Close to 25 people helped Lyn Burke and Lloyd Fox with their annual flag laying at the Proserpine Cemetery on Sunday.

Nearly 400 flags were laid beside war veteran’s graves as a sign of respect and thanks for their service.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, provided the flags and assisted Lyn and the others in placing them at the grave sites.

He said, “It was humbling to see parents bring their children along to ensure we never forget.”

Lyn shared similar remarks and said, “It was great to see the next generation come and be interested.”

Lyn is member of Whitsunday Old Iron Restorers Club and managed to get the whole group involved in the flag laying.

Members noticed that some soldiers in the old cemetery have a white cross, and they believe this is not enough.

With money raised, the Whitsunday Old Iron Restorers Club are planning to replace the white crosses and give the deserving soldiers headstones with their appropriate emblem.

Lyn and Lloyd started caring for the veteran grave sites over eight years ago and are grateful for all the help they’ve received during that time.

Lyn joked that without people’s help, they would be out all day laying the flags.

Spending many hours researching the military men and women who have been laid to rest at the cemetery, Lyn and Lloyd thought they knew everything possible to know about the site.

That was until last Friday, when somebody alerted Lyn about a soldier.

With deeper research, Lyn identified the soldier and found that he died in 1920 at Gallipoli.

It is fascinating discoveries like this that keeps Lyn dedicated to the broader mission of preserving the military history of our region.

Lyn thanked everyone in attendance on the day and added that “We really appreciate Andrew, and we couldn’t be more grateful for him and his office.”

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Federal Member For Dawson Andrew Willcox MP with members of the Whitsunday Old Iron Restorers Club at the flag laying ceremony at Proserpine Cemetery on Sunday. Photos supplied

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With a husband feeling unwell on the day the family had booked a scenic helicopter flight to Whitehaven Beach, Sara Adams had a spare ticket and didn’t want to waste the experience.

Without a thought, she posted on the Hamilton Island Visitors Facebook group and asked if anyone would like to join her and her daughter on the adventure.

Kylie Milloy was first to respond, so her, Sara and her daughter travelled to Whitehaven together.

They were dropped at Whitehaven Beach, where they had the beach to themselves.

“It was a really cool experience, the pilot left us on the beach and there was no one in sight,” said Sara.

Kylie and Sara enjoyed a bottle of bubbles and got to know each other.

The morning also involved some relaxing on the beach and some swimming.

The three had a time day and Kylie offered to pay Sara for the experience, but she refused.

Sara believes in giving more than you take and said she didn’t even think of selling it.

“It’s a nice thing to pass on,” she said.

Later, Sara went back to the Facebook group and told the community about the experience.

“For everyone following along . . . I wasn’t a seral killer!” she said.

“We had a beautiful morning.”

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Strangers become friends. Photos supplied.

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The winner of the Young Achievers Indigenous Award from this years’ Queensland Indigenous Tourism Awards came to the region last week as part of a culture exchange and mentorship program.

Kruze “Gurruhman” Summers from Yarriba Cultural Experience, located in the Scenic Rim area of the Gold Coast Hinterland, was invited to the region to see first-hand how Whitsunday tourism operators conduct their services.

Working closely with local tourism veteran and mentor, Elizabeth Hacket, Kruze was connected with a variety of inspiring fellow travel professionals including Ocean Rafting and Red Cat Adventures.

“It was wonderful to experience tourism in the Whitsundays and it showed me how I can aspire to build my business through mentoring sessions,” shared Kruze.

“To experience the professionals and what I can aspire to be myself.

“I loved the Country and the people – everyone was very inspiring, respectful and enthusiastic.”

During his visit, Kruze also went on a bush walk with Judy Porter from Shiift, describing it as a “good environment to talk business with me.”

A Ugarapul and Bidjra man, Kruze is passionate about representing his people and sharing his culture with others.

He feels deeply appreciative of the opportunities given to him in the Whitsundays and has vowed to make the most of all the kind gestures and connections.

“I am feeling very blessed,” he said.

“I am trying to take full advantage of everything, I don’t want to waste anyone’s time and I’m embracing it all while I can.”

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Kruz Summers (centre) with Ocean Rafting Crew and Jade Richardson from Tourism Whitsundays. Photo supplied

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A small step towards improving the local social housing supply has finally taken shape with the completion of 12 new homes in Cannonvale.

