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

Over the course of several weeks, residents of Midge Point, Bloomsbury, and Laguna Quays have been inundated with extreme power loss and shortages, hindering holiday plans and causing undue stress during the summer heat.

Turning to their community Noticeboard on Facebook, residents outlined their frustrations and displeasure with the unprecedented power outages.

One resident, taking to the Noticeboard stated on December 27, “Ergon needs to take one month off everyone's monthly connection fee, because honestly, we've had no power, more often than we've had power.”

“Four hours on Christmas Day with no power, now again tonight? Yeah refund the entire month's power bill Ergon Energy and say sorry and MERRY CHRISTmas to everyone.”

Another resident shared “Just called them and the recording said we should be restored by 7pm. Luckily it wasn't a real person. I'm struggling to stay nice.”

Resident Timothy O’Neill opened a petition, calling for infrastructure upgrades, refunds and credits to accounts, and funds to replace damaged electrical appliances and food loss.

“We are living in a cost of living epidemic,” Timothy stated.

“A pandemic even, but we are focusing on our local community at present.”

According to the petition, on Christmas day alone, “a day meant for joy and celebration with loved ones, the entire suburb, including the adjacent townships of up to 957 households, were left in the dark while preparing our Christmas dinner. This is not just an inconvenience; it's a breach of trust between us as consumers and Ergon Energy as our service provider.”

Member for Whitsundays, Amanda Camm thanked the residents of the community for how they have handled to power crisis.

“I know many have been impacted by the recurring power outages and whilst incredibly frustrating and inconvenient, the community has responded in a supportive and positive manner and I sincerely thank you.

“The latest update I have been provided from Ergon is that weather has damaged some parts to the system and they are currently finding those parts and replacing them. In the meantime, they are feeding the power into the area another way which should see improvements to power supply.”

If you are a resident of Midge Point or surrounds, and wish to sign the petition, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/47qZq43

Driver Caught Under The Influence, Cannonvale

A 24-year-old male resident of Cannonvale has been arrested and charged following an alleged incident at 5:15pm on January 6 on Shute Harbour Road in Cannonvale.

It's alleged that patrolling police stopped a vehicle for the purpose of a roadside breath test on Shute Harbour Road after observing the vehicle cross onto the incorrect side of the road.

The driver was subjected to a roadside breath test.

As a result, it's further alleged that the driver was detained and taken to the Whitsunday police station where additional testing revealed their breath alcohol concentration to be 0.234 per cent - almost five times the legal limit.

The 24-year-old driver was arrested and charged with driving while under the influence of liquor and also driving on or across a continuous white line.

The charges will be heard in the Proserpine Magistrates Court on January 29.

"It's every driver's responsibility to ensure that they do not drive while they are affected by either alcohol or illegal drugs," Senior Constable Steve Smith from the Mackay Crime Prevention Unit advised.

"If you are planning to drink, make plans not to drive," he added.

Assault Police Offences, Bowen

Queensland Police have charged a 34-year-old woman with several offences including serious assault of a police officer, following an alleged incident at Bowen on December 2.

It will be alleged that around 7:00pm, police intercepted a vehicle on Herbert Street, where the woman was the driver.

She was subjected to roadside breath and drug tests and was subsequently detained.

It’s further alleged the driver has then assaulted an officer before removing a body worn camera and throwing it to the ground. She was then restrained by police.

While being placed into the nearby police vehicle it will be further alleged the woman has then struck another officer.

The 34-year-old Bowen woman has been charged with common assault, serious assault of a police officer, obstruct police, wilful damage of police property.

She was refused police bail.

Undeniable talent is Liam O’Neill.

Hair raising, skin tingling, incredible beats is what you can expect from this youth drummer, and in a few short years, do not be surprised to see him supplying the heavy beats for unstoppable music tracks.

Music is something he has always been surrounded with, with his father a great muso and his brother pursuing music in the music hub Melbourne.

One day, Liam just hopped behind his dad’s kit and everything changed. A natural talent, Liam took to the drums like a duck to water.

“One night, I just hopped on and started learning. I can’t read it but give me a song or just play it and I can learn it,” Liam explained.

Now, years on, Liam has continued to flourish, beating his way through song after song, and is now the drummer of youth rock band Category 5.

“I’ve always wanted to feel the music scene, performing a lot and I was able to join Category 5,” he said.

