Excited dogs and their owners have been heading down to the Cannonvale dog park to sample the newly installed dog agility equipment that will now be a permanent fixture for all the community to enjoy.

A tribute to the beautiful spirit of Stirling Edwards-Bland, the young man who tragically passed away in a road accident last year, the equipment has been purchased with money given to his family in the immediate aftermath.

His mum, Tracy Edwards-Bland, said that they wanted to use the money to give back to the community and her son’s passion for animals and love for his own dog inspired them to create this new facility.

“It would have meant a lot to him,” said Tracy.

“He was here every day with his dog and he would sit on the floor and play with all the dogs, they all knew him, he’d probably be climbing through the tunnel with them now if he was here.”

A bitter-sweet day for the family, the new equipment will bring delight to lots of people, but in many ways will always be a reminder that their son is no longer with them.

Tracy said she comes to the park regularly and brings Stirling’s Bordoodle, Lloyd, and their new Groodle, Maggie with her.

“We’d like to say thank you very much to everyone who contributed, this is all down to you,” she said.

The fundraiser was initiated by local resident Kellie Chart and raised just over $14,000, a figure which happened to be almost exactly what the equipment cost.

Supplied by Paws4Play, the equipment includes a tunnel, three jumps, weave poles, and a bridge.

The installation also includes a dog-friendly water fountain with a special bowl.

Tracy said they will soon install a plaque with Stirling’s name and a QR code which people can scan to see a website full of photos and information about Stirling.

A passionate animal-lover who had aspirations of becoming a vet, the new agility equipment is a fitting way to remember this beautiful soul who was taken too soon.

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Tracy Edwards-Bland with her two dogs, Maggie and Lloyd. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Bowen was host to the third Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Community Forum of 2023 earlier this week and attendees came together to discuss pressing issues of the region.

In particular housing availability, housing affordability, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and workforce attraction and retention were hot topics of conversation.

There was also a presentation about the Queensland Procurement Strategy, which outlined that Queensland based business will be prioritised with an estimated $180 billion in government procurement, from 2023 until the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The forums provide an opportunity to represent the voices of our communities to government, and in return it enables our communities to contribute to effective input ensuring regional and rural Queensland is included in government’s priorities, planning, and decision making,” said Carl Walker, a Bowen Farmer.

Mayor Julie Hall said she was honoured to be a guest at the forum.

“As part of the forum I was invited to do a presentation showcasing the diversity of the Bowen region and address regional challenges and opportunities,” Mayor Hall said.

“I also participated in a panel discussion with local Bowen Business representatives and stakeholders to showcase how regional areas can make the most of economic growth and infrastructure opportunities to ensure regional communities can continue to thrive,” she said.

“The Bowen Marina and foreshore and the State Development area were discussed as two of our priorities for unlocking Bowen’s liveability and regional potential and of course housing and accommodation were hot topics.”

A fourth Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Community Forum is scheduled for 2024.

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Forum participants attending the Coral Coast Barramundi Farm. Photo supplied

This past Wednesday was National Meals on Wheels Day, celebrating the service’s dedication and commitment to small communities across Australia.

The Proserpine Meals on Wheels branch has been servicing Proserpine, Cannonvale, Airlie Beach, Jubilee Point, Midge Point, and Cape Gloucester since 1974, handmaking and delivering nutritious meals to members of the community.

Maxine and Neil McLoed are a local Proserpine couple who regularly use the service, with Maxine previously volunteering for over four years before her health took a turn and she became a recipient instead.

The couple say they love the service, the cherry on top is the dedicated and friendly delivery volunteers who make sure to have a chat with them each time they visit.

“The volunteers are lovely, and I even remember my clients from when I volunteered,” explained Maxine.

Lyn Forden has been volunteering with Proserpine Meals on Wheels for six years now, and loves each and every time she sees one of the clients.

“It only takes two hours out of your day to make someone happy, for a visit and a chat,” she said.

Proserpine Meals on Wheels is always welcoming new volunteers, in all aspects of the service, including drivers, cooks, and helpers.

To enquire about volunteering, contact, Helen Maynard-Turner, the local Coordinator, on prosmow@gmail.com or ring 07 4945 1733.

