Bowen Tourism and Business celebrated success and enjoyed a night of networking last week after the Annual General Meeting of the organisation.

More than 50 people gathered at Euro Fusion Café and the North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club in Bowen for the AGM where the same committee was re-elected for another year.

Jenn Honnery is entering her sixth year as chair of the organisation and reported that the past 12 months had been a great year as the team of staff and volunteers had welcomed a record number of visitors, sold a record number of sorbets, and reported record merchandise sales.

She said this meant the organisation was in a strong financial position and had been able to invest more funds onto marketing Bowen as a destination.

She said the Big Mango’s 21st birthday was a major highlight of the year.

Jenn thanked the entire team for their hard work and dedication and thanked the Whitsunday Regional Council and Tourism Whitsundays for their support.

The other committee members are Chloe Bauer (Bird’s Fish Bar), Natalie Lydom (Palm View Apartments), Michelle O’Regan (Stackelroth Farms and Bowen PCYC), Leah Darwen (Adits), Karen Morton (Morton Insurance Services) Peter Greer (Queens Beach Tourist Village), Ash-Leigh Martin (Marto’s Mangoes) and Rick Hamilton (Tourism Whitsundays invited representative).

The Whitsunday Regional Council representative is Cr Michelle Wright.

Manager Leanne Abernethy paid tribute to the entire team, including the 18 volunteers, and said she was proud to lead the organisation.

“I love working for Bowen Tourism and Business, I love the team and I love that we are part of the greater Whitsunday region,” she said.

Event and Community Sponsorship Officer with Whitsunday Regional Council

This week we meet our energetic Eveready bunny Hayley Borg who is Whitsunday Regional Council’s Events and Community Sponsorship Officer.

Prior to relocating to Airlie Beach and starting her role with Council in 2021, Hayley was the Visitor Services and Events Coordinator at the Early Start Discovery Space (ESDS) within the University of Wollongong. The ESDS is Australia’s first children’s museum and attracts more than 120,000 visitors per year.

Hayley was involved in many varieties of events throughout her 8 years in Wollongong running many events like Speaker Series talks with Academics, Alumni, Student Open Days, VIP visitors to the University (including The Governor General and Federal Members of Parliament), Destination Wollongong networking events and many community and family events showcasing the University campus and ESDS.

This experience has stood her in good stead for her current role with Council where she is responsible for coordinating internal and external events and sponsorship requests from the Whitsunday community.

Currently Hayley is coordinating the Whitsunday region’s upcoming Christmas, New Years Eve and Australia Day community events and also focusing on the Mayor’s Festive Food Appeal. This is something Council are proud to be involved with as the cost of living and housing crisis is very challenging for many families.

Hayley said seeing the enjoyment on people’s faces when they can spend quality time together at community events is what motivates her to strive to do the best in her role.

“The Whitsundays is a beautiful place to live, and our community really takes pride in our region,” she said.

“The highlight for me this year was helping organise the Mayor’s Charity Ball at the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal for almost 300 guests.

“The Charity Ball returned in 2023 after a three-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a record amount was raised and donated to chosen regional charities, RACQ CQ Rescue and the Whitsunday Housing Company Limited,” Hayley said.

“We have a great team in Community Services with many of my experienced colleagues going above and beyond, often at short notice, to organise community events. “

A qualified personal trainer Hayley loves spending time outdoors with her family and dog Daisy. Otherwise, you’ll find her at F45 Airlie Beach nearly every day of the week!

With Mayor Julie Hall

The increased temperatures of our warmer months bring with them a surge in rodent numbers and activity throughout the region.

The Whitsundays is home to around five native and non-native rodent species. Whilst rodents are part of our natural environment, issues can arise when their population numbers increase above normal levels.

All rodents pose a public health risk as they are capable of transmitting diseases to humans, such as Salmonellosis and Leptospirosis. They do this by contaminating food with fur, droppings, and urine, resulting in food spoilage and poisoning. Rodents can also spread fleas or ticks which can harm pets and humans and can also damage electrical wiring around your home, leading to hefty electrical bills and even house fires!

