Pivotal Ingredients has teamed up with the local sugar industry in Mackay to tap into the growing global demand for sustainable animal-free dairy products.

Pivotal Ingredients is excited to announce its vision to build a state-of-the-art fermentation facility in Mackay, Queensland and is partnering with local sugar producers to help make this project a reality.

Projected to create an estimated 500 construction jobs and about 80 ongoing biotech jobs in the Mackay region, the proposed Pivotal facility will use locally sourced sugar cane to power its cutting-edge fermentation processes. A global race is underway to meet surging consumer demand for sustainable, animal-free dairy products.

Powered by Queensland-grown sugar, Pivotal’s facility will utilise precision fermentation techniques to manufacture dairy proteins such as whey or casein. These proteins can then be used to make lactose-free ice-cream, cream cheese, protein bars, and beverages for sale around the world. The new technology has the potential to transform Queensland into a world-leading supplier of fermentation-derived dairy proteins, capturing a significant slice of the $US600 billion global dairy industry.

It will also position Mackay as a hub for value-added processing and food production.

Pivotal Ingredients CEO Jeff Goodwin said he was particularly excited by the opportunity to boost the long-term sustainability of the sugar industry.

“Coming from a family with a background in the sugar industry and regional Queensland, this proposal will ensure long-term opportunities for the local economy,” Mr Goodwin said.

“What excites us about Mackay is the close proximity to sugar feedstock, the synergies with local sugar milling industry and the Queensland Government’s biofutures vision.”

Canegrowers Mackay chairman Kevin Borg applauded the proposal, noting it had the potential to put Mackay producers at the forefront of global changes.

“The local sugarcane industry welcomes projects like this that will ensure producers can continue to flourish and capture the global demand for new products that utilise sugarcane,” Mr Borg said.

Kylie Porter, CEO of Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3), the peak economic development agency for Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday backed the potential of the project.

"The proposed fermentation facility by Pivotal Ingredients represents an incredible opportunity for the Mackay region. This project not only creates significant job opportunities but also positions Mackay at the forefront of the global biotech industry,” she said.

“We welcome this initiative and look forward to working with the proponents and the State and Federal Government to make this a reality.”

Pivotal Ingredients is actively engaging with large investors and collaborating with the government to bring this pioneering proposal to fruition.

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Artist impression of a fermentation facility which could be based in Mackay to meet demand for animal-free dairy products

Walkerston’s Vietnam Veteran William Lake was, at lastweek’s local RSL meeting, presented with a commemoration medallion andcertificate marking the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvementin the Vietnam War.

Today, the 18th of August, is Vietnam Veterans'Remembrance Day. Also known as Long Tan Day, this day was marked by Vietnamveterans as a day to commemorate the fallen at the 1966 Battle of LongTan.  

Bill, as all nineteen-year-old Australian men back then -between 1965 and 1972, had to register for national service. Servicemenconscripted under this scheme were known as 'Nashos'. Names of potentialconscripts were selected bya birthday ballot, where numbered wooden marbles were drawn by lottery from abarrel.

The Menzies Government had concluded that Australia hadinadequate Defence manpower and aimed to increase the strength of the Army to33,000 by the end of 1966 by introducing national service.

There were many ‘conscientious objectors’ resistingmilitary service. These people were prosecuted criminally for refusal to complywith draft board orders.                                                          

The Australian Servicesinvolvement in the Vietnam War was at that time, quite a controversial subjectin Australia. For some veterans their service was never recognised as it shouldhave been. Upon returning home, there was no debriefing, it was ‘just go hometo your family and deal with life as best you can’.                    

Many soldiers who had servedin Vietnam never spoke about that time as they were treated quite badly, evensometimes mocked, mainly in the bigger cities of Australia. Fortunately, thiskind of abhorrent behaviour was not apparent in the much smallercommunities.                                                                            

Sadly, it was not until 15years after the end of the Vietnam war, in 1987, that Australian servicemen,and women, were duly recognised and given a Welcome Home parade where about25,000 veterans marched in Sydney.

