The magic of childbirth is not lost on Bowen hospital registered midwife Aleisha Johnson.

Her hard work and dedication is clear in everything she does, and she was nominated for the International Nurses Day Clinical Excellence Award in May.

Aleisha has been a registered nurse, midwife and diabetes educator for 26 years, living in four states, but has called Bowen home for 14 years.

“I like to share in that joyous bit of life,” Aleisha said.

“Especially being able to do antenatal care with someone the whole way through.

“It’s important and special to be able to have that rapport with people.

“I guess also being in a small town, we get to know our mothers quite well.”

Aleisha leads a team of three midwives in the women’s health clinic, providing antenatal and postnatal care.

“We do clinic every day and also have a doctor’s obstetrics and gynaecology clinic one day a week.”

Her team also performs at home postnatal check-ups as Bowen Hospital is not a birthing hospital.

‘We do everything here except births, though we do have a few unplanned births each year here.”

Aleisha decided to pursue education into gestational diabetes when she noticed a need for healthcare in the Bowen area.

“All the women that we had come to the clinic who had gestational diabetes were having to go to Proserpine to see a diabetes educator,” she said.

She enrolled in post graduate study through James Cook University in Cairns and became qualified to educate women.

“It’s one of the areas where we’ve been able to build up the care we can offer in Bowen,” she explains.

“For the women who have gestational diabetes, it’s really cut down their travel, the stress for them, and inconvenience because it meant taking days off work just to go to Proserpine, Mackay, or Townsville for a 15-mintue appointment.”

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Aleisha Johnson upskilled herself to address growing need in Bowen. Photo Supplied

In 2022, the airspace broadcasting area around ProserpineAirport was reviewed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

This review is used to improve pilot safety whencommunicating with each other in the air.

This airspace broadcast area around Proserpine Airport is calledthe Proserpine Group Broadcast Area and the consultation period determined thatthe area needed to be expanded to the south, and that the radio frequencyneeded to be changed and ‘sky lanes’ created, so that pilots can fly along andbypass the Proserpine Airport and arriving and departing aircrafts.

Following this consultation period, CASA will now conduct aformal review of the airspace.

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Dates for the newly revitalised Whitsundays Writers Festival have been announced for Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 September 2024.

A new committee has been formed and its Chair, Karen Jacobsen, said she is thrilled to be part of a previously loved event.

“I look forward to celebrating uniquely Queensland and Australian stories with the authors we are excited to invite,” she said.

“The transformation of books and the love of reading is so important for the young and old, and we look forward to bringing readers and writers together at this fantastic event.”

Still in the planning stages, the keynote speakers are yet to be confirmed but discussions are already taking place to create a lively and entertaining festival itinerary.

It is expected this will include a mixture of interactive workshops, panel discussions and author talks.

There will also be a Cocktails and Poetry Salon on the Friday evening, a long table lunch on the Sunday afternoon, a special children’s morning and a lively Literary Dinner on the Saturday Night.

During the Literary Dinner a selection of competition winners will be announced, and awards given.

Most notable is the Gloria Burley Award for the best unpublished manuscript.

Gloria Burley was the original Whitsunday Writers Festival Founder who sadly passed away in 2018.

She had a passion for story-telling and penned three books herself.

It is part of her vision that now continues with new vigour in 2024.

Attendees of next year’s festival can expect an engaging mixture onf genres, from crime to memoir, romance to screenwriting, and much more.

There is also expected to be a variety of informative talks covering hot topics such as Preserving the Written Word: Human vs AI/Chat GPT.

For lovers of reading, writing, books and words – the Whitsundays Writers Festival 2024 is a banquet of cultural entertainment – so save the date and invite your friends to a four-day event where everyone is welcome.

WHAT: Whitsunday Writers Festival 2024

WHEN: Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 September 2024

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Starting his position in January following the retirement of much-loved previous manager, Mike Porter, the new Manager of Canegrowers Proserpine, Brendon Nothard, certainly hit the ground running.

