The Love Letter to Queensland event – 6:30pm-9pm Thursday 5 September, Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach – will feature a stimulating lineup of notable speakers, each presenting their own love letters to Queensland, offering a diverse array of perspectives and experiences.
Guest speakers include:
   • MARCO RENAI awarded 2024 Queenslander of the Year for his impactful work with at-risk young men.
   • ELIZABETH HACKETT known for her significant contributions to the tourism industry and the Whitsunday Skyway project.
   • DR CHRIS SARRA CEO of the Office of First Nations Engagement and Innovation, leading initiatives for youth engagement within Queensland.
   • DR MELISSA ASHLEY celebrated academic and award-winning author of historical fiction novels.
   • ANDREW WILLCOX MP Federal Member for Dawson will announce and read the winning Love Letter to Queensland community writing competition entries who will receive shopping vouchers for Adult and Under 12 Divisions.
   • KAREN JACOBSEN Whitsunday Writers Festival President, international speaker, concert artist and songwriter, author, and the voice behind over a billion GPS and smartphone devices.
The Love Letter to Queensland event and writing competition is being coordinated by the Whitsundays Writers Festival and proudly supported by James Cook University’s Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing and the Whitsunday Regional Council through their Community Assistance Grant program.
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WHAT: Love Letter to Queensland event
WHEN: 6:30pm-9:00pm Thursday 6 September 2024
WHERE: Coral Sea Resort ballroom, Airlie Beach
REGISTRATION: Standard $49 and Concession $39 including light supper and two drink vouchers followed by a cash bar from www.whitsundayswriters.com

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The Festival is deeply grateful for the following for their support:
Major Festival Partners – Beach Book Boutique, Whitsunday Sailing Club, Blue Peace Enterprises, Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing, Proserpine Wind Farm, and KB Design.
Friends of the Festival – Airlie Beach Music Centre, Amanda Camm MP, Coastal Food Design, Cruise Whitsundays, Just Tuk’n Around, Kapow Interactive, McDonald’s Restaurants, Melinda Louise Media, Plants Whitsundays, Queensland Writers Centre, Ray White Whitsunday, Tassal, The Prickly Pineapple, TP Styling and Events, and Wilmar Sugar & Renewables.
Accommodation Partners – Airlie Apartments, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Heart Hotel and Gallery, Mantra Club Croc, Pinnacles Airlie Beach, Shingley Beach Resort, Toscana Village Resort, and The Boathouse Apartments.
Tickets are available online from www.whitsundayswriters.com or hello@whitsundayswriters.com

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FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
Venue: Whitsunday Sailing Club
9:00am Festival opening  
9:20am-10:30am The Art and Joy of Storytelling with Chris Sarra, Joy Damousi, Garry Disher, and Graeme Simsion.
11:00am-12:00pm Cops and Robbers: Writing and reading crime fiction and thrillers with Anne Buist, Garry Disher, Karina Kilmore, Jack Roney, Lindsay Simpson and facilitator Harry Colfer.
12:23pm-1:15pm Meet our Featured Local Authors at Beach Book Boutique
1:30pm-2:30pm Responsible writing? Stories about people, relationships, the world and possible ramifications with Anne Buist, Sally Hepworth, Christos Tsiolkas, and facilitator Karina Kilmore.
2:35pm-3:30pm Spotlight On: Writing craft, from first draft to final manuscript, facilitated by Monique van Tulder.  
4:00pm-5:00pm From Quills to Code: Is artificial intelligence revolutionising or ruining the future of creative writing? with Melissa Ashley, Joy Damousi, Graeme Simsion, and facilitator Lindsay Simpson.
5:00pm-6:30pm Poetry Karaoke, step up the mic and share your verses.

SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER
Venue: Whitsunday Sailing Club
9am Welcome
9:10am-9:40am From the Heart: The inaugural Annual Festival Address by Shankari Chandran.
9:40am-10:00am Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards Announce­ments and readings with Festival President, Karen Jacobsen.
10:30am-11:30am Adaptation: From page to stage to screen with Nick Earls, Sally Hepworth, Graeme Simsion, Christos Tsiolkas, and facilitator Lindsay Simpson.
11:30am-12:30pm Spotlight On: Research and Bringing Authenticity to Fiction with Melissa Ashley, Nick Earls, Kristy Manning, and facilitator Jack Roney.
1:30pm-2:30pm Hour of Power, Meet and greet book signing session with program speakers and Featured Local Authors
Venue: My Rainbow Bakery
3:15pm-4:45pm Big Book Club High Tea featuring Sally Hepworth and Kirsty Manning, hosted by Karina Kilmore.
Venue: Whispers Bar at Mirage Whitsunday
5:00pm-6:30pm Saturday Sundowner event.

SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER
Venue: Whitsunday Sailing Club
9:00am-10:00am Concurrent sessions:  
   • Ask Me About: Having the courage to share your story, with Festival Vice President Melinda Louise Hutchings and Rachael Smith.
   • Ask Me About: Writing for personal and professional development, with Festival President Karen Jacobsen and Monique van Tulder.  
   • Memoir workshop with Lindsay Simpson.
10:30am-11:30am Concurrent sessions:
   • New Release Showcase, hosted by Richard Evans with our Featured Local Authors and guests.
   • Ask Me About: Traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing with Jack Roney and Julia Evans.
   • Memoir workshop (continued) with Lindsay Simpson.
Venue: Whitsunday Marine Club
12:30pm-2:30pm Local Author Long Lunch showcasing the writing journey of some of our Featured Local Authors.

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The Whitsundays Writers Festival provided several opportunities for young writers to nurture their creative writing talents and present their works in competition.

The Love Letter to Queensland community writing competition sought 300-word entries in Adult, Under 18 and Under 12 divisions with winners taking home shopping vouchers for $500, $250 and $200 across the respective categories. Winners and high commended entries will be announced by Andrew Willcox MP, at the Love Letter to Queensland special event on Thursday 5 September.

One of the categories of the Festival’s Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards is the Best Short Story for Under 18 division celebrating original short stories of creative fiction.

Four young Whitsunday writers have been shortlisted for the award and are in the running to win $1000 for first prize and $500 for the runner up.
In his submission, Riley Cousen from Mackay State High School said that he likes writing about crime and has been writing for a little while now. The synopsis for his story, The Dirty Dealer is I climbed to the top of the building... I steadied my gun... I fired...

Framed, by Proserpine State High School student Myka Kelly, is a story about a secret agent for a dangerous company who is sent on a mission to watch a teenager. Along the way she is confronted by her past. Myka has been writing for as long as she can remember, and she really loves writing narratives about crime.

My Mother’s Betrayal, by Mila Kronk, is a story about when a girl, bored of her reality, unknowingly is shown a snippet of the future, she tries to ignore the strange occurrences she notices afterwards. In her submission, Mila shared that she wanted to challenge herself and try to create her own plot. She found it was difficult – Mila didn't know how it was going to end, and because of this she rewrote the same story so many times, each time getting closer to the result.

Alessa Penglase-Fortunato, for ever since she can remember, has loved the thrill of picking up a pen and paper and being able to transport herself and others into an entirely different world. At the early age of seven, Alessa published her first ever short story in an anthology after participating in a workshop. From then on, she has shown a deep passion about writing and hopes to inspire others through storytelling and art and continue my journey in writing. Her submission, Unspoken Words, where grieving the loss of her sister, Avery finds comfort and forgiveness in her sister's ghost.

The awards sought submissions from around Australia of up to 3,000 words of unpublished creative fiction stories. The winner will be announced Saturday 7 September.

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This year, Festival launched the Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, offering $10,000 in cash prizes to recognise and honour outstanding contributions to the literary and design landscape.

The Heart Awards’ mission is to spotlight the diverse talents within the Australian creative community while also paying homage to the Whitsunday’s Heart Reef.

