I am a long-term local sugar cane grower and have been proactively involved in the sugar industry for many years, including being a Canegrowers director and the inaugural Chairman of Sugar Services Proserpine.  I am the current Division 5 councillor and Deputy Mayor.

The one issue I would address is cost of living pressure. It’s not a problem that I can fix, but I will do my best to limit any changes to council fees and charges.

Honest representation, a good work ethic and a commonsense approach, which is what I am doing my best to give. I feel I have a sense of duty to the community and have something to offer for the benefit of others.

With my experience, I will be able to hit the ground running. The first thing on the books will be to set the budget for 2024/2025. I will continue to do my best to represent and advocate for Division 5, as well as the Whitsunday Regional Council area as a whole.

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I feel very honoured to be uncontested for the Division 1 seat and I am very much looking forward to the next four years working with and for the community.

I’ve got some big projects that I’ll continue to push forwards with, I would like to see a massive waterpark in Airlie Beach at the Airlie Beach Foreshore.

I am also advocating for the redevelopment of the Airlie Beach main street and I would like to see a multi-story carpark as well as a place of safe refuge for extreme weather events.

I would also like to have somewhere where people can fish safely from the land, probably somewhere near the VMR.

In addition, I will be overseeing ongoing issues such as street lighting and footpaths.

In the first 100 days I will begin lobbying for the waterpark and multi-storey carpark.

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I have owned and operated a small business, Downtown Butchery, in the Main Street of Proserpine for over 30 years and, together with my wife, Jill, raised four daughters. It’s been a privilege to represent Proserpine and the surrounding areas on Council since 2012. I believe that I have the experience and passion to continue contributing to Division 3 and our wonderful region.

I’m proud to say that I’ve achieved some major projects for Proserpine and surrounds but I’m not going to sit here and promise the world to be re-elected. The cost of living is worse than we’ve ever seen, and my goal is to keep rates as low as possible for residents, while continuing to offer great services for our community.

Of course, I will continue to advocate for projects like the Lake Proserpine Redevelopment, a Proserpine RV Park, seeing through the Wilsons Beach Swimming Enclosure rebuild and finding new ways for the younger generation to enjoy their spare time in Proserpine, but my main focus is not contributing to cost of living for families.

When I first ran for Council, I stood for transparency and common sense. These basic values are what I continue to stand by today and everyday around the boardroom table. For me, being your elected representative doesn’t mean getting my photo taken at an event, it means working to make a difference where it truly matters. My phone is always on, and door is always open to assist - no matter how big or small your issue may be.

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As the current Councillor for Division 4, I have a four-year term under my belt already which brings a fair bit of experience. During my term, I’ve gotten to know a lot of people in my division. I understand that if they’re contacting a Councillor, they genuinely have a concern, so I always do my best to help as much as I can. I’m married with three school age children and have lived in Bowen my whole life, a fourth generation local.

The biggest thing that I would love to rectify immediately is the Ted Cunningham Bridge. We have been working on a resolution and by the end of the wet season we hope to make headway. People need to be connected; they need essential services, so we need to get this moving. Also, Yasso Point at Queens Beach has been a personal project of mine. After community consultation, it was decided that we need to take action to beautify the area and reduce hooning.

Most residents I’ve worked with over the four years say they want honesty and to know that you will turn up. They also want a good working Council that listens to the people and tries to action their concerns. Just to show up, every day, do you best and try your hardest for the community. Not everything is perfect, that’s why I am in the job, I’m in it to balance out community and council – to be the conduit between the two.

Based on the previous term, I worked as hard on the first day right up to the last day and I’ll be working like that again. The first 100 days will be spent getting to know the new Councillors, as it is important we work together for the betterment of the community. Our role is to hit the ground running, and I’ll be continuing where I left off, making sure I’m present and approachable in the community, a person to rely upon.

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The ‘why’ of your business and other key lessons from Kapow Interactive

Ambi Middleton joined Whitsunday based digital marketing company Kapow Interactive in 2021, switching career paths after spending time in the maritime and health industries.

“No one day is ever the same at Kapow Interactive. One day I’ll be managing social media for a builder, the next I’m designing a website for a childcare centre.  It helps broaden, inspire, and entertain my creative side,” she said.

