Wildlife Officers from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) have removed a one metre crocodile from a chicken coop at a home north of Mackay.

Wildlife Officers were called to the Cape Hillsborough home about 9am on the 8th January after residents found the small estuarine crocodile in their yard.

The residents had initially thought the reptile was a goanna, but upon closer inspection realised it was a small crocodile and reported it to the department.

Fortunately, all chickens and pets living on the property have been accounted for.

DESI staff placed the crocodile in a large PVC tube for transport to the department’s facility in Mackay, where it will stay until wildlife officers can secure a new home for the animal at a licensed farm or zoo.

Senior Wildlife Officer Jane Burns said crocodiles can be highly mobile, especially during summer and following wet weather.

“While it isn’t unusual to see crocodiles around Mackay, it is unusual to find one in someone’s backyard,” she said.

“This is a good reminder to everyone in Croc Country that crocodiles can turn up in unexpected places, so it’s important to always be Crocwise, and report all sightings to DESI as soon as you can.”

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Residents reported the crocodile to DESI after finding it in their backyard. Photo credit: Department of Environment, Science and Innovation

The crocodile will be re-homed in a licensed farm or zoo

You're in - you have your first full time job but now you need to learn to save. Here's how to budget your salary for the first time. The key is to start small and be consistent. Knowing exactly where your money goes each pay will give you control over your finances. You know what position you’re in and you’re better prepared to make informed financial decisions.

Start small

Leaving yourself a bit of wiggle-room is the golden rule of budgeting. So, start small with your savings. It keeps you focused, motivated and won’t feel like a total blow out if things don’t go to plan one week.

Streaming services

Option-paralysis aside, streaming services like Netflix, Stan and Spotify are so accessible that we sign up to them in the blink of an eye. Most services offer ‘family’ discounts so see if your friends are down to buddy up with you on an account so you can all save a few coins.

Lunches

Buying lunch at work every day adds up – quick. It can cost upwards of $20 or $30 a day just for coffee, lunch and a snack. While bringing your lunch to work every day isn’t always possible, doing it just two days a week can save you upwards of $200 a month.

Make swaps

This is a big one for the budding saver. There are endless swaps you can make to free up some cash in your budget, without it cramping your style. Some examples include choosing generic brands where possible in your grocery shop, and getting a reusable coffee cup for cheaper coffee shop trips (plus, it’s better for the environment – bonus!).

Stay home

This sounds so cliché but it’s fun. Promise. Next time you’re planning a night out with your friends for dinner, have them over instead. Put each friend on drinks, snacks or dessert duty and throw on some tunes while you whip up your favourite dish for your people.

Don’t forget that you’re essentially learning a new habit. And the key to creating a successful habit is consistency. Put a set amount into your savings from every pay, no matter how small, and be mindful every time you make the transfer.

It might feel like a process to start with, but seeing the figure grow month by month will motivate you to keep going. And with time, adding to your savings will become as second nature as stopping for your morning coffee. If you’d like to open a dedicated savings account, or talk more about budgeting and saving, contact us at Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank on 4943 2634.

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS GENERAL ADVICE ONLY. READERS SHOULD SEEK A TRUSTED PROFESSIONAL’S ADVICE ON FINANCIAL MATTERS.

The Australian South Sea Islander community made a significant contribution to Australia's sugar and cotton industries' development.

Between 1863 and 1904, an estimated 55,000 to 62,500 Islanders were brought to Australia for labour on sugarcane and cotton farms in Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Known as 'Kanakas' (a Hawaiian word for 'man'), these labourers often faced forced removal from their homes, a practice referred to as 'blackbirding' (where 'blackbird' was synonymous with slave).

They hailed from over 80 Pacific Islands, including Vanuatu (then known as the 'New Hebrides') and the Solomon Islands, as well as from New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, and Tuvalu, primarily consisting of young men and boys aged 9 to 30 years, with relatively fewer women and girls among them.

