Monday, November 11, marks the anniversary of the Armistice that ended the fighting with Germany in World War I.
Each year, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, millions around the world observe a moment of silence to honor the sacrifices made by countless individuals, ensuring the freedoms and peace we enjoy today.
Suburbs around the Whitsunday region are all hosting remembrance services to pay respects to the lives that were lost.
‍

Find your local remembrance service below:
Bowen – Bowen RSL, 11TH November 2024, 10:45am
Airlie beach – Cannonvale Cenotaph, 11TH November 2024, 11am

‍

The Whitsunday region is one step closer to being Australia’s first space rocket launch site following the announcement this week that an orbit launch permit has now been granted for Bowen Orbital Spaceport.

If all goes to plan, the first rocket launch for the Gilmour Space launch site in Bowen could happen within the next few months.

Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic MP, and the Australian Space Agency has granted the country's first orbital launch permit to Gilmour Space Technologies for its maiden Eris rocket launch from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport.
 
An Australian launch permit is required under the Space (Launches & Returns) Act 2018 to launch an object from Australia to an altitude of over 100 kilometres. It comes with a number of conditions that must be met before launch, and a mandatory 30-day notification period. 
 
Gilmour Space CEO and co-founder, Adam Gilmour, welcomed the news as a major milestone for the local space industry. "With this green light, we will soon attempt the first orbital test flight of an Australian-made rocket from Australian soil.”
 
"Our team is assessing the conditions of the permit and will advise on the anticipated launch date for Eris TestFlight1 in the coming weeks."
 
In March, Gilmour's Bowen Orbital Spaceport was granted Australia's first orbital launch facility licence by Minister Husic and was officially opened by then-Queensland Deputy Premier Cameron Dick. 
 
In September, the company announced it had successfully completed a major wet dress rehearsal of its Eris launch vehicle, progressing the countdown to T-10 seconds.
 
The upcoming TestFlight1 will be the first of several planned test launches to reach orbit with Eris, which leverages new propulsion technologies developed by the Gold Coast-based company.  

Since starting its rocket program in 2015, Gilmour Space has expanded to over 200 employees, built a local supply chain of more than 300 Australian companies, attracted significant private investment, gained support from local, state and federal governments, and actively engaged communities across the region.
 
Its north Queensland spaceport, one of only a few private orbital launch sites globally, will initially provide access to low- and mid-inclination orbits.
 
With rockets and satellites designed and built on the Gold Coast and launched from Bowen, Gilmour's efforts have been a boon for regional Australia. 
 
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said this is a huge milestone.

"The launch approval marks an incredible milestone for Bowen and the Whitsundays region,” said Mayor Ry Collins.

“The team at Gilmour Space have been incredible to work with, and their commitment to engaging Bowen residents in this journey is a model of proactive community involvement. 
 
"Success here isn't just about reaching orbit—it's about positioning Bowen as a key player in Australia's journey to space. This is just the beginning."

For updates on TestFlight1, visit gspace.com/missions.

‍

Gilmour Space founders, brothers Adam and James Gilmour
Gilmour Space's Eris orbital launch vehicle at the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in north QLD
Eris on the pad

Photos supplied

‍

Tourism Whitsundays new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tim Booth is now in the region and started his new position on Monday.

Tim has 18 years of experience in destination marketing organisations, progressing through the ranks and most recently was the CEO of Mudgee Region Tourism before becoming the CEO of Tourism Whitsundays.

Under Tim’s leadership the Mudgee Region increased visitation, visitor spend and won multiple State and National Tourism Awards.

Tim said he is thrilled to be working alongside the dynamic team at Tourism Whitsundays and is looking forward to meeting the fellow Tourism Whitsundays partners and members.

“We have always got to try and be better every day, that’s what we are trying to do for the entire region,” said Tim.

“We are managing the brand for the Whitsundays, we want to make sure that we get the message out there about how beautiful our region is and thankfully its absolutely iconic and world class.

