During the recent extreme weather event, our Whitsunday community once again demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to each other’s safety.

From Council staff and emergency services to volunteers and neighbours looking out for one another, this response showcased the true strength of our Whitsunday community.

When severe weather and flooding impact our region, it takes a coordinated effort from many dedicated staff working behind the scenes and on the ground to keep our community safe and services running smoothly.

Responding to such events requires long hours, teamwork, and quick decision-making to manage the challenges that arise. Even a ‘small’ event takes a huge amount of effort.

As Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, I saw firsthand the coordinated efforts of Council, emergency services, and volunteers.

Our teams worked tirelessly monitoring roads, maintaining public facilities, and providing constant updates through the Disaster Dashboard.

We’re also grateful to our Police, SES, and first responders, who worked in tough conditions to assist those in need.

Council has been categorized as an affected area for NDRRA disaster relief funding, helping us secure resources for recovery and repairs.

I will continue advocating for federal and state funding to address ongoing road and flooding issues so we can build a more resilient region.

As conditions improve, Council crews are out fixing damage, repairing potholes, and restoring public spaces.

Thank you to everyone who stepped up—we are stronger together.

‍

Valentine's Day has a long and windy history. However, whether you view the day as a commercial invention or a celebration of love, here's why we celebrate on February 14th.
It’s not always been about leaving secret notes or giving chocolates and the biggest bouquet of the reddest roses. Valentine's Day, now a universal celebration of love, has become synonymous with romance, flowers, and gifts, with Australia alone spending an estimated $465 million alone on Valentine's Day in 2024.
The origins of Valentines Day and its purpose, however, have been a state of contention in the historical realm. Some historians trace Valentine's Day back to the ancient Pagan festival of Lupercalia, a ritual promoting fertility and matchmaking, while others link it to the executions of two men named Valentine on February 14th, during the 3rd century in Rome.
One of these men, Saint Valentine, was a priest under Emperor Claudius II, a ruler who had banned Christian marriages. Saint Valentine continued to marry these religious couples in secret ceremonies which, when caught, lead to his imprisonment and execution.
The tradition of signing your cards or love letters with "From your Valentine" is said to have stemmed from Saint Valentine himself, who allegedly sent a love note to the blind daughter of his jailer, a girl he is reported to have miraculously cured.
By the end of the 5th century, as Rome had spread and taken over other territories, festivals like Lupercalia were replaced with a feast honouring the martyred saint, Valentine. Because of this tradition Saint Valentine became known as the Patron Saint of Love.
In 1375, Geoffrey Chaucer known as the ‘Father of English Literature’ wrote a poem linking Saint Valentine with love, popularising the idea of February 14th as a day for romance.
By the late 15th century, the term 'Valentine' was used as an endearment in letters and songs and by the 19th century, mass production of Valentine's Day cards began with the tradition gaining economic success through to the 21st century today.

‍

Why made you choose the Pest control Industry?
In the early 90’s, Australia was still in a recession and had little luck in getting the jobs I was applying for. In 1992, I answered an ad in Sydney Herald, where they needed a University graduate in science with sales experience and living locally Eastern Suburbs…it was a company called Academic Pest Control. I had all the required criteria and more, so found myself working for the company, and 3 years later we reached an agreement with my boss to work as a subcontractor instead of being an employee. I started Blue Peace as a sole trader in Feb 14, 1995.

I had 10 successful years in Sydney, and in 2005 when my father passed away, myself and Gloria my partner, moved to the Whitsunday paradise and set up camp here. We had come up here in 1999 for holidays and ended up acquiring an investment property in Island close. I was hooked on the region and began to plan the move and started advertising prior to the move to test the waters…. it paid off!

The preference from most commercial clients such as the shopping centres, Whitsunday Regional Council, hotels/resorts, body corporates, etc prompted me to become a Pty Ltd company which was incorporated at the end of 2006.

Behind every great man is a great woman, and in 2018 I lost my lovely Gloria. She was definitely a pillar of support and I miss her terribly.

What would be your best or bests memories from your work?  
Perhaps it was working with Inspector Blue my beagle termite sniffer dog. I needed to stand out from the existing competition which was fierce. As the property market in the Whitsundays was booming in 2006, Inspector Blue put my business on the map.

