The State budget was released on Tuesday evening and Treasurer Cameron Dick said the $12.3 billion surplus is the largest surplus delivered by any state government this year.

One of the biggest influencing factors were coal mining royalties which brought in an impressive $15.9 billion, far exceeding the predicted $5.9 billion.

A big focus of this years’ budget was the immediate relief for cost-of-living pressures with over 2.2 million Queensland households receiving at least $550 off their power in the coming financial year.

The government has also announced a record breaking spend on infrastructure, with $89 billion spread over a range of projects which include the Big Build Program which will see the construction of significant energy infrastructure over the next four years.

In addition, there is $751 million for a new housing program.

While the budget looks positive from a state level, the breakdown of investment within the Whitsunday and Mackay region is mainly centred around schools, hospitals, and preannounced projects.

This is the view of Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP who says she is disappointed to see a disproportionate amount of funding given to the region.

Mackay and Whitsundays only received $623.4 million in $20.321 billion Capital Program compared to Townsville that received $1.180 billion and Central Queensland that received $2.003 billion.

The sparsely populated Outback Queensland was the only other region to receive similar, at $675.8 million.

“Given the state government mining royalties that have increased by $8 billion, I am disappointed to see no funding returned to the region that creates that wealth,” she said.

“We have the smallest budget contribution, by region and this is the last budget before next year’s election budget, and I would have liked to have seen better.”

“It’s great to see they have announced free kindy but how are they going to deliver on that when we are struggling to find a skilled workforce and enough placements for kids?”

Ms Camm is also frustrated that infrastructure projects such as Hamilton Plains flood protection strategies have been completely missed in the budget.

“There is nothing for Hamilton Plains and no major road projects in our region at all,” she said.

“We are just not seen as a region that this government is willing to invest in.”

“There is a blatant disregard for the population growth we are seeing in regional Queensland, but I will continue to advocate for our fair share.”

State Budget Breakdown: How Will The Whitsundays Benefit?

Whitsunday Islands National Park - Ngaro walking track upgrade

$3.9 million out of a $5.7 million total spend to extend the Ngaro Walking Track in the Whitsunday Islands National Park. Part of the $10.1 million investment in Ecotourism and World Heritage Areas, delivered in partnership with the Australian Government.

Airlie Beach replacement permanent and auxiliary fire and rescue station

$2.3 million out of a $8.9 million total spend to continue replacement of the permanent and auxiliary fire and rescue station at Airlie Beach.

Proserpine Hospital

$4.4 million out of a $7.9 million total spend for the delivery of renal services, the refurbishment of the clinical assimilation training area, clinical assessment rooms, management office space and upgrade to the acute primary care clinic. The investments aim to meet the rising demand for healthcare in the region and ensure residents have access to a range of health services closer to home. Part of the Rural and Regional Renal Program.

Cannonvale-Jubilee Pocket 66 kilovolt reinforcement

$10.4 million out of a $30.4 million total spend to establish a new 66 kilovolt switchyard to provide improved network safety and reliability to the Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Islands communities.

Proserpine State High School

$808,000 to construct additional specialist classrooms.

Proserpine State School

$500,000 to upgrade an existing amenities block.

Collinsville Golf Clubhouse transformation

$50,000 out of a $452,210 total spend to upgrade the Collinsville Golf Club's clubhouse. The project will refurbish the bathroom facilities, install accessible pathways and doors, and a playground. Part of the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund.

Collinsville Football Clubhouse

$300,000 out of a $370,000 total spend to refurbish Collinsville Football Clubhouse to provide a more attractive location for clubs to meet and events to be held, supporting community engagement. Part of the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund.

Bowen Hospital

$637,060 out of a $11.9 million total spend for works improving patient flow and primary health care, co-location of the allied health services, refurbishment of existing wards and 2 new renal chairs.

