Mayor Greg Williamson attends the unveiling of the bronze statues of the Maltese pioneers

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Hundreds gathered in Mackay’s city heart on Saturday to witness the unveiling of three life-sized bronze statues honouring Maltese pioneers who helped shape the region.  

Positioned on the iconic “Maltese Corner” at Wood and Victoria streets, the figures of Emmanuel Grech, Sam Bezzina and John Vassallo pay tribute to a generation of migrants whose spirit of mateship and enterprise helped build the local community.  

Inspired by a historic photograph, the installation recognises decades of contribution to Mackay’s identity and economy, while creating a lasting space for reflection on the stories, sacrifices and connections that continue to define the region today.

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Maltese Pioneers Honoured By New Statues At Historic City Corner

Hundreds of community members gathered in Mackay’s city centre on Saturday for the official unveiling of three life-sized bronze statues honouring Maltese pioneers who helped shape the region’s history.

The statues of Emmanuel Camilleri, Sam Bezzina and John Vassallo now stand proudly on the corner of Wood and Victoria streets – a location long known locally as “Maltese Corner”, where migrant businessmen would regularly gather to talk, support one another and build their futures in Mackay.

The project, delivered by the Maltese Corner Fundraising Group Inc, recreates a historic photograph capturing the men meeting at the site, symbolising the spirit of collaboration that helped generations of migrants establish themselves in the region.

On Friday, 17^th April, a day prior to the official unveiling, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the statues recognise the enduring contribution of Maltese migrants to the region’s identity and economy.

“Tomorrow we are unveiling three magnificent statues here on the corner of Victoria and Wood Streets,” he said ahead of the event.

“This particular corner was where the Maltese guys sat around, just like a little piazza in Malta. They sat here waiting for the banks to open – probably waiting for the pub to open as well – while their wives went shopping and they did their business.”

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Mayor Williamson said the tribute reflected Mackay’s long-standing connection with Maltese settlement.

“Mackay is recognised as the heart of Maltese settlement in Australia,” he said.

“The Maltese have done a fantastic job in our community for decades and decades, and this is a tribute to those who helped build our sugar industry and our region.”

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The project has been largely community-funded, with the Maltese Association raising more than $250,000 towards the statues, supported by about $45,000 in council grants.

For Carmel Baretta, president of the Maltese Corner Fundraising Group, the unveiling marks a rather emotional sentiment.

“In 2001, a friend and I published a book on the Maltese pioneers of Mackay,” Ms Baretta said.

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“While we were working on that book, I was aware of Maltese Corner and asked a photographer to quietly capture a photograph of the men meeting here because they gathered regularly.”

That image later became the inspiration for the statues.

Ms Baretta said the corner held significant historical meaning for the community.

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“The greatest significance is that these people helped others become established,” she said.

“And it wasn’t only Maltese helping Maltese,” Ms Baretta said.

“Some Italians were involved, some returned soldiers were helped, and some local people from Mackay as well.”

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The initiative also honours the legacy of the Mosta Building Society, established in 1966 as a result of the cooperative financial support that began on the corner.

The statues themselves were created by local sculptor Kay Payton, chosen after extensive research into bronze works across North Queensland.

“We decided Kay Payton was the ideal person, primarily because she was local and because she is so gifted,” Ms Baretta said.

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“She was just absolutely fantastic to work with.”

With the statues now permanently installed, organisers hope the site will encourage residents and visitors alike to pause, reflect and learn more about the community stories that helped build Mackay.

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Fern with her daughter Zali, who she says is the reason she keeps fighting despite recent cancer re-diagnosis. Photo supplied

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A much-loved Whitsundays mother is once again facing an unthinkable battle after learning her cancer has returned, this time incurable.  

After nearly two years of remission, Fern Wilson is confronting a devastating diagnosis while continuing to care for her young daughter, Zali.  

Known for her warmth and resilience, she is now navigating the fight of her life with courage and determination.  

