Two not-for-profit community housing organisations have joined forces to fast-track fulfilling the need for housing stock in the Mackay region.

Mackay-based Connect Housing Group, established in 2009, has integrated with national company BlueCHP to strengthen the region’s position in advocating and actioning an increased supply of affordable and social housing.

Connect Housing Group Board Chair Karen May said the joint effort had “expanded our position and access to opportunities,” including a submission to the State Government.

“We currently have two affordable housing projects being reviewed for quick start funding, and are actively looking for further opportunities – whether that be via state or federal government funded programs or partnering with private enterprise to enable development to proceed,” Ms May said.

“We know the need is great. Our board is made up of Mackay community members who are invested in this region, and partnering with BlueCHP has increased our resources exponentially to take even bigger steps towards developing more affordable and social housing to fulfill that need.”

BlueCHP director and CEO Charles Northcote said the two companies had been working closely together over the past four years to “ensure a smooth transition to the new integrated company structure and board”.

“Our combined efforts will assist in growing the Mackay region’s housing stock to service not just social housing clients, but affordable housing as well,” Mr Northcote said.

“BlueCHP brings an extensive amount of housing development experience to the foundations that Connect Housing Group have already laid, and we are in a position to hit the ground running.”

Connect Housing Group founding CEO Jennifer Emmett said that the integration with BlueCHP was “finally the right fit”.

“During the 10 years that I led the company, we focused on exploring many different options for how we could achieve our goal of growing the housing stock so more community members had a house to call home,” Ms Emmett said.

“We met with many housing companies over many years before we found a company that had similar values and goals and was the right fit for the Connect Housing Group.

“The Connect Housing Group has an exciting future ahead.”

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BlueCHP director and CEO Charles Northcote and Connect Housing Group Board Chair Karen May. Photo supplied

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As Wilmar Sugar and Renewables marks the first quarter of the 2024 crush season, a notable 4.14 million tonnes of cane has been processed across its eight mills. The Plane Creek Mill in the Mackay region, a key player in Wilmar’s operations, is leading the charge with impressive performance metrics despite recent weather challenges.

In the Plane Creek region, this week’s CCS (Commercial Cane Sugar) stands at 12.72, with 291,000 tonnes processed, representing 22 per cent of the total Plane Creek crop. Standover cane made up 25 per cent of the week’s cane supply, highlighting its significant role. The highest CCS honour for the week went to KQ228 1R from the Yukan productivity area, boasting an impressive CCS of 16.2 units.

The Plane Creek crop is currently cutting above estimate, with an average yield of 85 tonnes per hectare. Crews are taking advantage of the current wet weather to reinstate the master shredder turbine, which is expected to restore budgeted crush rates. With improved drying conditions, the factory was anticipated to resume crushing by August 14.

Ian Davies, General Manager of Cane Supply and Grower Relations at Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, expressed optimism about the progress. “Despite the weather disruptions, Plane Creek is demonstrating strong performance. The current efforts to enhance our equipment will help us get back on track swiftly,” Davies stated.

Proserpine’s crop is cutting about 3 per cent above estimate, with a CCS of 13.78 and 414,000 tonnes processed, making up 24 per cent of the total Proserpine crop. The factory has been performing well, with harvesting expected to restart towards the weekend.

The Burdekin region is also showing notable progress with a CCS of 14.57 this week and 2.55 million tonnes processed, making up 30 per cent of the total Burdekin crop. Mill performance across all Burdekin factories is improving. However, recent heavy rain has delayed harvesting, with expectations that harvesters may not return to the paddocks for 10 to 14 days.

In the Herbert, the CCS this week is 12.65, with 885,000 tonnes processed, representing 22 per cent of the total Herbert crop. Although the crop is cutting slightly below estimate, CCS is above budget. The wet weather has provided an opportunity for maintenance work, with harvesting likely to resume later this week.

As the season progresses, Wilmar remains focused on navigating weather-related challenges and optimising operations to ensure a successful crush.

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Plane Creek Mill Traffic Officer Jem Blackmoore

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An outpouring of grief and sympathy has fallen heavily upon the Whitsunday community this week with the news that mother-to-be Mary Joy Estrada Dela Cruz perished in a car accident near Mount Marlow on Sunday along with her 60-year-old mother who was visiting from the Philippines.

