Growing a passion for innovation and mining careers for the next generation

Innovation, resourceful creation, and hands-on education were the theme last month, when the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) delivered two inspiring learning experiences in Mackay, thanks to support from Thiess.

With the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) on the precipice of reaching its target of 100 school partnerships by the end of 2023, Whitsunday Anglican School and St Patrick's College Mackay were proud to host QMEA workshops for the first time, which helped Mackay’s next generation mine valuable science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said physics, coding, and mining converged in two unforgettable events that allowed about 30 Year 7 and 8 students to discover the many exciting career pathways in Queensland’s world-class resources and energy sector.

“Students from Whitsunday Anglican College demonstrated their design and engineering prowess as they discovered the impressive forces behind non-compressible fluids,” Ms Jones said.

“Working in teams, students created and constructed a model-scale hydraulic arm to perform a specific function that mirrored real-world, mining industry applications. It was a great way for these bright young minds to see how simple physics concepts help the resources and energy sector make challenging tasks a simple feat.”

Thiess General Manager Mining – QLD, Chris Bourke said Thiess was committed to investing in the next generation, creating pathways to rewarding careers and delivering sustainable growth in communities like Mackay and the broader Whitsundays.

“As a business focussed on technology and innovation, we recognise the importance of helping students build skills that align with emerging careers in the resources sector,” Mr Bourke said.

“This program is an excellent opportunity for students to learn firsthand how STEM excellence could lead to local job opportunities at Thiess, or the broader mining industry.”

St Patrick's College Mackay Principal, Mrs Janelle Agius said the school was delighted to host their inaugural QMEA workshop, helping ignite students’ passion for STEM careers whilst further developing indispensable skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and problem solving.

“The room buzzed with creativity and inspiration as students engineered devices that flipped a coin into a cup without manual intervention, replicating dynamic, cutting-edge technology like coal sorting machines,” Mrs Agius said.

“Students then delved into reflection and refraction when they positioned a series of mirrors to navigate a laser beam around a fixed obstacle – another clever opportunity to demonstrate the criticality of STEM in everyday mining operations.

"Our new partnership with the QMEA reflects our commitment to nurturing young talent and empowering them with beneficial skills to embark on prosperous pathways after school.”

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools initiative, the QMEA seeks to broaden student and teacher knowledge of career opportunities in resources.

The academy encourages a talent pipeline of employees into vocational and professional careers, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation. The QMEA currently engages with 99 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.

Whitsunday Anglican School and St Patrick's College hosted QMEA workshops to inspire the next generation in STEM subjects. Photos supplied: QMEA

Bowen Community Centre is now officially open, with a special ceremony taking place last week.

In attendance were Member for Burdekin Dale Last, and Minister for Communities Leeanne Enoch, alongside local Councillors Jan Clifford and Michelle Wright.

The ceremony boasted more than an additional 30 attendees, with the Bowen Community Centre facilities officially opened.

The Centre is a purpose-built facility, and includes a large kitchen, meeting spaces and offices.

The new building cost $4.3 million, it was completed in late 2022 and has been fully operational since December the same year.

Since its completion, the Community Centre had expanded its program to include Emergency Relief, the No Interest Loan Scheme, Community Connect, an Op Shop, Tuckerbox Food Shop, Tuckerbox Kitchen and Volunteer Program.

It can now also service an additional 44 per cent more people than previously.

Minster Leeanne Enoch explained that “It’s great to hear that the new centre is already improving the wellbeing, resilience, safety and participation of community members by providing a client-centred hub where people can access a more diverse range of services, program, and activities.”

“Among the features of the new centre is a large kitchen, which will assist with the delivery of meals and food relief – a service that is relied upon by many in the community.”

“Other services on offer include advocacy, counselling, community activities, emergency relief, disability support for young people, aged care, domestic and family violence support, family support, youth support and homelessness support.”

Stephanie Cora, Executive Officer of the Bowen Community Centre was excited by the official opening.

