When I first ran for Mackay Regional Council, one of the issues I heard most often from residents was rates.

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People wanted to know how decisions were being made, whether council was operating efficiently and whether every opportunity was being taken to ensure value for money.

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It was one of the reasons I put my hand up for council.

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Over the past two years, I have spent a great deal of time learning about the budget process and asking questions about how council operates financially. What I have learned is that local government budgets are complex, involving hundreds of services, projects, assets and responsibilities that support our community every day.

I have also learned that good financial outcomes do not happen by accident. They come from examining the detail, challenging assumptions and continually looking for opportunities to do things better.

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One of the concerns I regularly hear from residents is whether council is operating as efficiently as it can. These are valid questions, and they are questions councillors should continue asking.

While important work has been done to improve budget scrutiny and accountability, I believe there is always room for improvement. As technology evolves and new ways of delivering services emerge, council must continue looking for opportunities to improve efficiency, modernise processes and ensure we are achieving the best possible value for ratepayers.

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The upcoming budget is one of the most important decisions councillors make each year. It is about balancing the services and infrastructure our community relies upon with the cost pressures being experienced by households, retirees, farmers and businesses across our region.

My commitment remains the same as it was when I first sought election: to ask questions, carefully consider the options before us and ensure the interests of Mackay ratepayers remain at the centre of every decision.

At the end of the day, every dollar matters.

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Recycling processing to move to Townsville’s newer facility. Photo supplied

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Mackay Regional Council is investigating innovative and cost-effective ways to reduce waste and improve recycling outcomes as Australia works towards ambitious national waste reduction targets.

The nation has set a goal of diverting up to 90 per cent of waste from landfill by 2030; however, all states and territories are currently falling short of that target.

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In response, Mackay Regional Council is exploring proactive measures aimed at reducing reliance on landfill, and looking to be a leader in this space.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council had been investigating pathways to improve waste management sustainability.

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“Mackay, like all councils across Queensland, is facing rising waste volumes, increasing landfill costs and tighter environmental expectations. Being reliant on landfill is not sustainable in the medium to long term,” Mayor Williamson said.

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“Council is enhancing its recycling capabilities by transitioning the ageing Paget Material Recovery Facility (MRF) into a bale and transfer station where recyclables will be lightly bundled and transferred to Townsville’s much newer MRF, operated by Re.Group,” he said.

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“This will allow us to leverage advanced technology to maximise landfill diversion and support a growing resource recovery industry.”

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Mayor Williamson said cost-effectiveness was also a driving factor.

“As the cost of everything increases, we need to adapt to ensure our money is going as far as possible,” Mayor Williamson said.

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“This new approach will reduce costs by sharing the operational burden of a modern recycling facility across Mackay, Whitsunday and North Queensland regions,” he said.

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“When we went out for tender in late 2025, Re.Group’s proposal to bundle recycling locally and transport it to Townsville for processing was by far the most cost-effective option.”

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The partnership also provides access to advanced processing infrastructure and international recycling markets, ensuring materials are responsibly turned into new products.

Re.Group Managing Director David Singh said materials from Mackay would begin transferring to Townsville within the month.

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“Consolidating recyclables at our Townsville facility achieves the scale that allows advanced equipment and technology to process recyclables into high-quality materials which can be reused in new products,” Mr Singh said.

“This facility has the capacity to process 30 thousand tonnes of recycling material and onsite we produce high quality paper and cardboard, ferrous metals and aluminium, glass sand and plastics,” he said.

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“These products are then put to market to be remade into new products made from glass, paper cardboard and plastic.”

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Tough new e mobility laws will take effect from July 1^st as rising injury rates and community concerns prompt a crackdown on unsafe e-scooter and e-bike use across Mackay and Queensland. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton has addressed the escalating number of e-scooter related injuries across the region, with 107 people presenting to Mackay emergency departments last year following incidents involving personal mobility devices.

The figures equate to more than two injuries every week locally and form part of a state-wide trend that saw more than 3,000 people treated in Queensland emergency departments.

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In response, a suite of tougher laws will be introduced, aimed at improving safety and reducing the growing number of preventable injuries.

