From rubbish on the beach to stunning works of art, there are many waterway-themed submissions being collected by the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership for their upcoming Submerged in Our Region exhibition.

Bringing together the environment, science and the arts, the exhibition will launch on 25 July as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts.

Healthy Rivers to Reef Executive Officer, Jaime Newborn, said she was excited to see the diversity of exhibits being received as part of their community art competition.

"We have entries from school groups who are really making that connection between art and STEM, which is fantastic to see,” Mrs Newborn said.

“We also have paintings, sculptures, underwater audio recordings, and film.

“Entries remain open until June 7, so we encourage anyone with an interest to contact us – whether you are entering as an individual, or a school or community group, there are categories for all ages and a $1,000 art bursary up for grabs.”

She said a waterway theme could reflect a wide variety of views and ideas.  

“In the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Isaac region, we love our waterways. Whether you fish on the weekend, jog on the beach, or rely on our rivers and Reef to earn an income, waterways play a big part in our lives and our region’s liveability.”

One entry has homed in on the key issue of sustainability.

Environmental scientist and artist, Kerri Woodcock, has created a series of works using plastic marine debris and 'recycled rubbish' collected from local beaches, islands and coastlines.

“These works are as meaningful as they are beautiful – many thanks to our Partner, Eco Barge Clean Seas, for loaning them to our exhibition,” Mrs Newborn said.
Libby Edge, founder of Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc, is delighted to see these artworks travel for such a great cause.
“Kerri’s pieces are real eye-openers about marine debris,” Libby said.
“Having Kerri’s artwork displayed for our team of volunteers has been a true gift. Each piece, crafted from plastic trash found during Kerri’s beach walks, powerfully highlights the local and global impact of plastic pollution on our marine environment.”
Visit www.healthyriverstoreef.org.au for more or follow on Facebook.

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Photo: Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership team members Rebekah Smith and Cinzia Cattaneo, with artworks by Kerri Woodcock (foreground) and Art of Thongs by David Day. Photo supplied

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Close to 150 uniformed soldiers of the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment (3CER) will be involved in a parade along the main street of Airlie Beach next Saturday and the whole community is invited to come and watch the spectacle.

The Freedom of Entry Parade will begin at Broadwater Avenue Carpark and continue along the Airlie Beach main street.

The 3CER were bestowed Freedom To The City in November 2017 to acknowledge their invaluable assistance following Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

As part of the event, Mayor Ry Collins will conduct a Mayoral address to 3CER and community members.  

There will also be a vehicle display and a performance from the RAR band.

In addition, the Airlie Beach Saturday markets will still be on, with the variety of stalls there is something for everyone.

This event is being supported by the Whitsunday Regional Council, road and carpark closure information can be found on their website.

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WHAT: Freedom of Entry Parade
WHERE: Airlie Beach
WHEN: Saturday 12th May
HOW: Free to the community

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The Whitsunday region currently has five known infestations of Yellow Crazy Ants and effective measures are being taken by Council to keep these pesty protein-loving pests under control.

Known to swarm en-masse, these orange-coloured ants are slightly smaller than the common green ant, but a lot more formidable.

Scott Hardy, Manager Natural Resource Management and Climate for Whitsunday Regional Council said Yellow Crazy Ants are known to have eaten anything that moves – from other ants to frogs, lizards and potentially even us.

“We’re on the menu!” said Scott jokingly.

The five infestations are located in Hamilton Island, Woodwark, Mandalay, Funnel Bay and Shute Harbour, covering a total of 58 hectares.

The first site was discovered in 2019 at Shute Harbour, but with dedicated eradication efforts, 80 per cent of the ant population has been eliminated.

Last month, Council used drones to drop baits across all areas, this new method promising to tackle previously unreachable nests.

It is believed the Yellow Crazy Ants are arriving in our region in large trucks transporting building supplies.

They are likely coming from Townsville where there is an infestation that stretches over 2000 hectares.

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Council have put out the following advice to local residents:

1: If you are constructing a new home, ask your builder whether they’ve had the building materials checked for Yellow Crazy Ants.

2: If you are getting your property sprayed by a pest contractor, make sure they inspect for the presence of Yellow Crazy Ants.

3: If you see an unusual orange ant, slightly smaller than a green ant, please report to Council to get it identified.

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Pau Roig
You know when I actually think it just depends on the tide, because when it’s high tide the rocks and these areas are not that visible so, as you see it now, I think it looks nice. But when the tide is low, you can see some rocks on the bottom so it's not as pleasant to see. I think that it's looking good as it is now.

Mark Sznicer
Isn't that other beach? (Boathaven Beach) That’s imported, isn't it? Well, it depends on what tide it is, doesn't it? I mean, I've been here 12 months now and low tide looks not nice. But high tide, it’s picturesque isn’t it. I don't think we should change it. No.