Originally from South Africa, Brendon has lived in Australia since 2017 and spent the last five years working for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in Mackay where 80 per cent of his time was spent in sugar.

Previously, while in South Africa he worked in a similar position for the South African Canegrowers Association.

Brendon is on-hand every day to assist his membership base of more than 130 growers located between Bloomsbury and south of Bowen.

He helps with a range of queries that includes business support and collective milling agreements, regular mill audits to ensure transparency and fair pay for growers, workplace health and safety, and transport. The group also offers member fire insurance cover.

Brendon says he is looking forward to a strong sugar season ahead and will continue to work alongside growers to maximise profitability.

“The crop is a bit smaller than last year in terms of quantity, but we are hoping for higher sugar levels with the prediction of a dryer harvesting season,” he said.

“We also have a very good global price – in fact it is the highest it’s been in 40 years!”

The main reason for the increased global sugar prices is that surplus stock has now been exhausted creating concerns of a supply shortage alongside regular increases in demand.

Overall, despite a late finish to the previous season that has left some lower yielding paddocks this year, the season is looking promising for local farmers.

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General Manager of Canegrowers Proserpine, Brendon Nothard. Image supplied

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Two of Wilmar’s global sugar traders shared the latest market intel with Proserpine canegrowers earlier this month, during a series of grower meetings in north and central Queensland.

Senior sugar traders, Peter Bingham from London and Neil Foo Zhizhou from Singapore, spent a week visiting Wilmar’s milling regions and addressing large grower turnouts.

Peter dived into the supply and demand fundamentals pulled together by the Wilmar global team.

Behind Peter and Neil sit a team of research analysts and a global network of information sources. The granular detail they can talk to regarding the demand and supply issues in each of the origin and consumption destinations is impressive.

In short, the near-term outlook remains supportive of prices.

Even with the elevated price there is only minor demand destruction, which is growing globally at roughly 2 million tonnes of sugar a year.

The past few years have seen a substantial drawdown of global stocks as demand continues to outstrip supply, so there is little room for a slip-up in the current Brazilian crop.

Moreover, the potential for development of the El Nino weather pattern has traders alert to possible delays in the ongoing Brazilian harvest and the risk to the Indian monsoon which is critical to the next major crop supply.

Neil Foo Zhizhou focused on the macro factors affecting the sugar market and presented some possible longer-term scenarios.

A major element of his thesis is the massive amount of US dollar debt that is projected to increase exponentially.

This will lead to persistent inflation with the outcome of continually rising commodity prices.

Not surprisingly growers liked what they heard. However, Neil was quick to point out that these are projections based on hypothesis and assumptions and there is no certainty to outcomes.

Nevertheless, growers were happy to chat to Neil following the presentation to dig deeper into his thinking.

Contributed with thanks to Simon Hood

Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

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Neil Foo Zhizhou, Craig Emerson and Peter Bingham. Photo supplied

Wilmar senior sugar traders Neil Foo Zhizhou and Peter Bingham. Photo supplied

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Bowen’s popular Cape Edgecumbe walking trails will be upgraded to enhance the safety and visual amenity of all users.

Various segments of the trails have deteriorated over the years due to weathering and Council has appointed a local contractor to upgrade the tracks.

The trail upgrades will be carried out within the existing footprint, with selective partial re-alignments in specific areas to improve safety, track width, and erosion control.

The project will be carried out in stages with stage 1 commencing in August on the section between Murray Bay Road to Rose Bay Lions Lookout, including Mother Beddick Lookout.

Last weekend saw the 135th Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft event and I am proud to say that Council was once again a platinum sponsor.

This hallmark event is more than just a display of outback skill and horsemanship; it represents the very heart and soul of our rural community.

It attracts visitors and brings together residents, fostering a sense of unity, camaraderie, and pride in our shared heritage and traditions.

I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to the organisers, volunteers, and sponsors who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this event to life.

Their commitment, dedication, and countless hours of hard work are the driving force behind the success of the Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft.

