Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
If you had to design the ultimate ocean giant, you might come up with something like the whale shark — a fish as long as a bus, covered in dazzling white spots, and gentle enough to swim alongside humans. The magnificent Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) is not only the largest fish in the sea, but also one of the most fascinating creatures on Earth. Despite their enormous size, whale sharks are surprisingly harmless. Adults can grow to around 12 metres long, although some individuals may reach 18 metres or more. That makes them heavier than an elephant and longer than many boats. Yet these giants are gentle filter feeders that eat some of the smallest organisms in the ocean. Instead of hunting large prey like many sharks, whale sharks glide slowly through the water with their huge mouths open, filtering tiny creatures from the sea. Their diet includes plankton, small fish, fish eggs, and shrimp-like animals called krill. As water passes through their gills, specialised filters trap the food while the water flows back out. It’s a feeding style more commonly associated with baleen whales, which explains how the whale shark earned its name. Another cool feature of whale sharks is their extraordinary appearance. Their dark blue-grey skin is covered with pale spots and stripes arranged in a pattern that is completely unique to each individual — much like a human fingerprint. Scientists actually use photographs of these patterns to identify individual sharks and track their movements around the world. Whale sharks are true ocean travellers, migrating thousands of kilometres through tropical and warm-temperate seas. They can be found in oceans all around the globe. Australia hosts one of the best-known seasonal gatherings of whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, where dozens of these giants arrive each year to feed on plankton blooms. Whale sharks are increasingly spotted on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), with a newly identified, consistent seasonal aggregation site for juveniles in Wreck Bay (northern GBR). Peak sightings occur from late November to late December, coinciding with coral spawning. Whale sharks are rare but occasional visitors to the Whitsundays. While not common, these gentle giants have been spotted near locations like Blue Pearl Bay. Despite their size, whale sharks remain surprisingly mysterious. Scientists still know relatively little about their breeding behaviour. Pregnant females are rarely seen, and no one has ever observed whale sharks mating in the wild. One female examined by scientists contained more than 300 embryos, suggesting they produce many young at once — a useful strategy for survival in the vast ocean. Another impressive ability is their diving behaviour. Whale sharks spend time feeding near the surface, but they are also capable of deep dives to more than 1,000 metres. These dives may help them search for food or navigate long migrations through the open ocean. Unfortunately, even giants are vulnerable. Whale sharks face threats from ship strikes, accidental capture in fishing gear, and plastic pollution. In some parts of the world, they have also been hunted for their meat and fins. As a result, the species is now listed as endangered. Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Conservation Group Captions Whale Shark Photo supplied
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An international research team, including scientists from James Cook University (JCU) and the Queensland Museum, has turned to centuries-old records to modernise the way hard coral species are identified, reshaping coral science and conservation. New JCU-led research published in Memoirs of the Queensland Museum details the development of a global database of hard coral information that reduces reliance on historical gatekeepers. The framework blends modern DNA sequencing with historical observations to create a more rigorous and accessible approach to coral identification. “People the world over who work on coral reefs know that hard coral identification has been a problem,” said JCU Professor Andrew Baird, co-author and supervisor of the research. “Our database provides the basis for a new identification framework, at a time when accurate species-level knowledge has never been more critical. It encourages the use of multiple lines of evidence for coral identification, and we hope the database will make what’s previously been a specialist-led taxonomy, more accessible.” While molecular techniques have transformed coral science, linking modern genetic data with historical species descriptions has long been difficult. The team’s key innovation is the use of ‘topotypes’ — living coral specimens collected from the same locations where species were first described — allowing scientists to sequence genetically comparable material. “Most historical species names are based on museum specimens which are bleached skeletons, lacking tissue. We need topotypes so they can be sequenced using modern genetic techniques,” said JCU PhD candidate and first author, Augustine Crosbie. “The significance of this work is that it tells us where to look for topotypes. We’ve found the locations for thousands of corals, right across the world’s oceans.” The database collates 2338 nominal coral species described between 1758 and 2025. Professor Baird said improved identification is critical as reefs face growing pressure from warming oceans. “Inaccurate identification can lead to silent extinctions, misleading experimental results, incorrect species distributions and flawed conservation decisions,” he said. CAPTION: Professor Andrew Baird, and Julia Hung of JCU processing coral samples after a successful morning of collection diving at Orpheus Island Research Station. Photo credit: Augustine Crosbie
