Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OPINION PIECE from the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox There is no question that immigration into Australia is out of control. The government’s numbers are too high, and standards are too low. A sustainable migration program must consider our capacity to provide housing, healthcare, infrastructure and the essential services everyone relies on, and Australians must come first. But Labor’s decision to target Working Holiday Makers Visa holders is not the answer. These people filling vital gaps in our workforce are not the cause of Australia’s housing crisis. In many cases, they are living in accommodation provided by the very businesses that employ them. The National Farmers’ Federation has made the point that Working Holiday Makers generally stay in hostels, caravan parks or purpose-built on-farm accommodation. Resorts usually have on-site staff quarters. They are not the source of Australia’s housing shortage. So why is Labor making it harder for them to come here, when these workers fill genuine jobs that regional Australia holds? Working Holiday Makers fill approximately one in seven farm jobs nationally and are particularly important during peak agricultural periods, which for Dawson, it is right now! Farmers rely on these workers to plant, pick, pack and harvest the produce that ends up on Australian supermarket shelves. Having run one of Australia’s largest tomato farms, at times Working Holiday Makers made up more than 50 per cent of my workforce. Without them, much of our crop simply would not have been picked in time and rotted in the paddock. Some may say, why not employ the Australians who don’t have a job and are on “the dole”? Can I say, this does not work. Most farmers will employ Aussies over travelling backpackers, but many either don’t want to do the work or don’t turn up after the first day. Who picks the fruit or veggies then? Farmers are already warning that visa delays are leaving them without workers. The NFF says approvals that once took days are now facing processing times of up to three months, and this time frame can be the difference between harvesting a crop or losing it. That should concern every Australian already feeling the pressure at the supermarket checkout. The same problem is playing out in tourism. Across Dawson, Working Holiday Makers are an important part of the workforce supporting tourism and hospitality, particularly in the Whitsundays. They help fill shifts, work in hotels and restaurants, support tour operators and keep businesses running through their busiest periods. They also contribute to the local economy. They spend money on food, fuel, attractions and tours, supporting the small businesses that depend on a strong visitor economy. That is why tourism and business leaders across North Queensland are raising the alarm. They understand what happens when a regional business cannot get enough staff: opening hours are reduced, and services are cut, creating a downward spiral. We do need to reduce migration to sustainable levels. We need stronger integrity measures, and we need to crack down on rorts. But responsible migration policy means understanding which parts of the system are creating pressure and which parts are helping Australia function. Working Holiday Makers are not the problem. They are part of the workforce solution for regional. Australia. People have had a gutful of watching their standard of living go backwards. Groceries, fuel, housing and everyday expenses are already putting enormous pressure on families. The last thing Australians need is another reckless policy that makes it harder to produce food, harder to run regional businesses and harder for tourism operators to find the workers they need.
Read the full storySomeone sold a house in Sydney last week for $9 million less than they bought it for four or five years ago. The sellers had bought the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for $29 million and sold it for $20 million in a sale forced by their bank. I imagine the sellers are a little disappointed by the government’s decisions on negative gearing and capital gains tax and feeling pretty hurt by the increased interest rates. Australia’s interest rates are on the rise and are now sitting at levels not seen since 2011. Increased cost of living is hurting people around the country and interest rates are playing into that. But the impact of interest rates is not felt evenly around the country. The far-higher property prices mean people in the major cities suffer much more than regional areas with the rates increase. That is certainly not to say people in Mackay are unaffected by the cost of living; it’s just that the impact of interest rates increase on a $400,000 mortgage is much less than the impact on a $1m mortgage. There are other Mackay-specific factors that are in play when discussing the current housing market. The big factor is the role of coal in our economy. Most of the coal extracted and exported from our region is coking coal, which is used to make steel. The price of coking coal is around $280 a tonne, which is about 50 per cent up. Good activity in the coal market translates to good news for the Mackay economy, as it is an economic engine that other cities and regions just don’t have. Good activity in Bowen Basin flows throughout the Mackay economy; Paget workshops, transport, suppliers and related businesses all benefit. But so do other, non-mining-related businesses as they benefit from the general confidence and spending that goes on. The strong mining activity also means mines need to keep their staff levels up and that means more people moving to Mackay. Of course, Mackay is much more than a coal mining town but if the coal sector is going well those other areas definitely benefit. It is a confidence boost for Mackay people looking to get into the housing market and those wanting to upgrade or downsize. It also means continuing strong demand from people wanting to rent a property and it will be interesting to see what sort of activity that creates from investors. Investors have walked away from the big-city markets because they can no longer use negative gearing on established properties that do not have a sufficient yield to be positively geared. Negative gearing has never been a big thing in Mackay because our prices are lower and rental returns continue to be strong so many investors have a positively geared property. Around the country everyone is nervous about the state of play and the probability of more interest rate rises. But strong coal prices and an economy that is performing well mean Mackay might just be presenting an opportunity for buyers and sellers that doesn’t exist in other parts. I remember when national confidence was flying high and Mackay prices were going up significantly that many buyers were saying “I wish we had bought a while ago when the market wasn’t so hot”. I’m not armed with a crystal ball so I’m not here to tell you what is going to happen but I suspect there is a very good buying window right now for those looking for an opportunity.