It is understood the two family members were travelling in a vehicle with their husbands when the accident took place. The two men remain in hospital fighting for their lives.

Mary Joy Estrada Dela Cruz, her parents and her husband Edgar Dela Cruz Jr. Photo source: gofundme

A wooden cross has been placed at the scene of the accident, along with flowers and a teddy bear. Photo credit: Crissy Bottrell

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Tragic Loss Devastates Community

A trip of a lifetime has turned into ultimate devastation following a tragic road accident which claimed the lives of two women and an un-born baby on Sunday afternoon.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation, but it had been raining heavily throughout the day so the road conditions could have played a key role in the unfolding tragedy.

A Queensland Police Services (QPS) report stated that the accident took place at Mount Marlow at approximately 1.06pm when a Nissan Navara was headed east on Shute Harbour Road when it has collided with a Toyota Landcruiser travelling in the opposite direction.

“Two passengers in the Nissan died at the scene, a 60-year-old woman and 35-year-old woman,” said the report.

“The male driver and a male passenger of the Nissan were transported to hospital with the driver remaining in a critical condition.

“Two men and two women travelling in the Toyota Landcruiser were all taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.”

Mary Joy Estrada Dela Cruz and her husband Edgar Dela Cruz Jr were expecting a child in the coming months and were enjoying cherished time together as a family with Mary Joy’s two parents who had travelled over from their home-country of the Philippines to spend time with them.

Following the tragic incident, the Filipino-Australian community organised a gofundme page to help the family with hospital and funeral costs.

Over $20,000 was donated by the community within three days.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of a devastating car accident involving our dear friends,” read the gofundme page message.

“As they navigate through this profound loss, we hope to come together to offer our support. The financial strain of funeral arrangements, medical bills, and the sudden loss of their loved ones is overwhelming. Our goal is to provide some relief and show them that they are not alone.”

If you wish to donate search ‘for Mary Joys Family Expenses’ on the gofundme website.

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Emergency Services attended the scene on Sunday afternoon. Photo supplied

Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 has been an unforgettable experience, both on and off the water. The week was marked by challenging weather conditions, with intense winds in the middle of the week and an unexpected lack of wind toward the end, testing the skill and perseverance of all participants.

Onshore, the atmosphere was electric, with amazing bands, food vans, and entertainment bringing the community together. It was a time to reconnect with friends from other clubs and regattas, with participants and spectators travelling from Perth, Tasmania, Darwin, overseas, and beyond to be part of the event.

A special thank you goes out to naming sponsors, Mt Gay Rum and Ocean Dynamics, as well as many other sponsors. Without their support, and the dedication of volunteers and participants, this event would not have been the success that it was.

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Hi Everyone,

News of the devastating car accident that claimed the lives of two women and an un-born baby on Sunday afternoon sent shockwaves through the community this week, with the outpouring of grief palpable.

As I welcome my own family, who have just arrived from the UK to visit, I can only imagine what Mary Joy’s family are going through, having had their own holiday turned into their worst nightmare in the blink of an eye.

My thoughts go out to all that knew the family and our large Filipino-Australian community who are undoubtedly wrapping their arms around each other this week.

Family is such an important part of life and the events over last week have only magnified how precious family-time is, making the most of every special moment and taking the time to be together.

I am heading on holiday for the next 10 days and the time I spend with my loved ones has an even deeper meaning.

This will be made even more special because I am getting married on Saturday.

It will be a wonderful occasion where two families come together to celebrate love.

With guests arriving from as far afield as England, Adelaide, Mount Isa, Brisbane and Byron Bay, I am feeling very grateful to everyone who is making the trip to be with us on our special day.

To my future husband – thank you for loving me and seeing in me the person you want to share your life with. You make me feel special every day and I am extremely lucky to have found you.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides” (David Viscott)

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All our hearts feel sad when we see somebody homeless and struggling, especially in such a small community like our own.

Local resident John Burke shared this publicly on a local community chat site when he expressed his feelings after seeing a man sleeping on a footpath next to Flour & Eggs lunch bar.

John posted onto the Whitsundays Noticeboard Facebook chat asking for the community to help.

