Earlier this month Paige and I attended ‘Love Letter to Queensland’ a heartwarming event at the Coral Sea Resort Hotel as part of the Whitsundays Writers Festival. This special celebration honoured the Queensland writing competition that captured what makes our state truly remarkable. The atmosphere was filled with romance and country pride as we settled in to hear the inspiring words of our speakers. 

The event boasted a diverse lineup of special guests, each contributing their unique perspective. Marco Renai, the 2024 Queenslander of the Year, moved us with his heartfelt poetry. Andrew Wilcox MP and Dr. Chris Sarra CEO of the Office of First Nations Engagement and Innovation shared their insights and wisdom. Elizabeth Hackett and Dr. Melissa Ashley enriched the evening with their literary contributions, while Karen Jacobson's performance added a touch of magic to the event. 

'Love Letter to Queensland' was not just a celebration of writing, but a testament to the deep love and pride we hold for our state. It was an evening that beautifully showcased the vibrant community spirit of Queensland and the incredible talent within it, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. 

I took many heartfelt moments away with me from this evening, one of which was spoken by Elizabeth Hackett in her own Love Letter to Queensland; Elizabeth wrote, "Love, without a doubt, is the most important thing, love in its romantic form, love in its nurturing form, love born of grief, love born of fulfilling other’s needs, it is the most wonderful of all feelings."  

I find myself constantly inspired by the incredible people within our community and truly appreciate these experiences offered in The Whitsundays. It was a wonderful event; well done to the organisers.  
 
Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays

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Many will know that the Proserpine Community Centre does a lot of great things for the community and recently the Centre has been busy cultivating a wonderful garden for everyone to enjoy. Five dedicated volunteers, have come together to transform the space into a beautiful retreat and learning ground for the community.
The project has involved volunteers clearing ground, constructing garden beds and planning and creating a herb garden and garden shed.
Coordinator of the Proserpine Community Centre, Ingrid Ruck, emphasised that the garden will be accessible for everyone, including those with disabilities.
“We're making sure that in between each garden bed there's enough room for a wheelchair and walking frames to go through,” she explained.
The community gardens will be a way for the individuals to learn how to grow produce and help those who may need some fresh food.
“We want to try and show our community and especially our children, that you can actually grow your own fresh and healthy food, if you know how,” Ingrid added.
Alongside the garden, Proserpine Community Centre is looking at hosting guest speakers. The guest speakers will aim to empower community members with valuable skills and knowledge for successful gardening.
The centre has already had various donations from members of the community, such as two garden beds, tools, fruit trees and hoses.
“Donations such as these, are so important to us, not because they help save money, but because it shows people are actually interested in helping us,” Ingrid explained.
While the gardens aren’t quite ready for planting to begin, the centre welcomes community members to come take a look and learn about soil or even about how to set up your own garden.
When you are next in the area, pop by and see the great work being done at the community gardens and the community centre in general.

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Proserpine Community Centre Gardens are beginning to take shape. Photo supplied

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It’s been another busy time for businesses in the region, with a number of regional events wrapping up and school holidays upon us.
While business owners are constantly dealing in 'the now', we also need to keep an eye on 'the future'. 
With the Queensland State Election on our doorstep, the Chamber will soon issue our State Election Statement that reflects the critical priorities our members want to see addressed.
We have invited Chamber members to share their view, and provide impact examples, on issues ranging from urgent road infrastructure, business red tape and regulation, business insurance and affordability, regional housing, utility (water, electricity, energy, and digital) costs and reliability, securing regional involvement in the 2032 Olympics, and increasing Whitsunday and north Queensland representation in state government decision making.
The Chamber will be undertaking advocacy work with all candidates and allied stakeholder groups to represent the priority needs of the region’s business community. 
We will be hosting a members-only Meet the State Election Candidates event to discuss business community priorities. We encourage other regional special interest groups to hold their own forums with candidates so to provide our community with priorities to meet candidates and discuss priorities.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Alan Milostic.