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A local Mackay and Sarina based model has created a dress out of newspapers, including Mackay Life, for her upcoming pageant, representing her region and hometown on the runway as she vies for Miss Diamond International in Brisbane. Zoe Place will be competing this weekend in the three-day event, beginning this Friday 2nd October and ending on Sunday 4th October. The young model spent around a month creating her eco-fashion outfit, using old newspapers as the main material and transforming them into a bodice, skirt and flowers. Red elements were also incorporated into the design to give the dress a bold and glamorous pageant feel. Zoe said, “The entire concept was really about taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something beautiful and meaningful.” Her eco-fashion creation will form part of a busy weekend in Brisbane, with the Miss Diamond International event including photo shoots, interviews, an eco-fashion show and the final pageant. Zoe has been preparing for the event by practising her strut and walking, preparing for interviews and getting comfortable in the different outfits she will wear throughout the weekend. Alongside her love of modelling, pageantry has also provided Zoe with a platform to raise awareness about causes close to her heart, including mental health, while fundraising for Beyond Blue. “Pageantry has given me more of a platform to combine my love for modelling with something that is really important to me.” “When I first started, I was more nervous about putting myself out there and worried about what others would think about me – but I’ve changed a lot through my journey in pageantry.” “Pageantry has also taught me that it’s not about how you look on stage. It’s about the person you are when you step off it.” “Every woman has their own unique journey and that journey is something we should all be really proud of.” “To me, it represents confidence, empowerment, kindness, and using your voice to make a difference.” Zoe said she was looking forward to meeting the other contestants, making new connections and creating memories. “I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all the new contestants and making new connections and creating memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” While Zoe hopes to eventually move to the city, her sights are set even further afield, with a dream of one day walking in New York Fashion Week. Mackay and Sarina local Zoe Place has created an eco-fashion dress from recycled newspapers, including Mackay Life, ahead of her Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane. Photos supplied
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Trends, reels and the endless cycle of always wanting more has quietly bombarded the minds of countless social media users of all ages, but one former Mackay local has made it her mission to help others understand the effects of social media and find practical ways to break free from online addiction. Alexis Zahner is in Mackay over the next week to teach upcoming generations about social media and the effects it can have on the mind, particularly on identity, self-discovery, as well as the marketing strategies that get viewers hooked and influence their decisions. It is something Alexis knows first-hand can be a useful tool, but also a great disruption to authenticity and the world as we see and experience it. Alexis will hold a free meet and greet and book launch today, Friday 2nd October, at 5.30pm at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, where she will give a talk and answer questions relating to her debut book, Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies. A former Mackay girl, Alexis spent the past 15 years working across business psychology, marketing and media, with her interest in social media influence beginning during her university studies at James Cook University in Townsville. Her own experience as a social media user, travel blogger and influencer eventually led her to question how much of her identity, decisions and values were being shaped by what she saw online. “The tipping point came for me about 3 years ago when I had this feeling that I couldn't separate influence from my own personal decision making,” she said. “I couldn't separate my own likes, dislikes, values, relationships from what I was being exposed to and being influenced by online.” “I found that I needed to take some time away from social media to recalibrate what was important to me and sort of reconnect and come back to myself.” Alexis said she understood the feeling of questioning who you are outside of social media. “I know what it feels like to live a life under the influence of social media and have that existential crisis of thinking to yourself, who am I? What do I like? What's the kind of life I want to live? and struggling to separate myself from influence.” Alexis is particularly passionate about reaching teenagers, who she says are in an important stage of identity development, and will share this message with Mackay high school students during her upcoming school talks. “Teenagers are really easily influenced by social media. So it's a really important age where we start educating them – not just on the mental health repercussions of things like social media and how it shortens their attention span, but how it actually influences who they become.” “If you're asking yourself these questions, it's not your fault. Social media is actually geared to create this impact on you.” Alexis encourages people of all ages to “start expanding beyond what you see on the platform.” “Dare to indulge in the things that you've always been curious about or things you used to love,” she said. “Don't be afraid to put the phone down to let yourself be curious and have fun.” What: Alexis Zahner's 'Real' Book launch When: 5.30pm Friday 2nd October 2026 Where: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Former Mackay local and author Alexis Zahner is returning home to share her experiences with social media and her debut book, Real. Photo supplied
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The countdown is on for the 2025 harvest season with a lot of activity in the fields and sheds, and finally, a slowing down of industry events, including this week’s annual Mackay Area Productivity Services (MAPS) Field Day.
