Pizza for a Purpose was successfully launched at Caneland Central, last Saturday, June 1. 
 
Parents, children, local businesses and organisations such as Real Mates Talk and Run for Mi Life took centre stage engaging in fun activities and offering services all in the name of suicide prevention and to raise awareness for Pizza for a Purpose. 
 
Throughout June, five dollars for every large pizza sold at Laffos, will be donated to the Grapevine Group for entirely local initiatives. 
 
As part of the launch, Laffos hosted two pizza making workshops, where Bottletops and Brushes held a painting workshop and Let’s Face It offered children’s face painting and balloon artistry. 
 
HIT FM Mackay also broadcasted the event from centre stage throughout the morning. 
 
“It was our best ever launch.” Laffos spokesperson, Nicole Batzloff said. 
 
“But it’s just the beginning. We really want the community to get behind Pizza for a Purpose and have a large pizza this June.” 
 
Whether dining in at Laffos, ordering takeaway, or purchasing via Menulog, $5 from every pizza sold will go towards supporting the Grapevine group and their efforts in preventing suicide within the community. 
 
Local businesses are also encouraged to host a Pizza Party at their workplaces and use their party packs to share their support on social media. 
 
Businesses wishing to support this cause can call Laffos on 4898 1121.  
 

‍

Bringing together locally sourced high-quality produce with one of the most beautiful beaches in the world is the legacy of Kevin Collins who created White on Whitehaven, our region’s only 250-seater pop-up restaurant on Whitehaven Beach.

Having started his career as a chef when he completed his apprenticeship in 1978, Kev was always an ambitious and high-achieving individual, qualities that led him to start his own restaurant at just 22 years old.

Moving to the Whitsundays in 1983, Kev found a place he could call home and instantly fell in love with island life, moving onto South Molle Island to pursue management opportunities.

Within 13 years, Kev progressed from Duty Manager to General Manager, making the most of his time to gain experience in the broader hospitality realm.

It was 20 years ago, however, that Kev returned to the mainland and opened the doors to iconic local eatery, Fish D’vine.

Here, he was able to infuse his love of locally sourced seafood with seasonal produce, creating a delicious menu that showcased the regional delights.

While operating the business, Kev’s entrepreneurial spirit also saw him pursue other ventures, namely large-scale events on Whitehaven Beach.

In fact, it was 24 years ago that he launched the first ‘White on Whitehaven’ long-table lunch which began its life as a fundraiser for Queensland Variety Charity.

Back in those days, they chartered 16 bare boats to ferry guests to the beach.

Over the years the event has evolved significantly, and over the last six years, it has become a public event, open to everyone.

This transition occurred when Kev teamed-up with Tourism Whitsundays to launch a campaign to attract visitors in the off-peak season.

Its popularity, however, soon overtook the campaign and it was shifted to September, a time of year that suits the natural ambience of the event perfectly.

Over the past five years, White on Whitehaven has become a bucket list item on many lists, attracting guests from all around the country.

“This is not a cheap day out, but if you factor in everything that’s included it’s a great deal!” enthused Kev.

“It’s such a special experience, everyone aspires to do at least once in their lives.

“Live oysters are opened for you as soon as you hit the beach, beautiful sashimi is presented on a platter, and you are given a glass of chilled French Champagne! What arrival could be better than that?”

Famed for its incredible cuisine, White on Whitehaven is a foodies paradise – guests are presented with freshly caught seafood from local fishers – really showcasing our region’s incredible produce.

“We live in a wonderful part of the world and there has been a shift in sentiment where people love cooking shows and eating delicious food!” expressed Kev.

“I love that we have local fisherman fishing for us – there is a nice synergy in that – these fishermen are trusting us to showcase their product.”

Another hit on the menu at White on Whitehaven is the Sous Vide Eye Fillet.

“It spends three hours in a water bath at 58 degrees and is cooked perfectly to a medium rare,” shared Kev.

“It’s then kissed on a hot BBQ and served.”

If you would like to attend this year’s St. Bebida White on Whitehaven event simply scan the QR code below to book your ticket.
 

