Over 60 local residents attended a lively Mayoral Candidates Forum held by the Whitsunday Conservation Council at the Reef Gateway Hotel last Wednesday evening.

Candidates Phil Batty, Richard Evans and Ry Collins all took to the stage to answer questions given by facilitator and well-known local environmentalist, Tony Fontes.

The fourth candidate, Peter Hood, was invited to participate but chose to sit in the audience, saying that his position as an accountant forbid him take part.

In making this assertion, Hood caused quite a disturbance during the opening speech, standing from within the crowd and yelling toward the front.

Organisers quickly instructed him to sit down and asked him to leave unless he could remain seated and listen like everyone else.

The rest of the evening progressed in a civilised and democratic manner with each candidate taking their turn to inform the audience of their views on seven different questions.

There were seven main topics which included liveability, the reef, sustainability, biodiversity, town planning, the village atmosphere of Airlie Beach area and Council transparency.

Phil Batty held the current council account, producing a range of documents that supported his assertion that the Council had funding and permission to implement certain projects but had failed to do so on several occasions throughout the years.

Richard Evans spoke frankly and earnestly without needing to refer to notes, instead offering case studies which showed how he had sent his time actively communicating with the general public over the past few weeks.

Ry Collins gave evidence of his passion for community, liveability, and environment, illustrating well-prepared and thorough answers addressing the key issues with sound knowledge and consistency.

Afterwards, Tony Fontes asked several impromptu questions gathered from the community and given to the candidates.

These covered similar subjects, but narrowed in on some of the key issues.

Each candidate was given two minutes to deliver their responses and a bell would ring 30 seconds before the end so they could conclude within time.

Open to everyone in the community, the forum attracted a broad spectrum of people who were all interested in making an informed decision about who they would vote for next Saturday.

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Caption:

1: Mayoral candidates – Phil Batty, Richard Evans and Ry Collins at the Whitsunday Conservation Council Mayoral Candidate Forum last Wednesday. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

2: Mayoral Candidate Peter Hood disrupts the forum but is soon asked to take a seat. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Rosanagh Gallivan comes to the region with a wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience to her new role with Tourism Whitsundays, as Public Relations and Social Media Executive.

Here is more about Rosanagh:

What is your role at Tourism Whitsundays? I've recently taken on the role of Public Relations and Social Media Executive which means I will be involved in all thing's media relationships, stories, and social media marketing for The Whitsundays. 

What made you chose The Whitsundays? Being new to the tourism industry I couldn't think of a more iconic Australian destination to be a part of!  I am also a big fan of the island life, which made the decision even more appealing.  I can't wait to explore more of the region! 

What are you most looking forward to doing in your new role? Leveraging our social media platforms to showcase the magic of The Whitsundays to the rest of Australia and also internationally, as well as meeting the members of Tourism Whitsundays who make up this beautiful part of the world.

What is one thing about The Whitsundays, as a new resident, you think everyone should know? Even in my short time here I've been amazed at how much is on offer for such a diverse audience. The Whitsundays goes so far beyond being either a backpacker or honeymoon destination, with attractions, accommodation, and activities to suit everyone. My initial experience here has been nothing short of amazing, and as a newcomer to the region, I hope I can bring a fresh perspective. 

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Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine is excited to announce the appointment of Amanda Anderson as its new Branch Manager.  

“We are delighted to have Cannonvale local and active community member Amanda Anderson join the Branch team. She is a welcome inclusion for our Branch team, customers, and shareholders. We look forward to her contribution in 2024 and beyond” said Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Chairman Mark Henry.

Amanda brings to the role over ten years branch management and banking specialist experience, and time spent in business development, property management, and small business ownership.

“I am really excited to be in a leadership role and lead a customer focused team,” said Amanda. “The opportunity to service the local community and help our customers with their home loan journey or assist them in building their investment portfolio is exciting.”

The Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine opened in June 2012 with the support of local shareholders who saw the value of the Community Bank model and raised $800,000 locally to establish a branch in the Whitsundays.

At Bendigo Bank, our customers and the community always win. Our success is based on our profit-with-a-purpose model which sees around 50 per cent of the profits generated by our independently owned and operated Cannonvale-Proserpine branch invested back into the community.

Over the past seven years Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine have invested just over $178,600 into local schools, social programs, sporting groups, arts and culture events, conservation initiatives, and community prizes.

“I chose to join the Community Bank as I would be proud to be part of an organisation that is so involved and invested in the local community with volunteering and sponsorship” she said.  

“Our ability to invest in the local community is due to our branch team for delivering consistently high-quality customer service, our shareholders for backing the Whitsundays community, and all the passionate local directors past and present for their hard work and dedication”, said Mark.