Held at the Victoria Plains Seed Plot, this is always a well-attended event with growers and stakeholders having the opportunity to get a glimpse into what is happening in the Central District via MAPS and SRA (Sugar Research Australia).
QCAR Central District has had a busy week with some committee attendance at the field day, but also the Queensland Government’s Primary Industries Prosper 2050 information session on the consultation draft 25-year blueprint for our state’s primary production.
After this inaugural webinar, one of three, I agree that the direction, intent, and vision are ambitious, encouraging and positive. With a focus on resetting the relationship between Queensland primary producers and governments, a starting point will be recognising and acting on local and regional priorities.
QCAR is involved on a local level in all regions and will be following the progress of the consultation period with interest. The last thing our struggling producers need now is a pot full of unusable rhetoric.
We caution and remind all government representatives, that real change can only occur when those individuals with a hand on the rudder are truly prepared to embrace new and proactive thinking and actions to ensure a cohesive and truly collaborative future direction.
I can also report on an informative ASSCT Conference (Australian Society of Sugarcane Technologists) in Brisbane. A lot of connections were made and interesting conversations held, and more importantly, a significant amount of interest in the AgEtal RSD (ratoon stunting disease) testing kit was supported by distributor AgForce and invested in by QCAR. This will be a game changer in the RSD detection space.
QCAR will be participating in the previously postponed Sugar Research Australia (SRA) R&D Planning Forum at the Ibis in Mackay this week. Being a forum, this is an important opportunity to listen and learn, but also to put forward local views, concerns and ideas.
Communication, which is the art of sharing information, when conducted with openness, respect and honesty, could potentially save the world. It is that powerful!
Boosted by all things technological, it is an easy tool to use, which begs the question: Why in the sugarcane industry are we still so bad at it?
I point in no particular direction, rather, I spread my arms in a wide and sweeping all-encompassing gesture because it is a failing on every level and in every sector.
That said, we are now just weeks away from the start of the crushing and it is timely to remind everyone to put safety first.
Mackay Sugar will again have a staggered start with Farleigh the first mill to kick off on 10 June, followed by Racecourse on 12 June and for the first time in over a decade MSL will aim to fire up both milling trains at Marian on 17 June.
Proserpine and Plane Creek mills will start on 17 June and 3 June respectively.
For the Central District crop estimates are Mackay 5.15M, Proserpine 1.58M and Plane Creek 1.6M.
Standover will play a big part in how the 2025 season rolls and we’ll need our millers on the ball to ensure growers get a clean slate for 2026 resetting reasonable season timing, crops and season length.
There is positivity in the air, and we wish everyone a safe and productive 2025 crushing.
If you’d like some more information about QCAR or how we can assist you and your business, call Sonia Ball on 0467 573 321.
Catching up at the recent 46th Australian Society of Sugarcane Technologist’s (ASSCT) Conference in Brisbane are, from left, Amanpreet Sandhu, from Mossman Agricultural Services and Sonia Ball, QCAR Central District Manager.
QCAR Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella, left, joins a regional team of sugar industry stakeholders getting information about the new RSD testing kit from AgEtal. Photos supplied
I have a confession. It’s about something I’ve carried with me privately for a long time. It’s something that could bring into question my credibility as an Australian, a Queenslander and, well, a Mackayite.
Like all confessions, it is something that can change the way people think about you.
On hearing this one, some people, maybe many people … oh, probably most of you, will apply a word to me that goes straight after “pretentious” and rhymes with “banker”.
Well, here goes ... I never use the word “youse”. I never have and I never will use “youse”.
The word is as common as reaching for a can of Aerogard, eating a slice of Vegemite toast, and enjoying a pie and beer at the footy … all of which I swear by. But I don’t say youse.
The emergence of the word is easy to understand. Other than “youse”, the English language doesn’t have a word that differentiates between the second-person singular and the second-person plural. It’s “you” for one and all.
If I were to ask: “Are you going to the footy?”, I could be speaking to one mate or several mates. So you can see how it evolved into “are youse going to the footy?” when speaking to a group. Or “are youse going to the ballet?” … well, not so much that one.
