It is easy to see Whitsunday Islands and surrounding fringing reefs as static and unchanging. But that is not true, as slow, gradual changes often go unnoticed. Over time these changes may become accepted as the status quo, the way things have always been. This phenomenon is called shifting baseline syndrome.

Shifting baseline describes a gradual change in our accepted norms and expectations for the environment across generations. Unfortunately, our tolerance for environmental degradation increases and our expectations for the natural world are lowered.

Our Whitsunday Island coral reefs are a classic example. Only 50 years ago, the quality and abundance of coral and fish was significantly better than today. As well, the water clarity, on average, was much better. But over time, the reefs have deteriorated due to poor water quality, crown-of-thorns starfish, cyclones, coral bleaching and other impacts.

But people experiencing the island reefs for the first time today would accept what they see as the norm. For the most part, today’s visitors are happy with what they see because they don’t know any better, and that is sad.

This example shows how shifting baselines affect our perception and acceptance of the state of the natural world. In truth similar changes are occurring all around us.

The consequences of shifting baseline syndrome are dire and include an increased tolerance for progressive environmental degradation, changes in people's expectations as to what is a desirable (worth protecting) state of the natural environment, and the establishment and use of inappropriate baselines for nature conservation, restoration, and management.

Now the real challenge is to look beyond the current status quo. We need to move the clock back and help rebuild the natural environment.

You can fight the growing Shifting Baseline Syndrome and help rebuild our natural environment by supporting conservation organisations, reducing our carbon footprint, participating in citizen science activities, supporting only sustainable businesses and industries, and raising awareness. Together, we can help reduce the relentless decline of the environment and provide current and future generations with a more stable baseline of what the world should be.

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Contributed by Whitsunday Conservation Council.

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Healthy Reef

Unhealthy Reef

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By Ruth Puddefoot

Cleaning up the coastline is no small task, but it’s one that the Whitsundays community is eager to take on. On Sunday, March 2nd, Coral Sea Marina became the heart of action for the annual Clean Up Australia Day event. Volunteers, fuelled by a shared passion for preserving the region’s pristine coastline, came together to make a real difference.

In partnership with the Tangaroa Blue Foundation and the ReefClean program, they tackled the shoreline, collecting litter with dedication and teamwork. But the effort didn’t stop there – after the hard work of gathering the debris, it was sorted and cataloged for the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI).

This crucial data helps track pollution sources and drives forward innovative strategies to reduce waste, ensuring that the breathtaking beauty of the Whitsundays can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Volunteers gathered at Meeting Point D, Coral Sea Marina at 8:30 am on Sunday, equipped with gloves and collection bags. After the clean-up, they learned about the impacts of marine debris and ways to protect the oceans.

A total of 61 volunteers collected an incredible 250.5 kg of waste from Airlie Beach over the morning.

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As Mayor, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand the strength, resilience, and contributions of women across the Whitsundays.

From business owners to community leaders, volunteers to frontline workers, women are at the heart of what makes our region thrive. However, while we have made great strides toward gender equality, there is still work to be done.

Saturday, March 8 marks International Women’s Day 2025, a day to celebrate the achievements of women while acknowledging that progress towards gender equality must move faster.

This year’s theme, "Collectively, we can Accelerate Action for Gender Equality," highlights the urgency of breaking down systemic barriers and biases that still exist.

At the current rate, full gender parity won’t be reached until 2158—five generations from now. That’s simply too long. We need to step forward in solidarity and #AccelerateAction to create real, lasting change.

I am proud that within Council and within our Whitsundays community, we’ve made great strides. Two of our past four Whitsunday Regional Council Mayors have been women, and many senior positions in Council are held by talented female leaders.

This is proof that when given the opportunity, women excel. But equality isn’t just about leadership—it’s about ensuring every woman in our region has the safety, economic security, and opportunities she deserves.

