The Cannonvale Cenotaph came alive through the break of dawn last Thursday when 4000 people converged on the grassy banks to say thank you to the men and women who have given their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

With a population of 7,432 according to the Bureau of Statistics Census of 2021, this incredible figure means that over half the population of the Greater Airlie Beach area got out of bed that morning to attend the Dawn Service.

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The Cannonvale Dawn Ceremony for ANZAC Day saw the best turn out in several years. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Hi Everyone,

Life is a rollercoaster, and sometimes it can be a crazy ride.

Often, we have thrilling highs, but sadly there are times when we all have to endure significant lows.

This week our small team was rocked by the news that our much-loved Mackay Life Editor, Amanda Wright, has been diagnosed with Bowel Cancer.

You can read her own account which she has bravely decided to share in her Editor’s Note on the flip side of this paper.

As many of you will know, I was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer five years ago and this news has proven that lightning can indeed strike twice within a small team.

One in 10 people diagnosed with Bowel Cancer are under the age of 50, so if you are experiencing irregular bathroom behaviour, any unusual aches and pains, bleeding or discomfort please get it checked out.

Both Amanda and I experienced a period of time where we were told by our GP’s that it was “probably nothing” and we were “too young” for Bowel Cancer, only to find out we had it.

If we had been diagnosed earlier, it would have been much less complicated. You are allowed to question your GP’s advice, be your own advocate and take your health into your own hands. This is a lesson we both learnt the hard way.

Changing pace now, I’d just like to say what an absolute honour it was to document the Anzac Day events this year.

The Dawn Ceremony at Cannonvale was incredible and to think over 50% of the Greater Airlie Beach Area population made their way down to the Cenotaph in the dark, to be greeted with such a crowd as the dawn broke through – it was a very humbling experience for everyone involved.

We all missed Billy Rose, who sadly passed away earlier this year. His humour and character will always be remembered, and it was lovely to see his family place a wreath at the Airlie Beach Cenotaph in his honour.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “How can I be the best part of someone else’s day?” (Ben Crowe)

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When your child is injured or unwell and in need of immediate medical attention it can be distressing for both the parent and the little one who is trying to comprehend everything that is happening around them.

The bright lights of the hospital, the doctors and nurses rushing back and forth, and the often-long waits can be quite exhausting for young ones.

Fortunately, at our local regional hospitals we are blessed with deeply caring hospital staff and a friendly atmosphere which makes everything more bearable.

The situation is also made so much better when the Cuddle Buddies come out to play!

Hand-crafted by the talented social group participants at Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre, these little cuddly toys are donated to the hospital and then offered to little ones when they need it most.

“They are for the children that come into the Emergency Room, they get a little Cuddle Buddy that they can take home with them,” explained Jayne Milne, from Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre.

“The staff hand them out at their own discretion to give kids some comfort.”

For the creators of these cuddly masterpieces, knowing they are appreciated by the young recipients is reward enough for their efforts.

The social group of crafty-crafters meets every Friday at the centre in Proserpine.

So far, 12-13 cuddlees have been made and they are all cuddly replicas of different animals.

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The Cuddle Buddies are donated to Proserpine Hospital. Photo supplied

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Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Photos supplied

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Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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This week the award-winning Airlie Beach Festival of Music announced that proceeds of any fundraising during the popular four-day event will go straight to vital local charity RACQ CQ Rescue.

Every year the Airlie Beach Festival of Music choose a charity to donate to, last year was the Tiny Homes Project and this year it will be our local rescue chopper.

Festival Founder Gavin (Butto) Butlin said, “If you're going to support a charity, it's got to be the CQ Rescue - everyone knows someone who has needed the rescue helicopter, they do such a great job in the region.”

RACQ CQ Rescue spokesperson, Tegan Philpott, said they are ecstatic to hear that the Airlie Beach Festival of Music is donating to the charity this year.

She said that the combination of donations will all help fund future rescue missions for this invaluable local service.

