A local condiment connoisseur has taken out four awards at the recent Mr Chilli Awards 2023.

This is the fifth year Michelle Camilleri has secured several places in the competition, open to the chilli community of Australia and New Zealand, saying “in the chilli business, this is huge.”

“When you are doing something you love, you don’t need recognition, but I must say I was super excited to receive the email to say I had won again,” Michelle added.

Michelle started her business, One Hungry Mumma, in 2015 while on maternity leave and in no rush to return to work, although she never imagined what it would become.

She started creating her own range of sauces, chutneys, pickles and spices utilising the fresh produce from her Finch Hatton garden.

The business grew to become Michelle’s full-time career, her unwavering passion for good produce, quality ingredients and connecting people through a simple home cooked meal on show.

While Michelle's condiment line of products found on shelves locally and online are still her heart and soul, Michelle and her husband Dave have expanded their business in Finch Hatton to include cooking classes, small group themed dinners and catering with the hope to educate, inspire and connect her community and visitors to their region.

One Hungry Mumma Mr Chilli Awards 2023

Chilli Jam

Spicy chilli jam – 1st place

Chilli Salt

Holy Habanero Salt - 2nd place

Chilli Peanuts

Mumma’s gone nuts - 2nd place

Chilli Salsa

Salsalicious - 3rd place

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With Shirlz Russell of Build Your F’empire

‘Empowerment’ is the number one word that arises when I discuss my 10 Point Checklist for Personal Financial Wellbeing.

I call it a ‘Wellbeing’ checklist because it’s about feeling happy, content and empowered about your finances.

This is basically the way me and my family operate in our lives; a tried and tested guide to managing finances responsibly and realistically.

It’s a simplified method aiming to eliminate any fear or stress you may feel about money.

One of my top tips is to establish a bills account to take away the pressure away from the everyday.

This can be achieved by figuring out how much your bills cost per your pay cycle, putting that money away each time you get paid and setting up as many direct debits from that account as you can so that when bills come in, there’s no stress.

Another contributor to that financial stress can be credit card debt.

Where possible, try to reduce those consumer type loans and prioritise these debts each pay cycle – interest free is a great tool, providing you pay it off within the timeframe.

Being adequately insured is also very important while reviewing your insurance regularly to identify any savings to be made.

Insurance is often something people drop when their budgets are tight, but being insured is a huge contributor to financial and mental wellbeing.

Budgeting is basic, we all talk about it, but not many people actually have one that is honest and correct.

It’s important to make sure that absolutely everything is included and its important to stick to it, especially if you’re working towards financial goals.

Included in my budget is ‘play’ money where I pay myself an allocation of the budget to go towards things like getting my hair done, going out for coffee, that sort of thing.

This way, it’s an allocated amount and I’m not overspending and if I do overspend, I’m aware of it.

If you’re interested in learning more about my 10 Point Checklist for Personal Financial Wellbeing and would like a PDF copy of the list, reach out to me at shirlz@buildyourfempire.com.au.

My 10 Point Checklist For Financial Wellbeing

1. Establish a Rainy Day Fund

2. Pay Bills from a Bills Account

3. Prioritse Credit Card Debt

4. Review Insurances

5. Budget Correctly and Realistically

6. Pay Yourself

7. Familiarise Yourself with your Superannuation

8. Discuss Legal Will & Estate Planning

9. Grow Your Assets

10. Plan Your Retirement

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There have been several reports of the infamous ‘Bitumen Bandits’ operating in the region, with local businesses and homeowners warned that the seemingly friendly tradies are in fact scam-artists.

One local business says they believe they were dealing with ‘Bitumen Bandits’ when they were deceived and left with a poorly laid carpark that will now need to be completely pulled up and replaced.

The business said they were also sent an invoice for twice the quoted price and then bombarded with a series of threatening phone calls and text messages when they did not send through immediate payment.

Approached by a friendly tradie with an English accent, Norina Kent from Whitpro Group, never suspected that this easy-going encounter was in fact the beginning of a nightmare for her and her business.

“They seemed like honest guys, very approachable and happy to take on additional works in town to off load some excess bitumen,” she said.

The tradie allegedly told Ms Kent that he had leftover product from a previous job and could lay the bitumen carpark at a discounted price.

“They advised that the normal rate was $65/m2 but to use up the excess product they would reduce the rate to $35/m2,” she explains.