Initially, my firm was highly recommended by agents to potential buyers however, Blue was too good at his job, and ended up stuffing up a few sales for the agents and or sellers☹ Blue worked with me until 2017 when he went into retirement and became a pet. He went to dog’s heaven in 2021. I still miss him.

Any dangerous moments or accidents that marked you whilst being a pest technician?
Yes, in December 1999, whilst doing a bird-job for a highrise building in Sydney, I fell 7 metres off a ladder onto the spiral concrete ramp of the underground carpark. I destroyed my knee in a million pieces and had a reconstruction that affected my job for several months after that. I learned my respect for ladders which I still apply the outmost safety today.

Another time, whilst doing a pest inspection in a castle in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, I almost got trapped in the subfloor. I had to summon all my willpower to remain calm. The access between rooms had a funnel like in the sandstone manhole - easy to slide in, but I had to take my overalls off, concentrate and turn into a contortionist to free myself back into the hallways. I remember asking the staff of the castle to keep talking to me or tell me jokes through the air vents to keep my mind occupied. It was borderline to panic and developing claustrophobia.

Special achievements from your firm?
Yes, my bad debtors amount only to 3! In the 30 years. Only one person didn’t pay for a pest inspection. The other two - I took one to court and won the case and got most of the invoice paid, the second “forgot” to pay. Regardless, in 30 years, bad debt amounts to less than $9000 (including $8400 from a construction company that went into liquidation. That is good choice in clients which has also resulted in zero legal claims!

Your oldest continuous client?  
Airlie Beach Hotel from 2007 until present!

Coolest job?
I flew my light aircraft to Hamilton Island to do a termite quote for a very prestigious luxury home that had just finished being built and was attacked severely by termites. Termites were dancing lambada on the physical blankets recently installed by a main competitor of mine.

The owner insisted to the builder to use our firm to solve the problem and me and my partner were offered to stay at that house for 3 nights whilst I carried out the remedial treatment. Instead of me paying the high amount for the accommodation, I and my partner Gloria, stayed at the holiday house in question and Blue Peace got paid a substantial amount for the immediate action on addressing another supplier’s error up as the builder was on a deadline.

Most challenging job?
Eradicating the termite activity for the Whitsunday Regional Council in the timber post on the water of the pier in Shute Harbour. In 2007. At the time, the Termidor dust was just being launched, termicide foams were not yet invented, just arsenic dust!  Being a Marine Biologist myself, I could see the potential of an environmental disaster by having poison falling or leaking into the sea!

I called for reinforcements, the representative of the pesticide’s companies, my insurance company, the media, etc. BASF came to the rescue as they were about to launch the Termidor dust which was the safest and most effective way of tackling the issue. The rep came in person to assist and a promotional video came out of it.

DISLIKES of your job?  
That I am actually in the killing business to make a living!  I greatly identify with the Buddhist philosophy of life. I don’t even go fishing as the killing of the fish puts me off!
Having said that, nowadays, 75% of my business is doing preventative jobs working with over a 20 building companies installing physical termite barrier systems at the time of construction. I tried a few systems, and in 2008 I finally found TERMSEAL, which is by far the best product in the market for pre-construction termite protection. I find this preventive type of treatment far less karmic and cheaper.

Any transcendental comment or rewards that your job brings you?
Meeting new people and reconnecting with previously met souls. I feel sometimes that my job is just an excuse to allow me to reconnect with persons and souls from the past, as if I was retracing my life steps in a process of redemption, reconciliation and/or transcendence. I have had mostly superb and great beings as my clients. One of them, a lady in Sydney, actually became a close friend.

Joys that your job brings:
I have also been very fortunate in having had wonderful employees along the years whether short or long term. It is true that one learns more when one is teaching. Having the opportunity to mentor the employees, which nowadays several of them are close friends, brings me great satisfaction. I am not only talking about pest control knowledge, it also extends to philosophy of life, business ethics, discipline, etc I can sleep sound at night having the satisfaction that the jobs have been done properly.  