Located opposite the shopping centre and within easy walking distance to the school and bus-stop, the units will provide a small, safe community for those in need in the Whitsundays.

They comprise two, two-bedroom units and 10 single occupancies.

The ground level includes four, one-bedroom homes designed to Gold Level accessibility standards.

These include features such as level thresholds, wider doorways, hallways and clearances, and features such as wall ovens.

The two, one-bedroom homes on the ground level are designed to Platinum Level accessibility and have additional clearance and circulation spaces.

These homes also include features such as lower kitchen benchtops and removable cupboards under the kitchen sink and cooktop, making them particularly suitable for people who mobilise in wheelchairs.

The multi-purpose space in these Platinum Level homes could be used as storage, a study, or as space for an overnight guest.

Housing Minister, Meaghan Scanion said these homes are a positive step in the right direction.

“These homes show that we’re serious about building more homes for Queenslanders through our plan,” she said.

Fergus Builders were the main contractors on the new Cannonvale complex and company Director, Adam Wright, said it was important to contribute to such a far-reaching social issue.

“Obviously it’s quite in your face these days, the housing crisis, and delivering more social housing is just one-way to help ease that,” he stated.

“If they really want to hit those targets then there’s going to be a lot more projects like this that have to come up,” he added.

Joanne Moynihan, Chief Operating Officer of The Whitsunday Housing Company said she is thrilled to see this project come to fruition.

“It’s something we really need,” she said.

“Single accommodation is in very high demand, and we have more on our wait list for social housing than ever before, it has increased significantly in the last six to 12 months.

“With less properties available and less affordable rentals and purchases, it has pushed the demand up.

“People who wouldn’t normally apply for social housing are now applying because they have no other options.”

This project is part of the state’s social housing initiative to build 53,500 social homes in Queensland by 2046.

Local non-for-profit group, The Tiny Homes Project, is also close to receiving DA approval and is expected to soon break ground on the construction of five ‘tiny homes’ in Proserpine.

These homes will be allocated for women over 55 who are homeless.

A third housing project in Bowen is also underway.

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Fergus Builders employee, Training & Skills Development Minister Lance McCallum and Fergus Builders Director, Adam Wright outside the new social home complex in Cannonvale. Photo supplied

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Operating across a vast and remote waterway, Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Whitsundays, had previously been working with basic equipment in a small central office where they conducted both large and small-scale emergency tasks.

Fortunately, this has all changed thanks to the construction of a new hi-tech headquarters that is finally enabling them to conduct operations with ease and efficiency.

The central headquarters, located on the second floor of the building has been expanded to neatly four times the size and is equipped with large smart-TV screens where information can be shared in real time.

The new radio room has also been updated with some of the most modern technology, easy to use electronic touchscreens and Bluetooth speakers.

These new gadgets allow all operations to be conducted through digital instead of radio channels, which means they are more reliable and able to be accessed from further afield.

“It’s pretty impressive stuff!” said long term volunteer, Roger Wodson.

“We also have a recorder on so that if the operator is on one thing it will be recording what the operator is doing, but if another channel comes in, it will start recording that as well.

Previously VMR Whitsunday had to reply upon a telephone connection that came in through the radio channel if the volunteer was not on-site at the time of the emergency call.

This meant that the radio signal could get lost, and possibly the individual making the emergency call.

“This new system means that when the phone holder goes on roster, you'll get a phone, and you get a laptop, you open the laptop, and he can actually talk through the laptop to the guy in trouble out there.”

The new system is extremely accurate and ensures everything can be conducted quicker and that people in emergency situation will be safer.

VMR Whitsundays covers 13,000 square kilometres and their furthest recorded journey was a 12 hour round trip.

The new building and equipment was made possible by joint funding of $900,000, including both Federal grants and local sponsorship and donations.

The application for funding was initially driven by Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP and then pursued by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox who secured the Federal funding.

The facility can now be used as a central headquarters for emergency marine operations and is also a community asset, available for meetings and gatherings at minimal fee.

Operating across a vast and remote waterway, Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Whitsundays, had previously been working with basic equipment in a small central office where they conducted both large and small-scale emergency tasks.