One of the most effective ways to advance gender equality is to identify what works and do more of it, faster. Whether that’s increasing support for women in business, advocating for safer communities, or addressing the gender pay gap, acting now will shape a stronger future for all

Change happens when communities, businesses, and governments work together. In the Whitsundays, we are proud of the progress we’ve made, but we also know there is more to do.

Together, let’s #AccelerateAction to speed up the rate of progress worldwide.

To all the women in our region: we see you, we support you, and we stand with you.

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Compared to many other parts of the world, the waters of the Whitsundays are quite benign. The many islands and their mountain peaks provide prominent landmarks to guide vessels safely around the numerous hazards that potentially exist. However, for a variety of reasons such as bad weather, carelessness and outdated charts in the past, there have been victims over that last two centuries.

Previous editions of this paper have related the stories of the “Heroine”, SS “Llewellyn”, “Valetta” and the Whaler tragedy. This week’s story describes the fortunes, or should we say the misfortunes, of the “Veleiro”, a Portuguese Barque under the command of Captain Lorenzo Fullaondo, which left Port Douglas on January 20, 1880, bound for Melbourne and carrying a cargo of cedar.

Eleven days into her journey, as she sailed in the Whitsunday area, she encountered what the ship’s notes described as “boisterous weather”. Endeavouring to reach Pioneer Point for shelter, she struck Pioneer Rock and held fast, though taking water badly.

The decision was made to abandon ship and the captain and his eleven crew took to two boats and headed for Bowen. Upon their safe arrival, enquiries into the incident were difficult – none of the crew spoke English and no one in Bowen spoke Portuguese!

The ship remained fast on Pioneer Rock but subsequent to a report from Captain Lake of the “Katoomba” that she had disappeared, the government cutter from Bowen was despatched to the scene only to find that the “Veleiro” was still on the rock. Perhaps it was the hazy weather that had misled Captain Lake.

The vessel had, however, been stripped of everything moveable. It was evident to the crew of the cutter that the “Veleiro” was so firmly wedged that she was destined to stay there until she fell apart.

On March 8, prominent Bowen merchant and importer, Donald Millar, sent three men to the scene in his boat “The Frenchman”, and they camped on Pioneer Point until the salvage was to be completed. During the next few days, the men boarded the wreck several times but on March 11, in a severe rip around the rock, the punt in which the men approached the wreck capsized and one of the men, Harry Martin, was drowned. His body was never found. Martin had been one of a party which carried out one of the earliest surveys of the Proserpine River in 1879.

It is unclear as to whether the cargo of cedar was recovered but the “Port Denison Times” (July 30 1881) reported that a man had been sent to the wreck to burn it. It is most likely, therefore, that the cedar was recovered. Burning of a wreck was usual practice as this facilitated removal of metal fittings and also removed the hulk to avoid investigation by passing vessels.

Survey charts of Port Molle from HMS “Alert” following her visit two months earlier in May 1881 had shown the wreck still on Pioneer Rock but it seems it must have been shifted in its entirety in one way or another. No doubt the strong currents would have carried it away quite rapidly. Divers who have investigated the area around Pioneer Rock say that there are no recognisable remains.

And so, another vessel was despatched to a watery grave – somewhere!

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum. Information sourced from Ray Blackwood’s article “Coastline Calling” August 1990.

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Map showing Pioneer Point

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Locally owned and operated, Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine is seeking passionate individuals to join its paid Board of Directors. This is your chance to contribute to a unique "profit-with-a-purpose" model, where local profits directly benefit the community.

"Like our sponsored organisations, our Board is driven by people who are passionate about our community and who value the knowledge, passion and dedication it takes to run the many community organisations," explains Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Chairman Mark Henry.

The Bendigo Community Bank ‘profit-with-a-purpose’ model is unique and sees a percentage of the profits generated by the Bank branch invested back into the community.

Since its 2012 inception, backed by $800,000 from local shareholders, the branch has supported many Whitsundays community groups and given back over $200,000 to the local community.

"We thank our shareholders and past and present directors for their dedication over the last 12 years and we look forward to being part of the community for many more to come," says Mr Henry.

