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.

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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.

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

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Photo credit. Shutterstock

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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!

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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!

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Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

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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!

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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.”

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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

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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.”

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Strangers become friends. Photos supplied.

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The winner of the Young Achievers Indigenous Award from this years’ Queensland Indigenous Tourism Awards came to the region last week as part of a culture exchange and mentorship program.

Kruze “Gurruhman” Summers from Yarriba Cultural Experience, located in the Scenic Rim area of the Gold Coast Hinterland, was invited to the region to see first-hand how Whitsunday tourism operators conduct their services.

Working closely with local tourism veteran and mentor, Elizabeth Hacket, Kruze was connected with a variety of inspiring fellow travel professionals including Ocean Rafting and Red Cat Adventures.

“It was wonderful to experience tourism in the Whitsundays and it showed me how I can aspire to build my business through mentoring sessions,” shared Kruze.

“To experience the professionals and what I can aspire to be myself.

“I loved the Country and the people – everyone was very inspiring, respectful and enthusiastic.”

During his visit, Kruze also went on a bush walk with Judy Porter from Shiift, describing it as a “good environment to talk business with me.”

A Ugarapul and Bidjra man, Kruze is passionate about representing his people and sharing his culture with others.

He feels deeply appreciative of the opportunities given to him in the Whitsundays and has vowed to make the most of all the kind gestures and connections.

“I am feeling very blessed,” he said.

“I am trying to take full advantage of everything, I don’t want to waste anyone’s time and I’m embracing it all while I can.”

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Kruz Summers (centre) with Ocean Rafting Crew and Jade Richardson from Tourism Whitsundays. Photo supplied

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A small step towards improving the local social housing supply has finally taken shape with the completion of 12 new homes in Cannonvale.

Located opposite the shopping centre and within easy walking distance to the school and bus-stop, the units will provide a small, safe community for those in need in the Whitsundays.

They comprise two, two-bedroom units and 10 single occupancies.

The ground level includes four, one-bedroom homes designed to Gold Level accessibility standards.

These include features such as level thresholds, wider doorways, hallways and clearances, and features such as wall ovens.

The two, one-bedroom homes on the ground level are designed to Platinum Level accessibility and have additional clearance and circulation spaces.

These homes also include features such as lower kitchen benchtops and removable cupboards under the kitchen sink and cooktop, making them particularly suitable for people who mobilise in wheelchairs.

The multi-purpose space in these Platinum Level homes could be used as storage, a study, or as space for an overnight guest.

Housing Minister, Meaghan Scanion said these homes are a positive step in the right direction.

“These homes show that we’re serious about building more homes for Queenslanders through our plan,” she said.

Fergus Builders were the main contractors on the new Cannonvale complex and company Director, Adam Wright, said it was important to contribute to such a far-reaching social issue.

“Obviously it’s quite in your face these days, the housing crisis, and delivering more social housing is just one-way to help ease that,” he stated.

“If they really want to hit those targets then there’s going to be a lot more projects like this that have to come up,” he added.

Joanne Moynihan, Chief Operating Officer of The Whitsunday Housing Company said she is thrilled to see this project come to fruition.

“It’s something we really need,” she said.

“Single accommodation is in very high demand, and we have more on our wait list for social housing than ever before, it has increased significantly in the last six to 12 months.

“With less properties available and less affordable rentals and purchases, it has pushed the demand up.

“People who wouldn’t normally apply for social housing are now applying because they have no other options.”

This project is part of the state’s social housing initiative to build 53,500 social homes in Queensland by 2046.

Local non-for-profit group, The Tiny Homes Project, is also close to receiving DA approval and is expected to soon break ground on the construction of five ‘tiny homes’ in Proserpine.

These homes will be allocated for women over 55 who are homeless.

A third housing project in Bowen is also underway.

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Fergus Builders employee, Training & Skills Development Minister Lance McCallum and Fergus Builders Director, Adam Wright outside the new social home complex in Cannonvale. Photo supplied

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Operating across a vast and remote waterway, Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Whitsundays, had previously been working with basic equipment in a small central office where they conducted both large and small-scale emergency tasks.

Fortunately, this has all changed thanks to the construction of a new hi-tech headquarters that is finally enabling them to conduct operations with ease and efficiency.

The central headquarters, located on the second floor of the building has been expanded to neatly four times the size and is equipped with large smart-TV screens where information can be shared in real time.

The new radio room has also been updated with some of the most modern technology, easy to use electronic touchscreens and Bluetooth speakers.

