Tropical Cyclone Kirrily has formed in the Coral Sea and, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, a “severe impact is likely” between Cardwell and Airlie Beach sometime this week.

The system is expected to become a Category 3 event and its impacts will be felt right across the region.

Whitsunday Regional Council urge all its residents to stay updated by using the Disaster Dashboard which will keep the community abreast of the most real-time, current information.

Important Websites:

   • disaster.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au

   • whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au

   • bom.gov.au

A History Of Cyclones

Cyclone Debbie

Category 4, crossed between Bowen and Airlie Beach in March 2017, causing major damage to the Whitsunday region. As the cyclone made landfall, extensive flooding occurred South of the cyclone from Mackay in Queensland through to Northern New South Wales.

Cyclone Dylan

Category 2, crossed between Bowen and Proserpine at the end of January 2014. Dylan quickly weakened to below cyclone status after moving over land.
A beachside resort on Great Keppel Island sustained severe damage to many structures after the beach gave way and washed several buildings into the sea. Inundation which was a result of unusually high tides resulted in damage to homes in Townsville and Mackay.

Cyclone Anthony

Category 2, crossed near Bowen in January 2011.

Cyclone Yasi

Category 5, crossed near Innisfail in February 2011 causing a 5m storm surge on a falling tide, and 2.3m inundation above king tide level at Cardwell. Note: Gale force winds were recorded in the Burdekin.

Cyclone Ului

Category 3, crossed near Airlie Beach in March 2010, causing major damage to the Whitsunday region.

Emergency Ready Check List

Food and water

   • Range of non—perishable food items

   • Bottled water

Medical and sanitation

   • First Aid Kit and manual

   • Essential medications, prescriptions, and dosage

   • Toilet paper

   • Toothbrush/toothpaste

   • Soap/shampoo

   • Personal hygiene items

   • Insect repellent

   • Sunscreen

Light

   • Flashlight/torch with extra batteries

   • Battery powered lantern

Communications

   • Battery powered radio with extra batteries

   • Prepaid phone cards and coins for phone calls

   • Battery packs for cell phones

Clothing and footwear

   • Warm jumper, waterproof jacket, hat, and gloves for everyone

   • Closed—toed shoes or boots for everyone

Tools and supplies

   • Whistle, utility knife, duct/masking tape

   • Plastic garbage bags, ties

   • Safety glasses and sunglasses.

Miscellaneous

   • Special items for infants (nappies, formula etc)

   • Special items needed by elderly or people with special needs

   • Spare house and car keys

   • Pet food, water, and other animal needs

Important documents

Keep original or certified copies of these documents in your Emergency Kit.

Scan copies of them and save the files on a USB memory stick or CD to include in your kit. Keep all these items in sealed plastic bags.

Did You Know?

On average, there are 13 cyclones annually in Australia. 4 of these cyclones per year affect the Queensland Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre Area of Responsibility, but obviously not all make landfall in our area. There have been over 210 known impacts from tropical cyclones along the east coast of Queensland since 1858.

Beware Of The Surge

A storm surge is a rise above the normal water level along a shore resulting from strong onshore winds and / or reduced atmospheric pressure. Around the world, drowning by storm surge accounts for a high proportion of the deaths in tropical cyclones.

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Welcome to a new article series in partnership with the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The series will feature Chamber members who share their expertise and suggest responses to your business questions.

This month’s question is:

I am selling my business and have located a buyer, what happens now?

Chamber member, Kellee Fogg of Whitsunday Law, responds:

As the seller, it is usually you who has to prepare a business contract of sale.  Even if there is an agent involved, a solicitor should review the special conditions attached to the contract. A buyer can prepare a business contract of sale, but the seller will have access to all of the information that should be inserted into the contract. The parties are not usually bound to purchase and sell a business until a written document has been signed and a deposit has been paid.

Occasionally, a business is sold with goodwill (business reputation, intellectual property, business secrets, and customer loyalty).  A restraint of trade clause in the business contract of sale will deter the seller from opening or managing an identical or similar business in the same area for a certain length of time. This aims to protect the goodwill paid for the business.  However, a restraint may not prevent a seller from gaining employment in the same industry as they are still entitled to earn an income if that is their only skill or way of earning money.

For more information on business contracts of sale, please contact Kellee Fogg at Whitsunday Law on 07 4948 7000 or email kellee.fogg@whitsundaylaw.com.au

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The best course of action for most people is to shelter in their homes during a cyclone, however, if your home is located in an evacuation zone, an older home, or someone in the family has special needs, it is best to plan and prepare to evacuate and seek shelter elsewhere.