He explained that he had been contacting services to aid the man for over an hour, but no one was available. So, John decided to reach out to our wonderful caring community via Facebook.

To his joy, Isaac from Youth With a Mission (YWAM) arrived and helped the man.

“Many thanks to Isaac from YWAM, he just arrived getting him some breakfast and arranging some temporary accommodation for him,” John posted on Facebook.

“Isaac mentioned he is well known to him and is continuing to work with him. Thank you so very much to all of you in being so prompt to spread the word and to the person who sent Isaac to help.

“So thankful to YWAM whose hearts are set powerfully to help anyone in need in the community!”

Isaac provided an update on the man and said “We have offered him food, tents, and other supplies. He said he's good. Thank you for everyone in the community for the love you've shown.”

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The man asleep on a pavement in Cannonvale. Photo source: Facebook

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The Whitsundays are set to experience a significant boost in tourism and connectivity with the introduction of direct flights from Adelaide launching on September 1st. This new route, developed in partnership with major airline Jetstar, is strategically designed to open the Whitsundays to new markets while providing an affordable and convenient travel option for visitors.

The decision to add Adelaide as a direct destination was driven by the airport's goal to expand beyond traditional eastern coast markets like Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. Director of Commercial Businesses for Whitsunday Regional Council, Craig Turner, highlighted that this move allows the Whitsundays to reach a broader demographic, with the inaugural flight already seeing strong demand, evidenced by 156 bookings and expected to be fully booked.

The economic implications of this new route are substantial, especially following the loss of Bonza. The direct flights from Adelaide are expected to fill this gap, bringing in new visitors and creating fresh opportunities for local businesses. Craig emphasised that this influx of tourists would not only support hotels and restaurants but also generate jobs for residents, including recent school graduates.

Moreover, the new route offers Whitsunday residents easier and more affordable access to South Australia's attractions, such as the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, and Kangaroo Island. This increased connectivity is expected to strengthen ties between the two regions, making it easier for people to visit family and friends.

Despite the potential increase in passenger traffic, Craig affirmed that the impact on airport operations would be minimal. The flights are scheduled to arrive at 6:20pm and depart at 6:55 PM, a timing that fits well within the airport's existing infrastructure. The route is expected to attract over 40,000 passengers annually, with load factors projected to exceed 80%.

This new service aligns with the airport’s broader strategic goals of identifying and establishing direct flights to new destinations. The airport has undertaken extensive data analysis and strategic planning to ensure the success of this route. According to Craig, decisions like these are not made lightly; they are backed by rigorous research and collaboration with airline partner Jetstar.

To promote the new Adelaide-Whitsundays flights, the airport has launched a comprehensive marketing campaign. This campaign, developed in partnership with Adelaide Airport, Tourism Whitsundays, and the South Australian Tourism Commission, includes newspapers, billboards, social media campaigns, and influencer collaborations, all of which are already showing positive results.

Passengers on the new route can look forward to a comfortable experience aboard Jetstar’s Airbus A320, with a flight time of approximately three hours. The airport is committed to maintaining high service standards to ensure a positive travel experience.

In terms of environmental responsibility, the airport is actively working with airlines to minimise the impact of increased flights. This includes ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions, such as maintaining extensive green spaces on the airport's 370 hectares.

The success of this new route will be measured by load factors above 80% and the overall economic benefits to the region. The airport is optimistic that this new connection will drive the Whitsundays' economy and is already considering potential future expansions based on the route's performance.

This new direct flight route not only promises to enhance tourism in the Whitsundays but also strengthens the region’s ties with Adelaide, providing a direct gateway to one of Australia’s most beautiful destinations.

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Council’s work on the eradication of the Yellow Crazy Ants has been a long process but this week they have begun more infestation treatments.

In the Whitsundays we have five small infestations in Shute Harbour, Mandalay, Woodwark, Funnel Bay and Hamilton Island. From 12 – 16 August council are working on the mainland ant infestations.

In the Whitsundays, the five combined infestations equal 51 hectares.

It is important to remove Yellow Crazy Ants because they are pests and impact our ecosystem.

