The Bowen Visitor Information Centre has again been recognised as an accredited centre.

There are about 100 accredited Visitor Information Centres in Queensland and each needs to meet a certain criteria and list of standards in order to achieve the accreditation.

A site audit was conducted by a representative of the Tourism Group, on behalf of Tourism and Events Queensland.

Bowen Tourism and Business received their letter of congratulations last week.

“We wish to acknowledge your centre’s commitment to providing a valuable and important service to the visitors of your local area, the Whitsundays region and the State of Queensland,” the letter stated.

They also received a site audit report which mentioned the addition of the Driver Reviver program to the centre, saying it added to the attraction and was an example of the community working together.

“The Bowen Visitor Information Centre continues to be an example of how council, community and business can work together to create an effective and inviting Information Centre,” the report stated.

“Their enviable merchandise range and super successful mango sorbet sales assist in making the centre operational.”

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the team was very proud to again be recognised as an accredited centre.

“We have passed accreditation every year for many years but it is always nice to receive the official notification,” she said.

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Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy and Visitor Services Co-ordinator, Glenn Womal with the letter of congratulations. Photo supplied

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Over 100 people gathered to celebrate 50 years of Meals on Wheels at a special event held in Proserpine last Saturday and it was a time to celebrate, reflect and give thanks to the incredible efforts of volunteers, committee members and staff.

The first meal was served on May 6, 1974, to Mrs Hartwig who paid just 50 cents for a three-course meal which was delivered by Mrs Vera McLennan.

An initiative of the Uniting Church of Proserpine, the inception of our local Meals on Wheels was spearheaded by Mrs Arieal Davies who organised cooks and deliverers to get the program started.

Over the past 50 years the names and faces have changed along the way, but the good work and selfless efforts of everyone who participates has remained the same.

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Federal Member of Dawson Andrew Willcox, Michael Houden, Chairperson of Qld Meals On Wheels, Helen Maynard-Turner, Margaret Perkins Proserpine President, Kerri Martin Committee Member and Rachael Speechley, Region Support Officer Qld. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Thanks For The Feed!
Meals On Wheels Celebrates 50 Years

A sea of happy faces enjoyed a lively gathering in Proserpine on Saturday, with the Mommas and Poppas band playing some well-known sing-along classics while guests indulged in a delicious high tea to celebrate 50 years of our local Meals on Wheels service.

The scene of merriment brought together the broader community of people connected with our local Meals on Wheels – from previous to current volunteers, founders, customers and a host of others who have each played a role in some capacity over the years.

Federal Member of Dawson Andrew Willcox and his wife Raylene were also present on the day, making a special trip to town to mark this significant milestone.

First established at the Old Methodist Hall in Proserpine, the demand soon outgrew the modest space and, within six years, plans were drawn up to build a new kitchen on ground leased from the Proserpine Shire Council alongside the Aged Persons Units in Marathon Street.  

Over the years, the kitchen has had an office added, an extended carport, new dry store area plus a walk-in cold room and freezer.  

The non-for-profit organisation also organised funds for a generator to ensure they could continue operating if the power went off.

In addition, the purchase of a new Nissan Qashqai has increased their ability to service clients further afield.

Covid was a particularly challenging time for the organisation with the number of volunteers dwindling to 16 and cooks doubling as delivery drivers.

Fortunately, Meals on Wheels managed to bring volunteer numbers back up gradually, reaching a comfortable 26 volunteers this year.

Proserpine Meals on Wheels would like to thank all the businesses and community groups that have helped over the years.

They would also like to thank past presidents, founders and of course all the volunteers and staff.

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Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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To raise awareness of Australian Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, Whitsunday Counselling and Support hosted a candle lighting ceremony at the Volunteer Marine Club, to honour the people that have lost their lives due to domestic violence.

Manager of Counselling Services, at Whitsunday Counselling and Support, Sharon Parker expressed the importance of the ceremony.

“Today is candle lighting ceremony where we remember those people that have lost their lives to domestic and family violence,” she said.

“Now is our time to not only just remember the numbers, but actually remember the people behind those numbers, and that their lives matter.”

“But today during the ceremony, what I'd really like to think about is to reflect on the people rather than the numbers.

“Today, we come to reflect on and remember the precious lives that have been cut short by violence at the hands of the people those women loved and trusted.