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Lyn Forden, Meals on Wheels Proserpine volunteer, with Neil and Maxine McLoed, celebrating National Meals on Wheels Day. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

This Child Protection Week

Get your old runners on and a white top, it’s time for the Whitsunday Counselling and Support Inc Colour Run Fun!

Encompassing a jumping castle, face painting, sausage sizzle, and so much more, this free event is happening next weekend.

“We’ve designed the event to have gentle and fun educational activities for everyone,” explained Alex Sambrooks, the Therapeutic Case Manager with Whitsunday Counselling and Support.

Coinciding with National Child Protection Week, Whitsunday Counselling and Support host the Colour Fun Run for the entire community promoting the moto, ‘Child Protection is Everyone’s Business’.

The Colour Fun Run is sponsored by a range of local businesses including Coral Sea Marine, Red Cat Adventures, Ocean Rafting, Cruise Whitsundays, Paddy Shenanigans, Whitsunday Foodservice, and Sundowner.

The Colour Fun Run is set to be the best one yet, so head to the Coral See Marina for a morning of fun next Saturday

WHAT: Colour Fun Run

WHERE: Coral Sea Marina Grassed Gardens

WHEN: Saturday September 9, 9am to 12pm

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The weather is getting warmer, which means it’s time to get outside and bask in the beautiful north Queensland spring. With 31 beautiful beaches surrounding Mackay so no matter what side of town you’re on, you’re never too far from a beach.

Be wary when swimming, though, as stinger season approaches, generally running during the warmer months from October to May. Make sure to wear a stinger suit when swimming to be completely safe.

Blacks Beach

Blacks Beach is a serene coastal gem known for its stunning natural beauty. With its golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and surrounding lush vegetation, it offers a peaceful escape for beachgoers and nature enthusiasts alike. The beach's tranquil ambiance and scenic charm make it a hidden paradise worth exploring.

Bucasia Beach

Around 20 minutes north of the CBD, Bucasia Beach is one of the longest and most picturesque beaches in the region. The beach is popular for walking, swimming and fishing. The soft, white sand feels amazing underfoot so make sure to kick off your shoes and go for a wander.

Lamberts Beach

Lamberts Beach, located at Slade Point, is a seasonally patrolled beach popular among surfers when the swell is right. It’s a great spot for swimming, exploring and relaxing in the sun. To the south of the beach is Slade Point Reserve where a network of sandy bush walks among the dunes are waiting to be discovered.

The lookout above is the perfect spot to take in the view over the beach and the coastal waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and you’re likely to spot whales migrating past during this time of year. To the left of the lookout, you’ll find a rock pool. Locally known as the 'wishing well', the rock pool is a great spot for photos, and you might spot a critter or two.

Eimeo Beach

A true tropical paradise, Eimeo is a favourite among locals. Driving under the canopy of heritage-listed mango trees at Mango Avenue foreshadows something special. Volunteer lifeguards seasonally patrol this sheltered bay of pure blue water and powder-soft sand, ensuring a safe and relaxing time on the beach.

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2023 Mayor’s Ball Reaches New Heights

In a fantastic effort, the 2023 Mayor’s Annual Charity Ball has raised more than $105,000, this being the highest amount ever raised since the first Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor’s Ball in 2015.

RACQ CQ Rescue and Whitsunday Housing Company were the two nominated charities, each receiving $52,914.29 at a special presentation last week.

Mayor Julie Hall said she’s elated to have raised such a huge amount and the generosity from sponsors and the community is nothing less than remarkable.

“The decision to support these charities was simple, because ultimately, Council, RACQ CQ Rescue and Whitsunday Housing Company Limited all want the same thing. That is, to serve the needs of our communities,” Mayor Hall said.

“As a Council, we are focused on doing the best by everyone living, working or visiting the Whitsundays which includes keeping everyone safe.”

RACQ CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee said the community was indebted to Whitsunday Regional Council for their support from the 2023 Whitsunday Mayor’s Ball which helped ensure the service was available to anyone, anywhere, anytime across Central Queensland.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such vital support from such a high-profile partner which ensures we can have a world-class aeromedical helicopter service on our doorstep and available 24/7, 365 days a year to residents, workers and visitors across Central Queensland,” Mr Healee said.

