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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For as long as Tania Reid has known, she has always had a gift for the written word.

Tania moved to Bowen from Townsville 12 years ago, with her parents and sister.

She has been writing poetry since she was a teenager, perfecting her craft for years now.

Over the years, Tania has touched on every aspect of life, writing poetry on the passing of her parents, the passing of a dear friend, her treasured cat Simba, and the beauties of the world.

“People say my poetry comes from the heart,” she said.

One of her more touching poems, entitled ‘Hope’, speaks to Tania’s treatment of a brain tumour.

In 1998 Tania had been experiencing headaches and mood swings, then one day one side of her body began to turn numb.

“I could feel it creeping up, and that’s when my sister took me to the hospital, and they found it,” she explains.

The tumour was the size of an orange on the top of her brain, and she was immediately scheduled for surgery the following week.

“When I survived it, I was so happy to be alive, that I wrote a poem. It’s the best one I’ve written, everyone says it, and it is full of hope,” she said.

The tumour left Tania’s cognitive ability strained and in need of consistent support through Bowen Flexi Care, however her ability to touch people with her poetry has only strengthened.

Through her poetry, readers can see the growth and maturity of Tania, as she ages and has monumental life experiences.

“I think it’s gotten better too, matured a little over the years.”

You can see Tania’s poem published in next week’s newspaper.

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Having been perfectly crafting her art, Tania Reid touches on intimately human experiences. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Living life in the fast lane is nothing new for Chris Keillor, also known as Wheelsie, former Bowen local and current champion wheelchair marathoner.

Just a few weeks ago, Chris completed the Tassal Airlie Beach Marathon Festival, and was the only wheelchair participant.

He completed the 42.2-kilometre marathon in just five and a half hours.

“It has been my favourite course so far, but I was hoping to have it done in four and a half hours, but because of the headwinds, it boosted me back to five and a half hours,” he said.

“I was the first person in the history of the Airlie Beach Marathon event to ever turn up in a wheelchair and want to give it a go.”

Chris became involved in wheelchair running back in 2015.

“I felt so amazing at the finish line, that I just wanted to run it all over again,” he said.

Since then, Chris has committed to training twice daily, and while he is in Bowen, that includes running up Flagstaff Hill.

He now looks to complete an ultra-marathon from Perth to Melbourne, a 3,500-kilometre trek.

“But instead of running 42 kilometres, I’m looking to average between 55 and 65 a day, that way I can have rest Sundays,” he explains.

Chris became wheelchair bound 19 years ago in a road accident, when his bicycle collided with a car and his back was broken in three places.

Competing in marathons has been a reprieve for Chris and a motivation for him to inspire other wheelchair bound people.

And the secret to his success?

He swears by taking a drink of Moro Extra Virgin Olive Oil daily, to keep your bones lubricated and your muscles strong.

Added bonus, Chris claims the oil removes any and all pain.

With championships across two states, Chris is looking forward to returning to the Airlie Beach Marathon Festival for 2024.

“I’ve got to defend my title!” he laughs.

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Chris ‘Wheelsie’ Keillor is a marathon champion and completed the Airlie Beach Marathon earlier this month. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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Now is the time to invest in new lawn maintenance essentials, with Bowen Small Motors and Cycles looking after us this season.

Right now, and until stock lasts, all mowers – yes that includes your push, ride on, and zero turn mowers - are up to 10 per cent off!

With brands from Honda, Stihl, Briggs, and Dunlite, Hansa, Shindaiwa, Bushranger, Ferris, Toro, Rover, and Cox, all terrain needs are met.

And don’t forget your brush cutters, blowers, and even generators, all up to 10 per cent off.

Just in time for Father’s Day too, the team at Bowen Small Motors and Cycles has one of the best ranges of small garden tools that are perfect gifts.

Try your hand at the compact handheld Stihl pruner.

Marketed as garden pruners, this tiny yet powerful tool can take on trees or shrubs, cutting up garden waste and DIY projects or working with wood.

Next on this mega floor sale, check out the range of bikes, both your traditional and e-bikes.

With something for everyone without the exorbitant price point, they are up to 10 per cent off as well.

And look no further because the team stock all the biking accessories anyone could need.

“And we can get almost any bike you want,” owner of Bowen Small Motors and Cycles, Scott Raisbeck said.

This winter season don’t forget to service your machines as well, with Bowen’s Small Motors and Cycles being able to offer extensive and comprehensive repairing and replacing on offer.

“You should service your mower after 20 to 30 hours, which equals to about once a year,” Scott explained.

“Change your blades only when dull and be sure to blow out the air filters every time you use the mower.”

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With a massive range of mowers, blowers, bush cutters, and bicycles, there is something for everyone this mega sale time. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

The Immerse Art Installation is unveiling a brand-new component this year, introducing a full sensory experience that is set to amaze.

Not only will the audience be able to view the beautiful homage to the spectacular marine ecosystem, they will also be able to listen to a classical composition performed live.

This added touch perfectly complements the magical underwater wonderland theme of Immerse, where sculptured reef creatures and corals entirely constructed using recycled plastics and marine debris, combine with fantastic animated projections.

Dr Corrina Bonshek has created an original orchestral piece specially for the Great Barrier Reef Festival through Arts Queensland funding.

A renowned classical and contemporary musician and composer, Corrina, is turning her sights to nature sounds, including birds, whales, and the ocean, composing a series of classical pieces to encapsulate the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and majestic marine life within.

Performing at a Saturday night exclusive event, Corrina will showcase four classical, contemporary pieces of music, using recordings of Eastern Humpback Whales and reef sounds.

Entitled ‘Call from the Deep’, Corrina will be joined by a host of local musicians and students, creating a spectacularly intimate atmosphere.

The mellow sounds of the flute will be played by Laura Robson, with Finn Williams behind the elegant notes of the violin.

The last of the professional instrumental trio is Idris Harries, with the warm melancholic bass clarinet.

With them will be students from Proserpine State High School and St Catherine’s Catholic College on a range of percussion instruments.

“It’s a great range; we’ve got the flute to be high like a bird and we’ve got the bass clarinet so low that you can feel it,” said Corrina.

In particular, some of the musicians will be hidden amongst the audience, creating a touching three-dimensional aspect to the performance.

“In some parts, people will wonder ‘is that a shrimp or a musician’ because the music will be so multi-directional.”

This new component for the Immerse Installation is touchingly intimate and adds a layer to create a beautiful dialogue between the viewer and audience, the musician, the artist, and the ocean.

“It is charming, fun, intriguing, and uplifting,” explained Corrina.

“I always look to create a space for people to enjoy.

“I find that these compositions are a good fit for the overall art installation.”

Corrina’s inspiration comes from the spectacular music that the whales naturally create.

“Whales are musical creatures,” she said.

“Their songs can sometimes last 24 hours and they’re constantly different, improvising motifs and melodies.”

Corrina said she will often listen to the recordings of the whale songs and select segments that particularly resonant with her and inspire her deeply.

She will then write instrumentals and melodies to accompany the whale song.

“I find it interesting to listen and make something where the human follows the whales,” she explained.

Creating a human response to the whale’s music, she finds that the dynamic dialogue is the melody of the piece, creating a touching and beautiful aspect of the music.

The Immerse Art Installation will be viewable the entire weekend of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, with Corrina’s composition ‘Call from the Deep’ performed on Saturday night, August 5.

WHAT: Call From The Deep

WHERE: Fairytree Park, Airlie Foreshore

WHEN: Saturday, August 5 at 6pm

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