Board members play a crucial role in strategic planning and community investment.

Are you interested in influencing sponsorship decisions, making a tangible local impact, developing your leadership skills, or simply sharing your expertise?

If so, the Board encourages your nomination.

The bank seeks diverse individuals with skills in strategy, finance, legal, community engagement, and marketing to strengthen its team. This is an opportunity to contribute to a successful, locally owned branch, part of a network of 322 community banks nationwide.

For a confidential conversation about Board member role, responsibilities, and expectations please contact the Chair of the Board, Mark Henry, via email chair@whitsundaycel.com.au by Monday, March 31, 2025.

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Barefoot Medicine is more than just a doctor’s surgery. It is a place where exceptional care meets compassion. At the heart of its success are the dedicated nurse practitioners whose expertise and commitment make every patient feel valued and cared for.

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an advanced Registered Nurse with specialised skills, expertise, and the authority to diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions across all ages. With additional university-level training at the master's degree level, NPs are equipped with the highest level of clinical independence in the healthcare system.

The title "Nurse Practitioner" was officially introduced in 2000 and is exclusively used by those endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Currently, only about 3,000 individuals in Australia hold this prestigious status.

National practice standards ensure that Nurse Practitioners deliver exceptional, patient-centered care while also playing a pivotal role in clinical research, education, leadership, and the advancement of healthcare services.

Nurse Practitioners offer a wide range of services, including the ability to provide patient rebates through Medicare, prescribe medications, access PBS medicines, refer patients to hospitals and specialists, and order diagnostic tests like x-rays. They are an integral part of the healthcare team, collaborating closely with a range of professionals, from GPs to physiotherapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, and more.

At Barefoot Medicine, we're proud to have two exceptional Nurse Practitioners ready to serve the Whitsunday community. While not GPs, they offer comprehensive healthcare services, assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients just like a GP, and are always here to help you with your health needs.

One of Barefoot’s dedicated Nurse Practitioners, Brett Johnson, shared insights into his role.

“While Nurse Practitioners don’t enjoy the same clinical scope of practice of general practitioners, we are able to prescribe most drugs under the PBS, we can order x-rays and ultrasounds and can refer to medical specialists.”

Barefoot’s other Nurse Practitioner, Rachel Jakeman explained how being a nurse practitioner allows them to offer a different approach to what a GP may provide.

"As nurses, we tend to assess people a bit differently, taking a more holistic approach and looking at the full picture. That unique nursing perspective, combined with our skill set, can be a real asset."

“While it is a new role, and people aren’t used to seeing nurse practitioners, individuals don’t always know what we can do or our skillset.

"If there's ever a situation where I feel unsure or believe something is outside of my scope of practice, I would handle it like a GP would. I would refer the patient to the appropriate specialist, for instance, if I thought my GP colleagues could provide insight, I would consult with them. However, if I felt a specialist's expertise was needed, I would make the necessary referral."

With the ongoing shortage of GPs in Australia, Nurse Practitioners are increasingly recognised as an excellent alternative. While they differ from GPs, Nurse Practitioners are highly skilled and fully capable of addressing your medical needs with expertise and care.

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Rachel Jakeman and Brett Johnson, the two Nurse Practitioners at Barefoot Medicine in Cannonvale. Photo credit: R Jean Photography

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By Ruth Puddefoot

Australia is famous for its rich and diverse wildlife, and the Whitsundays are no exception, home to several rare and endangered species.

Hopping into the picture, the Proserpine Rock Wallaby is one of the Whitsundays’ most intriguing native animals, found exclusively in the region’s rainforests and on Hayman Island.

The Proserpine Rock Wallaby is larger than similar species, but it is still an extremely small animal, with the larger of males only growing to 60 centimetres in length and weighing 9 kilograms.

The Proserpine Rock Wallabies live in elevated rocky outcrops found scattered throughout the deciduous rainforest. Experts have found that often the wallabies perfer foothills near open woodland and during dry season they move closer to the forest edge to graze on grass.