The date of August 18 was recognised by Australian Vietnamveterans as a day to honour and acknowledge all those who served and died inVietnam. It was formally recognised as Vietnam Veterans' Day in 1987 with thethen Prime Minister Bob Hawke's announcement after the Welcome Home parade.

In 1992 a National Memorialfor the Vietnam War was established in Canberra.

Bill Lake’s birthdate waspicked out of the barrel when he was nineteen, but like so many otherconscripts, his joining the military services - training at Singleton,Canungra, and Shoal Water Bay, and then stationed at Lavarack Barracks inTownsville, before his battalion was sent to the Vietnam War - was postponed fora year until Bill had finished his apprenticeship in Walkerston.  

Bill has lived most of hislife in Walkerston; with only short periods residing in other parts of thecountry. He and his wife now live in the house right next to their first home -where they and their children lived for many years.

One could say that – in manyways – Bill’s uncharted circle of life has come back to where it began yearsago…and it is by no means finished yet!

Contributed by Bente McDonald

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When it comes to protecting your home from the impacts of natural disasters, being prepared is key. Mackay residents have experienced firsthand the importance of home maintenance in the face of our region's unpredictable weather patterns. Whether you own your home or are renting, these practical steps can make all the difference in safeguarding your property. If you are renting and have concerns regarding the safety of your home, bring these to the attention of your landlord or property manager in writing.

1. Roof Check: Regularly inspect your roof for loose tiles, eaves, screws, and cracked guttering or flashing. Keeping your roof in good condition is vital to prevent leaks during heavy rainfall or storms.

2. Clear Gutters: Ensure your gutters and downpipes are clean to allow efficient water drainage, reducing the risk of flooding during intense rainfall.

3. Trim Trees: Overhanging branches can pose a hazard during storms. Trim trees and branches that are too close to your home to prevent potential damage.

4. House Repairs: Address corrosion, loose fittings, and any rotting or termite-affected timber promptly. A well-maintained house is more resilient against the forces of nature.

5. Window Seals: Repair broken sealant around windows to prevent water from entering your home during rain events.

Cyclones and storms can be powerful enough to uproot trees and damage poorly constructed structures. Our sub-tropical climate also brings the risk of heavy rainfall, which can lead to floods. To prepare, remember the following:

1. Emergency Kits: Assemble emergency and evacuation kits, ensuring their location is noted in your household's emergency plan.

2. Spare Fuel: Keep a safe supply of spare fuel for your vehicle, which can be crucial during emergency situations.

By following these practical steps, you can enhance the resilience of your home against the challenges posed by natural disasters.

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Maintaining a clean car not only enhances its appearance but also contributes to its longevity and overall value. Regular cleaning goes beyond aesthetics; it helps protect your investment and ensures a comfortable and healthy driving environment. Here are some expert tips to keep your car sparkling clean:

Gather the Right Supplies: Before you begin, gather essential cleaning supplies such as car wash soap, microfiber cloths, soft brushes, glass cleaner, and tire cleaner. Using the right products prevents damage and provides effective results.

Start with the Interior: Begin by removing any clutter, trash, and personal items from the interior. Vacuum the seats, floor mats, and carpet thoroughly. Wipe down surfaces with a microfiber cloth and a mild interior cleaner.

Tackle the Exterior: Rinse off loose dirt and debris with a hose. Use a dedicated car wash soap and a soft sponge to clean the exterior. Wash in sections and rinse promptly to prevent soap residue. Dry the car with a clean microfiber towel to avoid water spots.

Focus on Glass and Mirrors: Clean windows and mirrors with a quality glass cleaner and a microfibre or lint-free cloth.

Protect the Paint: Apply a coat of wax or sealant to protect the paint and give it a glossy finish. This helps repel dirt and environmental contaminants.

Vacuum Regularly: Vacuum the interior regularly to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating.

Preventative Measures: Use car seat covers, floor mats, and sunshades to protect your car's interior from potential damage caused by sunlight, spills, and wear.

Consistency is Key: Establish a regular cleaning routine to prevent dirt buildup. A clean car is easier to maintain than one that's heavily soiled.