Kevin Collins creator of White on Whitehaven who has been holding events on the island for over 20 years

‍

The unveiling of two Jetty designs for the new Bowen Jetty showcase ideas and features generated from the feedback of the people living within the region.

North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) CEO Brendan Webb said putting the community first was a key part of their planning stage.

“We could not have asked for more from the community when it comes to them sharing their passion, local knowledge and great ideas,” Mr Webb said.

“More than 770 people have gave their feedback through our first survey, workshops and pop-up sessions in March.”

NQBP developed the two new designs by listening to community ideas when creating the two concepts and now want feedback.

Details about the design options and artist impressions are available on the project website and will be available at upcoming information sessions in Bowen.

“This will be the last opportunity for the community to have their say on the concept design by completing the online survey. So, I encourage everyone to provide their feedback during June,” Mr Webb said.

“Your feedback will help our project team refine the final jetty concept design, which we’ll share later this year.”

Built-in 1867 the Bowen Wharf structure is an iconic local landmark that is nearing its end of life.

“The State Government’s $50 million commitment to replace the jetty will provide the Bowen community with a sustainable structure boasting a 100-year design life,” Mr Webb said.

The jetty is imagined as a versatile hub connecting with the Bowen foreshore, with recreational fishing activities, leisure strolls and picturesque views of Bowen’s scenic coastline on offer.

“We asked the community what they valued and wanted to see in the future Jetty, and we have heard them loud and clear,” Mr Webb said.

Key features of the concept designs include:

   • Ample shade and seating for relaxing and socialising

   • Toilets and water bubblers

   • Dedicated fishing areas equipped with modern amenities

   • Accessibility provisions to ensure inclusivity for all members of the community

   • Environmental consideration to preserve local ecosystems

   • Integration of Juru people artwork and cultural elements to celebrate the region’s rich heritage.

During June, the project team will be in Bowen to talk with the local community.

Come along to displays and chat with a team member:

   • Bowen PCYC, Friday 14 June, 4pm to 6pm

   • Centre Point Plaza Shopping Centre, Saturday 15 June, 9.30am to 11.30am

   • Bowen Community Markets, Sunday 16 June, 7am to 12pm

   • Bowen Show, Tuesday, 25 June

‍

Hi Everyone,

I was out on Cannonvale Beach with my son one morning, taking our excitable Border Collie, Finn, for a walk when I began watching two men at work planting little shrubs in the nearby garden beds.

One of the men had a massive drill and was drilling into the soil, up-rooting much of it and breaking deeply into the beds before plopping a plant into the hole he’d created.

The other man had a shovel in his hand and was gently scooping away the soil - slowly, quietly and lovingly he created the right home for each plant and then gently placed them in there.

I couldn’t help but notice that, although the result was the same (all the plants were indeed planted in an orderly fashion and will continue to grow), there was something very different about the methods the two men took.

When we first started, we had no experience in producing a weekly newspaper, but over the years we’ve carved out our own unique method.

I like to think that we’ve achieved this by slowly and respectfully digging a hole in the soil of the community, delicately planting ourselves in the middle of it and slowly establishing roots, from which we have had the support to grow, thanks to all our readers and advertisers.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better” (Maya Angelou)

‍

We are blessed to have a vibrant sugar industry here in the Whitsundays, and even more blessed to have an annual event which raises incredible amounts of money for invaluable charities such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

The Cut Out Party took place again in March this year - a celebration of the sugar industry and also a fundraiser – the event raised a staggering $53,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

The Cut Out Party committee recently travelled to Townsville to deliver the cheque to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Treasurer Amanda Hadlow said the sugar industry can be generous, but this exceeded her expectations, and she is overwhelmed.

“We couldn’t do it without help from community,” she explained.

“We’ve all had a friend or family member that has needed their service and I hope it will help at least one person in our area when they’ll need lifesaving treatment the most.”

Amanda added that the Cut Out Party was a fantastic success again this year and that  people enjoyed themselves.

