Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
By Zach Houtenville A stranded whale made its way back to sea after hours of care at Sinclair Bay on Sunday 4th October, with local couple Larry and Sue Shieffelbien helping wildlife officers through the lengthy rescue. For Larry, the day began around 6am with a morning coffee at Sinclair Bay Resort. Looking out over the beach, he noticed what appeared to be a large branch washed up on the shore. But as the tide receded, a fin appeared, prompting him and his wife, Sue, to wander down for a closer look. Up close, they realised it was a roughly four metres long whale. “It was still blowing through his blowhole, so I kind of felt that it was still alive and healthy, just stranded,” Larry said. The couple reported the stranding to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and got to work while waiting for officers to arrive. For the next hour, Larry and Sue stayed beside the whale, shading it with an umbrella and keeping the towels covering it wet. “They said to put towels over the whale, which is exactly what we did until they turned up,” Larry said. The officers’ arrival marked the start of a long wait for the tide to change, with the team sheltering the whale beneath a gazebo and continuing to keep it wet throughout the day. “They seemed to know what they were doing and just nursed it the whole remaining six or seven hours until the tide was coming back in,” Larry said. Even then, the whale’s path to freedom was far from straightforward. The relief of seeing the whale swim again was short-lived, with Larry recalling how the animal turned back towards shore and became stranded again further along the bay. Officers Tim and Ben kept working to guide it beyond the sandbar, until it finally reached deeper water and swam out to sea at around 3pm. ‘It was a good feeling to see it go and to have helped save an animal, save a life,” Larry said. “Tim and Ben, the two main guys from the wildlife people, they were awesome,” Larry said. Photo captions: Photo 1- Whale Beached in Sinclair Bay. Photo credit: Sue and Larry Shieffelbein Photo 2- QPWS Officers Tim and Ben watching the animal go Photo 3- QPWS Officers attempting to slide the animal back into the sea
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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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Last week, The Whitsundays wrapped up the face-to-face workshops for the Whitsundays Welcomes You Program, complementing the online training with an engaging, hands-on session. It was fantastic to see over 45 passionate locals come together, share their pride for the region, and learn how to create unforgettable guest experiences.
So, what makes us proud of the Whitsundays? Is it the friendly people, the laid-back country-coastal vibe, or the stunning blue ocean? Maybe it’s the live music, fresh local produce, or that WOW factor when you take it all in. Whatever it is, the Whitsundays Welcomes You Program is all about celebrating that pride and using it to make every guest feel at home.
The Whitsundays Welcomes You Program is open to anyone involved in welcoming guests—whether you work in hotels, tours, cafes, retail, or volunteer in the community. The program helps locals develop the skills and knowledge to be exceptional hosts, ensuring that guests leave as passionate advocates for the region.
The Queensland Welcomes You initiative is proudly funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by the Queensland Regional Tourism Network.
Ready to get involved? Local businesses and volunteers can access the free online training anytime, anywhere. To register, visit: www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au
Contributed by Tourism Whitsundays
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Bowen’s foreshore is one of our region’s greatest assets, and we now have an exciting opportunity to shape its future together.
Council is inviting the community to help co-design the Bowen Foreshore Masterplan—a bold vision to revitalise the waterfront, enhance public spaces, and attract investment over the next 15 years.
This Masterplan builds on the momentum of the $68 million Bowen Wharf project, expected to commence in 2027, and ensures that future upgrades benefit both locals and visitors.
This plan includes new pathways, pedestrian crossings & streetscape enhancements, upgrades to playgrounds & aquatic facilities, environmental improvements, including foreshore protection & recycled water irrigation and opportunities for private investment—such as accommodation, retail, and marine industry developments along Santa Barbara Parade and within the Marina.
But most importantly, this is your foreshore, and we want your input, so we are asking our Whitsunday community to tell us what matters most. What should we prioritise? How can we better connect the foreshore with businesses, recreation, and tourism?
There are several ways to have your say: attend our community workshop on Thursday, 27 March at the Bowen PCYC, from 5:30pm or visit our engagement portal Your Say at yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au or complete a hardcopy survey at our Council Customer Service Centres.
Consultation is open until Monday, 21 April 2025, so don’t miss your chance to shape the future of Bowen’s waterfront.