“We have also got to look at continuing to build and be better every day. That’s the community, that’s all of our businesses and continue to offer a world class destination.”

Tim's prior experience includes developing and implementing major projects such as brand redevelopment, social strategy, website overhauls and event-specific platforms like the Everi platform.

He has successfully managed all aspects of digital strategy, including SEO, SEM, social media, and content creation, all while driving a data-led decision-making approach.

Tim is thrilled with his new position saying, “How could you not want to work in one of the most magical places in the world?”

Click on the QR code here to watch the full video of Tim’s interview.

‍

Tim Booth New CEO of Tourism Whitsundays was interviewed by Rachael Smith from Whitsunday Life Newspaper earlier this week. Photo supplied

‍

Last week Bowen Gumlu Growers (BGGA) celebrated a two-day agricultural event titled ‘GrownIn NQ’.

Bowen Gumlu Growers Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jenn Honnery said the two-day event went well.

“On day-one growers, agribusinesses and related industries, got together for an industry breakfast. We had a couple of speakers talking about their specific industries, soil health and crop rotations and then we headed out for some farm tours,” said Jenn.

“On day two there was an Innovation Showcase. We had about 21 exhibitors showing off a very broad spectrum of Ag tech that's available in Queensland right now.

“It was a great opportunity for growers to get their hands on what's available for their businesses and have a really good chat with their suppliers about what would work for them."

Jenn noted that on day two it was great to see not just Ag tech suppliers and businesses interacting but seeing business to business interaction too.

“At BGGA we're really supportive of growers who are interested in investing in ag tech,” said Jenn.

“Ag tech isn't a new thing. It's been in this space for a very long time.

“I think now it's really drilling down into more data, and the more data you have about your crops, your yields, water management, pest management, the more you can fine tune your business decisions and support cutting costs, and get some real benefits in certainly yields, but also quality of produce.”

‍

GrownIn NQ event was extremely successful with many businesses attending. Photo sourced: Facebook

‍

It’s a new era for the Whitsundays, with our re-elected Queensland Member of Parliament Amanda Camm entering government and the Cabinet as Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence.
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry offers our congratulations to the candidates who stepped up to represent our community and responded to Chamber member concerns. We look forward to continuing raising the challenges and ideas of the Whitsunday business community with Ms Camm, particularly the priorities of road infrastructure, business insurance, and increasing regional influence.  
The Chamber’s advocacy efforts span all levels of government and regional stakeholder groups, where we are a voice for the business community. We have recently been appointed to the Whitsunday Regional Council’s Economic Development Advisory Group that has the distinct purpose to support and promote the growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of our local economy through collaboration between the local government and key industry and business stakeholders. In addition to this forum, the Chamber has embarked on a series of regular knowledge exchange briefings with Council, and our members for state and federal government.
Yesterday we held our Annual General Meeting, providing positive reports on membership growth, engagement, and financial sustainability. We also outlined plans for the year ahead including the establishment of a Chamber Advisory Group, a strategic think tank that will shape a range a Chamber initiatives such as the federal election, regional economic development, workforce availability and productivity, and our Whitsunday Business Conference. We look forward to sharing updates on our progress and how the business community can get involved.
‍

Contributed with thanks to Alan Milostic,
President of Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

‍

The Council's Greening and Growing Bowen initiative created a recycled water network for Bowen's parks and public green spaces. The recycled water is treated to very high standards, ensuring it's safe for community use. With additional measures like late-night irrigation to ensure absorption before public use, this program saves $250,000 annually. Starting 1 July, the program will extend to Grays Bay Foreshore Park. For more information, check out the fact sheet on our website. https://bit.ly/Whitsundayrecycledwater

‍

Council recognise that local businesses are the backbone of our economy. When we engage local suppliers, tradespeople, and service providers for council projects, we’re not just delivering value for money; we’re investing in the long-term prosperity of our region.
 
