Socially conscious travel show, Adventure All Stars, is filming across the Whitsundays next week and there will be 12 cast members experiencing a range of activities here in the region while raising money for charity.

The Whitsundays will feature in the first episode of the fourth season of this innovative TV show which tasks its participants to become philanthropists, fundraising for a charity of their choice in order to qualify for their ‘part’.

“Prior to the commencement of season four, all cast members raised funds for Australian charities, and their reward is the trip-of-a-lifetime with Adventure All Stars,” said a spokesperson.

The most recent season of Adventure All Stars generated close to $1.2 million for Australian charities, making the show one of the biggest contributors to philanthropy of any TV series in the world.

Film crews and the cast will be filming locally from July 31 to August 4, and staying at the Tasman Holiday Park.

During their stay, the 12 cast members from across Australia will experience the best of the Whitsundays including jetboating, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, sea-kayaking, a crocodile safari, and sailing.

The series is broadcast to 25 different countries and has so far been viewed by almost 100 million people.

All net proceeds from the TV series are gifted to Australian charities and funds raised via the Whitsundays episode will support ADHD Australia, Heart Support Australia,

Leukaemia Support Queensland, Mindfull Aus and Two Two One Mental Health Charity.

The third season of the series has just premiered and is now available via 7Plus in Australia and the Outdoor Channel globally.

49 episodes of Adventure All Stars have now been produced, and the amount fundraised since the inception of this TV format is approaching $10 million.

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Adventure All Stars are coming to the Whitsundays next week. Photos supplied

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Collinsville will be having a facelift, with the Choose Collinsville upgrade works, by the Whitsunday Regional Council commencing last week on July 17.

The upgrade will bring the Collinsville Main Street up to the same calibre as Bowen, Proserpine, and Airlie Beach, with staged works planned to renew and revitalise the street.

The proposed upgrades include:

- New irrigated garden beds, with a mixture of plants and larger shade trees

- Disabled car parks in strategic locations along the street

- New street furniture, such as bench seats, bollards, and bin shelters

- New asphalt and re-seal, line marking and street print at entrances

Aside from temporary road closures due to asphalt laying, there is expected to minimal disruption to usual business.

The entire upgrade is scheduled to be complete by late August.

The works have been funded by the Australian Governments Building Better Regions Fund.

Future plans for Collinsville town upgrades include entry statements at town entrances, enhancements to Sonoma Street, Conway Street and Main Street, as well as additional landscaping and planting shade trees.

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24-year-old Gregory River man, Oscar Jensen, tragically lost his life, following a single vehicle accident at Dingo Beach on the evening of Wednesday, July 19.

Initial investigations indicate that Mr Jensen’s Toyota Landcruiser Ute, travelling west along Dingo Beach Road, had lost control and rolled near Earlando Road, shortly before 6.30pm.

Detective Inspector Emma Novosel said that the “ute unexplainedly left the road and collided with a culvert.”

“Forensic Crash Unit officers are investigating, and early indicators suggest that speed and distraction may have been a contributing factor to the crash,” said Detective Inspector Novosel.

Mr Jensen was the sole occupant of the ute and was declared deceased at the scene by paramedics.

Mr Jensen’s father, Dean Jensen posted to Facebook shortly after the accident, “Last night, I lost a third of my heart, soul, and life. I have no words. I will love and miss u until the day I die. RIP O.”

Friends and family have also shared their condolences on the post.

“Sending love to your and the family Deano,” said one commentor.

“Condolences you and the family Dean. Our hearts are breaking for you all,” said another.

“Oscar was a very loved and welcomed regular at our home and hut. Our hearts are broken, we will miss him so very much,” said another poster.

Today, a Celebration of Life for Oscar was held on the family property.

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Oscar with father Dean, with Emenie Jensen. Facebook

Crime Duo Busted

A 28-year-old Whitsunday man has been arrested and charged with several alleged offences.

He was charged with 51 offences, 49 relating to property offences and two drug related offences.

Police allege this man is an associate of a 29-year-old woman who was arrested in June and has been charged with 49 property related offences.