As she seeks new treatment pathways and holds tight to hope, the Cannonvale community is rallying behind her, organising a morning tea fundraiser to show support and help her continue this difficult journey ahead.

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Local Mum Refuses to Give Up After Cancer Comes Back

A vibrant local single mum is at the centre of the community’s thoughts and prayers this week following news that her cancer has returned after almost two years in remission.

Fern Wilson explains that she was first diagnosed with stage 3C ER/PR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer in 2023, when a 13-centimetre tumour was discovered. At the time, she was given 12 months to live without treatment, so she underwent an intense treatment plan that included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and a mastectomy.

“It was one of the hardest periods of my life physically, emotionally, and mentally, but I kept fighting because my daughter gave me every reason to stay strong,” she shared.

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“Recovery was not just physical - it was emotional and spiritual as well. I had to learn how to reconnect with myself after so much loss and change.

“My daughter Zali was my greatest strength and staying focused on being present for her helped me through the darkest days.

“Support from close friends, family, and my community meant everything. I also focused on healing my nervous system, mindset, and finding peace where I could.”

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During this time, Fern travelled to Bali, where she began her journey with integrative natural health, working alongside traditional medicine.

Returning to the Whitsundays after receiving news she was now cancer-free, Fern has spent the last two years embracing a healthy lifestyle, establishing herself in the local Cannonvale community, and enjoying time with her young daughter.

Receiving news earlier this year that the cancer had returned shattered the idyllic life she had worked so hard to create.  

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The tragic turn of events began when Fern started experiencing some bone pain from treatment, and further scans confirmed the worst. This time, however, the cancer is stage 4, metastatic and incurable, with a prognosis of 12 months left to live.

“Hearing those words was devastating,” said Fern.

“For a moment, everything went dark. The fear, the shock, and the uncertainty were overwhelming, and as a mother, your mind immediately goes to your child and their future.”

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Fern said her oncologist explained that surgery would not make a difference, and treatment options in Australia were no longer available, being mainly focused on management rather than healing.

“I was also faced with difficult conversations around a scary 12 months prognosis, which completely changed everything for me as a mother,” she expressed.

Feeling overwhelmed and in total despair, Fern made the brave decision to fly back to Bali, a place where she had found peace and healing during her last battle.

Taking her daughter, Zali, with her, Fern has embarked on an integrative healing journey and, for the first time since the devastating news, feels hope.

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“I chose to return to Bali because I wanted access to integrative and supportive treatments that were not readily available to me in Australia,” she said.

“Here, I am receiving therapies focused on supporting my immune system, improving quality of life, and helping my body as a whole.

“This includes treatments such as high-dose intravenous Vitamin C, ozone therapy, nutrient IV therapies, and other supportive natural therapies.

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“Bali has also given me peace, healing, and the chance to be present with my daughter in a calmer environment while I continue fighting.

“Cancer changes everything, but it also reminds you what truly matters—time, love, connection, and the people who stand beside you.

“My greatest focus is my daughter and making sure she feels safe, loved, and supported no matter what happens.”

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A morning tea is being held in Fern’s honour, giving the community an opportunity to come together, raise money, and support this inspiring local woman in the battle of her life.

Fern says she “does not have enough words to thank everyone” involved in bringing this morning together.

“The kindness, generosity, and love from the Whitsundays’ community has been overwhelming.

“To everyone donating prizes, attending the morning tea, reaching out, and supporting Zali and me—thank you from the bottom of my heart.  

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“In times like this, community means everything, and knowing we are not alone gives me strength to keep going.

“I also want to sincerely thank Zali’s father and his family for supporting me throughout my treatment journey. During some of the hardest moments, their support and care helped me keep going, and I will always be grateful for that.

“I want people to know that even in the hardest moments, hope still exists. I am still fighting, and I am deeply grateful for every person helping us through this journey.”

