Yvette Morgan is a beautiful and brave Bowen-based mum who is running out of time with her family and we are in a position to help her. Yvette is a cherished mother of three, a much-loved teaching assistant and a valued member of the Merinda community, who has been diagnosed with aggressive, stage 4 cancer. Her close friend, Carla Adams, has organised a GoFundMe to help the family and anything we can give counts towards more time for Yvette. So far, a game-changing $35K has kindly been donated, but organisers say they are aiming for a further $15K which will enable half of Yvette’s medical bills to be paid.

Yvette was given the ‘all clear’ a couple of years ago after breast cancer treatment while six-months pregnant with her daughter Safyre. But just early this year, she had excruciating back pain and went to the hospital where they found that cancer had come back, in her spine, sternum, left ribs, lungs and lymph nodes in her chest. With limited treatment options in Australia, Yvette and her husband Luke, flew to Mexico to undergo intensive and tailored treatments and protocols at the Hope4Cancer clinic.  Which everyone hopes will give her body a fighting chance against the cancer.

"If my body can turn on me like this so quickly, then I should be able to turn it back around," says Yvette, who is now halfway through her treatment program. Yvette and her family are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support, which has not only provided financial assistance but also lifted her spirits.

“For a young family, the financial reality of taking out an immediate loan to cover a $100K treatment is the 'added stressor' that we are able to reduce, so the goal is $50K, to help offset at least half of what it will cost the Morgans.”

Many of the schools where Yvette has worked as an aid have held raffles and events to raise the funds. Crazy Sock Days and Bingo Nights where everyone could get involved and donate, with 100% going to the GoFundMe to support Yvette and her family.

One of her colleges, Sarah Groves, has been working with others to help raise $15K by hosting events.

“I'm just amazed, how amazing the community is and how everyone's just getting behind them. Some people don't even know them, but they choose to help. Their story is one that could happen to anyone,” shared Sarah.

Yvette is tired, in constant pain from the tumours, but she absolutely knows how much her and her family are loved.

“I am deeply moved, and incredibly appreciative of the generosity and support you’ve shown in helping raise funds for my treatment,” she expressed.

“Your contributions have not only provided the medical care I desperately need, but have also given me hope and strength to keep fighting.”

Just over halfway towards the goal of $50K, organisers of the GoFundMe page say that whether you have known Yvette for a short time, a long time, or are just now learning her story now, your donations will make a real difference. Yvette’s husband Luke, and their children Tully, Llewyn, Safyre need her to stay with them.

Scan the QR Code, that will take you to the GoFundMe page for Yvette, and thank you for anything you can give to support her and her family.

Caption 1: Yvette and her daughter Safyre. Photo Sourced: Carla Adams’ GoFundMe for Yvette’s family

Caption 2: Yvette and her family. Photo Sourced: Carla Adams’ GoFundMe for Yvette’s family

Caption 3: Yvette and her doctors at the Hope4Cancer centre smiling. Photo Sourced: Carla Adams’ GoFundMe for Yvette’s family

Caption 4: All Yvette’s school work colleges participating in Crazy Sock Day. Photo Sourced: Carla Adams’ GoFundMe for Yvette’s family

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Hello wonderful readers!

You may have seen my name popping up in the paper or noticed me running about Airlie Beach, Bowen and Proserpine over past month, so it’s about time I properly said hello and a big thank you for welcoming me to the wonderful (and wet) Whitsundays.

I’m from Brisbane city and I was so happy to find out the night-life here is just as popping as back home. Even with the non-stop rain, every guitar and their master is out playing the pub crowds and keeping the spirit of Airlie Beach going strong.

When I moved here, I made sure my little 4WD could handle the haul. I drove the long 1100km over two days by myself with two packs of petrol station lollies, a phone that would drop out every half hour and all the weird local radio shows that I could tune into as I passed by small towns, on that long highway to keep me in good company.