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Whitsunday Regional Libraries is now part of the North Queensland Network for BorrowBox, giving our library patrons access to an even larger collection of eAudiobook and eBook titles! Whether you're into the latest bestsellers, classic literature, or informative non-fiction, there's something for everyone. Library membership is free, and with just your library card, you can start exploring this vast digital library from the comfort of your home. Download the Whitsunday Regional Libraries app or visit libraries.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au to find out more!

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As we approach another disaster season, I want to emphasise how critical Council’s Local Disaster Management Group preparations are to ensuring the safety of our community.
 
Council takes disaster management very seriously, and our small but dedicated Disaster Management Team has been working hard behind the scenes undertaking rigorous training exercises and simulations to ensure we are ready to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of a cyclone, flood, or other natural disaster.
 
As Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), I recently joined Council’s Local Disaster Coordinator Adam Hagy, and our Disaster Management Coordinator Sandra Black on a Queensland Police Service led high-stakes disaster management exercise, "Exercise Tempestas," on Hamilton Island.
 
The focus was on preparing our Whitsunday islands for the unpredictable wrath of severe cyclones and deadly storm surges during the summer months.
 
The exercise aimed to refine evacuation strategies, tighten communication channels, and identify those crucial moments when evacuation becomes not just an option, but a necessity.
 
In a true show of unity, key stakeholders from across district and state levels came together for the exercise. Representatives from Daydream, Hayman, and Hamilton Islands joined forces with heavyweights like the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire Department, and Maritime Safety Queensland.
 
This collaborative effort also saw critical input from the Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Health, the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, and the Inspector-General of Emergency Management.
 
Together, they tackled real-world challenges head-on, fine-tuning their responses and solidifying communication networks to ensure no gap is left unchecked when disaster strikes.
 
Adding to the preparation, the Disaster Management Team conducted a vital pre-exercise visit to Daydream and Hayman Islands the day before. This annual check-in included reviewing contact lists, assessing disaster response protocols, and making any necessary updates to safeguard the islands ahead of the fast-approaching storm season.
 
As we gear up for storm season, the Whitsunday Disaster Management Group continues to engage with the community to build resilience and awareness.
 
Mark your calendars for Council’s Cyclone Saturday in Airlie Beach and Cyclone Sunday in Bowen on October 26th and 27th - just in time to prepare for the storm season, beginning November 1st.
 
Our community’s strength lies in preparedness, and with exercises like these, we’re one step closer to weathering whatever nature throws our way.
 
I encourage all residents to take the time to review their own emergency plans, ensure your homes are cyclone-ready, and stay informed about the resources Council has to offer.
 
Our Disaster Management Team works tirelessly to be ready, and together, as a community, we can face whatever challenges the season brings with resilience and unity.
 
Stay safe, stay prepared.

Contributed with thanks to Mayor Ry Collins.

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Mayor Ry Collins and the Council Disaster Management Team prepare for cyclone season. Photo supplied

The Disaster Management Team worked with the local islands and emergency services on disaster management exercise, "Exercise Tempestas”.
Photo supplied

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Our work life is an ever-changing landscape – we’re either changing workplaces or the team in our workplace is constantly changing. This means we are constantly required to work alongside people who are vastly different to ourselves.
 
The workplace is full of introverts, extroverts, gossipers, micro-managers, complainers, high-performers, pessimists and ‘almost geniuses’. For many, this is a nightmare; for some, this can be - and is - highly entertaining. What’s required is awareness, some level of emotional intelligence, and the capacity to self-assess our own work-style.
 
Us humans differ on many different levels, namely:

   • Personality traits
   • Strengths
   • Belief concepts
   • Expectations
   • Life experiences
   • Priorities
   • Core Values
 
When differences are vast it can result in workplace irritations, frustrations, and conflict. Understanding we are all hard-wired differently helps us realise that our colleagues may not be irritating us with intent – they may just be doing things the only way they know. This tends to help us de-escalate our emotions once we start to realise that our irritations may be our own doing through our own subjective viewpoint.
 
So how do we all get along? Be smart enough to remain curious…….
 