Ambi is a sponge for knowledge. She joined the 2023 Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship program delivered in partnership by TAFE Queensland, Chamber, and Whitsunday Regional Council.

“The course helped us acknowledge why we are in business, and where we want to go with it,” said Ambi.

Her top insights from the course are:

“Know your core inside and out. It easy to go about your everyday and forget the major reason your business exists.

“Plan for success. You can’t get ahead without planning how to get there. Regular reviews are essential as life changes frequently!

“Prioritise business development. These tasks often go to the second tier, so bump them up the list.”

Inspired by the course, Ambi is leading work to transform Kapow Interactive’s internal systems.

As a Chamber member, she has found the events and business support excellent.

“Walking into a room of strangers can be so daunting, but Chamber events are so inviting, and they make it so easy to meet like-minded business owners,” said Ambi.

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As a Cannonvale resident, I believe we can improve how council serves us. My background in film and television has sharpened my budgeting skills and departmental leadership, equipping me to tackle the diverse challenges facing our community. I'm very careful and thorough with all the paperwork and I’m very able to help with people’s questions and concerns. These skills and experience gained since becoming a councillor in 2022 make me a great fit for the role. 

The most difficult thing is to choose just one. My current priority is new sporting facilities for our growing region. We need plans in place to start applying for grant funding from State and Federal Governments, the sooner the better. Another project already initiated is the Cannonvale Civic Centre which will save us hundreds of thousands of dollars of rent paid for the current library and give us community facilities that we’ve never had in Cannonvale or Airlie Beach before. 

Division 2 is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia. Our infrastructure network needs improvement, especially the missing footpaths that are forcing more e-scooters onto our narrow roads. Recently I was successful in getting a wider road in a new residential development and planning to provide a complete footpath network, rather than more dead-end paths. I'll continue to work on making our infrastructure match our community's needs for safer travel with Paluma Road being my next focus. 

My last 300 days are the proof in the pudding. I will keep listening to the community and being their voice in council, holding council to account to provide a higher standard of service. Key in our first 100 days will be next year's budget. Last year I put forward reducing rate increases for all owner-occupiers which was adopted unanimously. There is about five times as much money allocated to be spent in Division 2 than when I joined council. 

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Being a successful business owner, I understand the challenges and opportunities that our business owners face daily in Bowen. I am dedicated to representing the vibrant spirit of our community, and I am particularly passionate about fostering the growth of local businesses.

I am reaching out to individuals who share a common vision for our community’s growth, prosperity and resilience. I believe that together, we can invest in initiatives that fuel growth, making Bowen an even better place to live and work.

Our local businesses are the heartbeat of Bowen, creating jobs, supporting families, and shaping the unique character of our town I believe in the power of local investment to stimulate employment opportunities ensuring a resilient and prosperous Bowen economy.

I would be honoured to hear your thoughts on issues that matter most to you and your vision for Bowen’s future. Your insights are invaluable in shaping policies that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of our community.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. Together let’s embark on a journey to build a stronger Bowen- one job at a time.

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My professional qualifications, experience and community involvement include: Fellow Certified Practising Accountants, Bachelor Business Degree, Graduate Certificate Local Government. Employment: Manager SBB Partners (Accountants, Business Advisors) Bowen. Former Managing Director Rekenen Accountants. Council Positions: Chief Executive Officer, Director Corporate and Financial Services. Community: Current Treasuer - Bowen Community Centre, Bowen Collinsville Enterprise, Bowen Christian Outreach Centre. Former Bowen Senior Rugby League Treasurer, Bowen Community Council Youth Committee Chairman, Bowen High School Parents and Citizens President, Bowen Soccer Treasurer.

Community events bring the social capital of our communities together and facilitating/staging/involvement of events are projects that Council can support. A strong cohesive community brings prosperity both in economic and social wealth. Seek the input/strategies from the regional business groups for consideration and develop strategies conjunctionally to address or assist in implementation. Rates and charges are often spoke about and upon the review of Council’s financial strategies ensure the community is well informed of Council’s budget and financial position.