I was super keen to start working with the newspaper and am enjoying it immensely, even with the on and off weather. Why, the other day I got soaked taking photos for the cruise ship Diamond Princess’s maiden call to Airlie, only for the sun to come out 5 minutes later, blue sky and all!

While I’m still learning the ropes of being a journalist, if you see me about town with a camera or notepad say hello! Always happy to chat about the goings-on of the Whitsundays and to meet new people. Thanks for having me and enjoy the paper, might even go do the sudoku myself, love a good puzzle.

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After all the wet weather, one local decided to help out and keep the pathways safe for its users. An avid scenic stroller and weekly Park Runner, one man noticed how a section of the course had become dangerous with debris and overhanging branches due to the stormy winds.

With the Whitsunday Council busy, focusing on more immediate flood and rainy weather damage like filling pot-holes and making the roads safe, he knew it would be a while until they turned their attention to this part of the Marina. So, he brought his own gardening tools down to the walkway and pruned along the edge, making it safer for those using such a busy pathway.

“The walkway was covered with leaves, and there were branches overhanging and all sorts of other bits and pieces that get in the way of the people on bikes, walking dogs, drinking their cappuccinos, enjoying a croissant and all of that. So, I decided to take it upon myself with my gardening tools, just to prune up the side of the bushes along the path, so everyone can enjoy walking here safely.”

Thank you for thinking of your community and making a busy thoroughfare cleaner and safer for all its users.

Caption: The greenery now cut back along the busy path. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton.

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In the last week, politicians have been heading to the Bowen Orbital Spaceport for a close-up look at the magnificent Eris1 Rocket, which now stands proudly on the launch pad, almost ready for take-off.

In breaking news on February 19th from the ADM Space Summit in Canberra, Gilmour Space CEO unveiled a major milestone for the company:

"Gilmour Space has received the required airspace management approvals from CASA for Eris #Testflight1—a crucial step in our journey toward space. We are one step closer to launching and will be announcing the ‘No Earlier Than’ (NET) launch date/window soon," said the CEO.

Prior to this announcement, Mayor Ry Collins visited the site and was reminiscent of the journey it had taken for Gilmour Space to get to this point:

“It’s a surreal moment when I think back to standing on this very site five years ago—back when it was just a cow paddock.

“Former Mayor and now Federal Member Andrew Willcox MP, James and Adam Gilmour, and their team were dreaming big.

“And now, those dreams are turning into reality.”

“Standing beside this four-storey rocket, the gravity of this development—both for Gilmour Space Technologies and for the entire Whitsunday region—truly hits home.

“This isn’t just about one launch. It’s about an entirely new industry being established right here in Bowen. Planning is already underway for launches two, three, and beyond, ensuring a future filled with cutting-edge aerospace advancements.”

Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, also visited Eris 1 and expressed his excitement for the impending launch.

“Eris 1 is vertical, we are one step closer to a giant mission,” Andrew Willcox, MP stated.

“The technicians are putting the nozzles on the bottom end of the rocket.

“I can’t wait to see this bad boy blast off!”

Beyond the technological marvel, the economic impact on the Whitsunday region is enormous. The Bowen Orbital Spaceport is already injecting millions of dollars into the Whitsundays economy—creating jobs, attracting investment, and positioning Bowen as a key player in Australia’s space industry.

The ripple effects of this project will be felt for years, with opportunities for local businesses, training programs for young professionals, and a boost in tourism as people from across the country and the world take an interest in Bowen’s role in space exploration.

Mayor Ry Collins explains how this isn’t the only good news for Bowen. The Bowen Foreshore Masterplan is set to transform the waterfront into an even more vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike. With improved facilities, enhanced public spaces, and a focus on tourism, this development will strengthen Bowen’s reputation as a premier coastal destination.

Adding to this momentum is the much-anticipated $68 million Bowen Jetty project funded by $50 million from the Queensland Government and $18 million from the government-owned port authority North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP).

