Last Friday I had the pleasure of attending the first annual Mackay Issac Whitsunday (MIW) Major Industry Projects Forum held in Mackay, aimed at highlighting the significant infrastructure projects set to transform the neighbouring regions.

Hosted by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Greater Whitsundays, this gathering brought together local leaders, government officials, and industry stakeholders to candidly discuss ways to enrich our communities and strengthen our economic prosperity.

The collaboration at these types of events allows us to discuss upcoming industry opportunities and forge partnerships that will drive progress in our region.  There was a huge emphasis on learning from the past, candidly discussing past ventures and how to navigate future challenges.

Inspired by the insights gained from the Industry Forum, I am optimistic for the future of the Whitsunday region but as always, it will require perpetual hard work, collaboration and a shared commitment to our goals.

Sadly, it’s the end of the road for two of the region’s beautiful fig trees. The tree at Mullers Lagoon in Bowen was removed for the safety of our residents after it split and fell for a second time due to damage sustained by Tropical Cyclone Kirrily earlier in the year.

While those things are out of our control, I’m frustrated to hear that the fig tree adjacent to the amenities block on the Cannonvale Foreshore has been subject to an act of vandalism. Based on an arborist’s report and the presence of strategically placed drill holes around its trunk, indicating a deliberate poisoning attempt, we are left with no alternative but to remove the tree to ensure public safety.

It's disheartening to see such disregard for our natural environment, especially when acts of vandalism result in the loss of cherished landmarks like this tree that has been on the foreshore for many years. I encourage anyone with information to contact Council or the Whitsunday Police.

Proserpine’s Renwick Road shared path upgrade is progressing well and will see 1065 metres of footpath increased to 3 metres between Gardenia Street to Stanbury Street. This project enhances the local active transport network and encourages safer and more accessible routes for residents.  

The shared path will predominately be constructed above existing open drain, including the installation of new culverts that will improve the streetscape and enhance the experience for pedestrians and cyclists.
Of particular significance is its close proximity to the school, facilitating safe commuting for students and teachers.

Finally, I’m thrilled to say the Freedom of Entry Parade was a huge success with hundreds of people turning out to see the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment receive the Freedom of Entry to the Whitsunday Region.  

It was a great honour to have had the opportunity to grant the Regiment the privilege of exercising Freedom of Entry to our region - the first time in history that such a tribute has been conferred in the Whitsunday Region.

Thank you to the parade executive, the Queensland Police Service, those involved in planning the event and to everyone who went to witness such a wonderful occasion.

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Whitsunday Regional Libraries are collection points for used mobile devices as part of a partnership with DV Safe Phone. These devices are repurposed and given to victims of domestic violence as 'Safe Phones,' providing crucial lifelines for help. This initiative empowers victims to live safer, more connected lives while reducing e-waste in landfills. Drop off your old mobile device at your local library and play a vital role in ensuring that every call for help is heard.
 

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Over 130 students at Bowen State High School received a Gold Card certification for consistently demonstrating outstanding qualities reflecting the schoolwide positive behaviour for learning expectations and being responsible, respectful, safe and engaged.

For students to receive a gold card, they must have good grades for behaviour and effort in all of their subjects, they must have no major incidences recorded and have an attendance rate of 95 per cent or higher. 

A Gold Card is recognised as the highest-level behaviour achievement reward at the school, making the students highly valued role models.

It is Bowen State High School’s goal to encourage all students to reach for this level. 

As a reward for their diligence, Gold Card recipients are able to access discounts at participating local businesses and are presented with a front of line pass at the school tuckshop.

Bowen State High School Principle, Robert Harris, said he is proud of his students and that the students themselves should also be proud.

“The students who received a Gold Card should be very proud of their effort, behaviour and attendance,” he said.

“The focus is not on academic results and students do not need to achieve As and Bs to still display these expectations.

“As Principal, I encourage all students to try their very best in their effort and engagement in learning at school.”

Bowen State High School also express their thanks to the businesses for supporting the Gold Card Program.

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Students of Bowen State High School receiving their Gold Cards. Photo supplied

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With an extensive array of up to 50 extracurricular and co-curricular activities and clubs available to our Prep to Year 12 students at St Catherine’s Catholic College, a supportive environment is always at hand for them to venture into new territories, cultivate fresh skills, and forge lasting friendships. The positive impact of such diverse learning opportunities outside the conventional classroom is evident on a daily basis to our teachers.