The tradie then proceeded to give a verbal quote for a dedicated area but despite being asked to send the quote via email, it did not eventuate before they commenced work, with the tradies insisting that it had been sent.

“Oddly enough, the invoice came through immediately after the job was completed but it was for more than double the originally quoted price.”

Ms Kent alleges that she then received multiple phone calls asking for payment and can understand “why some people simply pay when the tradies become threatening, as it can be very intimidating to be told they are going to come after you if you don’t pay up immediately”.

Upon inspecting the job, Ms Kent and her husband, Tim Perkins, said they could see it was not done to standard, and the bitumen was patchy, with some areas only dry stoned (not sealed at all).

Ms Kent met with one of the tradies and within a half hour conversation, she reports she was offered a $10,000 discount with a promise to repair the areas of concern.

“It was then that I knew something was up,” said Ms Kent.

“No-one offers that kind of discount if they know they have done a good job and without having to speak with management, he said he would get in trouble, but he would wear it”.

Suspicious and concerned about numerous inconsistencies, the couple then asked an independent town planner to take a look.

The contractor confirmed their fears - the surface had not been swept prior to laying and the aggregate had not been pre coated which resulted in the bitumen not adhering to the surface, which is evident in the surface now lifting easily.

The entire carpark was allegedly going to fall apart with traffic use and would need to be replaced.

When Ms Kent stated she wanted an independent assessor to advise if the job had been completed to standard before paying, she alleges receiving 17 texts and abusive phone calls threatening property and personal damage if payment was not made immediately.

“At that point I went to the police, and it was then I received confirmation that we were not their only victims with many others scammed.” she said.

Ms Kent connected with two other locals who appeared to have had been approached by the same tradies. One lady had already paid $21,000 for a driveway they were quoted $14,000 for.

Within a short time, the lady said to Ms Kent that her driveway became patchy and, when the tradies came to look at the work, they offered $7000 money back.

Ms Kent says she believes the money has not been returned so far.

Police say that there are incidents similar to these occurring from Cairns to Mackay and that community members need to be on high alert.

The tradesman involved with the Whitsundays’ incidents was contacted but declined to comment.

Multiple Scams: Police Advise Caution

Queensland Police Service (QPS) said that while the bandits’ sales pitch tactics may vary, there are some things to be aware of:

• They proactively approach residents by going door to door.

• They may speak with a strong Irish accent.

• The quoted amount will literally be ‘too good to be true.’

• They may claim the reason they can perform the job cheaply is because they have leftover bitumen from a previous job.

• They may pressure residents to accept the deal, and even become aggressive or say the deal is only valid for that day.

• They may quote a reasonable price however, upon completion demand a higher payment.

• They may demand payment that day.

• If a deposit is made, they often vanish before commencement of the job.

QPS also offer tips for residents to avoid this scam and similar ones:

• Research the company through the internet and newspaper advertisements.

• Speak to family, friends and neighbours who may also have been approached.

• Obtain a written quote from the company.

• Do not provide payment before the job is complete and to a satisfactory level.

• Do not feel pressured to make a decision that day and feel comfortable to decline the offer.

• Reputable businesses should be happy to provide their contact details and perform the job at an appropriately agreed time and date.

• If you identify that the offer turns out to be legitimate, you can always say yes later.

• Trust your gut instinct.

A text allegedly received from the tradesman:

Pay your bill, you will regret knocking me, I will cost you triple the amount you owe over time. I will not stop tormenting you. You got a big delivery of sh*t coming very soon. Game is on.

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Norina Kent and Tim Perkins from Whitpro Group are extremely disappointed with the tradies who they believe are con men just after a quick buck

Norina Kent from Whitpro said that the carpark surface will now need to be completely replaced

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Hi Everyone,

Last week we attended the Queensland Country Press Awards in Brisbane with high hopes and big dreams, and we are incredibly proud to announce that we returned home with four state awards for the newspaper, a huge achievement for our team and the broader region!

I’d like to say a special congratulations to our Whitsunday-based Sales and Advertising Manager, Mike McCann, who was instrumental in bringing the ‘Steve and Jenny’ campaign to life – we were all thrilled to watch him get up on the stage and collect the top gong for Marketing Campaign of the Year.

Congratulations also to our Mackay journalist, Sam Gillespie, who was awarded third place for the Best Editorial Campaign for his work in bringing the story of homelessness to life.

We also received 2nd place for Best Newspaper Feature for our coverage of The Great Barrier Reef Festival and 3rd for Best Locally Produced Advertisement for a stand-out design on a Mother’s Day ad.