From July 1^st police will have powers to seize and destroy illegal devices, conduct random breath tests on riders in public places, and enforce higher penalties for offences including speeding, failing to wear a helmet, careless riding, illegally carrying passengers and riding on prohibited roads.

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New restrictions will also ban e-bikes and e-scooters capable of exceeding 25km/h unassisted, while a 12km/h speed limit will apply in areas shared with pedestrians.

Licensing requirements for riders will come into effect from August 31^st, with exemptions available for people with medical conditions or disabilities. Riders aged 12 to 17 will be permitted to use e-mobility devices under parental supervision, while parents of children under 16 who are found riding illegally will be held accountable.  

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Riders found over the 0.05 blood alcohol limit could face fines exceeding $500, with maximum court penalties of up to $6,908.

Mr Dalton said the changes were necessary to address a growing safety concern.

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"To see people coming in here with injuries which could easily be prevented is very sad."

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"It means pressure on the hospital, pressure in workplaces when people return to work, and pressure on schools and families."

Mr Dalton said the impacts were particularly concerning when children were involved.

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"I've recently been to a school in Mackay where two children have been injured this week and suffered broken bones."

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"It's going to slow down their learning and put pressure on their family for transport."

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He said community frustration around unsafe riding behaviour had also contributed to the push for reform.

"People in Mackay are fed up with footpaths being dominated by e-scooters and e-bikes."

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"They're fed up with e-scooters and e-bikes travelling in places and directions that are not appropriate and are unsafe."

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Dr Syed Khadri, Clinical Director of the Mackay Base Hospital Emergency Department, said injury presentations had risen sharply over recent years.

"In 2020 we had about five presentations to the Emergency Department. Last year we had close to 107, and the year before that we had about 40."

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"The numbers are increasing quite rapidly."

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The new laws are expected to take effect in stages from July 1^st.

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Sponsored

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The recent cyber security incident affecting Mackay Sugar has highlighted the growing threat cyber criminals pose to businesses and critical infrastructure across regional Australia.

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Mackay Sugar, Australia’s second largest sugar manufacturer with an annual turnover exceeding $600 million, operates the Farleigh, Marian, Racecourse and Pleystowe mills across the Mackay region.  

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The company first announced on June 10^th that it was responding to a cyber security incident affecting some of its operations.

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Since then, Mackay Sugar has issued several updates, with its latest statement on June 15^th.

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Part of the statement read, ‘Steam trials are now underway, and subject to final validation activities, some harvesting is expected to recommence this week in preparation for the staged restart of crushing operations later this week. We have taken the responsible course of action in advising growers and harvesters not to recommence harvesting until we advise them to do so.

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‘Our ongoing priority remains the safety of our people and protecting operational systems. Specialist cyber security experts continue to work alongside our teams and relevant authorities to investigate the incident and restore systems safely.

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‘We have also reported the incident to the appropriate authorities, and we will continue to adhere to our regulatory obligations.’

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In an interview with Rob Kidd from ABC Tropical North, Jason King of Regional Queensland Investigations discussed how cyber attacks unfold and why regional businesses are increasingly being targeted.

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Mr King, a former Australian Federal Police Agent who specialised in fraud and cyber-crime at their headquarters in Canberra, holds a Security Firm Licence (Class 1), a Bachelor of Computer Science, Master of Laws (LLM), a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Hons), said the nature of cyber-attacks can vary significantly.

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He noted that cyber attacks do not always follow the same pattern and may begin with warning messages appearing on computer screens, or result in systems suddenly becoming inaccessible or completely inactive, depending on the nature of the attack.

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Speaking during the interview with Rob Kidd, King said Mackay Sugar's extensive operations make it an attractive target for cyber criminals.

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"They do everything at Mackay Sugar and Farleigh, and at Racecourse… and it goes off to market, you've got so many different players in it, you've got your workers here, you've got your sugar growers, you've got your cane trains, and you've got so many different elements to that operation.

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“It can bring the industry to its knees."

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Unfortunately for businesses, and even individuals, cyber attacks are increasingly on the rise.