Visit the Branch at Whitsunday Plaza Cannonvale or contact the team on phone 07 4948 3599 or email cannonvale&proserpinemailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au

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Community Owned Response to Eliminating Suicide, better known as CORES Queensland, is gearing up for another free, community focussed workshop for local residents.

This two-hour workshop will focus primarily on self-care and mental wellbeing, providing skills and resources to develop an individualised self-care and mental wellbeing plan, which includes activities to enhance physical, emotional and mental health on a daily basis.

The workshop will also explore the concept of self-care and mental wellbeing, how to identify personal signs of stress and simple strategies that can be used to manage individual stress levels on an everyday basis.

For more information, contact CORES at adminqld@kentishrc.com.au or phone 0448 894 525.

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WHAT: Self Care & Mental Wellbeing Workshop
WHERE: Proserpine Community Centre, 36 Gardenia Street

WHEN: Thursday, March 21, from 1pm to 3pm

Cost: Free

REGISTER: https://bit.ly/3OXYnlM

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Photo credit: Bronte Hodge and Rachael Smith

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Proserpine State School student, Sophie Dening, has decided to cut her hair for kids with cancer.

Getting the big snip last Friday, Sophie has sent off the fallen locks to be repurposed into a wig for a child with cancer.

“I have beautiful hair with such a unique colour,” Sophie explained on her fundraising blog.

“I wanted to share my beautiful hair with someone who needs to feel beautiful.

“Kids with cancer unfortunately lose their hair due to necessary medical treatments to make them better. If one little girl could have a wig made from my hair, I know it would make her smile (and me),” she explained.

“I started growing my hair and this journey a couple of years ago so I could have it long enough for me to still have a bob cut when I get the big chop.” 

Having been sent off last week, Sophie’s hair will arrive at the Wigs 4 Kids wig partner, Ella Wigmakers, to be constructed into a wig for a child with cancer.

Kids with Cancer Foundation support children and young families of pre-teen children, between the ages of 0 to 12 years old, that are experiencing financial difficulties due to their child being treated for cancer, along with doctors, nurses, social workers, and cancer research.

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   1. Sophie Dening’s big chop

   2. Sophie sending off her hair donation, for her hair to be constructed into a wig for a child experiencing cancer. Photos supplied

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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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Join Black Dog Ride and PCYC Whitsundays this March for the iconic annual 1 Dayer event, which aims to start a national conversation about depression and suicide prevention.

The 1 Dayer event looks to have the riders of Black Dog Ride unite under one banner, with one voice on one single day to amplify a national message of hope, awareness and prevention.

Registration for the event includes 1 Dayer patch, a round 1 Dayer 2024 participation bike sticker and a Black Dog Ride bike sticker.

Black Dog Ride began in 2008, following founder Steve Andrews’ hearing of two mates’ wives suffering from depression and succumbing to the illness.

He had always dreamed of competing a ride around Australia, but lacked a purpose, that would fuel the ride.

The inaugural Black Dog Ride occurred in 2008, with Steve kicking off in Busselton. 26 days later, and over $34,000 raised, he had been successful.

Since then, Black Dog Ride sub-groups have spread across Australia, bonding over the love of bikes and camaraderie.

The annual Black Dog Ride allows all riders to come together, and as a national organisation, start the national conversation for suicide prevention and depression.

To register for the 1 Dayer event, visit https://bit.ly/4c3lVzJ

For more information, contact the local contacts for Black Dog Ride on Whitsundays@blackdogride.org.au

WHAT: Black Dog Ride’s 1 Dayer
WHERE: PCYC Whitsundays
WHEN: Sunday, March 17, from 7am
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/4c3lVzJ

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This St Patrick’s Day, head to the Airlie Beach Hotel for one Sunday of the absolute best Irish jigs, with one of the best Irish tribute bands ever to escape Ireland!

Rattle and Hum is Australia’s premier U2 Tribute band, with the perfect recreation of the iconic band’s hits, with smooth beats and near-pristine tunes.

Formed in the midst of the mid 90s and crafting their sound and stage presence throughout the 2000s, Rattle and Hum’s unbelievably accurate renditions of U2 are sure to get Airlie Beach Hotel’s patrons excited this St Patricks Day.

But the unforgettable U2 tracks won’t be the only things on the set list, with Rattle and Hum ready to belt out classic Irish jigs and the perfect St Pats tracks, before they smooth out the afternoon with a special guest set-list of Coldplay, which always ends a Sunday afternoon off right.

Sure to be a sell-out show (with free entry!) reserve a table now with the team and be ready for all the action!

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WHAT: St Patricks Day: Rattle and Hum
WHEN: Sunday March 17, from 2pm to 5.30pm
WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

TICKETS: Absolutely Free But It’s Recommended To Reserve A Table!

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Don’t Miss The Saturday Set!

Rattle And Hum

Saturday March 16, from 2pm to 5pm

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With passion dedication and commitment, Daniel Spurway has set his sights on supercar racing, the natural evolution of his karting career.