Fortunately, this has all changed thanks to the construction of a new hi-tech headquarters that is finally enabling them to conduct operations with ease and efficiency.

The central headquarters, located on the second floor of the building has been expanded to neatly four times the size and is equipped with large smart-TV screens where information can be shared in real time.

The new radio room has also been updated with some of the most modern technology, easy to use electronic touchscreens and Bluetooth speakers.

These new gadgets allow all operations to be conducted through digital instead of radio channels, which means they are more reliable and able to be accessed from further afield.

“It’s pretty impressive stuff!” said long term volunteer, Roger Wodson.

“We also have a recorder on so that if the operator is on one thing it will be recording what the operator is doing, but if another channel comes in, it will start recording that as well.

Previously VMR Whitsunday had to reply upon a telephone connection that came in through the radio channel if the volunteer was not on-site at the time of the emergency call.

This meant that the radio signal could get lost, and possibly the individual making the emergency call.

“This new system means that when the phone holder goes on roster, you'll get a phone, and you get a laptop, you open the laptop, and he can actually talk through the laptop to the guy in trouble out there.”

The new system is extremely accurate and ensures everything can be conducted quicker and that people in emergency situation will be safer.

VMR Whitsundays covers 13,000 square kilometres and their furthest recorded journey was a 12 hour round trip.

The new building and equipment was made possible by joint funding of $900,000, including both Federal grants and local sponsorship and donations.

The application for funding was initially driven by Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP and then pursued by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox who secured the Federal funding.

The facility can now be used as a central headquarters for emergency marine operations and is also a community asset, available for meetings and gatherings at minimal fee.

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VMR Whitsundays President Mal Priday and long term volunteer Roger Wodson at the new hi-tech radio station. Photo Credit: Rachael Smith

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Early bird tickets for the revitalised Whitsundays Writers Festival are going on sale this week and organisers are expecting them to be snapped-up quickly with some of the most popular ticketed events capped at 100 seats.

Attracting an enticing range of highly-acclaimed authors, this years’ event will welcome big names such as Shankari Chandran, Garry Disher, Sally Hepworth, Kirsty Manning, Christos Tsiolkas, Anne Buist, Graeme Simsion, Karina Kilmore, Melissa Ashley, Jack Roney, Joy Damousi, and Nick Earls.  

The Early Bird ticket sales will open on Monday 29 April and include full-program 3-day tickets only.
An exciting line-up awaits with the Friday featuring an author keynote and conversations followed by Poetry Karaoke from 5pm at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

Saturday commences with the Whitsundays Literary Heart Award presentations and author conversations at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

This is followed by the Big Book Club High Tea at My Rainbow Bakery and then a lively Saturday Sundowner event in Airlie Beach.

The event culminates with a series of morning workshops at the Whitsunday Sailing Club on the Sunday, followed by the Local Author Long Lunch at the Whitsunday Marine Club.

The action-packed timetable offers attendees a range of diverse events that will not only stimulate the mind but also inspire a love of the Whitsundays, with venues hand-picked to offer stunning views of our region.

Festival Chair, Karen Jacobsen, said she is thrilled to see the event take-off again this year after an eight-year hiatus.

“It’s not often we have the opportunity to meet renowned national and international writers and at the same time, support our local authors,” she said.

“This will be a landmark event for the Whitsundays and a golden opportunity for regional Queensland to add a substantial literary gem to its arts calendar.”

Standard Early Bird tickets for the full program are $320 (plus GST) and $249 (plus GST) for concession card holders and students. Early Bird registrations close 31 May with ticket price increases taking effect 1 June.
Single day, single session, and special event tickets will be released at a later date.  
For ticket inclusions, terms and conditions, please visit the Festival’s website.

WHAT: The Whitsundays Writers Festival
WHEN: 6-8 September
TICKETS: On sale from April 29
www.whitsundayswriters.com

Some of the familiar faces appearing at the 2024 Whitsundays Writers Festival
Shankari Chandran
Garry Disher
Sally Hepworth
Christos Tsiolkas

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Sergeant QX 11351 Arthur William Lum Wan, who was known to everyone as “Joe”, was born in Mackay on June 7 1915. He spent his early years in Proserpine where his family ran the local emporium. He had four younger brothers and two sisters. Sadly, both his parents died under tragic circumstances when Joe was in his teens, leaving the eldest sister to raise the family and maintain their shop for an income. (Older Proserpine folk may remember Lum Wan’s Store in the spot where the Canegrowers’ building now stands.)