Congratulations goes to our entire team; everyone contributes to every element of success, and we all share in this incredible achievement.

Special mention, of course also goes to Founder, Publisher and Owner Bec Douthwaite, whose vision, determination, and grit got us all to where we are today.

While we were at the Media Awards we enjoyed a full day conference, listening to some industry experts where we were enlightened by veterans in the trade.

One piece of information that I will always remember is when an Editor, who had been working in newspapers for over 40 years, said that a local community newspaper provides a vital public service.

When many people say, ‘print media is dead’, I see that in regional communities, local news delivered in print is very much alive.

Every week we attend events where excited parents wave us over to get a photo of their kid.

Every week we are helping Council get information out to the community.

Every week we are sharing important stories about local lives and issues that matter to our region.

We are honoured to deliver that public service to all of you.

Rach

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For over 65 years, Meals on Wheels has been helping people in our community and now the Meals on Wheels Proserpine branch is asking for help.

Since coming out of COVID, the not-for-profit organisation’s volunteer numbers have dwindled, down to only 18 active volunteers.

“It’s a rock and a hard place,” said Helen Maynard-Turner, the coordinator of Meals on Wheels Proserpine.

With only 18 volunteers left, including cooks and drivers, it has been a struggle to ensure the service when someone is sick or unable to volunteer.

Helen sent out a plea on Facebook, asking for volunteers for the service.

“We’ve had a lot of positive response, and even two ladies have signed up.

“This now brings our 18 volunteers to 20.”

However, the perfect number for Helen is 30 volunteers.

“It’s a good working environment, and each volunteer is given training on policies and procedures that are in place.”

The driver volunteers would visit Proserpine clients five days a week, to Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket and Airlie Beach clients three times a week, and out to Dingo Beach and Midge Point once a week.

The service, while delivering meals, also acts as a wellness and social support program, and services anyone of any age and capability.

To sign up to volunteer with Meals on Wheels Proserpine, contact Helen between 7am and 12pm, Monday to Friday on 07 4945 1733.

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Meals on Wheels Proserpine is helping local residents and needs your help. Photo supplied

It was a pleasant surprise to open Google last Thursday and discover that the Google artwork – The Google Doodle – had become Bowen’s Big Mango, in honour of its 21st birthday.

Manger of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernathy was overjoyed that Google Australia had chosen Bowen’s iconic tourist attraction.

“To have such as influential company choose Bowen’s Big Mango is awesome news,” Ms Abernathy said.

“We really appreciate the publicity this will create, ensuring even more people know about our famous big thing which leads to more awareness about Bowen and the greater Whitsunday region.”

The Big Mango is estimated to attract 80,000 people to Bowen, and it is believed that 1.5 million photos have been taken with the structure.

Google Australia’s Search Communications Manager, Camilla Ibrahim, said Google was excited to be ‘Bowen Down’ to the Big Mango with Thursday’s Doodle.

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Everyone in the community is invited to the inaugural Queensland Day Flavours of Bowen Festival, hosted by Bowen Gumlu Growers Association.

The event will showcase local history and the diverse foods grown and produced in the region.

It is a fun family event which includes face painting, a jumping castle, “The little red train” ride and other kid’s activities.

Queensland Day Flavours of Bowen Festival is part of the 2023 Queensland Government’s Queensland Day celebrations.

WHAT: Queensland Day Flavours of Bowen Festival

WHERE: Bowen Soundshell and Foreshore

WHEN: Saturday, June 3

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From Whitsunday Mayor to Federal Member, Andrew Willcox, has catapulted himself to Canberra and, over the past year, he has certainly made some waves in Parliament, spruiking the merits of our region, and demanding a fair share for his community.

By 6pm on election day, May 21, 2022, Willcox was clearly commanding a win, but it wasn’t until June 15 that he was officially declared as our new Federal Member For Dawson.

It was July 26 when he was officially sworn into his position, representing over 150,000 people in an electorate which runs from Townsville through to Mackay.

“I certainly hit the ground running,” said Willcox.

“I’ve always enjoyed helping people and this job’s enabled me to do that on a bigger scale.”

From helping people with immigration and citizenship issues to NDIS assistance and Centrelink, Willcox reminds his constituents to always reach out and ask for help if needed.

And while he loves spending as much time as possible in the region, one of his biggest passions is heading down to Canberra, where he spends between 18 and 20 weeks per year.