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Construction Site Disturbance

Police have arrested a 25-year-old Cairns man after he allegedly wandered onto a construction site and created a disturbance.

He allegedly assaulted a 46-year-old male and was arrested and charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.

Drink Driving Across The Region

Last week, 7 drink drivers were detected across the region.

A 22-year-old Cannonvale man, who is required to have a zero-blood alcohol level returned a reading of 0.27%, with another 36-year-old Cannon Valley man, also requiring a zero-alcohol level returning a 0.26%.

A 39-year-old Cannonvale man returned a reading of 0.9% on July 22.

A 23-year-old Cannonvale man was intercepted driving and returned a blood alcohol level of 0.173%.

Two persons were also detected for driving with a relevant drugs in their system.

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Bowen business had more than three million reasons to be thankful for the boost US forces gave the town's economy when its Chamber of Commerce held an official welcoming ceremony on July 24.

The ceremony drew around 60 US and Australian troops and their senior commanders, Col. Samuel Miller of the US 7th Transport Brigade and Lt. Col. William Bolton of the Australian Defence Force, as well the state member for Burdekin, Dale Last, and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall.

Mayor Hall said that during the troops' bivouac in the town during a logistics exercise that complements the main exercise, the tally of their spending had been $3 million.

And that spend isn't over yet.

She added that the US forces' participation in the Mayor's Charity Ball had raised $50,000, with three auction prizes, two 'Day in the Life of a Soldier' exercises raising another $40,000, and a lunch with the troops event raising $10,000.

Col. Miller said the Talisman Sabre Exercise was one of the largest exercises of its kind in the Pacific region, with a draw about 30,000 military personnel from 13 nations involved in the exercise proper throughout the country.

The ADF's Lt. Col. William Bolton said Bowen was "a nice place to target" for a marine landing exercise and was a small, friendly town.

"We get to do some really good training for our amphibious forces," he said.

The strategic alliance and its other training partners were learning a lot from one-on-one interactions over logistical matters.

Lt. Col Bolton said the Bowen training exercise would continue with the construction of a mobile pier at the landing ground.

Member for Burdekin Dale Last moved a vote of thanks to the US contingent and hailed their seamless integration with the community, down to their appearance with fishing rods around the town's best fishing spots.

The welcoming ceremony ended with the presentation of a wooden plaque to the US contingent by Bowen graphic artist Bill Phillis.

Member for Burdekin Dale Last, Bowen Chamber of Commerce president Bruce Hedditch and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall are flanked by troops as a commemorative wooden plaque is handed over to the US contingent

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The wait is over!

The Coral Sea Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon race weekend has arrived, and race director Michael Kimpton said he is thrilled to welcome athletes, spectators, and the entire community to this exciting event.

Michael said with the majestic Coral Sea as a backdrop, the event is the highlight of the north Queensland racing calendar as more than 250 senior and junior athletes are set to line up for an action-packed weekend.

“The build-up to our event has already attracted a class field of professional triathletes and the Age Group field is just as impressive with a number of notable World Championship representatives and ITU World Triathlon series competitors,” he said.

“The female field is world class and includes Radka Kahlefeldt, the second placed podium finisher at Cairns Ironman recently, Lotte Wilms, recent winner of Ironman Austria, and experienced professionals Kate Bevilaqua, Jasmine Brown, Cassie Healslip, Penny Slater (third in Cairns Ironman), Chloe Hartnett and Kaitlyn Illingworth.

“The 2022 Airlie Beach Triathlon female winner, Demi Caldwell will also be attempting to defend her crown after coming off a win in the Hamilton Hilly Half Marathon on the weekend.

“The men’s field is equally strong and will include our Airlie Beach Triathlon Ambassador and reigning champion Caleb Noble who also won at the recent Challenge Family Taiwan event, Jarrod Osborne 2XU champion, Tim Berkel, Mitch Cunningham, Calvin Amos and Sam Betten, the nine time winner of the Airlie Beach Triathlon.”

Michael said the weekend kicks off with the Airlie Beach Juniors series of races at 2pm on Saturday followed by a Q and A with the professional athletes and presentation of the perpetual Stirling Edwards-Bland Encouragement award for the best effort by a junior.

