgeable staff.

“We trained all the staff on adapting oven cooking times to suit hooded barbeques and found that people loved being able to cook their favourite meals outside, they simply needed to know how to do it!”

With a pre-existing reputation for quality meat products from the Stewart Drive Store, replicated seamlessly at On The Barbie, the new store quickly gained popularity and its convenient location made it popular, especially with locals living within walking distance.

Graduating from little sister to team-mate and business equal, MBW On The Barbie has risen in the ranks, rising to become a significant game-player in the local retail sector. This status was reinforced when MBW On The Barbie entered into the Australian Meat Industry Council Awards and came home with a gold award for the Best Sausage in QLD for their classic beef sausage.

Proud to be supplying delicious, high-quality meat for the Whitsunday community, MBW On The Barbie constantly innovates to ensure customers have the best flavours whether they are cooking up a storm in the kitchen or sizzling steaks outdoors on the barbie.

One of the ways they keep ahead of the pack is by offering a range of complementary products such as their marinades and rubs. These tasty additions ensure that nobody gets tired of the same old tastes, in fact they can keep trying different combinations.

In addition, Master Butchers has taken this one step further by opening a ‘Chef’s Kitchen’ at their Stewart Drive location. This new innovation supplies MBW On The Barbie with delicious accompaniments to complete the barbeque experience. Crunchy salads made with the freshest local products are put together by a talented chef who loves pairing the best recipes with the most succulent meats.

For those looking for a breakfast barbeque, MBW On The Barbie also supply their own bacon and local eggs.

Standing strong through the tests of times, MBW On The Barbie has weathered several storms including the shopping centre fire of 2016 and Cyclone Debbie in 2017. On both occasions, their priority was serving the local community and helping those that needed it most. It is this community spirit that has seen them become the highly-embraced, much-loved local business it is today.

As MBW On The Barbie celebrates its 10 year milestone, Karen hopes other local businesses will feel inspired by their resilience and witness first-hand how a small business can succeed in supplying quality produce to the local community.

Must Try Item

The Bonnie & Clyde – moisture infused pork rack which is stuffed with caramelised onion and Gouda cheese with a pistachio crust. Close the hood on the barbeque on a medium heat and it will be ready in about 35 minutes.

‍

The 2024 state elections are heating up with the formal announcement of all candidates who are in for the running. After four years of a Labour-run state led by Premier Steven Miles, the political landscape is wide open as the election approaches on October 26, 2024.
All eight regional candidates are preparing their election campaigns in the lead up to the big day. Each candidate is working hard to connect with North Queenslanders, hoping to secure their votes and represent the region’s interests.
This election cycle features a mix of old and new faces, adding a dynamic element to the 2024 race.

Missing: Peter Atchison from the Family First Party candidate for Whitsunday and Amanda Nickson from the Family First Party candidate for Burdekin. No images could be found at this time.

Who’s Got Your Vote?

With the looming state elections, it's important to identify your voting district and familiarise yourself with the local candidates running for office.
In the Whitsundays region, voters can choose from four candidates: Amanda Camm MP (LNP), Bauke Hovinga (Labor), Julie Hall (One Nation), and Peter Atchison (FFP). If you reside in Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, or Proserpine, these are the individuals on your ballot.
For the Burdekin region, the candidates are Dale Last (LNP), Anne Baker (Labor), Andrew Elborne (One Nation), and Amanda Nickson (FFP). Residents of Bowen and Collinsville will have the opportunity to vote for these candidates.
‍

Whitsunday Candidates
‍

Amanda Camm (LNP)
Amanda Camm, current Member for Whitsundays, is well-known in the region. She has spent the last four years in opposition after claiming her first term in October 2020. Before entering Queensland Parliament, Amanda served as a Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Mackay.
A long-term Whitsundays resident, she is running for election with a clear focus on driving positive community change, improving the economy, and connecting community members.
During her term, Amanda claims she has contributed to the region’s growth and prosperity through her diverse experience in government, economic and social development, tourism, mining services, and primary production.
‍

Bauke Hovinga (Labor)
Bauke Hovinga, a doctor in Mackay is up for election for the Labor party. Bauke understands first hand the importance of access to healthcare. Hearing of the Miles Labor Governments ambitious plan to deliver healthcare to the local community, made him hold his hand up high as a Labor candidate.
Bauke loves living in the Whitsunday region and believes maintaining community connections is vital to see the community thrive. He also advocates for upholding cost of living relief alongside encouraging social and affordable housing.
‍

Julie Hall (One Nation)
Former Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council and a candidate against Amanda Camm in the last state election, Julie Hall is committed to ensuring that Whitsunday residents have a strong voice in the governmental decisions impacting their lives and community.
Julie is passionate about protecting the natural environment and Great Barrier Reef but advocates for a balanced and realistic approach. Julie also stresses the need to address local issues, including, roads, housing, youth crime, and state government cost shifting to local government, which pressures ratepayers.

