Tourism Whitsundays are currently preparing their marketing strategy for the upcoming winter.

Marketing Manager Laura Knipe gives us an overview of what is up and coming, inviting visitors from the southern states to escape their cool winters.

As winter slowly begins to envelop the southern states and our friends from down south start planning their great escape from the cold, this means travel planning all over Australia is in full swing.

Simultaneously, the Tourism Whitsundays marketing team has ramped up efforts to bring our beautiful region to the forefront of the minds of these sun-seeking Aussies. 

We are currently in the second burst of our national campaign and have two more campaigns on the horizon.

To encourage Aussies to sail The Whitsundays this winter (arguably the most beautiful time of year), we are flipping the concept of ‘Winter Blues’ on its head, inviting them to experience our iconic shades of blue. 

In addition, as Whitsundays locals, we all know and love bareboating, but for many Australians, this is a foreign concept.

This led us to launching a bareboating awareness campaign, to introduce Australians to the magic of exploring on your own private boat. 

All this planning for winter has me looking forward to another beautiful season in The Whitsundays.

Do me a favour and pop ‘Book a tour and get out on the water’ on your to-do list this winter – you won’t regret it. 

‍

Contributed with thanks to Laura Knipe (Marketing Manager) 

‍

The Reef Catchments team hosted their annual Meet and Mingle morning at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre earlier this week, the event bringing together over 40 staff, board members, stakeholders and partners from the community.

Robert Congoo, Project Officer Traditional Engagement conducted a Welcome to Country smoking ceremony with Reef Catchments CEO, Katrina Dent and Chair, Julie Boyd also present on the day.

“It is important to develop strong relationships with our stakeholders and the community,” explained Reef Catchments Senior Communications and Media Office, Leonie Cridland.

“It was wonderful to bring everyone together to meet each other and to thank them.”

As a regional organisation Reef Catchments works closely with community groups, government agencies, local businesses, Traditional Owners and other community members to implement a range of activities aimed at sustaining, protecting and improving the local environment.  

The event brought together this network of community groups and individuals to celebrate achievements, share ideas and look forward to the upcoming year.

Celebrating their 21st year, Reef Catchments were able to use this event to enjoy some birthday festivities, reflect on progress and changes that have occurred over the years.
 

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

‍

After a long and challenging labour, which last more than two days, Jubilee Pocket first-time mum, Fiona, has given birth to little Atticus Arlo Nooren.

Receiving incredible help and support during her stay in the maternity ward, Fiona has expressed her sincere gratitude for the care she received from the team at Proserpine Hospital.

She praised the work of the rural hospital’s doctors and theatre staff who were called in for her subsequent surgery.

“Hayley was all over the emergency response and stayed by my side throughout,” Fiona said.

“After surgery the follow up we received from midwives, doctors, anaesthetists and nurses was great and we really appreciated the support and debriefs.”

Additionally, Fiona said they had received many recommendations about the excellent care delivered by the hospital’s multi-disciplinary unit and team of midwives.

She was impressed with the prenatal education, advice and clinical care they had prior to her child’s arrival.

“We are incredibly lucky to have such a talented team in such a small rural hospital. We are truly grateful for everything everyone did.”

Fiona was induced on April 7, but her newborn son did not arrive until 8.56pm, two days later, weighing 3660 grams.

Fiona and partner Andrew are extremely grateful for the wonderful care and support they have received from the maternity team at Proserpine Hospital.

“All the midwives and staff involved in Atticus’s arrival were just incredible,” Fiona said.

“They were knowledgeable, caring, supportive and just lovely to have around during this
time.

“Dr Ky was also amazing throughout, going above and beyond for my care and coming in when off shift to check on my progress.”

The Proserpine Hospital delivers 260 babies a year and is one of 22 hospitals in Queensland that holds a Baby Friendly accreditation.

This is a world-recognised achievement and recognises that Proserpine meets high standards set down by the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Health Organisation.

‍

Atticus Nooren. Photo supplied.

‍

A dining experience at The Belvedere transports you to a world of yesteryear, where the flavours are complex and delicate, invigorating and sublime. Each mouthful is an experience, and with the introduction of their new wine pairing menu, each dish is complemented with a specially matched wine.

Available with the signature eight-course degustation menu, the wine-pairing option adds a different dimension to your dining experience.