“I did the Music Festival with them, and I just love it.”

With very hard rock, classic heavy metal energy, Category 5 have taken on their own battle, creating a name and a following for themselves.

“I love the shows and the festivals. I love the energy and just performing for people and seeing them like our music.”

Signing up for the 2023 Young Whitsundays Got Talent, Category 5 took home second place, and were invited to perform at one of the venues for the Airlie Beach Festival of Music.

However, the new year is looking up for Liam and Category 5, with a slight change in direction on the cards.

“I am really keen, because next year, we’re going to be working hard on our own original music,” Liam explained.

Not much of a lyricist, Liam is ready to make the backing beats and is prepared to whip out his computer and make up posters and album covers. A recipe for success, Liam is grateful for all the opportunities that being in Category 5 brings.

“I used to underestimate my own playing and was nervous and very insecure. But everyone I know says otherwise, and I am excited to release our own stuff.”

With a few of our crew and skippers away, and 1 skipper confined with Covid, the last thing we needed was 3-4 activations a day on more than one occasion, with some lengthy ones included, but that is what we finished up with. Absolutely great commitment and dedication by the skippers, senior crew and crew that made themselves available over that period to provide the safety net for boaties and the islands over the holiday period. The VMRW volunteers excelled.  

What does that navigation mark mean?

A system of buoys, piles, and lights, known as IALA Buoyage System ‘A’, is used to assist safe navigation. These are the equivalent of road signs on highways. Each type of mark has a unique combination of colour, shape, top-mark and light. You must be able to recognise these and pass them safely on the correct side. Some of the more common ones are listed below.

Lateral marks

Port and starboard marks are referred to as lateral marks. They indicate the port-hand and starboard-hand sides of navigable waters (channels).  When both a port and starboard mark are placed near to each other, travel directly between them. On a pile beacon, look for the shape and colour of the top mark.

When going upstream (away from the sea) keep red (port-hand marks) on the left-hand side (to port) and keep green (starboard-hand marks) on the right-hand side (to starboard).

When going downstream (towards the sea) keep red (port-hand marks) on your right-hand side (to starboard) and keep green (starboard-hand marks) on your left-hand side (to port).

Often lateral marks are not placed in pairs. The safe side to pass a lateral mark is generally determined by the direction of travel to or from the sea, or a predetermined local direction of buoyage.

Cardinal marks

A cardinal mark indicates where the deepest and safest water can be found. It may also indicate the safe side on which to pass a danger and to draw attention to a feature in the channel such as a bend or junction. There are two triangular marks on each cardinal, which mean on of 4 things:

NORTH Safe water is to the north of the cardinal. Top-marks both point ‘up’ toward the NORTH for safest water. At night the frequency of the flashes are an uninterrupted quick flash.

SOUTH Safe water is to the south of the cardinal. Top-marks both point ‘down’ towards the SOUTH for safe water. The frequency of flashes is 6 quick flashes in a group followed by a long flash.

EAST Safe water is to the east of the cardinal. Top-marks are in the shape of an egg, pointing away from each other, so remember the e of egg is for safe water to the EAST. The frequency of the flashes is 3 quick flashes in a group.

WEST Safe water to the West of the cardinal. Top-marks, pointing towards each other, make the shape of a wine glass so remember the w of wine glass is for safe water to the WEST. The frequency of the flashes is 9 quick flashes in a group.

Low Rock Reef off Shute Harbour is one of just 2 places in Australia where all four cardinal marks are together.

VMRW membership is cheap insurance at just $90, you can join at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/

Contributed with thanks to VMR Whitsundays.

Bowen tourism and accommodation operators are excited to share that business is booming this festive summer season.

Owner and Manager of Queens Beach Tourist Village, Jennie Greer states that Christmas and New Year bookings have been at an all-time high, compared to previous years.

“Bowen is definitely becoming more popular, and we are proud to have an award-winning park within the area for guests to come and enjoy. We hope this trend continues as it can only benefit accommodation providers and businesses within our community-spirited town.”

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the Bowen Visitor Information Centre had been very busy in the past two weeks, reflecting how busy the accommodation providers were in the town.

“We have averaged more than 300 visitors per day since the start of the new year, which is much higher than the first week of January last year.

