Proserpine High’s Jasmine Gerlofsma stole the show at the 2024 QTIC Salute to Excellence Awards in Brisbane last week, clinching the prestigious, "Secondary Student of the Year Award – Tourism" on Monday night.
This award highlights her extraordinary talent and dedication to Queensland's vibrant tourism and hospitality sector, celebrated during an event that brought together the industry's brightest stars.
The Salute to Excellence Awards recognise exceptional secondary students, employers, schools and registered training organisations for their participation in and contribution to the tourism, food and beverage and cookery qualifications through VET in Schools (VETiS), and School Based Apprenticeships or Traineeships.
Jasmine is recognised for her dedication and enthusiasm for gaining knowledge and experience in the tourism industry.
During her course with local tour operator Red Cat Adventures, she has acquired numerous practical skills essential for her future career. Jasmine aspires to serve as a role model for women in both the boating and tourism sectors.
Jasmine said, “My vocational education through Red Cat Adventures has enabled me to get out on the water and be immersed in the natural environment, and seeing the variety of wildlife has ignited, in particular, my love of whales.”
“My future aspirations through the tourism industry are to be able to travel internationally and work towards my goal of becoming a Captain or Marine Biologist one day.
“I can gain various experiences, which may be challenging at times, but I can take these experiences with me throughout my life and career and pass those onto others.”
For 27 years, the annual awards program has championed exceptional secondary students studying tourism and hospitality, and celebrated the employers, teachers and trainers who support them.

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Jasmine Gerlofsma receiving her award

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Last Thursday Noemi Martinez Romera won Best in show at the 2024 Great Barrier Reef Festival
Art Exhibition.

Noemi created her piece in response to the exhibition theme: ‘Whitsunday Wonders: Above & Below the Surface.’

Her piece ‘Panorama’ by definition, is an ‘unbroken view of the whole region surrounding an observer’:

“In this painting, I explore a different view of the intricate nature within the Great Barrier Reef's ecosystem,” Noemi explained.

Through a blend of contrast, realism, and surrealism, Noemi invites viewers into a scene where corals, plants, and fauna join in a dreamlike assembly against a charcoal background.

Having trekked South Mole Island and appreciated the scenery, it occurred to Noemi that when it comes to the Great Barrier Reef, people “only think of the bigger picture.”

Noemi’s intention, therefore, was to present a close-up perspective that highlights the individual elements within the larger picture.

Noemi emphasised that she was grateful for the lovely feedback she received, including from judge Lauren Turton from Artspace Mackay who commented the below:

“I enjoyed the artist’s interesting homage to the still life genre, and discovering the hidden treasures within this work. I enjoyed the well-developed concept, thoughtful consideration of composition and technique.”

Noemi said she was shocked to have won the competition:
“I never did this piece with the aim of winning, I just wanted to do something beautiful, it was very instinctual.”
“I saw all the stunning work at the exhibition from so many different artists, with years of experience, with so many great techniques, and I felt overwhelmed.”
“I feel honoured.”
Many of the artist’s pieces have now been sold, and Noemi says that it was a “great” and “successful” night.
The prize was an acquisitive prize alongside a cash prize of a hefty $3000. Therefore, The Whitsunday Regional Council is now the proud owner of Noemi’s fantastic piece.
Noemi also helped design the Fairy Tree for the Immersed Art Installation at the Great Barrier Reef Festival.
Noemi doesn't have any plans to create another masterpiece at present but wants to keep exploring her art and thanks her family members and coworkers who supported her.
You can see a full list of the winners on page 27.

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Noemi Martinez Romera and Mayor Ry Collins with her winning piece: ‘Panorama’. Photo credit: Marewyn Wright

