Messi is a sweet, shy little girl who may take some time to warm up and feel comfortable in her new surroundings, but once she does, she becomes an incredibly affectionate companion. At 5 years old, she’s past the kitten stage, but still full of charm and personality.
She loves nothing more than cosying up for cuddles on the couch. Her tiny meows are her way of asking for attention, and she’ll often curl up beside you for a nap. Messi has a special way of showing her affection, whether it’s with a gentle headbutt or reaching out her paw to guide your hand to her head for a pat.
This little ball of sweetness will quickly have you wrapped around her adorable little toe beans!
To adopt the adorable Messi, please contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue via:
Mobile: 0459 757 455
Or send a message through their Facebook page.
‍

Sex: Female
Age: 5yrs
Adoption fee: $170

‍

From the beginning of the first settlement, Proserpine had the convenience of several hotels; houses of hospitality where weary travellers of the early 20th century could find refreshments and rest. One of these establishments is the recently reopened Palace Hotel which has seen many changes in its appearance and ownership in its 126 year history.  
In 1898, the prospects for the town were looking good. A new hotel, the Palace Hotel, was being built by Mr August Schumaker. It was the first two-storey building in Proserpine and began as an accommodation house. A billiard and publican's licence was granted to Schumaker in September 1898.
It appears that Mr. Schumaker had the hotel until 1902 when he sold to Mr and Mrs O'Toole, as it was in June of that year that visitors from Charters Towers spoke favourably of their stay “at O'Toole's Hotel”.
The Palace Hotel catered for travelling salesman. In 1902, “Port Denison Times” reported that several representatives from commercial firms had set up their samples at the Palace Hotel in Proserpine.
Advertisements for Harry Deicke's Palace Hotel began in 1903 when he took out the lease which he operated until he bought the hotel from Mrs Agnes O'Toole early in 1907. He immediately carried out additions to the building, followed by an extensive painting project and later rebuilt the hotel. (Mr H. F. Deicke was owner of the Palace until his death in 1951 when it was sold to a subsidiary of Michelmore’s Mackay).  
Well known pioneer, Mr A. J. Setter, was the next licensee (1908 – 1911), followed by Miss Keating who stated that her intentions were "to cater for the conveniences of residents and travellers - making a special feature of the wants of the inner man." She began with a feminine touch by installing French Lights to open the bedrooms up onto the balconies. She was still at the Palace in 1915, but there is a gap in our history until 1919 when it shows Mrs E. M. Jensen as lessee. ln April 1920, she disposed of the lease and goodwill to Mr Smythe of Rockhampton. By 1923, Annie Casey was lessee followed in 1928 by Mrs C. E. Henderson who purchased it possibly from Mr I. C. Edwards. Records from 1928 to 1937 are non-existent.
Mrs Olive Jones took over the lease in 1937. Affectionately known as ‘Mum’, she stayed on at the Palace for almost 27 years. She had a well-earned reputation for running one of the best and most popular hotels on the Queensland coast; a home away from home for travelling businessmen who used the rooms to display their wares to businesses. From at least the 1930s, optometrists and spectacle makers like Stacey & Stacey, visited regularly, bringing their services to town. As a closing gesture, ‘Mum’ Jones served free drinks on her last evening - New Year's Eve, 1963.
In 1964, the new lessee was Mr Kevin Bowden. In 1977, the hotel was bought by Mr Jim Bowman. Mrs Sylvia Newman (with George and Mavis Telford) had run the hotel from 1973 – 1977.
The Palace was purchased by Tom Faust of Fausts Pty Ltd in 1995. The dining area was modernised and other improvements undertaken before selling to Tony and Carmel Price, Carmel Faust and Richard Otene in 1997. In 2000, Mrs Faust sold her share. The remaining group added the TAB before selling to Paul McEnroe and Co in 2004.
Sold to Thomas and Audrey Dunne in 2006, the Palace was remodelled and renamed O’Duinns Irish Pub, operating as such until damaged during cyclone Debbie and sadly, removed from the local heritage register.  
Local businessman, Rick Shelley, purchased the iconic hotel in December 2022. After completing substantial renovations, the Palace Hotel was reopened in November 2024, to the delight of locals.
‍

