Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Rarely do you turn your nose up at a cheap deal, an opportunity to save some money. Life is too expensive, kids cost too much … even when they grow up and go to uni. But this was the discount I never wanted, the bargain I never sought. I was about to have lunch with a bunch of colleagues and friends at a local pub one Friday recently but couldn’t find anything on the menu that appealed to me that day. I wanted something light, or a smaller dish that wasn’t going to weigh me down for the rest of the day. I was ordering at the bar and the barmaid, trying to assist in my search for a lighter or smaller meal, came up with the words I didn’t want to hear. Her voice was loud and clear, easily picked up by my friends: “Why don’t you get one of the seniors’ meals?” There was a split second of silence when I took in and tried to comprehend the strange words I had never heard directed at me, then another split second of panic as I realised the friendly barmaid had a voice like a megaphone and my friends were well and truly within earshot at a nearby table. Then came the laughter from my friends who for some reason thought this was the funniest thing they had heard that day. “A seniors’ meal! Yeah, mate get yourself a seniors’ meal!” Apparently, it was hilarious. Now, I don’t know the exact age one becomes eligible for a seniors’ meal, or any seniors’ discounts for that matter. I have to keep working hard and staying fit and feeling young and in the prime of life so that I can continue to pour funds into the funnel that provides food and accommodation and uni life for kids and family. I have deliberately avoided thoughts of being a “senior” and, therefore, taking advantage of the discounts and special deals that no doubt are on offer. I googled the qualifying age the other day and it said traditionally Queensland set the age at 65. Which means I’m not qualified for seniors’ stuff yet. I suspect there are opportunities for “younger seniors” but I don’t need to go there. There is, of course, nothing wrong with seniors’ deals and one day I am sure I will take full advantage of them. But it is more of a mindset for me, living life, selling houses and working in a way that deems age irrelevant because there is too much to do. I might not look young but I need to feel young so I can keep going … so no thoughts of seniors’ anything. In the spirit of fighting against the tide of time, I stepped up my exercise routine recently and joined one of the flash new gyms in town. The space, lighting, music, and “feel” of the place create an “energy” that helps inspire you to work hard and get results. When it comes to real estate, I am a buyer who thinks more about location than how modern and terrific the house is, which is why I live in West Mackay. But a venue like that gym reminds me that the right house, with the right features and feel, creates an inspiration that elevates the experience of life. It’s not just about the location, it’s how you feel when you are there, what your life feels like and looks like. Location is important but sometimes the most convenient location can’t provide the elevated experience that a particular house can offer. It can change the way you feel and interact, how you entertain and enjoy yourself. The right environment can bring out the best in you and inspire you to greater heights. Even if you’re a senior.
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1986 – M&P Auto's Established, Archibald Street [860m2] 1987 – Moved to Satellite Crescent [3539m2] 1990 – M&P Transport Division 1994 – Shipping Containers 1997 – Max Lamb Jnr Joins M&P As Director 2002 – Moved to Spiller Avenue [16,000m2] 2004 – Authorised Duckbill Agent 2005 – First Transportable Building Designed & Built, Terry Seay joins M&P as a Director, Incorporated Company 2006 – First Mobile Crib 2008 – Opening of Rockhampton Depot (3998m2) 2009 – Combo Toilets 2010 – Authorised Teco Agent 2011 – Mobile Crib Rooms to PNG 2013 – Moved to Diesel Drive 2014 – Added Heavy Haulage To Transport Fleet 2016 – First Charity Golf Day, Authorised Tennant Agent 2017 – Authorised Earth Track Agent 2019 – Undercover Shed Extension 2021 – Wheeled Products division expanded, First Solar toilet trailers produced 2022 – Mobile Crib Rooms Added to Standard Hire Fleet 2023 – Largest Supply contract entered into at $4.9m 2024 – Cyclone Block & Log Tiedown System added to Manufacturing, Sales & Hire 2025 – 10th Annual Charity Day Raises 75k in one day, Manufacturing Excellence Award 2026 – 40th Year Milestone Achieved
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Every rescue kitten carries a story. Some begin in uncertainty, some in hardship, but all share the same quiet hope… to one day belong. Then there is Jinx. Sleek, black, and quietly enchanting, Jinx is the kind of kitten who stays with you. Like many rescue kittens, her early days were not easy, but with patience and care, she has discovered her confidence. Now, her playful spirit and affectionate nature are shining through more each day. Jinx is curious and clever, happiest when she is exploring her surroundings, watching the world from a sunny window, or settling in close after a burst of play. She is a reminder that sometimes the most overlooked animals—like black cats—have the most to give. Those who open their hearts to them are often rewarded with a loyalty that runs deep. Each of these kittens is on their own journey, but Jinx shares the same destination: a home filled with understanding, patience, and love. Because in the end, it’s not just about rescuing animals—it’s about giving them the chance to truly belong. Please contact foster carer Robin 0457 134 750. Contributed by Mackay Pet Rescue Inc.