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Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP says our region has been short-changed by the budget. Photo supplied

The Ngaro walking track upgrade receives $3.9 million

Local firies set to get new home with $2.3 million for new fire station in Airlie Beach

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In a mammoth record-breaking year, 74 cruise ships, with well over 180,000 passengers have cruised through the Whitsundays and checked into the Port of Airlie terminal.

June 17, 2022, saw the return of cruise ships to the region, post-COVID, which passengers eager to explore the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach, participating in local tours and adventures.

Cruise Whitsundays Sales and Marketing Manager Renee Branton-Brown believes the return of cruise ships to the Whitsundays is one of the key factors in the region’s growth post-COVID.

“Cruise ships provide a significant source of revenue to the Whitsunday region, in 2019, it was estimated that Whitsundays received a crucial $21 million boost to the economy through cruise ship visitation,” she said.

“With the approximate spend per passenger being around $200, it’s easy to see why these ships are so important to our local tourism industry.

“And after a record number of ships visiting the Whitsundays over the past 12 months, we expect to see the economic benefit to the region continue to soar.”

Until June 17, 2022, it had been 832 days since the last cruise ship had anchored in Whitsundays waters, with cruise ship travel being one of the last industries to return to operation following the easing of the pandemic.

Guests that arrive on cruise ships are welcomed by the volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors who provide information about the town, the services, experiences and activities available.

“A special mention of course needs to go to the incredible work done by the Cruise Ship Ambassadors.,” said Ms Branton-Brown.

“They show up to each cruise ship with a huge smile, ready to greet each passenger – they are indeed ambassadors for our entire region.

The team at Cruise Whitsundays is extremely thankful for their tireless work.”

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Saturday marks one year of the return to cruise ships in Whitsunday waters. Photo supplied

Cruise Whitsundays Sales and Marketing Manager Renee Branton-Brown with two volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Hi Everyone,

This week’s edition is full of positive news which is always so great to share with you!

The mill is crushing, the boardwalk’s open, cruise ships are celebrating their first year back in business and Airlie Beach has just won Best Small Tourism Town in Queensland.

Earlier this week we invited a few representatives from the local tourism industry to a front-page photo shoot to celebrate the announcement.

I expected about seven or eight people to turn up and was amazed when almost 20 came along to celebrate!

It’s wonderful to see such enthusiasm and positivity return to our tourism industry and it is awards like this that boost morale for everyone.

Thanks to all of you who came along on Tuesday, the photo shoot was great fun!

As the winter months and its beautiful sunsets gain momentum, so too do our local festivals and events.

In this edition we include line-up announcements for the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, details about tonight’s Welcome The Whales event and the many more.

One festival that is particularly close to my heart is The Whitsunday Writers Festival which is due to take place next September (read the full details on page 11).

I was part of the committee many years ago and enjoyed helping festival founder, Gloria Burley, put the event together for several years.

Gloria sadly passed away in 2018 and since then the festival has lied dormant.

That was until a group of passionate locals tenderly took the reins and reinvigorated the event.

I am honoured to be part of the new Whitsunday Writers Festival committee and I am sure Gloria would be thrilled to see her much-loved passion-project continue.

Rach

“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” (Albert Einstein)

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It takes a lot of courage to show our vulnerability and to reach out to strangers in the community and ask for help.

But this is something new mum, Amber Rosa-Salas has needed to do several times in the long journey to motherhood.

Amazingly, Amber discovered she was pregnant at eight months, and she was suddenly cast into a world of motherhood, one that she was not prepared for.

Having recently returned from travelling in Canada, she had nowhere to live and no idea about how to be a mother.

Since reaching out for support, she has felt the strong embrace of the community time and time again.

From the Whitsunday Housing Company finding her suitable accommodation, to the midwives providing her with essential items such as clothes and toys – the support has meant the world to her.

Most recently, Amber saw another element of community support shine bright when her fridge suddenly broke, containing all her eight-month-old baby’s food.

She reached out on social media and was deeply humbled when another mum offered to lend her one.

