The Bowen Historical Society and Museum is turning 60 and wants everyone to join in on the celebration!

An idea of three Bowen local men, the Bowen Historical Society and Museum now acts as a beacon for locals and visitors alike, to learn and engage with Bowen’s bountiful history.

The Historical Society was official founded in August 1963, by Victor Jones, Walter Cottrell, and Henry Darwen, who wished to discuss and explore Bowen’s history with likeminded locals.

In its first year, the Bowen Historical Society grew to over 70 members, and soon, locals began gifting antiques and items to Victor, for the Society.

Taking residence in the room above what is now the Department of Transport Centre, the Historical Society soon outgrew the site and went on to build their first museum premise.

“We have gone from strength to strength,” explained Julie Jurgens, Secretary for the Bowen Historical Society and Museum.

“In those days everyone knew the town’s history, preserving and collating pieces of history and artifacts.

“Nowadays, we stand for locals and visitors to come and learn about Bowen.”

Catering for everyone from visitors, locals, and even school groups, the Bowen Museum is a hive of activity and action.

The 60 Years celebrations includes markets tomorrow, and a Social Night next Friday evening, where the Society will share stories of the museum’s history and feature talks from the founders, that have been persevered in the museum.

WHAT: Bowen Historical Society’s Morning Market

WHERE: Museum Grounds

WHEN: Saturday August 26 from 9am

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WHAT: Bowen Historical Society Social Night

WHERE: Museum Grounds

WHEN: Friday, September 1 from 7.30pm

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Now is the time to invest in a new wardrobe with Wendy Bickhoff and her team at Coral’s City 2 Country.

Stocking everything from the perfect frock for race day to your jeans, boots, and hat for hitting the paddock, you are spoiled for choice.

“We’ve got everything from boots and jeans to dresses, shoes, and lingerie,” said Wendy.

With over 600 square meters of prominent store frontage and excellent customer service, it is no surprise customers travel far and wide to get a peek at the wide range of fashion items at the Bowen store.

“I have people coming from Mackay and Sarina, some from Ayr,” said Wendy

“They see our dresses in pictures and come into the shop looking for exactly that.”

Stocking some of the biggest brand names, Coral’s City 2 Country has Fate + Becker, Escape and Orientique, Thomas Cook, and Sass.

In the extensive range of country clothing, they also have Wrangler, Ariat, Bullzye, Grace in LA, and Pure Western.

Shopping for the entire family has never been easier, with an entire range of children’s clothing available on the shop floor too.

And Coral’s City 2 Country is even looking after their customers out and about, servicing almost each and every local show, PBR and rodeo that is occurring in the region.

You can’t miss them at the upcoming Dittmann Bucking Bulls and Bull Pit, on August 26, so be sure to find their stall and shop the newest fashions.

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Wife and Husband team, Wendy and Mark Bickhoff, with Mary, Wendy’s mum, keeping Bowen on-trend. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

At The Grand View Hotel

If you haven’t been to the Grand View Hotel this week you haven’t been to the Grand View Hotel at all, with a new menu hitting the kitchen and dining room tables.

Completely turning your basic pub feed on its head, the Grand View Hotel is offering premium upmarket meals at fantastic prices, a move which is intriguing and exciting patrons with exotic touches on classic meals.

Louise Savage is the long time Kitchen Manager and has specially crafted this menu to entice Bowen locals and visitors.

“I try to bring something totally different to the menu than your normal pub fare, while still trying to keep your normal standard pub goers happy,” she explained.

“We’re utilising the smoker with the smoked chicken wings, and we’ve got different things like gourmet spring rolls, and lemon pepper calamari.”

One dish on the menu is the Buddha Bowl, which is proving popular with travellers.

With a base of sushi rice, the bowl includes pickled carrot, daikon, salt and pepper tofu, kakiage fritters, edamame and wakame slaw.

“We’re trying to bring really different flavours that people aren’t used to trying.”

Don’t miss the beautiful al dente pasta, Macadamia Nut Pesto, with local tomatoes, burrata cheese on pappardelle.

Perfectly pairing with the extensive main meals is the carefully selected dessert menu.

Each are created in house and are decadent in rich flavours.

In fact, close to everything in the kitchen is locally produced and sourced, with each sauce made in house.

“That’s why we have such a tomato heavy menu!” said Louise.

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St Catherine’s Catholic College Year 10 student, Ivan Poljakavoic has recently completed an entire week of work experience, working with the Whitsunday Regional Council Bowen Office.