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"There's always been an increase. It's been like this for the last 10 years, but hackers get more intelligent. They understand how to get past certain firewalls, some security."

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"Regional communities have experienced even more of an increase. They realise they can go outside the cities now because we've got big infrastructure here. We’ve got power stations. We've got the sugar industry."

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Drawing on his extensive experience, Mr King said cyber security threats are constantly evolving. He explained that the motivations behind attacks can differ, ranging from operational disruption to the theft of valuable information.

Mr King also noted that cyber attacks can have different objectives, including operational disruption and data theft. Adding to this, he said that while the exact circumstances surrounding the Mackay Sugar incident remain unknown, organisations should avoid revealing details publicly while investigations are ongoing.

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He also offered advice on how organisations should respond to ransomware attacks.

"My advice for Mackay Sugar is try and find out where that data breach came from. Roll it back, fix it. If they don't fix it, it'll happen again, and it'll happen even worse."

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He went on to say that businesses of all sizes should treat cyber security as an essential investment rather than an afterthought.

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"Make sure you've got a competent IT security [systems] for a start, and make sure everything is updated.”

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"You've got to be proactive when it comes to cybersecurity, not reactive."

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Overall, Mr King stressed that no organisation is too small to become a target.

"You might have a business of three people, but you're still prone to any cyber attack, just like Mackay Sugar, the Australian Government, Optus, whoever."

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Mr King is now encouraging businesses and individuals alike to remain vigilant, noting that cyber security threats continue to impact organisations of all sizes across regional Australia.

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Community wellbeing, accessibility and cultural connection will be strengthened across the region through Mackay Community Foundation’s 2026 Grants Program, with more than $247,000 awarded to 16 local non-profit organisations.

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Funded projects include community gardens, emergency relief initiatives, cultural spaces, youth programs and community infrastructure aimed at improving inclusion, accessibility and community participation.

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Mackay Community Foundation Chair Melissa Green announced that this year’s recipients reflected a growing focus on projects that create long-term value for the wider community.

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“Many of these organisations are thinking beyond their immediate organisations and looking at how their projects can create broader opportunities for community use,” Ms Green said.

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“Many of these grants' recipients are thinking beyond the needs of their immediate organisations and strategising how the benefits of their projects can extend beyond their own clients’ needs and into the broader community.”

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Among the 2026 grant recipients is Crossroad Arts, with Mackay Community Foundation contributing $35,000 towards the delivery of a 15-metre diameter dome designed for local large productions and community events.  

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Crossroad Arts Artistic Director Autumn Skuthorpe said the vision behind the dome was “centred on creating more inclusive and accessible experiences for the community”.

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“Through this project, we’re creating something that not only supports diverse artists and audiences, but something the wider community can experience,” Ms Skuthorpe said.

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“Our long-term vision is to provide a versatile community asset that can support future touring opportunities across Central-North Queensland, and activate public spaces, which will contribute to Mackay’s growing art cultural identity.”  

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Community members interested in supporting future local initiatives can visit the foundation at www.mackaycommunityfoundation.com.

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Businesses interested in learning more about the ‘Mackay, Give Where You Live’ employee giving program are encouraged to contact the Mackay Community Foundation at admin@mackayfoundation.com.au.  

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2026 Mackay Community Foundation Grant Recipients:

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CASA Mackay — $21,818 — New mobile outreach vehicle to strengthen the ability to offer housing services.

Clontarf Foundation — $9,375 — Driver training opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young men.

CQUniversity — $5,000 — Provide financial assistance to students experiencing unexpected hardship.

Crossroad Arts — $35,000 — 15M diameter dome for large-scale productions.

Kidney Support Network — $35,637 — Replacement vehicle for patient transport service.

Mackay Pet Rescue Inc — $13,370 — Assist in preventing avoidable pet surrenders.

Mackay Surf Life Saving Club — $15,000 — Replacement of the Surf Club’s roof.

Mackay Youth Service — $5,200 — Furnishing and resources of essential office IT and equipment.

Mind Australia Limited — $18,730 — Creation of the Yarning Circle and cultural garden.