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The Queensland Government has confirmed the Bowen Developmental Road will be among key regional routes upgraded under the new Country Roads Connect Program, aimed at improving connectivity and reliability across rural Queensland. The road, located within the Whitsunday Regional Council area, is one of 22 projects identified for upgrades as part of the program, which focuses on sealing unsealed roads and strengthening transport links for regional communities, freight operators and local industries. The Country Roads Connect Program aims to improve road resilience and accessibility, particularly during wet weather events when unsealed roads can become difficult or unsafe to travel. Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last said investing in regional road infrastructure was essential for the long-term strength of Queensland’s regional industries. “Regional Queensland delivers so much for the state’s economy from mining to manufacturing and agriculture, and these country roads are the arteries that keep our vital industries connected and support thousands of jobs,” Minister Last said. “Country Roads Connect is about improving the resilience and connectivity of the regional roads that were left to deteriorate for a decade under the former Labor Government.” Across Queensland, the program will focus on sealing and upgrading roads that play an important role in supporting freight transport, agriculture and regional travel. Once completed, improvements to roads such as the Bowen Developmental Road are expected to enhance safety, strengthen regional supply chains and support economic activity throughout communities within the Whitsunday region. CAPTION: Government has actioned plans to deliver reliable roads for regional Queenslanders, by breaking ground on the first Country Roads Connect Project. Photo supplied
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The closure of Lions Camp Kanga near Lake Proserpine marks the end of an era for North Queensland communities. Operated by the combined Lions Clubs of North Queensland under a long-term State Government lease, the camp officially opened in October 1992. The site was originally part of the construction camp used during the building of the Peter Faust Dam. Over the past three decades, Lions transformed it into a place where generations of school children and community groups could learn, connect and enjoy the natural environment at an affordable cost. Sadly, the camp has faced significant challenges in recent years. Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie caused major damage in 2017, requiring extensive rebuilding after lengthy insurance negotiations. Not long after the rebuild was completed, the COVID-19 pandemic halted bookings and disrupted operations. While the camp has always focused on providing affordable experiences, it has struggled to regain its former booking levels since the pandemic. Schools, traditionally the camp’s main clients, are increasingly choosing newer facilities with more modern infrastructure and activities. Despite efforts to refresh programs and attract bookings for 2026, the camp secured less than half the income required to remain financially viable. At the same time, ageing buildings, some now around 40 years old, would require significant investment to maintain. For Lions, the decision to close the camp is a difficult but necessary one. The organisation remains proud of the role Camp Kanga has played in supporting education, community connection and local tourism for more than 30 years. Negotiations with the State Government are now underway to determine possible future uses for the site.
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Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine is excited to announce the appointment of Amanda Anderson as its new Branch Manager.
“We are delighted to have Cannonvale local and active community member Amanda Anderson join the Branch team. She is a welcome inclusion for our Branch team, customers, and shareholders. We look forward to her contribution in 2024 and beyond” said Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Chairman Mark Henry.
Amanda brings to the role over ten years branch management and banking specialist experience, and time spent in business development, property management, and small business ownership.
“I am really excited to be in a leadership role and lead a customer focused team,” said Amanda. “The opportunity to service the local community and help our customers with their home loan journey or assist them in building their investment portfolio is exciting.”
The Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine opened in June 2012 with the support of local shareholders who saw the value of the Community Bank model and raised $800,000 locally to establish a branch in the Whitsundays.
At Bendigo Bank, our customers and the community always win. Our success is based on our profit-with-a-purpose model which sees around 50 per cent of the profits generated by our independently owned and operated Cannonvale-Proserpine branch invested back into the community.
Over the past seven years Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine have invested just over $178,600 into local schools, social programs, sporting groups, arts and culture events, conservation initiatives, and community prizes.
“I chose to join the Community Bank as I would be proud to be part of an organisation that is so involved and invested in the local community with volunteering and sponsorship” she said.
“Our ability to invest in the local community is due to our branch team for delivering consistently high-quality customer service, our shareholders for backing the Whitsundays community, and all the passionate local directors past and present for their hard work and dedication”, said Mark.