“It’s so nice to have a place that’s big enough to accommodate community groups and new programs. From an old Queenslander, where we only had room for five people, to now having meeting rooms fitting up to 60, plus a large, commercially outfitted kitchen – it’s been amazing for our community.”

“We’ve been able to offer so many diverse programs in the last 12 months. This has led to a significant increase in people contacting us, participating in programs, and utilising the facilities. In 2022-23, we had 72,000 contacts, compared to 50,000 in 2021-22,” she explained.

“Being able to cater to the community’s diverse needs with programs tailored to our community, plus the growth we have experience as a centre has been extremely exciting.”

“We are so proud to have a purpose-built centre, which is such a beautiful space that we love and that we can share with the community, demonstrating how much they are valued.”

Dale Last, Member for Burdekin, Christine Coventry, Chairperson of Bowen Community Centre, Stephanie Cora, Executive Officer of Bowen Community Centre, Minister Leeanne Enoch, and John Finlay, Treasurer of Bowen Community Centre. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Hi Everyone,

Have you decided what you’re going to give this Christmas?

I’m not talking presents to loved ones (or yourself!), I’m talking about giving back, doing something for someone less fortunate.

Two years ago, I purchased a toy and gave it to Whitsunday Counselling and Support to go towards a family escaping domestic violence.

I asked my son to choose the present and told him to make it something he would really like himself.

I then explained that we would be giving it away to a boy his age who has nothing but will now have a present to open on Christmas day because of his kind gesture.

This pleased my son and he looked excited . . . that was until we had to handover the gift to a volunteer and be burst into tears claiming he wanted to keep it!

Last year, I played it safe and we bought several smaller gifts for different age-groups and fortunately he wasn’t so traumatised this time.

This year, however, I haven’t had time to buy a toy yet, so I have been feeling really sad about it.

At home one evening earlier this week I was wondering ‘how’ and ‘who’ I could help, while feeling a little overwhelmed about how I was going to do it this year.

That same evening a post of a family friend came up asking for donations that would go directly to another family whose daughter was battling a brain tumour.

All donations would be used to make this Christmas extra special.

I immediately donated $40 and while this was only a small amount, I felt like it was still a meaningful contribution, every little helps.

I don’t think it matters how we give this Christmas, it just matters that we give something.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Give, even if you have a little” (Buddha)

When Nadine Little’s daughter and husband visited Woolworths in Cannonvale a few weeks ago, they were surprised by the generosity of the grocery store’s staff.

Oceana, Nadine’s daughter, brought home a massive box of goodies, including sweet treats, an advent calendar, seafood sauce, a ham bag, and even a Naughty Elf figurine.

Oceana was even instructed to make sure to ask her family if they’d like to share the unexpected surprise.

Turning to Facebook, Nadine’s post attracted many other community members sharing similar stories of surprise gifts, with one woman explaining she received a bouquet of flowers from the store.

Sharon Gregory is the Customer Service Manager for Woolworths and was absolutely delighted to be gifting out hampers, a few hams and gift cards to unsuspecting shoppers.

“It’s a campaign called ‘My Woolies Weekend’, and it’s a great opportunity to give back and support our customers.”

“It feels good to give back to familiar faces, to regular customers, to acknowledge the customers that return to us for their shopping. Especially it feels great to give a gift when times are tough,” Sharon explained.

“It’s a nice opportunity to support our customers.”

Oceana and her dad were not the only unsuspecting recipients, with many other shoppers gifted with similar surprises over the weekend.

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Oceana with a Woolworths staff member. Photo supplied

The highly anticipated refurbishment of the Airlie Beach Boardwalk is complete, with the section between Pinnacles Resort and the VMR now upgraded to similar standards as the Coral Sea Marina section.

For 13 weeks, Stage 2 of this refurbishment was undertaken, in order to reinvigorate the boardwalk and meet the demand and expectations of residents and visitors who regularly use the boardwalk.