Festival President Karen Jacobsen expressed enthusiasm for the awards program, “We believe in celebrating the richness of Australian creativity in all its forms. The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards are a testament to our commitment to nurturing creativity.”

The Heart Awards comprise four distinct cat­egories:

   • The Gloria Burley Award for Best Unpub­lished Manuscript,
   • The Published Book Cover Design Award
   • Best Short Story Award (adult and under 18 years old divisions)
   • Poetry Prize.

Gloria Burley was the driving force in the establishment of the Whitsunday Writers Festival, which ran 2010-17. She penned two books titled A Rolling Stone Gathers No Husbands, chronicled many of her travels, and Blood & Guts that sums up her exploits as a nurse in regional Australia. Gloria passed away from cancer in 2018.

“What better way to recognise the Gloria’s legacy than initiate a creative writing award named in her honour,” said Karen.

Both long and shortlists of finalists have been announced ahead of the festival. Winners will be announced 9am-10am Saturday 7 September at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

WHAT: Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards announcement
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach
REGISTRATION: Session only tickets start from $21 from www.whitsundayswriters.com

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As economic pressures mount, regional festivals like the Whitsundays Writers Festival face the challenge of maintaining quality while cutting costs. Complaints about the lack of government and community support are growing in regional towns, but there’s a simple solution: buy a ticket. Even if you can’t attend, your purchase can help pay it forward, allowing someone else to experience the event.

Supporting arts and culture doesn’t require grand gestures; it’s as easy as buying a ticket. This small act can make a significant difference, ensuring that festivals like ours and others continue to enrich the cultural fabric of our community. Culture matters, and by supporting it, we show that we matter too.

So, take that step today—purchase a ticket, encourage your friends, and be part of the positive change. Together, we can ensure that arts and culture events and festivals thrive for years to come.

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Earlier this year The Whitsundays Writers Festival excitedly announced Beach Book Boutique as its official Festival Bookshop.

Established in September 2015, Airlie Beach’s iconic independent bookstore overlooks the expansive lagoon. It offers new releases and second-hand books in-store and online, including their unique book exchange for new and high-quality recycled books.

Beach Book Boutique’s owner Belinda Harris is very excited for the festival:

“We are looking forward to having a great weekend with the festival, meeting like-minded people and some amazing authors – including our local writers!”

The Beach Book Boutique will offer a curated selection of titles from both the esteemed speakers at the festival and notable local authors. In addition to providing a diverse array of books, the Boutique will host engaging meet-and-greet sessions and book signings, giving attendees the opportunity to interact with their favourite authors.

For added convenience, a smaller branch of the bookshop will be set up at various Festival venues, ensuring that festival-goers have easy access to their favourite reads and can participate in the exciting book-related events throughout the festival.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Belinda and Beach Book Boutique as our official Festival Bookshop. The festival is committed to engaging local businesses and to showcasing what the Whitsundays has to offer,” said Festival President, Karen Jacobsen.

Beach Book Boutique is a hub for local authors and books about the Whitsundays, offering regular book signings and promotional activities throughout the year.

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Beach Book Boutique selected as official festival book shop.

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Closing the Festival on Sunday 8 September will be the Local Author Long, celebrating the writing journeys of some of the Festival’s Featured Local Authors.
Over lunch, the following authors will discuss their diverse genres, careers, and connections to the Whitsundays:
   • RACHEL ARMSTRONG award winning North Queensland con­temporary romantic fiction author.
   • LORIE BRINK Towns­ville local and writes action-adventure books, with her debut novel to be launched at the festival.
   • HARRY COLFER a critical care paramedic who has published a murder-mystery, two action-adventure thrillers, and a collection of short stories.
   • A.L. TIPPETT wrote her first novel at twelve and now writes urban fantasy novels, with one featuring Bowen’s Big Mango.
   • MONIQUE VAN TULDER is a Shute Harbour resident lifestyle and travel writer, telling the stories of women doing inspiring things, in fascinating places.
“We have fourteen local authors joining the festival, each with their own amazing, distinct creative tal­ents. We can’t wait for Festival at­tendees to meet them and discover their stories,” said Karen.
During the Festival, attendees can meet all the Featured Local Authors, including Sandy Clark, Richard Evans, Melinda Louise Hutchings, Karen Jacobsen, Jo Nightingale, Glynda Joy Parfitt, Bec Russell, Joab Russo, and Peter Utber.
This event is supported by Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine and the Regional Arts Development Fund (a partnership between Queensland Government and Whitsunday Regional Council).