It costs RACQ CQ Rescue $11,500 an hour to fly and they perform rescues regularly to the Whitsundays.

Tegan shared that in the first quarter of this year 35 per cent of their rescues had been to the Whitsundays.

“The likes of Bowen saw us in the skies 19 times, we went to Proserpine 27 times, we were also involved in a search and rescue at Woodwark for those young children who were missing for some time,” said Tegan.

“We’ve also been to the Islands nine times, and out to Collinsville 16 times.”

Funds are raised during the Airlie Beach Festival of Music weekend through charitable initiatives such as the selling of raffle tickets, and also the highlight giveaway – a guitar signed by the festival’s headlining act.

Butto said the signed guitar sold for $6000 last year and with this year’s main act being the UK band ‘Sweet’, he expects a lot of interest.

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Organisers of the Airlie Beach Festival of Music with a representative of RACQ CQ Rescue. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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From rubbish on the beach to stunning works of art, there are many waterway-themed submissions being collected by the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership for their upcoming Submerged in Our Region exhibition.

Bringing together the environment, science and the arts, the exhibition will launch on 25 July as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts.

Healthy Rivers to Reef Executive Officer, Jaime Newborn, said she was excited to see the diversity of exhibits being received as part of their community art competition.

"We have entries from school groups who are really making that connection between art and STEM, which is fantastic to see,” Mrs Newborn said.

“We also have paintings, sculptures, underwater audio recordings, and film.

“Entries remain open until June 7, so we encourage anyone with an interest to contact us – whether you are entering as an individual, or a school or community group, there are categories for all ages and a $1,000 art bursary up for grabs.”

She said a waterway theme could reflect a wide variety of views and ideas.  

“In the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Isaac region, we love our waterways. Whether you fish on the weekend, jog on the beach, or rely on our rivers and Reef to earn an income, waterways play a big part in our lives and our region’s liveability.”

One entry has homed in on the key issue of sustainability.

Environmental scientist and artist, Kerri Woodcock, has created a series of works using plastic marine debris and 'recycled rubbish' collected from local beaches, islands and coastlines.

“These works are as meaningful as they are beautiful – many thanks to our Partner, Eco Barge Clean Seas, for loaning them to our exhibition,” Mrs Newborn said.
Libby Edge, founder of Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc, is delighted to see these artworks travel for such a great cause.
“Kerri’s pieces are real eye-openers about marine debris,” Libby said.
“Having Kerri’s artwork displayed for our team of volunteers has been a true gift. Each piece, crafted from plastic trash found during Kerri’s beach walks, powerfully highlights the local and global impact of plastic pollution on our marine environment.”
Visit www.healthyriverstoreef.org.au for more or follow on Facebook.

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Photo: Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership team members Rebekah Smith and Cinzia Cattaneo, with artworks by Kerri Woodcock (foreground) and Art of Thongs by David Day. Photo supplied

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Close to 150 uniformed soldiers of the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment (3CER) will be involved in a parade along the main street of Airlie Beach next Saturday and the whole community is invited to come and watch the spectacle.

The Freedom of Entry Parade will begin at Broadwater Avenue Carpark and continue along the Airlie Beach main street.

The 3CER were bestowed Freedom To The City in November 2017 to acknowledge their invaluable assistance following Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

As part of the event, Mayor Ry Collins will conduct a Mayoral address to 3CER and community members.  

There will also be a vehicle display and a performance from the RAR band.

In addition, the Airlie Beach Saturday markets will still be on, with the variety of stalls there is something for everyone.

This event is being supported by the Whitsunday Regional Council, road and carpark closure information can be found on their website.

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WHAT: Freedom of Entry Parade
WHERE: Airlie Beach
WHEN: Saturday 12th May
HOW: Free to the community

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The Whitsunday region currently has five known infestations of Yellow Crazy Ants and effective measures are being taken by Council to keep these pesty protein-loving pests under control.

Known to swarm en-masse, these orange-coloured ants are slightly smaller than the common green ant, but a lot more formidable.