There are two shelter locations in the Whitsundays:

   • Bowen Cyclone Shelter, Bowen State High School, Richmond Road, Bowen

   • Proserpine Cyclone Shelter, Proserpine State School, Sterry Street, Proserpine

To check if your home is in an Evacuation Zone (Storm Tide), visit the Whitsunday Disaster Dashboard, and view the map, with the filter set to ‘Storm Tide Layer’: https://disaster.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/

How to read the Evacuation Zone (Storm Tide) map colours?

Red – Extreme Risk

Residents in the Red Zone have the highest risk of inundation or isolation from a cyclone storm tide. The Red Zone includes low-lying coastal areas and areas that may experience storm tide affects up to approximately 1.25 metres above Highest Astronomical Tide (King Tide).

Residents in the Orange Zone have a high risk of inundation or isolation from a cyclone storm tide. The Orange Zone includes low-lying coastal areas and areas that may experience storm tide affects up to approximately 2.25 metres above Highest Astronomical Tide (King Tide).

Yellow – Moderate Risk

Residents in the Yellow Zone have a medium risk of inundation or isolation from a cyclone storm tide. The Yellow Zone includes low-lying coastal areas and areas that may experience storm tide affects up to approximately 4.25 metres above Highest Astronomical Tide (King Tide).

Blue – Minor Risk

Residents in the Blue Zone have a low risk of inundation or isolation from a cyclone storm tide. 

White – Extremely Minor Risk/No Risk

Residents in the White Zone have a very low risk or no risk of inundation or isolation from a cyclone storm tide. 

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What is your role at Tourism Whitsundays? I am the Finance & Operations Manager, looking after the day-to-day finances, budgets, etc and general operations. However, I love being involved in all business aspects and understanding the industry. I really enjoy that the role has a lot of diversity and allows me to be engaged with our members and learning more about what our region has to offer. 

What is your ideal weekend in The Whitsundays? I love getting out and about, experiencing the region with my family and friends. My family is very much into food and experiences. It’s amazing that we can go out anywhere in the Whitsundays and feel like we are on vacation any day of the week. 

How long have you been in the Whitsundays? I have lived here on and off for the past 20 years. I lived here in my 20’s, working on the overnight sailing charters, bareboats and aviation, for various tourism operators for about 7 years. When Covid hit Australia, we were living in Melbourne, did one year of lockdown and decided to move the family back to the Whitsundays.  The lifestyle is amazing, compared to big city life.   

What's the one thing about The Whitsundays you think everyone should know? How diverse the region is. There is something here for everyone. We have so many experiences to offer here from full adventure to high luxury.  

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Are you tired of feeling tired all the time? Do you crave energy and motivation, but you’re hard pushed making it through the day without exhaustion laying over you like a thick, flat fog?

If you have new year goals and dreams that are currently sat stagnant in the corner of the room like a pile of dirty laundry, then don’t give yourself a hard time, getting started is often the hardest part so the key is to take it slow.

Here are some tips for easing gently into 2024 and rediscovering a new vitality and vigour that will make you feel vibrant and alive.

   1. Wake up early and drink water – Instead of lolling around in bed, inching out every second of comfort, try to move positively into the day. Get up before your family and immediately drink some water to give your stomach an instant satisfaction.

   2. Sit in awe for a second – Whether it’s watching the day slowly dawn and marvelling at the changing colours of the sky or looking at your child’s face as they sleep, find a way to experience a moment of awe. Be in the present and see if you can truly appreciate the majesty of being alive.

   3. Be grateful for all you have – Spend a few minutes mentally listing all the things you are grateful for – from your family to your home, your job, your smile, your health – embracing gratitude is well-known to improve general wellbeing.

  4. Slow and steady wins the race – Do not push yourself too hard to get everything done as fast as you can. Take it easy, tackle everything with a steady and systematic approach. Things get done just as quick when you, slow down, do it once and do it well!

   5. Introduce new habits gradually – It takes three weeks to make a habit and three weeks to break a habit. If you are starting a new fitness regime it will take your body and your mind a bit of time to enjoy this new routine. Expect it to be challenging at first but the pay-out will be huge after your body adjusts.  

   6. Action creates energy – Sitting around doing nothing only promotes more sitting around doing nothing. If you are looking for motivation, get moving! Start by simply going for a walk or taking a refreshing swim – this will leave you feeling more energised.