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My real estate career is littered with occasions when I have held open houses and private inspections and have not been required to draw a gun and shoot someone.

Call me a bright-eyed optimist who views the world through rose-coloured glasses if you like, but I have never even felt the need to take a gun to a private inspection.

I think my stance on weapons in real estate probably reflects the broader Australian situation but, like so many things, it’s different in America.

Judging by the discussion on several social media real estate support groups, an armed agent is nothing unusual in the US.

A female Mackay agent and friend of mine is a member of several women-in-real-estate social media support groups where participants share their experiences and offer advice to each other about various aspects of the industry.

Most of the women seem to be from the United States, which is where the guns come into it.

Some of the discussion, as you would expect, is about personal safety at private inspections and open homes.

It is absolutely an issue that needs to be considered, particularly for women, because the job takes you out of the office into private homes and requires agents to be by themselves with someone they often do not know.

In Mackay there are precautions that female agents take, including recording the name and mobile number of the buyer and recording that with the address of the inspection in a google calendar that others in the office can access.

But they take it a step further in the States.

On the pages of one group, Women in Real Estate, the admin person gives some tips on “equipping” yourself for inspections: “It would be great to get some input from everyone with recommendations for safety tools.

“Some use pepper spray (I have heard bear spray is a better option), I’ve talked to realtors with razors, knives and ones who carry a gun.”

Another woman, in the group Real Estate Talk for Women, says: “I carry a sling crossbody as my purse. When I’m working my 9mm is safely contained and accessible.”

Another female agent responds with: “I use one of those lululemon fanny packs and a crossbody and keep my gun in there. Fits my gun, keys, pen and some business cards.”

There appears to be a range of guns the ladies like but one called a Kimber Micro 9mm seems very popular, while another called the Sig Sauer 380 is highly rated and the old Glock 43 also gets a favourable mention.

None of this is to dismiss the need for Australian female agents to also take safety precautions but it can’t be a bad thing that they don’t feel the need to be armed at private inspections.

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Opinion piece

The Housing Summit has been and gone and the numbers are scary, with approximately 1,200 homeless in the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaacs areas.  

We need the results of this to be more than just data collection. We need to see some action in the short term to address our deteriorating position. You can judge the effectiveness of the summit over the next six months through signs of reduction in the homeless in our region.

The current problems are caused by a higher-than-expected population growth, compounded by a slower rate of new housing stock coming online. This has led to declining rental stock and an increased rental stress due to rent increases.

This rental stress is being felt by all, with the most concerning area being pensioners and those on low incomes, as they have the least ability to cope with the rise.

We are also seeing a larger number of what I call the working class homeless – those who have come here to help fill our labour shortage but can’t find anywhere to stay. I have even spoken to one businessman who had an employee from out of town accept a role with his company only to decline it when he could not find suitable accommodation.  

The solution of building more housing is great, but let’s face it, by time approvals are done and materials sourced, coupled with the shortage of contactors, it could be two years away at best. Even then, our population growth may continue and outstrip our building rate and the situation will be the same.

So, what do I think can be done? Well, I really would like to see serious consideration given to some form of temporary mine-style accommodation as an interim measure. This type of initiative could provide a larger quantity of housing in less than six months. Yes, this would be basic accommodation, but it would be a roof over someone’s head and far safer than what many rough sleepers are currently enduring. Then, if and when the housing stock catches up, the sites can be decommissioned.

To achieve this, it will need the involvement of all three levels of government at ministerial level working together in a proactive way. Passing the buck or using the blame game will not solve the problem. Our ever-increasing numbers of homeless need help now.

Cr Laurence Bonaventura

Mackay Regional Council

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If I tell you something very special, do you promise not to tell anyone else? Promise? No? Well, OK, let me tell you anyway.

This weekend is one of the biggest concerts ever seen in Mackay.

Sure, we’ve seen some big names here over the years! Elton John for one. Even having KISS play here years ago was an amazing experience too. I even remember watching Dire Straits back in ’86 and what a show that was! The list of artists that have played here is just incredible.