Primarily working in the Information Technology Department of Council, Ivan was given a fantastic opportunity to experience technical computer engineering and data base collection.

For five days, he was doing everything from internal computer diagnosing, IT jobs, and computer assembly and disassembly, as well as compute mapping.

“My supervisors and the Council gave me a good look at everything that is involved in the job,” Ivan explained.

“They were very supportive and helped me at every point of the week.”

With this work experience under his belt, Ivan is looking to complete a traineeship or certificate in Information Technology, wishing to expand his skills and talents.

“It’s exciting to see the amount of young people taking advantage of the opportunity to work in one of the many fields that local government has to offer,” said Julie Hall, Whitsunday Mayor.

“It’s also a positive for the organisation knowing that some of the students might decide to follow a career path at Whitsunday Regional Council in the future.”

St Catherine’s Catholic College is proud of our students and grateful to the Whitsunday Regional Council and all our hosts across the community.

“The work experience hosts have dedicated their time in training our students and provided an understanding of the work environment,” said Tara Congoo, VET and Pathways Coordinator for St Catherine’s Catholic College.

“Our students have received great feedback from their hosts, and we have had some students receive job offers and further training opportunities which is a fantastic outcome. “

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Work experience student Ivan Poljakavoic spent one week in the Bowen Offices of the Whitsunday Regional Council, learning the tricks of the trade in Information Technologies. Photo supplied

If Australia goes into a recession over the next twelve months, how prepared is your family?  How will it affect your job or business?  How will it affect your super or pension?

There is a very strong possibility that Australia will have a recession soon.  Like most of the world, the huge handbrake central banks have put on economies with much higher interest rates are starting to bight.  With monthly loan repayments rising by around 50% and those increases flowing on to rents as well, families have less to spend and are cutting things back in their budgets.  Less spending means less economic growth and if growth across Australia is negative for two consecutive quarters, that is deemed a recession.  Other than during Covid, we haven’t had a recession in Australia for decades.

It's time to think about how a recession will affect your business or the business you work for.  As we’ve seen several times in the last 5 years, the demographic mix of visitors to town could change, more young people and retirees who don’t have home loans and less middle-aged family people with home loans.  With our dollar quite low, more international travellers and probably the barbell effect of them being younger people before they have home loans or retirees with no home loans.  Less discretionary spending means businesses selling goods and services that could be deemed luxuries or toys will see less demand.  Can you pivot your marketing towards those consumers with little or no home loan who won’t be as badly affected?  Are you ready to be nimble with your staffing levels and expenses to trim them quickly if sales fall?

Sometimes recessions spill over into the share and property markets.  This doesn’t happen all the time so ‘selling out’ of growth assets like shares and property in your super isn’t sensible.  Major studies throughout history have shown that people who try to ‘time markets’ and buy low and sell high end up worse off than those who buy and hold.  If it was easy to time markets, we would all be rich.  No one’s crystal ball is reliable in the long run.  There are however ways to prepare your super or super pension.  Understand what you’re invested in and ensure your investments are weighted towards quality, reliable assets and not risky, ‘blue sky’ assets.  If you are drawing down on your super, make sure you have a strategy in place so you don’t have to sell growth assets when they have fallen in value to make pension payments.  Come in and we will review your existing investments and explain our 3 Bucket Protection Strategy for free.  Now is the time to ensure you have a steady hand on the tiller as the weather looks like turning nasty…

If you think you could benefit from a discussion with a Financial Planner, give us a call.  There’s no obligation, the first meeting is free, and all fees are spelled out clearly in advance.  If you’re not sure, try our Financial Fitness Survey on our website at www.eclipsefs.com as it’s a simple free tool to help assess your financial strength.

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Please stop talking!

Whether it was a live presentation, a speech, a video clip, or even a TV show, most of us have sat through an experience where we just want the speaker to use less words or stop and pause.

What if we are that person to someone else?

How can we speak in a way that people want to listen?

How well your message is received comes down to the specific words you use, your tone of voice, and how your presentation (body language) comes across.

Tune in to your inner voice.

The words that run through our mind shape our view of ourselves, others, and our environment. They not only determine our approach towards the world around us, but our outward behaviours, such as what and how we say things to others.

Listen to the words that flow through your mind and consciously work on shaping them into a language you want to convey outwardly.

Set an intention for the language you want to use.

Think about how you would like to deliver a message – how you will speak and the words you will use. How will your outer voice sound? What will your posture be like?