For local businesses looking to work with councils in Queensland, understanding the strict procurement process is key to successfully securing contracts.
 
Which is why Council is proactive in hosting FREE workshops, specifically designed to guide you through the council's tender process and boost your chances of success. Our procurement team held a workshop recently at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal and another is planned for Flagstaff Hill.
 
I know that navigating tenders can sometimes feel complex, but these workshops are designed to make the process simpler and more accessible to local businesses. The workshops give practical insights into the process and allow interaction with procurement specialists to better educate local businesses in understanding the tendering process and improving their chances of success.
  
Council also gives a percentage weighting to local businesses to make them more competitive because we believe local businesses bring more than just skills and expertise. When they work on council projects, they’re doing more than fulfilling a contract—they’re helping to build the very community in which they live, work, and raise their families.
 
Using local businesses keeps money circulating within our region. It means jobs for local people, growth for local enterprises, and an economy that’s strong, resilient, and capable of weathering challenges, whether they be global pandemics or natural disasters.
 
We know that supporting local businesses also brings other benefits—environmental sustainability by reducing transportation costs and emissions, increased engagement and collaboration, and higher levels of trust and accountability, because the people delivering council projects are your friends and neighbours.
 
Council is committed to ensuring that local businesses have every opportunity to participate in our procurement processes through initiatives like our free tender workshops.
 
To the businesses that already partner with the council, thank you for your hard work and dedication. And to those considering taking part, I encourage you to get involved, bid for tenders, and help us continue building a bright future for our region.
 
Together, by investing in our local businesses, we’re investing in a stronger, more connected Whitsunday community.

‍

The B Kinder Foundation is taking meaningful action to foster a kinder world by hosting a Stand and Walk for Kindness on World Kindness Day. Local children will come together to participate in this inspiring event, spreading a message of compassion and encouraging others in the community to join in and make a difference.
The B Kinder foundation offers a positive solution to the mental health issues that youth are facing.
Former Whitsunday resident Danny Mayson-Kinder founded B Kinder to honour the legacy of her beautiful 12-year-old daughter Billie Kinder who tragically died in a horse accident in 2016.
After Billie's accident, her mother, Danny Mason-Kinder, found her daughter’s paintings and poems, which illustrated incredible insights into kindness and empathy. She has since used these to create a book using her daughter’s work.
Seeing how this book inspired others, Danny created the B Kinder Foundation and the broader B Kinder Day, to help spread kindness and combat bullying in the community and within schools.
It is now part of Billie’s legacy to help thousands of children discover the power of kindness through various programs.
These programs and initiatives are having a substantial impact in schools and throughout communities around the country taking positive and preventative action.
Using Billie’s insightful words and beautiful artworks, B Kinder has created evidence-based well-being programs and resources to help children in their pivotal years by encouraging them to become kinder, more empathetic and more compassionate.
Everyone can make a difference. The Walk for a Kinder World will help individuals to connect with community, remind them that kindness matters and help raise funds to supply our programs and resources where they are needed most.
At the event there will be a free sausage sizzle, fruit and water provided as well as everyone receiving a free b kinder card to pass on some kindness to someone else for World kindness day!
Head on down and remember to B Kinder!

‍

What: Walk for Kinder
When: Wednesday 13th November, 7am-8am
Where: Cannonvale Beach Foreshore opposite Fat Frog Cafe

Proserpine State High School students mark B Kinder Day

‍

The grand opening of the Classic Christmas Shop at 18 Main Street in Proserpine, last Friday, was a huge success.

As we enter the festive season, this new Christmas store in Proserpine supplies us with joyful spirit and good cheer.

From snow globes to tree decorations, to ornaments, the Classic Christmas Shop in Proserpine has your festive season covered.

Caroline Garraway is owner of the shop alongside her daughter Alexandra Garraway.

Alexandra Garraway expressed these thoughts:

“Christmas is such a magical time for our family,” she said.