These activities span a broad spectrum of interests, encompassing sports, drama, debating, art, environmental activism, music, social justice advocacy, cattle club, handicrafts, technology, and First Nations cultural traditions. These clubs typically convene before or after school, or during lunch breaks, thanks to the dedication and voluntary contributions of St Catherine’s exceptional teachers and school officers, who generously give their time to nurture the talents, skills and interests of their students.

Recent highlights include the debating club's "Minute Madness," where students engaged in lively discussions on topics ranging from the wage status of Santa Claus's elves to global issues. Participation in debating fosters critical thinking, research skills, teamwork, and civic engagement.

Additionally, code clubs provide students with structured environments where they can delve into coding languages and develop technical proficiencies through hands-on projects. These skills are increasingly indispensable in today's digital landscape and can pave the way for promising careers in technology-related fields.

The Catherine McAuley Society, led by senior students and including Year 5 and Year 6 students, fundraises for social and environmental justice causes, advocates for the marginalised, and fosters environmental stewardship.

The College Community is extremely proud of all the students who participate in these clubs and extracurricular activities at St Catherine’s igniting their passions and interests beyond the traditional curriculum.

Enrolments for St Catherine’s Catholic college are now open for 2025.

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Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Property owners from across the region gathered at the Coral Sea Resort earlier this month to hear all about the new Strata legislation that came into effect on the first of May.

This free community information session was hosted by Archers Strata Professionals and their Chief Executive Officer Nicky Lonergan told the room about the upcoming changes.

The new legislation addressed the following changes:

Smoking
Bodies corporate will be able to introduce bylaws that prohibit smoking and vaping, not only on common property and outdoor areas, but also on outdoor exclusive-use areas, including private balconies and patios.

Pets
Body corporates have had their capacity to restrict pets in strata complexes significantly reduced, to the point where they cannot apply blanket bans.

Towing
The dispute resolution process around towing cars parked in violation of bylaws has been considerably streamlined, including the removal of enforcement through the courts.

Scheme termination
A community titles scheme can be terminated with the support of 75% of lot owners in certain circumstances.

Nicky Lonergan explained, the new legislation is not about restricting personal rights, but about aligning with the greater-good approach that is inherent in, and essential to, strata living.

“Being part of a strata community is like living in a share house – just on a larger scale,” she said.

“When you choose to call that community home, you choose to live by a set of rules which form a critical part of the fabric of that community.”

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Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of Queensland Archers Strata Professionals, Nicky Lonergan. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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It’s a proud moment for Ben Holliday and Christine Cullen who have recently purchased a business they love, igniting new passion into the enterprise and continuing a legacy they have both helped to grow over the years.

On March 1 the couple officially took over Whitsunday Pool Service from Dale Mackrill who had owned the business for over 15 years.

Ben had previously worked for the company for nine years before leaving to pursue his own dream of running a mobile pool business three years ago.

Christine also worked at Whitsunday Pool Service for a few years, and then successfully ran the mobile venture with Ben before the pair were offered an opportunity they could not refuse.

Already having a long-term connection with Whitsunday Pool Service, the transition to owning and operating it as their own business felt like a natural progression.

“We are really excited to keep Whitsunday Pool Service as an independent and family run business that looks after the locals here in the Whitsundays,” expressed Christine.

“We are going to be really focusing on customer service and creating an efficient system which is easy for our customers to use no matter how big or small their requirements are.”

One of the ways Whitsunday Pool Service will achieve this is by incorporating a new high-tech phone system and paperless processes which will enable everything to run with seamless efficiency.

There is also a new easy-to-use app where customers receive a notification when their pool-person is on the way and when the job is complete.

Ben is originally from the UK and initially trained as a plumber before migrating into pool service, an industry he loves.

Well known around town, many people are familiar with his service, and he looks forward to continuing the good name he has developed now that he is once again working under the Whitsunday Pool Service banner.

Christine will mainly be looking after the back house structure of the business, keeping the books and chatting to customers to provide a premium customer service.

While running this side of the business she is also the Practice Manager for Whitsunday Family Practice, so customers may recognise her from both locations.

Whitsunday Pool Service has a total of nine staff and will be looking to expand the team as the business grows in the near future.

Providing a dedicated pool maintenance service, answering urgent call-outs, fixing everything from pool pumps to filters and the classic ‘green pool’ issues – Whitsunday Pool Service has an incredible local team who are ready to make your dream pools come true.