“Our surveys show about 25% of our visitors are staying in Bowen and another 25% are making a day trip into the town to check out such things as the secluded beaches, the scenic lookouts, our fresh seafood, the Summergarden Theatre and the Edgecumbe Bay Walking Trail.

“When people stop at the Big Mango, we encourage every visitor to make the detour into Bowen as it is only a few kilometres off the highway and really is the hidden gem at the top of the Whitsundays.

“We have increased our destination marketing budget in the past 12 months and it is great to see more and more people discovering this piece of paradise.”

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Bowen seeing unprecedented popularity this holiday season. Photos: Bowen Visitor Information Centre

Last year we witnessed a revitalised Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry in their pursuit to drive sustainable business growth and connectivity for their members.

In 2024, the Chamber will continue to champion for the business community through their advocacy work, provide exclusive services to members, and host business events and education.

This year the Chamber is delighted to partner with Mackay and Whitsunday Life newspaper on a new article series.

Readers will continue to hear from Chamber President, Allan Milostic, in the Chamber Chat column, providing a perspective of how the big issues impact us here in the Whitsundays.

New articles that will appear include Chamber News providing an update on Chamber and business developments and opportunities. 

We will also learn more about our vibrant business community with profiles of local businesses – Chamber members who will share trends and shifts occurring in their field and tips for business success.

Excitingly, Chamber members will respond to general business questions sourced from the community. The Ask An Expert series will be a deep dive into a business issue and Chamber members will share a view on business questions from getting started, growth and innovation, through to managing change and transition. You are welcome to ask your anonymous question via the Chamber’s website.

We look forward to bringing you this new article series to you in partnership with the Chamber and their members.

What is your role at Tourism Whitsundays?

My role at Tourism Whitsundays is Brand and Marketing Executive. The Whitsundays brand is my baby; I love watching campaigns and projects begin in the ideation phase and seeing them come to fruition, knowing that, as a team, we achieved that and delivered results for the destination.

What is your ideal weekend in The Whitsundays?

My ideal weekend in The Whitsundays is, of course, taking advantage of our stunning backyard. For me, the ultimate weekend is leaving the mainland behind and camping on one of the Islands. My favourites would have to be Henning Island, Thomas Island or one of the protected bays in Cid Harbour. There’s nothing like watching the sunset from the water with a drink in hand, hoping to catch an arvo fish.

How long have you been in The Whitsundays?

I’ve lived in The Whitsundays all my life; my parents met on Hamilton Island, and the rest is history!

What’s the one thing about The Whitsundays you think everyone should know?

I think everyone should know that The Whitsundays and its surroundings offer so much beauty. You just have to walk outside! Whether it’s hiking the Honeyeater Lookout, going to Hamilton Island for the day, having lunch at Cape Gloucester, or camping at Lake Proserpine, the options are endless. You just have to make the most of it, and you’ll see that this community has so much to offer, and we should be so proud of where we live!

Delivering exceptional service with the utmost care and consideration is integral to Eyecare Plus Ayr.

Having been a central service in the Burdekin for over 70 years, Eyecare Plus Ayr is synonymous with meticulous health care and a gentle approach.

And now, with new ownership at the helm of the business as of 2018, Eyecare Plus Ayr continues to provide optometry services to the region.

Shannon Davies is the current owner and Optometrist, who has lived locally for the past decade. Shannon has been an optometrist for 20 years and was Australia’s first indigenous female optometrist, graduating from the University of Melbourne in 2004.  

“As we come into our third year under the current ownership, it has been a pleasure to welcome previous patients and new patients alike into our practice to serve their eye care and eyewear needs,” Shannon explained.

She is joined in her practice by three other team members.

“Our team has two qualified optical dispensers and boasts a combined experience of over 45 years in the optical industry,” Shannon explained.

“Eyecare Plus is the longest servicing optometry practices in Ayr,” and Shannon is proud of the lasting legacy.  

“Given the long serving history of the practice, the first challenge was upgrading the optometry equipment as well as refreshing the sunglasses and spectacles frames to ensure we are providing an optimal optometry service and meeting optical current trends,” she added.

“We are really happy with the results and by all reports our patients are as well!

“We are locally owned and provide a high level of not only optometry care, but our team are trained in optical dispensing,” she said.

“While the practice looks the same from the exterior the upgrading of equipment has allowed us to provide excellent optometric care.”