This weekend we are adding to that list, with the latest QCCS NQ’s Rockin’ Country music festival at the Mackay Showgrounds! Can I get you excited with a few of the acts first? Morgan Evan and Gord Bamford are two artists that are starting their national tours here in good old Mackay! It’s just insane.

Troy Cassar-Daley, Shannon Noll, Adam Brand, Jayne Denham, Chad Morgan, Pete Denahy and so many more will all be playing on that massive stage tomorrow and Sunday. The sound will be incredible, the food will be great, and the MC (me) will be, well I’ll give it my best shot as always.

This will be the third year in a row that the festival will be on and it’s drawing people from all over NQ for this weekend of music and fun. You can get your tickets now, but you know what else it’s doing? Raising money for Variety, the Children’s Charity and Ronald McDonald House. These organisations do so much for our kids, and this is our way to give back to the community, plus have some fun at the same time.

If you’re driving around town today, drive past the showgrounds and see how big that stage is up at the showgrounds. From Milton St, or even looking from Gordon Street it’s just massive! I can’t wait.

Oh, and a little secret that I sort of mentioned before. This afternoon from 4pm, the gates will be open to the showgrounds for a free concert for anyone to come along to before the main shows start tomorrow. It’s a free fightback concert on the main stage, with four artists that you will love. Come and have a look, grab some dinner, and sit back and relax.

I’ll see you there! I’ll be the bloke in the big hat and blue shirt! You can’t miss me!

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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By Bronte Hodge

The Whitsunday community has been rocked by a spike in road accidents over the past six weeks, with five fatalities across the Mackay and Whitsunday region, four of which occurred in the Whitsundays.

This comes off the back of a wider eight-month period of fatal accidents that have claimed 10 lives in the region to date, almost half locally within the last two months.

Across Queensland to date this year, 170 lives have sadly been lost on Queensland roads, with 10 deaths alone occurring in the Mackay and Whitsunday area, five of which occurred in the past six weeks.

The most recent traffic accident took place last Friday evening, just south of Glen Isla Road, where a 74-year-old Proserpine man’s ute collided with a truck travelling in the opposite direction.

Less than a month earlier, Oscar Jensen, a 24-year-old Gregory River man, tragically died when his ute left the road on Dingo Beach Road.

Then, on July 11, 47-year-old Proserpine man, Gavin Hussey, tragically passed away when his vehicle collided with a truck travelling in the opposite direction on Shute Harbour Road.

On the same day, Bentley Parsgaard, a 50-year-old Townsville man, was the passenger in a vehicle that collided with a coal train west of Bowen, and he died at the scene.

Prior to this, the community mourned the news that a 29-year-old Mackay woman died after the vehicle she was travelling in rolled on the Bruce Highway at Saint Lawrence.

Detective Inspector Emma Novosel spoke to the community on July 20, saying:

“The loss of one life on our roads is tragic, but the fact that we’ve lost four in the space of ten days is a great concern.”

“We’re just urging drivers to make good choices,” she said.

While investigations are still ongoing as to the cause of the accidents, Senior Constable Bradley Cunningham of the Bowen Highway Patrol said most accidents boil down to the Fatal Five: speeding, drink driving, seatbelts, distraction, and fatigue.

“People are not paying attention when driving, we hear it all the time when we pull someone over,” he said.

“Next week is Road Safety Week, with Operation Saturation taking place across the region.

“No matter if you see us or not, our patrol officers will be across the district, ensuring safe driving.”

Senior Constable of the Mackay Crime Prevention Unit, Stephen Smith said by their nature, crashes happen unexpectedly and very quickly. Lives can be changed forever and permanently. Every single trip, drivers must be alert.

“Every single traffic crash where a life is lost has an enormous impact on the families, community, workplaces and responding emergency services,” he explained.

“Drive with patience, if you are planning to drink, plan not to drive, avoid driving tired in all circumstances and finally, drive to the conditions.”

Sam Kissier, the life partner of Gavin Hussey, who tragically lost his life on July 11 said she was devastated to hear that even more people had died on local roads.