Visit the Branch at Whitsunday Plaza Cannonvale or contact the team on phone 07 4948 3599 or email cannonvale&proserpinemailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au
Community Owned Response to Eliminating Suicide, better known as CORES Queensland, is gearing up for another free, community focussed workshop for local residents.
This two-hour workshop will focus primarily on self-care and mental wellbeing, providing skills and resources to develop an individualised self-care and mental wellbeing plan, which includes activities to enhance physical, emotional and mental health on a daily basis.
The workshop will also explore the concept of self-care and mental wellbeing, how to identify personal signs of stress and simple strategies that can be used to manage individual stress levels on an everyday basis.
For more information, contact CORES at adminqld@kentishrc.com.au or phone 0448 894 525.
WHAT: Self Care & Mental Wellbeing Workshop
WHERE: Proserpine Community Centre, 36 Gardenia Street
WHEN: Thursday, March 21, from 1pm to 3pm
Cost: Free
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/3OXYnlM
Photo credit: Bronte Hodge and Rachael Smith
Proserpine State School student, Sophie Dening, has decided to cut her hair for kids with cancer.
Getting the big snip last Friday, Sophie has sent off the fallen locks to be repurposed into a wig for a child with cancer.
“I have beautiful hair with such a unique colour,” Sophie explained on her fundraising blog.
“I wanted to share my beautiful hair with someone who needs to feel beautiful.
“Kids with cancer unfortunately lose their hair due to necessary medical treatments to make them better. If one little girl could have a wig made from my hair, I know it would make her smile (and me),” she explained.
“I started growing my hair and this journey a couple of years ago so I could have it long enough for me to still have a bob cut when I get the big chop.”
Having been sent off last week, Sophie’s hair will arrive at the Wigs 4 Kids wig partner, Ella Wigmakers, to be constructed into a wig for a child with cancer.
Kids with Cancer Foundation support children and young families of pre-teen children, between the ages of 0 to 12 years old, that are experiencing financial difficulties due to their child being treated for cancer, along with doctors, nurses, social workers, and cancer research.
1. Sophie Dening’s big chop
2. Sophie sending off her hair donation, for her hair to be constructed into a wig for a child experiencing cancer. Photos supplied
Another massive name is Australian literature will be gracing the Whitsundays Writers Festival stage, with Christos Tsiolkas recently announced to attend.
Prepared for the September festival, Melbourne based author, Christos Tsiolkas has penned nine novels, and is an accomplished playwright, essayist, and screenwriter.
His novels include ‘The Slap’, which won Overall Best Book in the Commonwealth Writers' Prize 2009, Australian Literary Society Gold, and 2009 Australian Booksellers Association and Australian Book Industry Awards Books of the Year.
With ‘Loaded’, ‘The Jesus Man’, and ‘Dead Europe’ winning the 2006 Age Fiction Prize and 2006 Melbourne Best Writing Award and ‘Barracuda’ and ‘Damascus’ winning the 2019 Victorian Premier's Literary Award for Fiction, and 7½ won the Melbourne Prize for Literature.
‘The Slap’ and ‘Barracuda’ were both adapted into celebrated television series.
Christos’ most recent novel is ‘The In-Between’, released in 2023.
“We planned for the best and we are attracting Australia’s leading authors,” said Festival President Karen Jacobsen.
“We are very excited to announce Christos’ attendance and we know he will bring many excellent insights for Festival attendees.
“My only advice for those who might experience Festival FOMO is to subscribe to receive Festival news from our website, so you don’t miss out!’ Karen said.
The Whitsundays Writers Festival is a premier literary event dedicated to fostering creativity, dialogue, and appreciation for the written word. Bringing together acclaimed authors, aspiring writers, and avid readers, the Festival celebrates the diverse tapestry of storytelling while showcasing the natural beauty of the Whitsundays region.
The Festival, spanning three days from Friday, September 6, to Sunday, September 8, 2024, will also feature the prestigious Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards. The Heart Awards provide well-deserved recognition and financial rewards to talented writers for best unpublished manuscript, short story, poetry, and book design.
WHAT: Whitsundays Writers Festival
WHEN: 6-8 September
www.whitsundayswriters.com
Christos Tsiolkas announced to join Whitsundays Writers Festival roster. Photo supplied
Join Black Dog Ride and PCYC Whitsundays this March for the iconic annual 1 Dayer event, which aims to start a national conversation about depression and suicide prevention.
