The famous Bowen mango man, Patrick Martin, and his wife Sylvie have stepped away from their iconic mango sorbet business, after more than 25 years.

Patrick arrived in Australia from France in 1971, travelling via boat and landing at Shepperton. He initially lived in Bowen and picked tomatoes before he decided to travel around Australia.

He landed back in Bowen after some time and met his soon-to-be wife, Sylvie, also from France.

They met while picking Bowen tomatoes and have never looked back.

From here, the pair become integral to the Bowen community, opening Patrick and Sylvie’s Restaurant for a number of years before heading off on travels again.

Back in Bowen, the pair were selling French pastries at Airlie Beach Foreshore Markets when they met another man making fruit sorbets.

“And I was like ‘That’s a bloody good idea!’” Patrick explained.

Once having the equipment, Patrick and Sylvie began with all sorts of fruits, however, after two years, the mango was proving the most popular.

“And that’s when Mango Sorbets were born.”

Using the Bowen Special, Kensington Pride Mangoes, the Mango Sorbets are purely sweet and delicious, and Patrick couldn’t tell you how many sorbets he’s made in his 25-year career.

13 years ago, Patrick and Sylvie signed on to supply Bowen Information Centre with Bowen Mango Sorbet.

This past calendar year alone, the Bowen Information Centre has sold more than 23,500 mango sorbets and have likely supplied the Centre with over two million sorbets for the past 13 years.

“Patrick and Sylvie have been supplying these delicious treats to the Bowen Visitor Information Centre on a weekly, and sometime daily, basis for so many years,” explained Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy.

Patrick and Sylvie have handed the reins to Bowen local, Stackelroth Farms, and are excited to ease into relaxation, and travel wherever and whenever he and Sylvie can.

Leanne describes the sale of the sorbet business as the end of an era but said she was looking forward to working with the girls from Stackelroth Farms.

“Patrick is a real character and we always looked forward to his delivery of sorbets as the whole team has such a great working relationship with him.

“We thank Patrick and Sylvie for their excellent service to the Bowen Visitor Information Centre and wish them both well in retirement.”

“We also congratulate Stackelroth Farms on taking on the supply of this iconic Bowen product.

“Although the business is under new ownership, we know the sorbets are still 100 per cent natural and made from Kensington Pride mangoes grown here in Bowen.”

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Sylvie and Patrick Martin handing the reigns of Bowen Mango Sorbet with Stackelroth Farms. Photos supplied

Budget airline Bonza is in hot water, with a series Christmas and New Year flight cancellations, disrupting holiday plans and causing chaos for travellers.

Earlier in 2023, Bonza announced a new airline hub in the Gold Coast, connecting much of east coast Australia with affordable flights, however, the launch flight from Whitsunday Coast Airport, scheduled for December 7, was postponed a number of times, before the airline was successful able to take to the airs.

Initially, the delays were due to Bonza leasing two Canadian planes and crew, and the necessary checks required from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

However, the eventual approval received for these two aircrafts has a caveat.

Bonza is only able to utilise these planes until March 2024.

Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said that “Bonza has received regulatory approval for the two additional aircraft to service flights out of our Gold Coast base.”

“And we’re scaling up our operations so we can service new routes like Mackay and Whitsundays. We’re committed to the Mackay and Whitsundays region and will remain focused on delivering low-cost air travel that is reliable and refreshingly different for our customers,” he said.

“Aviation in Australia is just about the most concentrated business sector in Australia with 94 per cent in the hands of two airline groups, an effective duopoly. We’re really in a Shazza vs Goliath battle to get more choice and lower fares to Australians. However, that road won’t be easy and occasionally we’ll get things wrong, and we will learn from that.”

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Bonza cancelled a series of flights from the region, disrupting holiday plans. Image supplied

Technology may have changed the way we plan our daily lives but many people still like a good old fashioned calendar to hang on the wall.

A traditional calendar gives you the chance to see at a glance who has a birthday coming up and add other appointments on the go for all in the household to see.

It also a great chance to display lovely photos and the 2024 Bowen calendar is the perfect example.

For the first time last year, Bowen Tourism and Business produced a calendar with photos of Bowen’s beaches and other landmarks.

The calendars proved so popular that the team at Bowen Tourism decided to produce another calendar.

