Whitsunday Lions Presents Donations To Community Organisations

By Bronte Hodge

Raising $10,000 from their annual Charity Golf Day, the Whitsunday Lions have distributed the monies to three local charities, The Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, Whitsunday Counselling and Support, and Proserpine Hospital Auxiliary, in a special ceremony held at Whitsunday Green Golf Club on Saturday.

“We’re amazed at the amount of support we get,” said Allan Gravelle, a representative from Whitsunday Lions.

“One of the really important aspects of fundraising is the number of local businesses that come and contribute, and the businesses here are very generous.”

On the Golf Day held earlier this year, Whitsunday Lions saw over 150 competitors take to Whitsunday Green Golf Course, many of which were business teams.

$4000 from the day was donated to Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, which will fund counselling services, including post-suicide resilience counselling.

“It is really difficult to talk about suicide,” explained Matt Stokes, Committee Member of Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Centre.

“We are very grateful for this donation to help fund our counselling services to families post suicide.”

Whitsunday Counselling and Support were the recipients of another $4000 sum.

“We would like to thank everyone for this very generous donation,” said Leanne Althaus, Administrative Services Manager.

“We are going to put this money towards establishing a teenager room, so that teenagers who are victims of domestic violence and abuse are able to engage in counselling to recover from their trauma.”

Proserpine Hospital Auxiliary received $2000, to go towards much-needed equipment for the hospital.

“Over half of the equipment at the Proserpine Hospital has been supplied by different community groups,” explained Lola Moody, a representative of the Proserpine Hospital Auxiliary.

“This donation gives us the power to buy things to make patients more comfortable and make the strain on our nurses easier, so thank you.”

Whitsundays Lions encourages any community organisations to reach out if they’re facing tough times, as they endeavour to help wherever they can.

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Whitsunday Lions donated funds to Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, Whitsunday Counselling and Support and Proserpine Hospital Auxiliary. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Whitsunday Regional Council have opened a consultation period asking the community’s opinion on whether to trial seven pedestrian crossings on Airlie Beach Main Street.

This move goes in hand with a Main Street upgrade which will see the lagoon and foreshore receive new landscaping, line marking, repairs, improved lighting, and deep cleaning of pavements.

The decision to trial the seven zebra crossings came from feedback gathered from a consultation period in 2022, which reported a majority of participants were in favour of prioritising pedestrians on Airlie Beach Main Street.

“The move to a pedestrian priority is a follow-up from a consultation last year,” a Council spokesperson said.

“This consultation showed there was a lean towards improving pedestrian priority.”

The last major upgrade to Airlie Beach Main Street occurred over 10 years ago, costing about $25 million for the project.

The current pedestrian walkways have been in place since this previous upgrade, and have signage stating, ‘Pedestrians only cross when road is clear’, giving motorised vehicles right of way.

“This new consultation is to gauge the sentiment for the number zebra crossings,” the Council spokesperson said.

The consultation period will run all of September, and members of the community are able to suggest ideas or share feedback through the Your Say Whitsunday Portal, or to Council at their stall at the Airlie Beach Markets.

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Seven new zebra crossings have been proposed, with the community encouraged to share their thoughts to Council. Photo supplied

The Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its Vision for the Whitsunday initiative.

Employing a series of workshop style focus groups, the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce are working to better futureproof their economic projection for the Whitsundays, a projection that is informed by the region’s trades, small business, commerce, and industry.  

Chamber President Allan Milostic urges both members and the broader business community to submit their ideas and concerns for consideration.

“Having a united, clear vision of the future designed by business for business is urgently needed. “What follows is relevant advocacy, representing our vision and influencing decisions across all levels of government,” Allan said.

“Coordinated advocacy is highly valued by all levels of government, and the Chamber will ensure that Proserpine and the Whitsunday coastal business centres have a strong voice in the development of this pivotal project.”

With three key pillars of engagement, the official findings of this initiative will be shared at the Chamber’s inaugural Whitsunday Business Conference in May 2024.

Businessowners and individuals are encouraged to formally submit their options to better the region to the Chamber, complete a quick survey, both of which close in December, and join a series of focus groups, all occurring throughout September and October.

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The 81st Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church Flower Show and Fete has flourished once again this year, with over 350 attendees visiting Proserpine State School to browse the various entries, enjoy the entertainment and purchase homemade goodies.

The Flower Show is the Uniting Church’s main fundraising event and aids the everyday running of the church.