Set to the backdrop of the stunning Coral Sea within the terracotta charm of Toscana Resort atop the hillside of Airlie Beach, The Belvedere takes you to the Mediterranean with its inspired cuisine and indulgent atmosphere.

Priding itself on making many exquisite dishes with delicious, locally sourced produce The Belvedere offers genuinely rich and quality ingredients that only adds to the flavour. With the addition of the wine tasting and the seasonal produce, it’s a match made in heaven.

The Belvedere’s fresh seasonal menu has just been updated with this season’s new produce and, Owner Emma Thorpe, is excited to invite you to explore this journey of taste and flavour, where local produce shines and delicious wines reign supreme.

The wine pairing menu includes six wines all paired with different dishes from the menu. Diners begin the gastronomical adventure with an Italian Prosecco used as a pallet cleanser which also pairs beautifully with the house baked focaccia starter. 

Guests then move onto the stuffed fig course with Gorgonzola and prosciutto which is paired with a sweet Resiling from South Australia to complement the salty prosciutto.  

The next course is then our new best seller, the char-grilled Octopus from Western Australia. Mixed in a fresh tartare with Bowen tomatoes, capers, capsicum and served with crunchy casava crackers, this dish is paired perfectly with the gorgeous dry French Rose from Saint Max Provence. 

Up next is the home-made Italian style meatballs with Neapolitan sauce which is served with our Cabernet Sauvignon from a standout winery of South Australia's Langhorne Creek, full of black fruits and violet aromatics. 

Arriving at the main dishes; the beetroot and feta salad with walnuts and rocket, truffled potatoes with grana Padano cheese and sweet and sour Brussel sprouts. (With optional Scotch Fillet Steak) paired with our house favourite, a medium bodied Grenache with 
great colour and depth of flavour from Clare Valley, SA. 

Finally, is our chocolate hazelnut semifreddo dessert which reminds Emma of Ben and Jerry’s cookie dough ice cream, paired with our Viogner dessert wine for that final sweet moment.

As much as possible, Belvedere sticks to Queensland produce and changes their menu seasonally and incorporate the new offerings grown by regional farmers.

In addition to the tasting menu and wine pairing, The Belvedere offer individual dishes and a broad range of wine from all over the world.

The Belvedere can also cater to different dietary requirements, by making little changes or substitutes to dishes, they can make dishes Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free or Dairy Free.

Owner Emma Thorpe and The Belvedere’s stunning view
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

‍

At Whisper Gin Bar and Restaurant you know the friendly team will go above and beyond to make sure your Mother’s Day occasion is an event to be remembered.

With gold-star service, stunning views across Pioneer Bay and sensational cuisine, your Mother’s Day recipe for success has all the ingredients to put a smile on your face and a warm glow of love in your heart.

A serene and relaxed environment awaits as you are whisked away for an intimate meal with your loved ones, it’s time to create special memories and catch-up on life.

This Mother’s Day, Whisper Bar does not need to be a secret, let’s let everyone discover this hidden gem awaiting atop Mirage Whitsundays.

Pure luxury at an affordable price, the afternoon kicks-off at 12pm and customers will enjoy two hours of indulgence.

This delicious share plate style dining includes five extravagant courses for just $79 for the food and alcohol package or $49 for the food and soft drink package.

Diners can expect a Raw King Salmon entre, followed by a whirlwind of delicacies which include the Shallot Soy Crispy Chicken, Pork Satay, Crispy Softshell Crab, exotic salads and sumptuous side dishes.

There will be live music on the day and guests who book before May 7 will receive a 10% discount.

If you are looking for somewhere to spoil your mum, or if you are a mum and want to book your own special day, then make sure you reserve a table at Whisper Gin Bar and Restaurant.

‍

WHAT: Mother’s Day
WHERE: Whisper Gin Bar and Restaurant
WHEN: Sunday 12th May
BOOK: whisperginbar.com.au

‍

This Mother’s Day our local restaurants have exceptional Mother’s Day food and drink specials that’ll make Mum feel loved and appreciated, just the way she should.