The sports action kicks into overdrive on Sunday with the Professional athletes hitting the water at 6.45am followed by the men’s and women’s Olympic distance competitors for their 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run event.

The Corporate and team’s events kick off after 7am followed by the Sprint and Enticer races with presentations to all Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach triathlon winners scheduled in the Broadwater carpark area at noon.

“The Airlie Beach Triathlon Club organising committee are excited that the 2023 event will herald a new era for the race with ambitious future plans to expand it to be one of the feature races on the Australian triathlon calendar,” Michael said.

“There are not many places in the world where endurance meets the Great Barrier Reef and our small committee is working hard to grow the race into a hallmark event for Whitsundays which would deliver a major boost for the regional economy benefitting local businesses.”

“It is early days in negotiations, but the Challenge Family core values of vitality, passion and inclusiveness perfectly align with our club, so it is a match made in heaven.

“It is imperative we expand our local event, and our committee are determined to leave no stone unturned to make the race a premier event on the Australian circuit,” Michael said.

“I want to extend our sincerest thanks to all sponsors, especially our major sponsor Coral Sea Marina Resort, for their support and the club looks forward to continuing this partnership in the future and exploring new opportunities to collaborate and grow together.”

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2023 Mayor’s Charity Ball

The 2023 Mayor’s Charity Ball was a massive success, with over 320 guests coming together under a giant marquee at the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal on Saturday night.

The evening began with pre-drinks in the Terminal’s function room, Mayor Julie Hall greeting everyone personally as they walked through the door.

A Welcome to Country was facilitated by Uncle Harold Bowen who gave an impassioned speech of inclusion and acceptance.

"We are all Indigenous!" he said.

"If you were born in Italy then you are indigenous to Italy and if you were born in this country then you are indigenous to Australia."

He then performed a cultural song with his nephew, both playing didgeridoos.

Guests then moved over to the beautiful marquee that had been erected in the Terminal’s car park.

With a vision of majestic winter beauty, guests were treated to lively entertainment, with an energetic live auction, before a spectacular fireworks show concluded the official schedule of the event.

“And oh what a night it was, with the live auction raising over $70,000 alone for my chosen charities, RACQ CQ Rescue and the Whitsunday Housing Company,” said Mayor Julie Hall.

“It will be a few weeks before the total proceeds are calculated but I am so grateful to everyone who attended, sponsored the event, donated prizes, or volunteered on the night.”

“They say it takes a small village to raise a child and Saturday night really showcased the heart, generosity, and community spirit of our Whitsunday community,” she said.

Photo caption: Brooke Miles

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View the full gallery here

TAFE Whitsunday

In the heart of the Whitsundays, in the hub of tourism and vocational work, TAFE Queensland works as a tertiary and industry training centre that is well used and accessed by locals.

With 100s of certificates and diplomas on offer, from every industry and trade available.

This includes certificates such as Baking, Retail Services, Travel, Hospitality and Health Administration.

The Whitsundays TAFE campus also has a café and a training restaurant, Palmers, for hospitality and cookery students to try their hand at their learned skills and get practical experience in the kitchen and in the front of house.

The campus is also home to a specialty Aquaculture Centre, which was unveiled in 2023, and features tanks for demonstrations of fish farming processes and data analysis with computerised training technologies and opportunities.

This is in addition to the mixed-reality virtual room for training in advanced technologies, as well as a laboratory.

For those students studying a certificate or diploma not offered within the Whitsundays campus, the campus is host to video conferencing facilities, allowing students to video chat with teachers across the country.

Featured and promoted certificates include Cert III in Tourism, Cert III in Travel, Cert III in Events and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

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Better keep an eye out for the tide chart, with this time being the best to trek to the lighthouse.

When the tides are very low in Bowen, take the opportunity to walk to the lighthouse on North Head Island.

Situated less than one kilometre from Bowen mainland, North Head Island is at the entrance to Port Denison and is home to one of Queensland’s oldest lighthouses.

Port Denison was the first port established in North Queensland with Bowen officially being proclaimed a town in April 1861.