Adjusting to the freezing temperatures, however, has been a challenge to this passionate North Queenslander, and so has the big workload.

“The temperatures are not normal!” he jokes.

“It doesn’t even warm up during the day! – but I am getting used to it.”

While in Canberra, Willcox uses his time to raise awareness for our region and draw attention to local issues.

“I’m in the business of taking issues and requests to Canberra and delivering an outcome,” he said.

“We all think that everyone knows where the Whitsundays is, but they don’t.”

“We are the biggest cane growing region in Australia and Bowen has a half billion-dollar horticultural industry - in parliament it’s my job to educate people about the wants of rural and regional Australia.

“I’m not a shrinking violet, I am a man of conviction and I stand up for my people.”

When it comes to local matters, Willcox says that he puts the people and the broader issues above politics and, being in opposition, this has certainly come in handy when navigating the political sphere.

“All levels of government need to work together and be above politics,” he said.

“We need to make good decisions, look after the people and the politics will look after themselves - I’ll work with anyone to deliver better results for the people.”

Spending as much time as possible within the constituency, Willcox says that he is “hardly ever home”, preferring to spend time out in the community and listening to the people.

He says that now his children are adults he is lucky to have wife Raylene by his side when he travels, especially on the long trips to the ACT.

“Canberra is a busy place, but it can also be a lonely place, so it is always good to see a friendly face,” he said.

When asked about the year ahead, Willcox said he is excited to continue lobbying for our region and reminds the community he is available and ready to help with local needs.

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Willcox speaks in Canberra

Outside Parliament House

Willcox spends time with the local headspace team

A recent visit to the Agave Farm with Nationals Leader, David Littleproud

The region’s National Reconciliation Week commemorations began last weekend in Proserpine.

With the theme of ‘be a voice for generations’, Whitsunday Regional Council have held three workshops across the region, to promote the importance of listening, taking action, and speaking up, in order to create a brighter future.

National Reconciliation Week takes place every year between May 27 and June 3, encompassing two significant dates in Australian history – the 1967 referendum, which changed the Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as part of the population of Australia, and the 1992 Mabo Decision, which acknowledged Traditional Owner’s right and connection to land.

At the first of three council-run workshops, held at Proserpine Library, Councillor Clay Bauman presented the welcome speech, with Auntie Sue West giving the welcome to country and Uncle Harold completing a smoking ceremony.

A Traditional Knowledge Workshop, hosted by Robert Congoo from Yooribaya Cultural Experiences, followed.

Mr Congoo shared knowledge about the rich culture, traditions, and history of the Giya and Ngaro people.

The second workshop was held in Bowen Library on Tuesday and was dedicated to Artifact Display, and the third was in Cannonvale Library on Thursday about Plant Identification and Storytelling.

Within each library, there is also a Sea of Hearts display, for families and children to decorate a heart and depict what reconciliation means to them.

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A smoking ceremony marked the first National Reconciliation Week commemoration

The Sea of Hearts display for members of the community to display what reconciliation means to them

Whale season has officially started, with Big Fury Whitsundays taking the first footage of the year; their video showing a whale breech to the delighted squeals of guests on board.

Operations Manager of Big Fury, Dianne Flood says the two humpback whales were floating around for about half an hour which excited all the guests on board.

“It’s always fantastic to see the migration every winter,” she said.

“It’s a spectacular experience for the tourists.

“In this case, most on board were European tourists and this ticked off a few bucket list items for them.”

“They were awestruck and so were my crew, who see the whales every year.

“They were big and beautiful and playful.”

Humpback whales migrate to the Whitsunday every winter, from June to about September, for the warmer water temperatures.

An estimated 20,000 whales make the migration and many more sightings are expected this season.

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A still from a video released by Big Fury, showing the active humpback whales in our region

The Whitsundays is one step closer to becoming one of only two Whale Heritage Sites in Australia thanks to a team of passionate community members who are currently applying for the accreditation with the World Cetacean Alliance.

Local environmental consultancy firm, Whitsunday Environmental with Little Fish Tourism Development Consulting are working through the documentation and are organising two events to increase awareness of Whales visiting our region.

From June to October, the Great Barrier Reef comes alive with whale migration, particularly the humpback whale, as they visit warmer waters.

To become a Whale Heritage Site, it means that the area celebrates, respects and conserves whales and their inhabits.