Whitsunday Regional Council Manager Natural Resource Management and Climate Scott Hardy said Yellow Crazy Ants chase protein and will eat all the native ants, insects, frogs, lizards, birds and mammals.

“We are actually on the menu!,” he exclaimed.

“There have been reports of Yellow Crazy Ants swarming people lying in bed!”

“If the ants are left to their own device, they will also eat all of the fauna in an area, and then that can start impacting on other ecosystem processes, like pollinisation.  So, it can actually start impacting the ability of plants to reproduce.

“There are also social and economic impacts as well, if Yellow Crazy Ants develop nests in the house, it impacts people's ability to sleep, has impacts on pets.

“It can also impact on people's ability to rent out their property and selling their homes.

“Then the larger picture is we are concerned that if the ants get out to the islands, that it may have an impact on tourism.”

Scott urges that if you find unusual looking ants on your property to contact Council.

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Tourists are flocking to the Big Mango and Bowen Tourist Information Centre, with the iconic gateway to the town proving to be a popular stopping point where motorists are encouraged to venture into Bowen for the day or even longer.

The popularity of the centre has reached new levels this year with record-breaking visitor numbers announced.
 
Bowen Tourism and Business released figures this week confirming they welcomed more visitors than ever before during the 2023/34 financial year.

This included more than 51,000 at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango on the Bruce Highway and a further 5000 visitors at the Information Booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the new financial year had also started strongly with 7002 visitors in July.

That is an average of 225 visitors every day.

“We became an official Driver Reviver station in recent months so that has also contributed to our high numbers,” she said.

“People certainly appreciate the free tea, coffee and biscuits and we are proud to be contributing to road safety.”

Leanne said more than half of the people who stopped at the Visitor Information Centre spent a day or more in Bowen.

Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business, Jenn Honnery congratulated the Bowen Tourism and Business team on setting yet another record.

“I’m very proud of the team of staff and volunteers at the Big Mango Visitor Information Centre on achieving record visitor numbers once again.

“Over the past 18 months, Bowen Tourism and Business has invested significantly in destination marketing and we’re now seeing the results of this work both at the Big Mango and in Bowen. 

“Most important, however, is the expert advice and friendly smiles each of our team offer visitors, making our Visitor Information Centre one of the most popular in regional Queensland.” 

Interim CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Aimee Cameron highlighted the significance of the drive market for The Whitsundays, noting the impressive recent achievement. 

“Last month’s record-breaking arrival of 7,000 visitors is a testament to the exceptional efforts of the team at Bowen Tourism and Business,” she said.
“Leanne and the team excel in showcasing the entire Whitsundays region, driving bookings in Airlie Beach, encouraging exploration of Bowen, and promoting inland areas such as Proserpine and Collinsville.”

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On Thursday 8th August, a pop-up Chamber event, consisting of BBQs, coffee and prizes was held at Porters Metre 10 Whitsunday.
Local businesses gathered to meet other business owners, get up-to-date on Chamber developments and express their opinions.
Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry members, Porters Mitre 10 Whitsundays, opened its store in Cannonvale in 2002, at its current location, after a long history of servicing the Whitsunday region from its Mackay locations.
Recently, Porters expanded by adding an Inspirations Paint Store within the Porters Mitre 10 Whitsunday building. This new addition includes a Paint Club, which provides retail clients with discounts on products and access to exclusive paint perks and systems.
Jay Holmes, Porters Mitre 10 Whitsunday Branch Manager stated that the BBQ brekkie was “for our customers and the community to say thank you and to foster new business connections.”
The event was a relaxed gathering where business owners connected over complimentary coffee from Mrs. Bean and enjoyed a delicious BBQ breakfast!