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Last week, two men aged, 21 and 72 fought for their lives following a devastating multi-vehicle collision on the Bruce Highway near Bloomsbury and the road was subsequently closed in both directions.
The Bloomsbury accident, alongside other crashes, including the devastating Greyhound Bus Incident near Gumlu, has opened up discussions surrounding the quality of road on the Bruce Highway.
The section of the Bruce Highway that runs through Dawson, from Mackay up into Townsville, has been identified as one of the most dangerous sections of the entire highway, and the worst has been identified as the 100km stretch between Bowen and Home Hill.
The Bruce highway has seen 761 crashes over 13 years and Between 2018 and 2022, 149 people lost their lives in 129 separate fatal crashes on the Bruce Highway. Of those, 54% (81 fatalities) were head-on collisions and almost 80% (118 fatalities) occurred in 100-110km/h speed zones.
Andrew Wilcox MP, has added to discussions surrounding the Bruce Highway, saying that better funding is needed to facilitate much-needed upgrades that he believes would make the highway safer.
“To have absolutely no funding committed from the Labor government to the Dawson section of the Bruce Highway, the worst and most dangerous section of the entire highway is unacceptable.”
“The people have had enough, I’ve had enough.”
According to the The Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP) no part of the highway is rated 5 stars, and 45% is rated only 2 stars.
With many heavy vehicles using the Bruce Highway every day, struggles to keep up with the maintenance of the road are at the fore.
Andrew Wilcox MP has rallied for people to sign a petition called, ‘Back Our Bruce’ to improve the safety of those who live, work, and travel through the region.
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The devastating scene of the Bloomsbury Crash

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Whitsunday’s local girl Paitin Louise Powell has been crowned Miss Grand Australia 2024 after placing 1st runner up two years in a row.
An inspiring tale of rising from the ashes after coming first runner up in 2022 and 2023, to achieving first place in 2024.
Her success is a testament to the world that you can achieve your dreams despite the access and opportunity challenges faced by remote Australian girls.
Standing tall at 176cm, Paitin is the perfect combination of body, beauty, brain and business.
The 26-year-old Queensland Dental Nurse and Modelling School Trainer was crowned Miss Grand Australia 2024 at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour on Saturday night.
Miss Powell will now represent Australia at Miss Grand International (MGI) hosted in Cambodia and Thailand this October.
The 20 Miss Grand Australia national finalists from all over Australia successfully raised over $21,000 together in support of Destiny Rescue, an organisation that assists the rescue of young girls from child sexual slavery throughout the world with a particular focus on South-East Asia.
The final funds raised were handed over to Destiny Rescue at the coronation ceremony on Saturday evening at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.
Paitin intends to use the Miss Grand Australia platform to continue working alongside Destiny Rescue to ensure more children are saved from the evils of human trafficking.
Australia holds one of the highest rankings in Miss Grand International history having placed globally in the top 5 multiple times since its inception in 2013.
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Contributed with thanks to Dani Nicole Fitch

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Patin Louise Powell. Photo Supplied.

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This month, we congratulate Kim Jamieson who recently became Principal and Partner of Accountancy Plus Whitsunday (APW).
 
APW, with origins dating back to 1985, provide tax return, business, accounting, and corporate services that includes compliance and business growth strategies to maximise profit.
 
Kim, a Proserpine local, joined the APW team in 2008 as a Trainee Accountant. After working and being mentored by Steve Diez (the founder of APW) for 15 years, her decision to enter into a business relationship just made sense.
 
As Principal, Kim hopes to increase mentoring and training graduates and trainees. With a lack of accountants in the industry, she feels it is important to put in effort to support upcoming graduates.
 
Kim is also focused on education and support. Clients are looking for more than just compliance but someone to advise and bring practical solutions to business. She is very proud of the work completed by the team on Covid stimulus. Many long hours went into informing, supporting, and lodging client applications.
 
Today, she sees how businesses are feeling the pinch with staffing issues, increasing costs, or a drop in customers. To help, APW has been focusing on training their clients to be more “hands on” with their accounts.
 
Kim’s top three tips for other business owners:
 
   • Build affiliations and ensure you are working with the right people and seek out expert advice when you need it.
   • Undertake regular financial health checks and know your critical breakeven point.
   • Invest in staff training and treat them well – they represent your business.
 
As an active member of the Chamber, Kim enjoys the exposure to other businesses and networks of businesspeople.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce

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Proserpine Lions Club has announced their new board of directors at the Whitsunday Leisure and Activity Centre on Saturday 3rd August.
The lion's club is a non-profit organisation that gets involved in humanitarian efforts locally, nationally, and internationally.
The dinner was attended by Past District Governors Gary and Audrey Kenny and included a series of award presentations.
Past President Joe Little Presented Lion Damien Mott with a Melvin Jones award. This award is named after Melvin Jones, the founder of Lions International and is the most prestigious award that the Lions give.
New members:

Mario Faletti -   Lion Tamer
Barry Humphries - Tail Twister
Allan Connell - Membership Chair    
Damien Mott - Vice President  
Joe Little - Past President
Charlie Atkinson - President  
Lisa Atkinson - Treasurer.