As Christmas is the time to be spreading joy Alexandra also expressed that the store is a place where you can always find joyous Christmas spirit.

“The joy on people's faces is always really fun and we did a little preview night a couple nights ago, with some friends to welcome them to the shop,” she said.

“It was so exciting, and to see everybody wanting to see everything light up was honestly the best.”

The family behind the Classic Christmas Shop are extremely proud of the store they have created.

The opening day was made even more special with Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins cutting the ribbon to officially mark the opening.

Head down to Classic Christmas Shop in Proserpine and make sure to check out the family’s resident Nutcracker Harry. He has been in the family for years and he is always available for a photo.

‍

The family behind the Classic Christmas Shop Caroline, Alexandra, Jessica and Amy Garraway
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins cutting the ribbon

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

‍

This week
Season to date
Cane crushed
91,441
1,261,715
Average bin weight
9.50
9.61
CCS
13.89
14.05
Cane variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q208
20.9
14.53
Q253
10.7
12.30
Q240
20.2
14.08
KQ228
3.3
13.37
SRA9
13.5
14.10
Q252
2.0
13.67
Q183
13.1
14.16
SP80
1.7
13.10
Comments
Proserpine Mill processed just over 91,400 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season total to 1.26M tonnes.
Throughput was above budget, following the successful installation of a new injection water pump motor early in the week. This addressed an issue which had been limiting the factory’s crushing capacity.
The average weekly CCS came in below budget at 13.87 units.
The highest CCS was 16.60 units from a rake of ratoon Q208 from the Elaroo productivity district.
Please remember to use your train brain and always take care around our cane rail network.
A fully loaded cane train can take up to one kilometre to pull up. Our cane trains work around the clock, seven days a week.
‍

Peter Luke
Cane Supply Manager
Proserpine Region

‍

The Proserpine Lions Club is excited to announce that students from Proserpine State High School have taken the initiative to establish a young Leo’s Club. This new venture aims to engage local youth in community service, fundraising activities, and a variety of projects designed to support and enrich the Proserpine community.
Leo clubs are the youth arm of the Lions Clubs International organisation, empowering young people who understand the impact of service and are committed to making a difference. Through volunteer work and community involvement, Leo Club members not only improve the lives of others but also grow personally, gaining valuable leadership skills, building lifelong friendships, and creating positive change.
Leo Clubs can be established in schools or within local communities. Each club is supported by a Lions club sponsor, with a designated Leo Club Advisor from the sponsoring Lions club providing guidance. For school-based clubs, a faculty member is often appointed to assist and support the club's activities and goals.
The Proserpine Lions Club will be actively involved in guiding and mentoring the students as they embark on this journey. The Lions believe that this club will not only empower young people but also strengthen community ties and encourage a spirit of volunteerism among the youth.
‍

Proserpine State High School students with Mayor Ry Collins

‍

Proserpine Golf Club is hosting a fantastic fundraising event in support of Breast Cancer and Prostate awareness day.
The event was organised in response to several club members having both breast and prostate cancer. Additionally, event organiser Noelene Spurway was personally impacted, with both her father and a close friend battling one of these cancers.
In previous years, the club has primarily focused on fundraising for breast cancer awareness. However, recognising that prostate cancer is equally significant, the club has decided to expand its efforts this year to support both causes.
This year's event will consist of a variety of activities, including a ‘Best Dressed’ competition, live music and a BBQ. If that isn't enough to get you excited, the club will also be auctioning off a framed signed football jersey donated by Filby's Motors and framed by Whitsunday Framing, a Broncos Jersey, a trip to the reef and a fishing charter, alongside much more.
There will also be a raffle and a 100’s Board, to keep you entertained throughout the day, and to help fundraise for the cause.
If transport is a worry for you, Whitsunday Transport will be providing rides to and from the event for a gold coin donation. The bus will be stopping at all major bus stops from Proserpine to Jubilee Pocket, to ensure anyone wanting to attend the event, can.
Another great perk is that you don’t need to be a club member to join in — everyone is welcome to come out and support the cause. Whether you create your own corporate team or simply show up to play, your participation makes a difference!
Noelene Spurway added that she looks forward to seeing individuals come and support the cause:
“Nearly everyone will have been touched by prostate or breast cancer, whether it's having it themselves, or a friend or family member having it, there's very few people it hasn't touched.
“We are just trying to raise as much money as possible for breast and prostate cancer.”
Prostate and breast cancer are two of the most common forms of cancer, with 1 in 6 men being diagnosed with prostate cancer and 1 in 7 women getting a breast cancer diagnosis. It is, therefore, highly important to support these events.
Join the Proserpine Golf Club for a day of fun and fundraising! Play your best round while fundraising for breast and prostate cancer – and who knows, you might even score a hole-in-one!