This 13 month calendar starts in January 2024 and includes January 2025.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said these calendars made perfect gifts and had already proved popular over the festive season.

“If you haven’t got you copy yet, we encourage you to call in at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango, just 5km south of the town.”

The calendars are also available at other outlets around Bowen.

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Ellie Palmero and Leanne Abernethy from Bowen Tourism and Business with the 2024 calendars. Image supplied

Happy New Year to the Whitsundays business community, our broader community and all our wonderful visitors!

Despite the heat, a great vibe is clearly evident around town.

Seeing as it is a new year, it’s a great time to think about what your business resolutions might look like.

Business resolutions are commitments businesses make to improve their strategy, operations, or processes. Like personal New Year's resolutions, business resolutions can help prioritise goals or activities that may have got swept aside in 2023 or provide some inspiration or renewed interest in improving some aspect of your business.  

The start of the calendar year is ideal opportunity to look at existing processes with fresh eyes, review customer and staff feedback, and explore new possibilities and opportunities.

In 2024, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry will continue to build on 2023’s achievements. Last year was an important year for the Chamber as we revitalised our strategy and operations to drive sustainable business growth and connectivity for our members.

In the year ahead, we look forward to hosting the inaugural Whitsundays Business Conference (Friday 31 May) that will bring the region’s business community and stakeholders together for a day of education, inspiration, celebration, and connection.

We will also be launching some new and exclusive opportunities for our members including a roundtable program to exchange knowledge and ideas, a service to support business grant applications and the opportunity to partner with the Chamber for grants, and a potential industrial relations service to ensure our members are informed and compliant to new workplace changes coming.

Here’s to a prosperous and rewarding 2024.

Four new police officers have hit the ground running in the Mackay and Whitsunday District and can now say they have the busy Christmas and New Year period under their belt.

The four new officers have a range of experience and knowledge behind them and bolster the expertise and ground crew of the region’s officers.

Constable Erin North, posted to the Mackay Police Station, previously worked in administration in Brisbane.

Constable Dan Larose, posted to the Bowen Police station, has worked as a diesel fitter and was also a QRL referee in Gladstone.

Constable Darcie Jones, posted to the Mackay Northern Beaches Police Station, comes from Kingaroy where she worked in administration.

Constable Peter Coker, posted to the Mackay Police Station, comes from Brisbane where he worked as a supervisor.

These officers underwent a 10-week application process before completing eight months of academy training, at Brisbane’s Oxley campus, of the Queensland Police Service Academy.

The Officers are now a part of the First Year Constable Program, and will receive further development and training, primarily on the job. The program encompasses eight-week mentorship, with an experience Field Training Officer, to learn and develop the basic competencies of General Duties policing.

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The four new Mackay and Whitsunday Region police officers. Photo supplied

Since its inception as a leading counselling and support organisation, Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network has stood by it’s community grounded roots, of being present for every single resident and community member in the Whitsundays region, and providing support in every facet of mental health.

Established in 2016, Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) aims to be a haven for anyone who is struggling with mental health, by removing stigma, raising awareness, and opening the opportunity for free and productive conversation.

With the Whitsundays recognised as being above state and national average in suicide number and over the years, WSPN, as an organisation, has grown and developed into the hub that it is today, so support mental health and suicide prevention, much of the Whitsundays community have gotten behind the organisation.

“Community support and donations assists us to continue those in our community who need the help,” explained Mel Turner, Committee Member and Secretary of Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network.

“And for all the support, we are grateful.”

Just in 2023, Lions Club of the Whitsundays pledged a portion of proceeds from their annual Lions Golf Day, gifting WSPN with $4,000 to fund counselling services, including post-suicide resilience counselling.

Horsepower Heroes, a not-for-profit organisation that raises awareness and funds for mental health in the Whitsunday region, gifted close to over $10,000 across the year, from their annual Horsepower Heroes Day and other events.

Fight Night, organised and hosted by PCYC Whitsundays named WSPN a beneficiary of the event, and Blokes in Business, a men’s group who regularly meet, continue to donate to WSPN, in order to help fund the array of services offered.

“It’s amazing the support we are gifted from the community, which we invest back into the community to support mental health, suicide prevention, and counselling,” Ms Turner said.

For those seeking assistance or support, here are just a small sample of the services available from Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network:

Aided by community support, WSPN have been able to further develop and engage with the community.