The lighthouse was built in 1866 and was in use until 1985.

In 2017, the North Head Lighthouse was restored by community groups.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said there was no “official” event being held this year, but the tides will be below 0.2 metres on August 29, 30 and 31.

“These would be the best days to walk but there will be low tides on other days too,” she said.

Ms Abernethy recommended that people leave from Dalrymple Point at least one hour before low tide and wear reef shoes or protective footwear.

“You will follow a sand spit in a curving path towards the lighthouse and it will be a bit rough on your feet once you reach the edge of the island.

“You will see a lot of marine life, especially red starfish and sea cucumbers,” she said.

“It’s a great experience. Keep your eyes peeled and you may even see a green sea turtle in the deeper water or even a whale breaching further out at this time of the year.”

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The Lighthouse walk is popular for locals and visitors alike. Photo supplied

Attracting, retaining and re-attracting the right people for your workplace costs infinite dollars and endless hours. By changing up your interview questions you can start to discover what someone really thinks and how they might really behave.

Impression management is the term we use to describe putting our ‘best self’ forward – smiling amicably, laughing at others’ ridiculous jokes and agreeing with suboptimal decisions just to ‘get along’ and be liked.

There is no greater example of this than the interview process as potential new recruits all put their best selves forward in this situation.

Candidates answer questions based on what they think the employer would like to hear and provide an amazing ‘highlights reel’ of themselves in a very sanitised version.

So, what if you were armed with a list of questions which ensured candidates gave true insights into their preferred style of working?

At Shiift, we love our go-to list of behavioural questions which ends up providing us with real-time information.

Here’s just a few to consider:

• Describe what chaos looks like to you? (insight into reactive or structured environment preference)

• In three words how would others describe you when you're stressed? (ability to self-assess a negative.

• What qualities do you admire and seek out in leadership? Which of these do you need to strengthen? (ability to self-assess, personal priorities)

• Do you have strong personal goals, or do you enjoy being fluid with outcomes and tend to change goals frequently? (structured or ‘go with the flow’)

• What interests you about other people? (people-oriented or task-oriented)

• Do you prefer tried and tested systems, or do you like to change things up? (big picture or hands-on; future vs historically focused)

Want more ‘insight questions’? Head to our website to download your free copy – shift.com.au

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With Rick Hamilton, CEO Of Tourism Whitsundays

Statistics aren’t all boring, especially when they make our region shine!

Last week, the Regional Tourism Satellite Account (RSTA) data was released, and the figures give us a comprehensive snapshot of the impact of tourism on our regional economy.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics compiles the data and it takes a full 12 months to distil and analyse.

These results come shortly after our National Visitor Survey (NVS) results, but that data is reporting on different areas of tourism.

To break it down in simple terms - the NVS measures visitor numbers and spend while the RSTA is measuring the full effect and flow-on effect of tourism in the region.

The results paint a stunning picture of tourism in The Whitsundays.

Our stand-out results were in Gross Regional Product, employment, and consumption (the total spend by tourists).

The total Gross Regional Product for The Whitsundays in financial year 2022 is $730.1million – an increase of 40.3 per cent compared to 2021.

To support this increase in product, there was a total of 8,100 jobs in or related to the tourism industry, as increase of 31.5 per cent.

The result of increased Gross Regional Product and more jobs to support that increase is a total tourism consumption of $1.2 billion!

These results put The Whitsundays at the top of the leader board as the most tourism reliant region in Queensland.

1 in 3 of our jobs in The Whitsundays is directly in the tourism industry or relates to it.

In this region, tourism is everyone’s job and an industry that supports a lot of the residents.

If you would like to read more into or track the history of the Regional Tourism Satellite Account data, it is housed on the Tourism Research Australia website – www.tra.gov.au

FAST FACTS

• Gross Regional Product for The Whitsundays $730.1million

• 8,100 jobs in or related to the tourism industry

• 31 per cent more tourism jobs than 2021

• A total tourism consumption of $1.2 billion

• Whitsundays most tourism reliant region in Queensland

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Paving the way for alternative medicine in the Whitsundays, Medicinal Cannabis wholesaler MediExtract, is opening its doors for medical practitioners to provide a new way of treating patient’s chronic illnesses and other ailments.