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What: A Morning For Fern

When: Sunday 17th May

Time: 9am – 12pm

Where: Belle Property Whitsundays  

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Photo source: Facebook

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On a beautiful Sunday afternoon reports came in that a hire boat 2nm north of Deloraine Island had suffered a mechanical problem. Although the engine was going, the propeller was not. This spurred MRQ Whitsunday to action.

With pre-tasks completed, the team motored off towards Hook Passage, soaking in the scenery as ventured out into the sea.  

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“We had vessel coordinates from a telephone, so we needed to convert them from the Degree Decimal format favoured by the telco giants to our more usual Degrees and Minutes,” shared MRQ Whitsunday.  

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After emerging from Hook Passage, WS11 was directed to where the vessel was believed to be.  

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“Lo and behold, there was a whit vessel on the horizon. This was going to be easy!”  

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The team continued motoring and spotted the target 4nm away – “just where they said they would be.” The team approached the boat cautiously as there were beams on the waves.  

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“I was about to request the crew to get ready with fenders and lines when, looking over the side, they were already set up. Great work team!”  

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The crew set the towing hook and returned to Coral Sea Marina at a gentle 17 knots. The vessel was taken close to their berth.

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“Thanks again to the crew for making it easy.”

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The team were able to handle the situation with efficiency and professionalism that allowed them to enjoy the blissful afternoon weather as they conducted their task.  

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Crew: Ray L, Nat R, Bob W

Skipper: Bill H

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Surgeonfish Photo supplied

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Everyone who has visited the Great Barrier Reef has a favourite fish. With more than 1,600 species weaving through its coral gardens, the Reef is a living kaleidoscope of colour and motion. But if the question shifts from “favourite” to “most important,” the answer becomes less about beauty and more about function. 

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So which fish matter most to the Reef’s long-term health? 

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While there is no single winner in such a complex ecosystem, one group stands out above the rest: herbivorous fish. These unassuming grazers are the quiet custodians of the Reef, performing a vital role that keeps coral ecosystems alive. 

On the Great Barrier Reef, there is a constant battle for space. Fast-growing algae are always ready to overtake the slower-growing corals. Without intervention, algae can quickly smother coral, blocking sunlight and preventing new coral larvae from settling. This is where herbivorous fish step in. By feeding on algae, they maintain the delicate balance between coral-dominated and algae-dominated habitats.

Among the most important of these are parrotfish, surgeonfish and rabbitfish—species that act as the Reef’s lawnmowers. 

Parrotfish are perhaps the most well-known. Often called “reef cleaners,” they spend up to 90 per cent of their day grazing on algae that coats coral surfaces. In doing so, they prevent algae from overwhelming living corals and help create space for new coral growth. Their feeding also has another remarkable benefit: sand production. Using their powerful, beak-like teeth, parrotfish scrape algae from coral and rock, ingesting bits of coral skeleton in the process. After digesting the organic material, they excrete the remaining calcium carbonate as fine sand. A single parrotfish can produce up to 90 kilograms of sand each year—quite literally helping to build tropical beaches. 

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Surgeonfish play an equally critical role. Acting as efficient grazers, they feed on turf algae and can make up a significant proportion of the Reef’s herbivore biomass. In some areas, they account for the majority of algae removal, helping prevent ecosystems from tipping into algal dominance.

Rabbitfish, though less conspicuous, are just as important. They complement the work of other herbivores by consuming different types of algae, adding resilience to the system. This diversity of feeding behaviours ensures that no single type of algae gains the upper hand.

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Of course, the Great Barrier Reef is an intricate web of life, and no species exists in isolation. Every organism—from microscopic plankton to apex predators—plays a role in maintaining balance. But without herbivorous fish, that balance would quickly unravel. 

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In many ways, these fish are the unsung heroes of the Reef—quietly working each day to keep one of the world’s greatest natural wonders alive.

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Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council

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If you’ve been exploring the local property market lately, you may have come across a new and enthusiastic name: Nick Ianni. Recently stepping into the real estate industry as Sales Assistant to Rob Taylor at Taylor’s Property Specialists, Nick is already making an impression with his approachable style and genuine commitment to helping people.