“We reflect on the lives that they lived before their deaths, and the contributions they made to their families, to their friends and their community.”

Queensland Police (QPS) attended the candle lighting vigil every year but this year they spoke for the first time.

Sergeant Gary Hiles talked about the number of domestic violence call outs officers receive.

“DVA is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges faced by the QPS, with most frontline officers responding to at least one domestic violence related occurrence every single shift,” he said.

Sergeant Hiles continued and said that domestic violence must be reported.

“There is no excuse for domestic and family violence and it's never okay,” he said.

“Reporting domestic and family violence is essential. If we don't know about it. We can't respond.

“We will continue to work with other government departments and non-government support agencies to build safer communities.

“By working collaboratively with partners, we aim to maximise our growth, and development as an organisation, we continue to work with subject matter experts to provide the best training and development opportunities to our staff.

“Let's hope that next year, those numbers will come down with the work that we're doing.”

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Sergeant Gary Hiles and Manager of Counselling Service Sharon Parker
Councillor Jan Clifford, Mayor Ry Collins and Councillor Clay Bauman in attendance
Candle lighting ceremony. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Hi Everyone,

When I was in my late teens, out on the town back in my hometown of Maidstone in the UK, I saw a young man hit his girlfriend straight across the face.

Without thinking I broke off from my group of friends and marched up to the guy saying something like – “Oi, get off her!”

Of course, he instantly turned on me, but fortunately some of the friends I was with quickly intervened and pulled me away.

“We must go back, we can’t just see that happen and do nothing!” I remember saying from a distance where the couple could see me.

The woman was cowering, and the man still looked menacing.

I distinctly remember her saying that it was ok and reassuring me she would be fine.

Reluctantly I re-joined all my friends and we continued with our night out.

Despite it being a long time ago, that night has always stuck with me. I wonder how many more times that woman was beaten up by her partner.

I also wonder how many more people have witnessed public physical violence or seen the effects of it in bruises on faces and said nothing.

Each day men and women are impacted by adverse actions of an intimate partner. Check in with your friends, speak up and advocate for your loved ones.

And while, we should never intervene unless it is safe to do so, I think it is important we all open the conversation - report physical violence whenever we witness it and have difficult conversations with people we are concerned about if we can.

It is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May and there are candle lighting vigils being held across the region to remember those lost.

You can also learn more on the subject by jumping online and reading some of the incredible information available, there are many resources and also helplines out there.

Domestic violence is a difficult subject and it can become tangled in other issues, but at their core, everyone knows what is right and what is wrong and we all need to stand up and protect that in our society.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Violence is the weapon of the weak, non-violence that of the strong” (Ghandi)

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You never realise how lucky we are to have such remarkable local hospitals until you need the service and experience the magic firsthand.

This is exactly what happened to Whitsunday local, Koren Stewart who took to social media site, Whitsundays Chat last week to thank the staff who helped her out when she needed it the most.

“I just want to give a shout out and a huge thank you to Proserpine Hospital and Proserpine Ambulance service,” read the post.

“You don't realise how lucky we are, until we really need them. There are so many support services, all in the one place, exceptional food that tasted like homemade by mumma and everyone went above and beyond with their bedside manner and care, by all staff, medical and cleaning staff, honestly take a bow!”

“That team functioned like clockwork, a masterpiece. Promptly seen to on numerous emergency visits, with compassion and professionalism and went from zero to feeling like a million bucks!

“Please accept my thanks and gratitude, for a job well done! I'm dropping off chocolates, I'm telling you, they deserve so much more than that! How blessed are we to have those Earth angels!”

If you would like to give a community hero a shoutout please send an email to – daniel@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com – and your experience could be shared in our next Good Deed.

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  Over 150 uniformed soldiers will march through the Airlie Beach Main Street this Saturday, as part of the Freedom of Entry parade and it is expected to be a great spectacle for the whole community to embrace.

The soldiers from the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment (3CER) from Townsville will march down our street with bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and insignia flying.

Freedom of the City is traditionally a right granted to a military unit by a Local Government to honour a distinguished unit of the armed forces.

This honour was bestowed upon 3CER by the Whitsunday Regional Council to say thank you for the invaluable service and support the regiment contributed to community clean-up efforts and overall safety following 2017 Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

It is now our opportunity to attend this special event in honour of their service to the community and express our appreciation and respect.