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

‍

The Palace Hotel in 1898

‍

At the end of November, I swapped the swimmers for a scarf and headed off to London for Tourism Australia’s Biannual Australia Marketplace, the largest international Australia Marketplace event in the calendar.
Over the course of three days, I met with 116 front-line travel agents and 58 product managers from the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
The international agents spoke keenly of their clients’ incredible experiences in our region, and the countless enquiries they receive about trips to our beautiful backyard.
We spoke about our existing and long-standing world-class tourism products, as well as some updates from the region, including the new hotel opening next year on Hamilton Island, ‘The Sundays’, and recent developments in the Whitsunday Skyway Project.  
In the cold of their winter, it was a delight to be able to share a much-needed glimpse of sunshine and to help enable travellers from all over the United Kingdom and Europe to pay us a visit.
‍

Contributed by Laura Knipe, Marketing Manager, Tourism Whitsundays

‍

Tourism Australia’s Biannual Australia Marketplace. Photo supplied.

‍

Earlier this week, Tim and Cait headed out to Collinsville to engage with the Collinsville Tourism Advisory Group. They left just after 8am, making perfect timing to stop at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre for breakfast – a refreshing Mango Sorbet made from Bowen’s famous mangoes. Any ice cream for breakfast is a win, but this one was next level!
The scenic drive through lush paddocks and rolling hills, thanks to last weekend’s rain, was a beautiful way to start the day. Their first stop in Collinsville was the Coal Face Experience, where they were given a personal tour by local Brett Murphy. The displays offered a deep look into the history of coal mining in Collinsville, showcasing its profound impact on the town and the role of unions and disasters over the years.
For lunch, Tim and Cait joined Brett, Janet and Sarah from The Pit Pony Tavern, and Shayne from Collinsville Community Centre. The spicy chicken burger and steak were a hit! 
After a brief visit to the Pit Pony statue, they stopped by the No1 Mine Site in Scottville, where visitors can learn about early 1900s coal mining. The site is open for guided tours from April to October.
Their final stop was Bowen River Hotel, where Tim met Claire and Ringo. This historic spot, dating back to 1861, is filled with local history, photographs, and memorabilia.

Contributed by Tourism Whitsundays

‍

Pit Pony Statue. Photo Supplied.

‍

A 52-year-old Cannonvale man has died following a fatal traffic crash in Andromache, Whitsunday, on November 29.

Preliminary investigations suggest that a cane truck was travelling along Gunyarra Road around 1pm when it left the road and rolled over. The driver, the truck's sole occupant, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The identity of the deceased man, a resident of Cannonvale, has not been released. An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

The Forensic Crash Unit is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

This marks the second cane truck crash in the area this month, following a fatal collision on October 28, when two Proserpine men were killed after two cane trucks collided on a private property near the Gibson Creek Bridge at Bloomsbury.
The Proserpine Cane Growers Facebook page shared a heartfelt tribute to the cane truck driver:
“On behalf of Proserpine growers our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. This is another tragic incident for the community.”

‍

Hi Everyone,

It’s hard to believe that by the time you are all reading this I will have shared the stage with the Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli at the official launch event for Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper.

I am writing this in bed on Wednesday morning before I join my work colleague Trish on the four drive to Ingham where the event will be held this evening.

I’ve met David a few times now, in fact earlier this year he presented us with the award for Best Free Newspaper in Queensland at the Queensland Country Press Awards.

He was the Leader of the Opposition then.

I met him again when Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm invited him to the region in August. It was then that I planted the seed about our new newspaper Hinchinbrook Life.

At the time, I knew he would be interested because he was from Ingham originally and had started his career as a cadet journalist at the local paper.

It was early October, just before the State election, that I asked Amanda Camm to forward David a formal invitation to the launch of Hinchinbrook Life, but as expected, I received no response.

After the election, I sent another email, this time it was to the Premier.

Again, I received no response.

Then, when I was in Ingham a few weeks ago I received a call that changed everything – it was from the Premiers department – he wanted to come to the launch!

A few hours and 10 phone calls later, we had formally confirmed the Premier’s attendance at the official launch party this evening.

There is no doubt we have been pretty lucky with this invite – the fact that the Premier is originally from Ingham and also started his career as a journalist definitely worked in our favour! – even so, this is a big opportunity not only for Hinchinbrook Life and Life Publishing Group, but also to shine the light on all regional newspapers and I am very excited to be part of it.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work” (Thomas Edison)

‍

Bowen State School’s Year 11 Certificate III Fitness class has been spotlighted and congratulated for their outstanding efforts and commitment to organising a wonderful fundraising event which combined both fitness and community spirit.