Key questions to ask yourself:

   1. What can they do that I can’t?
   2. How can my role benefit from these differences?
 
Choose not to focus on the negatives. As the philosophers say, “what you look for you will always find”. People will always irritate us as we can never all be the same. Choose to remain interested, curious, and entertained even! If you are wanting to work with people just like yourself, you will find that team has many weaknesses and gaps. Namely, there will be no-one to do the tasks you don’t like, and no-one to offer different perspectives on critical thinking.
 
Need more? Register for our upcoming ‘Difficult Personalities in the Workplace’ workshop to learn more about yourself & those around you.

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This week, we’ve been so excited to welcome Emma Bailes to the Tourism Whitsundays team! Joining us from Visit Victoria, Emma brings with her a wealth of knowledge in tourism, branding, design, and marketing. In her new role as Marketing Coordinator, Emma will be involved in all things graphic design and branding whilst supporting our wider marketing efforts. 

Last month, our team headed to Brisbane for Experience Queensland — Southeast Asia and India. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with key trade partners from India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, allowing us to share insights and strengthen relationships that will benefit our tourism sector. 

Looking ahead, we’re excited for the Whitsundays Tourism Awards next month at Daydream Island Resort. It promises to be an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the incredible achievements within our tourism industry. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this highlight of the year! 

And lastly, QTIC Tourism Week is just around the corner from November 13 to 15 at the new Star Brisbane in Queen’s Wharf. This annual event brings together around 1,000 delegates for the Destination IQ and DestinationQ Forums, along with the Queensland Tourism Awards Gala Ceremony. It’s a wonderful chance to celebrate the successes we’ve achieved together in the industry.  

Contributed by Aimee Cameron, Interim CEO, Tourism Whitsundays  

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Interim CEO Tourism Whitsundays Aimee Cameron, Photo supplied

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This week's "Pet of the Week" takes a poignant turn as we introduce Charlie, a 4-year-old German Shepherd. Sadly, Charlie's journey has taken a sad and unexpected twist after his owner, unable to find him a new home, reportedly dumped him with a backpacker named Manuel.
Manuel stepped in to help after seeing an advertisement from Charlie's owner, who needed someone to care for the dog briefly. Eager to make a difference, Manuel offered to look after Charlie during this challenging time.
Having taken in the handsome dog over the weekend, the owner did not come back to collect him on the Sunday as arranged and is not responding to any attempts by Manuel or Animal Rescue Whitsunday to make contact.
Christina from Animal Rescue Whitsunday is devastated by the news, especially as she cannot take Charlie in herself due to him not being good with other dogs.
Charlie is neutered, fully vaccinated, and currently on heartworm and tick prevention.
This charming boy is not only good-looking but also well-behaved with both adults and children.
While he can be protective of his loved ones and property, his loyalty and devotion make him the perfect companion.
Charlie has since been adopted, and Animal Rescue Whitsunday is thrilled he has found his forever home.
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Sex: Male
Breed: German Shepherd
Age: 4 years old
Kid friendly: yes
Cat Friendly: no
Other dogs: no

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Volunteers are such an integral part of many community organisations and Bowen Tourism and Business is one of those in our region.

The Local Tourism Organisation has 18 active volunteers who freely give their time at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre on the Bruce Highway and the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.

During the school holidays the information centres were very busy, and the volunteers were called on in recent weeks to help more than just their regular hours.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the volunteers were a wealth of local knowledge and welcomed every visitor with a smile.

“Last week, with so many visitors, we needed some extra help at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango and our wonderful volunteers were more than happy to help,” she said.

“On just one day at the start of the school holidays, we had 350 visitors, so we certainly needed some extra help to cope on such a busy day.

“Bowen Tourism and Business is a not-for-profit organisation, and we really appreciate what our volunteers do, allowing us to spend any profit on marketing Bowen as a tourism destination.

“Our mission is to drive tourism, promote destination awareness and provide excellence in visitor experience and membership support.

“We need our volunteers to help us achieve our aims.

“They are passionate, dedicated and very knowledgeable and play such an important role in what we do.”