As one of Bowen’s iconic landmarks, Mayor Ry Collins states that these improvements will not only preserve an important piece of our history but also enhance its usability for locals, tourists, and fishing enthusiasts. Together, these projects form part of our broader vision to ensure Bowen continues to thrive as a key economic and lifestyle hub in North Queensland.

“A huge thank you to Michelle Gilmour and the entire Gilmour Space Technologies team for your hospitality and insight during the tour of the facility,” Mayor Ry Collins stated.

“The excitement is truly building, and I know I’m not alone in saying that Bowen is ready for lift-off!”

1: Mayor Ry Collins with his wife Mel during the tour of the Spaceport

2: Andrew Willcox standing in front of Eris 1

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In January, the Whitsunday Coast Airport officially reached the big 50,000 in passengers for the first time ever. With direct flights to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Cairns, along with more routes in the works, the Whitsundays is more connected than ever and Airport guru Craig Turner said his team was thrilled to deliver record numbers through the terminal.

“We are just getting started so buckle up, Whitsundays, the journey is just beginning!” exclaimed Craig.

"With over 50,000 passengers in a single month and more flight routes in the pipeline, the future of the Whitsundays has never looked brighter.”

“This milestone is just the start – our airport team are committed to building on this success and ensuring our region remains one of the most connected and popular destinations in Australia."

That’s 50,000 travellers soaring in and out of this beautiful region, exploring our paradise, thriving alongside locals and boosting our booming tourism industry. Mayor Ry Collins said this milestone is a testament to the incredible growth of our region and the demand for the Whitsundays as a world-class destination.

“This directly supports local jobs, drives investment, and strengthens our economy," said Mr Collins.

“More visitors coming through Whitsunday Coast Airport means more people staying in our hotels, dining in our restaurants, booking tours, and shopping with our local businesses.”

Here’s to more records being set this year, and the question begs – Where will you be flying next?

Caption: All the Whitsunday Coast Airport staff celebrating the record. Photo Credit: Greg Martin

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On a routine lawn mowing session using a ride-on mower, a Whitsunday local experienced a stinging sensation in their ankle, which was initially dismissed as a minor irritation, similar to a bee or wasp sting. Upon inspection, however, they saw two small red bite marks roughly 10mm apart, leading them to believe they had been bitten by a snake.

Despite not seeing a snake and feeling no immediate pain, they called 000 and then posted on local Snakes of the Whitsundays chat site to see if anyone could identify the snake by the bite. They were overwhelmed with supportive responses, and continued posting the saga to keep everyone updated.

Transported down to Mackay in an ambulance, it was later determined that the bite was likely from a non-venomous snake or a ‘dry bite’, based on the lack of envenomated symptoms. The individual did not experience signs of a venomous bite, such as drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, or prolonged blood clotting times. Medical professionals at the hospital monitored the them for several hours, conducting multiple blood tests to ensure that venom had not entered the bloodstream and the bite site was bandaged and splinted for roughly seven hours as a precaution.

The individual did, however, experience severe pain and the medical teams treated the situation with caution, as snake bites can vary greatly in severity, and complications may arise from both venomous and non-venomous bites. The patient was eventually cleared to leave Mackay Hospital after 12 hours of monitoring. The lack of immediate severe symptoms did not eliminate the need for close observation, as anti-venom treatments can have serious side effects and are only administered when absolutely necessary.

Join the Facebook page: Snakes of the Whitsundays, for identification and advice about snakes in the area and attend one of their Snake Education and Safety Community Programs to learn more about safe snake habits.

If you suspect you have been bitten by a snake, immediately call 000.

Caption: The bite marks of the snake. Photo Sourced: Snakes of the Whitsunday Facebook Page

Caption: The bite victim with their leg bandaged and in a splint. Photo Sourced: Snakes of the Whitsunday Facebook Page

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The ms Zuiderdam has made its first stop in Airlie Beach last Sunday, marking another on the list of great ships for this beautiful port of call. Cruisers from the Zuiderdam got to experience Airlie in the tropical, humid heat and sunshine by arriving just after the torrential rain we had.