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This new year, consider switching up your New Years Resolutions by revamping yourself from the top down, with a new skincare routine.

Perhaps you’ve noticed new lines, freckles, or beauty spots, or you’ve decided to undertake more pre-emptive measures to ensure good skin condition, it is never too late to implement a consistent skin care regime.

Here are our top tips for a good base layer for your skin care routine:

Wash Your Face: Wash your face in the morning and in the evening. While using just water is good, it is also great to consider applying a small amount of gentle cleanser. Massage into face and neck, before rinsing and patting dry with a clean and soft towel.

In the evening, it may be beneficial to double cleanse, first with a makeup remover to remove grime, and then with a gentle cleanser to hydrate and restore your face’s natural barrier.

Use A Toner: Consider using a toner to restore and rejuvenate your skin’s pH levels and aid in removing any lasting dead skin cells and residue of makeup and impurities. Be cautious of purchasing toner without first researching key ingredients. For example, toners including glycolic acids should be reserved for night use, as it can cause skin to become sensitive to the sun.

Moisturise: Be sure to moisturise, using an SPF in the morning and a hydrating one in the evening.

Apply SPF: In the morning, even if your moisturiser contains SPF, it is great to apply another specific SPF over the top, to protect your skin from the sun. Be sure to apply SPF even if you think you will be out of the sun all day, as the sun’s harmful impact can take moments to detrimentally affect your skin.

From this basic regime, you can further apply specific creams and serums, such as glycolic acids, retinol, and niacinamide, which target particular issues with your skin, however consider meeting with your GP to best treat your skin.

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Reflecting back on TC Debbie in 2017 and on feedback from colleagues in Innisfail for TC Yassi in 2011, there were two things that stood out from a financial perspective. On the negative side there were too many horror stories of people and businesses who went under due to making poor decisions after the cyclone. On the positive side, it galvanised some people to question where their job or business was going to leave them in their 60’s and make some positive changes.

Regards poor decision making, the stress of the unknown and not having a good, independent second opinion can lead to financial ruin. Dealing with insurers, assessors, builders, grant applications etc is not something we usually do, and this puts us outside our comfort zone. This is not a good position from which to make what are often life changing decisions.  

What’s needed is the counsel of someone external to the family unit to bounce decisions and ideas off and get that independent opinion. Ideally that person should have a good knowledge of your entire financial position and future plans. They should understand your taxation position, your debt position, your short-term plans around kids and business and your long-term plans around retirement. They should also understand the local economy and have dealt with natural disasters before.

If you have someone in this role, reach out to them. If you don’t, Eclipse has experienced Financial Planners who specialise in personal or business situations. We offer a free appointment so we can get to know you and your situation, and you can get to know us before making any decisions.  

If you are looking to get serious about your financial situation, now is as good a time as any to do it.  Sitting down and clarifying where you’re at now, where you’re on track to be in the future, where you want to be in the future and how best to get there is what financial planning is all about. It’s about moving you closer to your personal goals whatever they might be.  It’s about giving you the peace of mind that comes with having a clear picture of where you’re headed rather than just bumbling along and hoping for the best.

If you think you could benefit from a discussion with a Financial Planner, give us a call on 49467359 of visit www.eclipsefp.com.au   There’s no obligation, the first meeting is free and all fees are spelled out clearly in advance.  If you’re not sure, try coming to our Retirement Planning seminar in March, keep an eye on our Facebook page for details.

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I struggle to set goals. Really struggle – it bores me . . .

I struggle to concentrate in our yearly strategy session; I drive the team nuts. Tasks, goals, KPI’s - they just don’t excite me. But people do!

Just recently I stumbled across something which is a surefire way to excite people like me into being able to create action plans and actionable items (my preferred description for a goal). It all changed when I started researching the science behind your ‘future self’ and the concept of setting your ‘future self’ up for success.

We tend to think who we are now is the “real” and “finished” version. However, your personality, skills, likes, dislikes, beliefs, priorities, and values change over time. As Daniel Gilbert once stated:

“Human beings are works in progress that mistakenly think they’re finished.”

Are you really the same person as 10 years ago?

Take a moment to imagine yourself in five years – where are you, what are you doing, how have you grown, what have you achieved, what do you look like, how do you feel?

Create the best scenario for yourself.

Now consider – how is this going to happen if you are not making choices and decisions today that align with this outcome? By embracing our future self, we are setting that person up for success by making more informed and calculated decisions today. This is a people-oriented (vs task-oriented) approach to setting goals.