The Proserpine Rock Wallaby is a shy, nocturnal creature that quickly retreats into rocky shelters when disturbed. Its light brown or grey fur provides excellent camouflage, making it difficult to spot.

Proserpine rock-wallabies are primary consumers that opportunistically feed on plants. On Hayman Island, they have previously competed for food with feral goats, which have been successfully eradicated.

Sadly, habitat loss, fragmentation, and introduced species like dogs, cats and toxic weeds are all major threats to its survival.

Conservation efforts for the Proserpine Rock Wallaby include restricting development in key habitats and installing road reflectors to reduce collisions. However, feral dogs remain a major threat, as pet ownership persists. Despite ongoing measures, the species' future remains uncertain as the Whitsundays continue to grow and prosper.

If you're fortunate enough to live near Proserpine rock-wallaby habitat, you can support species recovery by replacing toxic plants with native ones in your garden, preventing domestic animals from escaping your yard, staying wildlife-conscious while driving by adhering to speed limits, and protecting populations on private land through Nature Conservation Agreements and Nature Refuges.

Fast Fact: The Proserpine Rock-wallaby is social and lives in groups of around 20 or more.

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Say hello to Sarge, the lovable pup who’s ready to win your heart! Recently rescued after being abandoned with his brother, Sarge is a sweet and well-adjusted boy with a personality that will melt anyone’s heart. He’s an absolute dream of a puppy, with the perfect balance of playfulness and calm.

Sarge is an extremely quick learner, already mastering commands like "sit," "stay," and "drop." His eagerness to please makes him a breeze to train!

While Sarge loves to follow you around, he is also a bit of a lazy boy who enjoys snuggling up on the couch for a cosy nap.

Not only does Sarge listen well, but he doesn’t jump or try to escape. He’s content with his own spot to relax, and he’s even unfazed by his current neighbours’ free-roaming chickens!

Sarge is the ultimate companion — loyal, loving, and always eager to please. If you’re looking for a gentle, affectionate pup to add to your family, Sarge might be the perfect match for you!

Ready to meet this adorable boy? Sarge can’t wait to find his forever home!

Adopt Sarge today and let him bring endless love and joy into your life.

Rehoming fee: $400
Breed: Great Dane X
Sex: Male
Other dogs: Yes
Fences: 6ft

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What better way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day than with a rich, indulgent Irish stout pudding? We've got the ultimate recipe to make your celebration even more delicious!

Ingredients

• 6 ounces unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup Guinness Stout
• 1 Tablespoon molasses
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 large eggs
• pinch kosher salt
• 6 ounces dark chocolate chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter 5-7 ramekins (I used ½ cup ramekins and got 7 pudding cakes; if using larger ramekins, you'll have fewer). Arrange the ramekins on a baking sheet.
2. In a small saucepan, combine butter and molasses. Melt the butter over low heat, stirring until fully melted.
3. Bring the Guinness to a boil over medium heat and simmer until reduced to ⅓ cup, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Add the chocolate, sugar, vanilla, and salt to the melted butter, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Gradually mix in the chocolate mixture and stir until fully combined. Then, add the reduced Guinness and mix.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the ramekins and place them on the middle rack of the oven.
7. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the edges begin to crack, while the center remains soft and shiny.
8. Serve warm with whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel sauce.
9. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little fleur de sel on top if desired.

Happy St Patricks Day!

Recipe credit: whatagirleats.com/

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In the tranquil landscapes of the Whitsundays, one photographer is making waves with her vibrant approach to photography. Specialising in family portraits, intimate weddings, and couples’ shoots, her work emphasizes the natural beauty of the Whitsundays, offering clients more than just photographs but memorable moments they can treasure forever.

Lucy's journey into photography began when her time as a model inspired what began as a hobby in 2014, blossoming into a full-fledged career upon her relocation to the Whitsundays. Lucy honed her skills through hands-on experience and mentorship, proving that passion and drive can go a long way.

