By Paul Gellatly

Bowen’s harbour and foreshore area, and Abbot Point, will be priority areas in master planning for the region by the new Whitsunday Regional Council.

Mayor Ry Collins, a month after being sworn in, was addressing Bowen Chamber of Commerce's May meeting to describe his vision for the Whitsunday region in his first term.

The new mayor is planning to bring his considerable experience in agriculture, construction, the public sector and industry to bear on his new role and says he has identified opportunities in the Whitsunday region.

He also says there is considerable scope to increase the level of co-operation between the council with industry, government and business for the benefit of the entire region.

"This region is not a collection of towns but a vibrant community," he said.

Mr Collins said the new strategy for the region was being readied in the lead-up to the state election later this year, with a focus on economic development. He said there was an "appetite for partnerships" in new projects.

"We want to see development opportunities progress," he said, with Bowen Harbour being one of the major priorities.

Also of concern for the strategy was Abbot Point, where the Gilmour Space rocket base and a hydrogen production facility were located.

Chamber Chairman Bruce Hedditch had complained that Gilmour Space's Eris rocket launch from the spaceport "is being held up by paperwork."

"Bowen is becoming frustrated and is looking to the new council to support projects," Mr Hedditch said.

Mr Collins said there "is continuing opportunity around our harbour and foreshore area, and around Abbot Point," while Mr Hedditch noted that "Bowen Harbour businesses are yet to get an extension of their leases to 2033 as part of the new mayor's town plan strategy, which currently is being formulated. It is heading in the right direction."

Mr Collins said the relationship with the State Government would be a major priority of his new council. He also said he would head to Canberra in July in an effort to step up engagement with the Federal Government.

He would travel to Brisbane in early June to meet with the Transport Minister and the Premier to discuss issues including the Bowen jetty project, presently being considered by jetty leaseholder North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP), which is leading the plan to redevelop the jetty as NQBP prepares to open a new tug base closer to Abbot Point. Mr Hedditch said the chamber is concerned about the direction that the project is going. "We wanted to keep what we have and rebuild it," and he appealed to the new council for any  help.

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New Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins visits Bowen. Photo credit: Paul Gellatly

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• Federal Government released Tuesday night
   • $9.3M surplus announced, 1st back-to-back in a decade
   • Power Bill Relief – all households receive $300 rebate
   • Cost of Living Relief - Tax Cuts on average $1,888
   • Publicly Funded Paid Parental Leave increases $106 a week
   • Rent Assistance - $250 a Fortnight for welfare recipients
   • Reduced Prescription Costs - no-one pays more than $31.60
   • Student Debt Wiped - $3 million debts removed

Big Budget Spends
While Whitsunday Region Sidelined

Tax cuts set to ease the cost of living, $300 energy bill rebates, rental assistance for welfare recipients and reduced costs of prescription medication – these are just some of the key outcomes of the Federal Budget released by Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Tuesday night.

Despite these national game-changers, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, is frustrated that our region has once again missed out allocations that were awarded to other areas.

The biggest point of contention for Mr Willcox is the Bruce Highway, where funds were given for upgrades both north and south of the region and to a new in-land highway, but nothing to fix the issues we currently have on our main road.

“The Bruce Highway is how we get our products to market and how we get our supplies up from the city, it’s a lifeline for us,” expressed Mr Willcox.

“They’ve given money for the Bruce north and south and money for the new inland Bruce, but I want to fix what we’ve currently got.

“Our section of the Bruce is rated the worst in the whole of the Bruce Highway, so I’ve been pushing for some money for that but, once again, we’ve missed out.”

Another budget decision which will directly affect the Whitsunday region is the Environmental Management Charge (EMC) which will see tourism operators having to incorporate this new fee into their prices.

“They’ve increased the EMC so that’s going to make it more difficult for our tourism industry in making our visitors pay more,” he explained.

“The tourism operators are world-class operators, but they have to pass their costs on.”

Despite his disappointment, Mr Willcox says that he will continue to constantly push for projects and funding to explore every avenue he can.