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Nick brings with him a diverse background spanning sales, customer service, and hands-on rural work. Originally from Forbes in regional New South Wales, he grew up on the land, developing a strong work ethic, reliability, and a deep appreciation for community—qualities that now shape his approach to real estate.

Now proudly calling the Whitsundays home, Nick says the move was an easy decision. “The lifestyle, the people, and the coastline—it just felt right straight away,” he shares. Settling into the region has only strengthened his passion for helping both locals and newcomers navigate the property market with confidence.

Working closely with experienced agents Rob Taylor and Alex Swan, Nick is learning the ins and outs of the industry while contributing fresh energy to the team. His goal is simple: to make the buying or selling process smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free.

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“I want people to feel supported every step of the way,” Nick says. “Whether they’re ready to make a move or just exploring their options, I’m here to provide clear guidance and a friendly, down-to-earth experience.”

With his strong values, enthusiasm, and dedication to personal service, Nick Ianni is a welcome addition to the Whitsundays real estate scene—and certainly one to watch as he builds his career in the region.

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For enquiries, Nick can be reached on 0472 675 428 or via email at nick@tpsre.com.au.

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Reef has been creating marine art and selling copies to the community. Photo source: Facebook

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A talented young local boy named Reef has been selling copies of his framed marine-themed artwork at Barra World in Proserpine, following his dreams of owning his very own boat.  

Reef mainly paints fish, with extraordinary detail and perspective – demonstrating an artistic ability well beyond his years. His subjects include a sweet little clown fish, and an expertly depicted silver marlon.

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Led by his love of fishing and the ocean, Reef will be using the money from his sold copies to save up for his first boat, dreaming of a tinny that will allow him to pursue his hobbies out on the water.  

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“I’d like to thank everyone that has purchased one of Reef’s prints as he really appreciates it,” shared Reef’s Mum, Nadine Little.  

“He really appreciates it and gets so happy when I hand him cash and tell him he’s sold another copy.”

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Reef’s mum and dad will be matching the funds raised by the paintings to help him on his way. The community looks forward to seeing what he produces next.  

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Lyn Burke laying the wreath.

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Private Alex (Alexander) Bidice was born near Proserpine, Queensland about 1896. Sadly, it is not known who his parents were although it is believed his mother was part aboriginal. Alex enlisted in Townville 10 December 1915 alongside friend, William Joseph Fry, their enlistment papers revealing almost identical answers. He did not give any next of kin, however later a note stating ‘Reports to Mr J Fry, Victoria St Mackay Qld’ was added.  

Alex Bidice was assigned to the 2^nd reinforcements of the 47^th Battalion leaving Sydney 20 April 1916 on the troopship, Hawkes Bay. By 3 June 1916, the 47^th sailed from Alexandria to Marseilles then marched into Outterstsene and Merris, continuing their training there.  

Early in August 1916, the 47^th Battalion took up positions at Pozieres where they came under heavy bombardment. On 8 September 1916, Alex was transferred to the 12^th Training Battalion in England before returning to France on 25 September 1916.  

Having survived the carnage of Pozieres and Mouquet Farm, Alex went on to endure the bitterly cold winter of 1916 –17. Like many, he developed trench foot and was evacuated to England for treatment. He wrote to the Fry family from hospital to let them know he was “getting on alright”.

Alex went on to serve in Belgium and was wounded at Messines in June 1917. He was taken to a nearby casualty clearing station and treated for shellshock, returning to his unit in time to take part in the attack at Passchendaele Ridge.  

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Private Alex Bidice was killed at Passchendaele on 12 October 1917, aged 21. On that day, the 47^th Battalion lost 13 officers and 292 men from other ranks.

Alex never saw his friend, William Fry, again. Assigned to the 52nd Battalion, Fry had been killed in action at the battle of Messines Ridge. Their bodies were never recovered, and today, their names are listed on the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing in Ypres, along with the names of more than 50,000 others who have no known grave.