It all started in 2018, when Daniel found himself behind the wheel of a kart and for the first time discovered the thrill of driving on the competitive track, and he hasn’t looked back once.

“I wouldn’t call it a passion,” Daniel shared.

“It’s more like a life-long obsession with racing.”

Closing out the chapter of kart racing in 2023, with 12 wins and 37 podium finishes spanning his karting career, Daniel decided that car racing was the next step for him, and rather than waiting for the pros to approach him, he would go knocking on some doors.

“I’m happy with all that I accomplished in kart racing. I am proud of making it to the NQ Championship in 2022, and for competing in the QLD State Cup.”

Now turning his efforts to getting into the support category league of Aussie Racing Cars, Daniel is chasing the rush of powerful engines.

Aussie Racing Cars is just one stepping-stone in Daniel’s progression, with the goal of racing in the Supercar Championships the ultimate goal.

“To be able to be on the tracks that my heroes have raced on, that’s what I’m after.

“To be in the league with some of the best, that is my major dream.”

Daniel is open to local sponsorships, to propel him further in his racing career.  

“To be able to race in the big leagues, that would mean the world to me. And to have long-term sponsors behind me means that I can achieve my dreams of racing alongside my heroes.

“Racing is something that came to me at an early age.

“Racing is something that me and my dad bonded over, and it was something that helped me through tough times.

“It allowed me to escape my life for a time, when all I had to focus on was taking the next turn, then the next then the next.

“Any assistance I will always appreciate.”

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Richard from Freem Racewear, who’s always been looking out for me with our racewear.”

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Daniel’s Fastest Speeds:

“In my kart, I once hit 120 kilometres, and in the Scholarship Series Toyota 86, I got up to 220 to 230 kilometres, which was incredible.”

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   1. Daniel Spurway, at the 2024 Toyota 86 Scholarship Series

   2. Daniel’s karting career ending with 12 wins and 37 podium finishes. Photos supplied

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Local youth sports coaching organisation Next Stars Sports Academy isdelighted to announce the extension of their partnership withMomentum High Risk Training (Momentum HRT) for an additional 12months, marking a significant milestone in their collaboration.

Overthe past year Momentum HRT has served as the proud naming rightspartner of Next Stars' Momentum Speed Squad demonstrating theirdedication to fostering athletic excellence within the community.With this renewed commitment Momentum HRT's support will nowencompass the entirety of Next Stars' coaching programs expandingtheir impact and reach across the Whitsunday region.

Thecontinued partnership between Next Stars and Momentum HRT underscoresa shared vision of empowering youth through sports, emphasising bothphysical and emotional development.

Lukeand Jacqui Shields, the owners of Momentum HRT, said, "We arethrilled to extend our partnership with Next Stars! We have witnessedfirsthand the exceptional coaching and mentorship that has beenprovided to our own children and together we look forward tofurthering the positive impact we can make in the lives of youththroughout the Whitsunday region.”

TimOberg from Next Stars said, “I have loved collaborating with Lukeand Jacqui from Momentum HRT over the last year and am excited aboutthe impact we can achieve with this enhanced partnership. I’m afirm believer in the power of shared values and I know that MomentumHRT and Next Stars are perfectly aligned in that regard.”

Forfurther information regarding Next Stars Sports Academy seewww.nextstars.org.

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The Cannonvale Cannons had a very successful weekend at the NQ Swimming Championships held in Mackay. The Cannons thoroughly enjoyed the relays on Friday night and were very excited with their medals. On Saturday morning, the Cannons started the day on a high, winning the annual March Past. The swimmers looked amazing in the caps and capes. To top off the championships, the Cannonvale Cannons accrued the highest number of points and were named the Champion Club.  

Congratulations to Jax Clayworth, Don Algie and Jacob Bell for being awarded Age Champions.  

Zane Clayworth, Zachary Trefz, Levi Smith, Addie Sanders, Charlie Doherty, Eric Mulliss, Koa Harland, Thomas Ganter Evie Doherty, and Harris Delac swam PBs in just about all their events. Charlie Doherty, Thomas Ganter, Remy Hedges, Holly Perrin, Jy Parkinson Anisa Helou, Ehsan Helou, Noah Maltby, Tora Delac, and Jack Ganter made finals for all his events and won a swag of medals. Dylan Reynolds was thrilled to make finals for four of her events.  

Ruby Harland, Indi Smith, Alex Trefz, Eloise Chegwidden, and Isabella Pisaniello swam excellent Backstroke setting PBs or achieving medals. Celeste Orenshaw, Maeve Dicheria, and Andie Reynolds were outstanding in the Breaststroke and Butterfly events. Isaac Pisaniello's best events were his last three in which he swam PBs and earned medals. Declan Dichiera was very happy with his silver medals. Matilda Nicholes’ best swim was 100m Freestyle which she swam in under 1min 20sec.  

