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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Avid sailors are gathering for the 36th Airlie Beach Race Week, which is set to once again be one of the largest main land sailing regattas in the country.

This year the event boasts a range of activities, from competitive racing right through to art exhibitions, workshops, kids pirate parties and of course the evening festivities down at the Festival Village.

A festive atmosphere for all to enjoy, you don’t have to be a sailor to get involved – the whole community is invited along to join in on the fun!

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Some of the organisers: Amanda Black Event Manager, Robin Ross General Manager of Whitsunday Sailing Cub, Terry Archer Whitsunday Sailing Club President, Heather Sutton Whitsunday Sailing Club Board Director and Volunteer, Steve Watson Interim CEO and Glenda Brown from Creative Connections.

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Throughout her life Demi has always sailed but for the last two years she has been really getting into it and has fallen in love with the sport.

“My favourite thing about it is just being out on the water and getting to share that experience,” she shared.

“The experience out there is very special. I love the teamwork that goes on out on the boats. It’s a very nice environment, I feel like I’m always being lifted, it’s a very positive place to be.”

Demi competed in Race Week for the first time last year and her and her team came second overall in their division.

Hoping to improve on last year Demi is aboard the MC 38 called Blackjack.

Preparations for Airlie Beach Race Week have been underway for some time and for the last few weeks Demi has been training on the headsail.

“On the headsail we basically pull on the sheets and release, releasing and culling on sheets and trimming to the wind, and making sure that the sails at the right angle for the course that we’re traveling on,” explained Demi.

Demi loves Race Week, she said seeing all 150 boats on the start line and watching all the sails go off into the distance is very special.

“I'm honestly just very excited for this opportunity,” she expressed.

“Because we're new to this boat this year. Very rare for the guys. They're very knowledgeable sailors and they've taught us so much and taken us under their wing.

“It's very exciting to test myself out on their new boat. challenge myself with the conditions. Just put my best foot forward and have a great time

Also, on Demi’s boat this year and alongside her working the headsail is Jasmine Gerlofsma.

Like Demi, Jasmine loves Race Week and is excited to get out on the water.

“I just love like the feeling of going so fast, I just love the feeling of turning the engine off and listening to the water. It’s a pretty incredible!” said Jasmine.

“I also love meeting all the different people from the different boats because so many people come up for Airlie Beach Race Week, it's crazy!
“We all have a catch up at the end of the day at the Whitsunday Sailing Club down at the grass area. We listen to music, eat good food and catch up. It's really awesome hearing about everyone's experience from earlier that day.”

Like Demi, Jasmine has sailed for a while, but Jasmine has also lived on a sailing boat.

Jasmine lived on two boats during her childhood, one a 41-foot boat and the other a 46 foot boat, both reasonably small for her and her family to live on, tight but they made it work.

Whilst living on the boat Jasmine was home schooled or boat schooled, and she really enjoyed learning at her own pace and learning other things too.

“We learned Maths and English but we learned more about outdoor activities, like fishing and all the information for when we go snorkelling, boat terminology and everything about sailing.”

Demi Vardanega and Jasmine Gerlofsma, Photos supplied

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In the spirit of Airlie Beach Race Week, a local group called Creative Connections is hosting some onshore activities for all to enjoy, along with a themed art exhibition in the event’s honour.

Exhibition Co-ordinator, Glenda Brown, is excited for this year’s involvement in Airlie Beach Race Week and is looking forward to the week ahead.

"Creative Connections is thrilled to be participating in this year's Airlie Beach Race Week, where we will host an exciting art exhibition and a series of art workshops,” she said.

“There will be guided tours of the exhibition to explore the diverse artworks after the hands-on workshops, promising a unique and memorable experience for all attendees."

The exhibition will showcase 112 artworks from 52 artists across two function rooms at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

The exhibition is open at throughout the week but for people that want to travel in groups or want to gain more knowledge, a tour is available as well.

WHAT: Art Exhibition Guided Tour
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club
WHEN: Friday 9 August 3pm – 3.30pm, Saturday 10 August 12.15pm – 12.45pm, Sunday 11 August 12.15pm – 12.45pm & Monday 12 August 12.15pm – 12.45pm

Textile Workshop - Felting
The Textile Workshop is a very popular workshop where participants will be guided by textile artists using wool fibres in vibrant Whitsunday colours.
This workshop is suitable for all ages from age 10+, and no experience is needed.

WHAT: Felting Textile Workshop
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club
WHEN: Monday 12 August 9am – 12pm

Quirky Creativity - Watercolours
Get in touch with your inner child by using watercolours and ink to create a wonderful piece of Airlie Beach Race Week themed art. Led by local award-winning artist Jacqui Henderson, no artistic skills are required, Jacqui will guide you and help you create your own gorgeous, colourful piece.

WHAT: Watercolours Workshop
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club
WHEN: Saturday 10 August 9am – 12pm & Sunday 11 August 9am – 12pm

Soft Pastels with Jahla
Like the other workshops, this one is accepting of first-time artists. Instructed by Jahla Thompson each participant can choose between several beaches to recreate a beautiful beach scene.

WHAT: Pastel Seascape Workshop
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club
WHEN: Saturday 10 August, 2pm – 5pm

Paint N Sip
Mel Stone is bringing her popular Paint N Sip workshops to Airlie Beach Race Week. Her Paint N Sip workshops consistently sell out in Bowen and Collinsville. During Sunday’s session participants will create a beautiful painting of the Whitsundays Heart Reef on Sunday and on Monday participants will create a picture of a sailboat.

WHAT: Paint and Sip
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club
WHEN: Saturday 10 August 2pm – 5pm & Sunday 11 August 2pm – 5pm

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