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WHAT: Local Author Long Lunch
WHEN: 12:30pm-2:30pm Sunday 8 September 2024
WHERE: Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale  
REGISTRATION: Standard $109 and Concession $89 includes light lunch and two drink vouchers, and a cash bar from www.whitsundayswriters.com

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Headlining this year’s festival is Shankari Chandran, winner of the prestigious 2023 Miles Franklin Literary Award for Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens.
Shankari’s journey is as cap­tivating as her writing. Raised in Canberra, she spent a transformative decade in London, where she worked as a lawyer dedicated to so­cial justice. Upon returning to Australia, Shankari shifted her focus from legal advocacy to the art of sto­rytelling. Through her writing, she delves into themes of dispossession and the quest for com­munity; crafting narratives that resonate with profound insight and empathy. Her work not only reflects her rich personal experiences but also contributes significantly to contemporary literary discussions on identity and belonging.
Joining Shankari, Sally Hepworth, Kirsty Manning, and Karina Kilmore are several other highly re­garded, award-winning Australian authors:
   • ANNE BUIST Chair of Women’s Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and author of the Natalie King crime fiction series and psychological thrillers like The Glass House.
   • CHRISTOS TSIOLKAS Melbourne-based author of nine novels including The Slap, Barracuda, and Damascus, and a winner of multiple prestigious literary awards.
   • GARRY DISHER Award-winning crime writer known for titles such as Day’s End and Sanctuary.
   • GRAEME SIMSION author of the acclaimed The Rosie Project, which has sold over five million copies and is set for a Hollywood adaptation.
   • JACK RONEY former police officer and author known for his authentic and gripping crime fiction.
   • JOY DAMOUSI distinguished historian and Dean of Arts at the Australian Catholic University.
   • MELISSA ASHLEY award-winning writer, poet, and academic, known for her novel The Birdman’s Wife.
   • NICK EARLS author of 28 books, with multiple adaptations for theatre and film, including 48 Shades of Brown and Perfect Skin.

Their participation solidifies the Whitsundays Writers Festival as a must-attend literary event, marking a significant cultural moment.

WHAT: Whitsundays Writers Festival

WHEN: Friday 6-8 September 2024

WHERE: Main venue Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach

REGISTRATION: Session only tickets start from $21 from www.whitsundayswriters.com

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More than 3000 people took advantage of the low tides this week to walk to the North Head Lighthouse from the Bowen mainland.

People travelled long distances to be in the region for this event and were joined by many locals.

The lowest tide was on Monday but some managed to make the trek on Sunday and Tuesday too.

The lighthouse is located about 1km from the mainland, but you can only walk across when the tide is very low – and that only happens a couple times a year, making it a special occasion whenever it occurs.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the annual lighthouse walk was always popular.

“Walkers follow an exposed sand spit and you always see a lot of marine life, especially red star fish,” she said.

“The view from the lighthouse is magnificent, back across to Bowen on the mainland and looking southeast you see Gloucester Island.”

This year, Kenny the Mango Mascot joined in the annual lighthouse walk.

Kenny is usually based at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango but he couldn’t resist saying hello and joining everyone on their journey to the lighthouse.

He has been to Dalrymple Point before to greet walkers at the start and finish of the event but this year, he made it all the way across to the lighthouse.

“He was very popular with people lining up to have their photo taken with our favourite mascot,” Leanne said.

The six-sided wooden lighthouse is one of Queensland’s oldest and was built in 1866, protecting ships entering Port Denison between Middle, Stone and Gloucester Islands.

Port Denison was the first port established in north Queensland with Bowen officially becoming a town in 1961.