What would you say is the key to success for someone starting a new business?
Perseverance and equally, or more important, is the willing to do what others won’t or are not prepared to do

Some of our major builders and commercial establishments we would like to thank are:

   1. GJ Gardner Homes
   2. Blue Palm Properties
   3. Red Emperor Constructions
   4. Green Homes
   5. Ryan Building Group
   6. Apex Homes
   7. Airlie Beach Constructions
   8. Eastwood Projects
   9. Abel Morris Constructions
   10. Ben Dooling
   11. Peto’s Constructions
   12. Seamer Constructions
   13. Trevor Harrison Builder
   14. Paine Builders
   15. Baden Touhy Constructions  

   1. Airlie Beach Hotel  
   2. Dingo Beach Hotel
   3. Montes Resort                                    
   4. Mika
   5. Tasman Caravan Park
   6. Archers Body Corporate
   7. The Hostel
   8. The Rainbow Café
   9. Sorrento’s
   10. Sushi House Whitsunday Plaza
   11. Joa Sushi Bar Airlie Beach
   12. Sidewalk Café
   13.  D'Viet House/Korean BBQ Grill

‍

Proserpine State High School’s 2025 school leaders were inducted on Monday 10th February in front of their peers, teachers, and members of their school community. Mia Vloedmans and Callum Henry were inducted into the position of School Captains, with Tavis McDonald and Abbie Green making School Vice Captains.
Principal Don McDermid said he looks forward to working alongside the school leaders to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
“We value our school community and strive to include others, recognise strengths, value diversity and support others in times of need.”
On the back of being named the first secondary school in Australia to be a b kinder school, badges were also presented to the school’s 6 b kinder ambassadors at the ceremony.
Alice Pini and Hurley Diessel were the school’s recipients of the George Telford Memorial Bursary and Douglas Debney Memorial Bursary. These are generously funded by Wilmar Sugar Australia Limited and were presented to students for being the top 2 academically achieving Year 12 students for 2024.
Alice was also named School Dux for 2024 after achieving an outstanding 99.40 ATAR result. Alice expressed her gratitude for the generosity of Wilmar towards herself and Hurley and acknowledged the support from the broader school community.
Congratulations to all those hardworking students who achieved leadership positions and outstanding awards, may the school flourish this year under your guidance and example.
2025 School Leaders
Captains – Callum Henry and Mia Vloedmans
Vice Captains – Tavis McDonald and Abbie Green
Indigenous Student Leaders
Senior – Tavis McDonald
Junior – Savanna Allan
Senior Student Council Executives
President – Bella Knight
Vice President – Kate Hamilton
Secretary – Zane Devine
Treasurer – Archer Philipson
Junior Student Council Executives
President – Hayden Turnbull
Vice President – Addison Whitney
Secretary – Dwayne Mount
Treasurer – Brayden Fogg
Band Captains
Concert Band – Tavis McDonald and Savannah Lamont
Strings Orchestra – Matthew Mendoza
House Captains
Oxley House
Captains – Ambrose Diessel and Ivy Thompson
Vice Captains – Allegra Bradley and Lily Chapman
Flinders House
Captains – Blake Hanks and Ruhveer Kaur
Vice Captains – Amelia Brain and Mia Vloedmans
Kennedy House
Captains – Tiana Bell and Mia Vique
Vice Captains – Thalia Foster and Elsie Hinton
Cook House
Captains – Hayden Hudak and Elizabeth Pascoe
Vice Captains – Zane Devine and Archer Philipson
b kinder ambassadors
Mia Vloedmans
Abbie Green
Savannah Lamont
Elizabeth Pascoe
Georgia Whitton
Charli Young
2024 School Dux
Alice Pini
Bursary Winners
Douglas Debney Memorial Bursary – Hurley Diessel
George Telford Memorial Bursary – Alice Pini

‍

The newly inducted 2025 school leaders at Proserpine State High School. Photo Supplied: Aimee Mitchell
Proserpine State High School Principal Don McDermid, bursary recipients Hurley Diessel and Alice Pini with Wilmar Sugar Australia Limited Engineering Manager Cory O'Shea. Photo Supplied: Aimee Mitcell