Belvedere
For Mother’s Day lunch at the Belvedere, Mum can sit back with her complementary glass of Prosecco and enjoy the relaxing tunes from Geoff and David Willis. The Live music runs alongside the lunch service 12pm – 3pm. The Belvedere remains open for its dinner service 5.30pm – 10pm. Enjoy the fabulous view and the amazing sunset with The Belvedere’s spectacular menu. Filled with fresh, local, and delicious dishes.

Eastwoods
If a menu full of South-East Asian flavours is catching your eye, Eastwoods Mother’s Day Banquet menu may be perfect for you. The banquet menu costs $75 per person and it includes a variety of delicious dishes. You are greeted with a pink passion spritz on your arrival and then get ready to indulge in fabulous food. Treat yourself with trout, beef salad, a prawn pad Thai plus sides. And then finish with a delicious orange semifreddo dessert. Bookings for the banquet are welcomed but they are not required.

The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
If Mum loves a dance, there’s nowhere better than The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel this Mother’s Day. ABBA tribute band will have everybody up on their feet and singing along as they perform ABBA masterpieces. Every table booking at lunch with more than two people get a complementary bottle of Innocent Bystander Rosé, so book in early. Alongside the Rosé and amazing tunes, The Pub have food specials that cannot be missed. A delicious, burrata, pea and prosciutto chicken tortellini could be waiting for you. The honey macadamia crumbed lamb and lemon and dill marinated salmon are also on offer.

The Rocks Restaurant & Bar
Treat Mum to an absolutely beautiful view this Mother’s Day at The Rocks Restaurant & Bar. With an unrestricted view of the ocean, the towering palm trees and the still waters, this really is a great place to treat Mum, it feels like a holiday. Serving up an à la carte lunch and dinner specially for Mother’s Day, Mum’s can enjoy fresh coastal cuisine, boutique wines and fancy cocktails while soaking in the extraordinary views!

La Tabella
Located on the Airlie Beach esplanade is La Tabella. This Mother’s Day you can enjoy their specially selected Mother’s Day drinks and food specials whilst at the wonderful venue. Homemade pastas and other authentic Italian dishes are available and are to die for.

Reef Gateway
Start the day off right, with a buffet breakfast at Reef Gateway from 9am – 11am. Then the Reef Gateway have you covered for the rest of the day too. Reserve a table for lunch or dinner and enjoy the delicious à la carte menu with all of your favourite dishes. Plus, Mum will get a complimentary drink on arrival after 10am

Jubilee Tavern
Celebrate Mum’s special day at the Jubilee Tavern by starting with a yummy buffet breakfast from 9am – 11am. Or, reserve a table for an à la carte lunch and dinner from 11am and going all day long. It is filled with all of your pub favourites and Mum will get a free drink on arrival.

‍

Break up the work week with Jubilee Tavern’s Wednesday Trivia Night.

There’s no better way to beat the mid-week blues than by challenging your general knowledge and enjoying some quality time with your mates.

After a busy day’s work, you can unwind, relax, enjoy the trivia night and perhaps order a tasty dinner from the on-site bistro.

The Jubilee Tavern has you covered.

Enjoy a drink or order from Jubilee Tavern’s classic pub menu, including steaks, burgers, pizzas and schnitzels.

Or order the Jubilee Tavern’s Wednesday evening food special.

With prizes to be won, laughs to be had and a great time, it’s the perfect evening.

Registering and team check-in is by 6:30 and booking a table is recommended.

‍

What: Wednesday Trivia Night
Where: Jubilee Tavern
When: Every Wednesday, 6:30pm

‍

Photo credit. Shutterstock

‍

Too good to make it ‘one night only’ the Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre invite you to the Mad Hatters Garden Party which is back for the second year in a row.

Last years ‘one night only’ Christmas Light display was a huge success and the organisers wanted to recreate the magic.

Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre (WLAC), participants, family, friends, community, and support crew are all invited to the ‘Mad Hatter’s Garden Party’ which is the brainchild of Nikolai and Georgi.

Georgi decided to open up her garden again for a daytime adventure this time, transforming her garden into an Alice in Wonderland adventure.

Guests will enjoy a lovely day in a wonderland adventure which will culminate with a decadent afternoon tea and entertainment provided by Peta Richards from Lola’s Bar and the judging of their ‘Mad As Hats’.