By emptying her own drink fridge to preserve another’s food, this mum’s donation shows a true example of self-sacrifice.

“The community have been really good to me,” said Amber.

“It really restores my faith in others. It was such a shock finding out I was pregnant at eight months, but since that moment, I have been really looked after by everyone.

“Thank you to everyone who has helped me through this journey.”

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From June 14 to August 16, parts of Kings Beach and access roads will be temporarily closed as the Department of Defence undertake their Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 training exercise.

This will be the largest iteration of the exercise to date, and will include field training exercise, preparation activities, amphibious landing, ground manoeuvres and air combat.

This is an international exercise, with participants travelling from 13 different nations, including France, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, and Germany.

Representatives from Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines will attend as observers.

The exercises will utilise Bowen’s Kings Beach for the duration of the period, with access closed, and other adjoining roads temporarily closed at points to allow vehicle movement.

Kings Beach from Sandhill Creek was closed from Wednesday June 14, 5pm and will open Wednesday August 16, 5am.

Denison Park Botanical Gardens was closed, from Wednesday June 14, 5pm and due to reopen Wednesday August 16, 5am.

Alongside Talisman Sabre 2023, the Defence Force will also conduct Exercise Sea Explorer 23 and Exercise Sea Raider 23.

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British Royal Marine Commandos patrol past sugar cane fields during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021. Photo supplied

Airlie Beach has been awarded the Top Small Tourism Town for 2023, by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC).

The annual awards recognise stand-out Queensland holiday destinations with great commitment to visitor excellence.

Bowen was also a finalist for the highly competitive category of Top Tourism Town, going up against Bundaberg, Rockhampton, and Redcliffe.

Unfortunately, it did not win on this occasion.

Airlie Beach was up against the likes of Ingham in far north Queensland and took home the top gong for the second year in a row.

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton said taking out the award again proves that Airlie Beach has remained a favourite for Aussies travelling to the State.

“The Whitsundays is the most tourism-reliant region in Queensland with one in three jobs directly related to tourism,” he said.

“Winning this award again is a feather in The Whitsundays’ cap and hugely encouraging to the tourism industry.”

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Julie Hall, said the award was excellent news for Airlie Beach and the broader Whitsundays region.

“Tourism is one of the three key pillars for our regional economy and the win is just reward for the resilience and passion of our tourist operators and the leadership shown by Tourism Whitsundays (TW).

“Council are proud to be the major funding supporter for TW and look forward to partnering with them to continue promoting our Whitsunday region as Australia’s top tourism destination.”

“This is not only a win for Airlie Beach as best Small Tourism Town 2023 but a win for Proserpine, Bowen, Collinsville, our islands and everywhere in between who all offer such a diverse range of visitor experiences,” she said.

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Laura Knipe from Tourism Whitsundays, Elizabeth Hackett, Mayor Julie Hall, Nathan Fleming from Ocean Rafting and Dea Huvonen from Tourism Whitsundays at the Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards in Brisbane. Photo supplied

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One day ahead of schedule, the refurbishment and one metre widening of the boardwalk between the Coral Sea Marina Resort and Sorrento Restaurant and bar is complete.

The previous boardwalk was constructed with timber and has been replaced with composite fibre materials that are “environmentally friendly and rust, rot, and corrode resistant”.

This segment of the boardwalk was reopened to the public after six weeks of construction and completed by local contractor Plants Whitsunday.

Mayor Julie Hall said the boardwalk urgently needed an upgrade to ensure its longevity and to continue its role as a vibrant connectivity hub along the Coral Sea for residents and visitors.

“It really does provide a beautiful pathway that connects Airlie Beach to Cannonvale along the beautiful Coral Sea,” she said.

“This material has a 100-year design life which will significantly reduce future maintenance costs on our ratepayers.”

The entire boardwalk, which runs the length of Airlie Beach to Cannonvale Beach, is set to be refurbished, with this segment completed first, due to its higher complexity of location and necessary changes required to accommodate the widening.