Her highlights are the importance of client-centred shoots as she aims to provide not just a service but a shared experience. She describes her style as bright and colourful, echoing the landscapes of the Whitsundays, and always works with clients to select locations that reflect their personalities and preferences. Whether it’s a sunset beach shoot or a couple’s surprise proposal, Lucy ensures that every session captures authentic, meaningful moments.

Lucy remains deeply humble and motivated by her passion for photography. Her most rewarding project to date was capturing the majestic beauty of whales in the wild, an experience that cemented her desire to pursue wildlife and underwater photography. In the near future, Lucy hopes to expand her portfolio into these areas.

Lucy encourages everyone to reach out to her through her website: storiesinlight.com.au, or social media platforms for a fun, relaxed photoshoot experience. With an eye for detail and a love for capturing nature’s beauty, Lucy is carving out a distinctive niche in the world of photography, one beautiful shot at a time.

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For Bowen’s newest regional coordinator Jenelle Maher, community has always been at the heart of what she does.Originally from Foxton, a small town in Aotearoa/New Zealand, Jenelle has spent most of her life in Bowen—a place she now proudly calls home.“I never really set out to work in the disability sector,” she said. “But I’ve always been involved in my kids’ sports, and one day I found myself advocating for a young boy with a disability who wanted to join a soccer team.”That experience sparked her journey, leading to her first role as a club coordinator in an environment similar to selectability’s Clubhouse—a group program that encourages social connection and puts members in charge of their wellbeing.Jenelle loves the variety of her role and seeing the impact her team makes.“Every day is different! I love when staff come in feeling proud of their day at work and how they’ve helped someone else,” she said.For those considering a role in the sector, her advice is simple:“Even if you don’t have the skills, if you have a great attitude, a willingness to learn, and can commit to our values, you will have an amazing team and leaders to support you on this journey.”Outside of work, Jenelle enjoys fishing, exploring islands, and camping with her kids. And when she needs motivation, she turns to her personal hype song, Ain’t Nothing Gonna Break My Stride.“No matter the challenge, I remind myself that nothing’s going to break my stride.”To learn more about selectability’s services in Bowen, visit our website.

After 50 years serving the community, Meals on Wheels in Proserpine is urgently calling for more volunteers to help this invaluable local organisation continue operating.

Local Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP attended the venue last week to raise awareness for the issue and hopes more support will be given soon.

“It’s a really important community service that this organisation provides,” she expressed.“But one that if discontinues, puts people at risk who won't get that service. Connecting with people in our community who are at times, isolated.”

Meals on Wheels operating out of Proserpine, has been a long-standing service that delivers nutritious meals and also provides connections to people that might be living on their own.

Run almost exclusively by volunteers, the team prepare, cook and deliver 50-60 meals every day to local people in need.

Despite a lack of volunteer numbers in recent years the team persevere, operating with just a skeleton crew, concerned about how they will continue in the future.

Volunteers estimate there could only be another three months of operation for this vital service if support is not offered soon.

“I've done it on my own. I've been without chefs and I've just come in and done my best because they need this service,” said Helen Maynard Turner, the organiser of Meals on Wheels in Proserpine.

If you would like to volunteer a few hours a week and breathe new life into this vital local service then please reach out directly to Helen. Simply call between 7am-12pm on: 07 4945 1733 or email your interest to volunteer to: prosmow@gmail.com.

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Volunteers Mika Nishiguchi and Leanne Alexander beside Amanda Camm, and Helen Maynard Turner the organiser of Meals on Wheels in Proserpine. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

Proserpine Lions & Lion Ladies are excited to host their very first International Women’s Day celebration 'March Forward', paying tribute to the incredible women who have shaped and developed the Proserpine district. This special event will honor our pioneering women from various sectors such as tourism, education, health, business and more, highlighting their significant contributions to the community.

The day will feature a guest speaker addressing important issues surrounding domestic violence and family violence, providing invaluable insights and raising awareness. Attendees will also hear from a Youth of the Year entrant, learn about the vital services of Meals on Wheels and the local food bank, and enjoy a variety of other engaging activities.