One of the important aspects of working in real estate, and doing business generally, is connecting with clients and customers.
They need to feel that they can relate to you, that there is common ground.
You have to be able to work with and connect with young people and old people, rich people and poor people, executives and brickies, men and women … just to name a few of the different categories.
There is no “typical” Mackay person because a buyer or a seller could be a lawyer or a plumber or a cane farmer or a teacher or a nurse or a shop worker. All equally as important for a real estate agent.
But although people can come from all walks of life, there is still a Mackay personality. It is understated, pretty relaxed and casual. They don’t have much time for a pretentious (word that rhymes with banker).
If a real estate agent turned up to an open house in the eastern suburbs of Sydney and was not driving the latest Porsche 911, everyone would think he or she was a dud, an unsuccessful failure. They expect the Porsche.
If an agent turned up at a Mackay open house and was driving the latest Porsche 911 it would not go down well. It doesn’t fit in. It would create a disconnection between the agent and the locals. That word that rhymes with banker would spring to mind again.
So you’ve got to read the room. You’ve got to connect and be relatable.
But you also have to be you. You can’t try to be something you’re not just because you think that is what people want. In business and real estate and life, you have to be real. You have to be authentic.
People see through you if you’re not being yourself, trying to be some version that you think people want to see.
One of the great things about real estate is working with people, finding a connection, working out what they want and how you can help them.
And while you have to adjust to different personality types, you still need to be yourself.
So, apart from admitting I don’t use the word that really should apply to a group of female sheep, there’s a few other things I want to get off my chest. I don’t have a boat, I don’t like fishing and I don’t drive a big 4WD.
And if youse don’t like it, youse can all go and get stuffed!
Celebrate a special milestone as the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens marks 10 years of its much-loved Open Day event!
Held as part of a wider celebration across Australia and New Zealand, this event brings botanic gardens together to highlight the vital role they play in conservation, education and community connection.
This free, family-friendly event on Saturday, May 24, from 8am to noon on the Tropical Sun Lawn, promises a vibrant celebration bursting with nature and plenty of fun!
The Botanic Gardens Open Day will feature community group displays, up-close encounters with local wildlife, fascinating native bee exhibits showcasing their critical role in our ecosystems and a variety of activities and competitions with exciting prizes up for grabs!
Mayor Greg Williamson said the event was a fantastic opportunity for the local community to come together and connect with nature.
“This 10th anniversary event promises to be an enriching experience for anyone who attends, offering valuable learning opportunities as well as plenty of fun,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Community members will have the chance to learn more about native flora and fauna at a number of displays and they can even purchase some of their own, with a variety of orchids and plants for sale,” he said.
“Activities for children will be held throughout the day to ensure everyone, regardless of age, feels included and entertained.”
And, don’t forget to get your nature passport to discover some of the native plants that are at risk in the wild. Follow the passport to different displays, answer the questions and enter the draw to win some great prizes!
For more information and a full program of events visit mackayregionalbotanicgardens.com.au
There will be something for everyone at the free, family-friendly event as the Botanic Gardens Open Day celebrates its 10-year anniversary
The Whitsunday Electorate is set to receive $351,970.65 in funding from the Gambling
Community Benefit Fund, with 14 community groups successful in their application for funding
to help purchase new equipment for their organisation.
More than 2000 applications were received across the State, which was the largest
number in the program’s 31-year history.
Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm MP, said the grants give recognition to
grassroots organisations that are at the heart of our community.
“Whether it’s a new grandstand at Whitsunday Equestrian Group, a new bus for
Proserpine Rugby League Football Club or a solar system at Seaforth Boating Club, these
grants will enable these organisations to provide better services that benefit the whole
region,” Ms Camm said.
The Dingo Beach Progress Association received $33,064 to purchase a digital sign and
point of sale equipment for use at the markets.
“A digital sign for Dingo Beach is such an important asset for our community,” Sue
Jamieson from Dingo Beach Progress Association said.
"Not everybody has Facebook and so the sign will be there to keep residents informed as
to what is happening in the area.
"It will be beneficial for the Rural Fire Brigade and SES and vital during bad weather
events. The digital sign is the first step of many great things to happen in Dingo Beach and
we are so grateful to the Crisafulli Government for helping to get this grant through."
Other local clubs that benefited from the funding included My Gym Club Proserpine, which received $35,000 for a new shed; Proserpine Junior Cricket Association, which was allocated $34,600 for an amenities upgrade and a new buggy; and the Proserpine Kennel Club, which received over $7,000 for gazebos and a fridge.