Irene Alferez
Well, I think that should be like that, natural things are always better I think in my experience. So, I will keep it like that. Keep it the same yeah.

Rodney Firmer
Leave it the same, don’t touch it. Because it is what it is if you want to see really pure white sand go out to the reef. That's where it is. There's plenty of spots in Australia to see white sand if you want to go and see white sand. This is what Airlie Beach is. I'm only a tourist but I guess if I come in and see white sand I’ll go that's nice. But if this is the natural sand, leave it.

Ciaran Griffin
Left as it is I suppose, surfed away. Let it naturally be. Looks perfect the way it is to me. I haven't seen it with the tide out just the way it is now. Generally, with those things the way it is, is actually generally best. So, yeah, that'd be my take on it.

Jo Driver
I’m not really one to sit on the beach anyway.  But I mean, how much of the sand are they thinking of bringing? Like a whole lot? Nah leave it. Leave it as it is. It is what it is. And the added expense I don't think it’s necessary, so I think it's perfectly fine as it is.

Tori McFaul
I'm actually not from here. I'm just traveling. So I haven't seen it at low tide. But I can see just looking at it, that the sand does seem like there's just a lot of like rubble in it. I feel like if it has to do with comfort and it benefits and it doesn't deteriorate the environment, then I don't see any harm in doing so.

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A man in his thirties, who fell more than 20 metres from a meteorological mast at Proserpine Wind Farm on Thursday has sadly succumbed to his injuries.

It is understood the accident involved a contractor who attended the work site and investigations are still ongoing as to the cause of the accident.

A spokesperson from Proserpine Wind Farm said they are shocked and saddened by the death.

“Staff remain on site working with authorities and supporting family and colleagues,” said the spokesperson.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with the contractor’s family at this very difficult time.

“The safety and wellbeing of employees, contractors, and the broader community is always the project’s primary concern.

“All operations have been suspended until we can ensure ongoing safety on site.”

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Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine now welcomes sponsorship applications for the 2024-25 financial year from Whitsunday not-for-profit community organisations.
“At Bendigo Bank, our customers and the Whitsundays community always win. Our success is based on our profit-with-a-purpose model which sees around 50% of the profits generated by our independently owned and operated Community Bank branch invested back into the community” said Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Chairman Mark Henry.
The Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine opened in June 2012 with the support of local shareholders who saw the value of the Community Bank model and raised $800,000 locally to establish a branch in the Whitsundays.
Over the past eight years Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine has invested just over $201,500 into local schools, social programs, sporting groups, arts and culture events, conservation initiatives, and community prizes.
Already this year, the Branch has sponsored the Great Barrier Reef Festival and art exhibition, Proserpine Scouts, Whitsunday AFL, Whitsunday United Football Club, Whitsunday Outrigger Regatta just to name a few!
Most weekends Whitsunday locals will also see the Branch’s Community Trailer out and about at sporting and community events.
The Branch’s fully equipped BBQ trailer is available to local sporting and community groups for events. The Community Trailer includes a BBQ with gas bottles, cooking utensils, four marquees, tables, chairs, signage, and a portable PA system.
The sponsorship application process is highly competitive and strict terms and conditions apply.
Applications are usually notified within 2-6 weeks of submitting.
“Our ability to invest in the local community is due to our Branch team for delivering consistently high-quality customer service, our shareholders for backing the Whitsundays community, and all the passionate local Directors past and present for their hard work and dedication,” said Mark.
For sponsorship application forms and Community Trailer booking forms, please visit the Branch’s Facebook (@communitybankcannonvaleproserpine) or email the Branch’s Board Secretariat on secretary@whitsundaycel.com.au

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Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine sponsors countless community events and everyone is welcome to apply. Photo supplied
The fully equipped BBQ trailer is available to local sporting and community groups. Photo supplied

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Marking my first Anzac Day as Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor was a memorable one starting with a poignant Dawn service in Bowen, where I had the honour of laying a wreath with other dignitaries and members of the community.
 
The spirit of community and remembrance carried on to Airlie Beach, where I saluted the march down Main Street and together with Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Councillors Jan Clifford and Clay Bauman, we laid a wreath at Remembrance Rock.
 
The day continued with the Proserpine march where I spoke at the cenotaph service about the sacrifices of our service people, including two local heroes, Private William Joseph Fry and Warrant officer Charles Faust from Proserpine, who lost their lives in their duty.
 
It was inspiring to witness such a great turnout from our community, service people, and especially our youth, who we entrust to carry forward the ANZAC legacy. It was a day of reflection, pride, and community spirit. 
 
At the April Ordinary Meeting in Proserpine last week, Councillors approved a donation to the Bowen Probus Club for bus hire to transport their members to the five morning melodies sessions at the PEC in 2024.
 