For many years cannabis has been seen as an illegal drug, trafficked on the black market, and sold in back alleys right across the world.

While it is sold as a recreational drug, cannabis is also known to have incredible medicinal qualities. Medicinal Cannabis which has been cultivated and produced under controlled conditions can then be prescribed by health practitioners to suit a patient’s particular requirements.

“It is concerning when I hear people admitting to purchasing cannabis illicitly on the black market for medical reasons, and its usually because they either don’t know they can get it via a prescription or its ‘cause they’re so desperate to find pain relief that they don’t consider the risks of consuming something grown in a stranger’s backyard where quality processes for medicine are  not considered,” said MediExtract’s  Compliance Director, Amanda Clifton-Smith.

“MediExtract not only ensures that it is void of any harmful chemicals that illegal versions may include, but we can also recommend  a specific type of cannabis strain  to best suit a patient’s ailment.”Currently, Medicinal Cannabis is classified as an unapproved product in Australia and accessing Medicinal Cannabis is legal in Australia through prescription from any registered Australian Doctor.

The prescription for Medicinal cannabis is regulated through the Special Access Scheme (SAS) by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

This pathway allows doctors to prescribe the product based on their clinical judgement on a patient-to-patient basis.

MediExtract is the first licensed Medicinal Cannabis wholesaler in the Whitsundays to supply cannabis products to thousands of patients, physicians, pharmacies, hospitals, and researchers.

“Living in the Whitsundays and being rural, our aim and purpose is to educate and make access to plant-based medicine easier and more affordable to patients,” said Amanda.

“We believe patients should have the right to easily access plant-based medicines and therefore we have partnered with Live Life Pharmacy Cannonvale to handle the dispensing of the products and deliver anywhere throughout Australia.”

“To make access easier and discreet for patients, we have also partnered with Truegreen, an online Telehealth Platform which connects patients directly to a prescribing doctor nationally, and we’re also working closely with local doctors to provide even more accessible options for patients living in and around the Whitsunday’s region,” said Michael Mariakis Mediextract’s Operations Manager.

It is worth noting that before cannabinoid therapy is considered as a treatment option, the TGA advises Medicinal Cannabis is not to be used as a first line treatment.

This means cannabinoid therapy can only be used after registered prescription medicines have been unsuccessful or have caused unacceptable adverse effects, except in the case of patients in palliative care.

Here are some examples of what medicinal Cannabis can be used for:

• Patients undergoing chemotherapy.

• Epilepsy.

• Multiple sclerosis.

• Chronic pain.

• Palliative care.

To find out more about how MediExtract can help you, visit their website www.mediextract.com.au

Michael Mariakis and Amanda Clifton-Smith from MediExtract. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Two young Whitsunday locals participated in the inaugural Cairns Fashion Week in June, modelling a variety of swim and beachwear at the event.

Five-year-old, Roze Vanderpoel and her seven-year-old brother, Jude, have already been invited back next year following a successful strut down the catwalk which certainly grabbed the model scout’s attention.

Their mother, Katrina Vanderpoel, said that Roze had been asking to model since she was three and that it was wonderful to see her daughter’s dream finally become a reality.

“It was an absolute vibe,” she said.

“The kids were so proud of themselves, and I can’t believe how much their confidence grew.

“Roze now wants to be a Doctor and a Model, and Jude wants to be a Firefighter and a Model!”

The two youngsters modelled swimwear from Tribe Tropical and had been coached by Brooke Lee Modelling Agency located in Airlie Beach.

“Thank you so much to the organisers of Cairns Fashion Week and to Brooke Lee Modelling Agency for her dedication to the kids,” said Katrina.

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Siblings Roze and Jude Vanderpoel rocked the catwalk at the inaugural Cairns Fashion Week in June. Photo supplied

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Jo Parker did not fall into the beauty industry on a whim, it was a calculated decision when she was 14 years old that changed the trajectory of her life.