Let’s work together to create a vibrant, well-connected Bowen foreshore that celebrates our lifestyle, supports local businesses, and attracts investment.
I look forward to hearing your ideas!
The phrase “teamwork makes the dream work” was evident in abundance at Saturday’s ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ Masquerade Gala Ball, which raised $85,000 for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ).
Kate Purdie (Coral Sea Marina), Candice Crossley (Whitsunday Transit), Julie Telford (SeaLink Whitsundays), and Dr Alice Harriott (Whitsunday Family Dental), said it had taken not just a village but an entire community of people and businesses to pull the event off, and extended a heartfelt “thank you” to absolutely everyone involved.
“From the major sponsors to the minor, every contribution counted towards the end result, which was ultimately the $85,000 we are now able to give Women’s Legal Service Queensland, which will be used to help women and children escape abusive situations and literally rebuild their lives,” Julie Telford said.
By Sharon Smallwood
WLSQ CEO, Nadia Bromley, expanded on this, commending not just the team of local Dancing CEOs but the whole of the Whitsundays’ community for getting behind them.
“The people who work for our service are amazing; they do difficult work in often challenging environments, but their work is made both possible and easier by incredible people like you,” she said.
“The work you do means we can provide services which we otherwise couldn’t, which clearly helps a lot of women who are our clients, but it also helps our staff – it means we have additional flexibility in how we work, in the support we can provide clients, and the places in which we work – but also, perhaps just as importantly, it makes our staff feel valued and supported, and I can’t express to you in words just how much that means.”
Whitsunday MP, Amanda Camm, who is also the Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, described herself as having “complete FOMO” at not having been able to attend the event but sent a powerful message to the 170 people who did.
“How very proud I am of our Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs, firstly for their courage to put themselves out there for such a great cause and secondly for shining a spotlight
on the fact that more support for DV services is needed in regions like ours,” her message read.
“As the Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention, this will be a core focus for me and why I am pleased to support these amazing women.
“Domestic and family violence does not discriminate and through this event – and the upcoming Epic Walk for DV – our community can have conversations and raise awareness with purpose that will deliver tangible outcomes.”
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Ry Collins, expressed his delight in seeing the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal being used for such a meaningful event.
“It’s wonderful to see this incredible venue come to life in support of such a deserving cause through Dancing CEOs,” he said.
“We’re proud to play a role in this initiative, and now we’re cheering on our Whitsundays team to give it their all and make a real impact for this worthy cause.”
In more good news delivered on the night, a charity raffle donated to WLSQ by local bareboat charter company, Whitsunday Escape, came to a close, with the winner announced and a whopping $48,800 raised.
Whitsunday Escape General Manager, Jaclyn Watson, said for her and her team this was deeply personal.
“Behind the glitz and glamour is a community of people fighting for change – and what a community we have,” she said.
Kate Purdie extended a special “thank you” to Coral Sea Marina Resort owner, Paul Darrouzet, who attended the event, a highlight of which was his offer to double the prize he had donated to the charity auction, with not one, but two days out on a Superyacht, raising a total of $30,000.
The team’s next event is the Whitsundays’ inaugural ‘Epic Walk for DV’ set to take place at 7.30am on Sunday, March 30, at the Coral Sea Marina Gardens.
Ms Bromley said the organisation’s Practice Director would be attending the walk, and liaising with other agencies in the region about opportunities to provide more services to women here.
For more information and online links follow the ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ Facebook page.
When Network 10’s Brendan Smith and Epic Hair Design’s Brendan Mann initially created the ‘Epic Walk for DV’, little did they know that in just four years it would spread its wings from New Farm Park in Brisbane to the Coral Sea Marina Resort in Airlie Beach.
“This year we’re hoping to raise $300,000 for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) across our three walks in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and now the Whitsundays, and ultimately we hope that it becomes a regular fixture on the charity calendar here,” Brendan Smith explained while visiting the marina last week.
“The reason it’s so important that we’re bringing this walk to Airlie Beach is because WLSQ is a state based service – everyone benefits from it and I think this will really allow people to open up those conversations,” he said.
Coral Sea Marina CEO, Kate Purdie, who has become one of WLSQ’s flagship fundraising ‘Dancing CEOs’ for 2025, described the organisation as a life-saving, life-changing support service for women and children escaping domestic violence.