If you are looking to get your pool prepared for winter and then ship-shape for summer, make sure you call the team and let them help you get an action plan in place.

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Chloe Wattam, Christine Cullen and Emily Melrose from Whitsunday Pool Service. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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The Bowen Visitor Information Centre has again been recognised as an accredited centre.

There are about 100 accredited Visitor Information Centres in Queensland and each needs to meet a certain criteria and list of standards in order to achieve the accreditation.

A site audit was conducted by a representative of the Tourism Group, on behalf of Tourism and Events Queensland.

Bowen Tourism and Business received their letter of congratulations last week.

“We wish to acknowledge your centre’s commitment to providing a valuable and important service to the visitors of your local area, the Whitsundays region and the State of Queensland,” the letter stated.

They also received a site audit report which mentioned the addition of the Driver Reviver program to the centre, saying it added to the attraction and was an example of the community working together.

“The Bowen Visitor Information Centre continues to be an example of how council, community and business can work together to create an effective and inviting Information Centre,” the report stated.

“Their enviable merchandise range and super successful mango sorbet sales assist in making the centre operational.”

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the team was very proud to again be recognised as an accredited centre.

“We have passed accreditation every year for many years but it is always nice to receive the official notification,” she said.

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Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy and Visitor Services Co-ordinator, Glenn Womal with the letter of congratulations. Photo supplied

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Over 100 people gathered to celebrate 50 years of Meals on Wheels at a special event held in Proserpine last Saturday and it was a time to celebrate, reflect and give thanks to the incredible efforts of volunteers, committee members and staff.

The first meal was served on May 6, 1974, to Mrs Hartwig who paid just 50 cents for a three-course meal which was delivered by Mrs Vera McLennan.

An initiative of the Uniting Church of Proserpine, the inception of our local Meals on Wheels was spearheaded by Mrs Arieal Davies who organised cooks and deliverers to get the program started.

Over the past 50 years the names and faces have changed along the way, but the good work and selfless efforts of everyone who participates has remained the same.

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Federal Member of Dawson Andrew Willcox, Michael Houden, Chairperson of Qld Meals On Wheels, Helen Maynard-Turner, Margaret Perkins Proserpine President, Kerri Martin Committee Member and Rachael Speechley, Region Support Officer Qld. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Thanks For The Feed!
Meals On Wheels Celebrates 50 Years

A sea of happy faces enjoyed a lively gathering in Proserpine on Saturday, with the Mommas and Poppas band playing some well-known sing-along classics while guests indulged in a delicious high tea to celebrate 50 years of our local Meals on Wheels service.

The scene of merriment brought together the broader community of people connected with our local Meals on Wheels – from previous to current volunteers, founders, customers and a host of others who have each played a role in some capacity over the years.

Federal Member of Dawson Andrew Willcox and his wife Raylene were also present on the day, making a special trip to town to mark this significant milestone.

First established at the Old Methodist Hall in Proserpine, the demand soon outgrew the modest space and, within six years, plans were drawn up to build a new kitchen on ground leased from the Proserpine Shire Council alongside the Aged Persons Units in Marathon Street.  

Over the years, the kitchen has had an office added, an extended carport, new dry store area plus a walk-in cold room and freezer.  

The non-for-profit organisation also organised funds for a generator to ensure they could continue operating if the power went off.

In addition, the purchase of a new Nissan Qashqai has increased their ability to service clients further afield.

Covid was a particularly challenging time for the organisation with the number of volunteers dwindling to 16 and cooks doubling as delivery drivers.

Fortunately, Meals on Wheels managed to bring volunteer numbers back up gradually, reaching a comfortable 26 volunteers this year.

Proserpine Meals on Wheels would like to thank all the businesses and community groups that have helped over the years.

They would also like to thank past presidents, founders and of course all the volunteers and staff.

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Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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To raise awareness of Australian Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, Whitsunday Counselling and Support hosted a candle lighting ceremony at the Volunteer Marine Club, to honour the people that have lost their lives due to domestic violence.

Manager of Counselling Services, at Whitsunday Counselling and Support, Sharon Parker expressed the importance of the ceremony.

“Today is candle lighting ceremony where we remember those people that have lost their lives to domestic and family violence,” she said.

“Now is our time to not only just remember the numbers, but actually remember the people behind those numbers, and that their lives matter.”