“It is truly a lovely day,” said Jane Bettridge, a Committee Member of the Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church.

“It’s a unique event, the way it brings all aspects together, from a performance by the nursing home, to school groups, and dancers.

“The flower displays bring so much joy, and afterwards, we give the flowers to the nursing home, and they get distributed into resident’s rooms and they put big smiles onto people’s faces.”

Photo credit: Bronte Hodge and Supplied

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Whitsunday schools gathered together for a night of musical celebration, performing for the wider community at a special concert held last Friday night.

The 2023 Gala Concert welcomed friends and family to Proserpine State High School to showcase the musical abilities of students across the region.

The line up included the Bowen State High School Band, the Proserpine Citizen’s Band, and the Little Kids Big Band, which included Proserpine State School and Cannonvale State School students.

They were joined by a range of Proserpine State High School musical ensembles, including the School Band, Strings Ensemble, Soul Band, and N’Orleans Band.

Year 12 Art students from Proserpine State High School also painted artworks during a performance, letting the music fuel their creativeness and create a beautiful piece of art to celebrate the event.

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Cannonvale and Proserpine State School Strings

Proserpine State High School Strings

Proserpine State High School Year 12 Art students. Photos supplied

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Visitors to the North Head Lighthouse were greeted with an unexpected surprise, when Kenny the Kensington Pride Mango Mascot snapped pictures with them as they took the walk.

The North Head Lighthouse walk is a well-loved experience, attracting visitors from across Australia.

The surprise of Kenny was a welcome sight, with many visitors posing for photos before their trek.

Leanne Abernathy, Sales and Marketing Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business said it was wonderful to see people travel from all over Queensland to do the walk.

“We even saw former locals come back and walk to the lighthouse again,” she said.

100s of people took on the lighthouse walk, a local experience only possible at super low tides.

In order to walk to North Head Lighthouse, it is best to leave from Dalrymple Point, wear good protective shoes, and be sure to leave the lighthouse one hour before low tide.

“It was great opportunity to promote Bowen mangoes to visitors as the mango picking season is about to set off in November,” explained Leanne.

Kenny the Kensington Pride Mango has been with Bowen Tourism and Business for years and is a prominent local figure in Bowen.

Making appearances at local festivals and events, Kenny has also been featured on tv twice in 2023, showcasing the best of Bowen to the wider nation.

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Kenny the Kensington Pride Mango greeting visitors at the North Head Lighthouse. Photos supplied

Within the small community of Collinsville, the Collinsville Multi-Purpose Health Service (MPHS) looks after every single resident, making sure everyone is in good health and good spirit.

Overseeing the Health Service is Dr Myint Soe, the medical superintendent who has been at the helm for almost 20 years, and bringing with him extensive medical experience and history, spanning three continents.

Completing his studies in Myanmar more than 40 years ago, Dr Soe graduated in 1982.

Moving on to work in a military hospital as an intern, Dr Soe encountered a range of injuries, including many mass casualties from bomb blast injuries.

Finishing his internship, he began working with a surgical team, before moving to a Myanmar township as a GP for four years.

Afterwards, he decided to pursue further study in England for a time, before moving to South Africa.

For 14 years, Dr Soe practiced a myriad of different medical fields, including being the principal medical officer in an Orthopaedic Department for seven years, however he decided to move to Australia, and take a position in the Emergency Department at Redcliffe.

It wasn’t long, however, before a small town in the north was calling his name.

“I had a friend who was working in Ayr, and he told me that there was a vacancy here in Collinsville,” Dr Soe said.

“I started here in October 2004.”

Over the years, Dr Soe has seen the growth of Collinsville, and was rewarded with a nomination for a Royal Flying Doctor Service Spirit of John Flynn award in 2021.

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Dr Myint Soe has been delivering exceptional medical care to the community of Collinsville for almost 20 years. Photo supplied

With our Whitsunday Coast Airport recording record numbers and cruise ship visits increasing with new cruise lines utilising our revitalised Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, Council is keen to ensure a better visitor in Airlie Beach.

Prior to the September school holidays our Parks and Gardens and Infrastructure teams will continue with their refresh of the Airlie Beach Main Street, lagoon and foreshore area with upgraded landscaping, new line marking, repairs and deep cleaning of the pavements, improved lighting, and minor repairs to ensure the safety of all our locals and visitors.

We will also consult further with our community for their feedback on how best to prioritise pedestrian movements in Airlie Main Street while also ensuring traffic flow for delivery trucks, taxis and buses are not hindered severely.