Guests flocked to the local markets, went on tour flights or boat trips, and even many of the crew who could get aboard the tender to shore visited our famed lagoon. With Babak Shaghaghi the Staff Captain of the cruise liner himself looking forward to having a dip in the waters.

“For our guests, apparently it is one of the most favourite places to be. Because as soon as we arrived, we had a queue on board. Everybody was trying to go on shore and by 10 o'clock, we had a thousand people already off the ship. This is a beautiful place to see. It's my first time here, and we're going to go discover it now.” said Mr. Shaghaghi.

The ms Zuiderdam is currently on her 56 days, one-way from Fort Lauderdale in Florida, U.S.A. to Singapore. With Airlie Beach being its 16th stop and 3rd stop in Australia as she travels northwards. Renee Branton-brown the General Manager of Cruise Whitsundays notes just how great a tourist stop for the cruise industry Airlie is becoming.

"The increased cruise ship visitation to the Whitsundays is a positive catalyst for growth. With every vessel that arrives, we’re not only welcoming travellers, but also supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and elevating the reputation of this unique paradise on the world stage,” said Renee Branton-brown, General Manager of Cruise Whitsundays.

“What’s even more exciting is the potential for returning visitation — guests who experience the beauty and charm of the Whitsundays during their cruise often return for extended stays, contributing to long-term tourism growth and helping us build lasting relationships with visitors.”

As we wave farewell to the Zuiderdam, we can thank her and her guest for boosting our local economy and bringing some fun new faces to the area, even if only for a brief moment, she was a grand sight to see on our waters.

Caption: Babak Shaghaghi (Staff Captain), Pam Rusin of Cruise Whitsundays (Cruise Ship Support), Enache Bisanti (Bridge Manager), and Rigo Acevedo (Public Health Officer) standing by the Zuiderdam tender vessel. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton.

Caption: Babak Shaghaghi and Pam Rusin exchanging a ceremonial plate and certification for the ms Zuiderdams maiden call to the Port of Airlie. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton.

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The good folks at the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre would like to remind all the locals that they're here to help those in need. If you are struggling to afford enough food to feed your family, you can go to the Centre and find out what pantry packs are available.

Partnering with Coles and Woolworths, the Centre has been able to put together bargain grocery options. The packs include items such as cereal, rice, pasta, milk, juice, canned foodstuffs, snacks, and bread to help bulk out your pantry with shelf staples. For specific dietary requirements, there are vegetarian, gluten, and lactose-free pack options available too.

These packs retail for $60, but the Neighbourhood Centre is giving them out for the low price of $15. Every $15 raised by purchasing one of these grocery packs goes straight back into the program to source more packs for other locals in crisis. Packs vary on grocery availability and donations, so it's different every time. It’s a great way to try out new recipes with the ingredients you get and spice up family mealtimes.

The Centre also runs a local fruit and vegetable distribution service for anyone who has bumper crops or plentiful harvests. If you have excess and want to give back to the community, you can donate your stock to the Neighbourhood centre.

The $15 pantry program is open to all. It is not means-tested, just subject to grocery availability, so anyone can apply to have a pack for their family. Get in touch today by filling out an online form, calling at 07 4946 7850, or visiting at 14-20 Hazelwood Crescent, in Cannonvale.

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Proserpine Library recently hosted its first ‘How Do You Library?’ event on Saturday, February 15, which aimed to boost library membership and raise awareness about the diverse range of services libraries provide. This exciting initiative was made possible with the generous support of a State Library of Queensland microgrant.

The event offered a plethora of engaging activities for all ages, with special programming for adults, including the innovative ‘Make a Space’ project, a family-friendly ‘First Five Forever’ program, and new membership sign-ups.

Attendees were treated to exciting giveaways and grand prizes that added a touch of excitement to the day. Among the standout prizes was a set of JBL Wave Beam True Wireless Earphones and a chance to win a Lenovo Tab M11 + Pen (128GB) tablet, a highly coveted gadget.