There are currently six accredited sites around the world, and only one other in Australia, in Hervey Bay, which was the first ever certified Whale Heritage Site, in October 2019.

In January, the Whitsunday passed the first stage of the accreditation process and is now up for candidacy.

To receive accreditation, our region must show understanding, growth in education, and conservation.

The project, dubbed The Whales of Whitsunday project, will undertake a Welcome Whales event, to pursue this accreditation.

This event, scheduled for June 16, will include Traditional Owners, facilitating a smoking ceremony welcome, dance, and sing, as well as a traditional art show, and interactive art for kids.

“This is a community driven project,” said Olivia Brodhurst, Director of Whitsunday Environmental.

“We have a lot of other cool events planned, in order for us to receive this accreditation.”

According to Ms Brodhurst, the accreditation process is big, with the World Cetacean Alliance strict in applying accreditation to locations.

“This event is part of that process, but it also lets the community know that the whales are here,” she explains.

“It’s important to the Traditional Owners as well.”

The event has been sponsored by Ark Energy and North Queensland Bulk Ports and has been supported by the Whitsunday Regional Council.

The Whales of Whitsunday Project will also be holding a pre-whale season information session for local water tourism and boat operators on regulations for operation around whales, and how to report to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority on whale movement and activity.

This information night is being held on Wednesday June 7, 5.30pm to 7.30pm at the Lookout Lounge, Coral Sea Marina. Visit the Whitsunday Environmental facebook page for more information.

WHAT: Pre-Whale Season Information Session

WHERE: The Lookout Lounge, Coral Sea Marina

WHEN: Wednesday, June 7, 5.30pm to 7.30pm

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Welcome to the Whales

Marking the start of the Great Barrier Reef whale season, join us in welcoming the thousands of whales expected to journey to the area.

Traditional owners will host a ceremony to celebrate the whales, with a smoking ceremony and an ancient whale chant.

Children are encouraged to be painted in traditional markings and add their hand prints to a traditional painting of a mother and her calf humpback painting

Attendees to the ceremony are encouraged to wear blue.

There will also be talks on traditional owners’ connection to whales and to the region, before Master Reef Guides will show a film about local marine life, before a screening of The Snail and the Whale film at 6pm.

WHAT: Welcome Whales

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore Fairytree Park

WHEN: Friday June 16, from 5pm

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Calling all young aspiring entertainers, reporters, and TV hosts – this is your opportunity to be become the next local weather forecaster.

In the lead up to the Whitsunday Disaster Coordination Centre Open Day, Whitsunday Regional Council are inviting children under 10 years old to get creative and make a submission to the kids’ weather report video competition.

The winner will be announced at the Open Day and will win a family pass for the Proserpine Entertainment Centre and a $50 gift card.

The winner will also professionally record their weather forecast and the video will be used across social media and in promotional material for the council.

Conditions of entry include:

- Children aged 10-years and under

- Create a video of your child presenting the weather, in the council media centre. The video should not be longer than one minute.

- Upload to yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au or email to info@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au

- Make sure to include entry form along with the video.

Closing at 11.50pm on Thursday June 8, entrants should be quick to enter and not miss the chance to win!

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Whitsunday Disaster Coordination Centre hosts new child weather reporter competition. Photo Supplied

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When a young Lily Peacock proclaimed to her dad at aged nine that she “wanted to play footy”, she never dreamt that eight years on she would be selected for the Cowboys Representative team.

In a few short weeks since the announcement, Lily’s life has changed dramatically – she moved to Townsville and at just 17 is living independently with other players, getting paid to play the sport she loves.

A total of 28 girls from all around the country, and two from Fiji, have been signed to play for the North Queensland Toyota Cowboy’s inaugural National Women’s Rugby League Team.

“I was pretty rapt!” said Lily.

“It was pretty awesome to hear that it was official!”

This week was the first training session for the new team and their initiation test was to work as a team to abseil down from the roof of the Cowboy’s stadium.

“The aim was to get over our fears and learn to work as a team,” explains Lily.

“Some of the girls were a bit scared but I absolutely loved it!”

From the age of six it was dancing and not football that Lily loved.

But when she was eight years old something changed, and she began playing team sports such as Touch Football.

At school, lunchtimes were all about playing footy with the boys and by nine, this self-proclaimed tomboy announced to her dad that she wanted to play for a team.

Lily made her debut with the Proserpine Brahman’s Under 11 team and played for the side for three years.