The 1 Dayer event looks to have the riders of Black Dog Ride unite under one banner, with one voice on one single day to amplify a national message of hope, awareness and prevention.
Registration for the event includes 1 Dayer patch, a round 1 Dayer 2024 participation bike sticker and a Black Dog Ride bike sticker.
Black Dog Ride began in 2008, following founder Steve Andrews’ hearing of two mates’ wives suffering from depression and succumbing to the illness.
He had always dreamed of competing a ride around Australia, but lacked a purpose, that would fuel the ride.
The inaugural Black Dog Ride occurred in 2008, with Steve kicking off in Busselton. 26 days later, and over $34,000 raised, he had been successful.
Since then, Black Dog Ride sub-groups have spread across Australia, bonding over the love of bikes and camaraderie.
The annual Black Dog Ride allows all riders to come together, and as a national organisation, start the national conversation for suicide prevention and depression.
To register for the 1 Dayer event, visit https://bit.ly/4c3lVzJ
For more information, contact the local contacts for Black Dog Ride on Whitsundays@blackdogride.org.au
WHAT: Black Dog Ride’s 1 Dayer
WHERE: PCYC Whitsundays
WHEN: Sunday, March 17, from 7am
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/4c3lVzJ
This St Patrick’s Day, head to the Airlie Beach Hotel for one Sunday of the absolute best Irish jigs, with one of the best Irish tribute bands ever to escape Ireland!
Rattle and Hum is Australia’s premier U2 Tribute band, with the perfect recreation of the iconic band’s hits, with smooth beats and near-pristine tunes.
Formed in the midst of the mid 90s and crafting their sound and stage presence throughout the 2000s, Rattle and Hum’s unbelievably accurate renditions of U2 are sure to get Airlie Beach Hotel’s patrons excited this St Patricks Day.
But the unforgettable U2 tracks won’t be the only things on the set list, with Rattle and Hum ready to belt out classic Irish jigs and the perfect St Pats tracks, before they smooth out the afternoon with a special guest set-list of Coldplay, which always ends a Sunday afternoon off right.
Sure to be a sell-out show (with free entry!) reserve a table now with the team and be ready for all the action!
WHAT: St Patricks Day: Rattle and Hum
WHEN: Sunday March 17, from 2pm to 5.30pm
WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
TICKETS: Absolutely Free But It’s Recommended To Reserve A Table!
Don’t Miss The Saturday Set!
Rattle And Hum
Saturday March 16, from 2pm to 5pm
With passion dedication and commitment, Daniel Spurway has set his sights on supercar racing, the natural evolution of his karting career.
It all started in 2018, when Daniel found himself behind the wheel of a kart and for the first time discovered the thrill of driving on the competitive track, and he hasn’t looked back once.
“I wouldn’t call it a passion,” Daniel shared.
“It’s more like a life-long obsession with racing.”
Closing out the chapter of kart racing in 2023, with 12 wins and 37 podium finishes spanning his karting career, Daniel decided that car racing was the next step for him, and rather than waiting for the pros to approach him, he would go knocking on some doors.
“I’m happy with all that I accomplished in kart racing. I am proud of making it to the NQ Championship in 2022, and for competing in the QLD State Cup.”
Now turning his efforts to getting into the support category league of Aussie Racing Cars, Daniel is chasing the rush of powerful engines.
Aussie Racing Cars is just one stepping-stone in Daniel’s progression, with the goal of racing in the Supercar Championships the ultimate goal.
“To be able to be on the tracks that my heroes have raced on, that’s what I’m after.
“To be in the league with some of the best, that is my major dream.”
Daniel is open to local sponsorships, to propel him further in his racing career.
“To be able to race in the big leagues, that would mean the world to me. And to have long-term sponsors behind me means that I can achieve my dreams of racing alongside my heroes.
“Racing is something that came to me at an early age.
“Racing is something that me and my dad bonded over, and it was something that helped me through tough times.
“It allowed me to escape my life for a time, when all I had to focus on was taking the next turn, then the next then the next.
“Any assistance I will always appreciate.”