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The army advertised in the local paper for any relation of Alex to come forward. Alex had left a will leaving everything to his friend’s sister, May Fry, Banana Pocket, Proserpine but that did not satisfy the army so all of his possessions and medals were returned to store and marked as untraceable.  In July 1955, Sarah Alexandra May Lilly (nee Fry) applied to the AIF through Macrossan & Amiet, Solicitors, Mackay in an attempt to collect his personal effects and medals – but without success.  

On 4 April 1920, John Fry of Mackay (listed as Alex’s next of kin) filled out a Roll of Honour circular for him, attaching a note advising the army of what he knew about Alex. In part he stated, ‘that he (Alex) hardly remembered his mother as she left him when very young as she was a half caste aboriginal but we have no knowledge of the father.’  

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Thanks to the Fry family, Alex’s name was included on the wall at the memorial in Canberra. This year, his name will be projected onto the exterior wall of the Hall of Memory on April 30 10.57pm; June 7 10.07pm; October 1 3.07am and December 22 10.03am.            

More than a century after the deaths of Alex Bidice and William Fry, local historian, Lyn Burke, travelled to the Australian War Memorial in 2022 to lay a wreath in their honour at a Last Post Ceremony commemorating Pte Alex Bidice, one of more than 1200 Indigenous Australians who enlisted during World War One.  

Today, Private Alex Bidice’s name is also now listed on our local cenotaph, alongside that of his friend, William Fry.

This year, Alex Bidice’s name will be projected onto the exterior wall of the Hall of Memory at these times: -  

April 30 10.57pm; June 7 10.07pm; October 1 3.07am and December 22 10.03am.                    

Lest we Forget

Story courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum. Information sourced from Lyn Burke. Photos sourced from Australian War Memorial.  

The photo of the week winner is Elise Dunckis for the theme ‘Off the Beaten Track’. Elise’s photo is of a night under the stars which, was taken in Morgan, South Australia.  

Next week’s theme is ‘Vintage’. Budding Photographers can enter by joining the Whitsunday’s Amateur Photographers group on Facebook.

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Contributed by Whitsunday Amateur Photographers

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Scott AKA Dr Morrissey – hard at work. Photo supplied

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Residents of the Greater Whitsunday Region are no stranger to the burden of box jellyfish. They have no brain; they pose a deadly threat and have been nearly impossible to detect in the water – at least until now.  

Growing up in Bowen, Dr Scott Morrissey’s passion for marine life was fostered by the town’s beautiful beaches and the opportunities they provided for underwater exploration.  

“I spent as much time as I possibly could underwater. I wanted to learn as much as I could about what I was seeing,” Scott said.  

With a robust education courtesy of Bowen State High School, Scott was able to foster his passion for marine life.  

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“Chemistry is okay but it’s like cooking to me. Physics was too much math. Biology was what I really enjoyed. It’s about building an understanding of how everything works together and why things are happening in the environment. It’s great learning biology because you can go outside and apply what you’ve learnt immediately. It definitely resonated with me.”  

Scott’s classic North Queensland grievances towards the threat of box jellyfish influenced a unique study path that eventually led him to producing groundbreaking research.  

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“Box jellyfish are a huge pain in the backside, especially in summertime when you want to snorkel. The more I looked into jellyfish, the more I realised we actually know very little about them considering the threat they pose. So thought it would be a pretty coolplace to start asking questions.”

Following his undergrad studies at James Cook University in Townsville, Scott pursued further studies through a PhD leading to monumental research breakthroughs in the realm of jellyfish.  

“Jellyfish are basically invisible in the water. We know very little about what causes them to appear, when they’re going to appear and how many of them will be there. I wanted to try and create a new way to be able to detect them.”

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Scott applied general characteristics of biology to investigate the phenomena further.  

