Hi Everyone,

Whether you are enjoying some time off with the family, working extra hard over the busy school holidays or simply continuing with life as normal – I hope you are having a happy and satisfying week.

I had a very inspiring meeting with the Trudy Crowley Foundation ‘Teal Angels’ recently and was incredibly touched by their dedication to helping people living with cancer in the Whitsunday community.

As many of you will know, I had bowel cancer five years ago and, after six months of chemo, was lucky to get the all-clear.

My journey with cancer will always be part of my life and, now that I am healthy, I feel called to do everything I can to help others who are now enduring similar experiences.

I find that people who have lived with or been around cancer have an instant connection, and that is exactly what I felt with the two cancer care nurses, Rosie and Chris, when I met them last week.

Not only are they two of the loveliest people you will ever meet, they have also guided countless people through cancer over the years.

During this time, they’ve made friends, lost friends, grieved all and had many wins along the way – throughout this, they have continued in their mission to lighten the load for anyone living with cancer.

Based in Mackay, the two nurses come to the Whitsundays regularly, attending free home visits with anyone in the community needing cancer support.

You can read their full story on page 4.

These inspiring ladies and the broader group of volunteers are hoping to start a local support group soon, bringing together people who have or did have cancer.

There is a vibrant group called the Bowen Cancer and Ostomy Support Group, but for those living in the southern end of the Whitsundays, there is nothing yet.

If you are interested in getting involved, please let me know and I will pass your details onto the nurses.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “For every mountain there is a miracle” (Robert H Schuller)

‍

An abandoned gold mine in Proserpine is being re-opened after extensive metallurgical test work revealed a major mineralised system exists, with only a small portion drilled to date.

The historic Dittmer Mine forms one of several old high-grade workings along a 2km north-northeast trending corridor which is also crosscut by a series of structures with associated historical workings.

The mine, which was discovered in 1934, had produced over 54,000 Oz of gold by the time it closed in 1951. 

Since that time, the mine has been abandoned, before interest was reinvigorated late last year when Ballymore Resources conducted extensive field work, including mapping, rock chip, soil and stream sediment sampling to assess Dittmer’s size potential.

The results of this exploration identified a number of high-grade shoots that compelled the company to reopen old underground workings earlier this year.

A drill program, comprising 3,000 metres of diamond drilling, has now been designed to test these high-grade zones.

An area of 513 square kilometres is being explored further.

A Queensland Government CEI grant for $300,000 has also been awarded so the project can undertake an 8,051 line-kilometre survey of the entire Dittmer Project area.

The survey area covers numerous historic mines and prospects including porphyry-related copper deposits and vein- and stockwork-hosted gold-copper epithermal and mesothermal deposits.

If mining does resume, the method of extraction is likely to be via both cyanide leach and flotation processes with test work confirming the ore is amenable to this type of processing.

The Dittmer Mine is located near the town of Dittmer, about 20 kilometres west of Proserpine.

A small population of 79 residents live in the area and local groups have already come forward to protest against the mine stating there are significant concerns about the extraction process and how it is going to impact the water quality for the entire region.

Dittmer resident, Jeudi Croker, has started a petition to appeal against the pending mining licence applications for the site.

“The entire Dittmer community rely solely on underground water for drinking and household use with most homes having bores on their properties fed from fractured rock aquifers,” she explained.

“We hold grave concerns about this mining operation being considered for approval given the nature of gold production, toxic heavy metals in proximity to Kelsey Creek watercourse and the 79 resident’s bores.”

The mine site is also within the Proserpine catchment area and water drains to Proserpine Dam which then provides drinking water to the thousands of Whitsunday residents, as well irrigation to agricultural land.

Ms Croker says she is working alongside the Whitsunday Conservation Society who are also concerned about the damage to local wildlife, namely the rock wallabies, northern quoll, Greater Glider and numerous koalas which call the area home.

“We call on the State Environmental Minister Leanne Linnard to protect our essential groundwater Water,” said Ms Croker.  