“Through WLSQ, women are able to access free legal advice at a time when the complex world of court systems is the last thing they need to be dealing with but often the most critical in terms of keeping them safe and rebuilding their lives,” she said.
“Domestic and family violence is far too prevalent within our communities but here at the marina, we believe that this is a preventable problem we can face together as a community if we start by having the conversation, which is what this Epic Walk is about.”
Signing up for the walk is as easy as visiting www.epicwalkfordv.com.au. People can choose to sign up as individuals or create their own fundraising teams. Cost for adults is $24; kids walk free. The registration fee provides an event T-shirt to wear on the day and breakfast in the Coral Sea Marina Gardens.
On the day, participants can muster from as early as 6.30am for a 7.30am start. The walk is 5kms consisting of the traditional ‘Park Run’ loops. All ages and levels of fitness are welcome.
For more information and online links follow the Coral Sea Marina and ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ Facebook pages.
By Sharon Smallwood.
WHAT: Epic Walk For DV
WHERE: Coral Sea Marina Gardens
WHEN: Sunday 30th March from 6.30am
Team Whitsundays Dancing CEO Alice Harriott, WLSQ Ambassador Marisa Vecchio AM, Epic Walk Founders Brendan Smith and Brendan Mann, WLSQ Ambassador and Whitsundays team mentor Katelyn Aslett Collins and Epic Walk coordinator Carlee Hay
Photo credit: Sharon Smallwood
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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry is excited to introduce one of their new Board members – Asher Telford of SeaLink.
“We are always grateful to our members who step up and volunteer their time and expertise in shaping our strategy and being great ambassadors for the Whitsundays business community” said Chamber President Allan Milostic.
Asher Telford is SeaLink’s General Manager Whitsundays which also includes Red Cat Adventures and Whitsunday Jetski Tours.
“As General Manager, I oversee the operations and customer experience for the 13 vessels and 35 jetskis in the SeaLink Whitsundays fleet,” said Asher.
With a background as a commercial skipper and qualified in marine operations, he has worked previously in the Customs Marine Unit and built Red Cat Adventures from scratch into a four times national award-winning tourism business.
Asher brings strategic and governance expertise to his new appointment, as a board member with the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators, Greater Whitsunday Alliance, and the Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association (WCBIA). Asher will be representing the WCBIA on the Chamber Board, helping forge a stronger connection between the two organisations for their benefit of their members and collective advocacy work with government.
“As a Board member, I look forward to giving back to the Whitsundays business community and steering the region in a positive direction,” Asher said.
Eligible Chamber members are welcome to nominate to join the Board. Contact the Chamber to learn more.
Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce.
More than 50 business owners, staff and volunteers attended workshops in Airlie Beach and Bowen last week as part of the “Queensland Welcomes You” initiative.
Bowen Tourism and Business was well represented at the Bowen workshop at the Grand View Hotel.
The Chair of the committee, Jenn Honnery and the Manager, Leanne Abernethy, both attended the workshop along with three other committee members and three volunteers.
They were joined by local tourism operators, a representative from Tourism Whitsundays and Whitsunday Regional Council staff.
The local workshops were part of a state-wide roll-out of the initiative which has been led by former Whitsundays resident, Kathleen Maher as the Project Manager.
Kathleen, along with the presenters Linda Tillman and Jayne Jennings, called in at the Big Mango after the workshop and enjoyed a delicious mango sorbet.
All workshops across the state were tailored to each region with local participants completing the “Whitsundays Welcomes You” program.
Local businesses and their staff who were unable to attend the workshops still have access to “The Whitsundays Welcomes You” free online training program – a resource specifically designed to inspire and upskill teams to deliver outstanding customer service and unforgettable guest experiences.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the program was perfect for anyone who interacts with visitors, helping to build local knowledge, enhance storytelling skills and create a warm, welcoming environment for guests.
The Whitsundays Welcomes You Program is funded by the Queensland Government as part of the Queensland Welcomes You initiative and delivered by the Queensland Regional Tourism Network, including Tourism Whitsundays.
To access the program, visit the Tourism Whitsundays website or head directly to www.qld.gov.au/qldwelcomesyou.