My Hospital Foundation — $10,000 — Advanced imaging machine for breast cancer surgery.

Project Pink — $8,045 — Purchase essential training equipment for youth boxing program.

RSL Cares — $12,000 — Cyber safety program for seniors.

Safe Sleep Mackay — $11,568 — Support the completion of the battery fit-out of Sleepbus 3.

The Held Project — $9,773 — Wellbeing bags for mothers experiencing isolation.

The Neighbourhood Hub — $22,230 — Staff training for evidence based parenting programs.

The Salvation Army — $15,000 — Create a safe, welcoming healing garden for women and children.

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More than $247,000 has been awarded to 16 local non-profit organisations through the Mackay Community Foundation’s 2026 Grants Program to support projects that strengthen wellbeing, accessibility, inclusion and community connection across the region. Photos supplied

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A mum has shared gratitude for a local family who stepped up to support her son after a minor accident. Photo source: Shutterstock  

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A grateful local took to Facebook this week to thank kind strangers who stepped in to provide support to her son in a stressful situation.  

The young man was parked up with his friend when another group of youths hit his car, and unfortunately drove away.

 

Exercising extraordinary grace, the mother expressed that she was not writing to shame the perpetrators, as fear may have been the reason for their quick escape.

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Instead, she highlighted the kindness shown by a family who approached her son and his friends to check they were ok.  

“You didn’t know them personally, yet you chose to stop, check on them, comfort them, and even take the licence plate details of what happened outside,” the mum shared.  

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“To the parents of that family — you raised beautiful souls. Your kindness reflects the values you taught at home, and it shows.  

“Thank you for reminding us that there are still genuine people in this world who care for others without expecting anything in return.

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“May life return your kindness tenfold. May you and your family always be surrounded with love, protection, and blessings. From one grateful parent to another, thank you immensely for being our son’s guardian angels that evening. Please stay safe always.”

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The words remind us that when a young person is rattled by the realities of the world, we’re lucky to have parents and neighbours nearby that will step in and help – whether it’s their own kid, or a total stranger.

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The Mackay community recently came together to draw attention to World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a global event observed on 15^th June.  

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Prior to the day itself, a Stir A Cuppa event was held at Harrup Park, encouraging open conversations about the safety, dignity and wellbeing of older Australians.  

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The event, supported and sponsored by Daly Bay via their Community Grants Program in partnership with Relationships Australia and Mackay Regional Council, provided a relaxed and welcoming setting where attendees shared a cup of tea or coffee while learning about the realities of elder abuse and how individuals and communities can play a role in preventing it.  

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Elder abuse can take many forms, including financial exploitation, emotional or psychological harm, physical abuse, neglect or social isolation.  

Often underreported, elder abuse remains a significant issue affecting the health, independence and quality of life of older people across Australia.  

Events like Stir A Cuppa are designed to break the silence and empower communities with the knowledge to recognise warning signs and take action.  

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Together, these organisations are committed to supporting initiatives that promote the wellbeing and safety of older people in the Mackay region.  

For more information on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day head to elderabuseawarenessday.org.au/

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Kirsty will take part in ‘the big shave’ next Saturday 27^th June 2026, with her luscious locks to be transformed into wigs and donated to multiple children who have experienced hair loss. Photos supplied

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Next Saturday, Mackay woman Kirsty Miron will say goodbye to 95 centimetres of hair, but what she is giving is far greater than her luscious Rapunzel locks.

In a moving tribute to her late neighbour and friend, Bridgeen Doherty, Kirsty will take part in the Big Shave, transforming years of growth into hope for children experiencing hair loss while raising vital funds for families affected by cancer through the Trudy Crowley Foundation.

Their friendship began as neighbours and grew through cups of tea, shared stories and caring for Bridgeen’s beloved cat, Maeve, during her battle with ovarian cancer.  

Even after Bridgeen’s passing in February 2025, her strength, humour and advocacy for women’s health continue to inspire those who knew her.

Soon, one woman’s hair will become confidence for a child, while a community’s generosity has the power to change lives. With a fundraising goal of $10,000, donations remain open until the Big Shave next Saturday June 27^th.