Photo Credit: Ruth Puddefoot

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With the Whitsundays ‘events season’ well underway and gathering steam, our region comes alive with iconic events and festivals.
Congratulations to the Whitsunday Running Club, the Coral Sea Marina Resort Triathlon Festival, and the Great Barrier Reef Festival for their recent hugely successful events – packed with visitors and contestants.
With the Airlie Beach Race Week and Hamilton Island Race Week now upon us – the visitation and exposure that these events bring to the region is incalculable.
We sincerely thank the organisers and volunteers – the entire region benefits from your efforts.
These regional events depend on local business support and financial contribution.
Our local businesses play a big role in investing in our community for everyone’s benefit.
As a thank you, be sure to support those businesses with a purchase, a social media shout out, online review, or refer your family and friends as they help make these events come to life.
And our local businesses play a high role in our region’s economic future.
This week the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry released news of its Vision for the Whitsundays project, with the ambitious aim to map a forward-looking economic blueprint.
Our research uncovered a diverse perspectives and challenges within the business community including the importance our diverse districts, the need to engage in passionate debates about preservation and progression, and the big economic projects and what this means for the business community. Visit the Chamber’s website to learn more.
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Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic, President of Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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Army and Vietnam veteran Brian “Weary” Dunlop is encouraging his local community to take a moment to recognise and support all veterans this Vietnam Veterans’ Day.

Weary volunteered for national service and joined the 5RAR in 1967 at just 20 years old. After training with the 5RAR, Weary was deployed to Vietnam from 1969 to 1970.

After his service Weary moved to Proserpine in early 2000 and joined the Proserpine RSL Sub Branch in 2010.

Commemorated annually on 18 August, Vietnam Veterans' Day honours the significant contribution of Australian veterans who served in the Vietnam War. The 18 August is the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan – one of the most significant conflicts for Australians who served in the Vietnam War.

More than 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1973, with additional personnel from the Royal Australian Air Force returning to Vietnam in 1975 to carry out evacuations and assist refugees in the lead-up to South Vietnam's surrender. Of those who served, 523 died and around 3,000 were evacuated with wounds, injuries or illnesses.

This Vietnam Veterans’ Day, Proserpine RSL Sub Branch will be hosting a lunch for all members of the community to come together and commemorate.

“I do hope to see more veterans and locals come together to commemorate the efforts of Vietnam veterans, but really, seeing the community come together for a meal and a chat on the day would be just as special.”

Airlie Beach
WHAT: Vietnam Veterans Day Commemorative Event
WHERE: Airlie Beach-Whitsunday RSL Sub Branch
WHEN: Sunday 18 August 11am

Proserpine
WHAT: Vietnam Veterans Day Commemorative Event
WHERE: RSL Proserpine
WHEN: Sunday 18 August 11am

Brian “Weary” Dunlop, Photo supplied

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Billie, an adorable little puppy, was found dumped in a puddle between Proserpine and Bowen on Christmas Eve.
Billie was found by a young teenager who took her in and cared for her until she was nursed back into a healthy puppy. Billie is now a whirlwind, full of love and joy.
Unable to provide Billie with the love and attention she needed due to her studies, the lovely young lady, though saddened, chose to entrust her to Christina at Animal Rescue Whitsundays. Christina has since successfully found a new home for the beautiful puppy.
Billie is one of the many success stories at Animal Rescue Whitsunday. While no longer up for adoption, Christina has many other beautiful animals that come through her centre and need a home. Keep an eye on her Facebook page, or Whitsunday Life’s Pet of the Week for animals up for adoption.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/animalrescuewhitsunday
PH: 0403 397 808
Email: xtrabeefalo@gmail.com
Website: https://www.beefaloaustralia.com

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Billie settling into her new home.
Billie loves her new siblings!

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The new Airlie Beach Seagrass Nursery project is happening soon with its official opening this Saturday 17 August.

The launch of the new Airlie Beach Seagrass Nursery project will take lace at Coral Sea Marina.
 
The test nursery has been with us for over two years and following its success CQ University has secured grant funding for an upscaled nursery project.
 
The day will start at 11am with a Welcome to Country, an introduction and project overview, and photo opportunities.

At 11.45 time is allocated for a look over the nursery, afterwards everyone will move to Cannonvale Beach for a light lunch and after that, flower collecting.

Everyone in the community is invited to come along and get involved.

What to bring
   • Casual and comfortable clothes for the launch event
   • Sun smart clothes for flower collecting
   • Sun screen
   • Water
   • Fun, caring, kind attitude

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Fines for not controlling your dog in public places have increased to $806. This includes having your dog off-leash in designated on-leash areas, or if the dog is in an off-leash area, you must be able to control the dog using voice commands. For everyone's safety, let's make sure our furry friends are always well-behaved in public spaces!

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