Marking my first Anzac Day as Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor was a memorable one starting with a poignant Dawn service in Bowen, where I had the honour of laying a wreath with other dignitaries and members of the community.
 
The spirit of community and remembrance carried on to Airlie Beach, where I saluted the march down Main Street and together with Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Councillors Jan Clifford and Clay Bauman, we laid a wreath at Remembrance Rock.
 
The day continued with the Proserpine march where I spoke at the cenotaph service about the sacrifices of our service people, including two local heroes, Private William Joseph Fry and Warrant officer Charles Faust from Proserpine, who lost their lives in their duty.
 
It was inspiring to witness such a great turnout from our community, service people, and especially our youth, who we entrust to carry forward the ANZAC legacy. It was a day of reflection, pride, and community spirit. 
 
At the April Ordinary Meeting in Proserpine last week, Councillors approved a donation to the Bowen Probus Club for bus hire to transport their members to the five morning melodies sessions at the PEC in 2024.
 
“The Proserpine Entertainment Centre is Our Whitsunday’s regional facility to showcase the performing arts and world-class entertainment for residents and visitors so it is important that Council endeavours to ensure our community can access the facility.
 
“The Bowen Probus Club is a not-for-profit community group that has an average membership age of 84 so it is vitally important that we connect with our elderly residents to improve their liveability,” Mayor Ry said.
 
“Many of our elderly face mobility challenges so this donation ensures the Bowen Probus Members can utilise a wheelchair friendly bus so they can enjoy the popular Morning Melodies shows at the PEC.”
 
Deputy Mayor and Division 4 Councillor Michelle Wright was all smiles after all Councillors voted to approve $20,000 in-kind sponsorship for the 2024 Don River Dash on September 6-8.
 
“The Don River Dash is a unique event which boasts motorbikes and buggies racing in the rugged terrain of the dry riverbed of the Don River providing a weekend of high-speed action.
 
“Council have been proud to support the event since it started in 2019 as it grows to become one of the premier offroad racing events in the country attracting world class drivers and riders.
 
“The Bowen Offroaders club should be congratulated for organising the event and they were rewarded for their efforts when the 2022 Don River Dash won the 2022 Motorcycling Queensland Event of the Year,” Cr Wright said.

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Whitsunday Regional Council is currently expanding the Kelsey Creek landfill with a new cell that will increase our capacity by up to five years.

While we work on this important project, some temporary changes to our waste services are necessary and as a result heavier commercial and industrial waste will be redirected to the Bowen landfill.

We will continue to accept all recyclable materials at the Kelsey Creek facility. By embracing practices of reduce, reuse, and recycle, we can all help extend the life of our landfill, keeping our community clean and sustainable for the future.

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New signs have been installed on the Bruce Highway, north and south of the Big Mango, announcing that the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango is now a Driver Reviver location.

The friendly staff and volunteers at the Visitor Information Centre are thrilled to be able to offer travellers a free tea or coffee and welcome the official title of a Driver Reviver location.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the team at the information centre had provided free tea and coffee in the past, but it was good to be officially recognised as a Driver Reviver location.

“Providing this free service is all about safety on our roads,” she said.

“We encourage people to take a break, especially when travelling long distances.”

Before the Visitor Information Centre became a Driver Reviver location, an alternative was previously located at the Mount Gordon Rest Area, across the road from the Big Mango.

The Bowen Visitor Information Centre welcomes more than 45,000 visitors per year, so changing the location to the more frequently visited attraction is more suitable.

Driver Reviver is a national program that has been operating since 1989.

The program is run by volunteers that give up their time to promote road safety and help reduce the road toll.

The aim of Driver Reviver is to provide opportunities for local communities to contribute to addressing fatigue related road trauma.

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New signs have been erected on the Bruce Highway, north and south of the Big Mango.
Bowen Tourism and Business volunteer Steve Fisher enjoys welcoming visitors to Bowen and providing free tea and coffee to travellers.