“I’ll be going through the whole of the budget and trying to identify what buckets have the money to then see if I can get some of that for my people. They contribute so much, we deserve to have some of that money coming back,” he stated.

“I’m not putting the white flag up or giving up, I’ll be constantly trying to look for what we can do, putting business cases forward and lobbying for my people to make sure we can get our fair share.

“I’m not being greedy here, but I want something. We’re the biggest sugar growing area in the country and 80% of our sugar is exported, that’s export dollars growing Australia’s economy.

“We’ve got over half a billion dollars of horticultural crop in Bowen, there’s export there too. That’s money for the country, so where is the money generated here coming back to us?

“Even though this has been a slap in the face for us, I won’t be giving up. I’ll be following this through and, every time there’s an opportunity to stand up for the people of Dawson, that’s what I’ll be doing.”’

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Rumours have abounded about the impending closure of much-loved local venue, Banjos Bar and Grill which has been a staple for residents of Cannonvale for many years.

Speculation has been rife about this sudden news with staff allegedly being given notice just weeks before the closure.

A representative from business, however, confirmed this week that they are hoping the matter could be resolved if the right lease agreement comes into place.

Negotiations with the landlord, Whitsunday Shopping Centre, are currently underway.

Due to this uncertainty, Banjos will indeed close this Friday 17th May, but it is hoped this will be a temporary measure before a new lease can be agreed upon.

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Kids from around the region had the opportunity to meet and get a free coaching session from their local heroes at the Mackay Cutters Rookie Clinic which took place at the Whitsunday Sportspark last Friday.

At the Clinic, the kids were coached by players and were put through drills to sharpen their rugby skills.

The afternoon was filled with laughs and knowledgeable insight for the youngsters before ending the session with a fun game of touch and a free sausage sizzle.

The Cutters were in Airlie Beach ahead of their Saturday night match against the Burleigh Bears which saw hundreds of people attend to show their support.

The sunset created a beautiful backdrop for the start of the match in front of the Airlie Beach crowd.

Burleigh Bears pulled an early lead in the match but the Mackay Cutters narrowed the gap with a converted try.

The Cutters displayed some great defence in the second half but unfortunately couldn’t hold the Burleigh Bears out forever.

The final score was 12-28 to Burleigh Bears.

The Bears now sit top of the table and the Cutters are in sixth.

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The Mackay Cutters hosted a Rookie Clinic at the Whitsunday Sportspark last Friday.
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

It was all action in the match between Mackay Cutters and Burleigh Bears
Photo credit: Mackay Cutters, Ben Van Moolenbroek.

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More than 400 people attended the Mackay Mayor’s Ball on Saturday evening, including Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins who said he was thrilled to be a part of the event.

He also announced that the Whitsunday Mayor’s Ball will likely be held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre in September, and that Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson will of course be invited along with the new Isaac Mayor, Kelly Vea Vea.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP and his lovely wife, Raylene, were also in attendance on the night along with four members of the Mackay and Whitsunday Life team.

The theme of the evening was Iconic Mackay and Channel 7’s Weekender host Chris Parsons was the evening’s emcee.

In addition, Luke Curtis from Century 21 Mackay, was the event’s auctioneer who did a fantastic job in hosting the charity auction.

Last year the event raised over $100,000 for charity and organisers are hoping to raise more this year, with final figures expected to be released next week.

Funds raised at the event will be donated to two incredible local charities this year – the Australian Street Aid Project and Grapevine Group.

While charity was at the event’s heart, so too was a night of dancing and merriment.

There was entertainment by Mango Junction and then ball-goers enjoyed further live music by the world-class Elton John Experience.

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Raylene Willcox, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Rachael Smith Editor of Whitsunday Life Newspaper, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, Mackay Deputy Mayor Belinda Hassan, Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins with his wife Mel, and Ruby Gorlick from Whitsunday Life Newspaper. Photo credit: Liz Andrews

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Inspiring young local, Macy Lewin, who regularly assists at Proserpine YouthSpace was thrilled to discover last month that she was the recipient of the Peries IGA Proserpine Local Hero Award.