In her early teenage years, however, she took some time away from the sport and went travelling around the country with her family.

When she arrived in Darwin, she started playing for a team again and immediately knew her passion had been renewed.

“This made me realise what I really wanted to do,” said Lily.

“Watching older girls play on the TV – I knew this was where I wanted to be going!”

When Lily and her family returned to her home base in Cannonvale, she began playing again and at just 15 years old she joined the Walkerston Wanderers Under 17 team.

Then, last year she was picked to play for the Mackay Cutters Under 19 team and on ANZAC Day she made her debut for the Women’s team.

“It was awesome playing for the Women’s team and being picked for the Cowboys was the cherry on top!” she said.

“I love how football brings everyone together – no matter your background or even whether you like footy! – it’s a great conversation starter and brings everyone together.”

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Lily Peacock and a team mate outside the Cowboys stadium. Photo supplied

The inaugural NRLW Cowboys squad abseiled down from the roof of the stadium earlier this week. Photo supplied

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Two local community complexes have won big at the 2023 Australian Institute of Architects’ North Queensland Regional Architecture Awards.

Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) was awarded three accolades in the Regional Architecture Awards, coming away with the Walter and Oliver Tunbridge Award for Building of the Year, a commendation for Public Architecture, and was named the People’s Choice Award for North Queensland.

Designed by CA Architects and Cox Architecture, judges said the PEC is an “excellent example of architecture that offers community impact, well beyond the building alone”.

“Sitting comfortably in the urban streetscape, the building extends seamlessly from the sidewalk into a grand community space that elicits a sense of excitement.

“The building gives back to the Proserpine community some of what was taken from them during Cyclone Debbie.”

John Hoyes, architect with CA Architects said, the story of the project is one of community and collaboration.

“The design is characterised by its engagement with community and context, and its recognition it gratifying as it confirms what an outstanding outcome the Proserpine Entertainment Centre is for the people of Proserpine and the Whitsunday region.”

The second Whitsunday community hub nominated was the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, which came away with a regional commendation in Public Architecture.

Designed by AECOM Australia, the terminal sets “a new standard for Airlie Beach tourism as a gateway to the Whitsundays”.

“The use of robust materials and detailing was particularly sensitive to the harsh marine environment and the innovative reuse of wharf timbers left destroyed by recent cyclones provides a sustainable screening solution that cools the interior, cuts glare, frames the view, and connects the terminal to its history and place,” the jury explained.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said it was exciting that two major Council assets had been recognised.

“The PEC was a key community project as it was the heart and soul of the town,” she said.

“To pick up gongs in three different categories shows what an amazing facility the PEC is for our region.”

“The Shute Harbour Marine Terminal restoration was a massive project which has reactivated the port.”

The buildings have now been shortlisted for the Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland Architecture Award, which will be awarded June 22.

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Proserpine Entertainment Centre recognised for community atmosphere

Shute Harbour Marine Terminal awarded for its impact to local tourism. Photos supplied

Councillors have had a busy few months with budget discussions and we are united in delivering a balanced Budget that continues to deliver key services and projects that enhance the liveability of our region.

An example of these projects that we are currently undertaking or have completed from the previous budget are the completion of the Richmond Road culvert upgrade and the Scottville Road widening and reseal plus a new footpath and pedestrian bridge.

These projects will improve safety for our residents and improve connectivity by filling another gap in the road network.

The community consultation for the Mullers Lagoon Parkland Masterplan has finished and all the feedback is currently being collated and a summary done of all ideas which will be communicated back to all residents who gave input and left contact details.

It was exciting to also work collaboratively with Bowen State High School recently and give the whole school an update at assembly of Council activities and gain face-to-face feedback from the students on the Mullers lagoon and other community projects.

It is important we also include the youth of today to gain their opinions on future projects.

At the most recent Community Catch-up in Mt Coolon, one of the questions was about the Telstra upgrade on the Mt Coolon communication tower.

Telstra have advised that the upgrade will take place before the end of this financial year. I would like to thank the Mt Coolon residents who attended and raised some valid points and concerns.

The next community consultation is at the Collinsville Community Centre, on Wednesday 21st June 10am to 12pm.

Council is also working hard behind the scenes to deliver an outcome on the Ted Cunningham Bridge issue and have it reopened as soon as possible before the next wet season.

In the meantime, the lower-level bridge is operational, and Council will supply additional staff to ensure that access for traffic to the popular Bowen River Rodeo will not be an issue.

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