The committee are looking forward to next year already and are yet to decide the service or community organisation they will raise donations for next year, and Amanda joked, “this year is hard to top, but we can only try.”

Cut Out Committee donating the $53,000 cheque to the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Townsville. Photo supplied

‍

A much-loved annual community event which spreads the word of kindness and remembers the life of an inspiring young girl, is taking place across Australia once again this June 22.

Billie Kinder was a Whitsunday local who, at just 12 years old, sadly lost her life in an accident while horse riding.

Her mother, Danny Mason-Kinder found her daughter’s paintings and poems that illustrated incredible insights into kindness and empathy, and she has since used these to create a book using her daughter’s work.

Seeing how this book inspired others, Danny created the b kinder Foundation and the broader b kinder day, to help spread kindness and combat bullying in the community and within schools.

It is now part of Billie’s legacy to help thousands of children discover the power of kindness through various programs.

Every school in the Whitsundays celebrated b kinder day last year and Proserpine Kindergarten, Proserpine High School and now Proserpine Primary School have all become b kinder schools.

“Proserpine has become Proser-kind!” said local b kinder day organiser, Mel Turner.

“All Proserpine State schools now not only celebrate b kinder day but have also taken the step to being b kinder schools with a year round student lead program!”

Last year 146 schools and over 200 businesses were involved in b kinder day.

The main activity on the day is for everyone to write a kind message in one of the b kinder day cards and give it to someone they care about. 

b kinder day cards are $1.00 each and orders over 40 cards include b kinder day posters and biodegradable b kinder day balloons. 

To date, over 120,000 b kinder day cards full of kind messages have been sent around the world.

In addition, b kinder programs, designed by teachers, have been introduced into the syllabus at many schools – each of them actively teaching students about how to be kind every day of the year.

“We would love schools, businesses and the community to get involved and help spread kindness,” expressed Ms Turner.

“The ultimate goal is to weave a tapestry of positivity, kindness and compassion that blankets schools and communities throughout Australia.

“b kinder day addresses what it means to be kind and amplifies the power of kindness, connection and thoughtfulness.  

“Reaching out and connecting with others can literally have a life changing impact on those around us.”

This year, Proserpine State High School has been named the first secondary school in Australia to become a b kinder school.

Six student ambassadors have been announced and they will lead initiatives to help their peers continue to spread kindness within the school community and broader Whitsunday community alike.

Year 11 and 12 students Mia Vloedmans, Abbie Green, Savannah Lamont, Hurley Diessel, Nathan Richards and Holly Perrin have the honour of being the school’s first b kinder ambassadors.

Principal Don McDermid said it was a great privilege to work with the b kinder Foundation on a journey to ignite empathy, compassion, resilience, and confidence in students from Years 7-12.

“It’s an opportunity to spread some kindness and reflect on the power of positive actions towards someone else,” he said.

‍

Proserpine State High School’s six b kinder student ambassadors. Photos supplied
Proserpine State School celebrate b kinder last year
Subway in Bowen also celebrates b kinder day

‍

The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors have been greeting cruise ship visitors as they arrive in Airlie Beach for the past 20 years, and last week marked a special milestone.

According to records, they have just welcomed their one-millionth visitor into Airlie Beach, a moment that was 20 years in the making and an amazing achievement.

Lyn Blanche, Coordinator of Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors said it’s a great feeling to have welcomed the one-millionth visitor and that its terrific for businesses in the area.

“We try to get the cruise ship passengers to engage with the local businesses and spend a bit of money in our area, that's what we want,” said Lyn.

As Coordinator, Lyn organises the group of volunteers that will greet the ship, and they work in a rotational roster.

All cruise ship ambassadors are volunteers, and welcome holiday makers into Airlie Beach.

“We welcome them to the area, we've got some little maps that we give out, so they know where they're going,” explained Lyn.

“We chat about what they want to do, many of them have got an idea already of what they would like to do, so we can point them in the right direction.

“Others just say, well, we don't know what we want to do, so tell us what we can do and we try and fit something around they what they might like.”

Lyn added that “We get fantastic support from the Whitsunday Regional Council, and from Tourism Whitsundays”.