Scott Hardy, Manager Natural Resource Management and Climate for Whitsunday Regional Council said Yellow Crazy Ants are known to have eaten anything that moves – from other ants to frogs, lizards and potentially even us.

“We’re on the menu!” said Scott jokingly.

The five infestations are located in Hamilton Island, Woodwark, Mandalay, Funnel Bay and Shute Harbour, covering a total of 58 hectares.

The first site was discovered in 2019 at Shute Harbour, but with dedicated eradication efforts, 80 per cent of the ant population has been eliminated.

Last month, Council used drones to drop baits across all areas, this new method promising to tackle previously unreachable nests.

It is believed the Yellow Crazy Ants are arriving in our region in large trucks transporting building supplies.

They are likely coming from Townsville where there is an infestation that stretches over 2000 hectares.

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Council have put out the following advice to local residents:

1: If you are constructing a new home, ask your builder whether they’ve had the building materials checked for Yellow Crazy Ants.

2: If you are getting your property sprayed by a pest contractor, make sure they inspect for the presence of Yellow Crazy Ants.

3: If you see an unusual orange ant, slightly smaller than a green ant, please report to Council to get it identified.

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Pau Roig
You know when I actually think it just depends on the tide, because when it’s high tide the rocks and these areas are not that visible so, as you see it now, I think it looks nice. But when the tide is low, you can see some rocks on the bottom so it's not as pleasant to see. I think that it's looking good as it is now.

Mark Sznicer
Isn't that other beach? (Boathaven Beach) That’s imported, isn't it? Well, it depends on what tide it is, doesn't it? I mean, I've been here 12 months now and low tide looks not nice. But high tide, it’s picturesque isn’t it. I don't think we should change it. No.

Irene Alferez
Well, I think that should be like that, natural things are always better I think in my experience. So, I will keep it like that. Keep it the same yeah.

Rodney Firmer
Leave it the same, don’t touch it. Because it is what it is if you want to see really pure white sand go out to the reef. That's where it is. There's plenty of spots in Australia to see white sand if you want to go and see white sand. This is what Airlie Beach is. I'm only a tourist but I guess if I come in and see white sand I’ll go that's nice. But if this is the natural sand, leave it.

Ciaran Griffin
Left as it is I suppose, surfed away. Let it naturally be. Looks perfect the way it is to me. I haven't seen it with the tide out just the way it is now. Generally, with those things the way it is, is actually generally best. So, yeah, that'd be my take on it.

Jo Driver
I’m not really one to sit on the beach anyway.  But I mean, how much of the sand are they thinking of bringing? Like a whole lot? Nah leave it. Leave it as it is. It is what it is. And the added expense I don't think it’s necessary, so I think it's perfectly fine as it is.

Tori McFaul
I'm actually not from here. I'm just traveling. So I haven't seen it at low tide. But I can see just looking at it, that the sand does seem like there's just a lot of like rubble in it. I feel like if it has to do with comfort and it benefits and it doesn't deteriorate the environment, then I don't see any harm in doing so.

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A man in his thirties, who fell more than 20 metres from a meteorological mast at Proserpine Wind Farm on Thursday has sadly succumbed to his injuries.

It is understood the accident involved a contractor who attended the work site and investigations are still ongoing as to the cause of the accident.

A spokesperson from Proserpine Wind Farm said they are shocked and saddened by the death.

“Staff remain on site working with authorities and supporting family and colleagues,” said the spokesperson.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with the contractor’s family at this very difficult time.

“The safety and wellbeing of employees, contractors, and the broader community is always the project’s primary concern.

“All operations have been suspended until we can ensure ongoing safety on site.”