“This issue is a Federal matter, a State matter, a regional matter and a community matter; but ultimately it’s a personal matter in the manner that if we fail to take on personal responsibility for our collective ecosystem then we fail ourselves to leave a healthy world for future generations and we fail the voiceless animals and water and trees that we have a responsibility to protect.”

The old mine shafts are currently being explored. Photos supplied
The area of Dittmer and the vicinity of current mining exploration works

‍

Last weekend the kind volunteers at the Proserpine Whitsunday Country Women’s Association hosted a cake stall at Bunnings in Cannonvale.

With a delicious range of home-made cakes, jams and biscuits, the cake stall was a popular place to grab a goodie on the way home and do some good along the way.

Almost every weekend the Bunnings entranceway is a place where customers can engage with a local charity organisation.

In fact, there is a pre-booked schedule of community groups, charities and worthwhile organisations who all take it in turns to run a stall and raise some money.

Whether that be with the classic Aussie Sausage Sizzle or the quintessential CWA cake stall, there is always something yummy on offer.

Your donated dollars are making a real difference in the community, whether that be helping a local sports club raise money or the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre generate extra financial support – each organisation is definitely worthwhile.

Next time you’re passing through to get your DIY supplies or a new house plant, make sure you stop and say hello.

Purchase a cold drink or even just donate a dollar.

While you’re there, say thank you to the hardworking volunteers who have given up their weekend morning to help make change in the community.

‍

The volunteers at the CWA cake stand at Bunnings last weekend. Photo: Facebook

‍

Residents of the Whitsundays who are living with cancer and navigating the scary and often confusing world of hospital appointments, scans and treatment, now have a free cancer service that comes right to their doors.

The Teal Angels are a team of two travelling registered nurses and one Mackay-based counsellor who operate as part of a broader charity, the Trudy Crowley Foundation.

These dedicated professionals provide a full range of free services from advice to basic check-ups, connecting you with other networks and of course being a friendly ear to listen.

Chris Giannangelo, Bec Snell and Rosie Stannard are all members of Trudy’s Teal Angels, helping people living with cancer in our region. Photo credit: Kate and Me Photography

Cancer Care Team Here To Help

The Trudy Crowley Foundation is a charity that began with one woman’s dream to provide the support and guidance that was not initially available to her when she received a cancer diagnosis.

Trudy Crowley was a brave and inspiring woman who was diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer at the age of 47.

Instead of curling up in the corner and surrendering, she “put her big girl pants on” and decided to use this terrible diagnosis for good, determined to create change within the system.

Speaking in Parliament, Trudy stood up and raised the need for more dedicated ovarian cancer support.

She also began an iconic annual Mackay event which raised a significant amount of money to help those with cancer.

Sadly, Trudy passed away in 2018, but funds from the events have been used to transform the experience of a cancer diagnosis for many people in our region. Something Trudy would be very proud of today.

Initially beginning as a palliative, end of life service, the level of support has now been expanded to include everyone, both men and women and those living with any type of cancer, and at any stage of their journey.

The two registered nurses, Rosie Stannard and Chris Giannangelo, come to the Whitsundays every eight weeks to conduct home visits to anyone in the community who needs any level of cancer support.

Rosie has been part of the charity since its inception, having worked closely with Trudy and hand-selected by Trudy to be part of her legacy.

Rosie is a Mackay born and bred local who has been a nurse for almost 45 years. She began working in aged care and spent time helping with quadriplegics in Brisbane before discovering her true passion for palliative care.

Meanwhile, Chris has been with the foundation since March last year and a community nurse in Mackay for the past 45 years, moving into palliative care 10 years ago.

When it came time for her to begin retirement last year, she was approached by the Foundation and offered a part-time role.

These two inspiring nurses are based in Mackay and work closely with the Icon Cancer Centre to offer free support services.

They also operate the Trudy Crowley Foundation Centre, a dedicated facility located in Mackay City Centre.

Here you will find a comfortable lounge setting for support group meetings, a wig room and also a free counselling service for cancer patients and individual members of their families.

Bec Snell is the third member of the Teal Angels, offering counselling support to guide people through the emotional impacts, intense feelings, and the challenging mental struggle of a diagnosis.