Their passion for preserving our traditions and creating an unforgettable experience for all who attend is amazing.

The Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft event also plays a significant role in boosting our local economy.

Visitors from near and far flock to our region, injecting vitality into our businesses and providing an opportunity to showcase the natural beauty and hospitality that the Whitsunday region is renowned for.

Just a reminder that the Collinsville Community Catch-up will be held at the Collinsville Community Centre on Wednesday, June 21 from 9am to 11am.

This is the fourth community catch-up and is an initiative of Council to better connect with our local communities, facilitate a two-way flow of information, provide an update on Council projects relevant to you, and hearing residents’ thoughts about these projects and other issues affecting the local community.

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The Airlie Beach Bicentennial Boardwalk has been upgraded by Whitsunday Regional Council in stage 1 of a revamp for the popular trail.

The section between Coral Sea Resort and Coral Sea Marina has now been completely replaced and widened in order to improve user safety and enjoyment for all.

The old timber boardwalk material has been replaced with a composite fibre material with a 100-year design life which is not only environmentally friendly but is also rust, rot, and corrode resistant.

Further upgrades to the remainder of the Boardwalk will be delivered in sections subject to grant funding.

This initial stage was supported by the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant.

For more information, visit our website: www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.

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The Whitsunday community received a behind the scenes glimpse into the inner workings of our local Disaster Coordination Centre at the inaugural open day held in Proserpine on Sunday.

Dedicated to raising awareness for how Council and Disaster Management Coordination Staff handle a natural disaster, the open day included tours of the centre in activation mode, provided informational talks and answered questions from attendees.

“The kids thoroughly enjoyed the dress-up,” said Disaster Management Coordinator, Sandra Black.

“And they even tried their hand at being phone loggers! It was great fun for all.”

Alongside the open day, the public are encouraged to complete the Community Resilience Survey which is located on Council’s Your Say website.

One lucky participant will receive a generator and entries close on June 26 at 4pm.

The Disaster Coordination team are a passionate group of individuals who love engaging with the community.

They were recently finalists in the Local Government Managers Association Awards for Excellence under the category of teamwork.

They show this quality time and time again in everything they do and most recently in their new jingle, with lyrics that aim to show the community what they do at the centre.

Sandra Black wrote the jingle, and the team created a music video which features Local Disaster Management Group Chair, Mayor Julie Hall and Director Adam Hagy.

They will use it for promotional purposes, and it will be available on the Disaster Information Facebook page for all to enjoy soon.

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Disaster Coordination Centre Manager, Sandra Black (right) with Emilie Large (Disaster Management Admin Officer).

Kids loved the dress-ups at the Open Day

Mascot Turbine Tentacles made an appearance. Photos supplied

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Did you know that the first Proserpine Show was held in 1899?

And that it was held on Mr John Compton’s farm in the area where Drakes is now located?

The “Port Denison Times” reported, “exhibits were housed in a building near the stables. Mr Jim Reid won the prize for the best cabbages.”  

It is believed that the original show came about after the townswomen visited each other for company and would often compare their home remedies, needlecraft and gardening leading to a competition between the ladies.

After seeing the women’s display, the men decided to have a ploughing match and brought along some horses. And so, the Proserpine Agricultural, Pastoral and Industrial Show was born.

By 1902, the idea of a show was rooted in the community with the first meeting of a show committee held in April.

By 1910, the show had grown to such an extent that it was necessary to secure larger premises and the committee leased the current grounds from landowner, G Waite.

A year later, more than 1000 patrons attended the event including visitors from Bowen who were brought down on a special train organised for the occasion.

While we now have a two-day show including the very popular night show on Friday evening, this was not always the case.

In 1932, the committee was forced to revert to a one-day show due to financial constraints in the district and the night show is a much more modern addition having been introduced in the late 1980s.

Since its inception, the show has seen many improvements – in 1947, a more spacious pavilion was erected, electricity was connected in 1949, a telephone was installed in 1956 and town water supply was available soon after.