Joe’s childhood years were spent fishing, hunting and horse riding with his life-long mate, Bunny Rudd. Later, but still in their teens, they both excelled at ballroom dancing. Together, they enlisted and trained in Miowera on July 15 in 1940 and joined the 2/26th Battalion 8th Division. While in disembarkment camp in Grovely, Joe and Bunny attended dances at Cloudland. It was there that Joe met Jessie Gardiner, the love of his life, when he was looking for a partner with whom to do a whirl around the floor.

Soon he was shipped overseas. Joe fought on the Malaysian Peninsula until the fall of Singapore in February 1942. He was captured and sent to Changi prison. Three and a half long years in Changi tested his spirit. Despite the awful treatment and conditions, he never felt any animosity towards the Japanese soldiers after witnessing the deprivation that they also suffered at the hands of their superiors.

Joe ran the administration of the gaol’s hospital and he was able to slip under the fence and barter for medicine and eggs for the inmates. During one of these raids to get fuel, he was badly injured, and with very few medical supplies, the other prisoners sewed up his wounds with cotton thread and buttons. He bore a massive scar on his abdomen for life.

At war’s end, Joe was recovered from Changi on September 5 1945 and returned to Australia arriving on September 27 1945 on the hospital ship “Oranje”. From there he was sent first to Greenslopes Hospital and eventually discharged on December 12 1945.  It was at Greenslopes where he and Jessie found one another again. His granddaughter said, “One of the only times I ever saw Pa get teary was when he related the story of his reunion with Jess.” He courted Jess until their marriage in 1948. They had two children, Kay and Jeffrey.

Joe was mentioned in dispatches for actions during the Fall of Singapore. His citation reads: His majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve that Sergeant Lum Wan be mentioned in Dispatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Malaya in 1942. The “Proserpine Guardian” (September 13, 1946) reported on “the NCO’s keen sense of duty to his men in the face of the enemy.” “During a tight spot in the Malayan campaign when cut off from his platoon by the advancing Japanese, he led his section to safety through the enemy lines to re-join his unit.”

“Pa” Joe proudly marched in every Anzac Parade after his repatriation and in retirement he stepped up his involvement with the 2/26th Battalion 8th Division of the Australian Army, the Gallopers, with fortnightly lunches at the Chinese Club in the Fortitude Valley. He was very active with the major commemorations of the fall of Singapore and its liberation. His job at these reunions was to provide the women’s prizes of boxed chocolates. Joe was a favourite with the ladies at these functions!
Joe was also very active with the POW Association and attended several national conventions. He toured Thailand’s Hell Fire Pass and Singapore in the 1980s and 90s, remembering fallen colleagues.

His last overseas trip was in 2004 for a family wedding. Joe was nearly 90 and handled the cold of the Canadian winter very well, enjoying the snow again 60 years after Bathurst, where he had completed his army training. Joe always said Bathurst was the coldest hole ever to have an army camp. Arthur William Lum Wan passed away in 2014, aged 99 years.

Lest we forget

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

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In our ‘Out And About’ segment with Tourism Whitsundays, we showcase the team and share how connected they are with local tourism.

In this feature Jade Richardson, from Tourism Whitsundays invites you along with her as she takes trips around our beautiful region and shares her experiences with you.

Her most recent visit included a trip for her and her family to Daydream Island Resort and Living Reef.

With the staff’s exceptional hospitability and service, they all felt like a VIP from the first welcome and throughout their stay.

Their days were filled with activities such as table tennis matches, the Cockatoo Kids Club, fish feeding, underwater exploration, close encounters with rays at the living reef and snorkelling at Lovers Cove.

On relaxing days they enjoyed refreshing dips in the pool, and for the adults taking some well-deserved relaxation at the swim-up bar.

Evenings involved, sunset strolls around the island, unwinding in their luxurious poolside rooms, enjoying movies and delightful room service or with a delectable alfresco dinner overlooking the water at Salti.  