Working in counselling for several years, Bec is passionate about empowering people through their individual experiences.

She can speak to cancer patients at the Mackay Centre or through a telehealth appointment.

All these services are completely free.

In addition to the regular visits and counselling support, the team are also keen to start a local Cancer Support group, with more details available soon.

Meanwhile, the Trudy Crowley Centre is located at Shop 6, 41 Gregory Street in Mackay and is open from 10am to 2pm from Monday to Thursday every week.

To book a home visit with the nurses, call Jacquie on 0407 900 716.

‍

Registered nurse, Rosie Stannard, comforting a cancer patient. Photo supplied

Trudy Crowley, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2018. Photo supplied

‍

Are you due for a breast scan? If so, the Queensland Government are making it easy for you to get one free and conveniently at their mobile screening van which is visiting the region soon.

If you are between the age of 50 and 74 it is important for you to get a regular breast scan.

If you are under 50 and have a history of cancer in your family, then it is important to have a breast scan at an earlier age.

Breast cancer is the second largest cause of cancer death in Australian women after lung cancer. It also is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in Australian women.

Cancer Council Australia recommends that eligible women participate in the BreastScreen Australia program by having a free mammogram every two years, provided they are aware of the benefits and the risks.

Even though it is scary, early detection gives the best chance of survival.

Breast screening saves lives. It is one of the most effective ways to detect early signs of breast cancer, meaning treatment outcomes are much better.

Often, if caught in the early stages, the scale of treatment is reduced and less invasive.

Please note, this service is for screening only so if you have a lump or concern about a change to your breast, it is advisable to go to your doctor as soon as possible.

To make an appointment phone 13 20 50.

Dates For The Whitsundays

Collinsville Hospital
3 April – 12 April

Centrepoint Shopping Centre Carpark, Bowen
15 April – 13 June
15 July – 8 August

Proserpine Hospital
28 May – 28 June

Whitsunday Plaza Shopping Centre, Cannonvale
1 July – 23 August

‍

Two local nurses who also run a local flower business organised the first of what they hope to be a series of fundraising charity events last weekend.

Held at Whisper Gin Bar and Restaurant, the lively afternoon attracted around 60 attendees who all enjoyed some delicious mimosas and plentiful canapes served overlooking the beautiful Coral Sea.

Christie Ditchburn and Rosie Butterworth are the two local nurses who organised the event, electing to raise money for a cause close to their heart.

“We chose to give all the money raised to the Breast Cancer Foundation, which goes directly into supporting further research,” explained Christie.

“Breast cancer has touched a few people in our lives and working in the professions we do, we thought this was a worthy cause for our first event.”

Deciding to make the fundraiser both informative and impactful, the ladies invited cancer survivor Jo McGregor to come along and share her story.

Melinda Butcher from Taylors Property Specialists emceed the event and conducted a candid Q&A with Jo who gave the audience an insight into how she felt throughout her cancer journey, what her family went through and how others helped along the way.

During the event there was also a silent auction and a live auction hosted once again by Mel Butcher.

On offer to the astute buyer were items such as a Day at the Cabana at Coral Sea Resort, a night’s accommodation at Freedom Shores and a scenic helicopter ride with Helibiz.

There was also a raffle with a ‘ReefSleep for two’ kindly donated by Cruise Whitsundays.

An incredible $8000 was raised and donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation.

The two ladies would like to thank the following sponsors: Coral Sea Resort, Cruise Whitsundays, Boutique Beauty, The belvedere at Toscana, Principle Movements,
Helibiz, Hanger Cafe and bar, The Birdhouse Whitsundays, Glo Aesthetics, Whitsunday Green, Whistunday Gift Hamper, Livelife Pharmacy Cannonvale, Infuze Me, Whisper Gin Bar and Chalk Art Magic.

‍

It was a lively afternoon of fundraising with stunning Coral Sea views at Whisper Gin Bar and Restaurant

Stunning flowers by Espresso and Bloom, the florist owned by the two event organisers
Melinda Butcher from Taylors Property Specialists facilitated the auction. Photos supplied

‍

After two successful Big Cigarette Butt Hunts in Cairns, thanks to funding from Queensland Gives, No More Butts is now expanding the events to four new locations including right here in the Whitsundays.