Former Whitsundays resident Kathleen Maher with the presenters Jayne Jennings and Linda Tillman, enjoying a delicious sorbet at the Big Mango. Photo supplied
Beautiful Astra was rescued from death row at Charters Towers Pound and is now patiently waiting for her forever home. This delicate girl is slender and graceful, much like a little damselfly, with a quiet charm that’s hard to resist.
Astra is a sweet and gentle soul who absolutely loves a chat. She’s always up for a conversation and will happily respond when spoken to, making her a lovely little companion to share your day with. One of her most endearing features is the adorable white tips on her paws, which add to her dainty appearance.
While friendly and affectionate, Astra also appreciates her own space and enjoys relaxing in a calm, peaceful environment. She would be best suited to a quiet home, either with a single person or a family without other pets, where she can truly thrive and feel safe.
If you’re looking for a loving companion with a gentle nature and a lot of character, Astra could be the perfect addition to your home. She’s ready to find her special someone and start her new chapter.
Interested in adopting Astra?
Please get in touch with Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue:
Phone: 0459 757 455
Facebook: Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue
Email: bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com
Rehoming fee: $170
Age: 12 months
Sex: Female
Other dogs: No
Cats: No
Proud parents, teachers, and friends gathered last week to celebrate the achievements of the students during Whitsunday Christian College's Primary Assembly. The event was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the hard work, dedication, and character of pupils across the school.
The highlight of the assembly was the presentation of the Student of the Week certificates. Each recipient was congratulated for their achievements.
This weekly celebration not only rewards individual achievement but also serves as a reminder of the importance of striving for personal bests and displaying kindness, respect, and resilience. The assembly reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who value both academic success and good character.
In addition to celebrating the Students of the Week, the school also took a moment to wish a very happy birthday to everyone marking their special day this week. Staff and students alike hope each of them enjoys a wonderful week of celebration with family and friends.
This week, Bowen State School gathered to celebrate the outstanding efforts of students recognised as Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Achievers for Week 7. These students have shown exceptional commitment to upholding the school’s four core values: Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe, and Be a Learner.
Each of these values is central to the school’s approach, helping pupils develop not only as successful learners but also as responsible and respectful members of the school community. The PBL framework encourages students to make positive choices, show kindness and respect towards others, take responsibility for their actions, and approach every learning opportunity with enthusiasm and resilience.
Throughout the week, teachers carefully observed and acknowledged pupils who consistently demonstrated these values across all aspects of school life, including the classroom, playground, and wider school environment. Whether collaborating positively with others, following instructions promptly, showing kindness and good manners, or making sensible and safe choices, these students truly exemplified the school’s values and set a fantastic example for their peers.
It was a proud moment as the Week 7 achievers were announced and congratulated in front of their peers. Certificates were presented to each student.
The school is extremely proud of all students who continue to work hard and demonstrate these important values every day.
Hello Everyone,
Yesterday, I received an anonymous text message.
It said: “I would like to thank you for keeping us all updated on local news and events and for adding the extra puzzle page!”
At the time, I was standing in the middle of our office in Cannonvale, navigating a particularly tough set of deadlines. The whole team was under a lot of pressure, and we were all doing our best to get the papers to print on time.
Receiving a message like this, at that exact moment, was an absolute tonic.
It reminded me that all the long hours and stressful moments are worthwhile because they’re truly appreciated by at least one person in the community—and hopefully many more! But it was this one voice I heard, and it meant so much to us all at that time.
Eager to share the delightful message, I read it out loud to the office, and everyone loved it. We especially enjoyed the “extra puzzle page” reference and had a little laugh about how popular it always is.
In fact, I’m told there’s a group of pensioners in a Mackay nursing home, and up to 10 of them gather each week to complete the puzzles together. I love that our paper brings people together.
This week, I also saw our newspaper featured in a Facebook post by Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm. She attended the Proserpine Meals on Wheels and discovered that our papers are sent out for free to all recipients each week.
This is just one of many local groups we serve. In fact, we’ve been committed to delivering the paper for free to such places since the paper started almost five years ago. For many, it’s the main way they connect with their community.
A big thank you to all our local advertisers for supporting the paper and ensuring this important local service is available.
Rach
"Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud; every storm runs out of rain."