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South Sea Islanders riding on Cane Trucks in the Farleigh Mill District in 1886. (JOL#366989). Shared by the Facebook page, ‘Have you seen the Old Mackay’

In the heart of Mackay's thriving sugar industry, the 2023 Mackay Sugar Apprentice of the Year Awards mark a celebration of excellence and dedication. These awards honour individuals who have demonstrated outstanding proficiency in boilermaking, electrical work and fitting. They represent the promising future of an industry deeply rooted in Mackay's heritage.

Among the winners are:

Jarrad Jones - Boilermaking Apprentice of the Year

Lachlan Iturbe - Electrical Apprentice of the Year

Caleb Cappello - Fitting Apprentice of the Year

Gordon Gear - Frank Marchetti Apprentice of the Year

Congratulations to the deserving winners of the 2023 Apprentice of the Year Awards. Their dedication, determination, and outstanding abilities are a testament to their bright futures and the remarkable contributions they will continue to make to the sugar industry.

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Jarrad Jones - Boilermaking Apprentice of the Year

Lachlan Iturbe - Electrical Apprentice of the Year

Caleb Cappello - Fitting Apprentice of the Year

Gordon Gear - Frank Marchetti Apprentice of the Year

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables have recently welcomed a trio of new apprentices to their team at Plane Creek Mill, representing a significant addition to the Mackay region's trade workforce.

The new apprentices completed their two-week Safe Start program earlier this month before beginning work at their respective sites.

Training Superintendent Daniel Shipard said the two-week Safe Start program prepared the new apprentices for what life would be like in Wilmar’s mills.

“It’s about getting them to understand Wilmar’s safety requirements and procedures, as well as giving them the basic skillset they require to enter their relevant workshops,” Mr Shipard said.

Hendrikus Voigt, specialising in fitting and turning at Plane Creek Mill, expressed his enthusiasm for this career opportunity with Wilmar. He said he chose to do an apprenticeship with Wilmar because he believed it would set him up for a strong future.

“I’m looking forward to learning more skills in the workshop and getting my hands on the big lathes. It just blows my mind how big they are and I can’t wait to get to work on them,” Hendrikus said.

Mr Shipard said he was excited to bring the newest intake of apprentices into Wilmar’s operations, across the key trades of electrical, fitting and turning, boilermaking and diesel fitting.

“They’re going to be a huge asset to our organisation and we can’t wait to see them grow over the next four years of their apprenticeship.”

Wilmar is one of North Queensland’s largest apprenticeship providers employing about 140 apprentices at any one time.

With an impressive completion rate exceeding 95 percent, Wilmar's apprenticeship program exemplifies success in empowering future trade leaders.

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Work Coordinator Brett Wilshere instructs Plane Creek fitting and turning apprentice Hendrikus Voigt on working with lathes

Wilmar’s new apprentices, back from left, Adam Facey, Liam Abell, Eddison Olney, Connor Hamilton, Henry Fallon, Graeme Jeffrey, Braden Laidlow, Logan Pott, Hugh Barnicoat, Hayde Munro, Bailey Marini, Lochlon Winston and Damon Drochmann. Front, from left, Lane Corlis, Harry Moschella, Hendrikus Voigt, Meg Westwood, Kane Kirkwood, Jayme Farr, Dekota Cutuli, Kohan Mau, Cadey McMurray, Jake Skinner, Sabine Turner and Lachlan Erba. Absent: Shaun Iwaszczyn, Danae Scothern, Tomas Mitchell, Rylan Weston, Jared Forsyth and Cooper Hare

As the calendar resets and the New Year unfolds, it presents an opportune moment for introspection, growth, and personal transformation. The concept of unlocking your best self isn't merely a cliché; it's a journey toward building resilience, fostering self-discovery, and embracing reinvention.