No More Butts is taking action against cigarette butts, the single biggest contributor to litter in Australia and around the world, holding its first event in 2022 where more than a dozen volunteers picked up 4,500 butts in just under an hour.

In 2023, 20 volunteers from several different organisations and businesses joined forces to comb the streets of Cairns and, after one hour, had collected a total of 10,350 butts.

The success of this event saw two further events held in December 2023 in partnership with the Sea Shepherd Marine Debris Campaign, Rye, Victoria and Surfers Paradise played host to the groups, who picked up more than 14,000 butts.

“Partnering with councils, businesses, local rangers and other like-minded groups is having a great impact,” said No More Butts Executive Director Mr Shannon Mead.

“Although our ultimate goal is to ban plastic cigarette filters, for now, we need to spend a lot of effort on education and prevention, as well as picking up these toxic nasty plastic parcels.”

Jumping into the “butt mobile” in April, No More Butts founder Mr Mead will travel from Innisfail to Mackay to participate in the four events across two weekends.

Identifying hot spots, based on previous visits and community feedback, Mr Mead is optimistic that others may join him in the hunt for as many butts as possible.

Although some essentials will be on hand, participants are encouraged to bring their own gloves, suncream, a hat and a water bottle.

WHAT: Big Cigarette Butt Hunt
WHEN: Saturday, April 13 from 8:15am
WHERE: Carpark next to Airlie Beach Lagoon
MORE INFORMATION: https://bit.ly/nqldbh24 or scan the QR code below

20 volunteers picked up 10,350 butts in one hour in Cairns. Photo: stock image

‍

A long-serving and highly dedicated nurse who spent her career working at Proserpine Hospital is being remembered by the broader healthcare community this week, the ground-breaking ideas she implemented over the years celebrated by all that knew her.

Lola, the beloved wife of Mel and mother of Marcus, Michelle and Meagan, passed away unexpectedly in January aged 74.

Lola was passionate about delivering excellent healthcare to the community and it was her lifelong dream to become a nurse.

Initially undertaking cadet nursing before starting her nursing training in the late 1960s, Lola’s long career at Proserpine hospital began in 1983 as the nurse in charge of the operating theatre.

This was the beginning of a long relationship with healthcare and the local community.

Committed to supporting funding streams which assisted in providing services such as afterhours doctors, additional administration staff and the hospital consumer bus, Lola was well-known for advocating for what she believed the community needed.

Proserpine Hospital Director of Nursing (DON) Nicola Young said Lola worked tirelessly throughout the years as a Clinical Nurse in the operating theatre, sometimes seven days a week and was often on call 24 hours a day.

“In the years gone by there was only about four weeks a year when she wasn’t on call., Explained Nicola.

“Whenever theatre was happening or required, including emergency surgeries such as caesarean sections and appendectomies, as well as planned operations, Lola was there.

“If it wasn’t for Lola there is no way we would have had a theatre when the hospital was rebuilt 25 years ago.

“She pushed incredibly hard for the hospital to have that operating theatre open and available to the community even after hours.”

Nicola said Lola was very passionate about healthcare in our community.

“She always said that just because we were small didn’t mean we could provide any less of a service or that we couldn’t provide the best service here for our community in Proserpine.”

She had a proven record for implementing advanced care initiatives, sometimes even before recommendations had been made to do so, such as enrolled nurses have sterilising certificates and the benefit of skin-to-skin contact for caesarean mothers.
“So, when places like Royal Brisbane were just starting to think about it, Lola had already implemented these initiatives in Proserpine. She really was before her time.”

Health was not the only area of interest for Lola, she loved travelling within Australia and internationally and attended many international theatre conferences.

Despite retiring 14 years ago, her work continued as a member and president of Proserpine and District Hospital Auxiliary, working to raise funds and provide a link between rural health and the community.

She also served as a Mackay Health Community Council member from 2008 to 2011 and was a Consumer Advisory Partner in Mackay and part of the Consumer Reference Group in Proserpine.