Photos supplied

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This was the question posed at an invigorating event held by the inspirational people and culture specialists at Shiift last week.

Part of their Thriive series, which invites women of all ages and professions to gather to share information, support and stories, the event was another insightful exploration into our lives.

Interestingly, statistics show that it is people who serve others who are leading the most meaningful lives, the act of selfless service proving most rewarding.

On the night, the group of women were asked what local jobs/roles might be the most meaningful and a lively debate ensued.

It was widely acknowledged that tourism and hospitality roles are meaningful, as well as the agriculture industry with farmers experiencing the humble yet fulfilling role of providing people with fresh food.

In addition, the emergency services roles were flagged, especially in our disaster prone region.

The conversational topic did, however, lead participants to consider that people can find meaning in almost any position as long as they are engaged, care about their role and work in a positive culture.

The group also discovered there are four key foundations of meaning.

A sense of belonging lies at the core, the feeling of being understood, recognised and affirmed.

A feeling of purpose and creating long-term goals that reflect our values and serve the greater good, also infuse activities with more meaning.

Our purpose is our unique contribution to the world – what is yours?

Ask yourself – “how can I be the best part of someone else’s day?” (Ben Crowe)

Storytelling was another key component with the group asked how they choose to narrate their own story.

Finally, the idea of transcendence was explored, with participants asked if they had ever felt a connection to something deeper.

Overall, a deeply meaningful experience was had by all.

WHAT: Thriive
WHEN: Next event Thursday 23rd May
WHERE: Suite 1, 15 Carlo Drive
MEMBERSHIP: Call 07 4858 1363

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Alita De Brincat, Judy Porter and Kylie Forgione. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Tourism Whitsundays are currently preparing their marketing strategy for the upcoming winter.

Marketing Manager Laura Knipe gives us an overview of what is up and coming, inviting visitors from the southern states to escape their cool winters.

As winter slowly begins to envelop the southern states and our friends from down south start planning their great escape from the cold, this means travel planning all over Australia is in full swing.

Simultaneously, the Tourism Whitsundays marketing team has ramped up efforts to bring our beautiful region to the forefront of the minds of these sun-seeking Aussies. 

We are currently in the second burst of our national campaign and have two more campaigns on the horizon.

To encourage Aussies to sail The Whitsundays this winter (arguably the most beautiful time of year), we are flipping the concept of ‘Winter Blues’ on its head, inviting them to experience our iconic shades of blue. 

In addition, as Whitsundays locals, we all know and love bareboating, but for many Australians, this is a foreign concept.

This led us to launching a bareboating awareness campaign, to introduce Australians to the magic of exploring on your own private boat. 

All this planning for winter has me looking forward to another beautiful season in The Whitsundays.

Do me a favour and pop ‘Book a tour and get out on the water’ on your to-do list this winter – you won’t regret it. 

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Contributed with thanks to Laura Knipe (Marketing Manager) 

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The Reef Catchments team hosted their annual Meet and Mingle morning at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre earlier this week, the event bringing together over 40 staff, board members, stakeholders and partners from the community.

Robert Congoo, Project Officer Traditional Engagement conducted a Welcome to Country smoking ceremony with Reef Catchments CEO, Katrina Dent and Chair, Julie Boyd also present on the day.

“It is important to develop strong relationships with our stakeholders and the community,” explained Reef Catchments Senior Communications and Media Office, Leonie Cridland.

“It was wonderful to bring everyone together to meet each other and to thank them.”

As a regional organisation Reef Catchments works closely with community groups, government agencies, local businesses, Traditional Owners and other community members to implement a range of activities aimed at sustaining, protecting and improving the local environment.  

The event brought together this network of community groups and individuals to celebrate achievements, share ideas and look forward to the upcoming year.

Celebrating their 21st year, Reef Catchments were able to use this event to enjoy some birthday festivities, reflect on progress and changes that have occurred over the years.
 