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A Gift Of Hope In Honour Of A Cherished Friend

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A Mackay woman with real life Rapunzel hair has selflessly decided to take on 'the big shave' next Saturday, June 27th, volunteering to cut off her 95cm long locks in honour of her late neighbour, Bridgeen Doherty.

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Kirsty Miron lived next door to Bridgeen and would often care for her beloved cat, Maeve, while Bridgeen was in hospital during her relentless battle with ovarian cancer.

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Many locals remember Bridgeen for her tireless advocacy and resilient spirit, encouraging women to ‘KNOW YOUR BODY, KNOW YOUR NORMAL,’ a message that continues to echo throughout the community and has helped save lives through its urgency and awareness.  

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Bridgeen sadly lost her battle with ovarian cancer on February 20^th 2025.

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Kirsty said donating her hair was one way she could give back after being so deeply impacted by her neighbour's friendship and strength.

“A couple of years ago I decided I'd like to do something with my hair. I didn't know what that thing was going to be.

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“Then we moved here [to Mackay], Bridgeen was our neighbour, and we got really close with her, and she asked if we would be interested in taking her cat Maeve once she passed.”

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Kirsty's strawberry blonde locks will be donated to children, with the remarkable length of her hair expected to help create multiple wigs.

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“It brings me joy that this hair is going to bring someone else joy.”

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Kirsty fondly remembers Bridgeen for her adventurous stories, humour and kind heart.

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“We would have tea together and she would tell us about the crazy stuff she used to get up to as a young person in Ireland, and how she came to Australia.

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“And through those stories, we realised, ‘this lady has had such a big, fantastic life’.”

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“Yes, we were seeing her towards the end of her life, but it was such a privilege to know her at that time too.”

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While shaving her head will be a major change, Kirsty said she has been preparing for the moment for years and is proud to support others who have experienced hair loss. Her husband will also shave his head in solidarity.

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"Shaving one's head as a woman is a big thing,” Kirsty said.

“I've had time to prepare myself… and I've been ready for this change for such a long time.”

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And as for Maeve, she has become a cherished member of the family.

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“Maeve is now one of our children. She's a very good cat and gets along great with our other pets.”

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The fundraiser currently has a goal of $10,000, with donations open until Saturday 27^th June. Every donation will help support local people and families impacted by cancer through the Trudy Crowley Foundation, with all donations over $2 tax deductible.  

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Locals and businesses wishing to support the cause can donate through the Trudy Crowley Foundation fundraiser, titled Kirsty Miron's Big Shave for Ovarian Cancer: In Honour of Bridgeen.

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The third annual Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) Legends’ Night proved to be another spectacular success over the weekend, raising an impressive $55K for this worthwhile local charity.

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Held at 360 On The Hill, Flag Staff Hill event space in Bowen, a total of 130 guests attended this sold-out event.

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Designed to be more than just a fundraiser, the event saw local ‘home grown heroes’ take to the stage to share their story.

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First, local Iron Man and motivational speaker Michael Kimpton inspired the crowd with his story of how a motorbike accident changed his life and led him on a different path, one where he discovered a new version of himself.

“We can recover physically but we also need to cope with our mental resilience to ensure our wellbeing,” he shared. 

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Former army medic, McQuility ‘Coco’ Qurikewith also took to the stage sharing his story of how 16 out of 18 in his platoon were tragically killed in an explosion.  

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He nearly died three times in the days afterwards and is still getting operations 13 years later to deal with the physical side effects.

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He told the story of how he disappeared into a dark place mentally following the incident, but managed to overcome and now uses his story to help others.

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President of WSPN Matt Stokes said he was both moved and humbled by the evening which was full of emotion and meaning, but also a lot of fun.

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“It was amazing, we couldn’t have asked for it to have gone any better,” he said.

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“Every little detail was faultless and a big thank you to Jen Lowcock for everything she did to make the night so perfect.

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“We have a super generous community with a lot of people donating their services, from the buses to the décor – we would like to say a big thank you to all our sponsors.”