This adventure involves community, carers, friends and families, participants and their support, community organisations, local businesses and politicians, in a hands-on community gathering with a difference and a common denominator to break the stigma of the way ageing and disability is perceived in society.

“The purpose is to break down the barriers, educate by observation and involvement in an enjoyable activity,” Jayne Milne, Chief Executive of Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre.

“Barriers between Community Care and their wider communities is a huge national problem, and the hope is that these types of activities though being a small step at local level may have wider spread results.”

The event is inclusive and celebrates everyone’s differences and bringing family and friends is encouraged.

Entrance to this private event is, without exception, that every person must wear a ‘Mad As Hats’ which is created by themselves!

‍

When we think of Proserpine and agriculture, we think primarily of fields of sugar cane however primary industry has been varied since 1862 when Bode first selected land in the O’Connell area. Many small crops/livestock were commercially “grown” during the ensuing years - horse, sheep, beef and dairy cattle, coffee, tobacco, bananas, tomatoes, and citrus are just some of these.

Tobacco was first grown in Kelsey Creek and Banana Pocket. Another area that was briefly mentioned in newspaper records was Strathdickie, an area of flat land farmed Japanese settlers.

Initially, Kelsey Creek developed as both a cane and tobacco growing area, the tobacco crop being mainly cigar leaf. In May 1920, a letter was received by a local grower at Silver Creek, Kelsey Creek, from a buyer in Sydney and Brisbane stating that the quality of the tobacco from this area was one of the best received from Queensland.

In earlier days, Kelsey Creek was a stopover on what was then the highway between Bowen and Mackay but even so, lack of a tramline was a disadvantage for farmers desiring to transport their crops. The farmers in the Banana Pocket area were also greatly disadvantaged as they had to cart their produce all the way into Proserpine because the rail link from the south on the North Coast Railway was deemed by the Government to be unnecessary at that time. Even a line to the cane siding would have benefited the settlers, as a portable line could be used the remainder of the journey of five miles.

On Lascelles’ property at Lethebrook, an old tobacco shed was located near the first school (Banana Pocket Provisional School) and became a favourite play spot for school children. It was also used for parties, Church Service and Sunday School. Tobacco leaves still hung from the rafters for many years after the industry had folded.  

On April 20 1920, “Proserpine Guardian” reported on the formation of the Bowen-Proserpine Tobacco Association. This group was only for tobacco growers, was non-political and was designed to look after the interests of members to help them obtain better value for their product.

Apart from transport problems, these early growers faced mixed fortunes. A hail storm in 1918 significantly impacted the Kelsey Creek crop. In 1921, the district crop was not as good as expected but a maize crop was established with about 40 bushels/ acre and this was some compensation for growers.

On February 6 1948, the “Proserpine Guardian” stated that there were reports of about nine growers in the district. The Blair Bros grew tobacco on their Gregory River property and harvested a variety called Nicotiana Rustica which they railed to Brisbane. This was a coarse tobacco which was unsuitable for smoking but carried a high nicotine content suitable for extraction and use in the manufacture of nicotina sulphate known as Black Leaf 40, an effective pesticide. In late January, they harvested 1 ton 18 cwt 2 qrs from one acre of their property, for which it is estimated they would receive 11d/lb or £180. Other growers included Mr A T Casey of the O’Connell River and Mr W T Richardson of CannonValley.

Tobacco as a crop requires skill, patience and constant care. Fertile soil and a good shed are essential. Unless it is properly housed, bulked and cured, the result is a dry tasteless weed. Suitable fittings, facilities for exclusion of bad weather, proper ventilation and admission of proper light are vital. These were all important considerations for early growers.

At the time, tobacco was considered “an excellent way to supplement the cane cheque.” Hats off to these early pioneers in diversification!

‍

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

‍

If you are just starting on your plant growing journey or you just don’t have space for a backyard veggie garden, then herbs in a pot are a great way to start growing.

Herbs such as Rosemary and Sage that originated from the Mediterranean regions, enjoy tough growing conditions. Rosemary is a well-known accompaniment for lamb and sage for chicken and peas. These herbs like to dry out between watering and don’t like being over fed (fertilised) as they are used to growing in poor, stony soil. So don’t over water your pot.

Fun fact: Banana Plants, that grow very well here in the Whitsundays (the photo attached is from my garden), are the biggest herbs in the world.