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After nearly five decades of teaching, one of Mackay’s most passionate music educators is preparing for a bittersweet farewell as she leads her final ANZAC marching band trip. Kathryn George OAM has spent almost 49 years at North Mackay State High School, where she helped build the school’s renowned marching band program from the ground up. This year’s Brisbane ANZAC Day March will mark her final major appearance before handing the program to the next generation of staff. Mrs George formed the marching band in 1992 alongside fellow founding director David Bayliss. Since then, the program has grown into one of the largest single school marching bands in Australia. She said the program began as a way to extend talented instrumental music students beyond simply playing their instruments. “It’s a specialised skill and an extension to just playing an instrument, where you actually have to march and hold your position both vertically and horizontally while you’re playing,” she explained. Over the years the band has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, representing Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, performing at Disneyland and the Los Angeles Independence Day Parade, and even appearing at the Shanghai Tourism Festival. “It’s certainly one of the largest single school marching bands in Australia,” Mrs George said. “It’s so unusual – and rather wonderful – that it comes from a little town like Mackay rather than a big capital city.” This year the school band will again travel to Brisbane with around 90 students preparing for the parade, where they will appear as the first civilian band at the start of the procession before later marching alongside the army contingent marking its 175th anniversary. Among those helping carry the program forward are former students who have returned as staff members. “I know it’s in good hands,” she said. This year’s band will be led by Year 12 drum majors Chloe Waples and Alana Plunkett, who were selected after extensive auditions. Reflecting on her career, Mrs George said music has always been central to her life and she believes it plays a powerful role in education. “I’m really passionate about how important music is in learning for students and how it enhances the whole learning experience,” she said. “It teaches self-discipline and patience. With an instrument you have to work at it… it’s not a quick gratification, but it’s highly rewarding.” When she retires at the end of the year, she hopes to spend more time with family, including welcoming a fourth grandchild. And as she prepares the band for Brisbane one last time, she says the milestone fills her with immense pride. “I’m just so proud of my legacy and that the teachers continuing the tradition have come up through the band themselves.” “It’s going to be a very bittersweet moment, but it’s something I’ve been preparing for a while now.” After nearly 49 years at North Mackay State High School, Kathryn George OAM is preparing to lead her final ANZAC marching band. Photo supplied
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Living in North Queensland before the internet and after the internet are two vastly different experiences; not dissimilarly to before and after a pandemic. In fact, many of the committee members who have worked to create the 2024 Whitsundays Writers Festival are new residents, passionate about creating a greater arts presence.
To our delight, there is a palpable excitement in the community for the arrival of our award-winning authors, and the opportunity to highlight and feature what we have discovered is a significant number of local authors living in the Whitsundays. We are fortunate to be able to build on previous festivals, and thank the committees and volunteers of those events from seven years ago.
The written word has the potential to transform lives. Reading can entertain us, educate us, give us an alternate point of view to consider, and it can deeply connect us with each other. This is my wish for our lovingly and consciously designed event; that we might as a community have our minds opened and share three memorable days of thoughtful experiences that enrich our lives.
Whether you are a reader, writer, audio book listener or someone who wishes you made more time to pick up the books on your shelf, we welcome you to join us for the 2024 Whitsundays Writers Festival. We know we live in the most beautiful location in the world, and presenting a three-day cultural event of this kind is a perfect match. On behalf of the 2024 committee, thank you.
Contributed with thanks to Karen Jacobsen
Karen Jacobsen, President of the Whitsundays Writers Festival
The Love Letter to Queensland event – 6:30pm-9pm Thursday 5 September, Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach – will feature a stimulating lineup of notable speakers, each presenting their own love letters to Queensland, offering a diverse array of perspectives and experiences.
Guest speakers include:
• MARCO RENAI awarded 2024 Queenslander of the Year for his impactful work with at-risk young men.
• ELIZABETH HACKETT known for her significant contributions to the tourism industry and the Whitsunday Skyway project.
