Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank turned to their Sarina State High School and CQUniversity scholarship winners to celebrate Youth Week. The recipients were asked what was their first job and what they have most been proud of this year.

Chelsea Trusz – 2022 Sarina State High School Scholarship recipient

“My first job was at IGA and I liked building connections with my co-workers and interacting with customers every day. I am most proud of my accomplishments academically and being able to receive this scholarship from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, because it has helped a lot this year.”

Brock Raward – 2021 Sarina State High School Scholarship recipient

“My first job was working for my neighbour, who owns the company - Hello Fern. She creates these wonderful wooden discs with laser-engraved designs for babies to celebrate their milestones. I loved working for Tahnee with her flexible hours which gave me time for my daily session of listening to music. So far, I’ve been most proud of receiving the position of school captain at Sarina State High School which has been a goal of mine I've been pursuing for many years.”

Zali Hooper – 2022 Sarina State High School Scholarship recipient

“My first and current job is as a cashier at the local IGA. I’ve been working there for about a year and a half now and enjoy it a lot. I like working with the people there and interacting with customers as well. Receiving the Community Bank Sarina State High School Scholarship has probably been my biggest achievement in the past year. I look forward to giving back to the community and making a positive impact.”

Logan Bryant – 2021 Sarina State High School Scholarship recipient

“My first job was at 13 years old, as a referee for Mackay Junior Rugby League. What I enjoyed most about being a referee was being able to make games fair and making sure there was always a good fair game of footy. This year, I’ve been most proud of my Sarina Crocs Rugby League team this season, who won their first game since 2021.”

Taya Murray – 2022 CQUniversity Higher Education Scholarship recipient

“My first job was at a café where it was always busy and never really any quiet periods. I loved constantly having something to do and my co-workers. I’ve had a few achievements in the past year, but the one I’m proudest of is a community achievement. I make ANZAC poppies every year for the Greenhill Dawn Service, and the money raised is donated to Legacy. This is my third year crocheting them and it’s something I really enjoy doing.”

Be prepared for your first job by setting up a Bendigo Bank Student Account. Speak to Charmaine and the team at Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank on 4943 2634 to set up your bank account or visit bendigobank.com.au.

‍

Karen May, Taya Murray, Charmaine Matsen and Maree Franettovich

‍

I hope you are all enjoying the holiday spirit and some well earnt down time, or, as is the case for many – enjoying the holiday boom!.

With the entire state bursting with visitors, increased flights and access to the Whitsundays has paid dividends with nearly 100 per cent occupancy rates across the Whitsundays for the Easter break and 85 per cent for the school holidays – and for once, these are genuine reflections of capacity – not a percentage of reduced capacity due to staff shortages. The international influx of short-term holiday visa workers has filled many unskilled labour gaps taking pressure off owners and existing workforce.

A great result for the region and for once, the Easter weather has stayed away with perfect weather for everyone to enjoy.

Housing continues to make headlines across the state with an increasing number of people and families resorting to living in their cars whilst trying to find accommodation they can afford. It is happening here. It is a disgrace. And whilst state governments are finally turning summits and talks into action with new social housing projects in completion or underway – the alarm bells have been ringing for years with little done to prevent the crisis.

Some local councils have adopted laws to address the short-term letting issues with some success. Noosa now has a short-term letting approval process annually with properties to comply with town plan, other regulations and results in a change in ratings category. Approval notice is to be displayed at the front of a property with 24/7 complaints number. The process seems to be working with some properties reverting to long term rentals helping families and workers remain in the region.

The Chambers’ next event is a casual networking breakfast on Thursday, April 20, 7am at Whitsunday Green. With a couple of major announcements and introductions to be made, we invite all chamber members to attend. 2023 will be a pivotal year – we plan to tackle it proactively. See you all soon.

‍

Hello everyone,

Thanks to those of you who have been joining us at the Community catch-ups across the region. The turnout in Cape Gloucester was great and it provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with residents to discuss current and future plans. We appreciate the time you have taken out of your busy schedules to meet with myself, my fellow Councillors and the Community Engagement and project teams.

Easter holidays are in full swing and it’s amazing to see so many of you out and about enjoying everything our beautiful region has to offer. Across Division 5 we saw lots of people heading to the beaches of Hydeaway Bay and Dingo Beach to relax, unwind and enjoy our beautiful coastline.