A Freedom of Entry is the highest honour a location may bestow on the Australian Defence Force and it is time to participate in this honourable acknowledgment by witnessing the lively ceremonial parade through the our local streets.

The Freedom of Entry in Airlie Beach is an extra special celebration as it will be the first granting of Freedom of Entry to the Whitsunday Region.

The parade will march through the streets of Airlie Beach, forming on Broadwater Avenue before marching along Main Street, briefly halting for a special ceremony to grant their right of entry.

The parade will be halted by a senior police officer, who will formally grant permission to enter before the procession continues on Main Street where the mayor will inspect the troops.

The procession will then continue along Main Street and conclude at the Airlie Beach Foreshore.

A community gathering will be held after the Freedom of Entry at the Airlie Beach Foreshore, including Lions Airlie Beach Markets and an Australian Defence Force display.

This event is being supported by the Whitsunday Regional Council.

Road Closures
To enable the parade to take place the following sections of roads will be temporarily closed from 6.00am until approximately 10.30am:
   • Broadwater Avenue (Cnr Mazlin Street to cnr Main Street), Airlie Beach Main Street and the Broadwater Avenue Carpark.
   • Main Street and Airlie Esplanade. Coconut Grove (roundabout and road) will remain open, however, it is recommended for vehicles to avoid this area from 9:40am to 10:00am as the parade moves through.
   • Ocean Road, including access to Sailing Club carparks is closed – The Beacons roundabout will remain open; however it is recommended for vehicles to avoid this area from 9:40am to 10:00am as the parade moves through.
Roads will open progressively as the parade proceeds. 

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WHAT: Freedom of Entry Parade
WHERE: Airlie Beach
WHEN: Saturday 11 May
PARADE: 9.30am – 10am
COMMUNITY GATHERING:
Airlie Foreshore 10am-12pm

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3^rd Combat Engineer Regiment (3CER). Photo Supplied

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A tourist travelling through the region purchased his winning Lotto ticket at Bowen Convenience Store, before the Saturday Gold Lotto Draw saw his lucky numbers get pulled and a life-changing $700,000 won.

The gentleman had been travelling through the region with his wife and said that he couldn’t believe his luck.

“It will help pay off the house which is really exciting,” he said.
 
“We will definitely continue the holiday, that’s for sure!”

Pleased with his win, the gentlemen disclosed that he had a consistent system every week and that he had been playing the same numbers that were a mixture of family birthdays for the past four years.

The total winning amount was $712,882.63 with the North Queenslander holding one of the seven division one winning entries in Saturday Gold Lotto

The Bowen Convenience Store team said they couldn’t believe their outlet had sold a division one winning entry and wished their customer all the best with their prize.
 
The winning numbers in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4465 on 4 May 2024 were 14, 42, 26, 12, 29 and 5, while the supplementary numbers were 9 and 41.

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Young drivers will now be able to improve their defensive driving in a safe and controlled environment thanks to a new Young Drivers Defensive Driving Program which is set to kick-off this weekend.

Timed to run alongside National Road Safety Week, the one-day training program is dedicated to upskill new drivers, giving them the skills to deal with situations that naturally arise while driving.

Operated by 2022 Whitsunday Young Citizen of the Year, Declan Coull, the course is part of a broader program to educate about road safety and improve overall ability of local drivers.

Declan said he is excited to be delivering the training in his home region.

“The safety of our young drivers is a passion for me personally,” he shared.

“This training has been provided across Australia and has been extremely successful in allowing young drivers to understand both vehicle dynamics and the participants’ inability, prior to training, to fully understand car control and their own personal limitations.

“Far too many young drivers are killed and seriously injured on our roads each year, many in crashes that could’ve been avoided.

“Our Young Driver Defensive Driving course is a full one-day training program incorporating both practical and theory components and provides attendees with an opportunity to understand the basics of car control, collision avoidance and understanding the vehicle dynamics.”

The Young Drivers Program is not advanced driver or “speed” training – it is defensive driver training and exercises are undertaken at low speeds overseen by experienced, accredited instructors.

The first ADDA training course in the Whitsundays will be held at the Whitsunday Kart Club (a closed, safe and controlled environment) on Saturday 11th May.