For example – if personally I see my future self hiking Patagonia for 10 days, then I need to make better decisions today to keep myself strong, fit, and agile. If professionally I see my future self really enjoying the thrill of keynote speaking at large events, what am I doing right now to set the actional items (sub-goals) required to achieve this?

Both examples demonstrate how we can create actionable items to achieve our goals through visualising what our future self wants. This people-oriented approach to goal setting, in effect, creates a really simple motivator to spur us into action.

Your future self is a relationship that needs to be nurtured and strengthened. Take the time today to get to know that person five years in the future. Slip into your future self shoes to feel what it’s like in order to create the changes you need today.

By Judy Porter

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Two long serving Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) volunteers of Bowen have been recognised for their outstanding and lasting service and legacy.

For Arthur and Robyn Burrell, signing up for the Bowen Rural Fire Brigade was a quick decision, following a short community meeting close to two decades ago.

“Arthur has lived here all his life, and we figured it was high time to get involved and help out where we could,” Robyn said.

“To this day we might be the only couple who have been silly enough to do this together!”

Completing a vast range of tasks throughout their time with the Bowen Rural Fire Brigade, the Burrell’s have volunteered through fires, floods, traffic accidents, and even volunteered with the PCYC’s Braking the Cycle program, assisting youth gain their drivers licence.

Having retired from the post of actively assisting in emergencies, Robyn and Arthur have signed up as Treasurer and Secretary of the Bowen Rural Fire Brigade, while assisting home base during emergencies, which includes keeping volunteers and staff well-fed and hydrated.

Robyn remembers when Arthur first picked up the tongs and got behind the barbeque to feed more than 40 QFES volunteers and staff who were fighting a fire that lasted five days.

“We were stationed at a homestead preparing food over an old camp barbeque around the clock for crews who were rotating through the blaze,” Robyn said.

“It was in the season when everything was tinder dry, and the fire was started with a machine blade skimming a small stone. In those conditions, it is easy to imagine how such a small thing could start a community emergency.”

Robyn and Arthur are being formally recognised for their commitment, with the QFES Australia Day Achievement Award, with a special ceremony that occurred on Thursday.

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Robyn and Arthur Burrell, with their lasting legacy to the Bowen community. Photo supplied

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For over 150 years, the Bowen Jetty has been a beacon on the community’s foreshore, a testament to the town’s marine and exports infrastructure.

Constructed in 1867, the Jetty stands at over 750 metres long, and has undergone two rounds of refurbishments, in 1880 and 1910, followed by repairs, funded by North Queensland Bulk Ports, in 2022.

Currently leased and used by North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP), the Jetty acts as a resupply base for their tugs, that service the Abbot Point export wharf. However, with NQBP looking to relocate this operation to their Abbot Point terminal, the lease on the Jetty will come to a halt.

One stipulation with the NQBP lease is the demolition of the Jetty once its usage terminates, a stipulation which is causing great concern within the community.

Since 2016, the Bowen Chamber of Commerce have advocated for funding to restore the Jetty instead.

In the 2023 State Government budget, $50 million was allocated to future proof the asset, and the Chamber is now determined to ensure every cent is spent wisely, and with community consultation on the matter.

“NQBP has committed to work with the Bowen community by engaging in a community consultation process this year to lay out future options for rebuilding or repurposing the Jetty,” explained Tony Bale, Deputy Chairman of the Bowen Chamber.

“Before this process starts, it is important that we all understand whether the community is in favour of completely demolishing the Jetty and replacing it with something else, or preserving the existing structure and finding new ways that the community can make good use of the Jetty.”

The Bowen Chamber of Commerce and the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre has partnered together to promote a community survey, to gather the true thoughts and expectations of Bowen residents.

“The survey is intended to gather community thoughts about the future of the Jetty, as a means of guiding NQBP’s consultation process,” Mr Bale explained.

Jenn Honnery, Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business endorses the community survey and encourages Bowen residents to submit their thoughts.

“Visitors to Bowen love the town’s mix of secluded beaches, country hospitality and rich history. At the centre of our town is the Bowen Jetty, offering both a glimpse into the past and a wonderful walk to explore local marine life and bay views.”

“I congratulate the team behind Save the Bowen Jetty on their work to ensure the Bowen Jetty remains an integral part of our town into the future,” Ms Honnery explained.

“The Survey is the perfect opportunity for locals to voice their opinions on how that future takes shape and provide meaningful feedback for stakeholders to safeguard our town’s history.”