The students took part in the push-up challenge whereby they each performed as many push-ups as possible in succession to a timed cadence. With unwavering strength and determination, the students received waves of support from local businesses, leading them to successfully perform 351 strict push-ups and raise over $800 to support families in need this Christmas!

The funds raised will be donated to the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre to purchase food, vouchers, and toys to spread holiday cheer and make a real difference within the wider community.

Staff, students and families of the Bowen State High School shared a massive thank you to the businesses who generously donated a dollar value per push-up including Muscle Studio Bowen, Robinson Mining Services, Sargent Sport and Amp’d Fitness.

“Your support has truly helped make this initiative a success and has brought smiles to many faces this holiday season,” shared Bowen State High School Principal, Robert Harris.

“Well done to our Year 11 Fitness students for showcasing not only their physical strength but also their community spirit.”

‍

Bowen State School’s Year 11 Certificate III Fitness completed 351 push-ups as part of their push-up challenge.

‍

On Sunday 1 December, Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, visited the Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade to share his appreciation for their invaluable service to the community, and showcase the positive impact of the Federal Government Grants program.

“It was good to catch up with our local federal member, Andrew Willcox who popped out for a chat to our members and to thank them for their service to our community,” shared the Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade.

Through the 2023/24 Volunteer Grant Program, the Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade were able to purchase essential Makita tools from Home Hardware Bowen, which have already proven essential.

Although the recent rainfall led to the cancellation of the Brigade’s Open Day, the wet weather has come as a welcome relief for the shire’s dry landscape, minimising the risk of grass fires.

Andrew Willcox encourages community groups, small businesses and individuals to explore the range of Federal Government Grants available, highlighting their potential to provide much needed resources and support. For more information, visit www.andrewwillcox.com.au/grants.

‍

Andrew Willcox and members of the Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade with their new equipment.

‍

Gallagher Harbisher Thomson’s beloved blue heeler puppy, Dinghy, has been missing since Sunday, November 10, and is feared to have been stolen from his owner’s fishing boat in Port Douglas in the dead of night while Gallagher was in the hospital.
The 12-week-old pup has been a source of great companionship for Gallagher, and his disappearance has left his owner deeply distressed and anxious about his safety.
Just days before Dinghy went missing, Gallagher and his father had an interaction with a man to whom they had offered assistance. They later grew concerned for the man’s well-being and, on top of that, for their own safety.
As a precaution, they called the police. However, despite their concerns, law enforcement never responded to their call. Since then, the man, who is from Airlie Beach, has left the Port Douglas area and has not been seen or heard from again.
Gallagher, who is a fisherman from Cooya Beach, is increasingly worried that Dinghy may have been stolen and is being hidden somewhere in Airlie Beach.
The young blue heeler, who was not yet registered at the time of his disappearance, was last seen tied up on the deck of Gallagher's boat at the Port Douglas Yacht Club. He had enough rope to access the nearby wharf.
“He means a hell of a lot to me,’’ Gallagher, 30, said.
“I’ve been doing it pretty tough since he has been missing.”
Dinghy is a purebred blue heeler, with striking features that make him easily identifiable. One of the most distinctive characteristics that set him apart from other blue heeler puppies is his kinked tail.
At the time of his disappearance, Gallagher’s father, John, was staying on his own boat at the Port Douglas Yacht Club, which is moored next to Gallagher’s boat. John was looking after Dinghy while Gallagher was away, and had tied the puppy securely to a shelter on the deck of the boat.
The puppy had enough length of rope to move freely around the deck, even accessing the nearby wharf. Dinghy was last heard yelping at approximately 3:40am on Sunday, November 10, but when John awoke around 5am Dinghy was gone.
Gallagher and his family have been desperately searching for Dinghy ever since, reaching out to the local community, friends, and acquaintances in hopes of finding him. They have also posted notices on social media and local message boards, but so far, there have been no credible sightings or information that would lead them to Dinghy.
This story was brought to us by Newsport Daily, an independent newspaper in Port Douglas.
If you have any information or have seen Dinghy, please contact editor@newsport.com.au.

‍

In November, Bowen State High School celebrated the end of the school year with their Industry Awards Ceremony. This ceremony showcases their students' commitment and passion towards Vocational Education and acknowledges the strong association their school has with local industry and employers.

This year Bowen State High School’s Guest Speaker was Kurt Gaudry, an Electrical Maintainer from Aurizon and a previous student of Bowen State High School. Kurt shared his journey through his career and some important messages for students in how they might progress through their own.