The community wants to know that the Council is being operated efficiently and effectively, maintaining the community facilities, future capital works, has prosperous economic and social development strategies. Community forums and sharing at business and tourism forums are avenues to inform the community.

Gain an understanding and review of the current financial budgets, financial plans of Council’s operations, business activities, and Capital Works Program and asset management plans in preparation of the budget for 2024/25. Gain a knowledge and review of Council’s Economic Development plans and activities to further business and investment growth in the region.

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With a long history in the Whitsundays, raising our family in Cannonvale, I’m well positioned to represent our community. A business owner-operator of 45 years (Cannonvale and Proserpine) I’ve gained strong communication and negotiation skills. I’m community-focussed and bring experience as a former Councillor. My decisions are made in the best interest of Division 2 and region. I’ve organised major events and been on boards for Tourism Whitsundays, NQ Games and NQ Economic Development supporting sustainable growth to the region.

In 2009 I suggested, and council now own a 96-hectare site at Mount Marlow. The proposed Master Plan at the time included a motel, caravan/motorhome park, individual sporting fields for athletics, all football codes, cricket, basketball, netball, tennis, Olympic size swimming pool, club house, grandstands and barbecue area. Sport/event tourism is big business and would attract plenty of State and Federal Government funding heading towards the 2032 Olympics. My plan included rural-residential lots to reduce cost and support affordable housing.

Secured local employment so people can enjoy the Whitsunday lifestyle. Infrastructure and support of tourism is key, so we need to create the planning environment that builds less costly homes or rental accommodation and a road network that can manage the increasing traffic flow. I’d encourage Council to increase tourism funding and chase government grants. Increased tourist numbers means more high quality accommodation, more jobs, more flights into the area and more funding for investment in community infrastructure and development.

I’d introduce myself to schools (the voice of youth is often missing, but important) and most businesses in Division 2 to get a feel for concerns and aspirations. I’d talk to Tourism Whitsundays to understand growth and management ambition. Using my experience as a long time Councillor, I can ensure that our projects are not only on the table but high on the agenda. I’d meet with councillors and staff to develop a collaborative relationship to deliver our projects.

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across year groups being friends, and of assisting each other to better themselves and excel at their chosen passions.

This passion for achieving your personal best, and of helping each other is strong in the 2024 College Captains both Primary and Secondary School.

For Secondary School Captain, Zoe Shepherd-Smith, she decided to become a captain because she’s always admired the captains, since watching them from Prep.

“I’ve seen a lot of captains, and they have helped me develop my own leadership skills, and helped me grow in confidence,” Zoe explained.

“Now that I have the opportunity, I wanted to step up and become a role model for younger years and serve the school. I want to support everyone and make an impact.”

Zoe’s a regular contributor to the school, consistently lending her time and energy to help in productions, school projects and extra curriculars.

“I just want to help out whenever and however I can,” Zoe explained.

“I am always happy to step in and give a hand where I can.”

Zoe is joined by Vice-Captain Paige Whincop, who’s involvement lends itself in the form of advocacy.

“I want to be a voice for the students, and make sure their ideas are heard and we are able to accomplish things that they wish for,” Paige explained.

“I want to be a leader that gets things done, and advocates.

“I want to show every student that we can have fun at school, and that it’s great to get involved with the school and to help out.”

A goal of School Captains is the further Whitsunday Christian College’s community outreach, extending off the great work the 2023 Captains began.

“We want to keep that ball rolling,” explained Paige.

“We want to keep getting involved in the community, with another food drive, and bring in the Primary School. We’ve got fun ideas too, like a bingo night, to help our fundraisers.

Kylie Langshore, Whitsunday Christian College Principal, said she was thrilled to see the new leadership team take shape.

“It’s inspiring to have two strong and confident young ladies take pride in our school,” she said.

“These ladies are working hard to contribute and create positive change, and they have already been quite successful and influential within the school community.”

Alongside Zoe and Paige are the two Primary Captains Oliver Webb and Elliana Langshore who are excited to instil positive energy and happiness in the College’s Primary School.

For Oliver, becoming a Captain is something he’s always aspired to do.