Yearly, WSPN host and fund the b kinder Programs in the region’s schools, to promote kindness. WSPN also hosts b kinder Day, on June 22, in the region’s schools, to further establish the need for kindness, connection, inclusivity and positivity.

WSPN have also partnered with the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys to deliver the Resilience Project across the region’s early learning centres and schools. The Resilience Project aims to deliver positive mental health strategies to prevent mental ill-health and build young people’s capacity to deal with adversity and it’s been proven to work.

In recent years alone, WSPN have been able to donate $14,000 for The Resilience Project, to support the introduction of the Early Years Program into the region's early learning centres.  

“With our early year’s intervention programs, we are investing back into our region’s schools and our kids,” Ms Turner said.

“We fund and offer these programs to the schools at no cost, which is allowing amazing resources to be accessible for our kids.”

Breathwork is paramount to aiding and supporting people through the challenges they face daily, with WSPN hosting Breathwork Sessions across the region for everyone in the community.

“Using our facilitators, we can offer breathwork sessions free for the community,” said Ms Turner.

Breathwork has been identified to help connect the body and mind, reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

Every year, in September, WSPN host a memorial service, for those lost due to suicide. This community memorial is a way for people impacted by suicide to come together, connect and reconnect in the spirit of hope, comfort, and inspiration. This annual community memorial aligns with World Suicide Prevention Day and promotes group connection and healing following a loved one’s suicide.

WSPN offer free counselling for post-suicide resilience, for loved ones and others impacted by a recent suicide or suicide attempt. These counselling services are free for recipients, funded by WSPN.

“If we are aware, we can contact the individual, or the Police may forward our contacts onto the loved ones,” Ms Turner explained.

“Or they can directly reach out and contact us, so we can begin to assist them.”

Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network also offers free Suicide Prevention Training, delivered by Community Response to Eliminate Suicide (CORES). These free training sessions are funded by WSPN and allow community members to be trained and educated on suicide behaviours, such as signs to recognise, how to support, and how to promote help-seeking behaviours.

The training also provides self-care strategies, in order to look after themselves.

“The Suicide Prevention Training is also faucet of suicide prevention that we deliver to the community,” explained Ms Turner.

“We reinvest back into the community to fund and deliver this training, reinvesting into mental health, suicide prevention and support. By making this training free and accessible to the community, we are getting invaluable knowledge and education into the community.”

To learn more about Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, to donate, and to access their services, visit their website https://wspn.org.au/, or their Facebook page.

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Lions Club of Whitsundays donation to WSPN, from their annual Charity Golf Day

Horsepower Heroes supporting WPSN

Blokes in Business enjoying a beer and donating to WSPN. Photos supplied

The Whitsundays is currently in the midst of stinger season, with many popular beaches falling prey to jellyfish.

As the waters warm up, typically from November to May, the region becomes a hotspot for various species of jellyfish, posing a potential threat to swimmers and beachgoers. Adding to the challenge, northerly winds during this period can exacerbate the situation. Understanding the dynamics of jellyfish season and taking preventative measures is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience in this tropical paradise.

Jellyfish, including the infamous box jellyfish and the less venomous but still troublesome irukandji, thrive in warmer waters. The northerly winds that sweep across the Coral Sea during this season bring these gelatinous creatures closer to the shores. To stay safe, it is essential to be aware of local warnings and closures, which are typically communicated through signs, lifeguards, and official announcements.

Preventative measures include wearing protective clothing such as stinger suits, designed to minimize skin exposure to potential jellyfish stings. Applying vinegar to tentacle stings helps neutralize toxins. It's also advisable to swim in designated safe areas, as some beaches may have protective enclosures or stinger nets in place.

In addition to protective measures, staying informed about weather conditions and heeding advice from local authorities is paramount. By taking these precautions, residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the beauty of the Whitsunday’s beaches while minimizing the risks associated with jellyfish season and northerly winds.

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The typical sign outlining the dangers of stingers. Photo supplied

A 51-year-old man has unfortunately passed away, following a drowning off Shingley Beach in Cannonvale.

Just after midday on New Year’s Day, January 1, emergency services were dispatched to Shingley Drive, Cannonvale, near Coral Sea Marina, with reports of a near drowning.