The project included widening the boardwalk by one metre, in order to increase user capacity and alleviate conflict between pedestrians and cyclists.

The timber of the boardwalk was also replaced with recycled composite fibre materials, which will extend the boardwalk’s lifetime significantly.

There are also additional lighting fixtures to help night time visibility and user safety.

The Stage 2 upgrades were officially opened by Deputy Mayor Gary Simpson at a ceremony last Friday, with users encouraged to make full use of the new boardwalk.

The opening coincided with Airlie Beach Parkrun’s 8th birthday celebrations and the expected influx of visitors due to school holiday break.

Plants Whitsunday was awarded the tender, with Wangers supplying the materials for the refurbishment, and the project was supported by the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant.

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Whitsunday Councillors, Council members and residents celebrating the newly opened boardwalk. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

This week marks the official end of the 2023 crushing season of Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ Proserpine Mill.

Group Manager Operations James Wallace said the last cane was crushed at 4.24pm on Saturday 9 December.

“We processed just over 1.7 million tonnes of sugarcane for the season, to manufacture about 240,000 tonnes of raw sugar,” Mr Wallace said.

“I’d like to thank all of our Proserpine employees for their hard work in processing this year’s crop. They’ve put in a stellar effort and should be proud of their achievements.

“I’d also like to thank the growers and harvesting operators for working with us to get the whole crop off.”

Mr Wallace said the 2023 season was characterised by a slightly smaller crop, but higher sugar content, due to the El Nino weather conditions.

“The total crop was about 5.5 per cent down on our pre-season estimate of 1.8 million tonnes, but the average yield was good at close to 84 tonnes per hectare,” Mr Wallace said.

“The drier conditions did support good sugar content this year. We ended up with a provisional season CCS of 14.52 units, which is above the original forecast.”

Proserpine Cane Supply Manager Jed Page commended harvesting operators for working hard to maintain a continuous supply of cane to the factory.

“We ensured there was a good flow of communication between our logistics team and the harvesting sector, and it resulted in good cane supply,” he said.

“The harvesting sector has a tough job to do, and we appreciate their dedication and hard work,” he said.

Mr Page said although the production season had ended, locos and track maintenance vehicles would continue to use the cane rail network over the coming months for bin maintenance and track work.

“Please continue to use your train brain and approach all cane crossings with caution.”

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Proserpine Mill employees mark the last bin for the 2023 season. Pictured, back from left, are Ryan Muller, Billie O’Brien, Debbie Taylor, Operations Superintendent Jamie Bell, and Letitia Taylor-Smith. At front, from left, are Mitchell Davis and Oliver Rasmussen. Photo supplied

Bowen’s claim to fame is back on the big screen, with Baz Lurhermann’s Australia being reimagined into a new six-part miniseries, called Faraway Downs.

The 2008 movie was filmed in Bowen, and pushed our small regional town into global stardom, with many local icons and personalities playing keys roles in the blockbuster film.

The Faraway Downs series features 2.1 metres of film that the original movie’s director, Baz Lurhmann, had kept in his possession and has not been seen until now.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said it was very exciting that Bowen was being featured again as part of this new series.

“It is currently being screened in the US which is fantastic news for Bowen,” she said.

“We are hoping this may spark some interest from Americans who will see the beauty of Bowen via this new series.

“The original movie was partially filmed here in Bowen in 2008 with the cast and crew spending several months in town.

“A lot of locals still recall talking to Hugh Jackman in the street and that Nicole Kidman celebrated her 40th birthday while in town.

“A lot of visitors to the Bowen Visitor Information Centre still ask us about the movie and what it was like in Bowen while it was being filmed.

“At Bowen’s Front Beach, there are story boards with information about the movie.”

Faraway Downs is available for streaming on Hulu, Star+ and Disney from now.

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Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman in ‘Australia’ reimagination. Photo supplied

It was a weekend of a lifetime for Robert Hendrickson at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music.