Her true passion lies in all things skin, from laser treatments, to facials, to massages.

Jo began in the industry over 25 years ago and brings with her comprehensive knowledge and expertise and the gentle touch that her clients know and love.

Investing in quality products, procedures, and tools, she is committed to ensuring the best experience for her clients.

The last six months has been a whirlwind for Jo, as she launches her own clinic, Skin Esteem, opening the doors to her own Dermal day spa premise in a new and beautifully purpose-built allied health medical complex in Carlo Drive in Cannonvale.

With a diverse range of beauty services, Skin Esteem’s menu offers a myriad of treatments, including laser hair removal, carbon facials, skin rejuvenation, and acne treatments, skin needling, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, and even hot stone massage.

Providing a warm welcome are Skin Esteem’s two bubbly receptionists, Phoebe and Jess.

Jess is new to the area, with extensive history in the medical world, and was a sure-fire hire for Jo.

“I offered her the job pretty much straight away!” Jo said.

Phoebe, fresh out of high school, has an interest in the beauty industry and a passion to learn more about it.

Phoebe and Jess have both teamed together well to become whizzes with content creation and social media management, curating a tasteful and gorgeous social media presence for Skin Esteem.

With such an extensive range at a competitive price point, it’s not hard to see how Jo has already been inundated with new and returning clients to the new premise, wanting any and all of the treatments available.

“I want to offer a variety of treatments at affordable prices.”

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Bowen State High School Musical Prepares For Grease The Musical

Talent runs thick through the walls of Bowen State High School, as students and staff ramp up for their ‘Grease the Musical’ school production which premieres tonight.

The student-led cast, coming from every age-group from year 7 to year 12, have spent close to six months preparing, rehearsing, and perfecting their lines, eager for the big show.

Year 9 students James Madlangsakay and Oliver Bond play the titular characters of Danny Zuko and Kenickie Murdoch, and are thick as thieves these days, having bonded over being T-Birds together.

“For me, it was all for the money!” James said when explaining his initial motivation for being part of the production.

“Actually, just kidding, I just wanted to do it because I wanted to try new things!”

For Oliver, he was initially nervous to audition for the show.

“I was pretty hesitant at first,” he said.

“I was like, ‘this doesn’t sound like something I would really do’, but it’s fun, and I’ve never got to hang out with these people before.

“It’s kind of cool to come in and meet new people and do something I’ve really never done before, and there’s no judgement because none of us have ever really done it before too.”

With close to 50 students as part of the cast, backstage crew, and band, the biennial musical is a big feature on the school’s event calendar.

“Anyone who wants to be in the music can be in the musical,” explained co-director Bridget Conti.

“The arts aren’t as big as sports are here, but it’s slowly building.”

Music teacher, Jack Gleeson, works closely with the students for the show’s music and believes that musicals are important to the school community.

“From what I’ve seen across the semester working with you guys, some of you were definitely hesitant at the start, but now you are genuinely and incredibly happy during rehearsals,” he said.

“You have so much fun!”

Matilda Payne, a year 9 student who plays Frenchy, was excited to pursue a new hobby and explore the musical theatre world.

Annabelle Payne plays Pink Lady, Marty, and as a Year 11 student, the 2023 production would be her last chance to participate in a high school musical.

Considering her tertiary opportunities, Annabelle is now looking to move to the Sunshine Coast where she will study to become a midwife.

Following her experience choreographing the dance to ‘You’re The One That I Want’, in the second act of the production, she also wants to become a dance teacher.

Showcasing the talent of the Bowen State High School students, Grease the Musical is not a show to miss.

WHAT: Grease the Musical

WHERE: Bowen State High School, McKenna Hall

WHEN: Friday 28 and Saturday 29, July

TICKETS: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1074531

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The cast of Grease the Musical has been rehearsing for six months now, and are ready to wow audiences

Sandy and Danny, played by Jasmine Dunkerton and James Madlangsakay embody their roles

The Pink Ladies act as integral characters to the plot and are a laugh for audiences

The T Birds’ performance is touching and highlights the growing bond between students. Photos supplied

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