—Maya Angelou
The Bowen Neighbourhood Centre are pleased to announce the grand opening of the new and improved Bowen Community Op Shop! The shop will be open from 8am to 2.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. All proceeds from the shop go directly back into supporting the Bowen community, ensuring that the funds raised help local programs and initiatives.
Since its inception 15 years ago, the Bowen Community Op Shop, also known as the Shed Shop, has raised vital funds for 83 organisations and community groups in the Bowen and Collinsville region.
This wonderful charity shop plays a key role in supporting local initiatives such as the Bowen Community Garden, ensuring it remains open to the public, and recently, it also helped a Bowen High School student attend university as part of our "Grow Our Own Workforce" program.
By shopping with them, you're not just finding great bargains — you're directly contributing to the growth and wellbeing of our community,
So, come visit the new and improved Bowen Community Op Shop, grab a bargain, and take part in this fantastic opportunity to support your community while enjoying the great deals they have on offer.
The new op shop entrance. Photo supplied: Stephanie Cora, Executive Officer of the Bowen Community Centre
This month marks the five-year anniversary of the Horseshoe Bay Café, a beloved spot in Bowen that has become known for its great food, welcoming atmosphere, and stunning location. What started as a memorable spark, has blossomed into a thriving café at the heart of this coastal community.
It was a serendipitous moment during a sailing trip in the North Atlantic that sparked the idea of taking over the café. “I was in an art gallery in Antigua and came across a book about mangoes,” recalls Jilly Paddon, the co-owner of the café. “I looked at the book and it just jolted my mind about the café there at Horseshoe Bay. I went on Facebook and saw it was permanently closed. So, I got out my phone and called.”
“I said, ‘Look, we'll be back boxing day, but you need to keep that café for us. We really want it.’”
That simple call led to an interview, a secured lease, and the beginning of what would become an iconic café in Horseshoe Bay. The location, despite being run-down at the time, had immense potential. Jilly and her team saw it as an opportunity to create something special.
In the five years since, Horseshoe Bay Café has undergone significant transformations, becoming the beloved hot-spot, it is today. “We’ve put a lot of love into it,” Jilly explains. “I love Bowen, and it's been the best five years ever.”
New and exciting changes are on the horizon for Horseshoe Bay Café. There plans to expand with a smoothie and juice bar, an extended cocktail list, and a menu shake-up. In addition, the back area will be opened up, providing even more space for guests to enjoy the picturesque surroundings, with all these upgrades set to be completed within the next four weeks.
Committed to providing excellent food at great prices along with a relaxed dining experience, “We consistently have live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday afternoons,” Jilly says. “We’ve got great deals like our $20 pasta, parmi, pizza night, and monthly Indian food nights.”
The café offers something for everyone, whether it’s the dog-friendly outdoor seating, the $12 kids meals, or the smaller portions for seniors. They can even host events at no extra booking charge! The café’s popularity is a testament to the strong connections within the local community, as well as with the travellers from the neighbouring resorts.
“We’ve welcomed another great chef to the team," Jilly adds, "and we’re introducing a delivery service, plus a seven-seater courtesy car for those who want to enjoy the café and cocktails.”
As Bowen continues to grow, the Horseshoe Bay Café remains a place where locals and tourists alike can enjoy great food, live entertainment, and a relaxed atmosphere. “It’s simply the best café in Bowen,” says Jilly. “Anyone who knows me knows how much I love the café, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
With a loyal customer base, continuous improvements, and a deep love for Bowen, the Horseshoe Bay Café shows no signs of slowing down. Here’s to another five years of success, community, and great food at one of Bowen’s best cafés.
Jilly Paddon and Julie Hall at the Café's new bar. Photo supplied: Jilly Paddon
The Café beautifully set up for a wedding. Photo supplied: Jilly Paddon
On Saturday, 8th March, the Proserpine Lions and Lion Ladies held their first International Women’s Day event, with over 90 women attending at the Proserpine R.S.L., who generously donated the use of the venue. They were thrilled by the success of the event! Proserpine Meals on Wheels and Proserpine Food Bank will each receive $2,200 from the proceeds.