Unaware of being nominated by her stepfather, it was a huge surprise when she walked into her local IGA on a Sunday afternoon to find out, not only about the nomination, but also that she’d won.

Macy said she is very proud of herself and that it is a good feeling knowing her work is getting recognition.

The IGA Local Hero Award recognises the contribution a person or group that takes time to better the local community.

At Proserpine YouthSpace, Macy mentors the local youth and helps them with a variety of activities.

She also assists with mentoring youngsters and helping them with issues they find challenging, giving advice on how to best communicate with their parents and others.  

Macy also helps with activity planning and assisting the young children with the different activities YouthSpace hold.

Coordinator of YouthSpace, Renee Buckley, is proud of Macy for winning the award.

“We are very proud of Macy, we know she’s a wonderful role model here and it is really nice to see her get some recognition for that,” said Renee.

“We’re grateful because IGA gave us a donation as well as Macy getting the award.”

As part of the award, the non-for-profit organisation received a cheque of $500, which YouthSpace will be using to fund future programs.

Proserpine YouthSpace is a neutral and welcoming space for local youth, it provides guidance, support, referrals and a safe space for young people to hang out.

It also offers workshops that inform children about important issues like alcohol and drug abuse and homelessness.

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Macy Lewin being presented IGA Local Hero Award. Photo supplied

Youth Rep, Macy Lewin and YouthSpace Coordinator, Renee Buckley

Macy helping kids with their activities

YouthSpace group

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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The main street of Airlie Beach came alive with the footstep of 150 soldiers on Saturday morning.

The soldiers from the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment (3CER) from Townsville marched down the main street with bayonets, drums and vehicles, and it was an amazing spectacle for the whole community to enjoy.

The soldiers were halted by a Senior Police Officer for a special ceremony where they were granted their right of entry.

The parade then continued along the main street and concluded at the Airlie Beach Foreshore.

A community gathering was then held where Mayor Ry Collins said a few words about this spectacular event.

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Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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‘Getting Free Media for Your Business’ (7:30am-9:00am, 13 June) will be an interactive discussion with local media outlets and experts providing tips and techniques to increase media coverage of your business and good news stories.
The Chamber’s Vision for the Whitsundays project – that aims to articulate an economic future for the region informed by business for business – will be launched Thursday 15 August at a breakfast function, where key insights and recommendations will be discussed.
The Chamber will once again host Meet the Candidates event for the Queensland State Election (6:30pm-8:30pm, 3 October) providing the business community the chance to discuss economic development and business challenges with candidates.  
Coinciding with Queensland Mental Health Week, the ‘Mental Health Check Up for Your Business’ (7:30am-9:00am, 11 October) will showcase programs and resources available to business owners to support wellbeing and explore ways to identify and better manage our health.
The Chamber’s Annual General Meeting will be a breakfast function on Thursday 7 November, including a keynote presentation from a guest speaker.
The year will close with a joint industry festive networking event with Tourism Whitsundays on the last Thursday in November.
Most events will also include an update on Chamber news and developments, with the opportunity for local businesses to discuss priorities and new ideas.
These events will be held in various locations in Proserpine, Cannonvale, and Airlie Beach. Visit their website for more information.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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Last Friday I had the pleasure of attending the first annual Mackay Issac Whitsunday (MIW) Major Industry Projects Forum held in Mackay, aimed at highlighting the significant infrastructure projects set to transform the neighbouring regions.

Hosted by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Greater Whitsundays, this gathering brought together local leaders, government officials, and industry stakeholders to candidly discuss ways to enrich our communities and strengthen our economic prosperity.

The collaboration at these types of events allows us to discuss upcoming industry opportunities and forge partnerships that will drive progress in our region.  There was a huge emphasis on learning from the past, candidly discussing past ventures and how to navigate future challenges.

Inspired by the insights gained from the Industry Forum, I am optimistic for the future of the Whitsunday region but as always, it will require perpetual hard work, collaboration and a shared commitment to our goals.

Sadly, it’s the end of the road for two of the region’s beautiful fig trees. The tree at Mullers Lagoon in Bowen was removed for the safety of our residents after it split and fell for a second time due to damage sustained by Tropical Cyclone Kirrily earlier in the year.