Additionally, Proserpine Rugby League received a new $35,000 bus, the Whitsunday Bald Eagles will have a new $35,000 trailer, and Proserpine RSL will receive a $35,000 exhaust system.
Round 124, the next round of grants under the fund, will offer grants of up to $100,000.
Applications open for Round 124 on 9th June and close 18th July.
Visit https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-grants to apply.
Excitement is building in Bowen, with the town abuzz with news of the imminent rocket launch that could take place any time from Thursday, 15th May.
Gilmour Space Technologies announced a launch window starting ‘no earlier than’ Thursday between 7.30am and 5.30pm, but have reiterated that this could change at any time.
From launch, the flight path will take eight minutes before the rocket passes through the edge of Earth’s atmosphere and officially reaches orbit.
"This will be the first attempt of an Australian rocket to reach orbit from Australian soil," said Adam Gilmour, co-founder and CEO of Gilmour Space.
"Safety is always the top priority. We'll only launch when we're ready, and when conditions are appropriate.”
He added that it’s important to understand that delays or 'scrubs' are a normal part of rocket launches.
These can last anywhere from hours to days, or even weeks, and are often caused by weather conditions, technical issues, or other factors.
Reaching orbit is a highly complex engineering challenge, and every successful rocket company has faced setbacks in their early attempts—SpaceX, for one, did it on their fourth attempt.
"It's almost unheard of for a private rocket company to launch successfully to orbit the first time,” he shared.
“Whether we make it off the pad, reach max Q, or get all the way to space, what's important is that every second of flight will deliver valuable data that will improve our rocket's reliability and performance for future launches."
Gilmour added that, regardless of the outcome on the maiden voyage, this is still a huge moment for Australia.
“Only six countries in the world are launching regularly to space using their own technology, and Australia could soon be one of them," he expressed.
"I want to thank our incredible team at Gilmour Space for all their hard work and dedication in getting to this critical first flight. Whatever happens next, know that you've already made history—we now build rockets in Australia. And this is only the beginning."
Eris is a three-stage rocket powered by a hybrid rocket engine. It is about the same height as a 7-storey building and, at lift-off, weighs 34 tonnes – equal to about 17 average-sized cars.
It is the first-ever Australian-made rocket to launch into space, and once operational, it will deliver payloads into low-orbit space.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has been an avid supporter of the project since advocating for support when he was Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor.
“A lot hinges on many factors, including the weather, and as this is the first of its kind in Australia, expectations are being managed,” he shared.
“No matter the final result, the data gathered from this inaugural test flight will be invaluable – the only way forward is up!”
Mayor Ry Collins said he was excited to see the Whitsunday region in the spotlight.
“History is about to be made in Australia, and the Whitsundays is front and centre!”
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, added that the town had certainly been buzzing about the launch.
“Everyone has been talking about it – locals and visitors – ever since the date was announced,” she said.
“We certainly have had a lot of visitors asking questions. People have travelled from near and far hoping to get a glimpse of this historical moment.
“It really is a milestone for Bowen, for the entire Whitsundays region, and for Australia.”
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox with the Gilmour Brothers at the Gilmour Spaceport in Bowen. Photo supplied
A sea of placards gathered at the steps of the Proserpine Courthouse last week, with local protestors conducting a demonstration to express their frustration that a Mining Lease Application had been granted for Dittmer Gold Mine without impact assessments being addressed.
Shortly afterward, the Whitsunday Conservation Council released a statement outlining the desperate need for better environmental safety measures.
“It is unacceptable that an application to have an EA approval granted in 2010 extended to cover the proposed mining project MLA 100351 for an additional fifteen years without requiring new impact assessments addressing threats to water quality, flora and fauna, including endangered and threatened species, and environmental nuisance issues for the residents of the small village of Dittmer,” said the statement.
“The site is situated in the Proserpine Catchment area. The water from this area provides drinking water for Dittmer residents, drains to the Proserpine Dam which provides drinking water to residents of Whitsunday and irrigation for agriculture, and finally drains to the waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
“The site is also identified as within a Statewide Biodiversity Corridor, habitat for the Endangered Proserpine Rock Wallaby, Northern Quoll, and Greater Glider, along with endangered and vulnerable plant species, Koala habitat, MSES wildlife habitat, MSES regulated vegetation (essential habitat), and the Proserpine State Forest.”
Dittmer Mine is located approximately 20 kilometres west of Proserpine and was first discovered in 1934, producing over 54,000 oz of gold by the time it closed in 1951.
Four years ago, Ballymore Resources started to explore the area once again, with initial works revealing a number of high-grade shoots, and the opportunity to mine for gold in the area has resurfaced.