‍

What: Breast and Prostate Cancer Awareness Day
When: 24th November, 2024, 10am
Where: Proserpine Golf Club
‍

Come support Prostate and Breast Cancer Awareness day

‍

Rescued from Burdekin Pound, Squid and Sprinky are the perfect puppy pair—full of energy, adventurous spirits, and a love for exploration. These two are waterplay enthusiasts and can't get enough of cuddling with their foster family. Their playful nature and affectionate personalities make them an absolute joy to be around!

Their crate training is progressing smoothly, and they are picking up valuable pack manners from their older dog companions. In addition to enjoying the company of their canine friends, they are also learning to interact respectfully with other animals, including cats and their kittens, chickens, sheep, and cattle.

Both pups will be at Bowen Pets Domain on Saturday 9 November 2024 for the Pets Domain Market, or If you can't wait to adopt Squid or Sprinky email: bcpri_adoptions@outlook.com with your contact number and email address.

‍

Breed: Cattle x Lab
Sex: Both male
Age: 3 months
Size: Will grow to be medium sized
Adoption fee: $400 each (includes desex at 6 months)
Vaccinations: Both have been microchipped, heartworm vax, puppy vaccinations, vet checked and flea, tick, and worm.

‍

Embracing the Queensland Government’s 2023-2024 accessible tourism push, Endeavour Foundation has launched an inclusive video showcasing the Whitsundays, hosted by locals Jenny and Charlie.
“It was really good to do the video again. It was a good challenge, I got to see lots of great things, and loved doing the walk on Whitehaven Beach … I was that happy about it all, I had a sing on the boat,” said Charlie, who attends Endeavour Foundation’s Learning and Lifestyle hub in Cannonvale.
Jenny echoed his excitement, saying, “Doing the video again was fun. It was great to be able to tell people what they could do here in the Whitsundays. I want to do it all again!” She emphasised the importance of highlighting accessible options, so viewers can make safe, informed decisions about their travel.
The video showcases inclusive activities, starting in Airlie before heading to Daydream Island and Whitehaven Beach. It features jet skis, a semi-submersible, and more, with two-year-old therapy dog Toby also making an appearance, the region’s first onboard therapy dog.
A 2024 report revealed that 23% of all domestic holidays are taken by people with disabilities, representing 18.5 million trips worth $6.8 billion.
“People with disability are on the move and want to get out and explore,” said Endeavour Foundation spokesperson, Jasmin Forsyth.
The video introduces innovative, multi-use, waterproof headsets that reduce noise during water activities, enhancing accessibility for all visitors.
Making tourism accessible is crucial so that everyone can enjoy their holidays. Endeavour Foundation has a proud seven-decade history of providing support and advocating for Australians with intellectual disabilities.