Over the years, buildings have been regularly modernised or replaced such as new bar facilities in 1980 and upgraded cattle yards in 2022.  

Additional buildings have also been erected such as the Daly and Emily Thomas Memorial Pavilion in 1993 and a new Main Pavilion in 2021, to replace the one destroyed by Cyclone Debbie.

This pavilion features a well-equipped bar constructed using timber from the previous pavilion.

In 2023, patrons will be treated to a brand-new poultry shed as well as a new grandstand from which to enjoy the ring events.

While many changes have occurred, a familiar thread remains – for example, the effect horses still have on the show.

While “Best Turnout”, the once keenly contested event of brightly coloured and polished sulkies, with a proudly groomed horse stepping out sharply around the ring is long gone, competitions of a different nature are still keenly contested between riders and their mounts.

Side Show alley remains a firm favourite with the young patrons although shows such as Jimmy Sharman’s Boxing Troupe are seen no more.

The exhibit halls continue to attract locals who wish to display their crafts, fruit, vegetables, and cooking and hopefully be judged as the finest in that section.

And for years and years, patrons have savoured the waffles, potato chips, dagwood dogs and fairy floss.

Proserpine’s very first show brought together an isolated community for social activity and friendly competition.

While these days our community is no longer isolated, today’s show (now known as Show Whitsunday) continues to be an important and greatly anticipated social event.

The people of the Whitsundays owe a debt to the many dedicated men and women who, for well over a century, have given their time and talents to make the annual show the success that it is today.

This year, the 110th show, promises to deliver yet another fun-filled and action-packed two days of entertainment for all the family.

Story and photos courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

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Lady Drivers I McCormack; Mrs Frazer at the last lady driving contest c 1930

Mr and Mrs Ned Lascelles presenting ribbons at the Proserpine Show. Photos supplied

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It’s an exciting time in the vegie patch this month, with everything thriving!

Herbs, flowers for attracting beneficial insects and just about any vegetable that grows in the Whitsundays, is growing now with vigour.

I’ve just invested in steel rings to give myself some additional growing spaces, with all my beds full to the brim with produce and not wanting to miss out on the perfect growing conditions we are presently experiencing.

If your garden beds are full or you don’t have any! Large pots could be an option for you too.  Just make sure they are 300mm deep and that you use the best soil you can get your hands on.

Remember veggies are hungry plants, so make sure you add plenty of organic matter to your soil before planting.

If you do not produce your own compost, there are plenty of bagged options that you can work into your soil.

I’ve been playing with palletised worm castings this season and I’m impressed!

It comes in 20kg bags and although more expensive than the likes of mushroom compost or poultry manure, it goes a long way, and it will definitely be a part of my growing ritual from here on.

I received a message a week or so ago asking, “How do I grow beetroot”?

So, let’s talk beetroot!

From seeding, to growing, to harvesting, storage and cooking.

Beetroot is a root crop and is pretty easy to grow and just as long as you follow a few simple requirements, you’ll have beetroots within 8 - 12 weeks, depending on the size you are after. I prefer younger beetroot, no larger than 7cm in diameter. You’ll find these ones sweeter and less likely to become tough or stringy.

Soil preparation is important. Beetroot are hungry feeders so ensure you dig through plenty of organic matter for this crop and then follow up with a regular liquid feed.

I use Seasol every three to four weeks.

Plant from seed about 10cm apart, in a sunny position in your garden.

Having said that, it is very, very important that you do not let the soil dry out or your seeds will fail. I use a 30% shade net over my garden beds, and it works a treat.

You can over seed beetroot and thin later as the young shoots are a great addition to a salad.

Keep the water up to beetroot, be consistent and be sure to water every morning, and watch for weeds because they don’t like competition.  Other than that, they are a no problem vegetable to grow.

Make sure you harvest before they go to seed.  They are sweeter with a better texture when harvested young, so when you see the top of the beetroot bulging out of the soil, and they are over 40mm in diameter, you can start to harvest them.