Further drilling and exploration commenced in 2024, but extraction is yet to take place.
Ballymore Resources states that they are “committed to doing what we can to limit our environmental impact. This includes removing leftover material from the project’s previous operations, using already established tracks, and minimising our surface footprint through underground operations.”
“If extraction does take place in the future, we will use the available best-practice extraction methods and work with the local community and government organisations to ensure we meet all our environmental and legislative obligations,” the company stated.
The spokesperson added that they will work with the local community and government organisations to ensure they meet all environmental and legislative obligations.
“We take our responsibility to the environment surrounding the mine site very seriously and are committed to having minimal environmental impact in the area.
“We have complied with all state legislation throughout the application process.”
In addition, a significant residual impact assessment was completed by an independent third party and submitted to the Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation as part of the MLA process.
“We have also conducted several hydrogeological and surface water studies and submitted them as part of the lease application,” they said.
“These studies form the basis of our environmental management plan, which includes ongoing monitoring and assessment of the environmental values of the site.”
Concerned community members protest what they believe are inadequate environmental impact assessments at the Dittmer Gold Mine. Photo supplied.
“You’re not old, you’re fantastic!”
These were the words of my young son during the week of his eighth birthday when I mentioned my ever-increasing age.
I think he was probably buttering me up ahead of his ‘Party Royale’ Fortnite-themed birthday bash this Friday, but it still felt nice to be called fantastic!
Anyway, this week is big not just because of my son’s birthday, but also due to a certain imminent rocket launch in Bowen.
After years of preparation, the launch window has finally arrived and the whole region is buzzing with excitement!
Although thrilled with the news, we all had a good laugh at the office when we heard the expected launch date – you see, we go to print on Wednesday, and the paper is distributed on Friday.
This means Gilmour very selfishly picked the one day when our paper is in limbo!
If we write about the rocket launch happening on Thursday and it doesn't, we would be wrong; but if we don’t mention it, we’ll miss some of the biggest news the Whitsundays has seen in years – maybe ever!
How exciting that our region is playing a part in making history!
To think, this all started thanks to Bowen’s fortunate geography – the perfect latitude, its remote location, and just the right proximity to what’s needed. All the stars aligned (literally!) to make the Whitsundays part of Australia’s first space adventure.
School kids are chatting about it in classrooms and playgrounds, tourists are flocking to our region, spending money just to get a glimpse of the launch, and Bowen is about to go down in history as the site of Australia’s first rocket launch.
Whether or not the rocket successfully soars eight minutes into the sky on Thursday and reaches orbit, this is still a momentous occasion for all of us!
Good luck to the incredibly talented team at Gilmour, and thanks for bringing space travel to the Whitsundays.
Rach
Quote of the Week: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go” (T.S. Eliot)
Well known for his community-minded attitude, local Ironman hero Mick Kimpton once again proved his deep-rooted kindness when he helped Whitsunday Life journalist Daniel Heggie earlier this week.
Eager to participate in the Airlie Beach Triathlon this year, Daniel had begun training with a friend but realised one thing stood in his way – he didn’t have a bike.
Having known Mick through his role as President of the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, Daniel approached him to ask if he knew where he could purchase or hire a bike.
“I asked him where I could go to hire a bike a week or two before the triathlon, so I could get used to a fast bike,” explained Daniel.
“I was blown away by his generosity. Instead of suggesting a bike hire place, he offered to arrange a club bike with my name on it.”
“And instead of hiring a bike for a week or two, I can have the club bike for a month before the triathlon, including the race. This will give me a chance to get comfortable and familiar with outdoor training.”
“I’m so grateful for Mick’s generosity and support. His offer made a huge difference to my preparation and showed just how welcoming and supportive this triathlon community really is.”
The Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival takes place on the 16th and 17th of August this year, with activities for everyone to enjoy – including special children’s events and different categories that allow all members of the community to participate.
Sign up now, and you might even see Daniel on the track!
Yes, there is evidence that Great Barrier Reef green zones, or no-take zones, are effective in protecting and increasing fish populations, especially coral trout. These zones help replenish fish stocks and benefit the overall health of the reef ecosystem.
Prior to the Reef rezoning of 2004, protected areas on the Reef covered less than 5%. But after an intense two-year planning period and more than 30,000 public submissions, protected areas were increased to more than 33% in 2004.
There was a lot of conjecture at the time as to whether it was the right thing to do and there were some seriously opposing views.
But the science is undeniably clear; green zones really do work.
Here's why they work:
Increased Fish Numbers and Size:
Research shows that green zones have led to significant increases in coral trout numbers and average size. Bigger fish can produce more offspring, contributing to the replenishment of fish stocks.