Although the lighthouse has not been in use since 1985, it was restored by community groups in 2017.

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Kenny the Mango Mascot with Margaret Johnson, Lynne Oates, Jo Ahern, Laura Oates and Carolyn Bromley!
Kenny at the lighthouse
People spotted starfish and other marine life on their walk to the lighthouse
Hundreds of people took advantage of the low tides this week to walk to the North Head Lighthouse from the Bowen mainland.
Kenny the Mango Mascot caught up with this group from Argentina on Monday - Dianna, Aixa, Bruno, Benja and Nadia.

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On Wednesday 14th August, the sea received a wonderful gift in the shape of a well-rested and recovered turtle.
In June, Chez, a beautiful sea turtle struggling with buoyancy near Bowen’s Yacht Club, was spotted by Joe Bell and other water enthusiasts. They carefully transported her to shore. Tracey Bazzo from Bowen Sea Turtle Assessment and Rehabilitation (BSTAR) was initially unavailable, so wildlife carer Jo Bell took Chez to BSTAR. After emergency care, Chez was transferred to Libby Edge at Eco Barge who does long-term care.
Tracey spoke with great enthusiasm about Libby and Eco Barge, praising the impactful work they do:
“Libby is so fantastic; her volunteers are just phenomenal.”
Last Wednesday, Billie Edge and Tracey released Chez back into the sea after months of adjusting water levels to enhance her buoyancy. Billie, Libby's daughter, transported Chez to Bowen, where she was found. About 300 spectators, including the KIDZ from the beach daycare center in superhero capes, watched the beachside release.
It was a beautiful day. Chez, placed on the sand and smelling the water, made a beeline for it. When she reached the edge, Tracey noted, Chez, “stopped, looked, and as soon as she hit that first little bit of water, she was off!”
Tracey added, that its always daunting releasing a turtle but gives you a “magnificent feeling.”
“Libby’s facility and her volunteers for long term care, you cannot compare with anything else,” Tracey emphasised.
“If it wasn't for Libby, the turtle would not be released.”
Good luck on your new venture Chez!

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Chez in her mode of transportation.
Chez B-lining back to her home in Bowen!

This week we introduce Jonathan Pourau, (Jono for short) from Painting Made Easy & Affordable. A business providing house painting services that eradicates cracks, mould, rust and rot.
Jonathon moved to the Whitsundays in 1995 and began by teaching kickboxing at Fitness Venue. He earned his QBCC licence in 2007, allowing him to become licensed for painting and waterproofing.        
As a 20-year certified Dulux Acratex Applicator and a 10-year Dulux Avista Applicator, Jonathon says it’s his preparation systems that impress our clients the most.

“Everything I touch gets premium preparation. Our primers and preparation are where our secrets to success is located.”

Jonathon says his product has four main attributes that make it to superior to other paints: it’s thickness, toughness, durability and most importantly, its affordability.

THICK
Jonathan’s waterproof paint, made from resin and cement, is thick and durable. It fills gaps and cracks, setting it apart from thinner, less lasting paints.

“My clients love it!”

TOUGH & DURABLE
There is nothing better on the market than the Dulux Avista paints Jonathan uses, which include new advanced water-based technology.

AFFORDABLE
Painting Made Easy & Affordable offers great discounts for pensioners, seniors, and locals, with better deals for older jobs or houses. Jonathan, a local, provides excellent customer service and has built a strong reputation in the Whitsundays. To see his previous work or hear client testimonials, call Jonathan at 0478 087 778 or 0413 652 000 and mention this article to receive 50% off, for the first 3 callers only (terms and conditions apply).

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Jonathan Pourau proud owner of Painting Made Easy & Affordable

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Sam, a 'retired'/dumped ex-racehorse, has been at Animal Rescue Whitsunday since September 2021. Sam is a gelding, 18 years old and 17 hands tall. He is as gentle as they come and has been handled a lot, but most people are not tall enough to ride him without using a ladder! He always comes second in the pecking order, contrary to AJ who is as bossy as they get.