“When animals move through an environment, they leave behind their DNA in the form of things like skin, snot or blood. It’s like how forensic scientists scan for DNA at a crime scene. Our method is quite similar. We take two litres of water and filter it down, leaving us with a soup of DNA that’s been left behind by all animals in the area. We search through that and look to see if there is any jellyfish DNA and we use that as a means of detection.”

This research will aid in risk management and monitoring safety around beaches.  

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“The more we understand about them and what they’re doing – the better equipped we are to assess and manage risk. With normal species there is so much information related to population figures and movement that we don’t have with jellyfish. If we’re able to fill in that gap of knowledge, then we will have a complete understanding so that we can actually forecast likelihood of jellyfish in the area with greater accuracy.”

The research is will also have broader application on both national and international levels.  

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“We’ve been working with another group in Western Australia. They also have really nasty Irukandji jellyfish that love to sting tourists. We’ve been able to apply the technology to that species and it’s starting to be picked up internationally. There’s work being done in Thailand. The hope is we can continue the research and start looking at things such as are box jellyfish moving South.”

Scott shows no signs of slowing down as he continues to consolidate his work.  

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“I would love to be able to conduct our lab work on site to reduce delays. If we can test the water straight away, then we can get an answer on site in three hours as opposed to the three to four days it would take in a lab. I would love to get the process down to an hour or even 45 minutes. It would be great to even develop some sort of user-friendly tool that anyone could use.”

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Scott expressed gratitude to the support he’d received for his work.  

“I need to say thanks to Lions Australia, they fund 99% if this research.”

The Bowen and greater Whitsunday community look upon Dr Morrissey with pride and keenly anticipate the amazing work he will no doubt continue to do.

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ANZAC Day is one of the most important days on our calendar as a time for us, as a community, to pause, reflect and come together.

Across the Whitsundays, services will be held in towns and communities from Bowen to Proserpine, Airlie Beach to Collinsville, and in our smaller rural areas. These gatherings are a chance for all of us to stand side by side and honour those who have served our nation and those who never returned.

As Mayor, I have the privilege of representing our community at these services, but ANZAC Day belongs to everyone.

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It belongs to the families who have carried the legacy of service through generations. It belongs to the veterans who continue to serve our community in different ways. And it belongs to every resident who takes a moment to remember the sacrifices that have shaped the freedoms we enjoy today.

Here in the Whitsundays, service and sacrifice are not distant concepts, they are part of our local story. From Gallipoli to the Western Front, from the Pacific to more recent conflicts, generations of Australians have answered the call to serve including men and women from right here in our region.

This year, we also recognise the theme “Women in Service”  acknowledging the vital role women have played, and continue to play, in defending our nation and supporting our communities.

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Among them are people like Commander Natasha Burney, who has ties to the Whitsunday community and served in Afghanistan — a reminder that the ANZAC spirit lives on in people from communities just like ours. 

Their stories remind us that the ANZAC spirit is not something distant, it is part of who we are as a community.

ANZAC Day is also about connection.

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Standing shoulder to shoulder at a dawn service. Watching the march. Sharing a quiet moment with family, friends and neighbours.

These traditions matter.

They ensure that the service and sacrifice of past and present servicemen and women is never forgotten and that future generations understand the cost of the freedoms we often take for granted.

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Bring your family. Bring your children. Help pass on the meaning of this day to the next generation.

Because remembrance is not just about looking back, it’s about ensuring those stories and values continue into the future.

This ANZAC Day, let’s stand together as a community, united in respect and gratitude.

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Lest we forget.

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Whitsunday Chamber President Allan Milostic Photo supplied

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Last week, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry represented the region’s business community at a roundtable with the Queensland Minister for Small and Family Business, Steve Minnikin, alongside the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner, peak state and national industry bodies, and regional Chambers of Commerce.

The roundtable provided an important opportunity for knowledge exchange, bringing forward real-world examples and discussing targeted, practical interventions to address both the short- and long-term impacts of the current fuel situation. The Chamber’s focus was clear: ensuring a strong regional perspective was part of the conversation.