Jade said it was a truly unforgettable family-friendly experience, showcasing the stunning beauty of the Whitsunday Islands. 

For more exciting outings, keep an eye on Tourism Whitsundays Facebook page. And if you're considering joining Tourism Whitsundays, reach out to Jade at Jade.richardson@tourismwhitsundays.com.au to start your journey today. 

Daydream Island.
Jade Richardson
Photos Supplied

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Did you know you can claim a tax deduction for putting up to $27,500 into your super? That means if you put say $10,000 into your super, you could get a tax refund of up to $4,700 depending on what you earn.

Tax deductible contributions into super are taxed at 15% on the way into the fund.  You then claim them as a tax deduction in your personal income tax return and if you’re earning between $45,000 and $120,000 than you get a personal tax refund of 34.5%.  

If you’re earning under $45,000 the refund is 21% and if earning over $120,000 it’s 39%. That’s pretty handy, it’s like the government giving you an immediate return of 6% to 24% on your money on top of any actual interest it earns. On top of that you’ve put it away where it should grow to fund a good retirement lifestyle, smart.

As always, the devil is in the detail so get some advice. The $27,500 is the current annual cap on tax deductible contributions but remember these include the compulsory super your boss pays in. From 1st July that annual cap goes to $30,000 for the new financial year.  

If you super balance is under $500,000, you may also have the option to make ‘catch up concessional contributions’. This allows you to make up for the last 5 years unused concessional contribution cap. I.e., if you’ve only had $10,000 go in per year the extra, unused $17,500 carries forward and you could make a huge contribution in one year.  

Your accountant can run a simple ATO report showing what you’ve got available in catch up contributions or you can get it from your MyGov if you have the ATO linked.  

As of 1st July 2024, any unused cap from the 2018 Financial Year drops off so you should at least consider catching that up before 30th June, or it’s gone. This is especially true for self-employed people who often neglect their super, which can come back to haunt them at retirement.

The key to making big financial decisions, just like making a big purchase, is doing your homework. You wouldn’t buy a boat or caravan without some research. How much is your boss paying in? What about Salary Sacrifice? What is your carried forward allowance? Are you confident your existing super fund is good value and is getting a good return?  

These are the sort of things that financial planners will work out, often with the assistance of your accountant. They should also provide some guidance around the right investment choice within your existing super or recommend a better super fund if required. Start the conversation now so you have time to make a good decision before 30th June. Plenty of people get caught each year by leaving it too late.

If you think you could benefit from a discussion with a Financial Planner, give us a call on 49467359 of visit www.eclipsefp.com.au. There’s no obligation, the first meeting is free and all fees are spelled out clearly in advance.

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We get it, no matter what industry, we are all time poor. However, it’s time to get our collective heads out of our a!#ss and stop rewarding ‘busyness’. Why? Because today’s society pays homage and respect to those who are busy – we celebrate it, it’s one of the first questions we ask. “How are you? You busy?” However, for many, ‘busyness’ is a waste of time and doesn’t get much done.
 
We need to start rewarding effectiveness, not just random ‘busyness’. Busyness is one’s ability to run around making a lot of comments, noises, disruptions but not really getting much done. Effectiveness is the opposite – we plan, we implement, and we work methodically towards an outcome.
 
How do we turn a culture around and stamp out ‘busyness’? By being clear and consistent in our communication and directions, ensuring team members understand what their outcomes for each day, week and month are. 
 
Perhaps you are in a role which is 50% reactive and cannot be planned out due to phones, customers, breakdowns etc. Understanding what percentage of each day / week can actually be planned for ensures we create realistic workloads and don’t burn out our most loyal workers. Step back and identify reactive vs proactive roles in your business. Which ones can have planned outcomes and which ones need space for reactive tasks. 
 
Understanding and identifying these differences ensures you can set your team up for success by planning for only the portion that can realistically be planned for. Your team members will be able to leave with a sense of achievement each day rather than overwhelmed and de-motivated.
 
And instead of rating people on how busy they are – whether team-mates, colleagues or friends – let’s lead with “How are you today? You’re looking well.

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With locals giving feedback, the Bowen Jetty’s future is shaping up to be what the community wants.

Current CEO of North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP), Brendan Webb, asked the community how they would like to use the jetty, what improvements are needed and if they have ideas for the future.