Scan the QR Code to submit your thoughts on how best to move forward with the Bowen Jetty and get your chance to win a $100 voucher for the Grand View Hotel.

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The Bowen Jetty in 1921

The Bowen Jetty as it now stands. Photos supplied

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Over 67 families have felt the helping hand of the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, in partnership with Abbott Point Operations, Salvos and the Department of Communities.

As part of the Centre’s Back to School initiative, these 67 families received essential back to school supplies, ready for the start of the school year earlier this week.  

Stephanie Cora, the Executive Officer of the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre extended her thanks to the businesses and schools that donated generously to the cause.

“Their support during this busy time of the year demonstrates the strength of community bonds and the collective commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity for a successful start to the school year,” she explained.

‘The collaborative effort not only ensured the success of the event but also added a touch of fun to the day. Families not only left with essential supplies but also with smiles on their faces, thanks to the joint venture's commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive community atmosphere.

Ms Cora further remarked, "We have identified a considerable number of families still in need of school uniforms. If anyone has preloved school uniforms to spare, the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre is more than happy to accept them. Your generosity can make a difference in the lives of these families."

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Staff of Abbott Point Operations and the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre were excited to equip Bowen youth with the necessary school supplies. Photo supplied

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The PCYC Bowen is hitting the streets with style, unveiling their new Kia Stonic, equipped and ready for Braking the Cycle participants to gather their hours for their licence.

Due to be upgraded very four to five years, the 2023 Kia Stonic has the club, volunteers, and program participants excited.

“How often do you get to drive a brand new car?” PCYC Bowen Club Manager Christopher Masina explained.

“Having this new car just better equips our Braking the Cycle participants with the best opportunity to get their licence.”

Braking the Cycle is a PCYC program aimed at youth between the ages of 17 and 25, supporting to achieve their Learners Driver Licence required hours in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Paired with a Mentor Driver, these youth will have regular driving sessions with this Mentor in the Kia, to gain confidence and skills behind the wheel.

PCYC Bowen is also welcoming new Mentor Drivers into the program, to assist Bowen’s youth to gain their provisional licence.

“There’s no special requirements,” Mr Masina explained.

“Our Mentor Drivers have got to have their full open Licence, complete a small amount of paperwork, and just have a spare 90 minutes to help youth get on the road.”

To contact to the Club about becoming either a Mentor Driving or to get your hours up, ring 07 4786 1383 or email bowen@pcyc.org.au

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PCYC Bowen’s Club Manager Christopher Masina and a Braking the Cycle Volunteer checking out the brand new Kia Stonic learner driver car for the Braking the Cycle program. Photo supplied

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The beautiful township of Bowen has been declared national finalist for the Grey Nomads Awards, in two massive categories.

Championing experience for visitors over the age of 50, the township of Bowen has been shortlisted for the 2023 Best Grey Nomad Friendly Town category, while The Big Mango and the Bowen Visitor Information Centre has been named finalist in the Best Attraction category.

Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business, Jenn Honnery said making it to the shortlist for the Grey Nomads awards shines a light on the efforts of the staff and volunteers, local tourism businesses and the whole community.

“Bowen is a place brimming with country hospitality set against a stunning backdrop of tropical beaches and islands,” she said.

“This makes it a friendly, safe and inclusive place for over 50s to visit and one which they return to year on year.”

She congratulated the Bowen community and the staff and volunteers at the Big Mango Information Centre for this achievement.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said this was the first time the organisation had been nominated in these awards.

“We entered in two categories and were named as national finalists in both,” she said.

Leanne also congratulated Queen’s Beach Tourist Village who has also been named as national finalists after winning the Large Caravan Park category two years in a row.

Grey Nomads Awards Director, Kim Morgan, said the awards shone a light on coastal, inland regional and remote Australia by rewarding organisations and destinations which catered to mature age visitors in an exemplary way.

National and state winners will be announced in March, as part of the Art of Attraction Tourism Summit on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

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NATIONAL FINALISTS: Bowen Tourism and Business volunteer Kev Clark with visitors from Brisbane – Angie, Jeff ad Dean Kelk and Anastasia Bowell at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre this week with the Grey Nomad awards finalist certificate. Photo supplied

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As the school year kicks off, packing a wholesome lunchbox is a fantastic way to ensure that both kids and adults stay fuelled and focused throughout the day. Ditch the monotony of pre-packaged snacks and explore these mouth watering yet healthy lunchbox recipes that will satisfy taste buds while providing essential nutrients.