Resilience, the cornerstone of this journey, embodies the ability to bounce back from adversity, navigate life's challenges, and emerge stronger. It's not about avoiding difficulties but about facing them with courage, adaptability, and a resilient spirit. The New Year provides a canvas to cultivate this resilience, to fortify the mind, body, and spirit against life's inevitable ebbs and flows.

Building resilience is a multifaceted process that involves various practices and approaches. Here are five steps to cultivate resilience and how they can assist in navigating everyday challenges:

1. Developing a Growth Mindset

Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Acknowledge that setbacks are part of life and see them as chances to learn. When faced with the challenge of exercising on rainy days, a growth mindset helps reframe it as an opportunity to try indoor workouts, fostering adaptability.

2. Cultivating Self-Compassion

Treat yourself with kindness during difficult times. Recognise that everyone faces challenges, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. When encountering stressful work deadlines, practicing self-compassion helps reduce self-criticism, allowing space to focus on tasks without added mental pressure.

3. Building a Supportive Network

Foster relationships with family, friends, or support groups. Strong social connections provide emotional support and perspective during tough times. When dealing with personal relationship setbacks, a supportive network offers a safe space for discussion, advice, and emotional comfort.

4. Practicing Mindfulness and Stress Management

Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into daily routines. Mindfulness helps manage stress, promotes emotional regulation, and enhances mental clarity. When facing everyday stressors, mindfulness techniques assist in maintaining a calm and composed mindset.

5. Setting Realistic Goals and Taking Decisive Action

Break larger goals into smaller, achievable steps. Prioritise tasks and take proactive steps toward your objectives. When struggling with motivation to exercise or facing work deadlines, setting achievable daily goals creates a sense of accomplishment and motivates consistent progress.

Building resilience equips individuals with the tools to navigate daily challenges:

   • Motivation for Exercise in Adverse Conditions: Resilience fosters adaptability, allowing you to find alternative workout routines or see rainy days as an opportunity for different physical activities, maintaining consistency in your exercise regimen.

   • Handling Stressful Work Deadlines: Resilience encourages a problem-solving attitude, helping break down complex tasks into manageable components. This approach aids in maintaining focus, managing time efficiently, and handling pressure effectively.

   • Navigating Personal Relationship Setbacks: Resilience promotes emotional balance and self-awareness. It enables individuals to process emotions constructively, communicate effectively, and seek support when facing relationship challenges.

Building resilience empowers individuals to navigate life's trials with adaptability, and a positive mindset, making every challenge an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.

Struggling with sticking to your New Year's resolutions? Adjusting your mindset might just be the key.

New research from MyFitnessPal, the leading global nutrition and food tracking app, reveals that over half of Australians (57%) find it challenging to sustain healthy habits, despite setting resolutions for 2024. While a significant majority of Gen Z (82%) and millennials (80%) have committed to resolutions, only a mere 12% are expected to maintain them throughout the year.

According to psychologist, nutrition, and fitness expert Leanne Hall, the secret lies in setting realistic and achievable goals.

“There’s no doubt this is a popular time of year to make some lifestyle changes, the problem is that we tend to set ourselves ambitious and unrealistic resolutions that are difficult to maintain.

“Aussies are more likely to achieve their goals by focusing on making small changes, and taking small steps to a healthier lifestyle.”

Leanne shares her top five tips for how you can stay on track with their health goals this year. 

   1. Focus on creating new habits
The concept of a New Year’s resolution is outdated. It encourages people to set themselves a huge target that’s often unrealistic and the result is that, more than often, they give up. Instead, focus on how you can create new habits that will help you reach your goals for the long-term.

   2. Break goals down into small steps 

For example, rather than ‘losing weight’, try being more specific and including more sustainable changes such as ‘adding more leafy greens’ or ‘adding more regular exercise into my day’.

   3. Get to know your current routine
The only way you can make positive long-term change is by gaining an understanding of your current nutrition and exercise habits. By logging and tracking these habits, you can see more clearly the steps you can take to make a change. 