Hint For Growing Herbs In Pots:

Add a couple of teaspoons of lime to your 200mm pot of potting mix before planting.
When planting your Mediterranean herbs, it can help to add coarse sand to your potting mix to improve drainage.

For those gardeners who are growing herbs in your garden, you may have noticed that your Sage and Rosemary are not too happy at the moment. That is due to the cool temperatures and the continual rain we have had of late, not giving the soil time to dry out.  As much as our vegetable seedlings are loving it, these herbs are not. Cut off the dead growth and if you are really concerned you can cover the surrounding soil in a waterproof material to stop the rain from causing more plant die back until our Autumn/Winter starts behaving as it should (clear, blue skies!).

Tropical herbs such as Lemon Grass, Ginger and Turmeric are a completely different kettle of fish. These plants like rich, fertilised soil and like to be kept moist. As the name suggests, they grow very well here in the tropical Whitsundays, in fact once you get these plants established, you’ll be dividing them up, eating them and sharing them for the rest of your gardening life.    

Not only do we enjoy herbs for cooking, but they are also grown and appreciated for medicinal purposes. Native Herbs have been used by Indigenous Australians to assist in all manner of health-related issues, having an intimate relationship with plants for thousands of years. We have so much to learn.

My Pick Of The Month

Wild Rosella (Hibiscus Sabdariifa)
Producing a striking red flower, on a red stem, they grow happily within the veggie garden, reaching between 1.5 – 2m high and up to1m wide.
They are known to assist with blood pressure and to regulate blood sugar levels.  Reported to assist with anxiety and support the nervous system.
They make great jams, syrups, tea and can be added raw to salads.
They grow very happily here. They are a beautiful plant, easy to grow, with great health benefits, a must have.

Hints For Herbs In The Garden

   • Do not pick more than 1/3 of a young herb plant at a time and no ore then ½ a mature plant.

   • The more you pick the bushier they become, so snip away nightly.

   • Don’t over fertilise your herbs, you’ll encourage leaf growth at the expense of their oil production. So, when applying sea sol to your veggies, skip over your herbs regularly.

   • Your herbs need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, so the carport or under a tree may not be the best position for them

Companion Planting

We cannot talk herbs without talking companion planting, so here are a few ideas to try in your veggie garden now:

Nasturtiums
Great for planting with Kale, Broccoli, radish, cabbage and cauliflower

Basil
A must, to plant with your tomatoes but also with chilli’s, beans and chives

Mint
A good companion for all brassicas repelling cabbage caterpillars

Parsley and Rosemary
Go well with carrots, repelling some flies and attracting beneficial insects

Important Fact To Finish With

The dreaded Cabbage Moth is repelled by Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Sage and Dill
Herbs are yours and your veggie gardens best friends!

‍

Prime Minister Albanese has officially opened Mackay’s Riverside Revitalisation Project which has transformed the former industrial precinct into a destination locals and visitors alike can explore and enjoy.

The Prime Minister visited Mackay earlier this week on Monday to cut the ribbon of the Pioneer River’s new pontoon, using the opportunity to speak about the potential of waterfront activations to increase liveability and tourism opportunities. He joined Mayor Greg Williamson, Councillors, council CEO Scott Owen and other stakeholders for the official opening.

“I am delighted to be in Mackay to open this important revitalisation of the riverside,” the Prime Minister said.

“Parents with their kids, locals enjoying their beautiful river and tourists visiting this great part of the world will benefit from this revitalisation for so many years to come.”

The $9.7 million project was jointly funded with the Australian Government investing $4.1 million and the Mackay Regional Council investing $5.6 million.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said, “The Mackay Riverside Revitalisation is a great example of the Australian Government working in partnership to deliver critical local community infrastructure.

“This facility provides a new leisure, commercial and tourism offering to support the Mackay Waterfront project and bring fresh life to a former industrial precinct.”

The revitalisation includes the recently completed Pioneer River Pontoon at Bluewater Quay and the nearby River Wharves public area.

The opening included a ribbon cutting at the pontoon, where a Wildcat boat was moored, and a tour of River Wharves.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said that both projects have provided improved public access to the wonderful Pioneer River and were part of the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA).

“These projects will be catalysts for future projects, including private investment, along the riverfront,” he added.