Coaches Ken Crittenden, Mark Erickson and Rylee Erickson were very impressed with all the swimmers and their exceptional achievements. The coaches were very proud of all the swimmers and were thrilled with the Cannons being named the Champion Club. Congratulations to all the swimmers and a big thank you to all the wonderful parents for their support.  

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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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1. Team Cannons at NQ Champs

   2. Cannons at NQ Champs

   3. Boys Relay team

   4. Senior Mixed Relay Team. Photos supplied

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As the wet continues, maintaining a consistent fitness routine can become a challenge with the unpredictable weather. However, there are plenty of ways to stay active and keep fit, even when the rain is pouring down.

   1. Embrace indoor workouts: Take advantage of indoor facilities such as gyms, fitness studios, or even your own living room. From cardio exercises like jumping jacks and burpees to strength training with dumbbells or resistance bands, there are countless workouts you can do indoors to keep your fitness levels up.

   2. Try swimming: If you don't mind getting wet, swimming is an excellent way to stay fit during the wet season. Swimming provides a full-body workout and is gentle on the joints, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

   3. Dance it out: Put on your favourite music and dance around your living room. Dancing is not only a fun way to stay active but also an effective cardio workout. You can follow along with dance workout videos online or simply freestyle and let loose.

   4. Take up a new indoor sport: Consider trying indoor sports such as indoor boxing, basketball, or badminton. These activities provide a great workout while keeping you protected from the rain.

   5. Invest in home workout equipment: If you have the space and budget, consider investing in home workout equipment such as a treadmill, stationary bike, or rowing machine. Having these tools at home makes it easier to stay active regardless of the weather outside.

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Collinsville is excited to welcome a new nurse graduate into their community this year.

Shakarna grew up in Clermont, near Mackay, and during high school, she was unsure what she wanted to do as a career.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do in high school, but I started a double degree in nursing and midwifery in Townsville,” Shakarna said.

“But that was difficult financially, so I dropped back to nursing only, got work as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) and completed by degree part-time.”

Shakarna completed her studies over six years, working during her studies.

During this time, Shakarna also benefited from three years of practical experience working as an Assistant in Nursing at the Clermont Multi-Purpose Health Service.

Having relocated to Collinsville earlier this year, Shakarna is enjoying the tight-knit community.

“There have been lots of learning opportunities and the community has been very welcoming,” she explained.

Shakarna will join a host of confident, compassionate, and knowledgeable nursing and health staff in Collinsville.

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Shakarna is joining the health team of Collinsville. Photo supplied

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Some tips on Navigating safely – and remember that as the skipper, you are responsible!

• Visibility: Operate slowly in rain, fog, mist, smoke and glare. Take special care when travelling at night as potential hazards are harder to see. Ensure you operate at a safe speed.

• Other boats: Slow down in busy areas and when near moored or anchored boats, and remember — working boats and larger vessels may have difficulty manoeuvring.

• Navigation hazards: Slow down in shallow areas and when boating in unfamiliar water. Water depth can vary and change quickly in and around reef areas, and also in freshwater.

• Wind, waves and currents: These may affect the boat’s stopping and turning ability. The type of motor, hull and design will all impact on the boat’s manoeuvrability.

• Check your navigation lights are working and fitted correctly. We did have to assist one boat with the nav lights on the wrong sides! Did not know if he was coming or going!

Collision rules: The ‘International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea’ (COLREGs) are the traffic laws of the sea. They give clear indication about passing, approaching, giving way and overtaking to avoid collisions with other boats. All boat skippers must thoroughly understand and apply the rules in all situations.

Channels: When navigating in narrow channels, all boats should travel on the starboard (right-hand) side of the channel and pass oncoming boats on the port (left) side. If plenty of distance separates two passing boats, there’s no need to deliberately alter course to pass to the right of the other boat. The rule is simply there to remove doubt in the event of a close situation. Small boats (including sailing boats) should keep clear of large boats that have limited room to manoeuvre in channels.

Giving way: All boats, whether power or sail, must always take action to avoid a collision. Power boats ‘Look all around, give way to the right, turn to the right and stay to the right’.

Head on: When meeting head on, both boats are required to alter course to starboard (right), never to port (left). Any turn should be large enough to be obvious to the other boat.

Overtaking:  If you are overtaking a boat, you can do so to either side of the boat you wish to pass.

However, you must keep well clear of the boat you are overtaking. This applies to both sail and powerboats. In narrow channels you must be particularly careful when overtaking. In all instances, make sure you do not cut in front of the boat you have overtaken.

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VMRW membership is cheap insurance at just $90. You can join online at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/ .

 1.  If Head on, alter course to starboard 1

   2. Boat Collision

   3. Power gives way to sail - usually! Photo supplied

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