Across in Division 3, Lake Proserpine is offering free camping to all children at the lakeside campgrounds throughout the month of April! What a spectacular opportunity to get out and about and enjoy our own backyard. If you haven’t visited Lake Proserpine yet, be sure to put it on your Whitsunday bucket list.

The Proserpine RV park is also back open and ready to welcome travellers arriving in our region to enjoy our Whitsunday winter. There is also a new RV park in Collinsville which has been very busy hosting many new faces to the area.

Back in Division 5 there’s good news for lovers of walking and hiking, as the sealing of Forestry Road edges near completion. This road meanders up to the beginning of the Great Whitsunday Walk in Brandy Creek.

The road was almost washed away in the floods of 2019. However, thanks to funding from the State Government, we have renewed nearly 50 storm water crossings along the track and will be extending the existing seal in the next couple of months to mitigate such events in the future. The Forestry Road project was made possible thanks to $500k of funding from the Transport and Tourism Connections scheme and $250k of funding from the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.

As well as upgrading the road, we are also installing a much-needed amenities block in the car park which services multiple visitors and locals year-round. This is expected to occur early in the new financial year thanks to funding from Works for Queensland, Round 4.

Cheers

Cr Gary

‍

Do you know who your workplace’s Employee Assistance Program provider is?

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) ensures employees have access to professional and confidential counselling services.

Whether it be workplace relations, mental health or stress, grief or loss or issues at home, EAP provides a safe space to discuss outside of the workplace.

Robyn Geiger of Phoenix Counselling implores all local businesses to get an EAP provider, and to support local when doing so.

“It provides a confidential outlet for anybody who wants assistance with things that might be happening within the workplace, that they might not be comfortable discussing openly with anybody else,” Robyn said.

“It’s done quietly, confidentially and without anybody else getting involved in that early stage.”

EAP provides support for both the employee and employer, where any issues that may be affecting an employee's performance can be addressed and discussed.

“I think it’s really beneficial for companies to have some of their staff have an assessment every now and then,” Robyn said.

“It’s good to find out how their staff are doing, find out if their staff need support in any areas.

“People have been under a lot of pressure lately – are they coping as well as they could be? Is the stress that they’re under affecting their work performance?

“That might be all the support they need to move forward, get back on their feet and regain their confidence as an employee.”

In an assessment, Robyn will chat to the employee about what may be concerning them before reporting back to the employer to recommend a way forward.

“That’s the only thing I discuss with the employer,” she said.

“Everything that’s said in my office is, of course, confidential.”

Robyn is registered with the Employee Assistance Professional Association Of Australasia (EAPAA) and has provided EAP services Australia-wide for the last five years.

She is also able to facilitate sessions via email or Zoom to companies who may have employees working remotely.

To find out more, call Robyn on 0497 912 009 or find Phoenix Counselling on Facebook.

‍

It is not a uniquely Australian character trait to lend a hand, but Aussies do it better than most.

When things turn sour, the ‘lucky country’ shows its compassion the best way it knows how; getting stuck in.

Firefighters embody Australia’s ethos of helping in times of crisis. Through secondary employment, Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) auxiliary firefighters balance full-time work with fighting fires and saving lives.

At the Airlie Beach Fire Station, there are roughly 15 of the casual, station-based firefighters who respond to emergency situations when the demand arises. One of them is Thomas Torzsok.

Mr Torzsok said being an auxiliary firefighter might seem superhuman to some, but to him it is simply serving his community.

“In Airlie Beach we have mineworkers, real estate agents, physiotherapists, and electricians balancing their lives alongside saving others with the FRS,” Mr Torzsok said.

“People working these normal, everyday jobs, still living the life they want, while giving back and serving their community.”

Mr Torzsok, like others at the station, wears “many hats”. In addition to his auxiliary role, he works full-time at tourism business Ocean Rafting, plays football, and runs his own business on the side.

“If you saw me ten minutes before I put on the uniform, in my boardshorts, a t-shirt, and thongs, you would never know,” he said.

“Being able to switch and turn into a firefighter is the best feeling in the world. I have not had a feeling like I have had inside a fire truck when you are gearing up to go somewhere.”

The paid position requires permission to attend emergencies from a full-time employer and requires two weeks of basic training and testing, then two to three nights a week being on-call alongside regular weekly trainings.