• DR CHRIS SARRA CEO of the Office of First Nations Engagement and Innovation, leading initiatives for youth engagement within Queensland.
• DR MELISSA ASHLEY celebrated academic and award-winning author of historical fiction novels.
• ANDREW WILLCOX MP Federal Member for Dawson will announce and read the winning Love Letter to Queensland community writing competition entries who will receive shopping vouchers for Adult and Under 12 Divisions.
• KAREN JACOBSEN Whitsunday Writers Festival President, international speaker, concert artist and songwriter, author, and the voice behind over a billion GPS and smartphone devices.
The Love Letter to Queensland event and writing competition is being coordinated by the Whitsundays Writers Festival and proudly supported by James Cook University’s Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing and the Whitsunday Regional Council through their Community Assistance Grant program.
WHAT: Love Letter to Queensland event
WHEN: 6:30pm-9:00pm Thursday 6 September 2024
WHERE: Coral Sea Resort ballroom, Airlie Beach
REGISTRATION: Standard $49 and Concession $39 including light supper and two drink vouchers followed by a cash bar from www.whitsundayswriters.com
The Festival is deeply grateful for the following for their support:
Major Festival Partners – Beach Book Boutique, Whitsunday Sailing Club, Blue Peace Enterprises, Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing, Proserpine Wind Farm, and KB Design.
Friends of the Festival – Airlie Beach Music Centre, Amanda Camm MP, Coastal Food Design, Cruise Whitsundays, Just Tuk’n Around, Kapow Interactive, McDonald’s Restaurants, Melinda Louise Media, Plants Whitsundays, Queensland Writers Centre, Ray White Whitsunday, Tassal, The Prickly Pineapple, TP Styling and Events, and Wilmar Sugar & Renewables.
Accommodation Partners – Airlie Apartments, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Heart Hotel and Gallery, Mantra Club Croc, Pinnacles Airlie Beach, Shingley Beach Resort, Toscana Village Resort, and The Boathouse Apartments.
Tickets are available online from www.whitsundayswriters.com or hello@whitsundayswriters.com
FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
Venue: Whitsunday Sailing Club
9:00am Festival opening
9:20am-10:30am The Art and Joy of Storytelling with Chris Sarra, Joy Damousi, Garry Disher, and Graeme Simsion.
11:00am-12:00pm Cops and Robbers: Writing and reading crime fiction and thrillers with Anne Buist, Garry Disher, Karina Kilmore, Jack Roney, Lindsay Simpson and facilitator Harry Colfer.
12:23pm-1:15pm Meet our Featured Local Authors at Beach Book Boutique
1:30pm-2:30pm Responsible writing? Stories about people, relationships, the world and possible ramifications with Anne Buist, Sally Hepworth, Christos Tsiolkas, and facilitator Karina Kilmore.
2:35pm-3:30pm Spotlight On: Writing craft, from first draft to final manuscript, facilitated by Monique van Tulder.
4:00pm-5:00pm From Quills to Code: Is artificial intelligence revolutionising or ruining the future of creative writing? with Melissa Ashley, Joy Damousi, Graeme Simsion, and facilitator Lindsay Simpson.
5:00pm-6:30pm Poetry Karaoke, step up the mic and share your verses.
SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER
Venue: Whitsunday Sailing Club
9am Welcome
9:10am-9:40am From the Heart: The inaugural Annual Festival Address by Shankari Chandran.
9:40am-10:00am Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards Announcements and readings with Festival President, Karen Jacobsen.
10:30am-11:30am Adaptation: From page to stage to screen with Nick Earls, Sally Hepworth, Graeme Simsion, Christos Tsiolkas, and facilitator Lindsay Simpson.
11:30am-12:30pm Spotlight On: Research and Bringing Authenticity to Fiction with Melissa Ashley, Nick Earls, Kristy Manning, and facilitator Jack Roney.
1:30pm-2:30pm Hour of Power, Meet and greet book signing session with program speakers and Featured Local Authors
Venue: My Rainbow Bakery
3:15pm-4:45pm Big Book Club High Tea featuring Sally Hepworth and Kirsty Manning, hosted by Karina Kilmore.
Venue: Whispers Bar at Mirage Whitsunday
5:00pm-6:30pm Saturday Sundowner event.
SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER
Venue: Whitsunday Sailing Club
9:00am-10:00am Concurrent sessions:
• Ask Me About: Having the courage to share your story, with Festival Vice President Melinda Louise Hutchings and Rachael Smith.
• Ask Me About: Writing for personal and professional development, with Festival President Karen Jacobsen and Monique van Tulder.
• Memoir workshop with Lindsay Simpson.
10:30am-11:30am Concurrent sessions:
• New Release Showcase, hosted by Richard Evans with our Featured Local Authors and guests.
• Ask Me About: Traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing with Jack Roney and Julia Evans.
• Memoir workshop (continued) with Lindsay Simpson.
Venue: Whitsunday Marine Club
12:30pm-2:30pm Local Author Long Lunch showcasing the writing journey of some of our Featured Local Authors.
The Whitsundays Writers Festival provided several opportunities for young writers to nurture their creative writing talents and present their works in competition.
The Love Letter to Queensland community writing competition sought 300-word entries in Adult, Under 18 and Under 12 divisions with winners taking home shopping vouchers for $500, $250 and $200 across the respective categories. Winners and high commended entries will be announced by Andrew Willcox MP, at the Love Letter to Queensland special event on Thursday 5 September.
One of the categories of the Festival’s Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards is the Best Short Story for Under 18 division celebrating original short stories of creative fiction.
Four young Whitsunday writers have been shortlisted for the award and are in the running to win $1000 for first prize and $500 for the runner up.
In his submission, Riley Cousen from Mackay State High School said that he likes writing about crime and has been writing for a little while now. The synopsis for his story, The Dirty Dealer is I climbed to the top of the building... I steadied my gun... I fired...
Framed, by Proserpine State High School student Myka Kelly, is a story about a secret agent for a dangerous company who is sent on a mission to watch a teenager. Along the way she is confronted by her past. Myka has been writing for as long as she can remember, and she really loves writing narratives about crime.
My Mother’s Betrayal, by Mila Kronk, is a story about when a girl, bored of her reality, unknowingly is shown a snippet of the future, she tries to ignore the strange occurrences she notices afterwards. In her submission, Mila shared that she wanted to challenge herself and try to create her own plot. She found it was difficult – Mila didn't know how it was going to end, and because of this she rewrote the same story so many times, each time getting closer to the result.
Alessa Penglase-Fortunato, for ever since she can remember, has loved the thrill of picking up a pen and paper and being able to transport herself and others into an entirely different world. At the early age of seven, Alessa published her first ever short story in an anthology after participating in a workshop. From then on, she has shown a deep passion about writing and hopes to inspire others through storytelling and art and continue my journey in writing. Her submission, Unspoken Words, where grieving the loss of her sister, Avery finds comfort and forgiveness in her sister's ghost.
The awards sought submissions from around Australia of up to 3,000 words of unpublished creative fiction stories. The winner will be announced Saturday 7 September.
This year, Festival launched the Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, offering $10,000 in cash prizes to recognise and honour outstanding contributions to the literary and design landscape.
The Heart Awards’ mission is to spotlight the diverse talents within the Australian creative community while also paying homage to the Whitsunday’s Heart Reef.
Festival President Karen Jacobsen expressed enthusiasm for the awards program, “We believe in celebrating the richness of Australian creativity in all its forms. The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards are a testament to our commitment to nurturing creativity.”
The Heart Awards comprise four distinct categories:
• The Gloria Burley Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript,
• The Published Book Cover Design Award
• Best Short Story Award (adult and under 18 years old divisions)
• Poetry Prize.
Gloria Burley was the driving force in the establishment of the Whitsunday Writers Festival, which ran 2010-17. She penned two books titled A Rolling Stone Gathers No Husbands, chronicled many of her travels, and Blood & Guts that sums up her exploits as a nurse in regional Australia. Gloria passed away from cancer in 2018.
“What better way to recognise the Gloria’s legacy than initiate a creative writing award named in her honour,” said Karen.
Both long and shortlists of finalists have been announced ahead of the festival. Winners will be announced 9am-10am Saturday 7 September at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.
WHAT: Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards announcement
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach
REGISTRATION: Session only tickets start from $21 from www.whitsundayswriters.com
As economic pressures mount, regional festivals like the Whitsundays Writers Festival face the challenge of maintaining quality while cutting costs. Complaints about the lack of government and community support are growing in regional towns, but there’s a simple solution: buy a ticket. Even if you can’t attend, your purchase can help pay it forward, allowing someone else to experience the event.