To protect your home from rodents there are several steps you can take, including: removing water sources, maintaining vegetation around your property, removing green waste and litter from your property, sealing, and covering holes or gaps in exterior walls, engaging a pest control service at least once a year and making sure all drains are covered with a plug or grate.

For more information or to discuss a particular rodent situation, please contact Council's Environmental heath team on 1300 972 753.

As we get closer to Christmas it is important to remember those in the community that are struggling financially this year and are unable to celebrate the festive season in the way that they would wish.

Tourism Whitsundays and Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry are acknowledging this struggle and taking the initiative to contribute to the solution by holding a silent charity auction.

They have approached 15 of their most valued members who have kindly donated a range of incredible experiences that will now be auctioned off via the online charity auction.

Prizes include a Reef Sleep with Cruise Whitsundays, a Hamilton Island Holiday at Reef View Hotel, and a stay at Palm Bay Resort on Long Island.

Members of the community are encouraged to jump online and snap up a bargain, with all proceeds donated to Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre’s Adopt A Family Appeal.

“We love giving back to the local community,” said Rick Hamilton, CEO of Tourism Whitsundays.

“We always want to do what we can for the community, it is where we live and where we work, and everyone deserves to have a happy Christmas.”

The silent auction is running until November 28, when the bidding period will be finalised, and the highest bidder will be awarded the prize.

“Thank you to all our members who contributed a prize, the silent auction is a wonderful opportunity to give back and think of others this festive season,” said Rick.

“We have already raised almost $3,000, but there still some amazing deals to scoop up – so follow this QR code and place a bid!”

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A Cruise Whitsundays’ Reef Sleep is one of 15 incredible prizes up for grabs. Photo supplied

Alcohol And Drug Information Sessions

Become informed and equipped to best engage with family members and loved ones who are facing alcohol and drugs substance use issues.

Be educated on how to set healthy boundaries and how to keep them, how to navigate alcohol and drug rehabilitation treatment facilities, and how to best support a family member or loved one through the process.

Facilitated by Breakthrough for Families QLD, the session will share why people use alcohol and drugs and help identify behaviours associated with relapse and substance use.

WHAT: Community Information Sessions on Alcohol and Drugs

WHERE: Endeavour Room, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre

WHEN: Tuesday November 28, from 10.30am

REGISTER: Please contact Family Support Facilitator, Barb Hill, via barbarah@drugarm.com.au, or 0448 255 487

Backing A New Generation Of Skippers

As owner of three of the Mackay-Whitsunday region’s top tourism businesses, Asher Telford is used to innovating through challenges, his latest leading him to initiate a unique solution for industry-wide staff shortages, while also creating career pathways for local youth.

Last Friday, October 29, a total of 31 Grade 11 and 12 students from 10 schools between Calen and Sarina, completed their last practical session in a year-long specially tailored ‘Coxswain’ course, aboard Mr Telford’s state-of-the-art vessel and nationally acclaimed tourism product, ‘Wildcat Mackay’.

Officially part of the Queensland Government’s Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) program, enabling students to gain nationally recognised qualifications while still at school, the course has also been delivered in partnership with the Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre (WMTC).

Across the year’s four school terms, WMTC trainers have travelled from Airlie Beach to Mackay each week, to deliver classroom training in venues provided by the Resources Centre for Excellence, Volunteer Marine Rescue Mackay and North Queensland Bulk Ports.

Additionally, for two days each term, and in many cases across weekends and school holidays throughout the year, students have been privileged to access valuable practical training and work experience aboard both Wildcat Mackay and other working vessels in the Airlie Beach-based Red Cat Adventures fleet.

Sailing Toward Success
Local Students Complete Coxswain Course

With achieving the required sea-time for a Coxswain licence often proving the stumbling block for students who have otherwise successfully completed classroom components, Mr Telford said he hoped this approach would deliver real results.

“I wanted to see these students trained in real life situations on real working boats, not just in a classroom setting and then dropped into the industry,” he said.

“I also wanted to show our region’s young people that the maritime industry is up there with the mines as a satisfying career path; this is a profession where Australians are very highly regarded worldwide, so they’re effectively opening up opportunities to travel the world by gaining a global skillset.”

WMTC Training Coordinator, Deb Duggan, said students had completed a number of quite difficult subjects, particularly for those new to boats, including coastal navigation, seamanship and vessel handling, collision regulations, legislation, and engineering, as well as separate ‘Shipboard Safety’ training, where they learned to launch life rafts, light emergency flares, fight fires, and practise in-water survival skills.  

“The students have had a fantastic, sometimes challenging year, and it has been awesome to watch them grow and gain confidence on the water,” she said.

“I am really proud of what they’ve achieved and look forward to seeing them turn their new-found knowledge into meaningful careers.”

Sarina State High School Deputy Principal, Matt Allen, said the initiative had given participating students “the opportunity and experience of a lifetime”.

“Honestly, I can’t think of anywhere else that would engage multiple agencies so effectively to provide school students such a leg up into this industry with these real-life training opportunities,” he said.

Mr Telford said none of this would have been possible without the support of the Queensland Government’s Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, and access to the VETiS program, through which students were subsidised for the theory and practical assessment components of the course.

“When I came up with this idea staff levels were critical – not just for us, but across the region,” he explained.

“At the same time, we were facing a housing crisis, so even if skippers applied for our jobs, they were typically from out-of-town and couldn’t find accommodation.

“Meanwhile we had local school students asking for work experience; my thoughts were: ‘well the local kids are here, they’re already embedded in the community, all they need is the training and opportunities to work in their own slice of paradise’.

“The housing crisis wasn’t going to be fixed in one year, but maybe in that time we could address the crew crisis instead, and there was a government body out there who could help.”

Tourism Mackay Chief Executive Officer, Al Grundy, commended all involved in the initiative saying each had played a part in future-proofing the local marine and tourism industries.

“It is wonderful to see these local students given an opportunity to enter such an exciting industry – congratulations to everyone involved,” Mr Grundy said.

For more information, visit www.wildcatmackay.com.au  

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Onboard Mackay’s ‘Wildcat’, Al Grundy - Mackay Isaac Tourism, Asher Telford, Richard Roberts and Sam Bloor - Wildcat Mackay, Deb Duggan - Whitsunday Marine Training Centre with students -  Max Klosterman, Ryan Meads, Blake Pullen, Baley Allen, Cooper Stuckey, Isabelle Halliwell, Samual Docherty, Daniel Harris, Corbin Schultz, Nikolas Lampe, Caleb Robertson, Jackson Payne, Sam Patroni, Sam Gutsell, Haydee Brice, Jasmina Zec, Chloe Hogan, Dakota Cooper-Rose, Nathan Stephens, Owen Norton, CJ Henry, Nicolas Cheesman, Jaezel Querro, Lee Rennie, Ky Barker

Students learning to light flares

Asher Telford, Caleb Robertson and Isabelle Halliwell

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RACQ CQ Rescue assisted Queensland Police with a search for a missing light aircraft near Finch Hatton last weekend on Saturday, 28th October.

Mackay Police reported that just before 9am, police were contacted by a local community member alerting officers to the crash.

The helicopter crew were tasked about 10.15am after a small aircraft with two people on board, believed to be travelling from Townsville, failed to arrive at its destination at Palmyra. The aircraft was last seen on flight radar about 70km west of Mackay.

The chopper crew were provided with these radar coordinates by the tasking agency and flew directly to the mountain location about 5km north of Netherdale. The crew on board, including pilot, aircrewman, Critical Care Paramedic and doctor, immediately spotted small plumes of smoke rising from a small burnt out clearing on the northern side of the mountain.

As the helicopter flew overhead at about 200 feet, the crew spotted wreckage and a smouldering site of about 100 metres below.

The helicopter made multiple passes over the mountainous terrain before being requested to land on a property nearby to meet with Queensland Police.

A police officer was then flown over the crash site before the helicopter was stood down and returned to base about 1pm.

The crash location was described as inaccessible and in very difficult, mountainous terrain with a thick forest canopy overhead.

A 73-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman are believed to have been on board the aircraft and are not expected to have survived the crash. The couple reported to be from Walkerston have two sons and grandchildren.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has been notified of the crash and will conduct a transport safety investigation.

The Forensic Crash Unit will investigate the crash on behalf of the State Coroner.

Retrieval of the wreckage and investigations are ongoing.

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Vision from a RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter as it located the smouldering site of a small aircraft which had crashed into a mountain near Netherdale. Image taken from video footage provided by RACQ CQ Rescue

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4MK Mackay Radio AM 1026 had one very happy listener last week, with Mark from West Mackay calling into the local radio station with a specific request.

Mark asked radio host, Rob Kidd if he was able to track down some music for him to listen to. More specifically, an album by Graeme Connors.

Graeme, who heard the call over the radio, dropped by the station to leave a signed copy of his album titled ‘North’ for Mark to enjoy.

Just in time for stormy weather, with a song on the album titled ‘Cyclone Season’.

Good on you, Graeme!

A truly kind gesture from one lover of music to another, proving how connected the Mackay community is through our local media channels.

Enjoy your country tunes, Mark!

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Rob Kidd and Mark from West Mackay with his newly signed album

Credit: 4MK Mackay

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OPINION PIECE

The world lost a true talent on October 28 when actor Matthew Perry passed away at the age of 54. Known primarily for his iconic role as 'Chandler Bing' on the beloved TV show 'Friends,' Perry's passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. While his portrayal of Chandler brought laughter to millions, it was his kindness and commitment to helping others that truly defined his legacy.

Many may not be aware that, in his younger years, Perry aspired to become a professional tennis player. However, it's not his athletic ambitions or his acting career that he wanted to be remembered for. He once said, "I've said this for a long time; when I die, I don't want 'Friends' to be the first thing that's mentioned." Instead, he wanted to be recognised for his dedication to assisting those struggling with addiction.

Throughout his life, Perry faced his own battles with addiction, but he channelled his experiences into a mission to help others on their path to recovery. Notably, he transformed his former Malibu beach home into a men's sober living facility. Before his untimely passing, Perry was in the early stages of establishing a foundation aimed at supporting individuals grappling with substance abuse issues.

His story serves as a poignant reminder that our legacies are not solely defined by our achievements or careers but by our capacity to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Reflecting on his legacy, it makes me contemplate what I hope to be remembered for. It's a question that, until recently, I hadn't considered. As I read Councillor Justin Englert's words in this edition's Councillor Column, "leadership is hard but simple – all you must do is empower your people and recognize their efforts," it struck a chord.

Throughout my career, I've strived to uplift and encourage those around me. My aim is to instill hope, nurture aspirations, and motivate the storytellers of the future, guiding them toward success. I hope that, when people look back, they remember me for the kindness I extended and the encouragement I provided. In doing so, we can all aim to leave behind a legacy defined not by accolades but by the positive influence we've had on others.

Amanda

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The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating following a two-vehicle traffic crash at Marian on 29th of October.

Police reported that just after 3am a Toyota Corolla was travelling west along Mackay Eungella Road when it hit a motorbike travelling in the opposite direction. Initial investigations indicate that the Corolla has crossed the centre line on a straight piece of road into the path of the oncoming motorcycle.

The rider, a 35-year-old Mirani man, was declared deceased at the scene.

The other driver, a 23-year-old Marian woman, was taken to Mackay Base Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. It is understood she was travelling home from her workplace when the accident occurred.

It is unknown at this stage what caused the Corolla to veer onto the other side of the road. Witnesses or anyone with relevant vision are urged to contact police.

Investigations are continuing.

The incident marks the 15th official road fatality for the Mackay Whitsundays region in 2023

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Local career guide company CareerForce Australia has announced the inaugural recipient of the Postcode Proud Award for Sarina State High School (SSHS) as Grade 11 student, Chloe Nielsen.

As a former Sarina State High School student, CareerForce Australia director Maree Franettovich believes strongly in supporting local youth to attain their chosen career, while “retaining that talent for our region” and while understanding the pull that metro areas can have for students.

“Some of my own greatest opportunities came about from being a student of SSHS and, from a career perspective, being in a region affords opportunities not always available in more urban areas,” Ms Franettovich said.

“As well as being ‘postcode proud’, the award recognises a student who has demonstrated community spirit, takes great pride in their community and has contributed to making that community a better place to live for themselves and others.

“For CareerForce, this award is an opportunity to give back – to support and recognise students who appreciate where they come from, and the opportunities on offer.

“It’s important to develop talent and skill in regions, and encourage students to build their life and career here.”

Chloe Nielsen said that it “meant a great deal” to be the inaugural recipient.

“I plan on keeping up with this commitment and contribution to the community by continuing to volunteer at the Sarina Library and Sarina Hospital,” Ms Nielsen said.

“I have also been accepted as an executive leader for Sarina State High School, so I plan on trying to get more involved within the community through the school as well.”

The Postcode Proud Award also comes with $150 cash and a complimentary career consultation at CareerForce Australia.

“I am saving up for my first home, which may take a while, but the $150 contribution towards my savings account means a lot to me, as buying a home is an important investment to make for my future.

“I am very grateful for this award, let alone the nomination, and look forward to my consultation.”

For more information about CareerForce Australia, visit www.careerforceaustralia.com.au.

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Chloe Nielsen receiving the inaugural Postcode Proud Award from CareerForce Australia director Maree Franettovich

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Mater Private Hospital Mackay stoma and wound nurse Elly Engstrom has been recognised for her unwavering commitment to patient care for a second year in a row at the annual Mater People Awards.

The Surgical Ward Nurse Unit Manager received the prestigious Clinical Excellence (Individual) Award at a ceremony in Brisbane, after being nominated by her peers.

Mater Health Executive Director Paul Darcy said the feedback from Ms Engstrom’s colleagues was an overwhelming demonstration of the impact she has on her team and the broader community.

“Elly was recognised for exceptional skills and expertise, which ensure the best possible care for patients with stoma and wound-related conditions,” Mr Darcy said.

“Her team feels she always goes above and beyond and leads by example, demonstrating openness, honesty and clear communication, which has created an environment of trust and collaboration.”

Ms Engstrom is no stranger to the Mater People Awards, having also received a Clinical Excellence (Individual) Award at last year’s ceremony. Then, she was recognised by her peers for establishing a dedicated wound and stoma care role with Mater Private Hospital Mackay, as well as for her commitment to educating her colleagues on wound care management and leading the adoption of innovative new trials and updated practices to ensure improved patient outcomes.

“To be nominated two years in a row by her colleagues is a true testament to Elly’s leadership and passion for healthcare – we’re very lucky to have her with us at Mater Private Hospital Mackay,” Mr Darcy said.

Over the past 12 months, she’s continued to build on these foundations, continuing to inspire and educate others.

When Ms Engstrom isn’t at Mater Private Hospital Mackay, she’s lecturing at CQUniversity, sharing her expertise.

“Elly’s colleagues were quick to recognise her passion for nursing education and commitment to equipping the next generation of nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary for excellence in their practice,” Mr Darcy said.

“Over the past year, she’s also become a published author, educating the broader medical community on the utilisation of negative pressure wound dressings, which really exemplifies her dedication to advancing patient care.”

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Elly Engstrom

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A First Nations cultural hub that will promote Indigenous tourism in our region is one step closer thanks to a lease approved at today’s ordinary meeting of council.

Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation’s application to lease the former tourist information centre building at 316 Nebo Road was approved, with councillors pleased to see the facility activated as a tourism asset once more.

Mayor Greg Williamson said there wasn’t currently a location in the Mackay region that displayed Yuwi stories, artwork, images or artefacts.

“Yuwi wish to establish a premises where they can share their knowledge – and tourists, schools and the community can go to view displays and learn about the rich culture of the Yuwi people,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It’s a tremendous location for a cultural centre,” he said. “Not only is the facility close to the city gates, but it is also near the Australian South Sea Islander Hut and the Torres Strait and First Nations sections of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.”

Yuwi has indicated the premises will also be used for board meetings and for the ranger, sea ranger, cultural heritage and TUMRA (Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements) projects.

The lease has been approved for a period of five years.

Another beneficial community lease, for 10 years, was also approved at the meeting for Football Queensland to continue to lease land at 10 Hewitt Way, Glenella, as well as an additional 23,366sqm to the east.

Mayor Williamson said Football Queensland had done a great job of growing Mackay Football Park – and the sport of soccer within the Mackay region – and had developed a master plan for the premises.

“Patrons have identified insufficient carparking at the facility as an inconvenience and safety issue,” he said.

“Football Queensland have developed their future plans around this feedback and proposed the land to the east of the current lease area as appropriate for parking.

“Council was happy to work with them to facilitate this extended lease to alleviate some of the parking and congestion issues caused by the growth and popularity of the sport.”

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The vacant former Visitor Information Centre on Nebo Road will soon become a cultural centre. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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This week’s Chamber of Commerce Business to Business Brews coffee catch up was held at Ninth Lane Grind. Hosted by Whitson Dawson, the growing membership of the Chamber was evident with around 100 people in attendance.

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DON’T DRIVE ON DUNES AND BEACHES

The seaward side of the coastal track along Harbour Beach to East Point is a no-go zone for vehicles and motorbikes in a bid to protect this environmentally sensitive stretch of coastline.

Mackay Regional Council last week launched a public education campaign asking users of this area to not drive on the coastal dunes or beach.

The plea is to help protect sea turtles and hatchlings during the nesting season, which began this month and runs through to March, as well as shore birds, which nest along the coastal dunes.

The campaign features educational signage onsite, as well as regulatory signage, and offenders will be fined.

Mayor Greg Williamson said public education was the immediate aim of the campaign and stakeholders were hopeful users of the area would cooperate.

“We are not wanting to start fining people from day one, but we will have signage in place and will begin fining offenders if motorists and motorbike riders don’t cooperate,’’ he said.

“That will include surveillance cameras to identify any offenders so Penalty Infringement Notices (PINS) of $774 can be issued by our Local Laws Officers if needed.

“There will also be an increase in patrols in this area, including with the assistance of Queensland Police Service.”

Mackay and District Turtle Watch Association president Steve Fisher said Harbour Beach was a significant site for turtle nesting.

He said that during the 2022-2023 sea turtle nesting season, there were 34 turtle nests along this stretch of beach, with 1610 eggs laid.

“Sea turtle populations require nesting success of more than 80 per cent to be sustainable.

“There was a 96 per cent nesting success on Harbour Beach, with 1560 hatchlings emerging from the nests, although this does not mean that all of those made it to the ocean.”

Mr Fisher said turtles could be disturbed by vehicles, causing them to return to the ocean and not nest.

He said turtle hatchlings on the beach making their way to the ocean could get run over or stuck in wheel ruts.

Mr Fisher said Harbour Beach was extremely important for turtle nesting.

“The entire East Point ecosystem is important. As adjacent beaches are impacted by development and climate change this area can remain an island ark into the future.”

Mackay Birdlife president John Morris said every year Mackay was the home of 14 species of shorebirds that flew all the way from Siberia and Alaska to spend summer on our beautiful beaches.

“In autumn, they turn around and go all the way back to the top of the world to breed,’’ Mr Morris said.

“They need to feed up after their long journey and fatten up before their return. If they are constantly disturbed, they can’t eat enough and won’t make it back on that long journey.”

Mr Morris said there were also four species of shorebird that lived here all year round and had their nests in the sand dunes.

“Don’t drive on beaches – that’s where they feed,’’ he said.

“Don’t drive on dunes – that’s where they roost, rest and recuperate.

“Don’t drive on dunes – that’s where they nest.

“And keep your dog on a leash and away from the shorebirds.

“Shorebird numbers are declining. Let’s make sure they stay around.”

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At the launch of the campaign at Harbour Beach are (from left) Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, Birdlife Mackay's John Morris (president) and Ian and Mary Cruickshank and Mackay and District Turtle Watch's Fay Griffin and Steve Fisher (president). They are displaying some of the signage that will be erected along the coastal track south to East Point

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