For $25, participants of the Marching Forward event will enjoy a cent sale, lucky door prize, and fun games for all, along with a delicious high tea. With tissues on the tables to help attendees through the emotional moments, this event promises to be a blend of heartfelt recognition and fun-filled celebration.

The Proserpine Lions & Lion Ladies invite all women to join them for a day of reflection, connection and laughter, with all proceeds going to the Proserpine Meals on Wheels. Call Lyn on: 04 0769 2928 to reserve your spot!

WHAT: Proserpine Lions & Lion Ladies March Forward
WHEN: Saturday, 8th March 1pm-5pm
WHERE: Proserpine R.S.L. 27 Chapman St.

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Last Wednesday, Cannonvale State School proudly held its annual Student Leader Induction Ceremony, a momentous event celebrating the leadership potential and dedication of its students.

The special occasion united staff, students, families, and community members as they gathered to support and congratulate the newly appointed student leaders stepping into their important roles for the year ahead.

During the ceremony, school captains, vice-captains, sports house captains, events managers, ambassadors, band captains, and student council representatives were officially inducted, receiving their leadership badges as a symbol of their dedication and responsibility to the Cannonvale State School community.

Each leader was recognised for their commitment to serving, inspiring, and upholding the school's values. The atmosphere was filled with pride and excitement as students took their leadership pledge, vowing to lead with integrity, kindness, and a dedication to making a positive impact on their peers and school environment.

Principal, Mr Nicholas Shirley said they were honoured to have special guests in attendance, Belinda Greenwood who represented our Member of Parliament Mrs Amanda Camm, the Principal of Proserpine High School, Mr Don McDermid, Ms Libby Edge from Eco Barge CleanSeas and the President of the Cannonvale State School Parents’ and Citizens Association, Ms Sabrina Mitchell.

The 2025 School Leaders are:

School Captains: Mia Berry & Jagger Sassall

School Vice Captains: Ruby Luka & Harvey Fitzpatrick

Indigenous School Leader: Tiffany Bloomer

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Rising Whitsundays motorsport star Jure Portelli is excited to announce her participation in the prestigious Kyojo Cup Vita-01 Championship. This exciting move marks a significant step in Jure's burgeoning career, offering a new platform to showcase her talent and compete against some of the best female drivers in the world.

Jure is 15-years-old and has competed various racing events including karting, endurance racing, sprint racing, hillclimb, and rally events. In 2023, she was selected for the FIA Girls on Track - Rising Stars program and trained with the Ferrari Driver Academy. Her natural talent and determination quickly shone through, leading to numerous podium finishes and a diverse racing portfolio that spans endurance, sprint, and rally disciplines.

The Kyojo Cup, founded in 2017, is a pioneering all-female racing series based in Japan. It provides a unique opportunity for women from diverse motorsport backgrounds to compete on a level playing field. The Vita-01 Championship is a mixed race series attracting a range of talented male and female drivers, including those transitioning from karting, formula racing, and rally, and boasts a growing international profile.

The Kyojo Cup VITA-01 Championship provides a stepping stone for drivers aspiring to reach higher levels of motorsport, such as Super GT and international championships. Jure's participation in the series is a testament to her dedication and ambition, and she is poised to make a significant impact on the championship.

"I'm incredibly excited to join the Kyojo Cup Vita-01 Championship," said Jure.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to compete against a talented field of women and further develop my skills in a new environment. The Kyojo Cup’s commitment to promoting female motorsport and diverse racing backgrounds aligns with my own values, and I'm proud to be a part of it."

Follow Jure’s racing career or get involved via Instagram or Facebook @jureportelliracing

The Kyojo Women’s Championship Rounds dates are:
Round one: 13-15th March
Round two: 8-10th May
Round three: 14-16th Aug
Round 4: 19-20 Dec

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Jure Portelli is excited for the Kyojo Cup Vita-01 Championship. Photo sourced: Facebook

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