Our initial community consultation last year showed that a majority were in favour of prioritising foot traffic activity to make our main street safer for pedestrians.

Over the next four weeks, commencing Monday September 11, we will consult with our stakeholders and community for their feedback on the installation of zebra crossings via Council’s Your Say Whitsunday online engagement portal - https://yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/ and face to face with a stall at the Airlie Beach Markets.

Stage 1 of the upgraded Airlie Beach Boardwalk was completed in June and Council is now preparing to undertake works on Stage 2.

Works will result in a closure of the Boardwalk between the VMR Boat Ramp and Shingley Drive from 11 September to early December in time for the Christmas holiday period (approx. 13 weeks, subject to weather).

During the closure, a detour will be available behind Mirage Whitsundays Apartments, via Altmann Avenue and Shingley Drive.

Keep up to date on this and all Council projects via our Your Say Whitsunday project page - yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.

As mentioned above our airport is smashing records so we are undertaking a review and update of the Whitsunday Coast Airport (WCA) Master Plan 2015.

The Master Plan is used to strategically guide the development and expansion of the airport and a review is now practical following the recent and significant growth in passenger numbers and aircraft traffic.

Submissions from interested parties have been received and a report is being compiled and will be placed on Council’s Your Say page on our website.

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Bowen telehealth coordinator Jennifer Aceret has been awarded the Non-Clinical Award for the great work she has done with the Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

“I didn't know I was nominated,” Jennifer explained.

Moving into the position seven years ago, Jennifer coordinates the telehealth appointments for Bowen, which has grown from five appointments a week to more than forty.

“I transferred from Townsville Hospital to Bowen Hospital because my partner and I decided to settle and raise our family - daughter Makayla and son William - in this beautiful little town,” she said.

“I was working in more of an HR admin role in the operating theatres in Townsville, doing payroll for 950 nursing staff.

“The role here in Bowen is more patient-based admin, and because the telehealth service was in its infancy when I started, I have had the opportunity to develop and create desktop procedural manuals and orientation/training manuals for clinical staff.”

Over the past seven years, Jennifer has moulded and grown the service, using her experience from managing a private GP practice for 20 years before taking up a position with Queensland Health.

“I feel overwhelmingly blessed to win this excellence award; it’s a highlight in my Queensland Health career,” Jennifer said.

“I want to thank Julie Minogue, our Director of Nursing, for her help and support, as well as all the current and past clinicians who are the backbone of the telehealth clinic and they make my job easy.

“I also want to acknowledge the virtual health team in Mackay for their wealth of knowledge and inspiration.”

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Jennifer Aceret, Coordinator of Bowen Telehealth, has been recognised for her service to the Bowen community. Photo supplied

With Rick Hamilton

The Whitsundays Tourism Awards judging is underway this week, with ten dedicated judges from The Whitsundays and wider tourism industry are all reading, scoring and discussing the submissions put forward by 40 local businesses.

Released this week, is the lighter side of the Awards and one that everyone can get involved in – the People’s Choice Award.

This is your chance to vote for a business you’ve had a wonderful experience with or one you think is the most deserving of the People’s Choice Award.

The winner and runners-up will be announced at the Whitsundays Tourism Awards Ceremony on Friday 20 October.

Here are the businesses you can vote for are:

• Accom Whitsunday

• Bell Tents Whitsundays

• BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

• Elysian Retreat

• InterContinental Hayman Island Resort

• Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach

• Mirage Whitsundays

• Phoenix One

• Pinnacles Resort

• Queens Beach Tourist Village

• Tasman Holiday Parks Airlie Beach

• Bowen Tourism and Business

• Cruise Whitsundays

• Driftwood Tours

• Grand View Hotel

• Great Barrier Reef Festival

• Iconic Whitsunday Adventures

• Kiana Sail and Dive

• Little Fish Tourism Development Consulting

• Ocean Rafting

• Scamper Island Camping & Water Bikes Whitsundays

• SeaLink Whitsundays

• Shute Harbour Marine Terminal

• Whitsunday Coast Airport

• Whitsunday Segway Tours

Voting is open until 11:59pm Friday 15 September.

If you haven’t purchased your tickets for the Whitsundays Tourism Awards, get them organised soon via whitsundaystourismawards.com.au

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One of the oldest surviving World War II veterans in the country celebrated his 102nd birthday at the Proserpine RSL on Sunday Afternoon.