Supporting arts and culture doesn’t require grand gestures; it’s as easy as buying a ticket. This small act can make a significant difference, ensuring that festivals like ours and others continue to enrich the cultural fabric of our community. Culture matters, and by supporting it, we show that we matter too.
So, take that step today—purchase a ticket, encourage your friends, and be part of the positive change. Together, we can ensure that arts and culture events and festivals thrive for years to come.
Earlier this year The Whitsundays Writers Festival excitedly announced Beach Book Boutique as its official Festival Bookshop.
Established in September 2015, Airlie Beach’s iconic independent bookstore overlooks the expansive lagoon. It offers new releases and second-hand books in-store and online, including their unique book exchange for new and high-quality recycled books.
Beach Book Boutique’s owner Belinda Harris is very excited for the festival:
“We are looking forward to having a great weekend with the festival, meeting like-minded people and some amazing authors – including our local writers!”
The Beach Book Boutique will offer a curated selection of titles from both the esteemed speakers at the festival and notable local authors. In addition to providing a diverse array of books, the Boutique will host engaging meet-and-greet sessions and book signings, giving attendees the opportunity to interact with their favourite authors.
For added convenience, a smaller branch of the bookshop will be set up at various Festival venues, ensuring that festival-goers have easy access to their favourite reads and can participate in the exciting book-related events throughout the festival.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Belinda and Beach Book Boutique as our official Festival Bookshop. The festival is committed to engaging local businesses and to showcasing what the Whitsundays has to offer,” said Festival President, Karen Jacobsen.
Beach Book Boutique is a hub for local authors and books about the Whitsundays, offering regular book signings and promotional activities throughout the year.
Beach Book Boutique selected as official festival book shop.
Closing the Festival on Sunday 8 September will be the Local Author Long, celebrating the writing journeys of some of the Festival’s Featured Local Authors.
Over lunch, the following authors will discuss their diverse genres, careers, and connections to the Whitsundays:
• RACHEL ARMSTRONG award winning North Queensland contemporary romantic fiction author.
• LORIE BRINK Townsville local and writes action-adventure books, with her debut novel to be launched at the festival.
• HARRY COLFER a critical care paramedic who has published a murder-mystery, two action-adventure thrillers, and a collection of short stories.
• A.L. TIPPETT wrote her first novel at twelve and now writes urban fantasy novels, with one featuring Bowen’s Big Mango.
• MONIQUE VAN TULDER is a Shute Harbour resident lifestyle and travel writer, telling the stories of women doing inspiring things, in fascinating places.
“We have fourteen local authors joining the festival, each with their own amazing, distinct creative talents. We can’t wait for Festival attendees to meet them and discover their stories,” said Karen.
During the Festival, attendees can meet all the Featured Local Authors, including Sandy Clark, Richard Evans, Melinda Louise Hutchings, Karen Jacobsen, Jo Nightingale, Glynda Joy Parfitt, Bec Russell, Joab Russo, and Peter Utber.
This event is supported by Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine and the Regional Arts Development Fund (a partnership between Queensland Government and Whitsunday Regional Council).
WHAT: Local Author Long Lunch
WHEN: 12:30pm-2:30pm Sunday 8 September 2024
WHERE: Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale
REGISTRATION: Standard $109 and Concession $89 includes light lunch and two drink vouchers, and a cash bar from www.whitsundayswriters.com
Headlining this year’s festival is Shankari Chandran, winner of the prestigious 2023 Miles Franklin Literary Award for Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens.
Shankari’s journey is as captivating as her writing. Raised in Canberra, she spent a transformative decade in London, where she worked as a lawyer dedicated to social justice. Upon returning to Australia, Shankari shifted her focus from legal advocacy to the art of storytelling. Through her writing, she delves into themes of dispossession and the quest for community; crafting narratives that resonate with profound insight and empathy. Her work not only reflects her rich personal experiences but also contributes significantly to contemporary literary discussions on identity and belonging.
Joining Shankari, Sally Hepworth, Kirsty Manning, and Karina Kilmore are several other highly regarded, award-winning Australian authors:
• ANNE BUIST Chair of Women’s Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and author of the Natalie King crime fiction series and psychological thrillers like The Glass House.
• CHRISTOS TSIOLKAS Melbourne-based author of nine novels including The Slap, Barracuda, and Damascus, and a winner of multiple prestigious literary awards.
• GARRY DISHER Award-winning crime writer known for titles such as Day’s End and Sanctuary.