Plants Whitsundays was awarded the tender and completed the work in record time.

“We were very excited for this opportunity,” said Matt Stokes, Director of Plants Whitsundays.

“We were up against other large companies from out of town, so it was great to be awarded the tender.”

“The boardwalk leaves an imprint on both locals and visitors and is a great asset to have running along our coast."

Mayor Hall said, “It’s important that we also support local business, so we are proud to have worked with Plants Whitsunday on the boardwalk upgrade.”

“A big thanks to our community for your patience and understanding while we completed stage 1 and I encourage everyone to head down and leisurely stroll on the waterfront to check out the new section.”

Iyas Shaheen, owner of Sorrento Restaurant and Bar, is happy with the work.

“We’re glad it was done on time, and we thank the community for their support. Customers made the effort to come to us even with the work, and we appreciate it.”

Plants Whitsunday also hold the tender for stage 2 and 3 however funding has yet to be secured for the refurbishment.

It is expected that by July 1 funding and a timeframe for the next stages will be confirmed.

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Stage 1 of the boardwalk upgrade was completed last week, with access between the Coral Sea Resort and Sorrento Bar and Restaurant opened for pedestrians.

Drink Drivers Caught Over Weekend

Seventeen drink drivers were caught on roads across the Whitsundays last weekend (June 10 - June 11).

Drivers were caught over the legal limit in Cannonvale, Proserpine, Collinsville, and also Jubilee Pocket.

A 36-year-old male resident of Jubilee Pocket is alleged to have returned the highest reading from the weekend with a reading of .164% following a roadside breath test at 12:14 am on June 10 on Jubilee Pocket Road.

He was arrested and has been charged with driving while under the influence of liquor and also driving with a disqualified driver’s licence.

He will appear in the Proserpine Magistrates Court on July 10 to have the matters heard.

Operation Mackay Irving, Whitsundays

Shortly after 12am on June 10, and as part of Operation Mackay Irving, Whitsunday police officers were patrolling the Cannonvale area when it is alleged that they located a 29-year-old Cannonvale woman involved in suspicious activity.

Detectives from the Whitsunday Criminal Investigation Branch executed a search warrant at a Preston address where they located allegedly stolen items.

The 29-year-old Cannonvale woman was charged with 32 offences relating to break in and attempted break in offences at businesses and other properties.

She appeared in the Proserpine Magistrates Court earlier this week.

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The sixth annual b kinder Day is coming to schools, businesses, and community groups next week and everyone is invited to mark this important day by participating in initiatives that promote kindness.

Every school in the Whitsundays will be involved this year, with many students writing kindness cards and sending them to others.

In total there will be over 200 schools participating in the day, including a school in Cambodia and one in the UK.

The initiative is inspired by a local 12-year-old girl, Billie Kinder, who tragically lost her life in a horse-riding accident in 2016.

She left behind a book of poems and artworks that were fuelled by kindness, these messages have now been used by Billie’s mum, Danny, to create the b kinder foundation and continue her daughter’s legacy.

“I don’t think there’s a greater thing you can do than be kind,” said Danny Kinder.

“It’s the basis of life – in fact, even if you can’t do anything else you can still be kind.”

Three weeks ago, the b kinder Foundation launched a new b kinder school initiative, asking all schools to promote a culture of kindness.

It is a student-led, peer to peer project founded upon five kindness criteria which include aspects such as creating a safe space to talk, kindness awards within the school and reaching out to other schools and the broader community.

“It’s all about physical connection,” said Danny.

“We want people to get off their devises, be present and feel connected with others.”

If you, your business, or your community group would like to participate in the upcoming b kinder Day, simply reach out directly through bkinderfoundation.org.

WHAT: b kinder Day

WHEN: June 22

WHERE: Everywhere!

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Subway in Bowen on b kinder Day 2022. Photo supplied

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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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