In addition, existing members had the opportunity to take home exclusive goodies from the Book Tree, including stylish tote bags, reading accessories, and much more. The atmosphere was further enhanced by a creative bookmark competition and a delicious cake.

Library staff were overjoyed with the high turnout, as the event attracted a large number of people eager to engage with their local library. Alicia Mulcahy, one of the event organisers, expressed her enthusiasm for the event’s success and the overwhelming community participation:

“Organising events like these can always be a little nerve-wracking, especially the first one, as Proserpine is the first stop in a series of four expos we’re doing in our community,” she said.

“We’re also bringing this event to Collinsville, Bowen, and wrapping things up in Cannonvale. The community’s response has really shown up!”

The event proved to be a resounding success, providing a fantastic opportunity for the community to connect with the library and explore the wide array of services it offers. Alicia took the time to explain just how valuable a library membership can be, highlighting not only access to physical resources but also a wealth of digital content:

“With a library membership, you get access not just to our physical collections but to our extensive online resources as well. We offer eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, and even an Audible account—absolutely free of charge.”

Alicia emphasised the library's unique position as a community hub:

“Everything in libraries is free, and we’re a place where you can come, connect with others, and not spend any money while enjoying all the resources we offer. It’s a space that brings people together and makes learning and entertainment accessible to all.”

The ‘How Do You Library?’ event was a clear success, leaving both participants and organisers eager for future opportunities to celebrate the valuable role libraries play in the community.

Future How Do You Library? Events:

Bowen Library: 8:45-11:45am, Saturday 22nd March

Collinsville Library: 9am-12pm, Friday 4th April

Cannonvale Library: 8:45-11:45am, Saturday 3rd May

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Caption 1: Kimko Asuke-rowe, Alison Hely, Helan Mckean, Alicia Mulcahy  and Tracy Staniland

Caption 2: Staff with the cake

Caption 3: The delicious cake at the Proserpine ‘How Do You Library?’ event

Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot

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Bowen Tourism and Business has welcomed to new volunteers to the team. The volunteers at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre play an integral role in the organisation, welcoming more than 50,000 visitors and travellers each year to their beautiful northern region.

Husband and wife team, Ray and Kim Tannock, are originally from the Burdekin and have retired in Bowen after travelling around Australia for more than two years. They loved visiting the visitor Information centres on their trip and gained a lot of helpful knowledge.

They now want to give back to our community and support the travellers coming to our region. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said that Ray and Kim were a very welcome addition, expanding the team to beyond 15 volunteers who help out at the centre every week.

“They all greet every visitor with a smile, and they are all a wealth of local knowledge, advising on our eight secluded beaches, beautiful bushwalks and lookouts, murals and other attractions,” she said.

The Bowen Visitor Information Centre is located right next to the iconic Big Mango and is operated by Bowen Tourism and Business – a not-for-profit organisation with about 200 members.

The award-winning centre is also a booking agency for tours and accommodation throughout the greater Whitsundays region and beyond. So, if you’re looking for some good, touristy advice and a frosty mango treat in this warm weather, visit the Big Mango and the Bowen Visitor Information Centre soon!

Caption: Kim and Ray, the new volunteers at the Centre.

Despite heavy rain and flooding across the region, 22 local business representatives gathered at Filby’s Motors on February 12 for the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Pop-Up Chamber: Possibilities for Proserpine event. The meeting brought together Proserpine businesses to discuss key opportunities, challenges, and how to work together to drive progress for the town.

“At the heart of this meeting, it's about (...) collaborating together, and identifying the key challenges and opportunities here in Proserpine by working together,” said Jannah Baker, Chamber Board Member.

With many businesses impacted by recent flooding, there was strong emphasis on the importance of business feedback to ensure support is directed where it is needed most. Participants were encouraged to engage with the Queensland Government Disaster Recovery Survey, which helps decision-makers understand the full extent of the impact and allocate recovery funding effectively.