   4. Keep track of your progress ‍

One of the best ways to monitor your progress is through a tracking app like MyFitnessPal that will highlight the importance of rewarding progress, especially the small wins. 

   5. Play the long game
It’s important to challenge yourself but by making small changes that add up over time, you’re much more likely to stick to them. 

The New Year has rolled around again! As have our new or often old resolutions yet again.

So I would like to work on the concept of resolution - or as I prefer to call them Your life changing Goals - whether health or any goal that is important to you and worth doing, that will to make your life better by the end of 2024

1.      Never start toward your goal, until you are back to ' normal life'- at work/ school /home! When made over the Festive Season, we often forget how busy, tiring, and demanding the day-to-day grind is or can be. Are we underestimating the cost, effort, or time we will need to achieve our goal?

2.    ANYTHING new takes more mental, and physical effort at the beginning, so realize it’s a marathon, not a sprint you are embarking upon.

3.      Don’t compare! Just don’t EVER with anyone - as we are not all the same, nor in the same place in our lives, have the same state of health, same financial or career position, etc. So don’t compare yourself to celebrities, family, your Bestie, workmates or neighbours. Life is long and we can do things at OUR own pace not to keep up with others.

Each year many patients come to see me wanting to improve their health, lose weight, get fitter, live with less pain, feel less lost, and many others. I have learned over the years from watching those patients who do go on to achieve their goal for the year ahead is the following:

1.      Be realistic, let the Festive Season goodwill and dust settle.

2.      Start with that ‘big picture’ or overview of the goal you want to tackle. Work backward from the overview of the goal to make up the basis for the tasks you need to do to achieve it.

3.      Have estimates – including the research, time, money, resources, etc it will take to achieve the goal. Then add a buffer zone of 20 % for life’s little surprises.

4.      Consult only those experienced or an expert in gaining their goals.

5.      Check the viability of your plans early with your nearest and dearest – get them to bring their perceived obstacles to your success. And its only advice – so weigh it up!

6.      Start with the very smallest of tasks, this will be your first accomplishment. Celebrate them all, even the failures as they teach us something too.

7.      Don’t rely on willpower to achieve your goal, its only good for short-term tasks.

8. Check in regularly that you are still on track, check your original overview – is it still the goal for you, measure your progress, and realign if necessary.

Make your goals a reality in 2024 and beyond by always being REALISTIC with that important dash of optimism!

Yours in good health,

Dr Mags  

As severe heatwaves are likely to continue across our region in the next couple of months, we all need to take care.

Everybody is at risk of heat-related health problems, and it’s important to know the risks of heat, who is at risk, how to prepare, and how toprotect yourself and others.

When it’s very hot, your body tries to cool down by sweating.

Sometimes sweating isn't enough to cool you down.

This can make you feel sick, with symptoms like feeling dizzy, having a headache, feeling nauseous, wanting to drink water, or even vomiting.

Heat-related illness can be dangerous, and in some cases, deadly.

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Here’s how to keep you and your family safe:

Drink water often (between 6-8 glasses each day)

Check in on loved ones regularly (especially older adults and pregnant women)

Avoid heavy exercise during the hottest parts of the day

Keep cool in air conditioning or find a shaded or cool spot to rest

Be sun safe by wearing a hat and sunglasses, keeping out of the sun between 10am and 2pm, wearing long sleeve and light clothing, and applying sunscreen every two hours

Find ways to make your home or building cooler like light coloured window coverings, awnings and shade cloth

Limit intake of alcohol, soft drinks, sports drinks, tea or coffee

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If you, or someone you know, start feeling unwell due to the heat:

• Get medical advice by calling 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or visit your doctor.

• In emergencies, don’t wait, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

For tips on staying safe in the heat, visit www.health.qld.gov.au/heatsafe

Prepare your taste buds for an exceptional gastronomic delight as Mackay’s prodigal daughter, acclaimed chef Sarah Todd, makes a much-awaited return to her hometown. Set to unfold on the 9th and 10th of February 2024, this exclusive event promises an evening of culinary magic, celebrating Todd's culinary journey and showcasing her delectable creations.