Beetroot will store well in the crisper for up to 3 weeks.  Leave a couple of centimetres of the stalk attached for best longevity.  The cut leaves will store for a few days and can be used just as you would spinach.  

If you do not intend on eating your beetroot straight away, they can be pickled or frozen.

To freeze, do not peel or cut them, cook them first until tender.   This can take a couple of hours.  Then store them in a container in the freezer.  They will last for up to 6 months this way.

Beetroot is very versatile. You can grate them and add them to salad.

You can puree them with oil and add spices to make a beetroot dip.

You can even mash beetroot.  After cooking, rub off their skin, add an equal quantity of cooked potatoes and mash with butter, chives and salt and pepper.

HINT:

Wear gloves when cooking your beetroot, you will not get the colour out of your skin for some time.

DID YOU KNOW:

That beetroot is part of the silver beet family, they are high in fibre and antioxidants and are an excellent source of Vit A & K, manganese, and potassium.

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When protruding from the ground it’s time to harvest

Beetroot leaves are edible and a great replacement for spinach

Beetroot dip with avocado

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Coming in the top 10 of the Whitsundays and Mackay Wedding Industry Awards came as a complete surprise to local celebrant, Annie Lloyd-Lewis.

Having worked in the industry for 15 years, this former school teacher fills her time with weddings and says it is a delight to be marrying some of her students these days.

“I get a certain percentage of couples that are former students,” said Annie.

“And I think that one of the best things about weddings are the relationships, whether that be between the bride and groom, between myself and the couple or between the family you get to know.”

At the heart of Annie’s service is the personal touch that makes each wedding unique.

Whether you’re eloping or inviting everyone you know, Annie will personally curate your perfect wedding ceremony, from the choice of wording, style of ceremony and everything in between.

Local couple, Jessica and Chris, married last month and wrote to Annie afterwards.

“You really are one of a kind just like everybody says,” they said.

“Also thank you for the lovely photos. They were so good we were able to use them as our first look on social media.”

As a Whitsundays local Annie is also able to recommend the best suppliers in town that will suit your needs.

When asked about being named in the top 10, Annie said it was an “absolute thrill and a very pleasant surprise to have been recognised.”

“It’s not what you ever set out to do but this is like cream to the pavlova!” she said.

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Local celebrant Annie Lloyd-Lewis has been marrying couples in the Whitsundays for 15 years. Photo supplied

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Originating from a passion to work for herself, chef by trade Tara Sobott, established Coastal Food Design, a specialist catering company primarily operated through her food van.

Since setting up shop in 2020, the business has evolved to encompass the food van and event catering, including corporate dinners, parties, weddings, and even the superyachts.

And now in 2023, Tara and the business has been recognised in the Australian Wedding Industry Awards, receiving Highly Commended in the Wedding Caterer category.

“It feels great to be recognised,” said Tara.

“We are a hardworking team who always strives for our best, and it’s great to receive this award.”

Tara believes that what sets Coastal Food Design apart from other caterers is their dedication to their client.

“We love having a great end result, with happy clients and happy guests,” she said.

“They say food brings people together, and we love being a part of that, especially for a fantastic and exciting event such as a wedding.”

Approximately 60 per cent of Coastal Food Designs event catering consists of weddings and the business has flourished, being flexible and open to follow their client’s dream and direction for their special day.

They have found that trends have fluctuated, and wedding parties are favouring simpler menus, featuring canapes, and grazing boards, however a more formal sit-down menu is always a great move in Coastal Food Design’s books.

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The team behind Coastal Food Design recognised in Australian Wedding Industry Awards. Photo supplied.

Famed for its professionalism and child-centred approach to babysitting, it is no wonder that Airlie Beach Babysitting By Danielle took out the top gong in the Wedding Services Category at the Whitsundays and Mackay Wedding Industry Awards last week.

Servicing the Whitsundays child-care needs for over 13 years, Airlie Beach Babysitting By Danielle can babysit almost any size of group and for any occasion.