If anyone would like to become a volunteer for Bowen Tourism and Business, call the Visitor Information Centre on 4786 4222.

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Bowen Tourism and Business volunteers Steve (better known as Fish) and Peter, help out at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre every week.

Photo supplied

On Wednesday, September 25th, a momentous milestone was reached as JP’s and government members gathered to celebrate Mikky and Barry Menzies 50 years of dedicated JP service. This significant occasion honours the unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions of the pair to the community.
Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, joined the celebration to award the JPs with their service awards. Joining Mr Last was JPs Paula Bould and Belinda Finlay who travelled from Brisbane to extend their congratulations to the honourees. Mikky Menzies expressed how deeply their presence touched her, highlighting the significance of this special occasion.
Dale Last MP, began the speeches:
“It’s a great privilege today to be able to 50-year JP certificates to Mr and Mrs Menzies.
“They are Bowen locals through and through and really, we want to acknowledge your service, but also to say thank you, thank you for taking on that role of what you do in the community.
“You do fulfil a really important role in our community and 50 years is such a rare event.”
When asking Mikky how it felt to have reached 50 years of service she stated:
“To have served my community for 50 years is an honour, and a privilege not given to everyone, and I am honoured to do it.”
JP Paula Bould who travelled to Bowen from Brisbane stated:
“This is something very special.”
The Justices of the Peace Branch administers the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations Act 1991, overseeing appointments, compliance, and professional development. It also manages the successful JPs in the Community Program, which has expanded to 3,900 volunteers at over 245 signing sites, providing vital access to Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations for community members.
Big Congratulations Mikky and Barry on this fantastic achievement.

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Dale Last MP, Mikky Menzies, Barry Menzies and Paula Bould
Mikky and Barry Menzies proud of their achievement
Celebrations at Bowen Courthouse

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The Bowen Community Centre is pleased to announce the donation of a shipping container to the Bowen Men’s Shed.

In early 2022 Men’s Shed announced that they were desperate for additional storage space and Bowen Community Centre has responded to that request.

The Bowen Men’s Shed is a volunteer-run organisation, and it plays a central and vital role in the Bowen community.

These dedicated men restore and rebuild old and new items for various local institutions, including the Bowen Community Centre. Their efforts benefit the community and adopt camaraderie and support among the members.

The Bowen Community Centre recognise the invaluable contributions of Men’s Shed and made it a priority to assist these community members.

The donation of the shipping container will provide much-needed space for their projects and materials, enabling them to continue their important work.

Executive Officer of the Bowen Community Centre Stephanie Cora said the community centre is delighted to help this organisation.

“We are thrilled to support the Men’s Shed with this donation,” said Stephanie.

“Their dedication to helping the community and each other is truly inspiring, and we are proud to contribute to their ongoing efforts.”

Contributed with thanks to Stephanie Cora

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Steve Rogers (on the roof), Murry Wright, Stephanie Cora, Len Houghton and Marty Tanzer, Photo supplied

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Awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 1959 in recognition of her dedicated service to the community.

Born Grace Dobe at Ravenswood in 1893, she married Francis Davy on March 28 1914. She and Francis arrived in Proserpine with their three children in 1920. By 1923, their family had increased to five boys.

Tragedy struck on February 23 1924 when Grace’s husband, Frank, drowned in the Proserpine River. He had gone to the rescue of an eight year old boy, Frederick (Duke) Beames who had gotten into difficulties. Frank managed to reach the boy however the pair went under water twice. Sixteen year old Louis Borserini went to their aid as the two of them were going under for a third time. Despite managing to get Duke ashore, Mr Davy did not surface and his body was found about an hour later.  

Grace was left to rear their five sons, Doug, Frank, Vivian, Hector and Colin, ranging from a nine-year-old to a one-year-old. These were times when there were few labour-saving devices and none of the social services to which we are now accustomed. Grace was a beautiful seamstress and used this talent to support her family by sewing for others. She would send her boys to deliver her sewing to customers with instructions NOT to leave until they had received payment for these goods. She worked long and hard to raise and educate her family. Grace demonstrated the skill to survive that belongs to people in times of crisis.