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Richard from Freem Racewear, who’s always been looking out for me with our racewear.”
Daniel’s Fastest Speeds:
“In my kart, I once hit 120 kilometres, and in the Scholarship Series Toyota 86, I got up to 220 to 230 kilometres, which was incredible.”
1. Daniel Spurway, at the 2024 Toyota 86 Scholarship Series
2. Daniel’s karting career ending with 12 wins and 37 podium finishes. Photos supplied
Local youth sports coaching organisation Next Stars Sports Academy isdelighted to announce the extension of their partnership withMomentum High Risk Training (Momentum HRT) for an additional 12months, marking a significant milestone in their collaboration.
Overthe past year Momentum HRT has served as the proud naming rightspartner of Next Stars' Momentum Speed Squad demonstrating theirdedication to fostering athletic excellence within the community.With this renewed commitment Momentum HRT's support will nowencompass the entirety of Next Stars' coaching programs expandingtheir impact and reach across the Whitsunday region.
Thecontinued partnership between Next Stars and Momentum HRT underscoresa shared vision of empowering youth through sports, emphasising bothphysical and emotional development.
Lukeand Jacqui Shields, the owners of Momentum HRT, said, "We arethrilled to extend our partnership with Next Stars! We have witnessedfirsthand the exceptional coaching and mentorship that has beenprovided to our own children and together we look forward tofurthering the positive impact we can make in the lives of youththroughout the Whitsunday region.”
TimOberg from Next Stars said, “I have loved collaborating with Lukeand Jacqui from Momentum HRT over the last year and am excited aboutthe impact we can achieve with this enhanced partnership. I’m afirm believer in the power of shared values and I know that MomentumHRT and Next Stars are perfectly aligned in that regard.”
Forfurther information regarding Next Stars Sports Academy seewww.nextstars.org.
The Cannonvale Cannons had a very successful weekend at the NQ Swimming Championships held in Mackay. The Cannons thoroughly enjoyed the relays on Friday night and were very excited with their medals. On Saturday morning, the Cannons started the day on a high, winning the annual March Past. The swimmers looked amazing in the caps and capes. To top off the championships, the Cannonvale Cannons accrued the highest number of points and were named the Champion Club.
Congratulations to Jax Clayworth, Don Algie and Jacob Bell for being awarded Age Champions.
Zane Clayworth, Zachary Trefz, Levi Smith, Addie Sanders, Charlie Doherty, Eric Mulliss, Koa Harland, Thomas Ganter Evie Doherty, and Harris Delac swam PBs in just about all their events. Charlie Doherty, Thomas Ganter, Remy Hedges, Holly Perrin, Jy Parkinson Anisa Helou, Ehsan Helou, Noah Maltby, Tora Delac, and Jack Ganter made finals for all his events and won a swag of medals. Dylan Reynolds was thrilled to make finals for four of her events.
Ruby Harland, Indi Smith, Alex Trefz, Eloise Chegwidden, and Isabella Pisaniello swam excellent Backstroke setting PBs or achieving medals. Celeste Orenshaw, Maeve Dicheria, and Andie Reynolds were outstanding in the Breaststroke and Butterfly events. Isaac Pisaniello's best events were his last three in which he swam PBs and earned medals. Declan Dichiera was very happy with his silver medals. Matilda Nicholes’ best swim was 100m Freestyle which she swam in under 1min 20sec.
Coaches Ken Crittenden, Mark Erickson and Rylee Erickson were very impressed with all the swimmers and their exceptional achievements. The coaches were very proud of all the swimmers and were thrilled with the Cannons being named the Champion Club. Congratulations to all the swimmers and a big thank you to all the wonderful parents for their support.
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.
1. Team Cannons at NQ Champs
2. Cannons at NQ Champs
3. Boys Relay team
4. Senior Mixed Relay Team. Photos supplied
As the wet continues, maintaining a consistent fitness routine can become a challenge with the unpredictable weather. However, there are plenty of ways to stay active and keep fit, even when the rain is pouring down.
1. Embrace indoor workouts: Take advantage of indoor facilities such as gyms, fitness studios, or even your own living room. From cardio exercises like jumping jacks and burpees to strength training with dumbbells or resistance bands, there are countless workouts you can do indoors to keep your fitness levels up.