“The Chamber wants to ensure that businesses can provide feedback in a way that works for them. Whether it’s through direct discussions with us or via the Queensland Government Disaster Recovery Survey, sharing your experience is vital in securing the right support,” Jannah added.

The strong engagement from local businesses confirmed broad support for a Proserpine Sub-Committee, which will focus on business-driven initiatives to enhance economic growth, connectivity, and advocacy for the region. Insights gathered from this discussion will shape the agenda for the first Sub-Committee meeting, ensuring a focus on real priorities for the town.

The Chamber encourages all Proserpine businesses to get involved and help shape the future of their local economy. To share your ideas or participate, contact Jannah at admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au or visit www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au.

If your business has been affected by flooding, complete the Queensland Government Disaster Recovery Survey - https://www.business.qld.gov.au/disaster-survey to ensure funding is allocated where it's needed most.

Caption: All the local businesses that attended the Chamber meeting. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton

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The Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry asked a number of 2024 Whitsunday Business Award winners what their 2025 New Year Business Resolutions are.  

Chloe Bauer of Bird’s Fish Bar, the 2024 Bowen Business of the Year shared their goals:  

• To host more community-focused events, blending live music and great seafood experiences.

• Strengthen sustainable practices in seafood sourcing and operations.

• Invest in upgraded equipment to enhance service quality and efficiency.

• Collaborate with local businesses to support regional growth.

• Continue to create a welcoming space where locals and visitors can enjoy the best of Bowen.

Eastwoods Dining received the 2024 Award for Most Outstanding Whitsundays Hospitality Venue. Their priorities for the year ahead centre on business growth and include:  

• Work with Tourism Whitsunday and the Whitsunday Council to promote our region’s food and wine scene and drive tourism to Airlie Beach for it.  

• Upskilling our team to develop our next culinary and hospitality leaders.

• Continuing to create new and exciting menu offerings for our guests.  

• Run another special event or two.  

• Improving the guest experience through offering attentive and informative service, and actively listening to guest feedback.  

Kate Purdie and Dawn Romanella of Coral Sea Marina Resort – the 2024 Whitsundays Business of the Year – are focusing on the following in their pursuit in positioning themselves as the premier marina resort on the Great Barrier Reef:

• Delivering outstanding guest experiences.

• Developing and retaining an industry-leading team.

• Driving domestic and international visitation to our business and the businesses of our operators and tenants.  

• Leveraging industry partnerships to grow the business.  

• Actively contribute to impactful environmental and community initiatives.  

What are your new year business resolutions? What do you hope to achieve in 2025?

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Looking for a loving companion? Cosmo, a sweet 12-month-old male cat, is the one for you! Rescued from death row, this affectionate and chatty kitty is ready to bring joy into your home.

Cosmo is incredibly friendly and loves nothing more than cuddling up with his humans. His calm and easygoing nature makes him great with other cats, and he shows no signs of aggression.

While he's not too interested in toys, he’s more than happy to just chill by your side, soaking up all the love and attention you have to offer.

If you're looking for a calm, talkative, and loving feline friend, Cosmo is your guy! Come meet him today and make his second chance his forever home.

If you'd like to adopt Cosmo contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc:

• Phone: 0459 757 455

• Facebook: Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue

• Email: bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com

Rehoming fee: $170

Age: 12 months

Sex: Male

Cats: yes

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From 1888 – 1904, John and Jeannie Withnall braved deprivation and loneliness as sawmillers on Whitsunday Island.  They stand as a monument of pioneering enterprise and determination.

John Withnall arrived in Bowen from England in 1884 just after a tropical cyclone had devastated Bowen. Carpenter by trade, he had no trouble immediately finding work. One of his first jobs was building a homestead for the Emmersons at Amelia Vale west of Proserpine, walking there from Bowen. While then building a home at Eton Vale, he met his wife, Jeannie, a native of Edinburgh.