‍

It would have been difficult enough for any parent that one child enlisted in war, but imagine the feelings of Douglas and Frances (nee Myles) Debney when all three of their sons signed up to serve. Having himself trained in the Light Horse militia in the early part of the 20th Century, and having seen his older brother go off to the Boer War, Douglas Debney Snr fully understood his sons’ patriotic spirit and a thirst for adventure and agreed to their enlistment.
Corporal Harry Stanley Debney QX2390 and brother, Private Douglas Ross Debney QX 2389, enlisted in Miowera on 24/05/1940 and both in the 2/15th Battalion 9th Division. Initially, Harry had been turned down due to a hernia, however after it was repaired, he successfully enlisted. Due to an intermittent heartbeat, Douglas had also previously been knocked back twice. On his third attempt, and under his threat to go to New Zealand to enlist if he failed again, the medical officer signed him off but with the comment, “no need to be so bloody arrogant about it.”

The brothers’ first campaign was Tobruk. Despite many near misses and daily dodging of the 5.30pm German artillery bombardment, both Harry and Doug survived five long months in the heat, dust, sand storms, unbearable fleas, regular night patrols into “no man’s land” and rations sometimes as low as a pint of brackish water a day to drink and wash, two hard biscuits and 1/2 tin of bully beef captured from the Italian food dumps and which the Aussies swore was horse meat.

The second campaign in which the brothers were involved was the Battle of El Alamein. There were two battles; the first in July 1942 which was inconclusive but halted further progress of the Germans into Egypt and towards the Suez Canal. The second offensive on 01/09/1942 and code named “Operation Bulimba”, was a frontal infantry assault on entrenched German positions. As such, casualties were expected to be high, so orders were given that no two brothers were to take part in this action together. Whether through bond, a sense of commitment to each other, or honour, neither Doug nor Harry would back down. Both went into battle that dawn.

During “Operation Bulimba”, Doug was the section’s Tommy gunner. As their division approached the German line, he fired off his 50 round circular magazine across the top of the sandbags of the enemy’s trenches. The Germans replied with mortars and as the incoming mortar rounds exploded, many of his section died. Sadly, Corporal Harry Debney was one of these casualties. He is buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery and is honoured on Proserpine’s cenotaph and the Wall of Remembrance at Cannonvale. He was only 24 years old.
Doug was also seriously wounded when a close blast delivered its searing payload of shrapnel into both arms, shattering his left elbow and badly wounding his right shoulder and bicep. Bleeding profusely and just maintaining consciousness, his determination turned towards avoiding capture meaning certain death. In the desert environment, injuries as bad as his would be considered beyond treatment by even the most compassionate of enemies. Incapable of dressing his wounds, a couple of medics assisted him off the battle field and tried to stop the bleeding. Unable to help further, Doug told them to leave. Staggering back towards his lines, he was eventually picked up by stretcher bearers. He had lost so much blood that the medics gave him little chance of survival. Despite that he pulled through.
“Operation Bulimba” was the costliest single action for the 2/15th Battalion with approximately 45% casualties - dead and wounded.
On medical grounds, Private Douglas Debney was discharged on 06/08/1943. Upon his return home, he worked on the family cane farm at Cannon Valley despite being offered a full TPI pension. In 1956, he married Margaret Rose and they had two children, Howard and Lenise. In 1976, they sold the farm and moved to Sydney. Their farmhouse still stands today where the Butterfly Effect Nursery is situated on Shute Harbour Road.  

Douglas Debney died in Sydney on 30/11/2001 aged 89 years. His funeral took place at the RSL War Veterans Chapel in Collaroy.

Postscript: About six weeks after “Operation Bulimba” older brother, George Frederick Leonard Debney, Warrant Officer Class QX4606 went through the battle area and found a bloodstained Irish linen handkerchief with the initials DRD. He recognised it as a gift to Doug from an aunt. Nearby was an empty tommy gun 50 round magazine with a shrapnel hole. Douglas Debney had come close to death on the same battlefield on which his brother had been killed.
Lest we Forget

Story courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum and Howard and Grahame Debney. Photos courtesy Debney family.

Corporal Harry Debney (KIA)
Private Douglas Debney

‍