Lola was a representative on a number of statewide consumer committees including Brisbane and Cairns with a particular focus on theatres and children’s services and was the recipient of a prestigious award from the Perioperative Nurses of Queensland.

She and her husband Mel were lifelong members of the Whitsunday Swimming Club and helped form the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club, of which she was also a life member.

Lola was honoured with an Australia Day award in 2011 for her contributions to the community as a sports administrator.

The Mackay Hospital and Health Service sends their condolences to the Mudie family on the passing of this incredible community advocate.

‍

Lola Muddie was a nurse at Proserpine Hospital who dedicated her career to creating the best opportunities and standards for our regional hospital. Photo supplied

‍

The original founder of the Whitsundays Writers Festival will be honoured at the newly revitalised event this September with an award given in her name.

Gloria Burley was the driving force behind the local writers festival for many years, until she sadly passed away in 2018.

The festival has since been on pause until a newly reinvigorated committee took the reins once again, re-launching the event later this year.

Remembered for her vivacious personality and passionate festival prowess, Gloria’s charm and charisma will live on through the award.

Gloria was known as seasoned traveller, bright, witty, funny and a fine writer. 

She establishment the Whitsunday Writers Festival in 2010 and penned two books titled A Rolling Stone Gathers No Husbands – chronicling many of her travels to more than 100 different countries during her life – and Blood & Guts.

Her passion for writing will now live on with the Gloria Burley Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript.

This is part of the broader festival’s Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, which offers substantial cash prizes to recognise and honour outstanding contributions of writers and creatives. 

The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards’ mission is to spotlight the diverse talents within the Australian creative community while also paying homage to the captivating Whitsunday’s Heart Reef.

Festival President Karen Jacobsen expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating “Beyond assembling some of Australia’s celebrated authors in Airlie Beach, our Festival aims to celebrate and champion homegrown writing and design talent”. 

“The Heart Awards epitomise our commitment to nurturing creativity and honouring the legacy of festival founder Gloria Burley.” Karen said. 

Award Submissions:

Prize money: First Prize $2,500, and Runner-Up $1,000
Submissions: Original and unpublished works of fiction written in English. Submit the first three chapters or the first 10,000 – 12,000 words of a completed manuscript and other details.
Deadline: Submissions close Tuesday 30 April 2024.
Submission fee: AUD$70 plus GST
Visit the Festival’s website (www.whitsundayswriters.com) for full terms and conditions, and details of the other Heart Award categories – Short Story (adult and under 18 divisions), Poetry Prize, and Best Published Book Cover Design.

Gloria Burley was the original founder of the Whitsundays Writers Festival back in 2010. Photo supplied

‍

Photo credit: Whitsunday Christian College and St Catherine’s Catholic College

‍

Luke Sheppard, Senior Business Relationship Manager for North Central Queensland and Cairns is now available to discuss a range of business banking services at Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine.
Branch Manager Amanda Anderson said: “We are excited to be able to offer Luke’s Business Banking expertise at our Branch, in addition to all our other face-to-face full banking services from 9:30am-4pm Monday to Friday”.
“Luke is now available to help our wonderful Whitsundays business community with banking services such as business lending (over $500K), business property purchases and construction, equipment finance, overdrafts, investments and refinancing” she said.  
Personalised Local Service
While many other financial institutions increasingly require their business customers to conduct their business online or through a call centre with no specific manager or point of contact, Luke enjoys meeting our customers face-to-face at the Cannonvale-Proserpine Branch.
He travels to Cannonvale and Airlie Beach on a very regular basis to work with and discuss the specific needs of existing Bendigo Bank customers and with new-to-bank customers wishing to take advantage of Bendigo’s acclaimed personal service difference.
Huge Opportunities
Luke Sheppard said: “I see huge opportunities for the Whitsundays business community and the region more broadly. The Whitsundays is such a fantastic place with enormous potential”.
“I’ve been involved in banking for almost 30 years, having started as a Batch Clerk – a junior to a teller – and progressing to my current role as Senior Business Relationship Manager for North Central Queensland and Cairns”.
“What I enjoy most about Bendigo Community Banking is that it’s based on a 'profit-with-purpose' model, which means our profits are returned directly to the community that has generated them.
Community Banking Makes A Difference
“For our customers, their banking is making a real difference. Every day our customers help change lives, and save lives, simply by banking with us - so it’s important that we have local people and businesses doing their banking with us so we can keep on doing what we love doing. You may not think who you bank with matters, but it does,” said Luke.
Amanda said “As Australia’s most trusted bank, we’re big on products, big on service and big on local banking. You need a bank to provide the products and services you need - and we need your banking to help us make a difference - so please get in touch with our friendly local staff if we can help you with any of your residential, business lending or any other banking requirements.”
Luke Sheppard is based in Mackay and married with a son who is obsessed with rugby league, boxing, dirt bikes and fishing. You can make an appointment to see Luke by calling 07 4948 3599 or emailing cannonvale&proserpinemailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au