“I’d never want to see any other family go through this, it’s so tragic to see it happen again,” she said.

“I know how they are feeling because it happened to me and my family.

“When I read about the other deaths it took me right back and I relived the whole experience again, it was so sad.”

Ms Kissier said that Gavin had fallen asleep at the wheel and warns other road users about the dangers of fatigue.

“He suffered from undiagnosed sleep apnoea,” she said.

“And I told him to go to the doctor about it, but he didn’t.”

“We all need to drive safely, look out for each other and look for signs, take a break if you feel tired.”

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Faces of the tragic road toll: Victims who died on local roads over the last 12 months. Photos: Facebook

Family of Oscar Jensen, who tragically lost his life in July, held a touching memorial on the family property, celebrating a beautiful life lost. Photo: Facebook

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Hi Everyone,

On the front page this week you will see faces of people that have tragically lost their lives on our region’s roads in the last 12 months.

Every person you see was very special, they had loved ones whose lives will never be the same again and futures that will now remain untold.

We chose to put their faces up on the front page of the paper this week as a reminder to everyone in the community to be careful each time we get into our vehicles.

Driving is often a bit like walking – we jump in the car and run on auto-pilot – accelerating, braking, and turning is all done without us really realising what we are doing.

Meanwhile we are planning our days in our head, daydreaming about future holidays and assuming we will inevitably arrive at our destination.

I can put my hand up and say that I am a car-driving daydreamer; I will pass friends waving at me enthusiastically and not even notice they’re there, I will travel for long periods without remembering anything about how I got there.

The tragic events on the roads recently have reminded me not only about how fragile life is and how quickly it could all be taken away, but also that it is vitally important to pay attention when driving.

One mistake, one lapse in concentration, one chance over-take gone wrong, and any one of us could be the reason our own loved ones are crying that night.

Let’s pay attention to our own driving but also look out for others, check they are ok to drive and never take unnecessary risks with our own driving.

My own uncle died in a head-on collision with a truck when he was on his way to play golf one morning, he was only 27 years old.

The truck driver had fallen asleep at the wheel and this one lapse meant that my uncle’s two young children grew up without their father.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “The most precious jewels are not made of stone, but of flesh” (Robert Ludlum)

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Every parent’s nightmare is a sick kid vomiting in the car, not only is the child unwell, but the car’s interior is at risk of smelling like vomit for several years afterwards.

Mum of three, Crissy Bottrell, almost experienced this first-hand last week when she rushed to Cannonvale State School last week to pick up her youngest daughter who was sick and vomiting.

Once in the car, it became very clear that her daughter was still in the throes of sickness, so Crissy instantly pulled over and let her daughter out of the vehicle so she could vomit outside.

Sitting on the curb, the young girl was clearly struggling while her mother comforted her the best she could, wishing she’d had more warning and could have been better prepared.

It was at that moment that she looked up and saw a man walking towards them proffering a pile of helpful items that would make her daughter a lot more comfortable.

“He came over to us with spare vomit bags, a cold bottle of water and cloths to wash her face,” said Crissy.

“It was incredible to think that he had all these items to hand so quickly – what a hero!

“The spare vomit bag he gave us came in particularly useful as she needed it a few minutes into the drive after we left!

“We are very grateful for his kindness, and it shows how people in our community are selfless without a second’s thought.”

If you see someone struggling do you pull over to help them out?

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Stakeholders from across the region gathered at the Greater Whitsunday Communities’ Housing Summit held in Mackay on Tuesday.

The event was held to address housing issues and develop solutions to issues that were identified at the Greater Whitsunday Housing Roundtable which was held in December last year.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall attended the event and said the Housing Summit was a much-needed collaboration to find solutions to address gaps in our current housing system.

“Collaboration is key to unlocking new housing stock, and this Summit provides opportunities for public-private partnerships to form which will be essential to apply for State and Federal funding in the affordable housing space,” Mayor Hall said.

“While council itself is not an accommodation provider, we understand we have a role to play in supporting new housing supply from a facilitation perspective, applying our planning scheme appropriately, incentivising where appropriate, and potentially allocating land for social and affordable housing development,” she said.