1. Quinoa Salad Jars: Prepare a batch of quinoa and layer it in portable jars with colourful veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and capsicum. Add a protein boost with grilled chicken or chickpeas. Drizzle with a zesty vinaigrette for a refreshing and nutritious lunch option.

2. Veggie Wraps: Create wraps using whole-grain tortillas or lettuce leaves filled with a rainbow of vegetables. Add a spread of hummus or a light dressing for flavour. Incorporate lean proteins like turkey or tofu to make these wraps a filling and well-rounded meal.

3. Bento Box Delights: Divide a lunchbox into sections and fill each with a variety of nutrient-packed goodies. Include wholegrain crackers, cheese cubes, sliced fruits, and a handful of nuts. This customisable option allows for a diverse and balanced meal.

4. Pasta Salad Power: Prepare a pasta salad with wholegrain or chickpea pasta, mixed with colourful veggies, such as cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and olives. Toss it in a light olive oil and herb dressing for a tasty and satisfying lunch.

5. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Marinate chicken chunks in a homemade teriyaki sauce (soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger) before threading them onto skewers with pineapple chunks and capsicum. Grill or bake for a savory and protein-packed lunchbox addition that transports taste buds to a delightful Asian-inspired realm.

6. Homemade Beef and Veg Sausage Rolls: Having that loving warmth of homemade yummy-ness, these beef and veg sausage rolls are full of goodness. Using zucchini, carrots, celery, beef mince, and garlic, these are tasty lunch items are sure to leave children full and ready for an afternoon of learning.

7. Rice Paper Rolls: Create light and refreshing rice paper rolls filled with colourful veggies, prawns, or tofu. Serve with a tasty dipping sauce, and these rolls become a delightful and healthy addition to any lunchbox.

8. Bean Salad: With three types of tasty beans, Cannellini, Kidney, and Chickpeas, this a refreshing alternative for lunches, that keeps children feeling satisfied and full, with flavours of onion, parsley, and the crunch of celery.

9. Vegetable Quesadillas: Fill whole-grain tortillas with a mix of sautéed vegetables, black beans, and a sprinkle of cheese. These quesadillas are not only flavourful but also a great source of fibre and essential vitamins.

10. Chicken Noodle Salad: Refreshing for a hot summer’s day, this chicken noodle salad is full of protein and necessary nutrients to keep children fuelled throughout the day.

Incorporating these recipes into your lunchbox routine not only adds variety but also ensures you're getting a well-rounded mix of nutrients. Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day and consider involving the whole family in the lunch-packing process for a fun and collaborative experience.

Here's to a school year filled with tasty and nutritious lunches!

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Celebrating the ninth annual Whitsunday Sports Expo, organisers are opening the doors to more than just sports, inviting all other local groups to participate in this vibrant community event.

Held at the Whitsunday Sportspark, the Expo has established a reputation for bringing a wide variety of community groups together, offering each club a platform to connect with potential members.

From swimming to basketball, the annual Whitsunday Triathlon Festival, ball sports such as netball, water sports such as sailing and combat sports such as Karate – almost any local active club is represented at the Expo.

To complement this already extensive range, it is hoped this year will include representation from an even more diverse range of groups.

From Bridge Clubs to promote an all-ages approach or other groups that focus on all-ability activities – everyone is welcome to join in and promote positive connection in our community.

“It’s all about activities in our community,” said Justin Butler, event coordinator.

“It’s about getting off the screens and really connecting with each other, promoting social interaction and keeping busy.”

There are almost 40 different groups signed-up to participate at the Expo already and Justin says he is happy to take more registrations over the coming week.

“Everyone is welcome, and we are happy to accommodate!” he said.

During the event attendees can talk to stall holders and discover more about the club.

This provides a great opportunity to discover the time of training sessions or club nights, also any time commitments required so you can work out how your new hobby will fit into your schedule.

By chatting to the club representatives, you can also find out whether the sport or group is suited to you.

The Expo is an interactive event where everyone can explore and try their hand at certain sports – touch a real sailing dinghy, hit a tennis ball, or sit on a stationary motorbike – your new passion could be ignited with this one experience!

With the café open all day there will be tea, coffee, and drinks for sale, along with pies and sausages.

The Shaved Cone van will also be present, providing ice-cold treats for the kids and kids at heart on what is promising to be another hot summer’s day.

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WHAT: Whitsunday Sports Expo

WHERE: Whitsunday Sports Park

WHEN: Saturday, February 3 from 9am – 1pm

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