The Lion Ladies baked and prepared a fabulous High Tea, with the service efficiently carried out by Mia and Bella from Proserpine High School. There were speeches that covered a range of topics, from domestic and family violence to personal travel stories shared by Proserpine High's Year 12 student Savannah and Whitsunday Christian College College Year 6 student Savi.
There were 42 cent sale prizes, including beautiful basket and game prizes, with all the draws being conducted by Mayor Ry Collins, who seemed right at home in a room full of women.
They celebrated many pioneering women of the community, with each table featuring the story of a notable woman. These included the first female councillor, a nurse who served on Bougainville during WW2, early educators, and tourism operators.
While there were many exceptional women to acknowledge, one highlight included the story of Mary Lee on Grassy Island, who caught and killed an 18-foot crocodile herself back in the 1930’s (with a descendant in the room to confirm the whereabouts of the men, who were out fishing at the time).
The generosity of local businesses in Proserpine demonstrated that even a small community can achieve great things and here’s to another great International Women's Day next year!
Cherly Brodie with a giant prize pack
The huge turnout of amazing women
Proserpine High School's Savannah, sharing her stories
Proserpine High School's Mia and Bella, being wonderful servers
Our last bin audit revealed that over 30% of what is going in our kerbside yellow lidded recycling bins is contamination, such as soft plastics and bagged recycling. When a recycling bin is contaminated, it can sometimes mean that the load is unable to be separated or sorted correctly and must be sent to landfill instead – what a waste!
To help you to know which item goes in which bin, you can sign up for a free recycling do’s and don’ts fridge magnet on the Let’s Get it Sorted page of Council’s website before the end of April.
On Monday, March 17th, the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre hosted a highly impactful CORES Suicide Prevention Training workshop, attended by 9 local community members. These workshops aim to equip participants with essential skills for identifying and responding to individuals at risk of suicide, while also promoting self-care and mental wellbeing.
Barbara Hill, a facilitator of the workshop, explained the importance of the training; “It’s a free suicide intervention training, and CORES stands for Community Owned Response to Eliminating Suicide.” She emphasised the inclusive nature of the session stating, “Today's group is a mixture of members of the public and business owners,” highlighting the diverse backgrounds of those involved.
Barbara also touched on the delicate nature of the topic, ensuring that participants felt supported throughout the process. “Although we’re talking about a heavy topic, we don’t keep it heavy, and we end our sessions focusing on self-care,” she said. The workshop explores methods of helping participants recognise 'red flags’ and how to respond to them. “We work on different models and scenarios so that people can recognise when they or their loved ones are in that mental headspace,” Hill added.
One of the key features of CORES training is its accessibility and its ability to complement other mental health programs. Hill shared her admiration for CORES, saying, “What I love most about CORES is that you can have done various other trainings, but it blends them all together, and it’s presented in such a way that it’s easy to understand. It’s not hard training, it’s not meant to be. We get people from all walks of life wanting to learn and understand. It’s beautiful.”
CORES, a non-profit, non-government community organisation, is dedicated to preventing suicide and building community capacity to eliminate it. The organisation’s core offering is a one-day suicide intervention course, which is currently being provided in 27 communities across Australia, with more than 5,000 members involved.
The training session offered attendees valuable skills for identifying warning signs of suicide, supporting individuals at risk to access services, and promoting help-seeking behaviour before a crisis occurs. Participants also learned how to identify and develop personal self-care strategies.
For those interested in growing their understanding of suicide prevention and mental wellbeing, the CORES Suicide Prevention Training and Self-Care and Mental Wellbeing workshops are open to individuals aged 15 and above, with adolescents requiring guardian supervision.
To find out about upcoming sessions or to access helpful services, community members are encouraged to connect via Facebook at CORESQueensland or email: admin@kentishrc.com.au and visit the CORES website at cores.org.au. Don’t miss the opportunity to join the next training session in Mackay at the Jubilee Community Centre on the 26th of March by scanning the QR Code and make a difference in your community’s approach to suicide prevention.
Call Triple Zero (000) if you or a loved one are in immediate danger | Call Lifeline (13 11 14) for 24/7 Crisis Support | Or visit Beyond Blue online to chat 24/7 to a free, confidential counsellor or call one on (1300 224 636).
Facilitators Ross, Barb and Isaac with participants of the workshop holding their completion certificates.
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