“RACQ CQ Rescue is a vital part of emergency support for all in this region and the Whitsunday region is one of our most frequented destinations. It’s reassuring to know Whitsunday Regional Council really appreciates the value of supporting our helicopter and that with their commitment we can continue to provide our vital, lifesaving service to anyone in a time of crisis,” he said.

Whitsunday Housing Company CEO Joanne Moynihan said the generosity of everyone involved will help women in the community that have been impacted by all types of personal and financial challenges.

“Homelessness does not discriminate, and it can happen to literally anyone,” Ms Moynihan said.

“I am aware you have a lot of choices when it comes to donating, and I am so grateful that you chose to contribute to our cause. To all that attended the Mayor’s Charity Ball, it’s the people in the community like you that see the purpose of our cause and we appreciate you for doing that,” she said.

“This will ensure that we get closer to our goal to complete the work on our first Tiny Homes project.”

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Mayor Julie Hall with RACQ CQ Rescue Sponsorship Manager Tegan Philpott and Whitsunday Housing Company CEO Joanne Moynihan, and Sandy Clark, Fundraising Coordinator of Tiny Homes Project, accepting the massive donations. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Unprovoked Assault

On August 27, police arrested a 50-year-old Cannon Valley man for assault occasioning bodily harm that they allege occurred in Airlie Beach. It is alleged he assaulted a 50-year-old man in an unprovoked assault. He will appear in Proserpine Court at a later date.

Wilful Damage

On August 22, a 48-year-old Cairns man was arrested and charged following an incident that occurred in Jubilee Pocket. Police have charged the man with wilful damage to an AirBNB, three drug offences, and obstructing police. He will face Proserpine Court at a later date.

On August 28, a 24-year-old Cannonvale man was arrested and charged with a count of wilful damage. Police allege the man damaged the phone of a member of the public while in the Safe Night Precinct.

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Whitsunday Regional Council have decided to move to monthly Ordinary Council Meetings, rather than their bi-monthly meetings, for a more streamlined focus on strategy.

The monthly meetings begin in September, with the meeting scheduled for Wednesday September 27.

“The majority of Councils in Queensland have already moved to monthly meetings so this is a positive change that will enable more effective decision-making for councillors and better efficiency of time management for senior council staff,” explained Mayor Julie Hall.

“Councillors will still meet every Wednesday, whether it be for the ordinary council meeting, a strategic briefing day or our community catch-ups.

“The new monthly format will allow council to make the decisions it needs to in a timely manner and will allow Councillors more time to focus on the strategic conversation and direction of Council.”

Mayor Hall said Council can also call special meetings in addition to the once-a-month cycle if needed for urgent matters.

“My Council is committed to working smarter, faster and better for the community with a more forward looking and strategic focus which will assist in preparing the region for the future,” she explained.

CEO Warren Bunker said he believed the meeting changes, developed in consultation with the elected members and senior staff were a step forward for Council.

“The move to monthly meetings is in line with Council’s focus on becoming more agile and efficient to deliver better outcomes for our community.”

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More than 80 students from four different schools participated in the Regional Finals of the Tournament of the Minds competition last Sunday.

Hosted by St Catherine’s Catholic College and held at the Secondary Campus’ Multi-Purpose Hall, the event saw 14 teams take part in the state-wide competition.

Topics included The Arts, STEM, Language Literature, and Social Sciences with each team allocated 10 minutes to present to the judges and perform a spontaneous challenge on the day.

Winners included: STEM - Secondary - Bowen State High School -Team 1 - The Tweety Birds

The Arts - Secondary - St Catherine's College Team 1- Circles in Circles

Language Literature - Secondary - St Catherine's College Team 4- Just Choose Sophie

STEM- Primary - St Mary's Primary School - Team 2 - Mission Possible

Language Literature - Primary - St Mary's Primary School - Team 3-Famous Five

The Arts - Primary - St Mary's Primary School - Team 6 -Kaddies

Social Sciences - Primary - St Mary's Primary School - Team 5- Old and New

All winning teams will attend the State Finals at St Cath’s on September 10, where presentations will be filmed and sent through to the Gold Coast for judging against the other state winners.

The College would like to thank teachers and organisers for their dedication with students in the lead up to and on the day of the event.