“But today during the ceremony, what I'd really like to think about is to reflect on the people rather than the numbers.

“Today, we come to reflect on and remember the precious lives that have been cut short by violence at the hands of the people those women loved and trusted.

“We reflect on the lives that they lived before their deaths, and the contributions they made to their families, to their friends and their community.”

Queensland Police (QPS) attended the candle lighting vigil every year but this year they spoke for the first time.

Sergeant Gary Hiles talked about the number of domestic violence call outs officers receive.

“DVA is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges faced by the QPS, with most frontline officers responding to at least one domestic violence related occurrence every single shift,” he said.

Sergeant Hiles continued and said that domestic violence must be reported.

“There is no excuse for domestic and family violence and it's never okay,” he said.

“Reporting domestic and family violence is essential. If we don't know about it. We can't respond.

“We will continue to work with other government departments and non-government support agencies to build safer communities.

“By working collaboratively with partners, we aim to maximise our growth, and development as an organisation, we continue to work with subject matter experts to provide the best training and development opportunities to our staff.

“Let's hope that next year, those numbers will come down with the work that we're doing.”

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Sergeant Gary Hiles and Manager of Counselling Service Sharon Parker
Councillor Jan Clifford, Mayor Ry Collins and Councillor Clay Bauman in attendance
Candle lighting ceremony. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Hi Everyone,

When I was in my late teens, out on the town back in my hometown of Maidstone in the UK, I saw a young man hit his girlfriend straight across the face.

Without thinking I broke off from my group of friends and marched up to the guy saying something like – “Oi, get off her!”

Of course, he instantly turned on me, but fortunately some of the friends I was with quickly intervened and pulled me away.

“We must go back, we can’t just see that happen and do nothing!” I remember saying from a distance where the couple could see me.

The woman was cowering, and the man still looked menacing.

I distinctly remember her saying that it was ok and reassuring me she would be fine.

Reluctantly I re-joined all my friends and we continued with our night out.

Despite it being a long time ago, that night has always stuck with me. I wonder how many more times that woman was beaten up by her partner.

I also wonder how many more people have witnessed public physical violence or seen the effects of it in bruises on faces and said nothing.

Each day men and women are impacted by adverse actions of an intimate partner. Check in with your friends, speak up and advocate for your loved ones.

And while, we should never intervene unless it is safe to do so, I think it is important we all open the conversation - report physical violence whenever we witness it and have difficult conversations with people we are concerned about if we can.

It is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May and there are candle lighting vigils being held across the region to remember those lost.

You can also learn more on the subject by jumping online and reading some of the incredible information available, there are many resources and also helplines out there.

Domestic violence is a difficult subject and it can become tangled in other issues, but at their core, everyone knows what is right and what is wrong and we all need to stand up and protect that in our society.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Violence is the weapon of the weak, non-violence that of the strong” (Ghandi)

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You never realise how lucky we are to have such remarkable local hospitals until you need the service and experience the magic firsthand.

This is exactly what happened to Whitsunday local, Koren Stewart who took to social media site, Whitsundays Chat last week to thank the staff who helped her out when she needed it the most.

“I just want to give a shout out and a huge thank you to Proserpine Hospital and Proserpine Ambulance service,” read the post.

“You don't realise how lucky we are, until we really need them. There are so many support services, all in the one place, exceptional food that tasted like homemade by mumma and everyone went above and beyond with their bedside manner and care, by all staff, medical and cleaning staff, honestly take a bow!”

“That team functioned like clockwork, a masterpiece. Promptly seen to on numerous emergency visits, with compassion and professionalism and went from zero to feeling like a million bucks!

“Please accept my thanks and gratitude, for a job well done! I'm dropping off chocolates, I'm telling you, they deserve so much more than that! How blessed are we to have those Earth angels!”

If you would like to give a community hero a shoutout please send an email to – daniel@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com – and your experience could be shared in our next Good Deed.

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  Over 150 uniformed soldiers will march through the Airlie Beach Main Street this Saturday, as part of the Freedom of Entry parade and it is expected to be a great spectacle for the whole community to embrace.

The soldiers from the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment (3CER) from Townsville will march down our street with bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and insignia flying.

Freedom of the City is traditionally a right granted to a military unit by a Local Government to honour a distinguished unit of the armed forces.

This honour was bestowed upon 3CER by the Whitsunday Regional Council to say thank you for the invaluable service and support the regiment contributed to community clean-up efforts and overall safety following 2017 Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

It is now our opportunity to attend this special event in honour of their service to the community and express our appreciation and respect.