‍

Congratulations to Proserpine State High School graduate Alice Pini who received an impressive ATAR result of 99.40 upon the culmination of her high school studies. Alice’s dedication to her academic excellence resulted in outstanding Year 12 subject results achieving an ‘A’ in all 6 of her subjects and being put on the Queensland Certificate of Education honour roll.
Alice’s remarkable efforts at school were acknowledged when she received subject awards for Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry and Physics at the school’s 62nd Annual Awards Night last year. She was named Proserpine State High School’s James Cook University Top Scholar and received the Public Speaking Award.
As a further result of achieving an ATAR greater than 99, her leadership positions during high school, and community involvement awarded Alice a University of Queensland Excellence Scholarship. Alice will start her tertiary studies at the University of Queensland studying a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics. Her long-term goal is to drive meaningful change in solving some of Australia’s most pressing economic challenges, such as the rising cost of living and the housing affordability crisis. Alice aims to develop innovative solutions to ensure a more affordable and sustainable future for all Australians.
Alice said there was no secret to her success, just hard work put in through her studies.
“It’s an honour to be named the 2024 School Dux, especially looking at who else’s names are on the honour roll,” she said.
“I feel very fortunate to have had teachers who wanted to see me achieve and who were genuinely there for me.”
Principal Don McDermid said Alice’s achievements are a well-deserved recognition of an outstanding graduate.
“What is impressive is the ability to achieve her personal goals, while at the same time supporting her peers and school community through her leadership roles,” he said.
Mr McDermid also acknowledged the dedication of the staff at Proserpine State High School for their commitment supporting students to engage with their learning and achieve their personal best.
These results from the graduating class of 2024 included 84% of the ATAR eligible students receiving their first preference for university. They had 100% QCE attainment and 219 VET qualifications completed. Alice was joined by fellow peer Trinity Murphy, in receiving a QCAA Certificate of Academic Commendation Award for top marks in all 6 of their subjects. 10 students received early entry into their chosen university, with five students also receiving Bond University Leadership and/or Excellence Scholarships

‍

Rotary of Airlie Beach Secretary Merewyn Wright with 2024 School Dux Alice Pini. Photo Supplied: Aimee Mitchell

‍

The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) Swift Water Team called in at the Big Mango next to the Bowen Visitor information Centre on the weekend, letting people know that their excellent team members have been based across the region. Specialising swift-water technicians have been set up in locations such as Proserpine and Airlie Beach among others in the Whitsundays over the past week, in preparation for further heavy rain.
Queensland Fire Department’s swift-water technicians are highly skilled firefighters specialising in water-based rescues. In Queensland, there are more than 400 trained firefighters as Level 2 swift-water technicians and more than 120 of those are also trained to use motorised swift water rescue craft.
According to the Queensland Fire Department’s website, water moving at more than 2km/h has enough power to sweep vehicles and people from roadways and can occur before, during and after severe weather events.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said most visitors to the Big Mango so far this month were requiring information about road closures or stopping for a “Driver Reviver” break on their way north or south.
“We have also had a lot of day-trippers from Airlie Beach on days when it wasn’t raining in Bowen,” she said.
“Many tourists from southern Queensland and interstate took advantage of the fine weather in Bowen when the roads were open to explore our beautiful beaches, lookouts, murals and other attractions.”
The teams based further north were very busy with the major weather event around Townsville and Ingham, but we also had Swift Water Team members right here in our region just in case. The Swift Water team passing through Bowen put a lot of travellers at ease knowing they would be there for those affected by the flooding.

‍

QFD Swift Water Team members at the Big Mango on the weekend. Photo supplied

‍

Droving of large numbers of sheep and cattle in Australia was common but not so for pigs. Those who have had anything to do with these animals would be able to imagine the problems associated with droving large mobs of these animals especially recently caught wild pigs, over long distances.

Pig droving did occur, and on a large scale, in the district several times between Mackay and Proserpine in the early twentieth century. In 1908, three large mobs were driven overland and sold in Mackay.  

Prior to 1907, Goorganga Station was closed to hunters and trappers with the result that the property became overrun by wallabies and pigs. When grazier, Mr E G Lascelles, purchased the property and saw the damage caused to the farm he immediately engaged a pig catcher with a view to removing the menace and saving the grass for the stock during dry times.

Enter Jack Smith …

Arrangements were made with a drover called Harry Rafter who engaged as his assistant, Jack Smith, well known as a good shot and excellent horseman. Jack Smith had come to North Queensland from Victoria as a young man, first working on Lochinvar Station (Collinsville) Rafter also made contact with a butcher in Mackay to purchase 300 pigs ranging from three months to two years.