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Students of St Cath’s tested their talents at Tournament of the Minds last weekend. Photos supplied

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A series of mature blue gums and rainforest trees are under threat of being cleared and removed, following the Whitsunday Regional Council initiative to approve an existing development plan on the land.

According to the Whitsunday Conservation Council, the removal of these trees would turn a section of Waite Creek, a natural creek, into a lined drain, as well as destroy the habitats of native birds and wildlife.

“This change to the plan, permitted by Whitsunday Regional Council, is an insult to our many community members who over the last 20 years, have been left to rehabilitate several other denuded urban creeks, using grants and volunteer labour to gradually restore the protective lining of vegetation that has been removed in the past,” said Jacquie Sheils, President of the Whitsunday Conservation Council.

“Unfortunately, the clear felling of Waite Creek Cannonvale is only one of the many instances in our community which have already taken place or planned. Residents are kept in the dark until it is too late, and the damage done.”

“We cannot afford to lose anymore green canopy in our urban areas and adjacent residential acreages,” said Ms Sheils.

A council spokesperson said that a small area of vegetation clearing has been required within the Whitsunday Lakes development to address flooding impacts to land in Reef Court from the southern gully.

“After works in a relatively small length of the creek are completed, the area will be revegetated, and the remainder of the southern gully will remain untouched,” the council spokesperson said.

“Council does not take the decision lightly to remove vegetation along waterways and these decisions must be balanced against risks to life and property.”

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A small section of Waite Creek that is at risk of being cleared. Photo supplied

The development of Langford Park in Eton is starting to take shape.

A master plan for the area has been developed based on feedback that was gathered during the community consultation activities in November last year.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council was committed to improving liveability across the whole region.

“These upgrades will ensure Eton residents have a viable option close by for birthday parties, play dates and other social activities,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The work will take place in four stages, which will see the whole precinct upgraded, subject to funding,” he said.

“Stage one works are expected to commence in the 2024-2025 financial year.

“As part of stage one, the existing playground will be replaced with new play equipment, including a roofed shade structure and covered seating for parents. It will also be relocated closer to the park’s oval.

“The new play equipment will cater for a wide range of ages, from toddlers to children aged up to 12 years-old, and the area will be fully fenced.”

Other work being undertaken as part of stage one includes:

• A formalised entry from Hill Street with a 1.5-metre-wide concrete path connecting to the picnic and playground facilities.

• A new picnic shelter with an electric barbecue and picnic setting overlooking the park’s oval.

• Footy goal posts added to the oval.

• A retrofitted lockable gate to the internal road to prevent vehicles cutting through the park (the gate can be opened to allow access when needed by the Pony Club or others using the park).

• Water bubbler and additional shade trees.

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Bowen’s Big Mango continues to attract travellers from all states as well as overseas and they include families, grey nomads, celebrities and people travelling in unusual vehicles.

An estimated 100,000 people stop by this iconic tourist attraction each year to have a selfie taken next to one of Australia’s favourite “big things”.

This week, the Queensland Variety Bash cars are on their way to Cairns – raising money to help disadvantaged children reach their full potential.

Many of the vehicles travelled from Mackay northwest to Collinsville and then back to the Bruce Highway to make their way north.

Some, however, travelled straight up the Bruce Highway from Mackay and the Simpsons Crew from Bash 1111 Car was one of those who stopped at Bowen’s iconic tourist attraction.

This crew set themselves a fundraising goal of $8.5k and they have already passed that, raising more than $11k to help kids in need.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the Big Mango team was excited to welcome the Simpsons Crew as they made their way north.

“We often have unusual vehicles and people dressed up in costume call in for a selfie – and we love it when they come into the Visitor Information Centre next door to chat to the team and enjoy a delicious mango sorbet,” she said.

“It is great to see people raising money for such worthy causes.”

The Queensland Variety Bash 2023 finished in Cairns on Thursday (August 24) and raised more than $1.5 million!

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The Simpsons Crew from the Variety Bash’s Car 1111 called in at the Big Mango this week. Photo supplied

Customer experience, it is one of the most important things all the businesses in our region have in common. We are all working to ensure our customers feel important and appreciated and enjoy doing business or purchasing from us. We know that good customer service reputation and reviews are a major factor in attracting new business and delivering a great service experience will likely influence a return visit or purchase.