These new gadgets allow all operations to be conducted through digital instead of radio channels, which means they are more reliable and able to be accessed from further afield.

“It’s pretty impressive stuff!” said long term volunteer, Roger Wodson.

“We also have a recorder on so that if the operator is on one thing it will be recording what the operator is doing, but if another channel comes in, it will start recording that as well.

Previously VMR Whitsunday had to reply upon a telephone connection that came in through the radio channel if the volunteer was not on-site at the time of the emergency call.

This meant that the radio signal could get lost, and possibly the individual making the emergency call.

“This new system means that when the phone holder goes on roster, you'll get a phone, and you get a laptop, you open the laptop, and he can actually talk through the laptop to the guy in trouble out there.”

The new system is extremely accurate and ensures everything can be conducted quicker and that people in emergency situation will be safer.

VMR Whitsundays covers 13,000 square kilometres and their furthest recorded journey was a 12 hour round trip.

The new building and equipment was made possible by joint funding of $900,000, including both Federal grants and local sponsorship and donations.

The application for funding was initially driven by Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP and then pursued by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox who secured the Federal funding.

The facility can now be used as a central headquarters for emergency marine operations and is also a community asset, available for meetings and gatherings at minimal fee.

Operating across a vast and remote waterway, Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Whitsundays, had previously been working with basic equipment in a small central office where they conducted both large and small-scale emergency tasks.

Fortunately, this has all changed thanks to the construction of a new hi-tech headquarters that is finally enabling them to conduct operations with ease and efficiency.

The central headquarters, located on the second floor of the building has been expanded to neatly four times the size and is equipped with large smart-TV screens where information can be shared in real time.

The new radio room has also been updated with some of the most modern technology, easy to use electronic touchscreens and Bluetooth speakers.

These new gadgets allow all operations to be conducted through digital instead of radio channels, which means they are more reliable and able to be accessed from further afield.

“It’s pretty impressive stuff!” said long term volunteer, Roger Wodson.

“We also have a recorder on so that if the operator is on one thing it will be recording what the operator is doing, but if another channel comes in, it will start recording that as well.

Previously VMR Whitsunday had to reply upon a telephone connection that came in through the radio channel if the volunteer was not on-site at the time of the emergency call.

This meant that the radio signal could get lost, and possibly the individual making the emergency call.

“This new system means that when the phone holder goes on roster, you'll get a phone, and you get a laptop, you open the laptop, and he can actually talk through the laptop to the guy in trouble out there.”

The new system is extremely accurate and ensures everything can be conducted quicker and that people in emergency situation will be safer.

VMR Whitsundays covers 13,000 square kilometres and their furthest recorded journey was a 12 hour round trip.

The new building and equipment was made possible by joint funding of $900,000, including both Federal grants and local sponsorship and donations.

The application for funding was initially driven by Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP and then pursued by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox who secured the Federal funding.

The facility can now be used as a central headquarters for emergency marine operations and is also a community asset, available for meetings and gatherings at minimal fee.

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VMR Whitsundays President Mal Priday and long term volunteer Roger Wodson at the new hi-tech radio station. Photo Credit: Rachael Smith

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Early bird tickets for the revitalised Whitsundays Writers Festival are going on sale this week and organisers are expecting them to be snapped-up quickly with some of the most popular ticketed events capped at 100 seats.

Attracting an enticing range of highly-acclaimed authors, this years’ event will welcome big names such as Shankari Chandran, Garry Disher, Sally Hepworth, Kirsty Manning, Christos Tsiolkas, Anne Buist, Graeme Simsion, Karina Kilmore, Melissa Ashley, Jack Roney, Joy Damousi, and Nick Earls.  

The Early Bird ticket sales will open on Monday 29 April and include full-program 3-day tickets only.
An exciting line-up awaits with the Friday featuring an author keynote and conversations followed by Poetry Karaoke from 5pm at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

Saturday commences with the Whitsundays Literary Heart Award presentations and author conversations at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

This is followed by the Big Book Club High Tea at My Rainbow Bakery and then a lively Saturday Sundowner event in Airlie Beach.

The event culminates with a series of morning workshops at the Whitsunday Sailing Club on the Sunday, followed by the Local Author Long Lunch at the Whitsunday Marine Club.

The action-packed timetable offers attendees a range of diverse events that will not only stimulate the mind but also inspire a love of the Whitsundays, with venues hand-picked to offer stunning views of our region.