The Lions Club have monthly dinners you can attend to find out more about the great work the club does. If you fancy on becoming a Lion, contact the club below:
Email: proserpine.qld@lions.org.au
Website: proserpine.qld.lions.org.au

The new board is (left to right) Mario Faletti -   Lion Tamer, Barry Humphries, - Tail Twister, Allan Connell, - Membership Chair, Damien Mott - Vice President, Joe Little - Past President, Charlie Atkinson - President, Lisa Atkinson - Treasurer.

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Australia sees over 3,000 suicides annually, with 75% being men, typically aged between 16-45. Communities with active Suicide Prevention Networks see up to a 17% reduction in suicide rates.  The Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) is dedicated to helping those affected by suicide and implementing prevention programs in schools and the broader community.

WSPN handles an average of 25 local calls per month, providing counselling and support for those in crisis or bereaved by suicide. This year, they've been chosen as one of the charities for the Mayor's Charity Ball alongside RACQ CQ Rescue.

Get behind this vital service by buying tickets or becoming a sponsor for the event! To buy tickets head to https://bit.ly/MayorsCharityBall or to find out more about sponsorship visit  https://bit.ly/MayorsBall2024

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As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainable waste management, Council introduced a new Waste Management Facility Charge as part of its 2024-25 Budget handed down in June.
 
This charge will appear on the rates notices issued across the region and is a crucial step in ensuring that we can continue to invest in and manage our waste facilities efficiently and sustainably.
 
The new fee assists in covering the costs of operating and managing our waste facilities like maintaining our landfills and developing new waste cells and is separate from kerbside collection and transfer station costs.
 
The charge ensures that the region's waste management facilities can operate sustainably into the future, benefiting the entire Whitsunday community.
 
While there is a new charge, it is partially offset by Council reducing the domestic garbage and recycling charges for properties with collection services. This balanced approach helps to minimise the overall impact on ratepayers while ensuring we can sustainably manage waste for the future.
 
Over the next three years, Council plans to invest over $20.3 million in upgrading our region’s waste network with key projects including: Kelsey Creek Landfill $10.4 million; Bowen Landfill $6.9 million, Transfer Stations $2.2 million and Legacy Waste Sites $700k.

By investing in our waste management infrastructure, we are taking important steps towards a more sustainable Whitsunday region.
 
We encourage residents and businesses to participate in recycling efforts. Sorting recyclable materials at the source can save money and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.  
 
By following these practices and staying informed, the community can help support sustainable waste management and reduce the overall environmental impact.

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Amidst the news that Think Water NQ Water Mackay was liquidated in May 2024, Sharon and Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday want to emphasise that they are still very much open.
“They are completely separate; we are part of the Think Water franchise but each individual store is individually owned and operated,” Sharon said.
“We have absolutely nothing to do with Think Water NQ Water Mackay.”
Think Water Whitsunday has been receiving frequent enquiries about their operational status. They want to assure customers that they are not closing down. The liquidation concerns are related to Mackay, not their business. Think Water Whitsunday remains fully operational and is open for business as usual.
“Nothing that has happened to them has anything to do with us,” Sharon stated.
With mixed information circulating online, it is understandable how individuals in the Whitsunday have begun checking up on the operational status of their local branch.
“We are still continuing trading and all we can do is just reassure people that it is not us and nothing that has happened there, has any impact on our customers,” Sharon added.
Think Water Whitsunday is your one stop shop for irrigation and pumping solutions, and Noel and Sharon have been running the business since 2008. Whether you want a pump, irrigation, plumbing or filtration, Think Water Whitsunday and their highly trained staff are open and available to help.
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Think Water Whitsunday remain open amidst rumours

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Ben has been busy sharing the magic of The Whitsundays with America for the last week. The schedule has been packed with activities and meetings, engaging discussions and valuable networking.

Looking ahead, in early September, our team will head to Brisbane for Experience Queensland - Southeast Asia and India, organised by Tourism Events Queensland. This will provide an excellent opportunity for Tourism Whitsundays to connect with key trade partners.