While those things are out of our control, I’m frustrated to hear that the fig tree adjacent to the amenities block on the Cannonvale Foreshore has been subject to an act of vandalism. Based on an arborist’s report and the presence of strategically placed drill holes around its trunk, indicating a deliberate poisoning attempt, we are left with no alternative but to remove the tree to ensure public safety.

It's disheartening to see such disregard for our natural environment, especially when acts of vandalism result in the loss of cherished landmarks like this tree that has been on the foreshore for many years. I encourage anyone with information to contact Council or the Whitsunday Police.

Proserpine’s Renwick Road shared path upgrade is progressing well and will see 1065 metres of footpath increased to 3 metres between Gardenia Street to Stanbury Street. This project enhances the local active transport network and encourages safer and more accessible routes for residents.  

The shared path will predominately be constructed above existing open drain, including the installation of new culverts that will improve the streetscape and enhance the experience for pedestrians and cyclists.
Of particular significance is its close proximity to the school, facilitating safe commuting for students and teachers.

Finally, I’m thrilled to say the Freedom of Entry Parade was a huge success with hundreds of people turning out to see the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment receive the Freedom of Entry to the Whitsunday Region.  

It was a great honour to have had the opportunity to grant the Regiment the privilege of exercising Freedom of Entry to our region - the first time in history that such a tribute has been conferred in the Whitsunday Region.

Thank you to the parade executive, the Queensland Police Service, those involved in planning the event and to everyone who went to witness such a wonderful occasion.

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Whitsunday Regional Libraries are collection points for used mobile devices as part of a partnership with DV Safe Phone. These devices are repurposed and given to victims of domestic violence as 'Safe Phones,' providing crucial lifelines for help. This initiative empowers victims to live safer, more connected lives while reducing e-waste in landfills. Drop off your old mobile device at your local library and play a vital role in ensuring that every call for help is heard.
 

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Over 130 students at Bowen State High School received a Gold Card certification for consistently demonstrating outstanding qualities reflecting the schoolwide positive behaviour for learning expectations and being responsible, respectful, safe and engaged.

For students to receive a gold card, they must have good grades for behaviour and effort in all of their subjects, they must have no major incidences recorded and have an attendance rate of 95 per cent or higher. 

A Gold Card is recognised as the highest-level behaviour achievement reward at the school, making the students highly valued role models.

It is Bowen State High School’s goal to encourage all students to reach for this level. 

As a reward for their diligence, Gold Card recipients are able to access discounts at participating local businesses and are presented with a front of line pass at the school tuckshop.

Bowen State High School Principle, Robert Harris, said he is proud of his students and that the students themselves should also be proud.

“The students who received a Gold Card should be very proud of their effort, behaviour and attendance,” he said.

“The focus is not on academic results and students do not need to achieve As and Bs to still display these expectations.

“As Principal, I encourage all students to try their very best in their effort and engagement in learning at school.”

Bowen State High School also express their thanks to the businesses for supporting the Gold Card Program.

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Students of Bowen State High School receiving their Gold Cards. Photo supplied

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With an extensive array of up to 50 extracurricular and co-curricular activities and clubs available to our Prep to Year 12 students at St Catherine’s Catholic College, a supportive environment is always at hand for them to venture into new territories, cultivate fresh skills, and forge lasting friendships. The positive impact of such diverse learning opportunities outside the conventional classroom is evident on a daily basis to our teachers.

These activities span a broad spectrum of interests, encompassing sports, drama, debating, art, environmental activism, music, social justice advocacy, cattle club, handicrafts, technology, and First Nations cultural traditions. These clubs typically convene before or after school, or during lunch breaks, thanks to the dedication and voluntary contributions of St Catherine’s exceptional teachers and school officers, who generously give their time to nurture the talents, skills and interests of their students.

Recent highlights include the debating club's "Minute Madness," where students engaged in lively discussions on topics ranging from the wage status of Santa Claus's elves to global issues. Participation in debating fosters critical thinking, research skills, teamwork, and civic engagement.