George Gnezdiloff was surrounded by friends, family and even strangers that took the time to stop-by and congratulate him on his most recent lap around the sun.

Councillor Jan Clifford attended the event to wish him well and his two daughters and their two cousins jointly hosted the lively spread for over 50 guests to enjoy.

An accomplished World War II veteran, George spent many years serving in the Australia Air Force as an aircraft wireless operator.

While abroad on the war effort, he met his wife Mary Savage, in Millom England, at a dancing hall.

He thought she was the most beautiful dancer in the building and vowed to marry her.

Engaged for a short time, Mary called off the wedding and left George.

Fortunately, she soon changed her mind and returned to George, following her heart, and moving to Australia to be with him.

In January 1946, George was officially discharged from the Air Force and worked odd jobs before Mary arrived and the pair travelled to Townsville, where George’s family lived.

In Townsville, George re-trained as a Health Inspector and was offered a position in Barcaldine.

It was in 1952 that George and Mary’s first child, Robert, was born. The young family then moved to Mareeba, where George was Health Inspector, Building Inspector, and Plumbing Inspector for 20 years, before the family decided to relocate to Proserpine.

The couple went onto to have five children, three boys and two girls, with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren having now followed.

Moving to Proserpine in 1971, George was employed as the Chief Health Surveyor and Building Inspector for 15 years, until his retirement in 1986.

A prominent figure in Proserpine, George was instrumental in the construction of the Proserpine Nursing Home and has continued to be active in the community.

Sadly, Mary passed away in October 2015, aged 89.

For the past two years, George has resided at the Proserpine Nursing Home and, as the driving force behind its creation, now reaps the benefits of seeds planted many years ago.

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Proserpine local George Gnezdiloff turned 102 over the weekend. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Councillor Jan Clifford wishes George a happy birthday.

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By Bronte Hodge

For Jane Bettridge, a quiet retirement was something that she steered clear of, instead filling her time giving back to the Proserpine and Whitsundays community as much as possible.

In her working life, Jane was a primary school teacher, teaching the youngest of our youth for years before she moved into retirement.

“I got grade two in my second year of teaching, and I loved it. It was my niche, I had so much fun. I never taught higher than grade three ever again,” Jane explained.

Moving back to the area in her retirement, she was looking to give back to the community that raised her in her youth.

Aligning with her values, the Whitsunday Proserpine Uniting Church was the perfect fit for her.

“It just happened, that I was on the committee. I accidently wound up on the church council as their marketing person,” Jane said.

“Somebody thought it was a great idea!

“Sometimes I think God has a very strange sense of humour, but it’s been a vertical learning curve.”

During her time as the church’s marketing guru, she has overseen the massive fundraising effort of the Whitsunday Proserpine Uniting Church Brick by Brick campaign, with the goal to fund the rebuilding of their church.

When she’s not focusing her energy on the church, Jane loves volunteering with Whitsunday Lions Club.

She began this connection following Cyclone Debbie in 2017, helping with the kitchen effort and feeding emergency services as they helped in the aftermath and clean up.

Now, she has turned her sights to the Lions Youth of the Year Program, being the local coordinator of the Whitsunday Lions.

In this role, she overlooks the program, mentoring the local youth with their confidence in public speaking.

At the end of the program, the youth present two speeches, and one impromptu speech.

“The impromptu questions are difficult, but not impossible, and the children are amazing.

“The Youth of the Year is something that reminds me that the world is in great hands, because they are truly inspiring.”

For both organisations, Jane is integral to core programs and projects, solidifying herself as an invaluable community member.

“It’s just so humbling to be a part of these things, but there are many other people in town who do more than I do.”

Jane’s humility and passion drive everything she pursues, and she is a force to be reckoned with.

In the final stages of the Whitsunday Proserpine Uniting Church Brick by Brick campaign, she is excited to witness the construction of the church, as well as begin the 2024 Lions Youth of the Year planning.

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Jane Bettridge services the Proserpine and Airlie Beach community every day, contributing to better the area. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

The Blueprint Exhibition concept began as a way to activate the wall in Foodspace Café while highlighting emerging artists.

The concept is now being taken to the streets – specifically to Second Lane (off Gregory Street), where Blueprint 2.0 will launch this Friday night (September 1).

A free outdoor art gallery launch, with artist Autumn Skuthorpe, will run from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

Skuthorpe is an experienced Māori wahine inclusive arts practitioner who proudly celebrates the voices and stories of our region.