He said, “Eight key themes were consistently raised through our engagements; amenities, history, accessibility, education, ecology, fishing, recreation and commercial activities.”

“We are also building our understanding of the cultural values of significance of the jetty through regular engagement with Juru Elders and representatives of the broader Juru community.

“Emerging themes from our conversations include the protection and preservation of local marine life and their habitat and acknowledging the Juru people’s history and their connection to Sea Country.”

The project team is now reviewing all the feedback for consideration in the design development.

“We will prioritise what is important to locals and how the Bowen Jetty can meet the community needs for generations to come,” Mr Webb said.

In June, two design options will be presented to the community for further feedback.

The refurbishment of Bowen Jetty is possible due to the Queensland Government, in June 2023, allocating $50 million, to ensure the Bowen Jetty remains safe and accessible to the public.

NQBP are responsible for the jetty’s refurbishment.

During an assessment of the jetty, studying its condition, identifying refurbishment, and comparing refurbishment to rebuilding the structure, it was found that they would exceed the $50 million if they were to conduct whole-of-life repairs.

With those plans exceeding the $50 million budget, an initial refurbishment could be achieved within the budget allocated, but over time, further enhancements and refurbishments would exceed this.

After hearing from local residents, business operators, community groups, school students, elected representatives and tourism operators, NQBP are working on designs that the community will approve of whilst also sticking within their budget.

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North Queensland Bulk Ports pop up at the Multicultural Fair
Bowen Wharf enquiry by Design Workshop
Photos Supplied

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Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Crowds from all over the region visited the Bowen Come n Try event last weekend, some visitors from as far afield as the Burdekin and Mackay regions.

Families and children enjoyed the many activities on offer, one of the most popular was the Wildlife Whitsundays pop-up and the fun train ride.

The drumming class was also an exciting activity.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said it was great to see such a big crowd attended the Try Bowen Event.

“There were people of all ages and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.”

“It was pleasing that so many people travelled from Airlie Beach and the Burdekin to take part.

“We thank Whitsunday Regional Council for hosting the event in Bowen.”

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Photo credit: Daniel Heggie and Whitsunday Regional Council

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TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE, CLICK HERE

https://take.quiz-maker.com/poll5149571xbCc94a53-155

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Winner will be chosen and announced on 1st of May

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Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.
Plucking little seedlings out of the ground, roots and all, is something I still struggle with today but it is essential for a strong, pest and disease free vegetable garden.

Over planting is going to reduce air flow, encourage fungal growth, cause root competition and prevent foliage from being exposed to sunlight which is needed to dry off moisture and will reduce your plant’s ability to produce starches and sugars that give your vegetables flavour.

If you have planted from seed (as I always do), chances are you have too many seedlings popping out of the ground.  

It is easy to get caught out planting from seed. There are more seeds in a packet than you need, so the temptation is to be liberal and throwing in a few extras too close together is inevitable (unless you are extremely self-disciplined). Don’t stress, this is not a terrible practice as it enables you to thin out the weakest seedlings, leaving you with a plethora of strong plants.

So, cull now! Well, cull if they have their second set of leaves.
Imagine that seedling fully grown. Give it space from its companions. Look for the one that seems to be the strongest and remove any others around it.
This is the child you get to pick! And nurture to maturity. Choose well.

Be careful not to disturb the roots of seedlings you want to keep. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, so make sure you water your garden bed after you have completed the removal of additional plants, as this helps them settle into the soil again and remove any large air pockets that you may have created.  

Your new seedlings will grow very quickly, this makes them hungry feeders. They are going to require more assistance now than they will for the rest of their growing and producing lives. They’re going to need protection from the Whitsunday’s intense sunlight, on our blue sky beautiful days, which are numerous as we head into the picturesque Whitsunday winter. And they are going to require food themselves!

So, from three to four weeks out of the ground, I start liquid feeding with a weak solution of Seasol, once a fortnight.

I also use shade cloth over just about all of my garden beds - 25% shade cloth is optimal.
Not only does this assist in keeping the soil moist (yes, I hate that word too but it does describe the amount of water needed well), but it is also a fantastic barrier from pests, especially grasshoppers and cabbage moth!  I could not produce a successful patch without a shade cloth. Give it a go.

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