“The Proserpine Entertainment Centre is Our Whitsunday’s regional facility to showcase the performing arts and world-class entertainment for residents and visitors so it is important that Council endeavours to ensure our community can access the facility.
 
“The Bowen Probus Club is a not-for-profit community group that has an average membership age of 84 so it is vitally important that we connect with our elderly residents to improve their liveability,” Mayor Ry said.
 
“Many of our elderly face mobility challenges so this donation ensures the Bowen Probus Members can utilise a wheelchair friendly bus so they can enjoy the popular Morning Melodies shows at the PEC.”
 
Deputy Mayor and Division 4 Councillor Michelle Wright was all smiles after all Councillors voted to approve $20,000 in-kind sponsorship for the 2024 Don River Dash on September 6-8.
 
“The Don River Dash is a unique event which boasts motorbikes and buggies racing in the rugged terrain of the dry riverbed of the Don River providing a weekend of high-speed action.
 
“Council have been proud to support the event since it started in 2019 as it grows to become one of the premier offroad racing events in the country attracting world class drivers and riders.
 
“The Bowen Offroaders club should be congratulated for organising the event and they were rewarded for their efforts when the 2022 Don River Dash won the 2022 Motorcycling Queensland Event of the Year,” Cr Wright said.

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Whitsunday Regional Council is currently expanding the Kelsey Creek landfill with a new cell that will increase our capacity by up to five years.

While we work on this important project, some temporary changes to our waste services are necessary and as a result heavier commercial and industrial waste will be redirected to the Bowen landfill.

We will continue to accept all recyclable materials at the Kelsey Creek facility. By embracing practices of reduce, reuse, and recycle, we can all help extend the life of our landfill, keeping our community clean and sustainable for the future.

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New signs have been installed on the Bruce Highway, north and south of the Big Mango, announcing that the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango is now a Driver Reviver location.

The friendly staff and volunteers at the Visitor Information Centre are thrilled to be able to offer travellers a free tea or coffee and welcome the official title of a Driver Reviver location.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the team at the information centre had provided free tea and coffee in the past, but it was good to be officially recognised as a Driver Reviver location.

“Providing this free service is all about safety on our roads,” she said.

“We encourage people to take a break, especially when travelling long distances.”

Before the Visitor Information Centre became a Driver Reviver location, an alternative was previously located at the Mount Gordon Rest Area, across the road from the Big Mango.

The Bowen Visitor Information Centre welcomes more than 45,000 visitors per year, so changing the location to the more frequently visited attraction is more suitable.

Driver Reviver is a national program that has been operating since 1989.

The program is run by volunteers that give up their time to promote road safety and help reduce the road toll.

The aim of Driver Reviver is to provide opportunities for local communities to contribute to addressing fatigue related road trauma.

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New signs have been erected on the Bruce Highway, north and south of the Big Mango.
Bowen Tourism and Business volunteer Steve Fisher enjoys welcoming visitors to Bowen and providing free tea and coffee to travellers.

Photos supplied

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This was the question posed at an invigorating event held by the inspirational people and culture specialists at Shiift last week.

Part of their Thriive series, which invites women of all ages and professions to gather to share information, support and stories, the event was another insightful exploration into our lives.

Interestingly, statistics show that it is people who serve others who are leading the most meaningful lives, the act of selfless service proving most rewarding.

On the night, the group of women were asked what local jobs/roles might be the most meaningful and a lively debate ensued.

It was widely acknowledged that tourism and hospitality roles are meaningful, as well as the agriculture industry with farmers experiencing the humble yet fulfilling role of providing people with fresh food.

In addition, the emergency services roles were flagged, especially in our disaster prone region.

The conversational topic did, however, lead participants to consider that people can find meaning in almost any position as long as they are engaged, care about their role and work in a positive culture.

The group also discovered there are four key foundations of meaning.

A sense of belonging lies at the core, the feeling of being understood, recognised and affirmed.

A feeling of purpose and creating long-term goals that reflect our values and serve the greater good, also infuse activities with more meaning.

Our purpose is our unique contribution to the world – what is yours?

Ask yourself – “how can I be the best part of someone else’s day?” (Ben Crowe)

Storytelling was another key component with the group asked how they choose to narrate their own story.

Finally, the idea of transcendence was explored, with participants asked if they had ever felt a connection to something deeper.

Overall, a deeply meaningful experience was had by all.

WHAT: Thriive
WHEN: Next event Thursday 23rd May
WHERE: Suite 1, 15 Carlo Drive
MEMBERSHIP: Call 07 4858 1363

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Alita De Brincat, Judy Porter and Kylie Forgione. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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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. 

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Contributed with thanks to Laura Knipe (Marketing Manager) 

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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

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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.

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Atticus Nooren. Photo supplied.

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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

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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.

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

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