2. Try swimming: If you don't mind getting wet, swimming is an excellent way to stay fit during the wet season. Swimming provides a full-body workout and is gentle on the joints, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
3. Dance it out: Put on your favourite music and dance around your living room. Dancing is not only a fun way to stay active but also an effective cardio workout. You can follow along with dance workout videos online or simply freestyle and let loose.
4. Take up a new indoor sport: Consider trying indoor sports such as indoor boxing, basketball, or badminton. These activities provide a great workout while keeping you protected from the rain.
5. Invest in home workout equipment: If you have the space and budget, consider investing in home workout equipment such as a treadmill, stationary bike, or rowing machine. Having these tools at home makes it easier to stay active regardless of the weather outside.
Collinsville is excited to welcome a new nurse graduate into their community this year.
Shakarna grew up in Clermont, near Mackay, and during high school, she was unsure what she wanted to do as a career.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do in high school, but I started a double degree in nursing and midwifery in Townsville,” Shakarna said.
“But that was difficult financially, so I dropped back to nursing only, got work as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) and completed by degree part-time.”
Shakarna completed her studies over six years, working during her studies.
During this time, Shakarna also benefited from three years of practical experience working as an Assistant in Nursing at the Clermont Multi-Purpose Health Service.
Having relocated to Collinsville earlier this year, Shakarna is enjoying the tight-knit community.
“There have been lots of learning opportunities and the community has been very welcoming,” she explained.
Shakarna will join a host of confident, compassionate, and knowledgeable nursing and health staff in Collinsville.
Shakarna is joining the health team of Collinsville. Photo supplied
Some tips on Navigating safely – and remember that as the skipper, you are responsible!
• Visibility: Operate slowly in rain, fog, mist, smoke and glare. Take special care when travelling at night as potential hazards are harder to see. Ensure you operate at a safe speed.
• Other boats: Slow down in busy areas and when near moored or anchored boats, and remember — working boats and larger vessels may have difficulty manoeuvring.
• Navigation hazards: Slow down in shallow areas and when boating in unfamiliar water. Water depth can vary and change quickly in and around reef areas, and also in freshwater.
• Wind, waves and currents: These may affect the boat’s stopping and turning ability. The type of motor, hull and design will all impact on the boat’s manoeuvrability.
• Check your navigation lights are working and fitted correctly. We did have to assist one boat with the nav lights on the wrong sides! Did not know if he was coming or going!
Collision rules: The ‘International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea’ (COLREGs) are the traffic laws of the sea. They give clear indication about passing, approaching, giving way and overtaking to avoid collisions with other boats. All boat skippers must thoroughly understand and apply the rules in all situations.
Channels: When navigating in narrow channels, all boats should travel on the starboard (right-hand) side of the channel and pass oncoming boats on the port (left) side. If plenty of distance separates two passing boats, there’s no need to deliberately alter course to pass to the right of the other boat. The rule is simply there to remove doubt in the event of a close situation. Small boats (including sailing boats) should keep clear of large boats that have limited room to manoeuvre in channels.
Giving way: All boats, whether power or sail, must always take action to avoid a collision. Power boats ‘Look all around, give way to the right, turn to the right and stay to the right’.
Head on: When meeting head on, both boats are required to alter course to starboard (right), never to port (left). Any turn should be large enough to be obvious to the other boat.
Overtaking: If you are overtaking a boat, you can do so to either side of the boat you wish to pass.
However, you must keep well clear of the boat you are overtaking. This applies to both sail and powerboats. In narrow channels you must be particularly careful when overtaking. In all instances, make sure you do not cut in front of the boat you have overtaken.
VMRW membership is cheap insurance at just $90. You can join online at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/ .
1. If Head on, alter course to starboard 1
2. Boat Collision
3. Power gives way to sail - usually! Photo supplied
March is on us which means Autumn has arrived and wet season is well underway, and because our hardcover is still a while away, and we still cannot control the weather, Tuesday and Wednesday Jackpot afternoon bowls and Business House Bowls were all cancelled.
So we had some respite for Friday and practice was available for all members.
Saturday morning Scroungers was run by Eric Barnard on his return from South Africa and first round winners were Margo Stanley, Harry Quod, and John Trembath with Harry Quod a standout winner, whilst the B Division was fought out by Eric Barnard and Tony Whitehorn with Eric proving too strong on the day.