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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After a long and challenging labour, which last more than two days, Jubilee Pocket first-time mum, Fiona, has given birth to little Atticus Arlo Nooren.

Receiving incredible help and support during her stay in the maternity ward, Fiona has expressed her sincere gratitude for the care she received from the team at Proserpine Hospital.

She praised the work of the rural hospital’s doctors and theatre staff who were called in for her subsequent surgery.

“Hayley was all over the emergency response and stayed by my side throughout,” Fiona said.

“After surgery the follow up we received from midwives, doctors, anaesthetists and nurses was great and we really appreciated the support and debriefs.”

Additionally, Fiona said they had received many recommendations about the excellent care delivered by the hospital’s multi-disciplinary unit and team of midwives.

She was impressed with the prenatal education, advice and clinical care they had prior to her child’s arrival.

“We are incredibly lucky to have such a talented team in such a small rural hospital. We are truly grateful for everything everyone did.”

Fiona was induced on April 7, but her newborn son did not arrive until 8.56pm, two days later, weighing 3660 grams.

Fiona and partner Andrew are extremely grateful for the wonderful care and support they have received from the maternity team at Proserpine Hospital.

“All the midwives and staff involved in Atticus’s arrival were just incredible,” Fiona said.

“They were knowledgeable, caring, supportive and just lovely to have around during this
time.

“Dr Ky was also amazing throughout, going above and beyond for my care and coming in when off shift to check on my progress.”

The Proserpine Hospital delivers 260 babies a year and is one of 22 hospitals in Queensland that holds a Baby Friendly accreditation.

This is a world-recognised achievement and recognises that Proserpine meets high standards set down by the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Health Organisation.

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Atticus Nooren. Photo supplied.

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A dining experience at The Belvedere transports you to a world of yesteryear, where the flavours are complex and delicate, invigorating and sublime. Each mouthful is an experience, and with the introduction of their new wine pairing menu, each dish is complemented with a specially matched wine.

Available with the signature eight-course degustation menu, the wine-pairing option adds a different dimension to your dining experience.

Set to the backdrop of the stunning Coral Sea within the terracotta charm of Toscana Resort atop the hillside of Airlie Beach, The Belvedere takes you to the Mediterranean with its inspired cuisine and indulgent atmosphere.

Priding itself on making many exquisite dishes with delicious, locally sourced produce The Belvedere offers genuinely rich and quality ingredients that only adds to the flavour. With the addition of the wine tasting and the seasonal produce, it’s a match made in heaven.

The Belvedere’s fresh seasonal menu has just been updated with this season’s new produce and, Owner Emma Thorpe, is excited to invite you to explore this journey of taste and flavour, where local produce shines and delicious wines reign supreme.

The wine pairing menu includes six wines all paired with different dishes from the menu. Diners begin the gastronomical adventure with an Italian Prosecco used as a pallet cleanser which also pairs beautifully with the house baked focaccia starter. 

Guests then move onto the stuffed fig course with Gorgonzola and prosciutto which is paired with a sweet Resiling from South Australia to complement the salty prosciutto.  

The next course is then our new best seller, the char-grilled Octopus from Western Australia. Mixed in a fresh tartare with Bowen tomatoes, capers, capsicum and served with crunchy casava crackers, this dish is paired perfectly with the gorgeous dry French Rose from Saint Max Provence. 

Up next is the home-made Italian style meatballs with Neapolitan sauce which is served with our Cabernet Sauvignon from a standout winery of South Australia's Langhorne Creek, full of black fruits and violet aromatics. 

Arriving at the main dishes; the beetroot and feta salad with walnuts and rocket, truffled potatoes with grana Padano cheese and sweet and sour Brussel sprouts. (With optional Scotch Fillet Steak) paired with our house favourite, a medium bodied Grenache with 
great colour and depth of flavour from Clare Valley, SA. 

Finally, is our chocolate hazelnut semifreddo dessert which reminds Emma of Ben and Jerry’s cookie dough ice cream, paired with our Viogner dessert wine for that final sweet moment.