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Declan Coull with a group of successful participants at the recent Mackay driver safety course. Photo supplied

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Local residents will soon have access to a series of free bushfire management and planning workshops which are designed to support landowners throughout the region in preparation for the upcoming bushfire season.

An initiative of the Whitsunday Regional Council and part of the Whitsunday Resilience Bushfire Project, these workshops aim to provide landowners with the opportunity to learn how to assess bushfire risk and gain an understanding of important mitigation, response and recovery methods.

Mayor Collins said he encourages landowners to attend the workshop and take advantage of the opportunity to talk to experts and get hands-on experience.

"By investing in bushfire resilience training and developing community and property bushfire plans, we are demonstrating our commitment to the safety and protection of our community,” he said.

Mayor Collins added that workshop attendees would also be invited to observe hazard reduction demonstrations from a safe vantage point in Dingo Beach, Collinsville and Bowen.
“Late last year, Council developed Community Bushfire Plans in consultation with residents and regional bushfire management stakeholders for a number of communities identified as high bushfire hazard areas to improve community awareness and assist with bushfire preparation, mitigation and management,” he said.
As a results of these studies Council has identified many at-risk areas across the region and are now in the process of installing 10 new 26,000 litre steel water tanks in vulnerable localities throughout the region for firefighting purposes.
“The Community Bushfire Plans for Binbee, Crystalbrook and Whitsunday Paradise are available on the Council’s Your Say Whitsunday Bushfire Resilience Project page,” said Mayor Collins.
“Council will be undertaking further public consultation in 2024 to inform the development of community bushfire plans that may include Euri Creek, Brandy Creek and Brisk Bay.”
“Community water tanks have been installed in Conway, Binbee and Sugarloaf.”
Mayor Collins said Council had also developed the Airlie Beach Community Bushfire Management Plan (2022-2032), which covered 295 hectares of land between Eshelby Road at Cannonvale to Jubilee Pocket.
The Whitsunday Bushfire Resilience Project has been underway since September 2022, and is supported by funding from the Commonwealth Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.

The program is also supporting the development of Free Property Bushfire Plans, coordinated by Council’s Bushfire Officer. Landholders with approved Property Bushfire Plans may be eligible for financial assistance of up to $2,000 per property with a 50:50 contribution between Council and property owners to help with firefighting mitigations, such as machinery for fire breaks, water tanks, pumps and hoses.

To register interest in bushfire training or developing a property bushfire plan, phone Greg McCarthy in the Whitsunday Regional Council’s Natural Resources Management and Climate unit on 0458 816 751, visit the Whitsunday Bushfire Resilience Project page on Council’s Your Say Whitsunday Online Engagement Portal, email info@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au, mail to PO Box 104, Proserpine QLD 4800, or visit a Council Customer Service Centre.

To stay up-to-date with events, information and community engagement opportunities, residents are encouraged to register for Council’s Online Engagement Portal, Your Say Whitsunday, at www.yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.

WORKSHOP DATES
Upcoming training is planned for:

   • Proserpine SES (Hinschen St) – Sunday, 26 May and Sunday, 4 August
   • Collinsville Community Centre (Garrick St) – Sunday, 9 June
   • Reef Gateway Hotel (Shute Harbour Rd, Cannonvale) – Sunday, 23 June
   • Merinda Rural Fire Brigade (Linley St, Bowen) – Sunday, 7 July

The workshops will run from 1-5pm:

       ◦ 1-2pm – Bushfire management – introduction to hazards, safety and available support
       ◦ 2-3pm – Cultural heritage burning – sharing of information and experiences
       ◦ 3-5pm – Regenerative agriculture – safe use of fire in agriculture and ecosystems

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Proserpine State High School Student Reid Ogden represented the school at the Ministerial Student Advisory Council meeting in Brisbane last week and the school are extremely proud of him.

Reid said it was a privilege to be one of 18 students to represent their individual schools and have his voice heard by the panel about policies and rules for students attending school.

Some topics that were discussed and reviewed by the council were the ‘Away For The Day' mobile phone policy, senior schooling opportunities and ATAR pathways.

Minister for Education and Minister for Youth Justice, Dianne Farmer MP was in attendance and met the students.

In 2018, the Honourable Grace Grace MP, Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing established the Ministerial Student Advisory Council.

The initiative was designed to give Queensland students an opportunity to provide feedback and advice about a range of education matters and to share their perspectives on important education matters and the impact of broader issues on learning.
 