“We are really flexible and can tailor make our packages and activities around you,” said Director Danielle Shea.

“We can look after almost any size group and can come to one of the local wedding venues or any of the local hotels and resorts.”

Danielle has between 15 and 20 babysitters available, and each holds a BlueCard and first aid certificate, and are either a qualified childcare worker or have a teaching degree.

The easy-to-use website booking system allows guests to browse the choice of babysitters and read short profiles on each so you can find the best fit for your family.

Danielle says she is thrilled to win the recent award and that she enjoys being the exclusive babysitting provider to the majority of local wedding venues.

“It’s really good to be part of the Whitsundays Wedding industry,” she said.

“I love working alongside everyone and it is very nice to be recognised.”

Each booking is unique for Danielle and her team, and they always bring a range of activities to keep your little ones happy and entertained while you enjoy some well-earnt time with other adults.

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Airlie Beach Babysitting By Danielle, Director Danielle Shea. Photo supplied

For 25 years, Kylie McIntosh has played roles in countless happy unions, from wedding planning, stylist and now as a marriage celebrant for the past seven years.

With over 600 weddings, from Cairns to Airlie Beach, in her resume, Kylie does anything and everything for her couples.

“It’s like the biggest natural high you can get, and it’s not just the couple, it’s the moments between the parent and child, or brothers and sisters. I feel all of that,” Kylie said.

Kylie shows the couples through the entire paperwork process, making sure everything is submitted. before focusing on the fun side, such as music, the overall feeling for the ceremony, and the script.

“The ceremony, the script, everything is all personalised to the couple,” she explains.

Kylie tends to specialise in interstate and destination weddings.

“I attract a lot of couples wishing to have intimate weddings, from interstate and regional areas. However also couples with large groups who really want to their wedding guests to have the best experience possible.

“I bring an awesome vibe to my weddings that couples and their guests really appreciate.”

Kylie was recently awarded winner of the Marriage Celebrant category in the Mackay and Whitsundays Wedding Industry Awards.

This is Kylie’s third time achieving first place and she is grateful for the award.

“When I won the first time, it was more like ‘how?’ - I am just so lucky and grateful that the couples even wanted to vote,” Kylie said.

“And now three awards in three years, it’s incredible, especially because there are so many deserving celebrants.”

“I am just so happy, and the word I’m looking for is grateful, I am so grateful.”

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Wedding celebrant Kylie McIntosh celebrates receiving top award in Mackay and Whitsunday Wedding Industry Awards. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

For the past 16 years Sundowner, now part of the Iconic Whitsunday Adventures group, has been at the heart of wedding parties, hosting a variety of pre-wedding celebrations, intimate ceremonies and fabulous hens and bucks nights.

Winning Best Hens and Bucks Party at the Whitsundays and Mackay Wedding Industry Awards is testament to this iconic local venue.

“We love throwing a good party! Sundowner is a great venue, and our bucks and hens parties are always fun and interesting,” said owner Nicole Graham.

“Sundowner is a local favourite from Townsville to Sarina, and out west to the mines, and we are thrilled to be recognised.”

Sundowner is a party pontoon boat that can host up to 48 people in a private booking or welcomes small groups as part of their evening sunset tours.

Famous for its comfortable and casual atmosphere, Sundowner can create your party, your way.

Guests are invited to bring their own music and party games when booking a private function.

There is a licenced bar onboard and option for either a catered affair or a BYO food package if you want something specific.

Private charters can be booked any time of the day or evening and two-hour sunset cruises depart most days at 4.30pm during the winter months.

The stable vessel has all-weathering awnings and shelter if needed.

The cruise takes you around Pioneer Bay offering guests a scenic tour while enjoying a lively celebration.

Available for any type of celebration, from intimate proposals to milestone birthdays, work functions to graduation parties, Sundowner is a unique and exciting way to commemorate any life moment, whether big or small.

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Bucks night fun aboard Sundowner. Photo supplied

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