Spill-over Effect:
Fish, like coral trout and snapper, spawn and reproduce within green zones, and their larvae travel to surrounding fished areas, benefiting those areas as well.
Improved Ecosystem Health:
Increased fish populations, particularly predators like coral trout, can help control the populations of other species, like crown-of-thorn starfish, which are a threat to coral reefs. Corals found in green zones tend to be healthier, showing less disease, than fished zones.
Benefits for Fisheries:
The increase in fish populations in green zones can also lead to increased yields and sustainability for fisheries in surrounding areas.
Long-term Protection:
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has been using zoning as a key management tool since the 1980s, with the 2004 rezoning significantly expanding protection and further improving results.
Of course, for green zones to be effective, adhering to the rules (compliance) is extremely important. Compliance data and research shows that commercial fishing compliance is very good. Unfortunately, recreational fishing compliance needs to improve.
Overall, this is a win, win, win situation. Green zones on the Great Barrier Reef are a successful strategy for protecting fish populations, supporting healthy ecosystems, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of both the reef and the industries that depend on it.
Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council
Coral Trouts spawn and reproduce within the green zones. Photo supplied
Humpbacks in the southern hemisphere commonly have a white or grey underside which can extend onto their sides. The top of the pectoral fin is generally black on top and white underneath.
Humpbacks in the northern hemisphere are predominantly black, but have varying degrees of white on the throat, belly, pectoral fins, and flukes.
The top of their pectorals tend to be white.
Just like their body pigmentation, southern hemisphere humpback whales have large areas of white on their tail flukes.
The Australian East Coast population often have completely or mostly white on their tail flukes.
The darker tail flukes with less white are more common in northern hemisphere.
The black and white patterns on humpback whale flukes are unique to each whale, so individuals can be identified by photos of underside of the flukes. Photos can be uploaded to the HappyWhale data base. Since the 1970s scientists have used this as a tool, visually matching each whale in catalogs of thousands of individuals, to track individuals in migrations across oceans and to monitor populations. At present over 120,000 individuals have been identified.
Anyone can contribute to citizen science by taking a photo of a whale fluke and submitting it to Happywhale.com
Images and data are shared with scientific organizations engaged in photo ID studies. Happywhale will attempt to identify any individuals in your photos now using artificial intelligence-based automated image recognition.
Happywhale will notify you of what they find, either finding a match, or if they do not find a match, they will determine your whale to be new to science, add an ID, and look for your whale in all future sightings.
Contributed by Kellie Leonard, Master Reef Guide/Whales of the Whitsundays.
Hi everyone,
Welcome to this week’s edition of Ruth2Reef!
I hope you enjoy reading about the latest environmental happenings.
If you have any stories you’d like to see featured in Ruth2Reef, feel free to email them to me at ruth@lifepublishinggroup.com
Happy reading!
Ruth
W B (Bill) Morgan came to the district in 1902. Initially he worked for farmers, Peter Nielsen and John Renwick, with a spell on cattle stations out west. In 1905, Bill Morgan started cane growing at Cannon Valley with brother, Norman. In 1910/11, along with cousins, P and G Morris, they established a larger farm at Conway/Preston.
The Morgan brothers’ house was impressive. When Annie Ware and Jim Stanley were to be married in 1911, a kitchen tea was held there. A toast proposed to Bill as the evening’s host, referred to his “good citizenship” and noted how he “always took a leading part in anything that was for the good of the district.”
In 1912, as representative of the Ratepayers’ Union, Bill was elected as a shire councillor, holding that position until defeated in 1914. He also served on council in the mid 1930s, however was unsuccessful at his attempts to enter politics having been defeated in the 1936 Bowen by - election.
Bill Morgan was a delegate to the Mackay Convention which founded the United Canegrowers Association in Queensland (1914), helping draft its constitution and later representing Proserpine at several state conferences. Bill also served twenty years as Branch Representative of the Farmer’s Executive on the Bowen Harbour Board. He was also one of the first directors of Proserpine Co-operative Dairying Co after its formation in 1922. In 1926, he campaigned for the installation of a telephone system to the rural districts and by 1927 this was completed.
Bill was the driving force behind the building of the first district public hall at Preston in 1911. Records show that, in May 1911, “Preston public hall trustees held a dance at Messrs Morgan Bros new residence at Cannon Valley to raise funds for the building.” On the social side, together with other Conway people, he conducted the Conway Racing Club for five years and was also involved in the Preston Cricket Club.