“For example, Renew Mackay has recently unveiled plans for a major commercial and residential development on the Brisbane Street car park site adjacent to Bluewater Quay.

“The council-owned building at 8 River Street is also currently being demolished. It will be a prime site for redevelopment and in the interim will also be able to be activated for the community.”

Members from the public who were aware of the Prime Minister’s visit used the opportunity to question the PM about the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro project as he walked past representatives from the ‘Save Eungella’ group. In his press conference Prime Minister Albanese addressed the issue, saying no application had been made to the Federal Government for the project as yet, and once it did, then community consultation would be held, however he did not engage with questions from locals as he left the Bluewater Quay.

‍

Prime Minister Albanese and Senator Nita Green were joined by Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson and council CEO Scott Owen to officially open Mackay’s Riverside Revitalisation Project. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

‍

A local woman who is well-known in the home-schooling community for her kind-hearted spirit, is slowly recovering in hospital following a freak incident which resulted in the amputation of her right leg.

Michelle Wardrope, fell over on her driveway two weeks ago and needed six stitches for the gash on her knee, but unbeknownst to her, this was the start of a terrifying series of events which nearly saw her lose her life.

Michelle Wardrobe (centre) lost her leg from a soil-borne bacterial infection which she was incredibly lucky to survive. Pictured with her son Ollie (left) and partner, Ben Brown (right). Photo supplied

‍

First Words After 13 Days On Life Support

Michelle’s husband, Ben, was elated to finally speak with his wife on Thursday last week following a period of 13 days when she was on life support.

During this time there were some scary moments when doctors said they didn’t know whether she would survive.

“It’s all just been so much to process, and when I finally spoke to her today all I could tell her was that I loved her, and that everything would be ok,” he shared.

When this conversation took place, Michelle had only been awake for an hour and had no idea her leg had been amputated, she simply thought it was numb.

This nightmare series of events began two weeks ago when Michelle dashed outside in the rain to call her nine-year-old son in for dinner.

It had been raining heavily that day and she slipped forward on the steep driveway, tumbling to the ground and receiving a deep gash on her knee.

The family went to Proserpine Hospital where she was given six stitches for a seemingly standard injury.

She went to bed normally that night but woke up after a few hours with her leg throbbing.

After discussing the sensation with Ben, the couple knew this was not normal and she returned to hospital.

Ben explains it had been a whirlwind ever since.

Within a few hours at hospital Michelle’s leg had swollen up and she was airlifted to Mackay Hospital where she was put on life support.

Ben, and the couple’s son Ollie, raced down to Mackay in the car to be by her side.

In less than 72 hours the majority of Michelle’s leg was removed and eventually this extended further, her leg amputated from the hip down, including some of the cheek of her bottom.

Michelle had caught a soil-borne bacterial infection from the run-off streaming down the hill from the vegetation above their house and onto the driveaway where she cut her leg.

This type of infection is extremely life-threatening, with the doctors telling Ben, most people do not make it through the first 48 hours.

The bacteria forms a gas which tracked up Michelle’s leg and it was very lucky to be caught.

“They performed a little miracle,” said Ben.

“We were told she wouldn’t make it, and we are forever grateful that she did.

“We have been through a lot of hardship including losing three children, who passed away a little after birth, 17 years ago.

“We are now blessed with our beautiful boy. It’s just us three and we are positive-minded people who would take the shirts off our backs for anyone.”

Michelle is now in hospital in Brisbane, having just woken up from a 13-day coma.

Over the past week she has been reunited with her family, but she has also had to process and start to comprehend a life with only one leg.

Ben is a self-employed painter and the family have limited means of income while they navigate the next few months of finding accommodation down in Brisbane and learning about the recovery process.

Despite this, Ben remains resolutely grateful.

“I would like to thank the whole community for their support, and I would like to say a special thank you to all the hospital systems – we are so very grateful,” he shared.

“We still feel like we are in a movie, I still think I’m going to wake up – it all happened so fast, words cannot express what we have been through.”

If you wish to help the family by easing the financial load, you can donate to the GoFundMe page entitled ‘Michelle’s Fight For Life”.

Michelle being transported from hospital for life saving surgery. Photo supplied
Michelle and her son, Ollie in happier times. Photo supplied

‍

Hi Everyone,

There’s something pretty special about getting up in the early hours of the morning and heading down to the dawn ceremony.