Rafter decided the task was not for him and returned to his former work as a stockman. Smith stuck to the job and after four weeks had a mob of 120 pigs ready for the road and after a trek of ten days made his first delivery at Mackay. Upon arriving it was found that the butcher’s yard was not constructed to hold in pigs and a few escaped. The trip had not been uneventful and farmers enroute were unhappy when some of the pigs escaped.

A second droving trip, though just as difficult was more successful however the third mob delivered to Mackay was a disaster. When the pigs did not come up for feed the first morning after delivery, a worker endeavoured to start them off. Startled, they took off, taking the fence with them. The stockman tried to round them up with the horses but they were so badly ripped the task ended in failure. This drove proved to be the last.

Jack Smith left the catching and shooting business at the end of 1909 and became a mixed farmer growing corn, bananas and tobacco and later sugar cane in Banana Pocket but he continued to supply the local market with pigs which by that time became scarce and difficult to find.

Jack, otherwise known by the nicknames of Long John and Honest Jack, continued his association with Lascelles of Goorganga and procured beasts from him taking them to the Banana Pocket Butchering Company where the meat was put in kerosene tins, placed on the old wood stove, and brought to the boil.

Jack Smith was Chairman of the first Banana Pocket Progress Association in 1921. He advocated for a school at Banana Pocket and the first one opened in a small hut on his block of land known as “The Garden”. Jack Smith later became Proserpine Shire Chairman from 1937 – 1940. His death in the late 50s marked the passing of another true pioneer of our district.

‍

Photo and story courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum and also sourced from the “Proserpine Guardian” Special Edition 1947.

‍

In the Whitsundays, the roadways are not just paths to adventure - they’re also shaped by the incredible women who drive them. Whitsunday Transit, a family-owned business, is proud to highlight the essential role women play in the transport industry.

What sets Whitsunday Transit apart is its unwavering commitment to creating a flexible, family-friendly environment that empowers women to thrive as bus drivers. By offering schedules that suit families' needs, Whitsunday Transit is helping to break down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Thanks to the company's strong support system, women in the community are now stepping into roles that were once out of reach.

I was truly inspired by meeting and listening to these incredible women. They spoke proudly of their careers and were grateful for the flexibility Whitsunday Transit provides. It’s a rare combination: a fulfilling job that allows them to balance family life with a meaningful career. Whitsunday Transit's support has not only helped these drivers succeed but also encouraged more women to consider the transport industry as a viable career choice.

Whitsunday Transit’s focus on women in transport inspires future generations and proves that with the right support, the sky’s the limit!

Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays

Jade Yvonne with Whistunday Transit.

‍

Still searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day plan? Ditch the usual dinner reservation and cook up a day full of adventure, stunning views and a little extra romance. This off-the-beaten-track itinerary is the perfect blend of love, laughter and unforgettable moments.
Ingredients:
1 scenic sunrise hike (the ultimate wake-up call with a view)
1 dreamy beach escape (for that “just the two of us” kind of feeling)
1 long, lazy lunch (because love is best served fresh)
1 sunset picnic (cue the romantic soundtrack)
Method:
   1. Start with a sunrise stroll – Take your pick: Coral Beach for a peaceful coastal vibe or Honeyeater Lookout for a view worth the climb. Either way, extra romance points if you bring coffee!
   2. Add a beach day – Set sail to Windy Bay, a secret slice of paradise on Haslewood Island, or take the scenic drive to Murray Bay in Bowen for a quiet, crystal-clear escape.
   3. Mix in a long lunch – Sip, savour, and soak up the ocean breeze at Montes in Hideaway Bay or enjoy classic charm (and a cold drink) at the Grand View Hotel in Bowen - —because love should always come with good food and great views.
   4. Finish with a sunset spread – Unroll a picnic blanket at Airlie Beach Foreshore or Mandalay Jetty, pop some bubbles, and watch the sky put on a show just for you.
Serving suggestion:
Best enjoyed with your favourite person, a chilled drink, and absolutely no plans to rush home.