Sunday afternoon Social bowls saw a strong field amass and we welcomed Paul Tobias back from his canoe holiday and great games were played but the outstanding team of Mark Mawson at lead and Tony Kelly as skip soundly beat all comers and it was John Anderson who ended up with the prestigious Health Hub award.
Saturday morning saw the Men’s singles rounds being played between John Brown against Ted Cullen marked by Tim Taylor and John came back in the latter stages of the game for a great victory as the photo shows.
John Brown with match referee Tim Taylor. Photo supplied
Arthur Gutteridge, an eighty-seven-year-old resident of Mackay, has raised a significant concern regarding the accessibility challenges faced by elderly locals due to the construction of a new bus-stop area in front of Caneland Central on Mangrove Road.
Despite assurances of enhanced safety and accessibility, Arthur highlights the impractical and worrying reality that many older individuals endure with the new designated bus stop.
Expressing his concerns through letters to various authorities, Arthur feels ignored and unsupported, emphasising the vital importance of flat ground for individuals with mobility issues. He argues that the back entrance of Caneland Central, where the bus stop used to be, provides safer access for pensioners, parents with prams, and those with mobility impairments.
Cover caption: Arthur Gutteridge, 87, voices concerns over accessibility challenges at the new bus stop outside Caneland Central, highlighting the importance of safety and flat ground for elderly residents and individuals with mobility issues. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
By Hannah McNamara
Eighty-seven-year-old Arthur Gutteridge has spoken out about a crucial problem that Mackay local ‘oldies’ are currently facing in regards to transportation changes at Caneland Central Shopping Centre.
A newly constructed bus-stop area is now in use, located at the front of Caneland Central on Mangrove Road where it is said to be safer and easier for everyone to access.
Arthur has highlighted the potential risks of the new bus stop, underlining the impractical, brutal reality of what ‘oldies’ are forced to endure following the construction of the new designated bus stop.
In an attempt to keep the old designated bus area, Arthur has written a letter to multiple people in authority to express his concerns, where he said he was completely ignored by several individuals, leaving him feeling unheard and unsupported despite having good reasoning behind his appeal.
“One time we were a person, then we were a number and now we’re a nobody,” Arthur explains.
“It’s the old Aussie way of saying she’ll be right, but it’s not alright.”
“They expect me to walk all that way and up the ramp with my wheelie walker, my feet and back are no good, like a lot of other oldies.
“We have no way of getting into the front of Canelands.”
He emphasises the vital importance of a flat ground as many locals cannot withstand the pain of walking up an inclined slope, such as ramps or a staircase. This problem not only affects him, but many other older residents as he voices his concern, stating a valid point that the back entrance of Caneland Central provides safer access for all individuals, including pensioners, parents with prams as well as those with mobility and balance issues.
Arthur says, “With access points such as banks, internet services, insurance and other necessities close by what more could us oldies wish for.”
The new bus stop area in comparison requires individuals to walk a further distance, from the front of Mangrove Road to the main Woolworths entrance, where locals are then forced to walk up a flight of stairs or a ramp to gain access to the centre. For the average Jo, walking up a ramp seems easy enough, but for Arthur and many other locals, it is painful and can take hours, or even days to recover from the agony and discomfort stemming from sore feet, knees or a bad back.
“This means a spell in the afternoon, or two to three days to get over the trip if we have to use the front entrance,” Arthur says.
To combat this issue, Arthur suggests turning the new designated bus area into a taxi rank, keeping bus drivers, passengers and pedestrians safe.
Whilst government officials claim to provide a safer and accessible bus stop for all bus users, bus drivers and oncoming traffic, Arthur replies: “What a joke, those buses have to get out into two lanes,” highlighting the potential risk of increased accidents as buses pull out onto Mangrove Road, into high traffic conditions.
Additionally, Arthur vocalises his concerns of parents getting off the bus with children who could possibly wander off onto the busy street, stating that the back entrance of the shopping centre is less congested and far safer for all Mackay residents.
Caption: Artist impression of the new bus stop on Mangrove Road
Arthur Gutteridge says the new bus stop makes accessing Caneland Central Shopping Centre more difficult for people with mobility issues
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