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Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine now welcomes sponsorship applications for the 2024-25 financial year from Whitsunday not-for-profit community organisations.
“At Bendigo Bank, our customers and the Whitsundays community always win. Our success is based on our profit-with-a-purpose model which sees around 50% of the profits generated by our independently owned and operated Community Bank branch invested back into the community” said Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Chairman Mark Henry.
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.
Over the past eight years Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine has invested just over $201,500 into local schools, social programs, sporting groups, arts and culture events, conservation initiatives, and community prizes.
Already this year, the Branch has sponsored the Great Barrier Reef Festival and art exhibition, Proserpine Scouts, Whitsunday AFL, Whitsunday United Football Club, Whitsunday Outrigger Regatta just to name a few!
Most weekends Whitsunday locals will also see the Branch’s Community Trailer out and about at sporting and community events.
The Branch’s fully equipped BBQ trailer is available to local sporting and community groups for events. The Community Trailer includes a BBQ with gas bottles, cooking utensils, four marquees, tables, chairs, signage, and a portable PA system.
The sponsorship application process is highly competitive and strict terms and conditions apply.
Applications are usually notified within 2-6 weeks of submitting.
“Our ability to invest in the local community is due to our Branch team for delivering consistently high-quality customer 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.
For sponsorship application forms and Community Trailer booking forms, please visit the Branch’s Facebook (@communitybankcannonvaleproserpine) or email the Branch’s Board Secretariat on secretary@whitsundaycel.com.au

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Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine sponsors countless community events and everyone is welcome to apply. Photo supplied
The fully equipped BBQ trailer is available to local sporting and community groups. Photo supplied

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Marking my first Anzac Day as Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor was a memorable one starting with a poignant Dawn service in Bowen, where I had the honour of laying a wreath with other dignitaries and members of the community.
 
The spirit of community and remembrance carried on to Airlie Beach, where I saluted the march down Main Street and together with Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Councillors Jan Clifford and Clay Bauman, we laid a wreath at Remembrance Rock.
 
The day continued with the Proserpine march where I spoke at the cenotaph service about the sacrifices of our service people, including two local heroes, Private William Joseph Fry and Warrant officer Charles Faust from Proserpine, who lost their lives in their duty.
 
It was inspiring to witness such a great turnout from our community, service people, and especially our youth, who we entrust to carry forward the ANZAC legacy. It was a day of reflection, pride, and community spirit. 
 
At the April Ordinary Meeting in Proserpine last week, Councillors approved a donation to the Bowen Probus Club for bus hire to transport their members to the five morning melodies sessions at the PEC in 2024.
 
“The Proserpine Entertainment Centre is Our Whitsunday’s regional facility to showcase the performing arts and world-class entertainment for residents and visitors so it is important that Council endeavours to ensure our community can access the facility.
 
“The Bowen Probus Club is a not-for-profit community group that has an average membership age of 84 so it is vitally important that we connect with our elderly residents to improve their liveability,” Mayor Ry said.
 
“Many of our elderly face mobility challenges so this donation ensures the Bowen Probus Members can utilise a wheelchair friendly bus so they can enjoy the popular Morning Melodies shows at the PEC.”
 
Deputy Mayor and Division 4 Councillor Michelle Wright was all smiles after all Councillors voted to approve $20,000 in-kind sponsorship for the 2024 Don River Dash on September 6-8.
 
“The Don River Dash is a unique event which boasts motorbikes and buggies racing in the rugged terrain of the dry riverbed of the Don River providing a weekend of high-speed action.
 
“Council have been proud to support the event since it started in 2019 as it grows to become one of the premier offroad racing events in the country attracting world class drivers and riders.
 
“The Bowen Offroaders club should be congratulated for organising the event and they were rewarded for their efforts when the 2022 Don River Dash won the 2022 Motorcycling Queensland Event of the Year,” Cr Wright said.

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Whitsunday Regional Council is currently expanding the Kelsey Creek landfill with a new cell that will increase our capacity by up to five years.

While we work on this important project, some temporary changes to our waste services are necessary and as a result heavier commercial and industrial waste will be redirected to the Bowen landfill.

We will continue to accept all recyclable materials at the Kelsey Creek facility. By embracing practices of reduce, reuse, and recycle, we can all help extend the life of our landfill, keeping our community clean and sustainable for the future.

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