• GRAEME SIMSION author of the acclaimed The Rosie Project, which has sold over five million copies and is set for a Hollywood adaptation.
• JACK RONEY former police officer and author known for his authentic and gripping crime fiction.
• JOY DAMOUSI distinguished historian and Dean of Arts at the Australian Catholic University.
• MELISSA ASHLEY award-winning writer, poet, and academic, known for her novel The Birdman’s Wife.
• NICK EARLS author of 28 books, with multiple adaptations for theatre and film, including 48 Shades of Brown and Perfect Skin.
Their participation solidifies the Whitsundays Writers Festival as a must-attend literary event, marking a significant cultural moment.
WHAT: Whitsundays Writers Festival
WHEN: Friday 6-8 September 2024
WHERE: Main venue Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach
REGISTRATION: Session only tickets start from $21 from www.whitsundayswriters.com
More than 3000 people took advantage of the low tides this week to walk to the North Head Lighthouse from the Bowen mainland.
People travelled long distances to be in the region for this event and were joined by many locals.
The lowest tide was on Monday but some managed to make the trek on Sunday and Tuesday too.
The lighthouse is located about 1km from the mainland, but you can only walk across when the tide is very low – and that only happens a couple times a year, making it a special occasion whenever it occurs.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the annual lighthouse walk was always popular.
“Walkers follow an exposed sand spit and you always see a lot of marine life, especially red star fish,” she said.
“The view from the lighthouse is magnificent, back across to Bowen on the mainland and looking southeast you see Gloucester Island.”
This year, Kenny the Mango Mascot joined in the annual lighthouse walk.
Kenny is usually based at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango but he couldn’t resist saying hello and joining everyone on their journey to the lighthouse.
He has been to Dalrymple Point before to greet walkers at the start and finish of the event but this year, he made it all the way across to the lighthouse.
“He was very popular with people lining up to have their photo taken with our favourite mascot,” Leanne said.
The six-sided wooden lighthouse is one of Queensland’s oldest and was built in 1866, protecting ships entering Port Denison between Middle, Stone and Gloucester Islands.
Port Denison was the first port established in north Queensland with Bowen officially becoming a town in 1961.
Although the lighthouse has not been in use since 1985, it was restored by community groups in 2017.
Kenny the Mango Mascot with Margaret Johnson, Lynne Oates, Jo Ahern, Laura Oates and Carolyn Bromley!
Kenny at the lighthouse
People spotted starfish and other marine life on their walk to the lighthouse
Hundreds of people took advantage of the low tides this week to walk to the North Head Lighthouse from the Bowen mainland.
Kenny the Mango Mascot caught up with this group from Argentina on Monday - Dianna, Aixa, Bruno, Benja and Nadia.
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On Wednesday 14th August, the sea received a wonderful gift in the shape of a well-rested and recovered turtle.
In June, Chez, a beautiful sea turtle struggling with buoyancy near Bowen’s Yacht Club, was spotted by Joe Bell and other water enthusiasts. They carefully transported her to shore. Tracey Bazzo from Bowen Sea Turtle Assessment and Rehabilitation (BSTAR) was initially unavailable, so wildlife carer Jo Bell took Chez to BSTAR. After emergency care, Chez was transferred to Libby Edge at Eco Barge who does long-term care.
Tracey spoke with great enthusiasm about Libby and Eco Barge, praising the impactful work they do:
“Libby is so fantastic; her volunteers are just phenomenal.”
Last Wednesday, Billie Edge and Tracey released Chez back into the sea after months of adjusting water levels to enhance her buoyancy. Billie, Libby's daughter, transported Chez to Bowen, where she was found. About 300 spectators, including the KIDZ from the beach daycare center in superhero capes, watched the beachside release.
It was a beautiful day. Chez, placed on the sand and smelling the water, made a beeline for it. When she reached the edge, Tracey noted, Chez, “stopped, looked, and as soon as she hit that first little bit of water, she was off!”
Tracey added, that its always daunting releasing a turtle but gives you a “magnificent feeling.”
“Libby’s facility and her volunteers for long term care, you cannot compare with anything else,” Tracey emphasised.
“If it wasn't for Libby, the turtle would not be released.”
Good luck on your new venture Chez!
Chez in her mode of transportation.
Chez B-lining back to her home in Bowen!
This week we introduce Jonathan Pourau, (Jono for short) from Painting Made Easy & Affordable. A business providing house painting services that eradicates cracks, mould, rust and rot.