More affectionally known as Robbie, he was tasked with an important job for the festival, as an Accessibility Ambassador at the Main Tent, greeting people as they entered.

Robbie is part of Endeavour Foundation, who partnered with the Airlie Beach Festival of Music to sponsor an elevated accessibility platform for individuals of various abilities to be able to view the main stage from a great vantage point.

“The platform was especially for people with wheelchairs and mobility issues, which was so great to have,” explained Jody Flaherty, Endeavour Foundation’s Home and Community Site Manager for Cannonvale.

From here, attendees were able to watch and enjoy the main stage uninterrupted.

Robbie proved determined in his job, enthusiastically welcoming over 2000 people through the gates over the weekend, and handing out Endeavour Foundation wristbands.

“He was very well known over the weekend,” Jody explained.

He was even called up on stage with local musician David Flower and had a dance while the band played on.

“It was amazing,” Robbie said.

This is the third year Robbie attended the festival.

“But by far the best year,” he said.

Robbie has vowed to return as an Accessibility Ambassador next year.  For Robbie, greeting people was more than just a job — it was a way to exercise his independence, showcase his skills and feel part of the community.

“We wanted to give out some of our merchandise, and make sure people knew about the platform,” Jody explained.

“That’s why we had Robbie as a greeter.”

With the platform well utilised by people who needed it, the festival was enjoyed by all.

Budget airline Bonza has once again cancelled a range of services, including the scheduled launch of the new Whitsunday Coast Airport to the Gold Coast route.

Now postponed for the second time, Bonza reasons the delay due to the “regulatory process for the new aircraft joining the fleet,” as explained by Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza.

“As we’ve previously shared, in the short term we will use an aircraft leased from our partner Flair at our Gold Coast base whilst we recruit Aussie crew for this third base.

“This arrangement brings with it a separate regulatory approval process. That process is progressing but is not yet complete and, as a result, we’ve had to make the regrettable decision to defer some routes to/from the Gold Coast including Whitsundays.

“The new start date for the impacted routes is currently being worked through but we remain very committed to offering a service to regional Australia and deeply apologise for having to make this decision,” he said.

Whitsunday region locally grown produce has travelled onto the international centre stage, with the ‘Taste of Queensland’ Agricultural Trade delegation.

Travelling to Japan just over a week ago, the delegation was led by Queensland Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner and included horticultural growers from across North Queensland.

Ry Collins, Chief Executive Officer of Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, was a member of the delegation and commented, "This delegation has been a phenomenal opportunity to put North Queensland's world-class produce on the global stage.”

Showcasing the quality of the produce of the Whitsundays, the delegation aimed to promote further investment into Whitsunday agriculture.

Notable events included a 'Taste of Queensland' Horticulture celebration, where Queensland's finest fresh produce was presented to Japanese wholesale and retail buyers, demonstrating the quality and variety our region offers.

Additionally, growers had the opportunity to attend the Tokyo Ota markets, Japan's largest fresh produce wholesale market, further highlighting the significant potential of North Queensland's horticultural produce to a Japanese market of 125 million people.

Also on the schedule were important meetings with prominent supermarket chain, Yaoko, and businesses such as Salad Club, Kewpie, and Amelia Tomatoes, expanding further import opportunities and promoting local producers.

These events and meetings provided an invaluable platform for growers to display and taste-test their products directly with Japanese consumers.

“The potential for trade with Japan is immense, and we are excited about the prospects of expanding our market reach, which will not only benefit our growers but also contribute significantly to the economic growth prospects of our region,” Mr Collins explained.

“BGGA would like to thank the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Trade and Investment Queensland for inviting us to join Minister Furner’s Trade and Investment Mission to Japan this week and their support developing this key market”.

Taste of Queensland event with Minister Mark Furner and grower. Photo supplied

A huge thank you to all that attended the combined Tourism Whitsunday and Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce Christmas party. It was a great night with everyone enjoying the mixed company and relaxed format. As the Chamber looks forward to 2025, we look forward to working more closely with TW for the benefit of all our members.