Offering comprehensive vision and eye health assessments, Eyecare Plus also offers early detection of macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, provision of contact lenses, co-care with ophthalmology practices, driving licence vision assessments, diabetic co-management with GPs, removal of foreign bodies and prescription of the therapeutic ocular drops.

"We offer range of latest fashion brands and high quality lens designs and technology as well as an exceptional optometry service.”

Are you a young woman who has always wished to learn how to sail?

This is your chance, with the Whitsunday Sailing Club hosting Start Sailing 1, a sailing course specially designed and exclusive for women, and taught by female Australian Sailing accredited instructors.

This short course allows all participants to gain all the necessary and practical skills and confidence in a supportive, encouraging, and welcoming environment.

Participants will gain experience through sailing in a dingy, learn first the correct terminology in a practical setting with appropriate equipment, practice launching, and then learn how to return to shore and capsize recovery.

At the conclusion of the weekend course, participants will be awarded their Start Sailing 1 completion certificate.

Female sailors bring diverse skills and fresh perspectives that spice things up.

Their knack for communication, creative problem-solving, and teamwork adds a lot to naval operations. It's not just about breaking stereotypes; it's about making the whole maritime scene more dynamic and inclusive.

When women set sail, they don't just contribute individually; they shake up the whole culture and make maritime organisations more lively and innovative.

So, having female sailors isn't just a nice-to-have – it's a must for keeping the seas and ships sailing smoothly.

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WHAT: Start Sailing 1
WHEN: Saturday, January 13 and Sunday January 14, from 9am to 3pm
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club
REGISTER: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/whitsundaysc/events/221339/

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Photo: Shutterstock

Are you a local sporting group?

Or are you looking to get involved in local sport?
Then the ninth annual Whitsunday Sports Expo is the place to be.

With the entire community invited to stop by, the Whitsunday Sports Expo is the best place to see the variety of local and community sporting groups, clubs, teams, and individual pursuits that are on offer in our region.

Aimed to get all individuals, from school aged youth to working adults on the field, this Sports Expo supports and encouraging everyone to give it a go.

Each and every stall will have helpful information, engaging activities, and registration forms ready for anyone interested.

This event will be held at the Whitsunday Sportspark, beside PCYC Whitsundays in Jubilee Pocket.

If you are a local sporting club and want to get involved, contact the Whitsunday Sportspark on president@whitsundaysportspark.com.au and register your interest.

WHAT: Whitsunday Sports Expo
WHERE: Whitsunday Sports Park
WHEN: Saturday, February 3

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Expect over 35 sporting groups at this event. Photo supplied

Whether it be locals sipping their lattes at coffee shops, drinking pints at the local, sharing a story at the weekend barbie or rising from their yoga mats after their downward dogs, there’s a common theme in Airlie; An urban myth that pops up in conversation; A mystifying, riveting mystery of the ‘Curse of the Whitsundays’.

Many speak of a curse that’s been placed on the Whitsundays long ago. That Airlie Beach is a place of healing, yet it has a cloud that hangs over its dark past. Local Musician, Community Worker and Human Rights Advocate, Adrian Thomas has been writing music with Traditional Ngaro/Gia Owner, Harold Bowen. The two have been collaborating with some of Far North Queensland and Australia's best musicians, creating music that speaks to the heart of Harold and Ngaro/Gia people’s journey. Part of that journey has been unpacking Harold’s family’s displacement, slavery, pain, heartbreak, and survival. A familiar but saddening journey of many traditional people that unpacks the truth of the Curse of the Whitsundays.

As the story would go Ngaro/Gia People lived in this land for over 40,000 Years. They lived in harmony, self-sufficiently in the abundant and beautiful location we know as the Whitsundays. The Ngaro/Gia Dreamtime story speaks of the Rainbow Serpent moving through the area, creating the Proserpine River. It was thought to bring life via the waterways, feeding the animals, birdlife, trees, soil, and the Indigenous people since the beginning of time.

When the settlers came, communities of Ngaro and Gia people were living along the Proserpine River and throughout the Whitsundays, utilising the abundant natural resources. The new arrivals, however, were not interested in sharing the land or living with the local tribes; The opposite was the case.

What ensued was a slaughter of traditional communities including women and children, with tremendous brutality. The old people describe "the Proserpine River ran red with blood".