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Being at the table means more than representation, it’s about shaping outcomes. By engaging directly with decision-makers, the Chamber ensures local priorities are heard, understood, and acted upon for the benefit of the entire Whitsundays community.

Chamber President Allan Milostic said it was critical the region remains at the forefront of discussions.

“These conversations are where real advocacy begins. Being part of these discussions ensures the concerns of our region are not only heard but can be elevated at both state and federal levels where decisions are made,” he said.

Data from Business Chamber Queensland highlights the scale of the issue, with 95% of Queensland businesses reporting impacts, and more than 70% experiencing major or severe challenges.

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Allan said the situation is rapidly escalating for regional communities.

“We are hearing from businesses experiencing supply chain challenges more significant than those during COVID lockdowns. Flights into the region are being reduced, impacting both tourism and freight. At the same time, consumer confidence is being reported lower than during COVID, affecting discretionary spending and travel commitments, with a noticeable shift toward online purchasing,” he said.

“The high cost of living and high cost of doing business existed before the fuel crisis, they are now being amplified.”

Locally, the impacts are being felt across all sectors, with flow-on effects for businesses, workers, and the broader community.

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The Chamber is encouraging practical, community-led responses:

• Shop local first to keep the regional economy viable.

• Take a measured approach to fuel purchasing to avoid unnecessary strain on supply.

• Maintain critical services such as public and school bus networks.

• Support young people, trainees, and apprentices to access transport to work.

• For businesses to seek professional financial advice and be cautious of predatory lending or quick loan offers.

The Chamber is also reinforcing key advocacy priorities, including:

1. Fuel security — addressing both pricing and supply, including sovereign capability and international supply chains, to ensure certainty for agriculture, tourism, health, and transport sectors.

2. Access to reliable, real-time information — including clear, centralised public reporting to support informed decision-making at a regional level.

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Have Your Say

To strengthen its advocacy, the Chamber is calling on regional businesses to share their experiences.

Businesses are invited to complete a short survey to help inform ongoing advocacy efforts and ensure the real impacts of the fuel crisis are clearly communicated to all levels of government.

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Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry

A historical landmark, this monument will soon celebrate it’s centenary year. Photo source: Facebook  

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On ANZAC Day 2026, the Bowen Cenotaph (War Memorial) will commemorate 100 years since it was unveiled. The Cenotaph rises from Herbert Street, with its sandstone digger standing sentinel over a memorial, erected by the people of Bowen a century ago to remember those who died in World War One.  

The memorial was unveiled on 25 April 1926 by Mr Forgan Smith M.L.A.  

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Additional names were added at a later date to remember those killed in World War Two and the Vietnam War. According to ANZAC Square, the plaque lists the names of 53 WWI soliders, 28 WWII soldiers and 4 Vietnam War soldiers. It was built by A.L Petrie & Sons.

The memorial has been restored and the original marble plaques have been replaced by black granite plaques. It originally featured a clock tower, however the clocks were damaged in a cyclone in 1958 and have not been replaced.  

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The front inscription states:  

Erected by the citizens of Bowen,

In honour of those who fell in the Great War 1914-1919.

Their name liveth for evermore. We shall remember them.

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On ANZAC Day there will be a Dawn Service at 5.45am at the Cenotaph and a march at 9am from the RSL to the Cenotaph for service.  

Regina the turtle has been rescued and treated following boat strike & ‘float’ disorder. Photo source: Facebook  

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Last week, local conservation group Eco Barge took a turtle named Regina into their care following months long surveys from dedicated Hayman Island staff. Regina caught a free ride on the ferry and came into the care of the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre.  

Regina is currently suffering from float, a disorder in which turtles are unable to submerge properly and become stuck floating at the surface of the water. She is also recovering from a partially healed but visible boat-strike injury to her shell. Regina is the largest turtle in Eco Barge’s care and carries great wisdom from her 50 years of living.  