In 1930, Bill gave up cane growing and relinquished most of his public positions to go in for cattle breeding. He conducted a small butchering business until 1942 when, due to the shortage of cattle, war rationing and sickness, he was forced to close. Past locals recalled that Bill Morgan’s butcher shop at Rifle Range Road was a pretty rough establishment but did have a REGISTERED sign outside the shop. The meat for sale was just chops and cuts as Bill used to shoot bush cattle and slaughter them. He also made a lot of items from green hide. When Bill closed his butchering business, he retired to his Grimstone Point property.
Old timers related many humorous tales about Bill such as the occasion when someone was eating roast meat bought from old Bill and bit on a shotgun pellet! Then there was the time at Preston’s Fancy Dress Cricket Social when he dressed up as the Charles Dickens’ character, Bill Sykes, the burglar. Donning a black mask and armed with a sock half full of sand, he had to be carefully watched by all in attendance. One lady declared she had lost her watch and chain. Said items were still missing as the local aper went to press the following week! Could “Sykes” have been the culprit?
W B Morgan also turned his talents to writing and was the author of a supplement published in the “Proserpine Guardian” (December 1947) as part of the celebration of Proserpine’s Jubilee. Featuring a detailed account of 75 years of settlement and the valuable contributions of our district’s pioneers, it must have taken him countless hours to research and compile.
We are indebted to WB (Bill) Morgan for this comprehensive history and the absorbing detail about our early pioneers.
Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.
W B Morgan was involved in Preston Cricket Club. Photo supplied
This week's Pet of the Week is two-year-old Arab x Greyhound with a heart as big as his paws. This loveable long-termer was rescued from death row at the Burdekin pound and is now looking for his second chance at happiness.
Currently being fostered in Brandy Creek, Timmy is a playful, affectionate companion who adores running, zoomies, and hanging out with his foster brothers. He’s fantastic with kids of all ages, submissive with other dogs, and even good with cats.
Timmy would thrive in a home with 6ft fences, daily walks, and ideally another canine companion or someone who is home often. While he hasn’t been tested with chickens, his gentle nature shines through in every interaction.
Adoption fee is $400, and this sweet boy is more than worth it. If you're looking to add a loyal friend to your family, Timmy could be your perfect match.
Rehoming fee: $400
Age: 2 years
Sex: Male
Breed: Arab x Greyhound
Other dogs: Yes
Fences: 6ft
Excitement is building for the Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s upcoming Queenfish and Trevally Rally, which has received a major boost with Tackle World Airlie Beach coming on board as the naming rights sponsor.
New store owners Dan and Beth Hockley have thrown their support behind the event in a big way, generously donating a $650 rod and reel combo as a major prize. They’ll also be delivering a special presentation during the event briefing, sharing expert tips on lure fishing for queenfish and trevally. In addition, they’ll be offering exclusive discounts on the latest gear—perfect for those hoping to land a winner.
The rally briefing and registration will be held Friday, 16 May from 6pm at the Marine Club on Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale, upstairs in the new training room. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The rally is open to all current members of any Game Fish Club and will be fished according to GFAA rules using open line class—conditions that promise to deliver some thrilling catches.
Fishing officially begins anytime after Friday night’s briefing, and all competitors must return to the club by 5pm on Saturday, 17 May for the trophy presentation and a few good stories shared among mates.
Entry fees are just $25 for adults and $10 for juniors under 16, making this a great-value weekend with fantastic prizes up for grabs and plenty of camaraderie.
With expert advice, top-quality gear, and the chance to hook some impressive fish, this year’s rally promises to be one not to miss.
The Whitsundays Tourism Awards, presented by Bishopp, are getting a fresh new format in 2025 - making it easier for more local tourism businesses to be recognised.
For the first time, there’s no written submission required. Instead, awards will be based on results from Queensland’s Best of Queensland program, which evaluates businesses on customer reviews, online presence, accreditation and more.
To be eligible, businesses must be members of Tourism Whitsundays for the 2025/26 financial year and hold Best of Queensland status. Once that’s confirmed, Tourism Whitsundays will be in touch in July to finalise entries and nominate award categories.
Winners will be chosen based on their Best of Queensland score, with Gold, Silver and Bronze going to the top-rated operators in each category.
The move brings the regional awards in line with the Queensland Tourism Awards and removes the need for time-consuming submissions, allowing more operators to get involved and focus on delivering exceptional visitor experiences.
This streamlined approach is designed to highlight the best in the region’s tourism and prepare local operators for potential state and national recognition.
Details on the awards night, including date, venue and ticket sales, will be announced soon.
Contributed by Tourism Whitsundays
The 2024 Whitsunday Tourism Awards. Photo credit: R Jean Photography
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