On opening night, you can meet the artist, watch a “free wall” live community art session and relax on a beanbag with friends in the open-air lounge area.

There will be hot food by Hibiki Bar and Karaoke, drinks available at the Can Bar and a live acoustic session by Jamesley.

Also in the City Centre, Stephanie De Vries from Emu Creek Art is completing two complementary murals on the riverfront – one on the playground wall next to Red Dog Brewery and the other on the ground of the River Wharves precinct.

She will be painting between September 18 and 25 at River Wharves and October 1 and 6 at Bluewater Quay and is happy to chat to people about her work as she paints.

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Autumn Skuthorpe Dingo 2023 (pictured) will be one of the five artworks featured in Blueprint 2.0 (image courtesy of the artist)

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Launched By Local Socialpreneurs

A social enterprise initiative aiming to tackle a significant gap in housing availability and suitability has been designed and launched by local ‘socialpreneurs’ Elisa McFadzen and Jenna Armstrong.

‘Millions in the Middle’ aims to provide a stable, affordable housing solution for those impacted by the housing crisis.

“We saw friends and colleagues, hard-working professionals, struggle to keep a roof over their head,” said Ms McFadzen.

“We knew we had to do something.

“Our vision is to bridge the gap in housing availability and make a lasting impact in our community.”

In Mackay, only 3.6 per cent of dwellings are flats or apartments, compared to 12.5 per cent in the rest of Queensland, and 14.2 per cent in Australia.

With 23.9 per cent of households in Mackay being single-person dwellings, Ms McFadzen highlighted the pressing mismatch in housing suitability.

“We looked at what the gaps were in our community and found a significant need for smaller dwellings,” she said.

“We have single-person or smaller households in need, our ageing population, working couples, single parent families and a lack of suitable dwellings,” added Ms Armstrong.

“It's a challenge that requires innovative thinking and community-driven solutions.”

The pair have capitalised on recent changes in Queensland government legislation which unlocked new housing opportunities, allowing ‘Millions in the Middle’ to create a community actionable solution through secondary dwellings.

Recognising the hurdles faced by the general public, ‘Millions in the Middle’ partnered with local industry networks to streamline the process, developing four small-scale, fully self-contained, 7+ star-rated housing models in collaboration with Whitsunday Design & Drafting and GJ Gardner Homes.

Officially launched on Friday, August 25, the new, small-scale housing models will cater to diverse needs within the region.

“Homeowners in our region have a unique opportunity to be part of this solution,” Ms McFadzen stated.

“We have gone through and fully streamlined the process, completed designs, engineering certificates and made sure everything is really ready to go and easy for people to add this as an option onto their property.

“By offering space for a secondary dwelling, you're not just investing in property – you're investing in people, in community, and in change.”

The dwellings can be built from consultation to construction in approximately four months and start at $140,000, ranging from 33m2 to 75m2.

If you are a homeowner with space to build a secondary dwelling, visit www.millionsinthemiddle.com.au to learn more or get involved.

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Jenna Armstrong and Elisa McFadzen. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Millions in the Middle developed four small-scale, fully self-contained, 7+ star-rated housing models. Image supplied

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Last week, the tables turned, and I found myself on the receiving end of a good deed. Typically, I'm the one orchestrating acts of kindness, but it seems the universe had a different plan in store for me.

Amidst a busy workday, I had a meeting scheduled at Caneland Central right after lunch. Naturally, I couldn't resist a detour past one of my beloved fashion boutiques. Call it serendipity or a lunchtime whim, but I ended up acquiring a few additions to my work wardrobe ensemble.

However, as fate would have it, my phone went MIA. A minor inconvenience, I thought, assuming I had merely left it in my car. Armed with my laptop and a café's Wi-Fi, I soldiered on through my meetings.

Later, in the depths of searching through my vehicle, I came to the startling realisation that my phone was playing hide-and-seek elsewhere. Could it have slipped beneath a seat? I hatched a plan. Fingers crossed, I started my car and attempted a call. No ringing. That ruled out the car.

Returning to the boutique, I was met with sympathetic brows and a thorough search of the change room. The verdict? Nada. However, the boutique staff made a winning move – they connected with centre management, and lo and behold, my phone was in safe hands!

As of today, the mystery of where it had slipped from my grip remains unsolved. Yet, I extend my gratitude to the person who found it and turned it in. In my line of work, my phone is more than a gadget; it's a lifeline. The relief of heading home, clutching it securely, is a sentiment that can't be overstated.

Amanda

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