One crew from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services attended the scene, alongside Police to assist.

“Resuscitation was attempted,” a Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said, “However, the man was declared deceased at the scene.”

The man’s death has been deemed non-suspicious by police however the authorities will present their report to the coroner.

In 2023, 281 individuals lost their lives to drowning in Australian waterways, with 77 per cent of deaths male, and 57 per cent of deaths over the age of 45 years old.

As the weather warms up, it is paramount that everyone is safe in our region’s waters.

For residential homes, be sure to have a sturdy, latch-able gate that completely encloses the pool, and supervise the pool closely, especially with children.

For fishing or boating activities, wear a correctly fitted lifejacket and learn CPR, and be knowledgeable of the risks of natural waters. Check weather forecasts and water conditions.

Avoid drinking alcohol or other stimulants and have a buddy system if in unfamiliar waters or experiencing adverse water conditions.

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The man was declared deceased at the scene. Photo supplied

With a bustling marine terminal full of happy holidaymakers embarking on a range of fantastic experiences, Cruise Whitsundays is the gateway to the islands, the Great Barrier Reef and the wide variety of on-water activities our region is known for. Whether it is snorkelling the coral gardens, stargazing from a glamping tent 39 nautical miles out to sea or walking along the silica sands of Whitehaven Beach, Cruise Whitsundays transform bucket-list items into reality for over 800,000 visitors every year.

Celebrating 20 successful years in business in 2024, Cruise Whitsundays operates 27 commercial vessels, 11 of which run between five departure points and offer 14 different day tours. Covering a diverse range of experiences, Cruise Whitsundays pride themselves on offering a tour or experience for every taste, budget and ability. Transferring holidaymakers between resort islands, voyaging to the outer Great Barrier Reef and Heart Pontoon or embarking on a full-day or half-day tour to Whitehaven Beach – the range of options is almost endless!

At the heart of Cruise Whitsundays’ operation is the incredible team of people that make every experience unique. From the Master Reef Guides to reservations consultants, the skippers to the crew, the café staff to the operations team, every staff member plays an important and pivotal role in the successful and streamlined delivery of each experience. At the foundation of the Cruise Whitsundays operation is culture and community, these two cornerstones intrinsically linked to the success of this highly acclaimed marine tour operator.

A multi-award winning company, Cruise Whitsundays has won a series of awards at the regional, state and even national level. Always innovating and striving to be at the forefront of holiday experiences in the Whitsundays, the company is consistently considered to be one of the best operations in the region. In 2023, they won Gold for the Unique Accommodation category at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards and then backed this up with a Bronze at the state awards in the same category.

Focusing on quality experiences and delivering excellence across every aspect of their operations, Cruise Whitsundays are also leaders in environmental sustainability and community connection. At the core of their business is ensuring that many processes are undertaken with limited carbon footprint, whether that be introducing a new water management system or recycling all on-board waste.

The company is also a significant contributor to the monitoring and surveillance of the reef. They employ several Master Reef Guides and participate in initiatives such as Whitsunday Health Heart and Eye on the Reef. They also have an Advanced Eco Certification and are on the Whitsunday Whale Steering Committee, constantly driving to preserve the pristine natural environment in which they work.

While they employ 220 direct staff, Cruise Whitsundays also indirectly support 87 valued suppliers and contractors, who all contribute to the fabric of the business. As a result of this wide-reaching network, Cruise Whitsundays are highly entrenched in the local community and big supporters of sporting teams, local events and other charities. They frequently sponsor events such as The Great Barrier Reef Festival, support operations at Eco Barge Clean Seas and often donate raffle prizes to a wide range of causes.

A dynamic mover within the tourism industry, Cruise Whitsundays aims to excel and exceed expectations at every turn. Whether that be on delivering quality products, championing community causes or driving environmental sustainability - there are multiple avenues that lead towards the extensive 20-year story of success for this inspiring local company.

With 14 different day tours from 11 different departure points, Cruise Whitsundays has created a spectacular selection of experiences for guests to enjoy. Travel 39 nautical miles out to sea for a Reefsleep adventure, cruise to Whitehaven Beach and wander the silica sands or jump aboard an island transfer. Whatever your dream is, it can be achieved with Cruise Whitsundays.