Jonathon moved to the Whitsundays in 1995 and began by teaching kickboxing at Fitness Venue. He earned his QBCC licence in 2007, allowing him to become licensed for painting and waterproofing.
As a 20-year certified Dulux Acratex Applicator and a 10-year Dulux Avista Applicator, Jonathon says it’s his preparation systems that impress our clients the most.
“Everything I touch gets premium preparation. Our primers and preparation are where our secrets to success is located.”
Jonathon says his product has four main attributes that make it to superior to other paints: it’s thickness, toughness, durability and most importantly, its affordability.
THICK
Jonathan’s waterproof paint, made from resin and cement, is thick and durable. It fills gaps and cracks, setting it apart from thinner, less lasting paints.
“My clients love it!”
TOUGH & DURABLE
There is nothing better on the market than the Dulux Avista paints Jonathan uses, which include new advanced water-based technology.
AFFORDABLE
Painting Made Easy & Affordable offers great discounts for pensioners, seniors, and locals, with better deals for older jobs or houses. Jonathan, a local, provides excellent customer service and has built a strong reputation in the Whitsundays. To see his previous work or hear client testimonials, call Jonathan at 0478 087 778 or 0413 652 000 and mention this article to receive 50% off, for the first 3 callers only (terms and conditions apply).
Jonathan Pourau proud owner of Painting Made Easy & Affordable
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Sam, a 'retired'/dumped ex-racehorse, has been at Animal Rescue Whitsunday since September 2021. Sam is a gelding, 18 years old and 17 hands tall. He is as gentle as they come and has been handled a lot, but most people are not tall enough to ride him without using a ladder! He always comes second in the pecking order, contrary to AJ who is as bossy as they get.
AJ, a gelding, is a sturdy ex-stock horse, age unknown (no brand), probably around 15 years of age. He was surrendered with 4 other horses in 2022.
Sam needs a strong hand and lots of training, if he'll be ridden again. He tends to boss AJ, but they still 'like' each other and are used to being together.
Sam needs additional feeding, whereas AJ is happy with a bit of lucerne. Sam gets fed separately!
Rehoming fee: $500 (for both together!)
Sex: Male
Breed: Gelding
Indoors/Outdoors: Outdoors
Vaccinations: Both horses haven't been vaccinated for a while.
Sam and AJ spending some quality time together!
As the Olympic flame fades and our screens return to more mundane fare, I can't help but reflect on some of the highlights that had me practically shouting at the TV. Not too loudly though, I had a sleeping toddler in the next room.
My Olympic enthusiasm runs deep—so deep, in fact, that when my husband and I first met in 2008, our second date was a late-night affair watching the Beijing Opening Ceremony, only to doze off waiting for New Zealand to appear. And a fun fact, my high school had me pegged as 'most likely to represent New Zealand at the Olympics' four years running. Sorry Marlborough Girls' College, I didn’t quite make the cut!
The Games were a rollercoaster of emotions. Matt Glaetzer’s bronze in the keirin by “Doing a Bradbury” was absolutely exhilarating to watch. After years of near-misses, he finally claimed an individual Olympic medal. And let’s not forget Ellesse Andrews from New Zealand, who dazzled with a golden double in the sprint and keirin.
In athletics, Hamish Kerr’s high jump gold was a leap of joy, while Jess Hull’s silver in the 1500m made history as Australia’s first female medallist in that event. Matt Denny’s emotional bronze in the discus was a personal highlight. As a fellow discus thrower, seeing him break the fourth-place curse was nothing short of incredible. The commentator’s "Fourth No More!" was music to my ears.
Simone Biles was, as always, the epitome of greatness in gymnastics. Her performances are a masterclass in athleticism and grace – a true GOAT (greatest of all time) worthy of that title.
And a sport that I never thought would captivate me, (don’t worry, I’m not going to say breaking), is golf. I don’t mind the occasional belt of a ball at the driving range, but I’ve never been able to watch it as a spectator sport. Until Lydia Ko. An unbelievably composed final round saw her win gold to complete her Olympic Medal set and enter the LPGA Hall of Fame, and she’s only 27 years old!
For those suffering from Olympic withdrawal, the Paralympics begin on 28th August, promising more jaw-dropping feats and inspiring moments. If the Olympics left you with a sense of “what’s your excuse?” the Paralympics will surely provide a new wave of motivation.
Amanda
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