Their foray into sawmilling began when they acquired a sawmill in the town of Bowen, eventually relocating to the banks of the Proserpine River as the town was developing at the time. John paid many visits to Whitsunday Island and realised its opportunity to provide him with a living as well as repaying the £300 loan given to him to purchase the Bowen venture.

In 1888, he and Jeannie and their son, Jack moved to Whitsunday Island and chose Cid Harbour as the site for their home and sawmill.

It was no mean feat transporting all the heavy mill equipment, including a steam plant, by small craft and landing it on the beach. While the mill was being erected, the family was safely installed under canvas. John set about the task of providing the necessary water to work the mill. He and two men he brought with him to the island constructed a dam with an estimated capacity of 60000 gallons and water was then piped to the mill site; a distance of 400 yards.

There was much timber on the island, mostly top-quality hoop pine. Cedar was also brought over from the mainland and Long Island and milled for export. There were four timber cutters and two teams of bullocks which were used for snigging the timber from where it was cut on the plateau to where the logs were then slid down a roughly cleared track into the sea; joined together and rafted around the island to the mill site. Once sawn and loaded onto boats, the timber was taken to Bowen, Proserpine, Mackay, Townsville and Rockhampton.

While John constructed the mill and built up a trade to maintain its operation, life for his wife, Jeannie, must have been much more difficult. She raised her six children in isolation and often hostile surroundings where she was the lone white women. On one occasion, when unable to go to Bowen because of bad weather for the birth of her baby, the child was stillborn. On another occasion, during a tribal fight, daughter Beatrice was struck by a tomahawk thrown by one of the aborigines. There was the time that they nursed a number of French convicts who had escaped from New Caledonia until they could be taken to Bowen. Supplies brought in only every three months from Bowen and rarely was there any fresh meat. The cattle that had been taken to the island went bush and died after eating wild peach.

In 1904, after sixteen years, the mill and home were dismantled, transported and re-erected in Bowen. John Withnall returned to his trade and he also took up farming. He died in 1950, aged 88 years; Jeannie having predeceased him several years earlier.  

Timber from Whitsunday Island played an important role in the building of early North Queensland. Most of the original commercial buildings in Bowen and other towns, contained this timber; so too did many homes. We are indeed indebted to the adventurous spirit, self-reliance and courage of the Withnalls.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum. Information also sourced from “Proserpine Guardian” January 5 &12 1989.

Caption: Withnall's Sawmill Clearly showing pine trees in background

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Cane toads can be found everywhere across Queensland and persistent action needs to be taken to remove them. The Watergum Cane Toad Challenge came back again this year for their annual Great Cane Toad Bust event. With over 50,000 toads removed last year, they hoped to match that number and surpass it this season with state-wide help.

Being prolific breeders, Cane Toads are notorious pests producing up to 30,000 eggs at a time, and can live up to 10 years. They are toxic at all stages of their life cycle and when ingested, the toads’ skin and poison glands can kill many animals. They easily destroy ecosystems, devouring everything they can fit in their mouths as they are very resourceful omnivores.

The Great Toad Bust aims to put a stop to their spread, and one day remove them from Australia.

Thousands of participants across Queensland registered their efforts over the week-long Cane Toad Challenge event showing just how many toads they could remove to protect their own communities from this invasion. Studies show control efforts like specialised traps, can remove up to 47% of cane toads from localised populations and the Watergum website has many helpful tips on how to trap and humanly euthanise the toads.

If you want to help your local wildlife thrive again or just keep your own farm’s dam clear from pests, then get toad hunting! Though the event may be over, there are still plenty of toads about. Congratulations to everyone who went busting and set the new record at over 115,000 cane toads removed from all stages of live. Check out the results and see how you can help out: watergum.org/greatcanetoadbust/ Happy busting!

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Huge toad busted weighing at 420g. Photo Credit: Mt Barney Lodge Facebook

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