Snorkel, swim and dive the remote Hardy Reef on the dedicated Cruise Whitsundays pontoon. This fully-equipped floating structure allows you to explore the reef at your leisure – stay dry in the semi-submarine with intimate views of the coral gardens, discover the underwater observatory or get wet with a snorkel safari.

With the Heart Pontoon as your base, enjoy the comfort and convenience of a buffet lunch and sumptuous morning and afternoon tea while ensconced in the jaw-dropping natural surrounds. For those dreaming of star-gazing the night away, elect to stay onboard for a glamping experience at Reefsleep or splash out and become a guest at Australia’s only underwater hotel, waking-up to the vibrant coral gardens.

Cruising to Whitehaven Beach daily, tours aboard the comfortable air-conditioned catamarans offer a quick and easy trip to arguably the most beautiful beach in the world. Choose from a full or half-day tour and spend hours relaxing in the calm turquoise water or walk along the cool silica sands. Take a short bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout and admire the ever-changing swirling sands that grace postcards sent all around the world.

For the avid sailors, Camira sailing catamaran is an ideal choice. Harness the wind and sail the azure waters of the Whitsundays on board the impressive Camira, a speedy 85ft ocean-going catamaran. Choose between a sunset cruise or a day-tour, then sit back and relax, enjoy the all-inclusive alcohol and beverage and delicious food offerings.

For the island-hoppers out there, cruise to Hamilton Island for a round of golf or simply explore the island at your own pace. Discover the specular island bushwalks, cuddle a koala at the zoo or explore Catseye Beach.

With all your holiday needs covered, Cruise Whitsundays will look after you.

It has been a whirlwind over the past nine years for Leshia Krushka, Customer Service and Sales Manager with Cruise Whitsundays. And that’s to say, she has loved every single second of her time.

Leshia fondly remembers when Cruise Whitsundays operated from Shute Harbour before they relocated to Port of Airlie, and the great expansion that the business has seen in recent times.

“I have been so lucky to see the growth of Cruise Whitsundays, welcoming new vessels to the fleet, the launch of Reefworld with the Reefsuites, introducing new products and experiences to our guests,” Leshia explained.

Pro-active does not begin to describe Leshia, ensuring the very best for Cruise Whitsundays passengers and guests, as well as standing with the wider Whitsundays community in times of emergency.

“I think one of the key moments in my time at Cruise Whitsundays was how the team and communities rallied to support each other and then rebuild after Cyclone Debbie,” Leshia shared.

Describing herself a “multi-tasker extraordinaire”, Leshia is proud to be with Cruise Whitsundays, and “becoming a part of a Australia’s largest experiential tourism providers.”

When she isn’t busy at the helm of Cruise Whitsundays’ front desk operations, she is at home with her beloved family, her husband and her two young daughters, and the family’s two cats.

“I just love getting into the kitchen and cooking up a storm, or lazing by the pool with a sneaky cocktail, but I am also very busy chasing my two beautiful girls around and juggling their needs,” she said.

It was inevitable that Paige Hurley wouldn’t pursue a career in the marine tourism industry, a profession she feels passionate and energized about.

Paige was welcomed into the Cruise Whitsundays family just over a year ago, as the Reef Experience Manager, a position that she is excited to be in and where she hopes to further develop her skills.

“I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the Cruise Whitsundays business and the Reef world family,” Paige shared.

“Being a part of the Reefstay experience is something I’m really proud of. In the year I’ve been with the company, there’s been some really positive changes and lots of new faces who are just as passionate and happy to be here to deliver these amazing experiences for our guests.”

Paige is proud of the amazing experience that Cruise Whitsundays and Reefstay offers to guests.

“With the Reefstay experience we are part of people’s once in a life time travel journey which is incredible to be a part of,” Paige explained.

During her first year, she has been on national television, sharing the experience across Australia, something that excited her, and she is eager to see where else the position sends her in the future.

“I have a background in hospitality and a strong passion for the water and the Great Barrier Reef and this job has enabled me to further develop my career on the water, something that I am so excited for.”

When not on Reefstay, Paige is busy exploring the region, in the water and playing AFL.

Steadfast and confident are two words that perfectly describe the capable General Manager of Cruise Whitsundays, Renee Branton-Brown.

Heralding the team for over six years now, Renee is the impeccable head, with a clear compass of direction.