Student feedback and ideas from advisory council meetings help to inform future government policy and program development.

The advisory council meet twice a year or as required if there is a particular matter to be discussed.

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Students in the Ministerial Student Advisory Council and Minister for Education and Minister for Youth Justice, Dianne Farmer MP
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Reid Ogden and Minister for Education and Minister for Youth Justice, Dianne Farmer MP
Photos supplied

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The next five years of tourism growth and development has been outlined in an extensive Whitsunday Region Destination Management Plan (DMP) which was released by Tourism Whitsundays last week.

The new plan provides a whole of region framework for action, with opportunities to optimise tourism in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.

It will run from 2024 to 2028.

The main vision for the plan has been to showcase The Whitsundays as the globally recognised Great Barrier Reef destination famous for its natural environment and lifestyle.  

This vision has been supported by extensive research and collaboration efforts to ensure every aspect of the plan is in-tune with the community and the industry as a whole.

Tourism Whitsundays worked closely with Whitsunday Regional Council, visitor economy businesses, government agencies and community members to create a plan that is both practical and aligns with broader vales.

The process to achieve this involved desktop research, workshops and focus groups, surveys and individual consultations. 

Five key focus areas was identified across the core strategy areas of destination marketing, destination stewardship and products and experience delivery:

   • Sustainable growth: ensuring expectations are aligned with community needs
   • Partnerships: developing relationships with key regional, state and federal stakeholders
   • Priority projects: includes Skyway, 4-5 star resorts on the mainland with a convention centre, Bowen marina and jetty upgrades and enhancing experiences in Collinsville and Proserpine. 
   • Sustainability: environmental stewardship and sustainable practices remain a key focus for the Whitsundays Region  
   • Funding and investment: ensuring we have the right tools in place to ensure adequate funding and investment in the region

Rick Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays, said he is looking towards a bright future for tourism.

“By securing sustainable funding and fostering collaboration, we're ensuring the Whitsundays thrives as a global destination,” he explained.

“Our vision goes beyond 2032, positioning The Whitsundays as a leader in sustainable and responsible tourism.”

Julie Telford, Chair of the Board of Tourism Whitsundays, said she is thrilled with the new plan.

“I am delighted to introduce the latest tourism plan which harnesses the Whitsundays' potential for the next five years, focusing on sustainable tourism and honouring Traditional Custodians.

“By working together, we'll grow the economy responsibly while creating immersive visitor experiences."

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Rick Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays and Julie Telford, Chair of the Board of Tourism Whitsundays taking a look at the new Whitsunday Region Destination Management Plan. Photo credit: Jake Greenfield

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Transitioning into Prep is an exciting milestone for both children and their parents who are embarking on the next chapter of life.

It’s a time where new friendships are made, a formal education begins, and the foundations are set for the adults they will eventually become.

Holding your hand through this new adventure is Whitsunday Christian College whose nurturing Prep program allows each child to flourish and feel safe and secure.

Nestled safely within their intimate and dedicated Prep area, each young person enjoys the advantages of a close-knit educational community that has manageable class sizes in a personalised learning environment.

Assistant Principal - Primary, Elmarie van der Westhuizen has been teaching at Whitsunday Christian College for the last 24 years and says there is nowhere she would rather be.

“I love the school and I love kids - each little goal they set and each little step they achieve is a celebration!” she said.

“It’s wonderful to see the change from when they first come to you and they don’t know anything, and when they finish, they can read and write – it’s the most rewarding job in the world!”

In the lead-up to beginning Prep, Whitsunday Christian College invites everyone in the community to their ‘Get Ready for Prep Program’ which is held every Thursday between 9.30am and 11.30am.

These preparation sessions help students develop fine motor skills, oral language, phonological awareness and numeracy, which is all imparted through play-based and interactive teaching methods.

In Term Four, 2025 Prep students then commence Transition Mornings. These mornings become a pathway for enrolled students to prepare for Prep and a formal orientation period begins where they learn routines, meet friends and teachers so they can become familiar with the school, allowing for a smoother transition come 2025.

Whitsunday Christian College is a non-denominational independent school which welcomes families that desire a values-based Christian education. The College desires to instil a love of learning in their students, while shaping young men and women of character who are eager to meet life’s challenges using their God-given gifts and talents.  