As much as possible, Belvedere sticks to Queensland produce and changes their menu seasonally and incorporate the new offerings grown by regional farmers.

In addition to the tasting menu and wine pairing, The Belvedere offer individual dishes and a broad range of wine from all over the world.

The Belvedere can also cater to different dietary requirements, by making little changes or substitutes to dishes, they can make dishes Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free or Dairy Free.

Owner Emma Thorpe and The Belvedere’s stunning view
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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At Whisper Gin Bar and Restaurant you know the friendly team will go above and beyond to make sure your Mother’s Day occasion is an event to be remembered.

With gold-star service, stunning views across Pioneer Bay and sensational cuisine, your Mother’s Day recipe for success has all the ingredients to put a smile on your face and a warm glow of love in your heart.

A serene and relaxed environment awaits as you are whisked away for an intimate meal with your loved ones, it’s time to create special memories and catch-up on life.

This Mother’s Day, Whisper Bar does not need to be a secret, let’s let everyone discover this hidden gem awaiting atop Mirage Whitsundays.

Pure luxury at an affordable price, the afternoon kicks-off at 12pm and customers will enjoy two hours of indulgence.

This delicious share plate style dining includes five extravagant courses for just $79 for the food and alcohol package or $49 for the food and soft drink package.

Diners can expect a Raw King Salmon entre, followed by a whirlwind of delicacies which include the Shallot Soy Crispy Chicken, Pork Satay, Crispy Softshell Crab, exotic salads and sumptuous side dishes.

There will be live music on the day and guests who book before May 7 will receive a 10% discount.

If you are looking for somewhere to spoil your mum, or if you are a mum and want to book your own special day, then make sure you reserve a table at Whisper Gin Bar and Restaurant.

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WHAT: Mother’s Day
WHERE: Whisper Gin Bar and Restaurant
WHEN: Sunday 12th May
BOOK: whisperginbar.com.au

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This Mother’s Day our local restaurants have exceptional Mother’s Day food and drink specials that’ll make Mum feel loved and appreciated, just the way she should.

Belvedere
For Mother’s Day lunch at the Belvedere, Mum can sit back with her complementary glass of Prosecco and enjoy the relaxing tunes from Geoff and David Willis. The Live music runs alongside the lunch service 12pm – 3pm. The Belvedere remains open for its dinner service 5.30pm – 10pm. Enjoy the fabulous view and the amazing sunset with The Belvedere’s spectacular menu. Filled with fresh, local, and delicious dishes.

Eastwoods
If a menu full of South-East Asian flavours is catching your eye, Eastwoods Mother’s Day Banquet menu may be perfect for you. The banquet menu costs $75 per person and it includes a variety of delicious dishes. You are greeted with a pink passion spritz on your arrival and then get ready to indulge in fabulous food. Treat yourself with trout, beef salad, a prawn pad Thai plus sides. And then finish with a delicious orange semifreddo dessert. Bookings for the banquet are welcomed but they are not required.

The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
If Mum loves a dance, there’s nowhere better than The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel this Mother’s Day. ABBA tribute band will have everybody up on their feet and singing along as they perform ABBA masterpieces. Every table booking at lunch with more than two people get a complementary bottle of Innocent Bystander Rosé, so book in early. Alongside the Rosé and amazing tunes, The Pub have food specials that cannot be missed. A delicious, burrata, pea and prosciutto chicken tortellini could be waiting for you. The honey macadamia crumbed lamb and lemon and dill marinated salmon are also on offer.

The Rocks Restaurant & Bar
Treat Mum to an absolutely beautiful view this Mother’s Day at The Rocks Restaurant & Bar. With an unrestricted view of the ocean, the towering palm trees and the still waters, this really is a great place to treat Mum, it feels like a holiday. Serving up an à la carte lunch and dinner specially for Mother’s Day, Mum’s can enjoy fresh coastal cuisine, boutique wines and fancy cocktails while soaking in the extraordinary views!