Additionally, code clubs provide students with structured environments where they can delve into coding languages and develop technical proficiencies through hands-on projects. These skills are increasingly indispensable in today's digital landscape and can pave the way for promising careers in technology-related fields.

The Catherine McAuley Society, led by senior students and including Year 5 and Year 6 students, fundraises for social and environmental justice causes, advocates for the marginalised, and fosters environmental stewardship.

The College Community is extremely proud of all the students who participate in these clubs and extracurricular activities at St Catherine’s igniting their passions and interests beyond the traditional curriculum.

Enrolments for St Catherine’s Catholic college are now open for 2025.

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Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Property owners from across the region gathered at the Coral Sea Resort earlier this month to hear all about the new Strata legislation that came into effect on the first of May.

This free community information session was hosted by Archers Strata Professionals and their Chief Executive Officer Nicky Lonergan told the room about the upcoming changes.

The new legislation addressed the following changes:

Smoking
Bodies corporate will be able to introduce bylaws that prohibit smoking and vaping, not only on common property and outdoor areas, but also on outdoor exclusive-use areas, including private balconies and patios.

Pets
Body corporates have had their capacity to restrict pets in strata complexes significantly reduced, to the point where they cannot apply blanket bans.

Towing
The dispute resolution process around towing cars parked in violation of bylaws has been considerably streamlined, including the removal of enforcement through the courts.

Scheme termination
A community titles scheme can be terminated with the support of 75% of lot owners in certain circumstances.

Nicky Lonergan explained, the new legislation is not about restricting personal rights, but about aligning with the greater-good approach that is inherent in, and essential to, strata living.

“Being part of a strata community is like living in a share house – just on a larger scale,” she said.

“When you choose to call that community home, you choose to live by a set of rules which form a critical part of the fabric of that community.”

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Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of Queensland Archers Strata Professionals, Nicky Lonergan. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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It’s a proud moment for Ben Holliday and Christine Cullen who have recently purchased a business they love, igniting new passion into the enterprise and continuing a legacy they have both helped to grow over the years.

On March 1 the couple officially took over Whitsunday Pool Service from Dale Mackrill who had owned the business for over 15 years.

Ben had previously worked for the company for nine years before leaving to pursue his own dream of running a mobile pool business three years ago.

Christine also worked at Whitsunday Pool Service for a few years, and then successfully ran the mobile venture with Ben before the pair were offered an opportunity they could not refuse.

Already having a long-term connection with Whitsunday Pool Service, the transition to owning and operating it as their own business felt like a natural progression.

“We are really excited to keep Whitsunday Pool Service as an independent and family run business that looks after the locals here in the Whitsundays,” expressed Christine.

“We are going to be really focusing on customer service and creating an efficient system which is easy for our customers to use no matter how big or small their requirements are.”

One of the ways Whitsunday Pool Service will achieve this is by incorporating a new high-tech phone system and paperless processes which will enable everything to run with seamless efficiency.

There is also a new easy-to-use app where customers receive a notification when their pool-person is on the way and when the job is complete.

Ben is originally from the UK and initially trained as a plumber before migrating into pool service, an industry he loves.

Well known around town, many people are familiar with his service, and he looks forward to continuing the good name he has developed now that he is once again working under the Whitsunday Pool Service banner.

Christine will mainly be looking after the back house structure of the business, keeping the books and chatting to customers to provide a premium customer service.

While running this side of the business she is also the Practice Manager for Whitsunday Family Practice, so customers may recognise her from both locations.

Whitsunday Pool Service has a total of nine staff and will be looking to expand the team as the business grows in the near future.

Providing a dedicated pool maintenance service, answering urgent call-outs, fixing everything from pool pumps to filters and the classic ‘green pool’ issues – Whitsunday Pool Service has an incredible local team who are ready to make your dream pools come true.

If you are looking to get your pool prepared for winter and then ship-shape for summer, make sure you call the team and let them help you get an action plan in place.

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Chloe Wattam, Christine Cullen and Emily Melrose from Whitsunday Pool Service. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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