“We couldn't do this without them!”

Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays, Rick Hamilton said this is an extraordinary achievement.

“Welcoming 1 million visitors to Airlie Beach is a truly remarkable milestone for our Cruise Ship Ambassadors,” said Rick.

“These passionate volunteers help to create an unforgettable experience for every single person who steps ashore, leaving a lasting impression of the region.

“Their efforts help to make Airlie Beach such a special destination, and we are incredibly grateful for their service, today and every day."
 

Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors, Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

‍

PCYC Whitsunday’s Get Set for Work Program has become a top 3 finalist in the Queensland Training Awards.

The award is part of the Community Training Initiative of the Year category in a North Queensland regional area.

The awards ceremony takes place in Townsville on Saturday 20 July, 2024.

With testimonies from parents, and students, PCYC Brand Manager Sergeant Billy Li believes they’ve put in a strong application and they have a strong chance of winning.

If they win, the Get Set for Work program will be selected as a state finalist and will attend the state final awards night in Brisbane on Saturday 7 September, 2024.

Winning either award would create an opportunity for PCYC to grow their program.

Billy believes winning the awards will create better awareness for the program, which is currently only known about through word of mouth.

With greater awareness, participant numbers can grow and with high numbers Billy wants to see kids from other areas have access to their program.

The PCYC Get Set for Work program is dedicated to disengaged kids or young adults who need extra support to create better employment pathways.

The PCYC Get Set for Work program coordinator, Scott Lynch said “We help participants build resumes, cover letters, we help them obtain industry entry level certifications, so things like construction white cards and responsible service of alcohol.”

Get Set for Work is one of eight programs that make up the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

‍

PCYC Get Set for Work program coordinator, Scott Lynch and PCYC Brand Manager Sergeant Billy Li, will be heading to the awards in Townsville soon. Photo supplied

‍

Collinsville has been experiencing subpar telecommunication coverage for several months, with many constituents reporting they’ve been unable to obtain service unless connected to home Wi-Fi.

Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, is calling on the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, to urgently address the severe telecommunication issues plaguing Collinsville.

“Telecommunication issues with Telstra were brought to my attention in March and I have been working closely with representatives of Telstra to resolve the issue,” Ms Landry said.

“Upon my escalation, Telstra dispatched a service technician to assess the issue and make the necessary repairs. Upon review, the technician was able to identify and I was advised that the problem had been resolved.

“Despite some constituents reporting their service had been restored, many people were still unable to utilise their phones outside of their homes.

“Telstra is now informing customers that they cannot provide further assistance while also attempting to sell their new Starlink package.

“This effort to convince residents, who are already paying a premium for Telstra's substandard service, to spend even more each month has rightfully angered many constituents.

“I have written a letter to the Minister for Communications to advise her of the substandard service the Collinsville community is experiencing and the lack of assistance being provided and have requested immediate support in resolving the matter.”

The 2024 Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee is currently conducting a survey to better understand regional, rural and remote Australian’s issues with accessing and using telecommunication services.

The 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review survey can be done by visiting rtirc.gov.au.

Ms Landry strongly urges everyone that is affected by poor telecommunication services to complete the survey.

‍

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, advises everyone with impacted phone coverage to take the independent survey.  Photo supplied

‍

The future of the $8 million Whitsunday Sportspark Club House known as ‘Club Whitsunday’ is at a crossroads due to conflicting opinions within the eight different committees who operate the five different sports played at the public facility.

For the past eight years the Hospitality Club has been under planning and construction, with various extenuating circumstances responsible for several delays.

During this time the dedicated and hardworking committee, led by Chairman Justin Butler, have been resolute to complete the project and open  Club Whitsunday for all the community to enjoy.

From the beginning, the plans have been to open a large bistro and bar area with TAB and gaming to provide a community owned, integrated offering like the commercial hotels and service the hundreds of people that come through the facility each week.

For the past two years, however, they have been waiting for a liquor licence which finally came through  last month.

This means, the facility has now reached the stage where it can fulfill its original plan and become a fully functioning Club House with commercial kitchen,  extensive dining areas, gaming room and a sports lounge.