Renee joined the Cruise Whitsundays team in 2017, after an extensive history of marine tourism, which began in 2006.

“I’ve been travelling the world for most of my adult life,” she explained.

“I was fortunate to work across multiple Cruise Line Brands and travel to some of the most beautiful places on the planet.”

Her passion is ensuring that holidaymakers of the Whitsundays return home with incredible memories of their time in our waters.

“I love sharing special places with guests and sharing my enthusiasm with them. I’m in the business of making unforgettable memories!”

She is proud of the amazing experiences Cruise Whitsundays has on offer, especially the unforgettable Reefworld experience.

“I joined Cruise Whitsundays the year before we launched Reefworld,” Renee explained.

“Being a part of launching a new product and an ‘Australian first’ was pretty spectacular. I still believe our underwater accommodation Reefsuites are the most unique accommodation in the country!”

During her years, she has helped oversee a great expansion of the business.

“I’ve been part of the development of other new products, the launch of our own café and gift shop and multiple other initiatives that add so much value to the guest experience,” Renee said.

When she’s not overseeing great expansions, she is at home with her husband, her son, and all their family animals, most likely out in the sun, enjoying nature.

There is not one part of the business that Vessel Engineer Tyler Bellingham hasn’t influenced at Cruise Whitsundays, with his over 10 years of dedicated service and commitment.

In fact, Tyler is one of the hardest working team members with Cruise Whitsundays, having joined the team as a wharf porter and handling baggage, before moving into cruise attendant, tour guide, deck hand. He is now as Vessel Engineer, primarily for the beach boats that venture to Whitehaven Beach almost daily.

Initially, Tyler dreamt of driving the boats, being a captain or first mate, however just over three years ago, he discovered his real passion for engineering, for repairing broken down boats, and looking after the on-board machinery.

“I’ve always had an interest in machinery, but three years ago, I started the process,” Tyler explained.  

In 2020, Tyler was in Cairns completing his first qualification, and in late 2021, he was in Tasmania at the Maritime College, excelling and impressing his lecturers and teachers.

On board the Whitehaven Beach experiences, Tyler is largely behind the scenes, ensuring guest safety and smooth sailing, instructing his two deck hands on operations.

“I’m in charge of all the machinery on board the boat,” he explained.

“And if it breaks down, I’ve got to fix it.”

Tyler finds the job incredibly interesting, and loves investigating how engines tick.

He now knows the vessel’s engines like the back of his hands, and makes the repair and operation look easy.

“It takes hard work to make it look easy,” he laughed.

When not out on the water, Tyler enjoys diving, exploring and fishing, primarily around the islands, which he is able to navigate with ease.

Whenever Ryan Guitman is behind the bar of Eastwoods Dining and Bar, impeccable does not begin to describe the calibre of beverages that he serves.

With the title of Bar Supervisor, Ryan has a careful eye over his crew of bartenders, and, with his carefully curated drinks menu, each and every guest can be rest assured that Ryan’s keen eye for detail is ensuring only the best.

Having experimented and perfected every single element of the Eastwoods Drinks Menu, Ryan knows the bar like the back of his hand.

With enticing cocktails and exciting spirit blends there is something for everyone on this menu.

Perhaps try the Duck Duck Duck, a duck fat washed rye whiskey cocktail, with plum syrup, plum bitters and angostura, inspired by the exquisite duck on the main menu.

Maybe the Maanghang Manga cocktail is more your spend, with chilli infused big river gin, mango liqueur, mango nectar, and rice wine vinegar – which is Ryan’s own favourite, inspired by his fiancé - Milena.

“These recipes have lingered in my head for a little while,” Ryan explained.

“I couldn’t wait to have the freedom to create like this. Eastwoods has given me complete free rein to try anything, and it’s so exciting.”

Now, what has been most appealing on the menu?

“The top two most popular have been the Coconut Kiss and Kisake. It’s served in a coconut and it’s so nice and refreshing, made with two shots of coconut tequila, coconut cream, kaffir syrup and lychee. The Kisake has a variety of flavours that pare so well together to create a unique summer style cocktail, made with vodka, sake, peach liqueur, lychee liqueur, mandarin juice, lemon and agave.

“But honestly, the range we have, you’ve just got to stop by and try it all!”

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Ryan Guitman, the man behind Eastwoods exotic drinks menu. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge