In the light of youth crime, political tensions and war we seem to be living in the pain of a perpetual Good Friday – without the “Good” bit.  This Easter season I encourage us all to find the hope of the resurrection – It is not just a wishful hope, but based on a real and certain rock of truth and freedom.

Holy Thursday and Good Friday we commemorate facts in history.  Jesus, considered a miracle worker, a good man, was whipped, mocked and crucified.  Christians believe that when Jesus died on the cross, he took the sin of the whole world and paid our debt with the sacrifice of his life.  

On Sunday the stone from the tomb was rolled back and no body was found.  What we believe about Sunday is a matter of faith, however, many eye-witnesses testified that they saw Jesus – not as a ghost, but as flesh and blood.  

We live in times that are painful, but Christians are certain of a hope in the resurrection, and a God who loves us so much that he was willing to suffer and die for us.  

We have a choice; stay in the pain of Friday striving in our own limited strength, or choose to believe in the resurrection where there is hope for eternal life and eternal love.  I’ve made my choice, how about you?

By Reverend Niki Vella-Power

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Reverend Niki Vella-Power

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As the excitement builds for the countdown of the Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo 2024, Western Suburbs Leagues Club is set to host a spectacular celebration of all things agricultural!

Julie Crowley, Coordinator for the event said "We've been thrilled with the response from exhibitors, with bookings pouring in daily.

“We have an incredible lineup of stallholders already confirmed, ensuring two days packed with action, displays, products, and services catering to all aspects of agriculture and rural lifestyles."

Julie emphasised the importance of local business support for the Expo's growth and future success.

"We extend our heartfelt thanks to the businesses that have secured their sites for 2024.

“For those who haven't yet, there's still time to join us in this exciting endeavour," she added.

The Expo is proud to welcome back its esteemed naming rights sponsor, Mackay Sugar, a member of the Nordzucker Group. "Mackay Sugar brings professionalism and excitement to our event and showcases their commitment to the Sugar Industry in our region and we eagerly anticipate collaborating with them not only in 2024 but also in the years ahead," Julie remarked.

The 2024 Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo will take place this April at Wests Leagues Club, Branscombe Rd Walkerston, on Friday, April 19th, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday, April 20th, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.

Attendees can expect a family-friendly atmosphere with live music by The Gottani Sisters, whip-cracking demonstrations, line dancing, exhibitor demonstrations on both days, and a special kid’s zone on Saturday featuring various attractions.

Admission to the event is $5 for adults, with free entry for children under 13 years old.

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What: Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo 2024

When: Friday, April 19th, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday, April 20th, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

Where: Wests Leagues Club, Branscombe Rd Walkerston

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Another massive name is Australian literature will be gracing the Whitsundays Writers Festival stage, with Christos Tsiolkas recently announced to attend.

Prepared for the September festival, Melbourne based author, Christos Tsiolkas has penned nine novels, and is an accomplished playwright, essayist, and screenwriter.

His novels include ‘The Slap’, which won Overall Best Book in the Commonwealth Writers' Prize 2009, Australian Literary Society Gold, and 2009 Australian Booksellers Association and Australian Book Industry Awards Books of the Year.

With ‘Loaded’, ‘The Jesus Man’, and ‘Dead Europe’ winning the 2006 Age Fiction Prize and 2006 Melbourne Best Writing Award and ‘Barracuda’ and ‘Damascus’ winning the 2019 Victorian Premier's Literary Award for Fiction, and 7½ won the Melbourne Prize for Literature.

‘The Slap’ and ‘Barracuda’ were both adapted into celebrated television series.

Christos’ most recent novel is ‘The In-Between’, released in 2023.

“We planned for the best and we are attracting Australia’s leading authors,” said Festival President Karen Jacobsen.

“We are very excited to announce Christos’ attendance and we know he will bring many excellent insights for Festival attendees.

“My only advice for those who might experience Festival FOMO is to subscribe to receive Festival news from our website, so you don’t miss out!’ Karen said.

The Whitsundays Writers Festival is a premier literary event dedicated to fostering creativity, dialogue, and appreciation for the written word. Bringing together acclaimed authors, aspiring writers, and avid readers, the Festival celebrates the diverse tapestry of storytelling while showcasing the natural beauty of the Whitsundays region.

The Festival, spanning three days from Friday, September 6, to Sunday, September 8, 2024, will also feature the prestigious Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards. The Heart Awards provide well-deserved recognition and financial rewards to talented writers for best unpublished manuscript, short story, poetry, and book design.

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WHAT: Whitsundays Writers Festival

WHEN: 6-8 September

www.whitsundayswriters.com

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Christos Tsiolkas announced to join Whitsundays Writers Festival roster. Photo supplied

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Easter is about celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and God’s invitation to share in resurrection joy. What are you doing at Easter? Going away, attending a conference, or going to church?

You are invited to join us in one of our Uniting Churches in the Mackay region. From Mirani in the Valley, to Sarina in the south, to Northside in the northern suburbs, to St Paul’s and Armitage in the city. There is a Uniting Church near you to which you are invited to attend.

At one of our services, you can hear the Bible read, sing classic hymns and receive the message that: ‘if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!’ (2 Corinthians 5:17 NRSV).

The first male disciples were afraid that the body of Jesus had been stolen and they returned to their homes, but two angels appeared to Mary and then Jesus appeared and called her by name; she hears his voice and recognises him.

Jesus gives Mary the message to tell the other disciples of his resurrection and ascension, which she accepts and declares to them ‘I have seen the Lord’ (John 20:18 NRSV).

Just as Mary was the first speaker of good news, let us spread the word to all around.

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Last week a big week of bridge was held at the Mackay Contract Bridge Club. Week one of the Mackay Teams, Week 6 of the Nation-Wide Pairs and the two section Whitsunday Zone Pairs event. Thirty pairs over two days battled to win the Open and Novice sections of the Whitsunday Zone Pairs, with the winners of each section representing the zone in the Queensland Festival of Bridge in Brisbane in October. Terrence Sheedy & Noel Bugeia from Mackay Contract Bridge Club took out the Open Section and Sue McInnes & Deb Breeze from the Bowen Contract Bridge Club took out the Novice Section.

Weekly Results

Monday 11 March 2024 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy

1st

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd

Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia

2nd

Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson

3rd

Karen Caldwell / Noel Saunders

3rd

Ming Ting / Pamela Finger

4th

Patricia Garner / Mick King

4th

Monica Darley / Carmel Brown

Tuesday Evening 12 March 2024 –5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st

Geoff Patterson / Ken Seaniger

2nd

Diane Morgan / Geoff Taylor

3rd

Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia

4th

Faye Wright / Terry Sheedy

Wednesday 13 March 2024 – Mackay Teams, Week 1 of 3 - 10 Table Mitchell Red Points

1st

Noel Bugeia Team

2nd

Joy Robinson Team

3rd

Terry Sheedy Team

4th

Victor Mason Team

Thursday Evening 14 March 2024 – 6 Table One Winner

1st

Ann Whitmore / Sandra Morris

2nd

Patricia Garner / Jan Harris

3rd

Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

4th

Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy

4th

Frances Brown / Jewel Schmidt

6th

Kean Seaniger / Robert Carless

Friday 15 March 2024 – NWP Week 6 of 24 - 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Josie Cowley / Victor Mason

1st

Ming Ting / David Ting

2nd

Joyce Deguara / Toni Large

2nd

Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

3rd

Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

3rd

Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

4th

Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood

4th

Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson

Saturday 16 March 2024 / Sunday 17 March 2024 – 2024 Whitsundy Zone Pairs – 15 Table Red Points

Section A

Secton B (Novice)

1st

Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

1st

Deb Breeze / Sue McInnes

2nd

Eric Goodchild / David Ting

2nd

Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore

3rd

Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

3rd

Griffin Bancroft / Jill Brabon

4th

Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright

4th

Graham Seaborne / Jane Seaborne

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Photo Credit: Mackay Contract Bridge Club (Facebook)

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Lorna (right) with Whitsunday Zone Winners Sue, Terry, Deb & Noel

St Patricks Day Shenanigans

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Sarina State High School 2024 Mocktail

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Over sixty enthusiastic runners gathered for an invigorating Sunday morning run in West Mackay. The scratch start race kicked off at Club Secretary Julie’s house, sending runners from the Whibley’s backyard reserve towards the Mackay Base Hospital and onto the scenic Catherine Freeman Trail. Those that tackled the twelve-kilometre continued towards Forgan Smith Bridge before returning for the homeward trek.

Luke Leven had a sensational twelve-kilometre run, bolting from the starter’s gun with fellow junior runner, Jared Mackie who sprinted the entire course with Luke being the eventual victor. Third placed George Hannaford was only ten seconds behind Jared with Greame Harris closing in fast ahead of Shane Donnollan, Ashley Miles, Brad Fraser, John Rae, Matthew Bampton, Darrin Pullen and Robin Stinson. 

Alana Knezevic had an exciting run placing second outright as well as first for the girls ahead of Naomi Ballard and Lily Leven, all clocking under sixty minutes. Mel Esau, Glynis Forse, Rhiann Massey, Emily Hayles, Carmel Mahon, Emma Johnson and Mel Harris ran well to round out the top ten ladies.

Five-kilometre female winner, Millie Bishop outpaced the field to finish one-minute clear of Judy Zahn and Jo Hughes. Lauren Connor, Leanne Connor, Kim Saron, Katrina Ogilvie and Natasha Joynson joined them in quick succession at they crossed the finish line. 

This Sunday’s Club event commences at 7am from Cape Hillsborough National Park, Risely Parade. The six-kilometre and 10-kilometre Hillsborough Turtle Trail will begin with handicap points up for grabs. New runners will need to be registered online by Thursday 5pm. Non-members are most welcome to join in for a $10 race day fee, members pay $2. Everyone is welcome to stay for a free post run sausage sizzle and zooper doopers.

Introducing a new running event - The Great Barrier Reef Arena Gift, which is set to take place on March 23, 2024. This inaugural event will bring together Australia’s finest running talent across various races, genders, ages, and distances. 

For more information, visit the official GBRA Gift website or contact Harrup Park, Great Barrier Reef Arena on (07) 4944 0000.

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Contributed By Janelle Tilse

Images Supplied

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Mackay Road runners lovely ladies left to right Millie, Alana, Lauren, Glynis, Emma, Mel, Leanne, Natasha, Jo, Hostess Julie, Kim, Mel and Jan welcome former Mackay Road Runner, Bernadette Forsyth (far right) back to Mackay for a week after being based for three years in Scotland.

Mackay Road Runners Club President Brendan Bishop (back left) announced race briefing to approximately sixty runners including Craig and Darrin (back row); Matthew, Andrew and Robin (front row).

Len Haworth marginally leads David Isbister in the 5km Whibley’s Wander at the 3km water stop.

Twelve-kilometre competitors, Naomi and Sacha enjoy the post-race refreshments at the Whibley’s Wander.

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Mayoral Candidate Ry Collins steamed out in front as soon as the count began on Saturday, becoming the clear leader and commanding the most votes within the community.

As of the time of writing, 79.64 per cent of the votes had been counted by the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ), with Collins claiming 47.52 per cent, Phil Batty 25.35 per cent, Peter Hood 14.54 per cent and Richard Evans 12.60 per cent.

Within the coming days, postal votes will be counted and preferences allocated, with Collins expected to declare shortly after.

Continued on page 3.

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Ry Collins and his wife Mel have been celebrating this week. Photo credit: Norina Jane

New Face At The Helm

Following Saturday’s Local Government Elections, the Whitsunday Regional Council is about to welcome a new leader, Ry Collins, who is currently holding a significant lead, his Mayoral tenure expected to be announced within the week.

Previously known for his integral role as Chief Executive Officer of Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, Collins has a wealth of knowledge in advocacy, liaising with Minsters and sitting on boards.

He is looking forward to bringing these skills and experience to his new role as Mayor.

At just 44 years old, Collins is the youngest of all the Mayoral Candidates, and will be one of the youngest Mayor’s in the region’s history.

“My skills are current and active,” he said.

“From advocacy to working on state-wide issues – I have been doing all of this already and I’ve got a lot of horsepower, a lot of drive to get up every morning and fight for our region.”

Excitement was definitely in overdrive for Collins and his team of over 20 volunteers on polling day last Saturday, with many of them out in the hot sun for over 10 hours.

“I can’t thank the volunteers enough, some of them have been with me the whole time and inspired me to keep going,” he shared.

“The results we’ve seen have been a lot to do with the volunteers, having the right people contributed to the result.”

After voting stations closed, Collins went to Whitsunday Christian College to witness the count, and by 9pm that evening they “started to see some really good numbers”.

Sadly, however, with every winner there are those who are unsuccessful.

The closest candidate was Phil Batty who led his campaign with passion and dedication.

“Thank you to the people that voted for me and the people that helped me, I kept my integrity and the result is what it is,” Mr Batty said.

Candidate Richard Evans also led his campaign with integrity and passion, determined to help create change within the community.

He now requests the community “stop complaining” about the systemic issues within Council.

“You had the opportunity for accountability and change and you rejected it for the status quo,” he said.

The first Council meeting which will be officiated by the new Mayor is due to take place on April 27.

In the lead-up to this Collins will receive a week’s direct training and will spend time getting to know his new role.

He is “looking forward to spending time with all the Councillors and empowering them in their roles” and meeting with the CEO of Council to find out how he can best support him.

During his first 100 days, Collins will be “meeting with stakeholders and developing a level of prioritisation around issues”.

His focus will be on advocating for flood-proofing on Hamilton Plains, environment compliance, creating action plans and timelines and electing a new Deputy Mayor.

Fundamentally, Collins wants to make sure Council is accessible and has a strong internal culture, which will sure to have positive effects on the entire community.

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Ry Collins is expected to announce as Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council over the coming days. Photo credit: Norina Jane

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Hi Everyone,

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I feel like I have lived and breathed the local government elections over the past four weeks.

Attending lively community forums, chatting with candidates on a weekly basis and running extensive coverage in the paper – by the time Saturday rolled around I was exhausted!

A huge congratulations to Ry Collins for striking out in the lead and looking more than likely to claim the title of our next Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor.

I met with him and his wife, Mel, earlier in the week and it was great to see both his enthusiasm and sincerity – he genuinely wants what’s best for the community and I think his positive, collaborative attitude will be a real asset.

I also spoke with the new Councillors this week and congratulations goes to both Clay Bauman and John Finlay.

When I was chatting with John, he thanked me for the coverage and said it was “good fun” and that he’d really enjoyed the experience.

Firstly, it’s always great to feel appreciated for all the hard work we do at the paper and secondly, I was so glad he’d enjoyed it all!

For those of you that don’t know, over the past five weeks we’ve been running a series of Q&As with candidates – asking them about their views on divisive issues, but also general interest questions so the community could get to know them better.

This coverage has given each of them a platform and we hope it has also given you the opportunity to make an informed decision at the polling booths.

This week in the paper we celebrate the success of the winning candidates, but let’s also take a minute to commend all the brave and bold individuals who stood up for election in the first place.

It must take some guts to put yourself out there in the public arena and I think everyone ran a good race.

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Rach

Quote of the Week: “Win as if you are used to it, lose as if you enjoyed it for a change” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

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Two local bowlers, Andrew Butler and John Matterson will be feeling the sunshine on their head this week, having shaved their heads for World’s Greatest Shave over the weekend.

John had the idea of participating in the World’s Greatest Shave whilst growing his hair out on an 83-day sailing trip with his wife, Juanita.

He had been growing it out for six years when he was diagnosed with monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL).

MBL is a rare condition that can develop into chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Considering John wanted to donate before being diagnosed, he thought there would be no better time than now.

John has raised over $1500 for his World’s Greatest Shave and Andrew has raised between $400 to $500.

Juanita has jokingly asked her husband if he will donate his hair again once it has grown out again and she said, “he hasn’t confirmed and hasn’t denied”.

To donate to the World’s Greatest Shave, you need to shave off 30 centimetres of hair, so that will be John’s next goal.

Juanita encourages people to donate to the Leukemia foundation.

If you wish to donate head to worldsgreatestshave.com.

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The two men getting their hair cut over the weekend. Photo supplied

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Respected local leader, Clay Bauman, is looking likely to return as Division 2 Councillor following Saturday’s election where he struck out ahead in a very tight race.

As of the time of writing, Mr Bauman was in the lead having received 58.54 per cent of the votes compared to his opponent, Tony Price who had commanded 41.46 per cent.

Having initially been voted in as Division 2 Councillor in the bi-election 18 months ago, Mr Bauman is thrilled to be re-elected and delighted to start his first full-term in the role.

“It seems like it’s in the bag!” he said on Tuesday.

“It has been very rewarding to meet a number of people at the polling booths who said I have already helped them, and I look forward to doing more of the same.”

“Previously, I had one year to do as much as I could and now I have four years!”

With a State Government election this year, Mr Bauman is particularly excited about lobbying for promises from both sides to fast track projects in the region.

In particular, he wants to see the much-anticipated Hamilton Plains flood-proofing come to fruition and the Shute Harbour Stage two development which will see a new boat ramp and 200-space carpark at the site.

He is also keen to work with the upcoming budget and wants to investigate further the need for a new Airlie Beach Town Plan.

“I am looking forward to discussing whether it’s time to start on a new town plan that is more in-tune with community sentiment,” he said.

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Division 2 Councillor, Clay Bauman, at the polling station over the weekend. Photo supplied

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Well-known and well-liked Bowen local, John Finlay, is celebrating this week following incredible results at the polling booths on Saturday.

At the time of going to print 81.96 per cent of the votes had been counted for the Division 6 Councillor Candidate position.

John Finlay struck a significant lead, with 72.51 per cent of the votes compared to his opponent, David Paddon who received 27.49 per cent of the vote.

Mr Finlay said he is “absolutely honoured” and thanks the Bowen community for supporting him.

“This role is more than just being a Councillor, it is about being a conduit for the community,” he said.

“I am looking forward to making sure the communication flows both ways and that reference groups are all drawn upon to create the best outcomes for all.”

An accountant for most of his life and a previous CEO of Council, Mr Finlay’s experience is vast, and he is looking forward to using his financial background to create strong financial and asset management plans with Council.

He is also passionate about future proofing our region, making sure we have adequate sewerage and water supply to cater to the significant population growth.

He is also focused on housing development, with so many new jobs arising in Bowen, he wants to see housing meet the influx of workers.

He is also looking forward to tackling the Bowen Harbour project and making headway so that Bowen has a port of a similar standard to Airlie Beach.

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Mayor Julie Hall is signing off this week, bidding farewell to the job she loves, but proud of her dedicated efforts which have delivered more connection within the community over her short but productive tenure.

Her shock decision not to run for re-election as Mayor of the Whitsundays surprised many, but Mayor Hall is confident in her decision.

Although sad to be leaving such an important role within the community, she says she is excited for the next challenge, and looking forward to finding a new venture that continues to inspire her and is dedicated to helping others.

Firstly, she will travel down to South Australia to spend time with her father who has been in poor health, but afterwards she will return to the region.

Remembered as the ‘People’s Mayor’, there are many key projects and initiatives that have made positive impacts within the community.

“My legacy is the Community Engagement Strategy which should ensure that the people of the Whitsundays are always consulted on the direction of their towns,” said Mayor Hall.

She is also proud of helping to drive the success of Whitsunday Coast Airport, passionate about finding a solution to fix the Shute Harbour Boat Ramp and proud to have raised $100,000 at the Mayor’s Ball to support Whitsunday Housing and RACQ CQ Rescue.

“I will really miss this role and the opportunity to continue to be the voice of the community,” she said.

“It was an absolute honour and a privilege to serve as your mayor and I wish the new Council all the best.”

Mayor Julie Hall, remembered as the People’s Mayor. Photo supplied

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Avid sailors from across the country are set to enjoy an entirely green experience at Airlie Beach Race Week which is due to take place at the Whitsunday Sailing Club in August.

An announcement was made this week said that the entire marina village will be off grid during the event.

Whitsunday Sailing Club President, Terry Archer expressed his enthusiasm about the event going green.

“We operate in a sport, that’s powered by the wind, so to have our onshore operations powered by the sun is just a perfect fit,” said Terry.

Supplying the green energy are Mobile Power Trailers.

They are proudly Australian and provide portable power solutions with their advanced solar and battery trailers.

Managing Director, Adam Janczyk said  “We're going to bring six patented trailers up, we're going to have about 110 kilowatts worth of power here, 130 kilowatts worth of battery storage. And it's just going to be run from the sun.”

“The perfect thing is, you guys go out there and sail in the beautiful Whitsundays, and everything's powered by the wind out there. And then you can come in here and be powered by the sun!

“So, we're very proud to be part of it. and we thank Terry and the club for letting us come and we want to be at the forefront of the green initiative.

“We're hoping this will set a trend for other regattas and more big companies to start making the green transition.”

It’s not just the Airlie Race Week that will be green, Adam also ensures the trucks used to transport the trailers are completely green and battery operated.

“I wanted to show that solar can be trustworthy and it can work,” he explained.

“We're here to show people that we're ready to move into action and make it actually happen.”

It’s not just Adam’s passion for green energy bringing him to Airlie Beach Race Week, he also participates in the event regularly.

“I not only wanted to register a yacht and sail in the race week, I wanted to make a difference,” said Adam.

Airlie Beach Race Week is taking place between the 8-15 of August 2024 and registrations are open now.

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Caption: Whitsunday Sailing Club President Terry Archer and Managing Director of Mobile Power Trailers, Adam Janczyk are excited to welcome an off-grid Marina Village feel to this years’ Airlie Beach Race Week. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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The 24th Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival is set to take place later this year and a host of exciting special guests are due to attend the event.

Olympic swimming legend Susie O’Neill will attend and take the role of Swim Ambassador for the weekend.

During her swimming career, Susie won two Olympic Gold medals, one in the in 200 metre butterfly and the second in the 200 metre freestyle.

Also in attendance will be the Voice of Triathlon both here in Australia and Internationally, Pete Murray, who will be the festival MC.

“Our Professional field will be the strongest ever with a host of female and male Professional Triathlete Ambassadors with Olympic and Commonwealth Games under their belts,” said, triathlon Festival Director, Michael Kimpton.

"Triathlon Queensland have also endorsed our race as the NQ Club Championships and the aim of our very small (seven person) but hard-working committee is to continue to run this event as a not-for-profit race and reinvest all sponsorship into growing the event.

“Our aim is to make the 2024 Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival a hallmark event for our region, attracting competitors and their families to stay and play in the amazing Whitsundays. 

“The Triathlon Festival is not just a race; it's a race experience like no other, set against the stunning backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef.”

The triathlon differs from others, offering a variety of different stages.

It offers an Olympic distance, Sprint, Enticer, Junior triathlons and a range of ocean swim distances.

There is also the popular Junior Events which attracted hundreds of competitors, family and friends last year.

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1: Olympic Gold Medallist, Susie O’Neill, is the Swim Ambassador for the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival. Photo supplied

2: Hundreds attended the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival last year. Photo credit: Korupt Vision

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