Mr Torzsok said he was swayed to join the FRS when meeting some of Airlie Beach’s firefighters and watching them in training.

“That is something I would recommend to everyone; there is no pressure watching a training session,” he said.

“I knew instantly that was what I wanted to do, and I would never have known if I had not come to watch.”

Mr Torzsok said the appeal of being an auxiliary is obvious; helping others is its own “reward”. The additional benefits of camaraderie, working alongside a team in mentally and physically challenging conditions, contributing during bushfire emergencies and flood events, were secondary.

“It makes me proud to be an auxiliary firefighter,” he said.

If you are interested in a career change and want to learn more about auxiliary firefighters, head here: https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/careers-and-volunteering/fire-rescue-and-operations/aux-firefighter

‍

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and restore balance. In recent years, acupuncture has gained popularity as a complementary therapy for couples undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment and those struggling with infertility.

Acupuncture has been shown to have a positive effect on fertility in several ways. Firstly, acupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are known to negatively impact fertility. Research has shown that stress can interfere with ovulation and sperm production, so reducing stress levels can improve the chances of conception.

Secondly, acupuncture can improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, which can enhance the chances of successful embryo implantation. Thirdly, acupuncture can regulate hormonal imbalances and improve the quality and quantity of eggs produced by the ovaries.

Acupuncture can also support couples during the IVF process by reducing side effects associated with fertility medications and promoting relaxation before and after embryo transfer.

However, as with any medical treatment, there are risks associated with acupuncture. The most common risk is mild discomfort or bruising at the needle insertion site. It is essential to choose a licensed and qualified acupuncturist who has experience in treating infertility.

Acupuncture can be a valuable addition to the fertility journey for couples undergoing IVF or struggling with infertility. It can help reduce stress, improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, regulate hormonal imbalances, and enhance the quality and quantity of eggs produced. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to choose a licensed and qualified acupuncturist.

Contact the team at Art of Acupuncture to learn how they can help. You can find Art of Acupuncture at 19 Palmer St, North Mackay or phone 0421 185 041.

‍

North Queensland’s Pick Paradise workforce attraction campaign has re-launched for the 2023 growing season, encouraging workers to experience what the Whitsunday region has to offer.

Following a successful “social media blitz” in 2022, this year’s campaign is focusing on the connection and friendship found as workers travel and support local growers.

Combined with destination imagery, the campaign hopes to inspire both domestic and international workers to book a ticket to the region, promising adventure, beauty, and the perfect work and holiday balance.

An audience of 391,000 was reached by the Pick Paradise campaign in 2022, generating strong interest from workers both domestically and globally – a target this year’s campaign hopes to match.

Metrics from the first phase, combined with worker and grower sentiment, means Pick Paradise 2023 will tighten its spread, though, focusing on target markets who are ready to travel to the Whitsundays and North Queensland for work in the horticulture, agriculture and aquaculture sectors.

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association Chief Executive Officer, Ry Collins, said the launch of Pick Paradise 2023 was timed to entice workers to the region when growers need them most.

“Highlighting the beauty of the region and the diversity of roles on offer was a great success in 2022,” Mr Collins said.

“In 2023 we once again aim to support our industry through this platform and look forward to the vibrancy and economic benefits that an engaged workforce brings to the region.”

Pick Paradise campaign hopes to capitalise on its website and free jobs board – a successful component of the previous attraction term. Close to 10,000 users visited the site in 2022, with the platform offering growers a large audience to share position vacancies and potential workers valuable information about the region and what is involved in farm work.

Colette Williams, Agriculture Workforce Officer, said the Pick Paradise website is an important tool for both growers and working holiday makers.

“The website has become a one-stop-shop for potential workers,” she said, “they can find all of the important information on travel, accommodation, leisure activities and work, and then easily apply for the jobs on offer.”

“The diversity of positions available across the region really means there is something for everyone considering a working holiday in North Queensland”.

As the growing season commences for 2023, local producers are encouraged to visit the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association website for more information on how to post jobs to the Pick Paradise website.

In addition, growers and workers can use the hashtag #pickparadise when posting to social media to spread the word on the campaign.

‍

The successful Pick Paradise agricultural worker campaign is relaunching for 2023 with hopes to bring more seasonal workers to the region

The Whitsundays has been named the most affordable place to live in Queensland, followed closely by Mackay, in a study completed by PRD’s Chief Economist Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo.