Take small steps to remove the words that don’t deserve a place in your vocabulary and consider how you can incorporate language that more closely aligns with what you want to communicate.

Commit to speaking more consciously.

Commit to communicating consciously to have a greater impact. When you speak clearly, transparently, and in a way that others can understand, they will be far more open to receiving what you have to say. Inspire others by using words of possibility not difficultly, of clarity not confusion and of harmony, not conflict.

And above all, listen. Listen to the comments, feedback, or silence – and observe how your message is landing. Be prepared to change it up halfway to create the impact you require.

With awareness, intention, and action towards your everyday language, you can avoid being tuned out by your audience, and increase the impact your words have in a positive way.

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The Bowen brand of Bowen Mazda has seen an upgrade, taking on the moniker Whitsunday Auto Group, and increasing their on-floor fleet.

However, this family owned and operated business has journeyed through many a business model, starting out as Crossley Holden, before succinctly moving into the name of Bowen Mazda in 2017.

Now, in 2023, Bowen Mazda has seen one last manifestation of the business, with HG Auto Group taking on the dealership and introducing MG Motors into the fleet, as well as increasing the on-ground team.

At the helm is Gary Brenchley, with an impressive history in vehicle sales from his time in Hervey Bay, before moving up to Bowen to take on a new role as Principal for Whitsunday Auto Group.

With him is Lindsay Galloway, a seasoned vehicle salesman, and Troy Jackson who is at the heart of the operation, having been with the business for years, and knowing Bowen like the back of his hand.

Keeping all of them in line is Lisa Read, who is the receptionist and car rental administration person, the first port of call for enquiries.

Working as a team, Whitsunday Auto Group has overseen their recent expansion with ease and confidence.

Now operating under Whitsunday Auto Group, the team have incorporated MG Motors into the mix.

They also have access to the extensive second-hand vehicle market across the entire HG Auto Group umbrella.

“Across our entire fleet stock, we have almost everything. If somebody is looking for something, we’ll search for it, and we’ll get it to their door,” said Gary, Principal for Whitsunday Auto Group.

For those looking at keeping the budget to a minimum, the offering of MG Motors is a great option.

“MG adds another dimension to our fleet, as people are looking for a particular price range of car, and someone who sees the value in a brand-new car.”

At this stage, more new offerings and brand names are soon on the cards for this dealership, meaning even more choice for Bowen and wider Whitsunday locals.

Whether you’re shopping around, or know exactly what you’re after, Whitsunday Auto Group is the dealership for you.

Visit the entire fleet at 98 Herbert Street in Bowen, or ring 07 4763 2101, or visit whitsundayautogroup.com.au

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Melbourne (Mel) Ward - one of the “characters” of the island history of the Whitsundays.

Born in Melbourne in 1903 (hence his name), Mel Ward was the son of Hugh J. Ward, a well-known American theatrical entrepreneur of the early 1900s. This led to Mel’s taking to the stage early in his life as an acrobatic dancer, musician and comedian. However, he soon tired of that life and in the 1920s retired from the stage to pursue his hobby and obsession, marine zoology; a field in which he became an internationally acknowledged expert and an honorary lecturer to the Australian Museum in Sydney.  A small red crab which he discovered on a Queensland beach in his early days was named after him - Cleistostoma wardii.

Mel’s connection with the Australian Museum led to his becoming a private lecturer on marine life to members of the Embury Expeditions which had their first outing on Lindeman Island in December 1928, a role for which he was well suited, his theatrical background giving him the ability to make his lectures entertaining and absorbing. (The story of the Embury expeditions were detailed in earlier editions of this paper – March 3 and March 10)

In the accompanying photo of Mel with a catch as big as himself and taken during the Embury Expedition, he comes across as the character and extrovert he was and it confirms a description of him in the Australian Dictionary of Biography - “Sun browned and stocky with big blue eyes and a mass of curly hair.”

Mel’s experience on Lindeman Island must have made a big impression on him because, in 1933, he and his wife, Halley,* moved to Lindeman Island to take up residence in the old bungalow which had served earlier as the main living quarters for guests to the island.  There, until 1935, Mel conducted a detailed study of the island’s marine ecology, along the way setting up a small museum of marine life in one half of the bungalow.  Once again, his background served him well in entertaining visitors to his museum. In fact, he and his wife more directly entertained visitors to the island by playing duets on saxophone and guitar.

When the association of the Nicolson family with Mackay Tours in developing the island’s tourist potential was concluded, a syndicate was formed to carry on the task. It comprised of Angus Nicolson, George Gordon-MacLeod and Mel Ward but, in 1935, he resigned from the syndicate, selling his shares to Lachlan Nicolson who later was to become the leading figure in the development of the resort.  