In November, we’re looking forward to the Australia Marketplace UK and Europe 2024. This event is a great opportunity to build and maintain relationships for The Whitsundays with key travel agencies and tour operators from the UK and Europe. 

Closer to home, Tourism Whitsundays participated in the careers expo at Proserpine State High School, where we had the chance to engage with students and introduce them to the tourism industry of The Whitsundays. We highlighted the diverse career paths available within tourism, like hospitality, marine services, marketing, and event management. The enthusiasm and curiosity of the students was truly inspiring, and it was rewarding to showcase the local opportunities and potential for career growth within our region.  

We’re getting excited for the Whitsundays Tourism Awards on Saturday 19 October, a night to celebrate the best in Whitsundays tourism against the stunning backdrop of Daydream Island Resort. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets if you haven’t yet already.  

Lastly, a big shout-out to Laura, Jade, and Zana for their participation in The Airlie Beach Triathlon! The event was a fun and active way to bring the community together, and we look forward to continuing this tradition next year. 

Contributed by Aimee Cameron, Interim CEO, Tourism Whitsundays

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Ben Summers at Down Under Summit hosted by TQ and SATC in America, Photo supplied

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Tucked away in the Proserpine arcade, Deja Brew is rumoured to serve the best coffee in town. With a 5-star rating on Google and travellers coming to town specifically for a coffee, Deja Brew is truly hidden gem.
Deja Brew cafe is owned by Gabby Sinclair. Gabby grew up in the Sunshine Coast as a nurse but realised her passion for coffee early on, growing up around some great coffee shops.
When Gabby moved to The Whitsundays, she was ready to leave nursing behind and unleash her creative side by opening up a cafe in February 2024. Gabby swears by the coffee she uses, describing it as “really good.” It’s sourced from Sunshine Coast, Hinterland, at Montville where it’s roasted only upon order, ensuring it arrives exceptionally fresh.
Alongside Gaby’s fabulous carrot cakes and delectable range of coffee’s, smoothies, salads and toasties that the cafe has to offer she also does exceptional catered grazing boxes.
Gabby mentioned how she has always been creative: “I am quite creative by nature,” and this shows with her decor and thoughtful touches to the cafe, such as the pre-paid coffee heart, where customers can forward pay a coffee so someone else can have it free.
Her grazing boxes are offered in sizes small (2-4 people), Medium (6-8 people), and large (10-12 people), she also offers Grazing platters and tables for larger events.
The grazing boxes, platters and tables consist of a delicious antipasto spread of, cheeses, cold meats, olives, hot meals and more. While there are set menu’s, Gaby also offers customisation.
Gaby has done lots of big weddings, wakes and catered for council meetings, and she is happy to accommodate the needs of the client. If the grazing boxes are something that interests you Gaby also does delivery for free in Proserpine and $20 for Airlie Beach orders.
The cafe is planning to expand soon, and Gaby promises that with the added space, she’ll introduce new lunch and breakfast menus and offer a larger seating area for guests.
Deja Brew is open Monday to Friday 8am until 2pm and catering is available all week. Head on down and let your taste buds be tantalised by Deja Brews fantastic array of coffees and food.
“Come on and visit, come on down,” Gabby enthused.
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Gabby Sinclair and Sophie Beckett
Fruit from the Grazing Platter
Gabbys Grazing Spread

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Proserpine Community Centre is offering free Latin Dance classes for community members. Classes are every Monday at 10am and are run by mum of two, Jhana McDonald, who is originally from Colombia.
Jhana, moved from Colombia to Australia eight years ago, where she grew up dancing with her mother. She first interacted with the community centre when she arrived in Proserpine in June. Jhana did not speak much English but was passionate about helping the community through her dancing.
Jhana stated: “I struggled to speak English, so I express myself through music.”
“I want to give back to the community what I get from dancing, which is joy.”
Ingrid Ruck, Coordinator of the Proserpine Community Centre commented on Jhana’s warm energy that makes the Latin classes so enjoyable:
“People can't help but smile in the class.”
“They keep returning, because Jhana shines so bright.”
The Latin Dance classes are a safe space to connect with music and have fun.
Ingrid added how “you don't have to get the steps right,” and it is about enjoying yourself.
“The class makes you feel free.”
Jhana expressed how the classes make people happy, which creates a ripple effect:
“When someone does something good, they take the goodness back home with them,” she enthused.
Come along and join Jhana to dance yourself into happiness, while meeting community members, who also enjoy a cup of coffee together after the class.
Additionally, if you are like Jhana and would love to share your skill or passion with the community, reach out to the Proserpine Community Centre.