Burdekin Candidates
‍
Dale Last
Born and raised in regional Queensland and with a background in the sugar and cattle industries, Dale Last has a big love for regional areas.
After over 30 years as a Police Officer, Dale was elected to the Townsville City Council in 2008 where he also served as Deputy Mayor.
He is now the current Member for Burdekin.
Dale is focused on delivering for the Burdekin electorate and regional Queensland, he claims his first-hand experience in law enforcement and emergency management will help him tackle community issues.

Anne Baker
Having called Burdekin home for 38 years, Anne Baker is a dedicated community champion with a deep understanding of the area and its residents' needs.
With 17 years of passionate service in local government—12 of which she spent as Mayor for the Isaac region—Anne is eager to once again advocate for local working families, businesses, agriculture, mining, construction, and regional communities.
Anne is also family focused in her ideologies, having her own family and knowing the challenges and rewards of raising a family in regional Queensland.

Andrew Elborne
Andrew Elborne, was born in Brisbane and raised in a Catholic home and attended a Catholic school until grade 10 when he left to pursue a trade as an electrician.
Andrew has worked on various significant projects, including Parliament House in Canberra, Ergon and Energex supply authority work, and at the Tarong Power Station.  
Andrew states that he is determined to bring real-world experience and simple, transparent solutions to the table, aiming to simplify legislation and make it more accessible. He is committed to improving infrastructure, supporting trades, and enhancing community services in Burdekin.

‍

Hi Everyone,

Have you ever shared a moment with others and felt an almost palpable energy radiate?

I experienced this feeling twice this week, on two very different occasions.

The first was when I was at my Saturday morning Body Combat class; we were about two-thirds of the way through and I was doing my two-hundredth knee kick when the moment struck me.

The music was punchy, the stamina was waning and all of a sudden, I felt this almost euphoric energy wash over, one that I felt sure was shared with all the other panting people in the room.

An invigorated enlightenment.

The second time I experienced this was when I attended a Sunday morning service at the local Baptist Church with my mum who is visiting from the UK for three months.

Despite living what I consider ‘a life of Christian values’, I have to confess I only go to church when it is to accompany my lovely mum.

My favourite part is always at the beginning when the little church band belts out the hymns.

Listening to the angelic voice of the singer, watching the congregation begin to sway to the rhythmic sounds - in that moment I felt the whole room connect.

I watched as hands rose to ‘praise the Lord’ and the energy of the room lifted up in shared appreciation.

Both occasions, despite being very different, showed a similar experience, a collective energy that makes us all feel more alive.

I think this connection is the lifeblood of being human and it’s small communities like ours where we get to feel it most.

Where and when have you felt this in your own life?

Was it when you were playing a game of footy, dancing at a festival or perhaps watching a beautiful sunset with strangers on a beach?

Rach

Quote of the Week: “The older I get, the less I know” (Swami Chetanananda)

‍

Police have charged a 29-year-old Bowen man following a fatal hit-and-run traffic crash that happened in Bowen in July.
Emergency crews were called to the intersection of Bootooloo Road and Wheelers Lane on Thursday, July 25, after a cyclist was located on the roadway by a passing motorist at 4.42am.
The male cyclist, a 69-year-old Bowen man, was declared deceased at the scene.
The cyclist was struck by a vehicle, which had failed to remain at the scene.
Following extensive investigations, the driver has now been charged.
Police will allege the 29-year-old Bowen man was the driver of the vehicle that struck the cyclist.
He has been charged with one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death or grievous bodily harm and left the scene of incident without obtaining help.
He is due to appear before Bowen Magistrates Court on October 1.

‍

For the past 20 years Zonta Club of the Whitsundays have offered a substantial annual scholarship to one lucky student from one of the local high-schools.

This year the generous scholarship has been named the PJ Halter scholarship in memory of the club’s beloved and very hardworking member who sadly passed in 2022.

The scholarship embodies the club's commitment to supporting women who, due to various life circumstances, may not have had the chance for further education earlier in their lives.
The PJ Halter Scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance and educational opportunities to women in the community, empowering them to pursue their academic and professional goals.
The scholarship will be provided to a deserving student who, because of limited financial means or distance, would otherwise struggle to access the course of their choice.
In addition to the PJ Halter Scholarship, Zonta is introducing the Senior Bursary which is designed to support women who may have missed educational opportunities earlier in life. Zonta Whitsundays has established this scholarship to empower a woman in our community with the chance for further education and personal growth.
Alongside the scholarships, Zonta is also providing bursaries to Proserpine State High School, St Catherine’s Catholic College, and Cannonvale State Primary School. These bursaries are chosen by the school and presented at graduation evening each year.