La Tabella
Located on the Airlie Beach esplanade is La Tabella. This Mother’s Day you can enjoy their specially selected Mother’s Day drinks and food specials whilst at the wonderful venue. Homemade pastas and other authentic Italian dishes are available and are to die for.

Reef Gateway
Start the day off right, with a buffet breakfast at Reef Gateway from 9am – 11am. Then the Reef Gateway have you covered for the rest of the day too. Reserve a table for lunch or dinner and enjoy the delicious à la carte menu with all of your favourite dishes. Plus, Mum will get a complimentary drink on arrival after 10am

Jubilee Tavern
Celebrate Mum’s special day at the Jubilee Tavern by starting with a yummy buffet breakfast from 9am – 11am. Or, reserve a table for an à la carte lunch and dinner from 11am and going all day long. It is filled with all of your pub favourites and Mum will get a free drink on arrival.

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Break up the work week with Jubilee Tavern’s Wednesday Trivia Night.

There’s no better way to beat the mid-week blues than by challenging your general knowledge and enjoying some quality time with your mates.

After a busy day’s work, you can unwind, relax, enjoy the trivia night and perhaps order a tasty dinner from the on-site bistro.

The Jubilee Tavern has you covered.

Enjoy a drink or order from Jubilee Tavern’s classic pub menu, including steaks, burgers, pizzas and schnitzels.

Or order the Jubilee Tavern’s Wednesday evening food special.

With prizes to be won, laughs to be had and a great time, it’s the perfect evening.

Registering and team check-in is by 6:30 and booking a table is recommended.

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What: Wednesday Trivia Night
Where: Jubilee Tavern
When: Every Wednesday, 6:30pm

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Photo credit. Shutterstock

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Too good to make it ‘one night only’ the Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre invite you to the Mad Hatters Garden Party which is back for the second year in a row.

Last years ‘one night only’ Christmas Light display was a huge success and the organisers wanted to recreate the magic.

Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre (WLAC), participants, family, friends, community, and support crew are all invited to the ‘Mad Hatter’s Garden Party’ which is the brainchild of Nikolai and Georgi.

Georgi decided to open up her garden again for a daytime adventure this time, transforming her garden into an Alice in Wonderland adventure.

Guests will enjoy a lovely day in a wonderland adventure which will culminate with a decadent afternoon tea and entertainment provided by Peta Richards from Lola’s Bar and the judging of their ‘Mad As Hats’.

This adventure involves community, carers, friends and families, participants and their support, community organisations, local businesses and politicians, in a hands-on community gathering with a difference and a common denominator to break the stigma of the way ageing and disability is perceived in society.

“The purpose is to break down the barriers, educate by observation and involvement in an enjoyable activity,” Jayne Milne, Chief Executive of Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre.

“Barriers between Community Care and their wider communities is a huge national problem, and the hope is that these types of activities though being a small step at local level may have wider spread results.”

The event is inclusive and celebrates everyone’s differences and bringing family and friends is encouraged.

Entrance to this private event is, without exception, that every person must wear a ‘Mad As Hats’ which is created by themselves!

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When we think of Proserpine and agriculture, we think primarily of fields of sugar cane however primary industry has been varied since 1862 when Bode first selected land in the O’Connell area. Many small crops/livestock were commercially “grown” during the ensuing years - horse, sheep, beef and dairy cattle, coffee, tobacco, bananas, tomatoes, and citrus are just some of these.

Tobacco was first grown in Kelsey Creek and Banana Pocket. Another area that was briefly mentioned in newspaper records was Strathdickie, an area of flat land farmed Japanese settlers.

Initially, Kelsey Creek developed as both a cane and tobacco growing area, the tobacco crop being mainly cigar leaf. In May 1920, a letter was received by a local grower at Silver Creek, Kelsey Creek, from a buyer in Sydney and Brisbane stating that the quality of the tobacco from this area was one of the best received from Queensland.