They also celebrated 11 students completing their Certificate II Engineering with Aiden Otto being named the TAFE student of the Year.

A further 11 students completed Certificate II in Automotive, with Ashleigh Boyce named the TAFE student of year.

The school also celebrated 18 students completing studies in Certificate II and III courses including Fitness, Outdoor Recreation, Health, Animal Studies and Financial Services.

This ceremony allows Bowen State Highschool to recognise the long-term support of employers who take on Traineeship and Apprenticeship students. They acknowledged Abbott Point Operations, Hillery Group, Kidz at the Beach, Tres Belle Skin, Bowen Flexi Care, Murrona Gardens and LJ Hooker for their support and assistance for students completing Certificate II and III traineeships and apprenticeships with them in 2024.

The school also acknowledged students who had completed courses to assist in their future pathways including Boat and Jet Ski Licenses, White Cards and Work Experience.

Bowen State High School is excited for 2025, and the expanded offerings in vocational learning, including more certificate courses, a strengthened partnership with TAFE Queensland and more students being engaged by local businesses to complete their traineeship and apprenticeship training.

‍

Rob Harris Principal Bowen SHS, TAFE student of the year Ashleigh Boyce, Laurie Cox TAFE Bowen
Raylene Doyle from LJ Hooker with School Based Trainee: Jayla Vaituliao
School Based Trainees with Employee representatives.
School Based Trainees Amy Russell and Francis Meeks with Hillery Group staff: Georgia, Laila and Kelly

‍

Mayor Ry Collins thought he was the one in charge – that is, until a group of sharp young minds from St Catherine's Catholic College took their seats at the boardroom table!
In a lively and inspiring meeting, a group of enthusiastic students met with the mayor to share their insights on the importance of recycling and waste reduction in the Whitsundays.
These bright young eco-warriors are leading the charge to teach adults in the community how to properly dispose of waste and reduce environmental impact.
With the help of Council’s new fleet of waste trucks, emblazoned with bright and important messages about recycling, these students are making sure no one can claim ignorance when it comes to waste management. The message is simple but powerful: Get it right, or risk being outsmarted by a group of school kids!
In a fun twist, the students challenged everyone – from residents to local leaders – to step up their recycling game and prove they can match the commitment and knowledge of these young environmental champions.
Whitsunday Regional Council expressed special thanks to their Eco Warriors at St Catherine's Catholic College, including Nakai Ngoroyemoto, Ms McQuoid-Mason, and Ms Uhl, along with JJ Richards.
Are you ready to impress these young leaders with your recycling skills? The challenge is on!

‍

The St Catherines Catholic College Eco Warriors

‍

Whitsunday Regional Council invite community members to celebrate Australia Day at the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Sunday 26 January, from 5pm to 8pm!
The celebrations begin with recognising community achievements in the official awards presentation at 5pm, followed by a family-friendly evening of fun, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at 8pm.
The Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations across the region. These awards provide a platform to publicly honour those who have made a remarkable impact or are exceptional achievers within the community.
If you know someone or a community group committed to making the Whitsunday region a better place, the council invite you to nominate them for a 2025 Australia Day Award and help them celebrate their efforts.
To nominate someone head to the Whitsunday Regional Council page:
whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/australia-day

‍

Are you passionate about hiking and exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Whitsundays?
The Whitsunday Regional Council is currently assessing the region’s mainland walking trail network to gauge public interest and demand for upgraded or expanded trails. This feedback will help shape the future of outdoor recreation in the region.
The natural beauty of the Whitsundays is one of the area's greatest assets, and Council is eager to learn whether the current walking trail offerings meet the needs of both residents and visitors.
Currently, the Whitsundays boasts 19 mainland trails, offering a diverse range of experiences in varying lengths, difficulties, and habitats – though not all of these trails are located within bushland environments.
Tim Oberg from Healthy Kids Expo explained that this is great news for the Whitsundays.
“It's an amazing idea to have more walking for the residents of the Whitsundays, he commented.
"One of the easiest ways to get moving is simply by going for a walk. And with the stunning natural beauty of the Whitsundays, there’s no better way to experience it than by exploring the new, purpose-built walking trails."
Tim mentioned that he would like to see the boardwalk extended from Cannonvale Beach, with wider paths to better accommodate cyclists. He also suggested creating shorter, easier trails within Conway National Park, similar to the popular Honeyeater Trail, to make the area more accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of visitors.
“I'm looking forward to hopefully some more trails in the area.”
If you would like to see more trails in the Whitsundays head to Whitsunday Regional Council’s website to fill in the survey:
yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/whitsunday-walking-trails