“My brother was a captain,” Oliver explained.

“He inspired me, and I am excited for what we can do.”

Elliana knew she wanted to become a captain since Year 3.

“I tried my hardest, and I want to be a voice for Primary School,” Elliana explained.

This pair have big plans for the College’s Primary School, wishing to hold the inaugural Whitsunday Christian College Talent Show, to allow each and every student the opportunity to showcase their special talent.

“We want to be able to give students the chance to get up and show off their talents and to encourage each other,” Elliana said.

Ms Langshore is excited for these two young students to stand at the helm of the College’s Primary school, and is pleased to see them bringing enthusiasm and excitement to the role.

“Our College is cultivating a culture of encouragement, and Oliver and Elliana are prepared and excited to help each and every student to achieve their own personal best,” she explained.

These Captains will be joined by other school leaders, along with the revitalised Student Representative Club, to promote the goals and values of the College.

Led by Year 12 Student Jackson Riley, the updated Student Representative Club will more closely work with the College Captains, to collaborate across year levels and college leadership with the informed opinions of students.

The year of 2024 is looking bright for Whitsunday Christian College, led by the confident and capable hands of young people, who’s enthusiasm is palpable and ideas are running rampant, ready to cultivate the College’s culture.

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   1. The Senior Leadership Team

   2. The Primary Leadership Team

   3. The Senior Captains

   4. The Primary Captains

   5. Senior Captain, Zoe Shepherd-Smith, with parents

   6. Senior Vice-Captain, Paige Whincop, with mother

   7. SRC President, Jackson Riley, with parents

   8. Primary Captain, Ellianna Langshore, with parents

   9. Primary Captina, Oliver Webb, with parents. Photos supplied

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Advertising Feature

Get ready to share and experience the many cultures that call the Whitsunday Region home, with the return of the annual Whitsunday Multicultural Festival.

Celebrating and sharing the cultures that are prevalent in our region, the Multicultural Festival is sure to have a large variety of food and drink, arts, music, and performances scheduled for the day.

Don’t miss the excellent cultural cooking, traditional dance, and amazing activities and celebrate our Whitsunday Way.

This year, the Whitsunday Regional Council is expanding its reach, welcoming community groups and organisations to register interest to be a part of the day.

To register interest, visit the Council’s Engagement Portal at https://bit.ly/Multiculturalfestival2024

SAVE THE DATE

WHAT: Whitsunday Multicultural Festival

WHERE: Bowen Foreshore
WHEN: Saturday March 23

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Performers at the 2023 Whitsunday Multicultural Festival. Photo: Supplied

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The 2024 School Leaders of Proserpine State High School have officially been inducted into their roles, at a special ceremony last week.

These students are now eager to begin their year of school leadership with prowess and confidence.

The School Captains, Reid Ogden and Alice Pini are two confident and capable leaders, and are joined with School Vice Captains Holly Perrin and Nathan Richards.

School Principal Mr Don McDermid said he looked forward to seeing all students thrive and reach their full potential.

“I encourage all students to use their leadership skills or simply be a role model to make a difference to those around them and help make our school a better place,” he said.

“Work hard to be the best you!”

2023 Graduates Sam Rogers and Shehara Bradely were also invited back for the special ceremony, where they were awarded for their academic prowess in 2023.

Sam was awarded Dux of the Year, as well as the Douglas Debney Memorial Bursary, on behalf of Wilmar Sugar for being named top male student for 2023.

Shehara was awarded the George Telford Memorial Bursary on behalf of Wilmar, for being the top performing female student of 2023.

Sam expressed his gratitude for the generosity of Wilmar towards himself and Shehara. He also acknowledged the support from the broader school community.

“The bursary provided will be a significant help as we embark on our first year of university,” he said.

“It’s a scary time, but support like this paves the road beneath our feet. It’s truly remarkable to belong to a community where local organisations like Wilmar are so personally invested in the dreams and pursuits of young individuals.”

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   1. School Principal Don McDermid, Reid Ogden, Alice Pini, Holly Perrin, and Nathan Richards.