“Both local government areas tick the boxes for having a much lower median house price than Brisbane Metro, strong investment indicators, a lot of future projects, and looks like not much supply planned,” she explains.

“Slower price growth is now evident; this makes house prices more affordable and creates opportunities for owner-occupiers and investors.”

This news gives prospective home buyers more confidence in the market and also encourages future growth of our region.

The median house price in the Whitsundays is $440,000 and over the last 10 years there has been a 10 per cent growth.

Meanwhile, Mackay’s median house price is $435,000 and their growth has been 0.5 per cent over the past 10 years.

The rental yield in the Whitsundays is 5.3 per cent and the vacancy rate is just 0.2 per cent.

The top 10 most affordable local government areas all had median house prices that were $600,000 and under, approximately 30 per cent lower than Melbourne’s and more than half of Sydney’s median house price in December 2022.

Home loan affordability has been at the lower end of the scale since its peak in 2001, with December 2022 figures showing more declines.

In the past 12 months, Australia’s home loan affordability declined to 22.4 index points with Queensland (QLD) recorded at 24.5 index points, proving it to be the friendliest state for buyers.

This is the highest home loan affordability among the four states within this report and is above the Australian average.

‍

Growers can now maximise profits and reduce inputs through improved nutrient management planning thanks to Mackay Area Productivity Services (MAPS), as part of the Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program (MWWQP).

Nutrient management plans developed for specific farms allow growers to better understand their soils and growing conditions.

By having this detailed knowledge, growers in conjunction with agronomic assistance from MAPS, can more effectively plan what, when and how to apply nutrients to their blocks to maximise yields, and reduce inputs and runoff entering local waterways.

Nutrient management starts from the ground up with soil testing and interpretation of those

results by agronomists.

Growers can access this detailed soil analysis with MAPS via funding from the MWWQP.

One grower who has taken advantage of the funding available is Albert De Boni, a generational cane grower from Devereaux Creek.

“Our soil tests are what govern how much nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous and sulphur that we put on,” he explains.

“We could be up for within excess of $250,000 this year just for fertiliser alone.”

The soil analysis determined that the pH of Albert’s farm was lower than ideal to

maximise nutrient uptake from applied fertilisers.

As a result, with support and financial assistance from the MWWQP, Albert and MAPS worked together to design and construct a liquid lime spreader that could accurately apply lime to the rows.

This increased the pH, allowing less nitrogen fertiliser to be applied, and optimising the cane’s ability to use that nitrogen.

This project reduced the amount of overall nitrogen applied, thereby lowering costs, and moved away from blanket spreading of powdered lime, meaning smaller amounts of lime could be applied more accurately.

“The less you apply, the less chance you have of it getting into our river systems,” said Albert.

“Therefore, projects such as this one are reducing costs and improving environmental outcomes.”

“MAPS has been very, very helpful. If we can get funding to do a project, it sort of

encourages us to have a go,” said Albert.

If you would like to see what programs and assistance could be available to you, please contact Reef Catchments or visit their website www.reefcatchments.com.au

The MAPS Projects are funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

‍

Cane farmer, Albert De Boni, uses liquid lime spreader to save money and the environment. Photo supplied

‍

A local organisation is hoping to help seniors with a free information seminar as the number of scam calls, emails, and text messages continues to grow.

Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre will run its free “How To Spot A Scam” Session on Friday, April 28 from 9.30am to 12.00pm.

The information meeting will be facilitated by Gary Greenhill, a Neighbourhood Centre volunteer who runs weekly one-on-one computer literacy classes for the region’s older generations.

Mr Greenhill, who has an array of experience with technology, professionally building websites and coding, is a “certified computer whiz”, and said he had been planning to run these new internet scam spotting classes for some time.

Executive Officer Rebecca Woods said the new “How To Spot A Scam” sessions would be a ‘pilot test’ where they could gauge the response and need from the number of attendees, though she believed there certainly was one.

“What we’re hoping for is a good group of people who want to focus on things with their computers, whether it be security or otherwise,” Ms Woods said.

“It will be an opportunity for people to ask questions in a small, group environment that will be extremely informative.”

The session will also be the official launch of the Centre’s new ‘Digital Library’ where members can loan a Tablet or an iPad.