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“A massive thank you to all the helping hands from Hayman Island Staff that went to great lengths to rescue Regina and bring her into care,” the team shared.  

“We’ll give Regina some rest and refuelling in our centre and hope to have her swimming back around the beautiful Hayman Island in no time.”

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Here’s to a speedy recovery for this wonderful animal.  

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Val and Michael Kimpton, Elizabeth Hackett Photo supplied

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The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is the peak body for Queensland’s tourism sector, acting as the ‘Voice of Tourism’. It advocates for tourism, hospitality, and event operators, focusing on policy development, research and business mentoring to ensure long term sustainability is achieved.  

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QTIC celebrated 25 years of advocacy on the 14^th April supporting the Tourism Industry. This milestone was marked by a sell-out luncheon at the Emporium Hotel South Bank, Brisbane. This special networking Event celebrated the people, partnerships and dedication that have helped shape the Queensland tourism and events industry.

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There were many inspiring speeches by our tourism leaders including the Hon Andrew Powell MP. The Q & A segment chaired by their CEO, Tash Wheeler and formerly CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, was one of the highlights.

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The Whitsundays were well represented by our CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth, Tourism Whitsunday Board members Elizabeth Hackett, Daniel Gschwind and Tom Young together with members Michael and Val Kimpton representing the award winning Airlie Beach Triathlon in the Whitsundays.

Contributed with thanks to Michael Kimpton

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The wreckage at Rose Bay is to be cleared by an out-of-town contractor this week after months of local volunteer action.

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The announcement of a government-funded removal of boat debris strewn across the Whitsundays by Ex-tropical Cyclone Koji caused controversy last week, with locals calling for transparency as to why local towing companies were not consulted by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) to take away the vessels.  

When out-of-town corporation Clayton’s Towing announced they had been engaged to remove the vessel 7 Wonders from where it had been decaying on Bowen’s Rose Bay, locals sparked into conversation, asking the question: Why was a local business not called upon to take care of the refuse?  

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Darren Foster from Whitsunday Moorings & Marine Construction explained his frustration.  

“During the last cyclones, the locals got a lot of work.” He said.  

“Debbie, Louie, you know, all the big ones, the locals worked together. We got the job done. And it's just very unusual that, for whatever reason, there was no consultation with any of the local providers at all.”

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“Generally, there's two ways that tenders go out. One, they go out for public tender, and it's just listed on a public tender site. When the tenders go out, we put in a price, and depending on whether or not we're competitive, we get it. In this case though, it appears that itwent out to a very closed group of tenders.

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“There are local companies perfectly capable of undertaking the lifting and removal of those wrecks. After an event like [Ex-tropical Cyclone Koji], we all suffer financially because of the loss of tourists in the area. And when there's less tourists in the area, our clients have got less money to pay us, so we suffer as well.  

“MDive, the company that have secured a lot of the work, are a Gladstone based company, who are looking to establish themselves here in the Whitsunday. We don’t hold any problem with that. However, a fair playing field would be a nice place to start.”

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David suggested this wasn’t the first time local companies had lost out on work within the region.  

“I personally assisted local senior parks rangers to develop the terms of reference to allow the Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks Authority to release the maintenance of the Whitsundays Public Moorings to private companies for tender. 

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“Not once in 16 years has a local company won that tender. Despite the fact that the local tender was cheaper and had very high experience in moorings repairs and maintenance.”

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David Edge from David Edge Marine Contracting added to the conversation, calling on the government to explain the salvage decision.  

“Overlooking local operators has happened in the past with MSQ, [for example] a vessel lodged in the mud at Cannonvale a few years ago, where MSQ gave the job to a Townsville company to salvage at a cost of $1.7 million with no tender issues, which we were more than qualified to perform,” he alleged.

“Before the state became involved, we quoted the vessel’s owner $90,000 to float the vessel.”

At the time of print we are waiting for a comment from MSQ.

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