The Chamber is keen to start a conversation on the customer service within the Whitsunday business community. What are our individual and collective strengths? How do we train and support our teams to deliver great service? As a business community, what could we do collectively to help elevate and maintain a customer service culture that is the envy of the nation? We welcome your thoughts.

Business Boost Grants are a vital pillar of the Queensland Government’s Big Plan for Small Business strategy and grants of up to $20,000 are available with a total of $2.5M allocated this round. The grants can be used for activities that will provide growth through strategic business planning, implementation of cloud platforms and online management systems. Available from 6th to 12th September at www.business.qld.gov.au/businessboost

Vision for the Whitsundays – The research phase of our Vision for the Whitsundays project is now open. The project aims to articulate an economic vision for the Whitsundays that is informed by its business community. We invite businesses to have their say on what the Whitsundays of the future looks like, current major drivers of change and points of resistance, and what we need to do now to future proof our tomorrow. There are a few ways you can participate and share your view – make a formal submission to the project, complete a short three question survey, or attend a face-to-face or virtual focus group. Visit our website to learn more and have your say. The full report will be released in May 2024.

Our next Chamber event – Chamber on Tap – will be held 5:30pm-7:00pm Thursday 14 September at the Reef Gateway Hotel, Cannonvale. This event will showcase several business support services offered to the region by the Queensland Government Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training such as their Mentoring for Growth program, financial counselling service, wellness coaching, industry workforce advisors, and Back to Work funding. This event is open to all. Visit our website for more information.

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Jan Clifford

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As we emerge from “winter” and embrace the wonderful spring weather, I encourage us all to take particular care as our scaley snake friends awaken from their winter hibernation. They are usually hungry and cranky so please keep your children and your pets safe. The forest is also a source of danger to those who suffer severe allergies so again please take care.

Council has resolved to move to monthly meetings commencing this month in line with most other Queensland Councils. It is the intent to spend more time on looking at the big picture issues rather than the short council meetings we currently have. The meetings will still rotate between Proserpine and Bowen and will be live streamed. The recordings of these meetings will be kept and available for the public to view on Council’s website.

On the 15th of August, Greater Whitsunday Communities held their Greater Whitsunday Housing Summit in Mackay. The summit was attended by the three Local Governments as well as social housing providers, bankers, developers, real estate agents, state government and the mining, tourism and agriculture sectors.

There were some robust and enlightening conversations and presentations during the day. These are being collated into a report and position paper that we can use to lobby the State and Federal Governments for funding. However, everyone agreed that there is a critical shortage of housing across the wider region and that worker and affordable rentals must be addressed as a matter of extreme urgency.

Ergon are undertaking important works that started on Monday the 28th of August until the 16th of September which will affect the Central Lagoon Carpark which will limit the parking available.

Council is preparing to undertake works on the next stage of the Airlie Beach Boardwalk, which will result in the closure of the Boardwalk between the VMR Boat Ramp and Shingley Drive for around 13 weeks, from 11 September to early December. The works will expand the boardwalk by approximately 1m and see the old boards replaced with a composite fibre material.

A detour will be put in place behind Mirage Whitsundays Apartments, via Altmann Avenue and Shingley Drive. I can’t wait to see the finished product and get back out and about enjoying our wonderful foreshore area.

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Waste or unwanted motor oil should not be put into recycling or rubbish bins as it is unable to be correctly processed or treated this way. Furthermore, waste oil that spills into collection trucks can ignite fires when in contact with hot surfaces, for example with the exhaust of the truck.

Instead, residents can dispose of up to 20L of waste oil for free at Council landfills as well as at the Cannonvale, Collinsville and Mount Coolon Transfer Stations.

Use a clean metal or appropriate plastic container with a tightly sealed lid to collect your oil before taking it to be recycled. Appropriate plastic containers must be made of polyethylene (e.g. the original motor oil container) and not an empty milk bottle for example.

Waste oil can then be refined through the correct systems into new oil, processed into fuel oils, or used as raw materials for the petroleum industry. By recycling our waste oil efficiently, we greatly reduce the hazardous effects it could have on our delicate environment.

For more information, visit the Waste and Recycling section of our website: www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au

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