‍

Zonta Club of the Whitsundays offer students a scholarship each year. Photo source: Facebook

‍

The tragic death toll in our region has sadly risen again this week following a road accident on Sunday evening that claimed the life of a 22-year-old woman.

On Sunday 15 September at 5pm a 61-year-old Bowen man was travelling in a silver Rodeo North on the Bruce Highway, and in the initial police investigation, it appears to have veered onto the wrong side of the road.

The silver Rodeo collided head on with a black BMW, driven by a 22-year-old female who tragically lost her life as a result to the traffic crash.

The 61-year-old male is in critical condition at Mackay Based Hospital.

It is believed the female was traveling from Townsville to her residence in Mackay, and the male was returning to Bowen from the Nebo area.

The Queensland Police forensic crash unit conducted an investigation on-scene but now need to conduct follow up investigations before a conclusion is drawn.

Whilst the initial investigation took place, the Bruce Highway was closed and emergency services put a diversion in place with assistance from the Whitsunday Regional Council.

So far this year there have been 13 fatalities on the road in the Mackay and Whitsunday region, resulting in 17 people losing their lives.

Inspector Glenn Cameron said, “It is tragic circumstances and that’s why we are imploring with every member of the public, drive to the conditions, drive to your own conditions, be safe on the road we want to see people get to their destination safely.”

‍

By Paul Gellatly

The election of the 2024-25 committee for Bowen Chamber of Commerce was backed by presentations highlighting the importance of the Abbot Point coal and industry facility to the town.

An audience of around 40 people attended the chamber's September 11 meeting at the Larrikin Hotel to hear the results of the election of office bearers, for which vacancies closed on September 2.

Although he jested that he thought his existing term would be his last, popular Larrikin Hotel publican and chamber chairman Bruce Hedditch was re-elected to the role he has held continuously since 2014.

"You can't be doing it forever," Mr Hedditch said. "I think it's getting near the time when I should be handing it on.

"But I think I've done my job, giving to the community of Bowen."

Mr Hedditch said the major impact for the future of Bowen rested with Abbot Point and that the chamber must understand the opportunities for this port and the benefits that will accrue for Bowen.

Under Mr Hedditch’s leadership, the chamber has made a significant contribution to the township of Bowen and the community that live and work in it. Although the Chamber of Commerce dates back to the 1920s, it was under Mr Hedditch that it was renamed Bowen Chamber of Commerce Inc. in 2017.

Two vice presidents were elected to serve with Mr Hedditch. They are Alan Bryson, from Harbourside Homestay, and Tony Bale, a Bowen consultant who has led the charge for the redevelopment of Bowen's jetty.

Joanne Shepherd, a Bowen Rail employee and daughter of a former chairman of Regional Development Australia, was elected for the first time as secretary, while Grace Graewe, another first-timer who works at the town's Commonwealth Bank, was elected treasurer.

Mr Hedditch hailed the depth of talent in the new committee, which he said represented "a good cross section of the community", hitting a new record with seven appointed.

They are Mark Steen, a long-time member of the chamber; Lukas Adams from Whitsunday Web, Alexander Pyke, a physiotherapist from Bowen Physio; Matt Bowkett from Engage Marine, Claire Mitchell Must, from Arabon Seafoods; John Barnes; and Doug Eldred from Whole Hog BBQ.

The results were announced at the meeting by Steve Darwen, chairman for election of the board.

Following the announcement of the new committee, three speakers gave addresses on the topic 'Abbot Point - The Most Northerly Deepwater Coal Port of Australia and the Future Opportunities'.

Brendan Lane, general manager of Bowen Rail Company, spoke of the growth of the rail company's operations from its start-up staff of seven, to its present complement of more than 200 employees, 170 of whom are based in Bowen.

Rob Cocco, CEO of Regional Development Australia, said that Abbot Point and Bowen were an ideal location for development.

Alan Brown, general manager port operations at Abbot Point, spoke of the facility as "a driving force for Bowen", having shipped nearly 35 million tonnes of coal in 2023-24 in 360 shipments, to 20 countries.

Mr Hedditch said that with 14,000ha of state government land being available around the Abbot Point area, there was a wealth of potential for development of new industries that would benefit Bowen and the wider region.

‍

New committee member Mark Steen, secretary Joanne Shepherd and re-elected chairman Bruce Hedditch. Photo credit: Paul Gellatly

Chairman for election of the board, Steve Darwen (right) with Abbot Point port operations GM  Alan Brown

‍