   2. The entire 2024 Proserpine State High School Leadership team

   3. Sam Rogers and Shehara Bradely, recipients of Wilmar bursaries. Photos supplied

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The revitalised Whitsunday Writers Festival has announced their Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards this week, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

With substantial cash prizes up for grabs, the awards will recognise and honour the diverse and talent writers, while paying homage to the beautiful Great Barrier Reef.  

With categories encompassing writing, poetry, and book cover design, the Whitsunday Literary Heart Awards is offering up to $10,000 in prizes across four categories, with finalists in each category to receive significant recognition.

Festival President Karen Jacobsen expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “Beyond assembling some of Australia’s celebrated authors in Airlie Beach, our festival aims to celebrate and champion homegrown writing and design talent.

“The Heart Awards epitomise our commitment to nurturing creativity and honouring the legacy of festival founder Gloria Burley,” she explained.

"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 recognising and rewarding the extraordinary talents within our community," remarked Karen.

The Heart Awards comprise four distinct categories, each offering a platform for recognition and celebration:

   • 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

“The unparalleled generosity of these prizes solidifies the Heart Awards as a premier platform for Australian regional writers’ competitions,” Karen affirmed.

“Our festival stands as an example for recognising and rewarding creative talent, fostering a culture that champions the invaluable contributions of our artists.”

Complete details, deadlines, and submission forms are accessible on the Whitsundays Writers Festival website, http://www.whitsundayswriters.com/whitsundays-literary-heart-awards/

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For the past 35 years, people have been travelling to Bowen for the town's annual polocrosse carnival.

Polocrosse is a horsemanship sport that is a combination of polo and lacrosse and has been played in Australia since the 1930's.

The annual Bowen carnival will be held on July 27 and 28, 2024.

Representatives of the Bowen Polocrosse Club met with representatives of Bowen Tourism and Business this week to discuss the promotion of the 35th annual carnival.

Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business, Jenn Honnery said events like this added to the diverse range of activities available for our visitors.

"Bowen Tourism and Business is proud to support events that bring visitors to our region,” she said.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said all events provided an economic boost for the town.

"The Polocrosse Club is currently looking for sponsors as well as food vendors," she said.

"We are looking forward to working with the club to spread the word about the carnival so more people will come to Bowen and discover the many attractions in our region."

While the Club has yet to solidify their 35th anniversary celebrations, they are excited to welcome players, old and new, to the carnival.

“The Club was founded by just a few people who were passionate. The first President was president for over 20 years, before he took a step back, and a lot of the same committee are still on the team,” Jess Foster, a Committee Member of the Club, explained.

“We’re expecting big numbers for our Carnival, and our anniversary celebrations will be great, whenever we have them.”

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SAVE THE DATE:

WHAT: Bowen Polocrosse Club Carnival

WHEN: July 27 and 28 2024

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CHATTING ABOUT POLOCROSSE CARNIVAL: Bowen Polocrosse Club representatives, Jess Foster, and Jessie Russell (and young Mackenley Russell) with Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business, Jenn Honnery and Manager Leanne Abernethy. Photo supplied

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Over the last month we have been working with Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) and the Department of Tourism and Sport on marketing campaigns to help the region recover the losses sustained in early December and late January from tropical Cyclones Jasper and Kirrily.

There are several campaigns already underway or finished, including; 50 per cent off deals with Bonza that finished on 14 February, deals were available on Whitsunday Coast to Newcastle, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast routes.

Also, in market is TEQs whole of state campaign, Unmissable Holiday Deals which is on sale in February and March in our key markets of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Also, Virgin Australia have just launched an airfare sale from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to The Whitsundays starting from only $69 per person each way and, to Hamilton Island starting from $85 per person each way.

These are on sale until Tuesday 20th February and travel periods are throughout March and May.

These campaigns present an excellent opportunity for inter and intra state visitors to get to The Whitsundays at a bargain price and enjoy a holiday outside our peak periods.  

Internally, we are putting the finishing touches on a campaign that will be in market late February – March and spike again in April – May. These two spikes on top of our baseline Whitsundays awareness pieces will help us to drive visitation in our off-peak times. It will also help all the Southerners to escape the cold winter for our slice of heaven in The Whitsundays!

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