What: FREE Latin Dance Classes
Where: Proserpine Community Centre
When: Every Monday 10am

Jhana McDonald and her Latin Dance Group

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This week
Season to date
Cane crushed
81,766
336,510
Average bin weight
9.61
9.59
CCS
14.10
13.65
Cane variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q208
26.7
13.95
Q253
6.1
14.73
Q240
18.0
13.99
SRA9
5.6
13.78
KQ228
16.8
14.25
Q232
4.4
14.18
Q183
7.6
13.82
SRA12
2.9
14.39
Comments
Proserpine Mill processed just under 82,000 tonnes of cane for the week.
This was slightly above budget, despite an extended stop caused by industrial action on Saturday.
Average weekly CCS came in at just over half a unit above budget at 14.10 units.
The highest CCS was 16.66 units from a rake of ratoon KQ228 from the Lethebrook productivity district.
A scheduled maintenance stop is planned for Friday, 9 August.
Our cane trains work around the clock, seven days a week, so please continue to use your train brain and always take care around the cane rail network. A fully loaded cane train can take up to one kilometre to pull up.
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Peter Luke
Cane Supply Manager
Proserpine Region

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Every Friday 10 am-12pm, the Proserpine Community Centre hosts a free sausage sizzle BBQ.
The community event, which is now in its 5th week, encourages everyone to come on down, meet their neighbours and have a bite to eat.
Proserpine Community Centre Organiser, Ingrid Ruck, emphasised that the event is open to all age groups and “everyone is welcome.”
“This is a safe place with no judgements, a huge variety of people come.”
You're welcome to come and go as you please, but it's a fantastic chance to meet others in the community, chat, and enjoy a sizzle—especially in a time when social isolation is increasingly noticeable:
“Human connection is what is missing from this world,” Ingrid Emphasised.
Given the limited transport options in Proserpine compared to other areas, community members without cars often face challenges accessing events in nearby cities. To help mitigate this issue; the community centre organises local events to ensure that everyone has opportunities to participate and stay engaged without needing to travel extensively.
The Proserpine Community Centre also have a no waste policy, meaning any leftover food from the BBQ goes to community members or Impact Church who have a free food pantry full of donated items. This makes sure that no food goes to waste.
With the beginning of their community gardens, the centre also hopes to use food waste for compost.

What: FREE Sausage Sizzle
When: Every Friday, 10am-12pm
Where: Proserpine Community Centre

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Steve Thompson cooking up a storm at the sausage sizzle. Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot

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Airlie Beach Race Week is not just a week for sailors, it is open for everybody!

The whole community is invited to visit Whitsunday Sailing Club during Race Week and throughout the year too, all are welcome to sit back and relax.

Airlie Beach Race Week Event Manager Amanda Black has been working on the event for six months and is extremely eager to see it all come together.

“I've been on back and forth with different suppliers for quite a while now. So, it will be good to see everything pulled together,” she said.

“We've got a dedicated Mount Gay Rum bar, that will be serving up a range of cocktails as well as all your favourites Mount Gay mixers. We're thrilled to have Mount Gay on board this year and they've really come to the party with their support and, let's not forget, their famous red hats which are back and specially made for this year's regatta. There's real excitement around them and they're a definitely a prized possession amongst the sailing community.

“It's going to be a little hive of activity down there on the lawn!”

In the Festival Village there will be entertainment kicking off at 2pm and then every evening live music.

On Monday 12 August there will also be the event’s ‘Lay Day’ which Amanda is looking forward to.

“There is going to be music from midday and live music from 3.30,” she shared.

“It’s going to be a nice fun atmosphere down on the lawn where people can come and have drinks in the sun.”

Great artists and bands will be performing live throughout the Airlie Beach Race Week, including Mackay based band ‘The Collective’ and Brisbane based ‘The Allstars’.

All will be performing at the Festival Village, the perfect spot to relax and take in the amazing views.

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