Anchored by the culinary prowess of Ms Todd, this homecoming event invites food enthusiasts to a mesmerising affair featuring an assortment of her signature dishes and the grand launch of her eagerly awaited hot sauce brand, Hot Toddy. The evening is poised to offer a sumptuous culinary experience, boasting an eclectic menu that spans from a delightful welcome cocktail to scrumptious canapés and an exquisite four-course degustation. The highlight of the evening will be a privileged tasting session featuring Hot Toddy, unveiling its unique flavours to the discerning attendees.

Beyond the tantalising cuisine, guests will have the exceptional opportunity to engage intimately with Sarah Todd herself. Through a vibrant Q&A session, attendees will glean insights, culinary wisdom, and anecdotes from Todd's illustrious culinary journey, making for an immersive and enlightening experience.

Every patron will receive an exclusive complimentary gift as a token of gratitude for their participation in this extraordinary event.

Todd's culinary journey has been a testament to her prowess, notably marked by her participation in MasterChef Australia's prestigious competitions, securing the runner-up position in the fourteenth season. Her global culinary footprint expanded with the establishment of Antares, her acclaimed restaurant nestled in the vibrant land of Goa, India. The gripping story of Antares unfolded in the captivating series 'My Restaurant in India,' which captivated audiences across 150 countries.

Born in Mackay, Todd is excited to reconnect with her roots and share her culinary expertise with her hometown. This culinary homecoming promises to be an unparalleled experience, offering an exceptional blend of flavours, stories, and memories that will linger long after the plates have been cleared.

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What: A Culinary Hometown Reunion With Sarah Todd

When: February 9th and 10th, 2024

Where: Harrup Park in the Lancaster Rooms

Walkerston Cricket Club have continued their resurgence in the 2023-24 Mackay Association Twenty20 Shootout Division One competition.

The high-flying Roosters grabbed a share of second position on the table after chalking up thrilling victories over Pioneer Valley and Brothers last weekend to bolster their finals claims.

They are joined by Pioneer Valley and Magpies on 24 points – six behind pacesetters Norths Devils (30 points) after seven rounds.

Spearheaded by trump cards Darryn Dyer and Lane Kohler, the Norths XI consolidated top spot with stirring wins over Souths and Magpies.

Dyer cracked 65 off 37 balls with six boundaries and two sixes while Kohler hit 44 off 39 balls to help the Devils (3-130) eclipse Souths (7-127) at Great Barrier Reef Arena.

The pair shared an opening stand of 99 with Cameron Keene (48 off 29) and Tom Bugeja top scoring for Souths.

Norths (7-128) pipped reigning champions Magpies (9-127) in a pulsating clash last Saturday at George Gorrie Oval.

Darryn Dyer (29), Josh Andrew (27), Mason Kohler (4-24) and Laren Dyer (2-18) shone for the Devils with Ben Zurvas (32), Jaxn Sign (31) and Tim Heard (2-15) impressive for the Magpies.

Walkerston (7-139) edged out Pioneer Valley (5-136) with Masters representative skipper Sam Vassallo and swing merchant Adam Knezevic the stand outs for the Roosters.

Vassallo smashed 56 runs off 40 balls that included two sixes and seven boundaries and shared an opening stand of 78 with Jakob Frerichs (26).

Knezevic kept the Valley at bay with an inspired spell of bowling that yielded 2-32 despite solid batting displays from Lochi Whitehead (45 not out off 30 balls), Cody Filewood (38) and Mahesh Rajaratne (25).

The Roosters rolled Brothers in a super over after both sides were tied on 119 at Great Barrier Reef Arena.