Industrial Relations – Whilst it’s a busy time for all businesses, and many looking forward to a well-earned break, please don’t forget to keep an eye on new and existing industrial relations rules to ensure you are on top of your employment responsibilities.

These are industrial changes that have been in the pipeline for a while but took effect from December 6, 2023. There will be new requirements for employers regarding fixed term contracts that relate to how long they can be, how many times they can be renewed, and consecutive contracts with consequences to the employment status of that contractor – such that they become consider a full-time employee.

There are more industrial relations changes on the horizon with the national Closing Loopholes Bill considering a new definition for casual employment, the contested idea of wage theft, right of entry, and conditions for employee-like workers. It is not a time to be out of touch with IR changes.

The Chamber is exploring options to provide industrial relations expertise to its members to ensure they are informed and compliant moving forward. We understand many larger businesses will have inhouse HR expertise, but it is the small businesses in the region that will benefit from such a service. In the meantime, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman to learn more.

Next events – Keeping our members informed is a cornerstone of our education and events program. We have released dates for our 2024 calendar and invite you to save the date. See our website for details. The highlight of the calendar will be the Chamber’s inaugural Whitsundays Business Conference – a day of inspiring speakers, practical workshops, and networking – on Friday 31 May 2024. The entire business community is welcome.

As of this morning, the Cannonvale Skatepark is officially reopened to the public, and the timing is perfectly coordinated with the community gearing up for the inaugural Cannonvale Classic!

The skate park upgrades initially began with consultation with local skaters in 2021, as the previous skatepark was deemed unfit for more skilled skaters, too steep gradients on the quarter pipes and poor drainage throughout.

Stage 1 of the works created a street style park for beginners and intermediate skaters in August 2022.

The more recent Stage 2 of the project, saw the construction of a more complex bowl, creating a greater challenge for intermediate and advanced skaters.

The style of the new skate bowl means the park is now competition level, allowing the park to host a range of events and competitions.

The skatepark was officially opened at a ceremony this morning, much to joy of avid skaters, ready to perfect and practice their skills on the new facilities.

The first event to be held at the new park is the inaugural Cannonvale Classic, hosted by Mackay’s Grind Shine Skateboard Shop, beginning with a free learn to skateboard workshop, followed by a best tricks competition, bowl jam, and a team demo and free skate sessions.

The Classic will also host a range of prizes and giveaways, live music, and a food truck on site to take care of all attendees.

WHAT: Inaugural Cannonvale Classic

WHERE: Cannonvale Skatepark, 23 Coral Esplanade

WHEN: Saturday, December 16, from 3pm

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The inaugural Cannonvale Classic this weekend! Photos supplied

The new competition bowl unveiled at Cannonvale Skatepark

The entrepreneurial spirit runs deep with 13-year-old Zac Courtie, the savvy young businessman who is behind Zac’s Airlie Carwash.

What started out as a small neighbourhood job washing his mums’ and neighbour’s cars for pocket money, has since snowballed into a full-blown business operation which has seen Zac’s services in high demand over the Christmas period.

And Zac’s mum, Kylie Thomson, could not be prouder.

“What I love most is the feedback we get, of how much of a lovely young man he is,” she explained.

Coming into the school holidays, Zac is almost completely booked, often working more than five days a week, and ensuring the very best for his clients.

His love for cars fuels his business.

“I really like cars,” Zac said.

“I want to wash a super expensive car one day.”

And what’s his dream car?

Of course a Lamborghini Huracan. “No particular colour, just a Lamborghini Huracan,” Zac said.

“It’s awesome to see him get out there,” Kylie explained.

“He has this wish list as long as you can imagine, and this is a great way for him to get his own money.”

The first item Zac is hoping to tick off the wish list is a new phone, with him making sure he gets the best deal possible.

“He is just so wise behind his years, and I’m so proud him,” said his mum.