‍

Tim Oberg organised a group of kids to climb the Honeyeater Trail in Conway National Park a few years ago. Photo supplied

‍

Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine is delighted to announce the appointment of Brendon Nothard to their Board.  
“We are excited to have Proserpine industry leader Brendon Nothard join the Board. He is a welcome inclusion, and we look forward to his contribution in 2025 and beyond” said Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Chairman Mark Henry.
Following completion of his master’s degree in early 2003, Brendon started with a career in banking finishing as an Agricultural Specialist in 2007. He then moved to the sugar industry where he served in various management capacities over 10-years at the South African Cane Growers Association. This included two years as the Senior Regional Services Manager, sitting as Chairman of the local Fire Protection Agency and in an advisory capacity to a regionally based Transport Company.
In 2017 he emigrated to Australia and completed five years at the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries as a Senior Economist based in Mackay. He was then appointed as Manager of CANEGROWERS Proserpine in January 2023 where part of his role requires him to serve as Secretary on various local Agricultural Boards. He is thankful to have strong support from his amazing wife, Karlien, and also has two tremendous kids, Mikayla (10) and Zach (8).
“I really am looking forward to contributing where I can on a Board with a diverse set of skills. I also hope to learn a lot along the way and see a Community Bank that is stronger and more impactful in the community over the coming years,” he said.  
“Generally, Community Banks have an added mandate to commit a significant portion of their profits to worthwhile causes in the communities they serve. Giving back to the Whitsundays is a key objective for Bendigo Community Bank. This where local support for the bank can translate into funding being made available to local not-for-profits such as sporting clubs, schools and other community services based in the Whitsundays region,” said Brendon.
Over the past seven years Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine have invested just over $211,000 into local schools, social programs, sporting groups, arts and culture events, conservation initiatives, and community prizes.
“Our ability to invest in the local community is due to our branch team for delivering quality service, our shareholders for backing the Whitsundays community, and all the passionate local directors past and present for their hard work and dedication”, said Mark.
The Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine opened in June 2012 with the support of local shareholders who saw the value of the Community Bank model and raised $800,000 locally to establish a branch in the Whitsundays.
Brendon joins current Board members Mark Henry (Chairman), Cait Fleming (Secretary), Krys Halsey (Treasurer), and Ross Hughes.
Visit the Branch at Whitsunday Plaza Cannonvale or contact the team on phone 07 4948 3599 or email cannonvale&proserpinemailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au

‍

Proserpine industry leader Brendon Nothard joins the Board of Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine. Photo supplied

‍

Arguably navigating people management is up there with cashflow and other demands, irrespective on the size of your business.

With ever-increasing industrial relations complexity and compliance requirements, businesses face more exposure and scrutiny when comes to how they are managing their employees and contractors. With significant financial penalties for non-compliance if known or even unknown, it is critical businesses are on top of their people management obligations.

To better support their members, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry is now offering a full suite of end-to-end employee relations and employer advocacy services in partnership with local Chamber member The Airlie Group.

The Airlie Group offers Chamber members a free of charge initial confidential consultation with structured general industrial relations and human resource advice.

“There are so many challenges IR and HR requirements place on regional businesses, particularly when we are also trying to juggle workforce availability and productivity - having local, independent expertise available to our members is highly valued,” said Chamber President Allan Milostic.

“We welcome The Airlie Group’s support services and encourage all our members to explore the range of local experts available to help business growth.”

Also, there are a number of other specialist business support services available from members to members:  

   • Finance expertise by Eclipse Financial Planning, Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting, and the Small Business Financial Counselling Service.  
   • Marketing and advertising advice and services from Melinda Louise Media, Kapow Interactive, and KB Design. 
   • Boost your business operations from the Mentoring for Growth program, and reviews by Luxton Safety and Compliance Australia and Zero Waste Solutions. 
   • Workforce solutions with the Whitsundays Customer Service Hero program, Business Wellness Coaches, and Industry Workforce Advisors.
   • Exclusive experiences with Airlie Beach Executive Services and Sailing Whitsundays. 

The Chamber wishes to thank these companies who support their members build their business. 

‍