After the initial effort it takes to get out of bed while it’s still dark, showered and dressed, we emerge from our houses and feel a tingle of excitement as we see the hive of pre-dawn activity.

Cars driving slowly, vying for a nearby parking spot, people walking with steaming coffee cups in hand. The slow procession of folks, winding their way down laneways and across the slightly dewy grass, to gather en-masse to say thank you for the sacrifice and express gratitude for the lives we have now.

Even though generations have since gone by, it makes me proud to see communities right across the country take the time each ANZAC day to remember the soldiers who fought so hard for the freedoms we now enjoy.

School children line up to lay wreaths for the heroes they hear about in history lessons and ancestors proudly remember their forefathers, recounted in stories passed on through generations.

As the misty morning peels away into a soft light, we stand as one and remember their sacrifice.

You can see extensive coverage of ANZAC Day events in next week’s newspaper, and we hope you all have time to reflect this week.

Changing subject now, last week’s story about Airlie Beach ‘beach’ certainly attracted some good debate with the majority of people saying they would prefer to see an enhanced, better maintained feature beach at Airlie Foreshore.

We will continue to follow this story and include further details in the paper next week.

If you still wish to take the poll and cast your vote on the issue simply scan this QR code or head to our Facebook page to comment.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “In war the heroes always outweigh the soldiers ten to one” (H.L. Mencken)

‍

Close to 25 people helped Lyn Burke and Lloyd Fox with their annual flag laying at the Proserpine Cemetery on Sunday.

Nearly 400 flags were laid beside war veteran’s graves as a sign of respect and thanks for their service.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, provided the flags and assisted Lyn and the others in placing them at the grave sites.

He said, “It was humbling to see parents bring their children along to ensure we never forget.”

Lyn shared similar remarks and said, “It was great to see the next generation come and be interested.”

Lyn is member of Whitsunday Old Iron Restorers Club and managed to get the whole group involved in the flag laying.

Members noticed that some soldiers in the old cemetery have a white cross, and they believe this is not enough.

With money raised, the Whitsunday Old Iron Restorers Club are planning to replace the white crosses and give the deserving soldiers headstones with their appropriate emblem.

Lyn and Lloyd started caring for the veteran grave sites over eight years ago and are grateful for all the help they’ve received during that time.

Lyn joked that without people’s help, they would be out all day laying the flags.

Spending many hours researching the military men and women who have been laid to rest at the cemetery, Lyn and Lloyd thought they knew everything possible to know about the site.

That was until last Friday, when somebody alerted Lyn about a soldier.

With deeper research, Lyn identified the soldier and found that he died in 1920 at Gallipoli.

It is fascinating discoveries like this that keeps Lyn dedicated to the broader mission of preserving the military history of our region.

Lyn thanked everyone in attendance on the day and added that “We really appreciate Andrew, and we couldn’t be more grateful for him and his office.”

‍

Federal Member For Dawson Andrew Willcox MP with members of the Whitsunday Old Iron Restorers Club at the flag laying ceremony at Proserpine Cemetery on Sunday. Photos supplied

‍

With a husband feeling unwell on the day the family had booked a scenic helicopter flight to Whitehaven Beach, Sara Adams had a spare ticket and didn’t want to waste the experience.

Without a thought, she posted on the Hamilton Island Visitors Facebook group and asked if anyone would like to join her and her daughter on the adventure.

Kylie Milloy was first to respond, so her, Sara and her daughter travelled to Whitehaven together.

They were dropped at Whitehaven Beach, where they had the beach to themselves.

“It was a really cool experience, the pilot left us on the beach and there was no one in sight,” said Sara.

Kylie and Sara enjoyed a bottle of bubbles and got to know each other.

The morning also involved some relaxing on the beach and some swimming.

The three had a time day and Kylie offered to pay Sara for the experience, but she refused.

Sara believes in giving more than you take and said she didn’t even think of selling it.

“It’s a nice thing to pass on,” she said.

Later, Sara went back to the Facebook group and told the community about the experience.

“For everyone following along . . . I wasn’t a seral killer!” she said.

“We had a beautiful morning.”

‍

Strangers become friends. Photos supplied.

‍