“The problem is complex and multi-faceted with no quick fixes, but the Summit is a starting point, and we will build an action plan with many sub-projects coming out of the Summit, where some actions have a short-term focus, and others position us strategically for the long-term.”

Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm MP also attended the event and said she was thrilled to see such united forces come together to support such an important issue in the region.

“I congratulate Greater Whitsunday Communities for hosting the Housing Summit today, which I was pleased attend,” she said.

“To see the breadth and diversity of stakeholders who made valuable contributions to the discussions today, highlights the real impact the housing crisis is having across community, industry and development sectors in the region.”

Ms Camm said that key topics discussed included workforce housing, supply issues and the concern around investor confidence.

“Until this housing issue is addressed, the challenge for all industries will be the challenge of attracting workforce to our region. It is going to take a collaborative, region specific approach to finding a solution,” said Ms Camm.

“The Government must let regional stakeholders drive the response and not just dictate a one size fits all response from Brisbane.”

She calls on the state government to use the $2 billion housing investment fund to help regional communities find solutions to the current housing shortage.

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Gary Warrener – Economic Development Manager, Neil McGaffin – Director Development Services, Cr Michelle Wright, Mayor Julie Hall, CEO Warren Bunker, Cr Jan Clifford, Cr Clay Bauman, Artiqua Harrison – Strategic Planner.

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Domestic Violence

On August 8, a 37-year-old Mackay woman was arrested and charged with two counts of breaching a protection order and one count of common assault in relation to actions she took against a person’s neighbour. She will appear in court.

On August 11 at about 11pm, a 43-year-old Brisbane man was arrested for breaching a protection order and public nuisance offences within a safe night precinct due to his behaviour towards another person.

Grievous Bodily Harm

A 21-year-old Cannonvale man has been arrested for an alleged assault on August 14.

The alleged attack occurred at 3.10am on August 14, when the 21-year-old approached a 23-year-old Bungalow man.

The Bungalow man sustained life threatening injuries and was airlifted to Townsville, where he remains in a serious condition.

The 21-year-old has been charged with grievous bodily harm and appeared in Bowen Magistrates Court earlier this week.

Search Warrant

On August 12, police executed a search warrant on a Cannonvale address.

Police allege they located a large quantity of dangerous drugs including cocaine, amphetamines, ketamine, MDMA, GHB, as well as cannabis and cannabis plants. Police also located a replica handgun.

The 34-year-old male resident was arrested for drug offences and will appear in court.

Car Theft

On the evening of August 12, a white 2004 model Toyota Landcruiser was stolen from a large rural property on the Bruce Highway in Guthalungra.

The registration number for the vehicle is 455 CY6.

Trespass

A 22-year-old Cannonvale man was arrested and charged after entering a unit on Maeva Street property in Jubilee Pocket.

It is alleged the male entered the unit complex at about 3.25am and attempted to open to a door, then entered the unit’s gated courtyard and sat at the outdoor table. He will appear before the Proserpine Magistrates Court.

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With Hamburgers For Homelessness

With National Homelessness Week underway, the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre completed their annual Hamburgers for Homelessness last Thursday.

The annual event sees community members buy a hamburger, with all funds raised going towards supporting homeless people in Bowen.

According to the 2021 Census, nearly one on 200 people in Australia were homeless on Census night, with more than 122,494 people estimated to be homeless.  

Bowen Neighbourhood Centre aims to tackle these statistics locally by hosting this annual event.

On the day, rail freight company Aurizon, kicked off the pre-orders, with a $200 donation for their staff who were hand-delivered these tasty treats.

A total of 302 hamburgers were cooked by the dedicated volunteers on the day.

“That was triple what we’ve ever done before,” explained Stephanie Cora, the Executive Officer of the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre.

“We also had resources and brochures available which included statistic on state homelessness.

“It’s not just low-income earners any more, we’re seeing professionals and middle-income earners too.”

Whitsunday Mayor Julie Hall and Councillor Michelle Wright attended the event and were put to work cutting onions and flipping burgers.  