Luke Jackson (41 not out), Etienne Pretorius (27 not out) and Frerichs (25) helped Walkerston post 2-119 before Joseph Hackney (39), Floris Duvenhage (21 not out), Patrick Seaniger (20) and Jack Law (15) helped Brothers register 8-119 in a dramatic finale.

Nick Lotarski (3-22) and Chris Mceldowney (3-25) were the pick of the Brothers’ bowlers.

The Leprechauns (127) earlier downed the Magpies (102) at Jack Lancaster Oval with top contributions from Hackney (30), rising fifteen-year-old colt Jack Law (19 not out), Chris Dunn (19 runs and 2-17), Duvenhage (3-16) and Cameron Tomerini (2-15).

Magpies were best served by all-rounder Andrew Borg (46 runs and 2-13), Tim Heard (3-21), Todd Dixon (3-24) and Liam Zurvas (2-24).

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Norths lead the 2023-24 Mackay Association Twenty20 Shootout Division One competition by six points. Ben Hinton made his division one debut for the Devils

The ever-present and commendable Senior Sergeant of Whitsunday Police Station, Sgt Nathan Blain, is sadly leaving the region.

Sgt Blain began his Queensland Police service in 1996 and was one of the first to complete his training at the North Queensland Police Academy in Townsville.

“I was actually on my honeymoon when I received advice that I was accepted. So, Traci and I had six weeks as a married couple before I went off to the academy,” Sgt Blain recalls.

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Councillor Jan Clifford, Nathan and Traci Blain, Whitsunday Mayor Julie Hall, and Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox. Photo: Andrew Willcox MP

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Dedicated, Determined, And Deserving

Sergeant Blain Relocates

Ever the one to help, Sgt Blain “Always had a strong interest in pursuing policing career as I wanted a job that was different every day and I liked the idea of being able to do my bit to help others.”

Since completing his academy training, Sgt Blain has always been posted to North Queensland stations, including Townsville and the smaller communities of Bamaga, Middlemount, and Ravenshoe.

Sgt Blain and his wife Traci were initially welcomed to Proserpine over six years ago.

“As a family we were missing the connections you make in country towns, and I was looking for another challenge when I was fortunate to be selected for the position of Officer in Charge Proserpine,” he explained.

“And we moved to Prossy in January 2010. In 2015 I was promoted to Senior Sergeant and transferred to Whitsunday Station as the Officer in Charge.”

During his time in the Whitsundays, Sgt Blain has been an integral asset to the community, a confident responder to emergencies across the region and led the Whitsunday Police with poise and confidence.

“There have been many highlights over the past 14 years. I have worked with some amazing people both inside the QPS and outside, be it other government agencies, community groups or private enterprise. The highlight for me was how our community rallied and rebuilt after Tropical Cyclone Debbie to come back better and stronger,” Sgt Blain said.

Another highlight, which Sgt Blain is humble about, is the 2015 rescue of multiple individuals from a burning building.

A fire had broken out in a restaurant in Airlie Beach and spread to the backpackers accommodation above. Sgt Blain and two other officers were able to successfully locate and rescue a number of individuals from the building, then inundated with thick smoke, however there was an elderly couple unaccounted for.

Sgt Blain and the officers returned to the smoke to rescue the pair, bringing them safely outside, before covering their faces and once again venturing into the building to locate any other individuals.

Sgt Blain and the officer were decorated with bravery awards for their efforts.

Sgt Blain’s new position is Patrol Group Inspector for the Cassowary Coast, based in Innisfail, where he will supervise eight police divisions, from Cardwell to Babinda.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said it was with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to such a universally respected member of our community.

“On behalf of Council, I would personally like to convey my thanks to Senior Sergeant Nathan Blain as he embarks on a new chapter and express our deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our Whitsundays,” she said.

“Nathan has been more than just a law enforcement officer; he has been a stalwart guardian, a trusted ally, and a pillar of strength for our community.

“As Senior Sergeant Blain embarks on this new journey, I wish him continued success in his future endeavours.  Our Whitsundays has been safer and more secure under his watch, and for that, we are grateful.”