To enable this to happen, however, Club Whitsunday will need to borrow additional funds and are currently liaising with a Specialty Hospitality Lender to arrange.

It is set to cost a further $3.5M to fit out the facility, which was always part of the plan.

There are, however, some additional costs that have accumulated over the years.

Since the facility’s completion, $4000 a month has been accrued in ‘holding fees’ which are largely from insurance and electricity, despite the Club not operating and having no money coming in.

This, coupled with the usual building cost overruns means  a further $1.5M will need to be borrowed.

This means they will need a total of $5M.

At this current stage the Sportspark Club House committee have very limited money in the bank and are calling for the Whitsunday Regional Council to help if they can.

‍

Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft is taking place right now and running throughout the weekend, the exciting event once again supporting highly regarded charity Buck Off Melanoma which is celebrating its 10th year this year.

The charity’s founder, Janice Brown, has been a passionate advocate for Melanoma Research following her son’s Melanoma diagnosis and, over the last decade, has raised over $150,000.

A self-funded charity, 100 per cent of the proceeds go directly to the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute to assist in the research for a cure for Melanoma. 

Over the years, life-extending drugs have been made available, and helped people living with Melanoma to live longer.

Janice would like to thank all the different community events over the years that have been benefactors for Buck Off Melanoma.

“Thank you so much for all your help and thank you to every person that has supported us over the years,” expressed Janice.

Back in 2016, the scientists from QMIR Berghofer Medical Research Institute came to Bowen for a special community walk to raise awareness for using sunscreen to prevent Melanoma.

This year, Janice is pleased to report they are back and will be attending Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft this Sunday to meet people and to answer any questions in regards to Melanoma. 

In fact, Sunday at the Rodeo is all about Buck Off Melanoma with all the riders wearing special branded shirts that raise awareness for the cause.

This is thanks to Scotty Prosser from Liberty Fuel who has kindly contributed to the shirts this year.

There are 60 shirts in total and the whole event will be themed with the special branded shirts for the whole day.

According to ABS data, of the Australians living with cancer in 2017-18, nearly one in three (30.8%) had skin cancer, making this the most common type of cancer.

It is estimated that at the end of 2018, there were 216,408 people in Australia living with melanoma who had been diagnosed between 1982 and 2018.
At least 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, and the risk is higher in men than in women.

Prevent Skin Cancer By:

   • Slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
   • Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30 (or higher) sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.
   • Slap on a hat – broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears.
   • Seek shade.
   • Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards.

‍

WHAT: Bowen Rodeo and Campdraft
WHEN: 6-9 June
WHERE: 41 Mt Wyatt Road, Collinsville

‍

The community is invited to come down to the Reef Gateway Hotel next month for a special event which is set to raise awareness and funds for the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network.

Not only does this event support a meaningful cause, it is also hosted by some well-known sporting heroes and other inspiring role-models who will share their own journeys in mental health and finding fulfillment.

A Night with Legends is your opportunity to hear from ex professional sports men, interact with them, learn from their stories and connect with others.

NRL legend, Shane Webcke, former AFL player Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt, Brant Webb one of the miners trapped at Beaconsfield Gold Mine in Tasmania in 2006, and Rob Payne owner of Mark Twain yacht, all talk about their experiences and their belief in perseverance.

The evening will include raffles, auction items, live music, and food and drink.

All proceeds from the evening go towards funding activities and events for Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network.

The Network provides free counselling for those effected by suicide, it also offers free weekly Breathing Sessions which are open to all community members, and many other incredible services.

‍

What: Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Fundraiser
When: Saturday 13th July - 5.30pm till 9.30pm
Where: Reef Gateway Hotel
Tickets $125 + booking fee, Tickets available online https://bit.ly/ANightWithLegends

‍

NRL legend, Shane Webcke
Former AFL player Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt

‍

The Little Mango at Bowen’s Front Beach has had a facelift.

The six-metre high Little Mango has been repaired and re-painted by Martin of Gwada Murals.