Book a college tour with the principal to experience the difference at Whitsunday Christian College by calling the friendly Administration Team on 4948 5100 or email enquiries to mail@whitsunday.qld.edu.au.

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WHAT: Under 8’s Day
WHEN: Friday 17th May – 9am-10.30am
WHERE: Whitsunday Christian College

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Just Tuk’n Around hit the road in 2015 as a fun, light-hearted, informative eco-friendly tour experience. Their unique fleet of 14 tuk tuks offer a range of tours – from their 30-minute tour, their popular Progressive Dinner, and special occasion celebrations – that zip around our pathways and boardwalks highlighting the history, landscape, and everything to do in Airlie Beach.

Just Tuk’n Around welcomed new owners in July 2023, Julia and Steve Whitton. 

They met on Long Island in 1992 and then worked on Long Island, Daydream Island and South Molle Island for a decade.

After managing resorts on the Gold Coast for 20 years Steve was desperate to get back to the Whitsundays.

Being a natural entertainer, Steve started working for Just Tuk’n Around as a tour guide just so he could ride around all day looking at the beautiful scenery and talking to people. When the business came up for sale, he realised he had found his perfect job.

Their advice to other businesses is that your team and customer service are everything, your number one priority. A great team providing a great customer service experience is unbeatable, your secret weapon. 

As members of the Chamber, the Whitton’s have been excited to see the recent development of the Chamber and the positive steps they are taking not only for local businesses but the community as a whole. 

This month’s article showcasing our diverse businesses community was brought to you in partnership with the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Whitsunday Life Newspaper. 

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Owner Steve Whitton pedalling to success. Photo credit: Supplied

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This month marks Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month, a time when we come together as a community to acknowledge the significance of this issue in our society.
 
As Mayor, I stand with our community in raising awareness and advocating for the prevention of domestic and family violence. While there is heightened national interest in this issue at the moment, it's important to recognise that the problem is ongoing.
 
I had the honour of attending candle lighting ceremonies in Bowen and Cannonvale last week where we remembered those affected in our community. Let us continue to raise awareness, support survivors and strive for a future free from violence in our homes and communities.
 
At the last Council Meeting, a decision was reached to initiate community consultation concerning the available options for replacing the Dingo Beach Stinger net. We understand the critical role this net plays in ensuring the safety of beachgoers, particularly during stinger season.
 
It's essential that any decision regarding the replacement of the net reflects the needs and viability for the community into the future. I encourage residents to keep an eye out in the newspaper and on our online engagement portal, Your Say Whitsunday, for your chance to have a say in the coming weeks.
 
Works are well underway on our Collinsville Pump Track, located in Darcy Munro Park. Our contractor has been busy shaping berms, installing drainage and asphalting the track.
 
This week will see the finalisation of the track and laying natural and synthetic turf. So, to the kids (and parents!), prep your scooters and bikes, keep an eye out for the opening date announcement and get excited for your first ride soon! 
 
Thanks to the Bowen Rail Company for funding the project that adds yet another outdoor activity to Collinsville and provides our children with a safe and enjoyable space to play, exercise, and connect with each other.
 
Don't miss the historic Freedom of Entry event this Saturday 11 May as hundreds of uniformed soldiers from 3rd Combat Engineers Regiment (3CER) of Townsville march through Airlie Beach Main Street.
 
Building on the Freedom to the City bestowed upon 3CER in 2017, this year's celebration marks the first granting of Freedom of Entry to the Whitsunday Region.
 
This is our opportunity for the Whitsunday Region to show our respect and gratitude to the Regiment for helping the entire Whitsunday region get back on its feet after the turmoil of Tropical Cyclone Debbie in March 2017.
 
I encourage everyone across the region to join us for this impressive spectacle and community gathering at the Airlie Beach Foreshore, including the Lions Airlie Beach Markets and an Australian Defence Force display.

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Contributed with thanks to Ry Collins.

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Whitsunday Regional Council is offering FREE bushfire resilience training and Property Bushfire Plans for landowners, funded by the Commonwealth Government's Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.
These sessions help participants assess risks and learn crucial mitigation strategies. Training is available in Proserpine, Collinsville, Cannonvale, and Bowen to enhance community resilience against potential bushfires.
Call 1300 972 753 to enquire.
 

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