In earlier days, Kelsey Creek was a stopover on what was then the highway between Bowen and Mackay but even so, lack of a tramline was a disadvantage for farmers desiring to transport their crops. The farmers in the Banana Pocket area were also greatly disadvantaged as they had to cart their produce all the way into Proserpine because the rail link from the south on the North Coast Railway was deemed by the Government to be unnecessary at that time. Even a line to the cane siding would have benefited the settlers, as a portable line could be used the remainder of the journey of five miles.

On Lascelles’ property at Lethebrook, an old tobacco shed was located near the first school (Banana Pocket Provisional School) and became a favourite play spot for school children. It was also used for parties, Church Service and Sunday School. Tobacco leaves still hung from the rafters for many years after the industry had folded.  

On April 20 1920, “Proserpine Guardian” reported on the formation of the Bowen-Proserpine Tobacco Association. This group was only for tobacco growers, was non-political and was designed to look after the interests of members to help them obtain better value for their product.

Apart from transport problems, these early growers faced mixed fortunes. A hail storm in 1918 significantly impacted the Kelsey Creek crop. In 1921, the district crop was not as good as expected but a maize crop was established with about 40 bushels/ acre and this was some compensation for growers.

On February 6 1948, the “Proserpine Guardian” stated that there were reports of about nine growers in the district. The Blair Bros grew tobacco on their Gregory River property and harvested a variety called Nicotiana Rustica which they railed to Brisbane. This was a coarse tobacco which was unsuitable for smoking but carried a high nicotine content suitable for extraction and use in the manufacture of nicotina sulphate known as Black Leaf 40, an effective pesticide. In late January, they harvested 1 ton 18 cwt 2 qrs from one acre of their property, for which it is estimated they would receive 11d/lb or £180. Other growers included Mr A T Casey of the O’Connell River and Mr W T Richardson of CannonValley.

Tobacco as a crop requires skill, patience and constant care. Fertile soil and a good shed are essential. Unless it is properly housed, bulked and cured, the result is a dry tasteless weed. Suitable fittings, facilities for exclusion of bad weather, proper ventilation and admission of proper light are vital. These were all important considerations for early growers.

At the time, tobacco was considered “an excellent way to supplement the cane cheque.” Hats off to these early pioneers in diversification!

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Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

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If you are just starting on your plant growing journey or you just don’t have space for a backyard veggie garden, then herbs in a pot are a great way to start growing.

Herbs such as Rosemary and Sage that originated from the Mediterranean regions, enjoy tough growing conditions. Rosemary is a well-known accompaniment for lamb and sage for chicken and peas. These herbs like to dry out between watering and don’t like being over fed (fertilised) as they are used to growing in poor, stony soil. So don’t over water your pot.

Fun fact: Banana Plants, that grow very well here in the Whitsundays (the photo attached is from my garden), are the biggest herbs in the world.

Hint For Growing Herbs In Pots:

Add a couple of teaspoons of lime to your 200mm pot of potting mix before planting.
When planting your Mediterranean herbs, it can help to add coarse sand to your potting mix to improve drainage.

For those gardeners who are growing herbs in your garden, you may have noticed that your Sage and Rosemary are not too happy at the moment. That is due to the cool temperatures and the continual rain we have had of late, not giving the soil time to dry out.  As much as our vegetable seedlings are loving it, these herbs are not. Cut off the dead growth and if you are really concerned you can cover the surrounding soil in a waterproof material to stop the rain from causing more plant die back until our Autumn/Winter starts behaving as it should (clear, blue skies!).

Tropical herbs such as Lemon Grass, Ginger and Turmeric are a completely different kettle of fish. These plants like rich, fertilised soil and like to be kept moist. As the name suggests, they grow very well here in the tropical Whitsundays, in fact once you get these plants established, you’ll be dividing them up, eating them and sharing them for the rest of your gardening life.    