More information on the Digital Library is available by phone at (07) 4946 7850 or by email at nc@whitnc.org.au

What: “How To Spot A Scam” Information Session

When: Friday, April 28, from 9.30am to 12.00pm

Where: Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre

‍

Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre will provide a free “How To Spot A Scam” information session alongside the launch of its tablet loaning system the ‘Digital Library’

‍

The last month has seen a surge in the number 11 sugar futures contract with new highs recorded for all contracts on the board.

This has catapulted the balance of the 2022 crop to a high of $775/t for growers who are still to finalise target pricing for last season.

A major beneficiary of the higher prices has been the Wilmar Production Risk Pool. As at the end of March, the forecast pool valuation was $709/t actual ($685/t IPS).

This is a great result for growers who have chosen to use this marketing option for some or all of their crop.

For the upcoming 2023 season, prices are also making new highs, along with 2024 and 2025 seasons. At the time of writing the highest target price filled for 2023 was $690/t, $600/t for 2024 and $550/t for 2025.

We are getting a lot of enquiries from our growers what is driving the price. Obviously, the physical market remains tight with northern hemisphere crops cutting out a bit quicker than hoped and Brazil yet to fully come online.

Our forecasts have 22/23 season with a global supply and demand deficit of over 2 million tonnes of sugar.

For 23/24 season we are currently projecting the trade flows to remain tight even with a massive Brazilian crop factored in.

The recent rise in the oil price and the decision by the Brazilian government to raise the tax rate on gasoline will underpin concerns for sugar supply from the world’s largest exporter.

A weaker AUD has also helped nudge prices higher.

Nevertheless, there is a market saying that high prices cure high prices. Growers need to assess where their current costs of production are, and whether the forward prices on offer make sense to provide certainty of income for their business.

Our marketing consultants are currently busy with growers finalising their pricing for 2023 season. The deadline for nomination is April 28. There is a lot of fresh enquiry for our GMPRS product following excellent grower results this year.

For any queries, please contact your Proserpine Grower Marketing Consultant Shirley Norris on 0437 803 019. Plane Creek growers can contact Angus McKerrow on 0419 238 536.

Contributed with thanks to Wilmar Sugar.

‍

Headspace Whitsundays is recruiting young people passionate about mental health and well-being to join its Youth Reference Group (YRG) and have their say in the community.

The confidential health service centre plans to give local youth the opportunity to input on headspace’s strategic direction through being a “voice of young people” in the Whitsundays.

Headspace, a national Youth Mental Health Foundation-run organisation, provides early intervention mental health services to young Australians each year, helping thousands of young people access services like counselling in 140 communities across Australia.

The volunteer role in the Youth Reference Group is for 14–25-year-olds and involves getting to influence the direction of headspace within the Whitsundays, meeting and working with other young, passionate mental health advocates, and developing personal and professional skills.

The Whitsunday centre provides free, confidential health services with a key focus on mental health, alcohol and other drugs, education and employment support and physical and sexual health.

As YRG members, local young people provide crucial information to headspaces across the country, keeping the sites relevant to the 12–25-year-olds it services.

YRG members will be involved in regular meetings with the centres and help make decisions on things such as community engagement, communications and health promotion.

Across the country, there is also the opportunity to act as a National YRG member, where participants can be a spokespeople for the organisation and lead local projects.

Training will be provided and for more information or to apply, contact headspace Whitsundays at 07 4842 6760 or Whitsundayheadspace@nwrh.com.au

‍

Headspace Whitsundays is recruiting for its Youth Reference Group

Proserpine Museum is experiencing its own miniature “Renaissance period” thanks to the return of cruise ships bringing in museumgoers by the busload.

The local institution has welcomed an influx of travellers over the past six months similar to pre-Cyclone Debbie levels.

Proserpine Museum volunteer Gloria Cowan said the cruise ships – which began returning in June 2022 – are providing the non-for-profit with its second-largest injection of funding, just behind the annual Book Bonanza.

“As the museum is run entirely by volunteers, all funding goes towards maintenance – which is usually covered by the Bonanza,” Ms Cowan said.

“With the number of people coming from across the world thanks to these cruises, we will be able to afford more than just upkeep.”

Passengers from the United States and Europe have dropped by en masse at the Proserpine Museum, coming fresh from the cruise ships in numbers as high as 320 people per day.

“They will often arrive in the morning buses with as many as 50 people as part of these tours out to Proserpine,” Ms Cowan said.