Zac offers two levels of car wash service, the Basic package and the Zac Attack Package.

“The Zac Attack is most popular!” Zac explains.

This option has him completely washing the exterior of the car, including wheels, and vacuuming the interior, followed by a complete interior clean, windscreen washer fluid top up, and even a nice surprise to make sure the car smells great.

To book in with Zac, visit his Facebook page, Zac – Zac’s Airlie Carwash.

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Entrepreneurial local legend, 13-year-old Zac Courtie with his mum Kylie Thomson. Photo credit: Rachael Smith and Bronte Hodge

When you head out to do your Christmas shopping this festive season, consider shopping local, keep your dollars within our community, and ensure small business keep flourishing.

That’s the ethos behind Local 4 Locals in Bowen, an initiative that’s been thriving within the community for years and continues to grow momentum.

And for this special season, Locals 4 Locals Bowen is rewarding those shopping local.

Once you make a purchase at one of the 33 participating local small businesses, you’ll be given a ticket, to write your name and number down on.

It will then be dropped into the box and your name could be drawn on one of three Friday night draws.

“We had our first draw last Friday,” explained Wendy Bickhoff, owner and operator of Coral’s City to Country. “Which was worth about $1000 in vouchers.”

The second draw is due to take place this evening and the last draw will be next Friday where an impressive $1500 in vouchers and a food hamper will be up for grabs.

Wendy is excited to see shoppers choosing to spend their money with local small business.  

“We want people to come and look at local business,” she explained.

Locals 4 Locals also hosted a Street Party and Markets, which saw close to 1000 people shopping in Bowen main street earlier this month.

“Hillary Group donated the lollies that Santa gave out, and Whitsunday Regional Council donated street closure permits and lighting, along with SES.”

So, this Christmas, consider shopping local in one of the 33 participating Bowen small businesses and help give back to the Bowen community.

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Santa visits Coral’s City To Country, Bowen Pools and More, and BurnupsFurniture as part of the Locals For Locals initiative. Photos supplied

Ensuring the smooth and safe operation of our record-breaking Whitsunday Coast Airport is a key role for newly appointed Airport Operations Manager Andrew Elliott.

Having worked continuously in Aviation since starting his career as an apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Engineer at ASTA Aircraft Services in 1989, Andrew now has over 34 years’ experience in aviation and has worked for every major airline in Australia and some internationally.

He is a Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and a specialist on the Boeing 747, Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft and jet engines.

Andrew moved through various leadership roles in Aviation, moving from engineering to a commercial role as Business Improvement Manager and lead for Jetstar’s Aviation Fuel reduction program. This project delivered $42 million of savings to the Qantas group over the five years of the initiative.

He crossed the division from airlines to airports when he accepted a role at Avalon Airport in 2018 as Head of Operations to lead the launch of Australia’s newest International Airport.

Andrew was front and centre during the Covid pandemic and airport international travel shutdowns pivoting the Avalon Airport operation to aircraft parking and defence force operations then relaunched the airport operations including food and beverage from a “cold start” post Covid era.

He was directly managing Airport Security Screening, Aviation Safety, Airline Business Development, Airport Commercial, Customer Service and Food and Beverage when he was recruited to the WCA as Airport .

Andrew said being part of a top airport team, reporting to Director of Commercial Business Craig Turner, and guiding future growth at one of Australia’s fastest growing airports was key in attracting him to the WCA role.

“Whitsunday Coast Airport has been a Regulated Air Cargo Agent since April this year which is rare for an airport to hold such an authority.

“The airport team are working on increasing volumes of local produce, pets, and sensitive cargo through Whitsunday Coast Airport through our airline partners,” Andrew said.

“I have a passion for regional aviation and find the sense of responsibility, dynamic nature of airport operations and the challenges that present very engaging.

Andrew said he was looking forward to a unique Christmas Day this year and his family are travelling to India to attend a friend’s wedding and the celebrations end on New Years Eve with a sit-down dinner for 7000 people.