AJ, a gelding, is a sturdy ex-stock horse, age unknown (no brand), probably around 15 years of age. He was surrendered with 4 other horses in 2022.

Sam needs a strong hand and lots of training, if he'll be ridden again. He tends to boss AJ, but they still 'like' each other and are used to being together.

Sam needs additional feeding, whereas AJ is happy with a bit of lucerne. Sam gets fed separately!

Rehoming fee: $500 (for both together!)
Sex: Male
Breed: Gelding
Indoors/Outdoors: Outdoors
Vaccinations: Both horses haven't been vaccinated for a while.

Sam and AJ spending some quality time together!

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As the Olympic flame fades and our screens return to more mundane fare, I can't help but reflect on some of the highlights that had me practically shouting at the TV. Not too loudly though, I had a sleeping toddler in the next room.

My Olympic enthusiasm runs deep—so deep, in fact, that when my husband and I first met in 2008, our second date was a late-night affair watching the Beijing Opening Ceremony, only to doze off waiting for New Zealand to appear. And a fun fact, my high school had me pegged as 'most likely to represent New Zealand at the Olympics' four years running. Sorry Marlborough Girls' College, I didn’t quite make the cut!

The Games were a rollercoaster of emotions. Matt Glaetzer’s bronze in the keirin by “Doing a Bradbury” was absolutely exhilarating to watch. After years of near-misses, he finally claimed an individual Olympic medal. And let’s not forget Ellesse Andrews from New Zealand, who dazzled with a golden double in the sprint and keirin.

In athletics, Hamish Kerr’s high jump gold was a leap of joy, while Jess Hull’s silver in the 1500m made history as Australia’s first female medallist in that event. Matt Denny’s emotional bronze in the discus was a personal highlight. As a fellow discus thrower, seeing him break the fourth-place curse was nothing short of incredible. The commentator’s "Fourth No More!" was music to my ears.

Simone Biles was, as always, the epitome of greatness in gymnastics. Her performances are a masterclass in athleticism and grace – a true GOAT (greatest of all time) worthy of that title.

And a sport that I never thought would captivate me, (don’t worry, I’m not going to say breaking), is golf. I don’t mind the occasional belt of a ball at the driving range, but I’ve never been able to watch it as a spectator sport. Until Lydia Ko. An unbelievably composed final round saw her win gold to complete her Olympic Medal set and enter the LPGA Hall of Fame, and she’s only 27 years old!

For those suffering from Olympic withdrawal, the Paralympics begin on 28th August, promising more jaw-dropping feats and inspiring moments. If the Olympics left you with a sense of “what’s your excuse?” the Paralympics will surely provide a new wave of motivation.

Amanda

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Matt from Pressure Kings Pressure Cleaning recently made a significant impact in his community through a touching act of generosity.

A local neighbour shared on Facebook how Matt generously offered a free driveway pressure clean to Pete, a veteran facing terminal cancer. Not only did Matt take care of the cleaning, but he also personally thanked Pete for his service in the army.

Matt is now offering free driveway pressure cleans to other elderly residents who might be in need. This initiative has touched many hearts and inspired others to support Matt's small business.

Pressure Kings Pressure Washing Service, based in the Mackay and Whitsunday regions, is known for its experienced and professional pressure cleaning services. They specialise in residential, commercial and industrial properties, ensuring every job is completed on time and within budget.

With a strong commitment to quality control and customer satisfaction, Matt and his team continue to make a difference not only through their exceptional services but also through their genuine care for the community.

As a reminder of the kindness that still lies within the region, Pete’s neighbour commented,  “I want to express my deepest gratitude to Matt from Pressure Kings Pressure Cleaning for his incredible generosity.

“Matt is donating a free driveway pressure clean to our local elderly folks so if you or someone you know is in need of this please reach out to Matt and the guys from Pressure Kings Pressure Cleaning.

“Thank you Matt, for making a difference!”

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Before and after of Pete’s driveway. Photo source: Pressure Kings Pressure Cleaning (Facebook)

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