The structure is a smaller replica of Bowen’s 10 metre “Big Mango” on the Bruce Highway south of Bowen.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy thanked Whitsunday Regional Council for ensuring the Little Mango was ripe again in time for the busy winter tourism season.

“The Little Mango is located right near the information booth manned by our volunteers – and they were very pleased to see the structure has been repainted,” said Leanne.
 
In 2014, Bowen’s 10 metre ‘Big Mango’ was removed and news of it being stolen made international headlines.

It was mentioned in more than 3,000 media reports and reached over 25 million people worldwide.

It was then revealed the restaurant chain Nando’s was responsible for the stunt as a promotion.

Bowen Tourism and Business had worked with an advertising agency to organise the removal and hiding of the mango during the night. 

The stunt moved to Melbourne where Nando’s released a 6-metre replica in Federation Square with the launch of their Mango and Lime Product. 

That ‘Little Mango’ is now located at Bowen’s Front Beach.

‍

Volunteers Margaret Hurst and Marie Bailey with Martin from Gwada Murals at the Little Mango at Bowen’s Front Beach.

Photos supplied

‍

This year marks the 111th year of the annual Show Whitsunday.

Starting in 1912, the show has always been a cornerstone of local life, a time when the community gather and celebrate the lifestyle we love here in the Whitsundays.

With horse shows, cattle grading, garden produce competition, two-days of wood cutting, a poultry pavilion, a local sugar cane exhibit and many more, the rural life of our region is on display for all to see.

Children can cuddle a chicken or play with a baby goat at the friendly petting zoo, they can be amazed at the strength of the competitors at the wood-chop and watch as the horses race around the equestrian ring.

For the thrill seekers, there are classic show ground rides for those seeking that rush of adrenaline.

Zoom around on the bumper cars, spin your heart out on the zipper, or scream out loud of the ‘Surge’.

Explore the fun house, get an aerial view of the bright lights from the Ferris Wheel and explore the sideshow alley.

Catch a yellow duck, throw a ball at clown, fire a shot at a target and see what prize you could bring home with you.

With so much action, you’ll never want to go home!

Tickets are available now to purchase, buy the two day pass and save!

What: Show Whitsunday
When: Friday 21 June & Saturday 22 June
Where: Proserpine Showgrounds
Tickets: Available via Show Whitsunday Facebook and Website

‍

The Whitsundays Writers Festival is thrilled to announce the featured local authors of this year’s pen-dropping event which is happening this September.

Festival President, Karen Jacobsen says “We are excited to be showcasing the creative talent and diversity of the region’s writers and there are many ways local authors can get involved.”

Featuring among the esteemed line up of local authors is Rachel Armstrong, North Queensland award winning contemporary romantic fiction author, who loves writing about rural small towns, stirring up the suspense with terrifying villains, and placing paranormal shifters in an everyday world.

Joining Rachel is Bec Russell, a long-term Whitsundays local. Having lived in the area for most of her life she feels blessed to have grown up in a beautiful, small, yet vibrant community. A holistic health coach and yoga teacher, Bec loves exploring her creativity.

Adding to this list of engaging local authors is A.L. Tippett. Having written her first novel when she was twelve, this passionate writer almost abandoned her dreams after deciding that being an author wasn’t a “real” job and not worth pursuing. Thankfully, she rediscovered her passion for storytelling and has published The MINATH Chronicles.

Meanwhile, Jo Nightingale is local author and Airlie Beach local. In 2013 she was travelling through India when she felt compelled to record her journey. Unbelievable events were taking place that needed to be shared and her first book — Finding the Quietness Within — was born. This began her trilogy following her journeys around the world with the second book Finding the Stillness Within.

“We can’t wait for Festival attendees to meet our local authors by discovering their stories through our bookshop and taking time to meet them and learn more about their work and writing journeys,” said Karen.

‍

A.L. Tippett almost gave up on her dreams of becoming an author but has now published the MINATH Chronicles. Photo supplied

Rachel Armstrong is a North Queensland award winning contemporary romantic fiction author. Photo supplied

‍