Not only do we enjoy herbs for cooking, but they are also grown and appreciated for medicinal purposes. Native Herbs have been used by Indigenous Australians to assist in all manner of health-related issues, having an intimate relationship with plants for thousands of years. We have so much to learn.

My Pick Of The Month

Wild Rosella (Hibiscus Sabdariifa)
Producing a striking red flower, on a red stem, they grow happily within the veggie garden, reaching between 1.5 – 2m high and up to1m wide.
They are known to assist with blood pressure and to regulate blood sugar levels.  Reported to assist with anxiety and support the nervous system.
They make great jams, syrups, tea and can be added raw to salads.
They grow very happily here. They are a beautiful plant, easy to grow, with great health benefits, a must have.

Hints For Herbs In The Garden

   • Do not pick more than 1/3 of a young herb plant at a time and no ore then ½ a mature plant.

   • The more you pick the bushier they become, so snip away nightly.

   • Don’t over fertilise your herbs, you’ll encourage leaf growth at the expense of their oil production. So, when applying sea sol to your veggies, skip over your herbs regularly.

   • Your herbs need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, so the carport or under a tree may not be the best position for them

Companion Planting

We cannot talk herbs without talking companion planting, so here are a few ideas to try in your veggie garden now:

Nasturtiums
Great for planting with Kale, Broccoli, radish, cabbage and cauliflower

Basil
A must, to plant with your tomatoes but also with chilli’s, beans and chives

Mint
A good companion for all brassicas repelling cabbage caterpillars

Parsley and Rosemary
Go well with carrots, repelling some flies and attracting beneficial insects

Important Fact To Finish With

The dreaded Cabbage Moth is repelled by Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Sage and Dill
Herbs are yours and your veggie gardens best friends!

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Prime Minister Albanese has officially opened Mackay’s Riverside Revitalisation Project which has transformed the former industrial precinct into a destination locals and visitors alike can explore and enjoy.

The Prime Minister visited Mackay earlier this week on Monday to cut the ribbon of the Pioneer River’s new pontoon, using the opportunity to speak about the potential of waterfront activations to increase liveability and tourism opportunities. He joined Mayor Greg Williamson, Councillors, council CEO Scott Owen and other stakeholders for the official opening.

“I am delighted to be in Mackay to open this important revitalisation of the riverside,” the Prime Minister said.

“Parents with their kids, locals enjoying their beautiful river and tourists visiting this great part of the world will benefit from this revitalisation for so many years to come.”

The $9.7 million project was jointly funded with the Australian Government investing $4.1 million and the Mackay Regional Council investing $5.6 million.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said, “The Mackay Riverside Revitalisation is a great example of the Australian Government working in partnership to deliver critical local community infrastructure.

“This facility provides a new leisure, commercial and tourism offering to support the Mackay Waterfront project and bring fresh life to a former industrial precinct.”

The revitalisation includes the recently completed Pioneer River Pontoon at Bluewater Quay and the nearby River Wharves public area.

The opening included a ribbon cutting at the pontoon, where a Wildcat boat was moored, and a tour of River Wharves.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said that both projects have provided improved public access to the wonderful Pioneer River and were part of the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA).

“These projects will be catalysts for future projects, including private investment, along the riverfront,” he added.

“For example, Renew Mackay has recently unveiled plans for a major commercial and residential development on the Brisbane Street car park site adjacent to Bluewater Quay.

“The council-owned building at 8 River Street is also currently being demolished. It will be a prime site for redevelopment and in the interim will also be able to be activated for the community.”

Members from the public who were aware of the Prime Minister’s visit used the opportunity to question the PM about the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro project as he walked past representatives from the ‘Save Eungella’ group. In his press conference Prime Minister Albanese addressed the issue, saying no application had been made to the Federal Government for the project as yet, and once it did, then community consultation would be held, however he did not engage with questions from locals as he left the Bluewater Quay.

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Prime Minister Albanese and Senator Nita Green were joined by Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson and council CEO Scott Owen to officially open Mackay’s Riverside Revitalisation Project. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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