In the ensuing bloodshed, the few locals who were spared were those strong enough to work. That bloodshed running through the Proserpine River desecrated the sacred site and some say the spirits of the old people lie in the crocodiles now residing in the river. This may offer some explanation of the presence of more large crocodiles per kilometre here than in any other system in Queensland. Researchers have been baffled at the relative lack of scars and scratches on the reptiles, which they say is expected in high-density areas due to fights. Even more puzzling is the lack of larger males pushing their competitors out into nearby Airlie Beach, one of “Queensland's greatest tourist meccas" (ABC News 11-18-22). 

The brutality of what Murri (Indigenous people native to Queensland) call “the killing times” has effectively desecrated the most sacred site and the life bringer of the entire Whitsundays. According to Adrian (who is of Black, Red, Yellow, and Irish descent) “our ancestors’ actions have cursed ourselves”. Queensland has a long history of brutality during these times which is starting to uncover. Harold’s great grandfather was one of the few ‘Indentured Servants’ (slaves) who helped build Proserpine. He was then shipped to Hopevale with most of the surviving Ngaro and Gia people.

It’s Adrian’s view that in lifting the ‘Curse of the Whitsundays’, we must acknowledge the truth of our darker past. He feels the first step is memorialising the massacres. There is currently only one memorial in Australia, Coniston near Yuendumu. He says by building a monument under the guidance of the Traditional Owners we can acknowledge the darkness that lies within each of us, that is passed down our ancestral tree, and play our part in building a foundation that sets the spirits of the past free. By bringing forth inclusiveness and reconciliation we can make way for healing, welcome returning Traditional Owners, and cleanse the most sacred site in the Whitsundays, renewing the whole region. 

Adrian and Harold recently shared cultural insights at Cannonvale State School where 450 students were taught the dark history of the Ngaro/Gia people in an age-appropriate manner.

A film was recorded for their new music video and an up-and-coming documentary. This may have been one of the first times it’s been shared in a primary education setting in Queensland.

Adrian says "The next generation don't want or need to carry the burdens of the past".

He also applauds the progressive nature of the Cannonvale State School and Teaching Staff for their commitment to understanding, healing and unity.

Adrian says "The young people are ready to let go of the shackles. Perhaps we as a people are ready to follow suit.”

Songs and music video for the music collaboration "Milbi" will be released in early 2024.

Contributed with thanks to Adrian Thomas.

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Harold Bowen and Adrian Thomas at Proserpine River, exploring the history and documenting Ngaro/Gia Dreamtime Stories, Colonisation, and trauma. Photos supplied

Were compiled and are practiced by Tibetan Monks to regain health, youth, and vitality. The 5 Rites are specific movements that focus on increasing the speed of the 7 energy vortexes in the body. These vortexes slow down as we age and have a degenerating effect on the physical body. Practicing the 5 Tibetan Rites can increase the speed of the vortexes hence benefiting overall health whilst rejuvenating the body.

“The only INNER difference between youth and serenity is simply the difference between the rate of speed at which the vortexes are spinning. Normalize the rate of speeds and the old man becomes a new man again.”  From the book; The Eye of Revelation by Peter Kelder.

Reported Benefits of practicing the 5 Tibetan Rites:

   • Increased energy

   • Better sleep

   • Improved strength & flexibility

   • Increased mental clarity & Focus

   • Improved mood

   • Better posture

   • Helps with transition of menopause

   • Can support weight loss or weight gain (balanced weight)

   • Feelings of calmness

   • Reduced stress

   • Improved digestion & elimination

   • Helps with symptoms of menstruation

   • Improved libido

   • Improved self-discipline and sense of purpose

   • Toning of the arms stomach and back muscles

   • Increased levels of Qi (prana, lifeforce, energy)

“The only INNER difference between youth and serenity is simply the difference between the rate of speed at which the vortexes are spinning. Normalize the rate of speeds and the old man becomes a new man again.”  The Eye of Revelation by Peter Kelder.

Yoga+5 classes are now available in Airlie Beach by founder and Yoga instructor, Norma Strang.

Yoga+5 is a sequence of breathing exercises, therapeutic hatha yoga asanas, followed by the 5 Tibetan Rites. You can take advantage of the current intro offer where your first class is free.

Reserve your class at www.normastrang.com/booknow