Despite tragedy, Grace remained a woman of great faith and for some years, she was President of the St Paul’s Anglican Church Ladies Guild. Throughout her lifetime, she devoted her energies to many charities – the Country Women’s Association being particularly dear to her heart. She and sister, Jane Ruge, rarely missed a meeting. In 1948, she became President of the Country Women’s Association, succeeding Kath Mazlin.

All of Grace’s sons joined up when the Second World War broke out. After losing her husband so early in their marriage, this must have been a worrying and lonely time for Grace. Not one to dwell on her circumstances, she immersed herself into community work. During the war years, she was associated with the Welfare Association and became a tireless worker for the Comforts Fund. Money was raised, items donated and the local ladies knitted and sewed garments to send to those serving overseas.

In 1947, when the Women’s Auxiliary of the Proserpine RSL Sub-branch was formed, Grace was elected President, holding this office for twenty years. Noted for her organisational ability, she was responsible for starting the popular Melbourne Cup afternoons which were an extremely successful source of revenue for the RSL Sub-branch.

Grace was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 1959. This was a fitting reward for her tireless work in the community. Her dedicated service to the Queensland Country Women’s Association, St Paul’s Anglican Church and many other patriotic and charity organisations was recognised. The investiture took place at Government House, Brisbane on December 4 1959, the presentation being made by the Governor, Sir Henry Abel Smith.

In 1968, Grace was awarded a Gold Badge and Life Membership for her commitment and long service to the Women’s Auxiliary of the Proserpine RSL Sub-Branch

Grace Davy, a woman of great faith and a respected resident who was an inspiration to all who knew her, died on May 19, 1981. It is fitting that one of Proserpine’s streets, Davy Avenue, is named in her honour.

Story courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and photo courtesy of the Davy family.

Grace Davy MBE was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 1959

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By Amanda Wright

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A dazzling display of cultural heritage, vibrant colours, and heartfelt friendship lit up Mackay on Saturday as the Malayalee community came together to celebrate the joyous festival of Onam, a cornerstone of tradition and unity.
The celebration was held at the Northern Beaches Community Centre in Bucasia on Saturday, 21st September 2024, marking one of the most significant cultural events for the Indian community in the region. This annual event, which brought together over 300 people throughout Mackay, celebrated the rich traditions of Kerala, with the atmosphere buzzing with joy, unity, and inclusivity.

Local children showcase their strength and enthusiasm during thetraditional tug of war, one of the many lively activities that markedthe Onam celebration hosted by the Mackay Malayalee Association.Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Tug Of War, Feasts, And Friendship

The Onam feast, hosted by the Mackay Malayalee Association, was filled with traditional performances, dances, and the much-anticipated tug-of-war games, bringing together people of all ages in the spirit of friendly competition. The event concluded with a hearty vegetarian meal, honouring the spirit of Onam by serving traditional Kerala dishes to the large gathering. Mayor Greg Williamson, an honoured guest, stayed for the feast, watching the performances and joining the community in the celebrations.
Mayor Williamson highlighted the significance of multiculturalism in Mackay and praised the Malayalee community for their contribution to the region.
“This celebration is not just about tradition; it’s about the joy that this gathering brings to your community, and therefore, to our community,” Mayor Williamson said.
“In Mackay, we are proud to be a truly multicultural region. Over the past 11 years, we’ve welcomed new citizens from 102 different countries, and that diversity is what makes our community so strong.
“It’s essential for young people to understand where they came from, to know their roots, and to still be part of the community in which they now live. Celebrations like these are a testament to how individual cultures can flourish within the broader Australian society,” he added.
“The only way we can solve the challenges we face is by working together as one community, celebrating our diversity and teaching the next generation about the importance of mutual respect.”
Onam, a festival deeply rooted in Kerala’s mythology and agricultural traditions, celebrates the homecoming of King Mahabali and the bountiful harvest of the year.
The legend tells the story of King Mahabali, a mighty ruler of Kerala, who was so loved by his people that even the gods became envious of his popularity and prosperity. According to mythology, Lord Vishnu, in his dwarf avatar Vamana, visited Mahabali and requested three feet of land as alms. In his enormous form, Vamana covered the earth and the heavens in two steps, leaving no room for the third. Mahabali, in his selflessness, offered his own head for the final step, after which he was sent to the netherworld. However, in recognition of his righteousness, Mahabali was granted permission to visit his people once every year, and it is this homecoming that Keralites celebrate with great devotion during Onam.
Alongside its mythological roots, Onam is also a celebration of Kerala’s rich agricultural traditions. It is a time of thanksgiving for the bounty of the harvest, symbolising prosperity, unity, and communal harmony. The festival is known for its grand feasts, known as Onasadya, floral decorations (Pookalam), traditional games (Vallamkali and tug-of-war), dances, and performances, bringing people together in a vibrant display of Kerala’s cultural and agricultural heritage.