Luke Sheppard, Senior Business Relationship Manager for North Central Queensland and Cairns. Photo supplied

‍

The new Bowen and Collinsville Visitor Guide for 2024/25 is now available.

This is the second time this guide has been produced by Bowen Tourism and Business.

The 60-page full colour guide includes everything tourists may want to know including where to stay, where to eat and what to do.

It features articles about the Big Mango, the Bowen Jetty and the beautiful beaches and lookouts.

It has a comprehensive section about Collinsville and also information on things to do Airlie Beach.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the guide was not just for visitors but also for local residents as it included a community directory as well as a comprehensive directory of all members of Bowen Tourism and Business.

“This year, we increased the print run to 60,000 copies, hoping that it will last us until the end of next year,” she said.

“The guide is very popular and is distributed to the 100 Visitor Information Centres in Queensland as well as many in NSW. 

“It is also handed out to visitors at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre and is available at many businesses throughout Bowen and Collinsville as well as some accommodation and tour providers in Airlie Beach.

“The team at Bowen Tourism and Business will be busy in coming weeks distributing the guide but if anyone wants copies, they are welcome to drop into the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango.”

‍

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy and Visitor Services Co-ordinator Glenn Womal with the new Bowen and Collinsville Visitor Guide. Photo supplied

‍

The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced a revised program for the 2024 Whitsunday Business Conference.  

The Chamber has seized the opportunity to host a shorter event on Thursday 16 May 2024 to coincide with a visit from the Queensland Small Business Commissioner to our region.

The full Whitsunday Business Conference program will now be held in 2025.

The reschedule allows time to create a bigger and better program with a business expo and more opportunities for the business community to get involved.  

The Thursday 16 May program will be held 1:00pm-4:30pm at Mantra Club Croc, Cannonvale. 

It will preview what to expect from the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference. 

Attendees will be part of a number of timely and provocative conversations on the following topics with other local business owners on:

   • What are your business pain points? 
   • What are the pressing issues facing small business in our region?

You can also learn how to supercharge your people power with tips on:

   • How to deal with changing staff attitudes and work ethic
   • Young employees through to an ageing workforce
   • Finding stability with transient workers and staff turnover
   • Diversity and inclusion in small business
   • Stories and strategies on re-inventing your business
   • Rejecting challenges and overcoming limitations
   • How to lead your team to exceed expectations

Have your say on the 2024 Conference to shape the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference.
 
The program will be followed by a meet and greet event 5pm-7pm hosted by the Whitsunday Regional Council with the Queensland Small Business Commissioner to better understand her role and discuss challenges and opportunities facing small business in our region. 

WHAT: Whitsunday Business Conference 
WHEN: 1:00pm-4:30pm Conference
5pm-7pm Queensland Small Business Commissioner event
WHERE: Mantra Club Croc, Cannonvale  
REGISTRATION: Free for Chamber members, $25 for non-members via the Chamber’s website (www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au) for details 

‍

Photo credit: Rachael Smith

‍

TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE, CLICK HERE

https://take.quiz-maker.com/poll5149571xbCc94a53-155

‍

Winner will be chosen and announced on 1st of May

‍