Thereafter, Mel returned to Double Bay in Sydney to take an increasing interest in indigenous people and their relationship with local flora and fauna.  During World War II, he became an honorary entertainer and lecturer to the Australian Army Education Service and taught Australian jungle fighters tropical hygiene and how to live off the land in the Dorrigo rainforest. In 1943, he moved to the Blue Mountains to open his Gallery of Natural History and Native Art at the Hydro Majestic Hotel.  

Mel Ward died on October 6, 1966 at Medlow Bath in the Blue Mountains. Thus passed a man of extraordinary talent, known in world-wide zoological circles for his research capabilities and achievements and one of the characters in the history of the Whitsunday Islands.  

* It is the understanding that Halley was born in 1910 and named after Halley’s Comet which made a spectacular display when it passed by in April that year.

Story and photo courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum and “The Whitsunday Islands – An Historical Dictionary” by Ray Blackwood.

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Mackay’s oldest family-held farm celebrated 150 years last week, with family, friends and special guests gathering on the property to mark the occasion on Saturday, August 12.

The farm, named ‘Etowri’ after an aboriginal word said to mean ‘a good place to camp’, was purchased by Edward Denman for £214 on August 8, 1873, eleven years after the first settlement at Mackay.

150 years later, the 597-acre farm is owned by Edward’s grandson, Robert, and Robert’s son, David, and is recognised as one of the leading farms in the region for cattle and cane production.

Approximately 150 guests from as far as Melbourne, Newcastle, Sydney and Cairns travelled to Etowri to celebrate.

Robert Denman is the longest serving family member to have worked on his family farm Etowri, working on the property for 70 years since the age of 15.

He said life on the farm is varied and no two days are the same.

“I get up in the morning and I just start working,” he said.

“That’s what you’ve got to keep doing.

“You never know when you’re farming and you’ve got cane and cattle.

“You do what you’ve got to do.”

Robert joined family, friends and special guests last weekend to celebrate 150 years of Etowri, marking the occasion with speeches, historical displays and demonstrations.

Robert’s grandfather, Edward, left England in 1872, travelling to Rockhampton and Brisbane before ultimately selecting to purchase and settle on 597 acres of land approximately 9.5 miles, or 16km, from Mackay.

With no roads accessing the property, a track was cut from Richmond to Etowri using a horse and plough with a second track cut to access a butcher at Glendaragh (Glenella).

The diverse farm has served many purposes, with Edward originally planting maize before growing fruit and distilling his own rum.

The Denman’s then moved into cattle and cane, becoming heavily involved in Farleigh Mill, Mackay Show Society and other agricultural organisations.

“We’ve been a leader in the industry,” said Robert.

“I’ve been involved in the board of the Farleigh Mill, my father was on the board of Farleigh Mill, my grandfather was involved in milling.

“And ever since the inception of the show in 1897, I’d say there’d have been someone from the family on the show committee.”

The farm was the first in the region to have silos and chainsaws, as it also housed a dairy and a timber mill over the years, previously providing firewood to Farleigh Mill.

Robert is Mackay born and bred and was destined to a life on the land.

“In my lifetime, I’ve moved 400 metres from the corner down there to here,” he said.

He attended Etowri State School, which was located near the house and closed in 1953, before leaving school to work on the farm at age 15.

While life on the farm may seem tough, Robert said he’s loved every minute of it.

“I’ve been buried in trenches, come off horses, severely burnt, I’ve been through it all,” he said.

“It’s been a great life.

“Not many people have been employed at the same place for 70 years.”

Thanks to his involvement in the show society, Rotary Club of Mackay and Lifeline as well as Farleigh Mill, Mackay Rural Production Society and other organisations, Robert was named Mackay Regional Council’s Citizen of the Year in 2018.

With no plans to hang up the boots, Robert looks after everything on the farm, from fencing to bookwork, but hopes to pass these responsibilities onto his son, David, while continuing to work on the land.

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Jim Denman, Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, Robert Denman, David Denman, Donald Denman and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm. Photo credit: Deanne Woods Photography

Jim Denman, Helen Heron (nee Denman), Heather Denman, Robert Denman and Donald Denman

Brothers Donald and Robert Denman showcased their crosscut saw abilities.