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The vibrant Onam celebration in Mackay brought together families and friends for a day filled with colourful performances, traditional games, and a feast that fed over 300 people, reflecting the community's deep cultural pride and unity. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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I've learned a few things during my chemotherapy journey, one of the biggest being the importance of fully resting and pacing myself. Every three weeks, I head to the hospital for an infusion, and while I feel okay on days two and three, I've realised those are the moments to slow down, not push through. If I overdo it, days four to seven—the hardest—become even more brutal. So instead, I embrace rest during those early days and make the most of the good week that follows on week three, when I get a break from the oral chemo tablets and my body starts to rebuild.
Last week was one of those good weeks, and for the first time since my son Brydon was born a year and a half ago, I had an adult night out! My husband and I were treated to stage-front seats at Scandalous, a saucy circus cabaret, complete with a cheese platter and wine. It was such a fun night—big shoutout to my friend Claire Luff for babysitting! The performance is still showing tonight and Saturday, if you haven’t checked this new show out, I highly recommend the experience.
The weekend continued with an invitation to the Malayalee Association of Mackay's Onam festival. The vibrant celebration was rich in cultural heritage, bursting with colour, dance, and delicious food. I was honoured to join the celebration. Later that evening, I attended the Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Beautiful – Broken Ballerina Ball, supporting vital work for those fleeing domestic violence. Adorned in pink with a glittering chandelier and fairy lights, the Mackay Turf Club sparkled for this important cause.
You can read my stories on Scandalous on page 26, Onam on the cover and page 10, and Hannah McNamara’s Broken Ballerina story on pages 22-23.
For now, I'm resting as chemo treatment number five was yesterday. My takeaway to anyone who may face cancer now or in the future, is that there’s a difference between living with cancer, and living with cancer.
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Amanda

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Motherhood is often a journey filled with immense love, strength, and at times, overwhelming challenges.

One mother faced this reality when she was recently flown from Mackay to Townsville with her newborn baby, who required surgery. Struggling with the burden of traveling alone with her baby and handling luggage, she encountered an unexpected act of kindness from a stranger.

Expressing her gratitude in a local mother's group on Facebook, she wrote, “If anyone’s husband was on the 11:30am flight from Mackay to Townsville today (Tuesday 24th September) and mentions helping a woman and her newborn baby with her bags, please reach out as my hubby would love to shout him a carton!

“Mackay Hospital put baby and I on a flight to Townsville hospital so he could have surgery and sadly hubby had to drive.

“I was struggling with the baby and luggage, and he (the kind man) very respectfully helped with my bags.

“I’m a jumble of emotions and didn’t think to ask for his name to show our appreciation.

“A small gesture of kindness made such a stressful situation that little bit easier!” she shared, emphasising how even the simplest act can have a meaningful impact.

Despite the emotional toll of the situation, this mother felt uplifted by the stranger's thoughtful gesture. Now, her husband hopes to find the Good Samaritan, offering to thank him with a carton of beer in appreciation for his kindness.

How can you offer a helping hand today?

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Illustrative purposes only

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