“Then 15 more buses will come throughout the day and they are always extremely interested in the history of Proserpine and our museum – most have no prior knowledge of the sugar industry or of our town at all.

“It has been excellent for the museum and for the volunteers. The majority of the time, they’re walking out of the door wishing they had more time to explore!”

‍

Proserpine Museum volunteers Gloria Cowan, Peter Harling, Ros Gardel, and Julianne O’Brien. Photo credit: Declan Durrant

A local supermarket has donated over $20 thousand worth of food to the Proserpine St Vincent de Paul’s and the Whitsunday Foodbank in the past six months.

Peries IGA Proserpine has been quietly passing on the goods to the local non-for-profits since November 2022 in a partnership through ‘Food For Change’.

A national charity, Food For Change partners with IGA across the country, growing and “rescuing” nutritious food to support Food Relief Organisations who feed hungry Australians. Rescuing being the act of sending food which would normally be thrown away by stores - though it is still entirely safe and edible - to welfare organisations.

Peries IGA Proserpine Manager Keiryn Stacpoole said, through Food For Change, the local supermarket had donated $20,825 to the two local organisations.

“It’s a commitment on our end to one, not have any landfill, and two, to help people who need it,” he said.

“Not everyone can afford things and to have $20 thousand in food that hasn’t gone into the rubbish and is feeding those who are less fortunate, that’s a wonderful feeling.”

Proserpine St Vincent de Paul’s volunteer Elsie Magee said IGA had reached out to her directly to donate the food which is now a major contributor to Vinnies’ welfare operations.

“We’re so grateful that something like this is happening in Proserpine,” she said.

“That is a considerable amount of money that is now helping to support the community who need it, and I cannot thank IGA enough, as well as all those who make Vinnies what it is.”

St Vincent de Paul’s Proserpine had previously been accepting supplies for welfare from Townsville, with non-perishables and perishables being shipped down as part of regular activities – Ms Magee said that was almost no longer the case.

“I’ve told them that we don’t need so much to be sent down here now, and it can stay up there to help people in Townsville,” she said.

“What IGA gives us is more than enough. It’s been excellent to have that backing, and the service itself [welfare] is becoming more popular over time. With the cost-of-living crisis, it’s necessary.”

Whitsunday Foodbank – which moved into a new location on Proserpine’s Main Street earlier this year – expressed how ecstatic they were to be receiving the ongoing donations alongside their regular Foodbank Queensland supply.

“We have such an amazing community,” a Whitsunday Foodbank Proserpine spokesperson said.

‍

Proserpine St Vincent de Paul’s volunteer Elsie Magee and Peries IGA Proserpine Manager Keiryn Stacpoole

Creating a whole new world for “characters that write themselves” is local author Nigel Gleeson, who has just released his first novel ‘Awakening’.

Following the tale of a young girl called Ariana, the book is in the high fantasy genre and follows her journey as she is kidnapped by a group of priestesses who have been exposed to magic so potent that it has possessed them.

Ariana escapes when she is nine years old, and her journey continues.

A self-proclaimed ‘Pantser’, Nigel chooses to let his words flow and his characters create themselves and dictate the storyline.

Writers are traditionally either ‘plotters’ or ‘pantsers’ which is short for flying by the seat of your pants!

In Nigel’s case, he thoroughly plans and depicts a firm vision of the reality he is creating, then allows the story to wander within that world without pre-planning where it will lead.

“A lot of the work that goes into writing these sorts of books is not seen by the readers,” explains Nigel.

“You have to create a whole culture, a history, even the weather!”

Originally from the gorge country of Northern New South Wales, Nigel is a generational farmer whose culture is founded in Irish convict ancestry.

He uses the remote wilderness of his childhood to inspire his fictional world.

A move to Tasmania with his seven children saw new doors open for him when he wandered into a Gothic Medieval giftshop.

There he met a man who invited him to join The Order of the Dragan’s Realm, a medieval club where he learnt to fight full metal combat with swords.

Again, this inspires the theme of his novel today.

It took Nigel 12 years to write his first novel, much of this has been achieved in the past few years since he moved to the Whitsundays with his daughter.

The first book is part of a trilogy and Nigel is already working on the second book entitled, ‘Scar’, with ‘Other World’ completing the series.

‍

Author Nigel Gleeson introduces his first book, Awakening. Photo credit: Rachael Smith