“Traci and I will look back on our 14 years here with only fond memories,” Sgt Blain explained.

“We loved being involved in a variety of community groups and activities as well as enjoying the exploring the islands on our jet ski.”

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With 14 years of local service, and 27 years of continued policing service, Senior Sergeant Blain has impacted the Whitsunday community profoundly. Photo supplied

Hello everyone!

And just like that, week two of 2024 is done and dusted. I do think it’s kinda crazy to think that just over two weeks ago, we were all in the relaxation and partying mood, and now, most of us are back to work, or about to get back to work, and falling into age-old routines once again.

I just want to use this opportunity to reflect on my time in the Whitsundays.

I moved here just on 10 months ago, and since then, I have grown so much. This is my first time living so close to the beach and I have enjoyed swimming, even in the middle of winter. I’ve loved the warmth of the day (although the humidity is something left to be desired), so not having the chill of cool in my bones.

I think that it’s crazy that so many thousands of tourists come here every year for their annual holiday and we just live here.

We do our shopping here, our education here, our sport here.

I rarely actually go into the main strip of Airlie Beach during the day, but in the evening, sitting at one of the various venues, you can just see people enjoy the town like never before. They are here for however long and want to make the most of it.

I’m not gonna lie, Airlie Beach was never on my radar as a holiday destination before moving here, but since moving and living here, I am excited by everything (maybe except the traffic with caravans, it does annoy me when they’re so big they can’t park in the lines).

What’s your favourite part of living in the Whitsundays?

The Whitsunday Food Pantry, a community outreach program organised and hosted by the Whitsunday Impact Church, is back open for business in 2024.

Operating since mid-2022, the Whitsunday Food Pantry is committed to providing residents of the community with free food to feed local families.

Manned by Whitsunday Impact Church volunteers, the Pantry is open and available for anyone who is struggling to feed their family and buy food.

With no questions or restrictions, families are welcome into the Pantry and offered tea, coffee, and cake while they peruse the shelves.

On average, the Pantry has assisted between 15 and 20 local families per week get the family shop, with about 600 bags of groceries distributed in the calendar year.

Whitsunday Impact Church operates the Whitsunday Food Pantry through its mission charity, Global Care.

The Pantry is open every Tuesday, from 9am to 12pm, from their main premise, 202 to 204 Bruce Highway, Proserpine.

The Pantry also welcomes donations of non-perishable food, cleaning and personal items, and can be dropped off at their premise of Friday afternoons, from 3pm to 5pm.

Meet the newest resident of the Whitsundays region - beautiful baby boy Timothée Jean Fuzier, who chose the special date of January 1 for his arrival last week.

Timothée (his name is the French version of Timothy) was the first baby born at Proserpine Hospital for 2024, arriving on Monday at 1.59pm weighing 3880 grams (8lb 5oz).

He also claims the honour of being the first baby born across the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) region which stretches from Sarina to Bowen and west to Clermont.

He is the second child of parents Hannah and Sébastien Fuzier, who decided to make the Whitsundays home eight years ago.

“I’m English and Séb is French,” Hannah said.

“We were travelling and fell in love with the place.

“It’s a really lovely community; friendly and safe, and we have a nice network of friends, so we decided this was a great place to bring up our family,” she said.

Timothée’s older brother, Léo Bastien, is three and a half and both boys were born at Proserpine Hospital.

“They were great there, so lovely, especially our midwife Ellen for this birth,” Hannah said.

“Timmy was due on January 8 so he was born a week early.

“But on the day his arrival was so quick; I had my first contraction at 12pm and he was born by 2pm.”

Hannah’s parents will travel from Yorkshire to meet their new grandson at the end of the month.

Congratulations Hannah, Seb and family, and welcome to the world baby Timothée!

Contributed with thanks to Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

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The Fuzier's and their new bundle of joy. Photo: Mackay Hospital and Health Service