150 guests gathered to celebrate. Photo credit: Deanne Woods Photography

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Hold onto your hats (or sunscreen), because the humpback whales have rolled into town, and boy, are they making waves – literally! It's that splendid time of the year when our coastal waters transform into a magnificent stage for these gentle giants. And let me tell you, they're putting on a show that deserves a standing ovation.

There’s plenty of action to be seen from the land. Lambert’s Lookout at Slade Point is a popular location due to its elevation, but if you look carefully at the horizon for the blowhole spray you can see them from most beaches. I had the delight of spotting them from Daydream Island last weekend at sunset. A pod put on an impressive display for my Kiwi friends who were extremely excited to see the mammals play near Lover’s Cove.

If you’re seeking a closer look, the Coral Sea is nature's own aquatic classroom, and we're all invited. A friendly reminder to boaties, while we're all for your salty escapades, let's remember that our maritime friends appreciate some personal space. Think of it like bumping into a celebrity – you admire from a respectful distance, right?

There are some rules to make sure we all coexist harmoniously. If a curious whale decides to glide over for a closer look, just ease up on the throttle and keep your speed around six knots or less. And if Mr. or Mrs. Whale gets a little too cosy, switch off those engines or gently retreat. The Department of Environment and Science has the specific rules listed on its website.

Here's to a whale of a time – may your encounters be respectful, your memories lasting, your sunscreen well applied and may you catch a ‘fluke’ on camera. Happy whale watching!

Amanda

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Paying it forward is the good deed that’s taking the fast-food drive-throughs of the world by storm, and one local gentleman has been recognised for doing it regularly.

Kat Simonsen recently posted in a local “Mums and Bubs” Facebook group after visiting the Red Rooster Mount Pleasant drive through where her purchase of $33 had been paid for by the driver in front.

Ms Simonsen shared details of the car, hoping to find its owner and share her appreciation.

“Would appreciate anyone who knows him or where he may work so I can thank him,” she wrote.

“Such a nice gesture.”

While the gentleman in question was later confirmed to not be a Facebook user and, indeed, not be a member of said “Mums and Bubs” group, his mother certainly was.

“This is my son, and he does this on a regular basis,” Kristy Saron commented.

“He has a beautiful heart and soul.

“Unfortunately, he is not on Facebook, but I can pass this on.

“I’m glad you got to experience a time of my son paying it forward.

“He will love to hear this.”

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At Mater Mackay

A ground-breaking robotic surgical system which will deliver state-of-the-art medical care to local patients has arrived at Mater Private Hospital Mackay.

The da Vinci X robotic system, which has been used to perform more than nine million urology, gynaecology, colorectal, cardiac, head, neck and thoracic surgeries worldwide, will begin operating in Mackay next month.

Mater Private Hospital Mackay Acting General Manager Chris Junge said the arrival of the world class system was a significant milestone for health care in Central Queensland.

“Robotic-assisted surgeries are becoming common in capital cities to improve patient outcomes, and it is exciting that the Mackay community is now able to benefit from these surgeries too,” Mr Junge said.

Mr Junge added that the da Vinci X surgical system was made possible by community fundraising conducted by Mater’s philanthropic arm, Mater Foundation.

“I want to thank everyone who has donated to Mater for helping to bring this technology to regional Queensland,” he said.

Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said regional Queenslanders deserved equal access to the latest surgical technology and know-how.

“Thanks to community generosity, Mater is cementing itself as a leader in robotic-assisted surgeries in Queensland by investing in several surgical-assistive robots in Central Queensland,” Mr Thomas said.

“The da Vinci X will join the Stryker Mako and Zimmer-Biomet ROSA systems at Mater Private Hospital Mackay, which have also been proudly supported by community fundraising through the Mater Foundation.

“This is a story of the community coming together, including people who purchase a ticket in a Mater Prize Home for $2, people who support events like Mater Giving Day, and philanthropists, all united by the goal of improving patient outcomes.”

“Mater Foundation will continue to fund vital equipment as well as healthcare services to regional hospitals across Queensland to ensure that every Queenslander, regardless of where they live, has access to the best possible healthcare.”

Oakenden mechanic George Elcombe, 50, has already undergone robotic-assisted surgery with a similar system at Mater Private Hospital Townsville to remove prostate cancer.

Mr Elcombe said having access to the technology locally was a big coup for the region.

“I went to my GP and he referred me to urologist Dr Kenny Rao,” Mr Elcombe said.

“Through the tests, I discovered it was stage two cancer in my prostate.

“Dr Rao explained what was involved in robotic-assisted surgery and I agreed to that. In the end, I wasn’t even in the hospital for four days.”