Festival Chair, Karen Jacobsen, said she is thrilled to see the event take-off again this year after an eight-year hiatus.

“It’s not often we have the opportunity to meet renowned national and international writers and at the same time, support our local authors,” she said.

“This will be a landmark event for the Whitsundays and a golden opportunity for regional Queensland to add a substantial literary gem to its arts calendar.”

Standard Early Bird tickets for the full program are $320 (plus GST) and $249 (plus GST) for concession card holders and students. Early Bird registrations close 31 May with ticket price increases taking effect 1 June.
Single day, single session, and special event tickets will be released at a later date.  
For ticket inclusions, terms and conditions, please visit the Festival’s website.

WHAT: The Whitsundays Writers Festival
WHEN: 6-8 September
TICKETS: On sale from April 29
www.whitsundayswriters.com

Some of the familiar faces appearing at the 2024 Whitsundays Writers Festival
Shankari Chandran
Garry Disher
Sally Hepworth
Christos Tsiolkas

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Sergeant QX 11351 Arthur William Lum Wan, who was known to everyone as “Joe”, was born in Mackay on June 7 1915. He spent his early years in Proserpine where his family ran the local emporium. He had four younger brothers and two sisters. Sadly, both his parents died under tragic circumstances when Joe was in his teens, leaving the eldest sister to raise the family and maintain their shop for an income. (Older Proserpine folk may remember Lum Wan’s Store in the spot where the Canegrowers’ building now stands.)

Joe’s childhood years were spent fishing, hunting and horse riding with his life-long mate, Bunny Rudd. Later, but still in their teens, they both excelled at ballroom dancing. Together, they enlisted and trained in Miowera on July 15 in 1940 and joined the 2/26th Battalion 8th Division. While in disembarkment camp in Grovely, Joe and Bunny attended dances at Cloudland. It was there that Joe met Jessie Gardiner, the love of his life, when he was looking for a partner with whom to do a whirl around the floor.

Soon he was shipped overseas. Joe fought on the Malaysian Peninsula until the fall of Singapore in February 1942. He was captured and sent to Changi prison. Three and a half long years in Changi tested his spirit. Despite the awful treatment and conditions, he never felt any animosity towards the Japanese soldiers after witnessing the deprivation that they also suffered at the hands of their superiors.

Joe ran the administration of the gaol’s hospital and he was able to slip under the fence and barter for medicine and eggs for the inmates. During one of these raids to get fuel, he was badly injured, and with very few medical supplies, the other prisoners sewed up his wounds with cotton thread and buttons. He bore a massive scar on his abdomen for life.

At war’s end, Joe was recovered from Changi on September 5 1945 and returned to Australia arriving on September 27 1945 on the hospital ship “Oranje”. From there he was sent first to Greenslopes Hospital and eventually discharged on December 12 1945.  It was at Greenslopes where he and Jessie found one another again. His granddaughter said, “One of the only times I ever saw Pa get teary was when he related the story of his reunion with Jess.” He courted Jess until their marriage in 1948. They had two children, Kay and Jeffrey.

Joe was mentioned in dispatches for actions during the Fall of Singapore. His citation reads: His majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve that Sergeant Lum Wan be mentioned in Dispatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Malaya in 1942. The “Proserpine Guardian” (September 13, 1946) reported on “the NCO’s keen sense of duty to his men in the face of the enemy.” “During a tight spot in the Malayan campaign when cut off from his platoon by the advancing Japanese, he led his section to safety through the enemy lines to re-join his unit.”

“Pa” Joe proudly marched in every Anzac Parade after his repatriation and in retirement he stepped up his involvement with the 2/26th Battalion 8th Division of the Australian Army, the Gallopers, with fortnightly lunches at the Chinese Club in the Fortitude Valley. He was very active with the major commemorations of the fall of Singapore and its liberation. His job at these reunions was to provide the women’s prizes of boxed chocolates. Joe was a favourite with the ladies at these functions!
Joe was also very active with the POW Association and attended several national conventions. He toured Thailand’s Hell Fire Pass and Singapore in the 1980s and 90s, remembering fallen colleagues.

His last overseas trip was in 2004 for a family wedding. Joe was nearly 90 and handled the cold of the Canadian winter very well, enjoying the snow again 60 years after Bathurst, where he had completed his army training. Joe always said Bathurst was the coldest hole ever to have an army camp. Arthur William Lum Wan passed away in 2014, aged 99 years.

Lest we forget

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

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