Contributed by Tourism Whitsundays

Heart of the Reef

‍

Young Allegra Bradley, from Proserpine State High School was one of eight students who received the Premier’s Anzac Prize and will undertake an international history lesson on how the ANZAC legacy was shaped. The prize is an opportunity for young Queenslanders to gain an in-depth understanding through research, workshops and visits, of the Australian Service people who gave so much in World War I.
In mid-January, Allegra took her first steps on this tour’s journey by participating in a workshop hosted by State Library of Queensland, researching and looking at WWI artifacts and documents. Now with some background knowledge, Allegra can perform the middling tasks of the Prize such as community engagements and fundraising projects before the tour goes international in April.
For two weeks Allegra, the other seven students and two teacher-chaperones will take a tour of Europe visiting key sites of importance to ANZAC war history. From the United Kingdom to the Western Front, this group will attend the sites with expert historian and bring the knowledge back to their hometowns and communities. The trip also includes attending the Australian Government Anzac Day Dawn Service in the northern French village of Villers-Bretonneux where nearly 1,500 Australian soldiers became casualties 106 years ago.
“Gaining perspective is important to me as Australians view World War I through a different lens than Great Britain, Belgium and France as the threat of war was closer to them.” Allegra said.
“The perspective gained from reading the letters, hearing the stories, and seeing these artefacts really amplified the importance of the ANZAC Spirit and its everlasting legacy in Australia.”
Congratulations to Allegra for being selected for this prestigious program. This experience she and the others embark upon will impact them all deeply and honour those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.

‍

Allegra Bradley looking through artifacts. Photo Supplied: Proserpine High School
Allegra and the other ANZAC Prize winners. Photo Supplied: Proserpine High School

‍

By Ruth Puddefoot

Since its founding in 2013, the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre (WTRC) has served as a vital sanctuary for injured and sick sea turtles. Over the years, the Centre has provided a second chance at life for more than 272 of these magnificent marine creatures.

‍
Now, Eco Barge is embarking on an exciting upgrade to enhance the Centre’s facilities, allowing them to provide even better care for their beloved turtles.
The Centre is supported by a dedicated team of trained volunteers, who selflessly donate their time to care for these incredible animals. This team follows a rotating schedule, ensuring turtles receive consistent attention through food preparation, feeding, cleaning, and other essential care.

‍
Additionally, the WTRC is home to a specialised turtle response team, which is committed to providing fast and effective assistance to any turtles in distress, covering the entire region from Mackay to Bowen.

‍
The Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre upgrade project is proudly funded through the Queensland Government’s Community Sustainability Action grants program. This grant will support critical improvements, including the installation of heaters, enhanced pumps, and operational upgrades to ensure more efficient care for rescued turtles.

However, this project is a significant undertaking, and Eco Barge needs the support of the local community and businesses to maximise its impact.

The Centre is seeking your support! Whether through skilled trades, materials, or financial contributions, every form of help makes a meaningful impact in ensuring the best possible care for the turtles of the Whitsundays. Your generosity can directly enhance their recovery and well-being.

How You Can Turtley Help:

Local Businesses & Trades: If you can assist with renovations, solar power installation, plumbing, or other expertise, The Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre would love to hear from you!

Donations: Every dollar goes directly toward building a purpose-built tank for larger turtles and improving the facilities of the turtle centre.

Donate Today:

‍
Online: www.ecobargecleanseas.org.au
Direct link: https://www.givenow.com.au/httpsecobargecleanseasorgauturtle-rescue

For More Information or to Get Involved:

‍
Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc.
Email: info@ecobargecleanseas.org.au
Phone: 0417 642 815

‍

Fauna Rescue Whitsundays recently expressed their gratitude on Facebook to the dedicated hotliners, rescuers, carers, volunteers, and members of the public who have provided invaluable support to the organization.
In their post, Fauna Rescue Whitsundays emphasised that the success of the organisation is due to the commitment of those individuals.
With the ongoing wet season leading to a sharp increase in the number of animals requiring care, the organisation is actively seeking additional help from the community. Fauna Rescue Whitsundays is particularly looking for volunteers for the following roles:
   • Hotliners: Answer calls and coordinate rescue efforts
   • Rescuers: Respond to calls and rescue and transport animals in need
   • Carers: Provide safe environments and rehabilitation for rescued wildlife
   • Volunteers: Assist with events, fundraising, and administrative tasks
Even those who can offer assistance on a less frequent basis are encouraged to get involved.
For more information about volunteer opportunities, visit:

https://www.frw.org.au/volunteer-or-donate.html.