The event was championed by Lauren Moxham, of Community Connect, who works closely alongside other organisations to tirelessly source permanent and temporary housing for Bowen locals

The Bowen Neighbourhood Centre combats homelessness in a myriad of avenues, by providing services such as hot meals, hot shower, toiletries, emergency and food relief, laundry facilities, and assisting with travel to relocate.

The funds raised from Hamburgers for Homelessness will go towards material aid for people affected by homelessness, and include the purchase of tents, swags, radios, phones, and powerbanks.

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Janelle Casey 18.08.50 – 01.08.23

The Whitsundays have lost one of its most charming and compassionate community members earlier this month when Janelle Casey passed away peacefully surrounded by close friends and her much-loved husband, Phil.

Most well-known as the owner of Flower Hut, Janelle spent 20 years bringing people joy through her exceptional eye for flower design and styling.

During this time, she nurtured a close-knit team of dedicated staff who became like family to her.

Originally from Plimmerton, on the North Island of New Zealand, Janelle trained in traditional floristry at the age of 16.

She first met her husband Phil when they were just 10 years old, but fate led them in separate directions for many years.

“We didn’t meet again until 1989 when she came to my resort to have lunch with her nephew,” reminisces Phil.

“We started talking that day, but it took us about two years to get together.”

Phil said it wasn’t until 1996 that Janelle “finally decided I was worth keeping!” and they were married.

Together, the couple embarked on many adventures, most notably sailing their 44-foot yacht in a regatta with 32 other vessels from New Zealand to Tonga in 1994.

The expedition became infamous when a fluke storm hit the group of yachts, sinking eight.

Fortunately, Janelle and Phil lived to tell the tale and went on to spend time in Fiji and Vanuatu, before sailing to Brisbane and then Hamilton Island where they spent three years running an ice-cream parlour and then a seafood restaurant.

In 2001 they decided to venture over to the mainland where Janelle re-discovered a passion for floristry, infusing a dedication to perfection with creative flair to make incredible floral displays that are her legacy.

During this time, she met Sophie Hodgetts who became like a daughter to her.

“I was very lost at the time and Janelle always knew what you needed” said Sophie who became an apprentice at Flower Hut and worked for Janelle for nine years.

“She had a very big heart, but you had to earn her trust, respect and friendship.

“She was like my Miranda Presley from Devil Wears Prada – always telling us to stand up straight, present ourselves properly as we were a reflection of her.”

Phil also recalls Janelle’s dedication to presentation – “she was always a lady and liked to do everything properly,” he said.

Janelle is survived by “wonderful friends that looked after her to the end”, her much-loved husband, her two step-sons, two nephews and nieces and her sister.

Friends will be informed of a date for the memorial service next month.

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Whitsunday Regional Council will see an internal restructure in the coming months, with more streamlined strategic planning for the region its goal.

This organisational restructure will see a separation between operations and strategy, to better focus and strengthen the delivery of services and future planning.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Warren Bunker, said the new structure is designed to allow each Directorate to streamline their focus.

“Making it easier to provide effective and efficient services as well as having dedicated resources for longer term strategic projects that will provide for our communities into the future,” Mr Bunker said.

One new department will encompass Council’s businesses, including Whitsunday Coast Airport, Shute Harbour Marine Terminal and Foxdale Quarry, as well as holiday parks, smaller airports, and aerodromes.

This unit is titled Commercial Businesses.

The second new department will oversee Council’s capital works plan, major projects, masterplans and networking planning, and is titled Capital Program and Network Planning.

This is not to be confused with Infrastructure Services Directorate, which will continue to maintain gardens, parks, drainage, transport and waster and water services.  

Mr Bunker said while there will be two Directors to head the newly created business units, they remain within the approved staff budget adopted on 30 June 2023.

Council will also change names of three units.

Development Services Directorate will become Regional Strategy and Planning; Community Services Directorate will become Community Services and Facilitation, and Manager of Human Resources will become Manager of People and Culture.

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Whitsunday Regional Council CEO Warren Bunker outlines new structure of Whitsunday Council. Photo supplied