A Freedom of Entry is the highest honour a location may bestow on the Australian Defence Force and it is time to participate in this honourable acknowledgment by witnessing the lively ceremonial parade through the our local streets.

The Freedom of Entry in Airlie Beach is an extra special celebration as it will be the first granting of Freedom of Entry to the Whitsunday Region.

The parade will march through the streets of Airlie Beach, forming on Broadwater Avenue before marching along Main Street, briefly halting for a special ceremony to grant their right of entry.

The parade will be halted by a senior police officer, who will formally grant permission to enter before the procession continues on Main Street where the mayor will inspect the troops.

The procession will then continue along Main Street and conclude at the Airlie Beach Foreshore.

A community gathering will be held after the Freedom of Entry at the Airlie Beach Foreshore, including Lions Airlie Beach Markets and an Australian Defence Force display.

This event is being supported by the Whitsunday Regional Council.

Road Closures
To enable the parade to take place the following sections of roads will be temporarily closed from 6.00am until approximately 10.30am:
   • Broadwater Avenue (Cnr Mazlin Street to cnr Main Street), Airlie Beach Main Street and the Broadwater Avenue Carpark.
   • Main Street and Airlie Esplanade. Coconut Grove (roundabout and road) will remain open, however, it is recommended for vehicles to avoid this area from 9:40am to 10:00am as the parade moves through.
   • Ocean Road, including access to Sailing Club carparks is closed – The Beacons roundabout will remain open; however it is recommended for vehicles to avoid this area from 9:40am to 10:00am as the parade moves through.
Roads will open progressively as the parade proceeds. 

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WHAT: Freedom of Entry Parade
WHERE: Airlie Beach
WHEN: Saturday 11 May
PARADE: 9.30am – 10am
COMMUNITY GATHERING:
Airlie Foreshore 10am-12pm

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3^rd Combat Engineer Regiment (3CER). Photo Supplied

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A tourist travelling through the region purchased his winning Lotto ticket at Bowen Convenience Store, before the Saturday Gold Lotto Draw saw his lucky numbers get pulled and a life-changing $700,000 won.

The gentleman had been travelling through the region with his wife and said that he couldn’t believe his luck.

“It will help pay off the house which is really exciting,” he said.
 
“We will definitely continue the holiday, that’s for sure!”

Pleased with his win, the gentlemen disclosed that he had a consistent system every week and that he had been playing the same numbers that were a mixture of family birthdays for the past four years.

The total winning amount was $712,882.63 with the North Queenslander holding one of the seven division one winning entries in Saturday Gold Lotto

The Bowen Convenience Store team said they couldn’t believe their outlet had sold a division one winning entry and wished their customer all the best with their prize.
 
The winning numbers in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4465 on 4 May 2024 were 14, 42, 26, 12, 29 and 5, while the supplementary numbers were 9 and 41.

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Young drivers will now be able to improve their defensive driving in a safe and controlled environment thanks to a new Young Drivers Defensive Driving Program which is set to kick-off this weekend.

Timed to run alongside National Road Safety Week, the one-day training program is dedicated to upskill new drivers, giving them the skills to deal with situations that naturally arise while driving.

Operated by 2022 Whitsunday Young Citizen of the Year, Declan Coull, the course is part of a broader program to educate about road safety and improve overall ability of local drivers.

Declan said he is excited to be delivering the training in his home region.

“The safety of our young drivers is a passion for me personally,” he shared.

“This training has been provided across Australia and has been extremely successful in allowing young drivers to understand both vehicle dynamics and the participants’ inability, prior to training, to fully understand car control and their own personal limitations.

“Far too many young drivers are killed and seriously injured on our roads each year, many in crashes that could’ve been avoided.

“Our Young Driver Defensive Driving course is a full one-day training program incorporating both practical and theory components and provides attendees with an opportunity to understand the basics of car control, collision avoidance and understanding the vehicle dynamics.”

The Young Drivers Program is not advanced driver or “speed” training – it is defensive driver training and exercises are undertaken at low speeds overseen by experienced, accredited instructors.

The first ADDA training course in the Whitsundays will be held at the Whitsunday Kart Club (a closed, safe and controlled environment) on Saturday 11th May.

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Declan Coull with a group of successful participants at the recent Mackay driver safety course. Photo supplied

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