‍

Hi Everyone,
Welcome to the second week of Ruth 2 Reef!
I hope you enjoy reading this week's feature, and if you have any stories that you would like to see featured in Ruth 2 Reef, please email ruth@lifepublishinggroup.com.
Happy reading!
Ruth
“An understanding of the natural world, and what’s in it as a source of not only great curiosity but great fulfilment.”- David Attenborough

‍

The Whitsundays attract many visitors who are drawn to its vibrant marine life, with the majestic manta rays being a particular highlight.
These magnificent creatures are often regarded as more ethereal than any other marine animal, gliding gracefully through the water with an almost otherworldly presence.
Yet, manta rays are far more than just plankton-feasting, magical sea creatures, they are fascinating beings with remarkable intelligence and intricate cleaning and feeding behaviours that captivate all who encounter them.
Manta rays have the largest brain relative to their body size of any fish in the ocean, making them highly intelligent, with some studies even concluding that they are self-aware and can recognise their own reflections.
Manta Rays are also hugely important to the functioning of many ocean habitats, including coral reefs; research has shown that they play a key role in cycling nutrients across habitats.
Worldwide, overfishing is the biggest threat to species survival, as slow reproduction and long lifespans hinder recovery. Poor water quality, pollution, sediment runoff, rising temperatures, and climate change are also damaging their reef habitats. As a result, manta rays are losing the pristine environments they rely on.
Project Manta Whitsundays is a citizen science initiative that partners with local organizations and the community to study manta rays in the Whitsundays.
Launched four years ago by Ocean Rafting Eco Manager Jessica Funnell, the project began when she moved to the region and became intrigued by the manta rays' migration patterns, which lacked clear information. Determined to find answers, she started the project herself.
The team collects sighting data primarily from Ocean Rafting tours and local boating and snorkeling trips, engaging guests and residents in the process.
Jess shared insights into the team's ongoing research focus:
“We collect the basic information, it's the date, it's the time, it's the location, it's the behaviour.
“It might seem so little, but it's actually so big, because this helps us track movement patterns.
“It helps us see what they're doing around the islands.
“Are they feeding here? Are they at cleaning stations?”
For crew members interested in getting involved, Ocean Rafting offers the chance to enter the water and capture a photo of a manta's belly, which serves as a unique "fingerprint." Once the data is collected, if the manta is a new sighting, the person who identified it gets to name the ray.
Jess stated that whilst naming a ray is very special, spotting a ray that's already been found is also just as important:
“If it has been seen again, that's equally as important, because that marks a movement pattern.
“And because of our research that we did last year, for the first time, we got a migration pattern of a ray travelling from the Whitsundays to Orpheus Island, which has never been recorded before.
“We also had two from Lady Elliot Island coming to the Whitsunday Island, so we are making progress.”
To keep track of the wonderful Whitsunday Rays or to see how to get involved head to @projectmanta_whitsundays on Instagram.

‍

Fast Fact: The word manta is Spanish for ‘blanket’ and it’s easy to see where these beautiful creatures got their name!

‍

Whitsunday Manta Ray. Photo Credit: Marine Biologist Johnny Gaskell @johnny_gaskell.

‍

Living in the hot tropics means there are plenty of thirsty guests and locals out and about enjoying the beauty the Whitsundays has to offer.
Sadly, a lot of the containers used for drinking end up in landfills, especially with the huge influx of tourists who visit the islands.
Ocean Rafting has acknowledged the contribution that tourism operators have on waste, and to help minimise their eco footprint introduced a brand-new initiative called Tins 4 Fins.
Having found out about the Containers for Change initiative in Airlie Beach, Ocean Rafting decided that they could exchange their waste for money with all proceeds to fund and support various environmental projects, such as beach clean-ups, wildlife research and more.
Jessica Funnell, Eco Manager at Ocean Rafting, explained how it has been a great initiative for not just guests but also crew members:
“It's actually been a really good initiative for our crew to get behind as well, and also something great for us to tell our guests, as it is something that they can contribute to, meaning they might not feel so bad either.”
What started as one bag, taken down by one of Ocean Rafting’s crew members Ivan, has now become four bins a week.
“As we also continue our conservation efforts, this year, we're going to be calling more on local businesses, schools, community members to donate their recyclables to support our next goal, which is raising funds for manta ray research,” Jess explained.

‍