Dr Rao said he had already performed more than 100 da Vinci procedures in Townsville, resulting in less pain and faster recoveries for patients.

“Being able to offer this very advanced level of surgery in Mackay, where our patients can stay close to their loved ones, is really exciting,” Dr Rao said.

“Surgical robots do not replace the role of surgeons, but they enhance the surgical experience for both clinicians and patients as they enable smaller incisions, greater manoeuvrability and, in many cases, shorter hospital stays, less pain and faster recovery times.”

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Mater Private Hospital Mackay Acting General Manager Chris Junge (left) and Adam Brown from Device Robotics watch the da Vinci X robotic system during a practice display at Mater Private Hospital Mackay. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Year 10 students in Rockhampton and Mackay were given a taste of tradie life when they recently participated in the Try a Trade event hosted by WorldSkills Queensland, Construction Skills Queensland - CSQ and CQU.

CQU WorldSkills Coordinator, Jackie Campbell said it was wonderful to see educational institutions and industry partners coming together to provide students with a practical understanding of the different trades on show.

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Photos supplied: CQUniversity

Mackay Police Dog Squad has welcomed its newest team member, with Police Dog Cobra (PD Cobra) joining the force.

Cobra has been in Mackay for approximately three months, finishing his final training and development with Sergeant Jacob Bates and PD Griffin.

"Recruit" Dog Cobra was recently signed off and officially promoted to "PD" Cobra after a series of assessments at a Police Dog Training Course he and Sergeant Bates attended in Brisbane.

PD Cobra will now serve the Mackay and Whitsunday community working with his handler Sergeant Bates as an operational Police Dog in the Mackay Whitsunday Police Dog Squad.

PD Griffin will continue to work as an operational Police Dog with Sergeant Bates until his retirement later in the year.

“We are excited to have PD Cobra as a part of the team,” Sergeant Bates said.

“He has already proven himself and is exceeding expectations.

“While I don’t think PD Griffin is ready to hand over the reins just yet, it is an exciting and promising time having Cobra on board.”

PD Cobra is a general-purpose Police Dog, used for tracking and locating people of interest which includes missing persons.  

He can also work to apprehend violent offenders as well as work closely with first response police in a variety of circumstances.

Remember, if you see Police Dog teams working at any hour of the day, remain inside your homes and keep your dwelling secure.

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Police Dog Cobra

PD Griffin and PD Cobra. Photos supplied

Whitsunday Anglican School proudly played host to internationally acclaimed jazz great James Morrison recently.

Four of the School ensembles were excited to share the stage with The James Morrison Quartet at the Friday August 4 concert under the stars at the school.

Brass students from years 5 to 12 also enjoyed a special workshop with James Morrison before taking to the stage later that night.

Principal Andrew Wheaton spoke with enthusiasm about bringing a music legend to Mackay, and for his students to experience this opportunity.

“We are excited to have one of the world’s foremost jazz musicians inspire our young musicians,” Mr Wheaton said.

“Music is such a gift and James’ passionate stories shared this love through his teachings, and down to earth nature that encourages a lifelong love of music.”

A significant lynchpin of the event’s success was Head of Arts Faculty Mrs Kate Van Nunen who was instrumental in bringing the one-night concert and student workshops to fruition.

“At Whitsunday Anglican School we understand the importance of music in a child’s development and the neurological pathways learning an instrument opens,” Mrs Van Nunen

“To have the brilliant James Morrison at Whitsunday Anglican School is a career highlight for me personally and I’m sure will be imprinted on our young students forever.”

At the James Morrison Quartet jazz under the Stars concert, the talented Whitsunday Anglican School ensembles were proud supporting acts.

Students from years 5-7 were surprised when James Morrison snuck into the Trombone section in their second song.

The Whitsunday Winds and Senior Concert Band performed beautifully; the power of 60-plus members stunning the audience with their confidence and talent.

Off the back of their recent Gold at the CQUniversity Students Jazz Festival, the Whitsunday Anglican School Big Band then hit the stage with five polished pieces.

Students were ready to hold their own in the first piece with outstanding solo performances from Year 11 students Harrison Rourke (Baritone Saxophone) and Marley Clear (Trumpet).

James Morrison joined the students for the remaining songs, raising the energy to new heights, before playing with his renowned Quartet to the joy of the packed 700-plus crowd.

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Jazz icon James Morrison joined Whitsunday Anglican School students onstage before performing with his renowned quartet. Photos supplied

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