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“The stories of our home-grown legends who spoke on the night really touched the crowd, everyone could relate to it, it was so powerful!”

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Event Coordinator Jen Lowcock said she was thrilled with how the evening unfolded and acknowledged 360 On The Hill for orchestrating such a fine evening.

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“It’s such a beautiful location and the service was impeccable, the food was amazing and everything ran on-time and smoothly,” she shared.

“We couldn’t have asked for it to be any better!”

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The evening was highlighted with the bluesy tones of live music act Zed Charles who had the crowd dancing until midnight.

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All proceeds of the evening are ploughed straight back into WSPN initiatives which include free counselling services for families affected by suicide, free breathing classes and many other services across the community.

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See more photos from the event here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/legends-night-raises-55k-for-suicide-prevention

A young traveller helped a woman experiencing a medical episode at a local shopping centre. Stock image, illustration only

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A simple act of kindness at Whitsunday Plaza has touched the hearts of hundreds of locals, showing that compassion can make all the difference.

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After experiencing a medical episode while shopping, a local woman found herself in need of immediate assistance. Fortunately, help was close at hand, in the form of a kind traveller who jumped to her aid.

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After the incident, the lady took to social media, thanking the young man and describing him as a “good soul” for the care and concern he showed during a difficult moment.

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According to the woman, the stranger quickly found her a chair to sit on and purchased a drink for her while she waited for assistance from staff at LiveLife Pharmacy.  

She also expressed her gratitude to pharmacy team members Jenna, Kim and Mel for the support and care they provided.

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The post struck a chord with the community, attracting almost 200 likes, praising the young man’s actions and celebrating the kindness shown by both him and the pharmacy staff.

The woman said she hopes the young man, believed to be from either the United States or Canada, sees her message and understands just how much his help meant.

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In a world often dominated by negative headlines, the story is a reminder that small acts of kindness from strangers can leave a lasting impact.

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A cheeky young pup with a big heart is looking for a family to call his own after a rough start to life.

Five-month-old Staffy cross Robb was found wandering the streets of Home Hill and, despite efforts to locate his owners, was never claimed. Thankfully, he was taken in by Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue, which has been caring for him while he recovers and waits for his forever home.

Described as sweet, playful and full of personality, Robb has already overcome more than most puppies his age. Recently, he underwent surgery to repair a herniated belly button as well as operations on both ears after suffering from haematomas.

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Now fully on the road to recovery, Robb is ready to leave shelter life behind and begin the next chapter with a loving family.

The young pup's carers say he has plenty of affection to give and would thrive in a home where he can continue to grow, play and enjoy the care every dog deserves.

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Robb's adoption fee is $400, and anyone interested in giving him a forever home is encouraged to contact BCPRI on Facebook.

After everything he has been through, Robb is hoping his perfect match is just around the corner.

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Opinion Piece By Richard Evans, President Whitsundays Writers Festival

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We have no shortage of brilliant creative people in the Whitsundays. What we’re short on is the framework to support them.

Writing groups meet in spare rooms. Festival groups fundraise year-to-year with no certainty there’ll be a next year. These aren’t fringe concerns – they’re the heartbeat of a social community worth living in.

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It’s time to modernise. Time to take our creative life seriously, for the benefit of everyone.

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What we're asking for isn't complicated.  

We need a clear, accessible arts and culture policy that recognises the full creative ecosystem - from writing, visual arts, filmmaking and performance, to heritage, festivals, museums, libraries, and community arts.

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Yes, funding matters. But so does affordable spaces to create and perform, support for local organisations and their fantastic volunteers, opportunities for artists to develop their craft, pathways for young people, cultural tourism initiatives, public art, and the preservation of our region's stories and heritage.

Most importantly, we need a shared vision that brings these elements together under a single, fair, and transparent framework. Not patchwork grants. Not one-off decisions. Not the luck of the draw. A genuine commitment to arts and culture that is written down, applied consistently, measured against clear outcomes, and reviewed openly with the community it serves.

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Other regional councils have done it and reaped the benefits of what follows. Artists stay, tourists come, and the stories of a place get told properly, not left to fade.

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Here in the Whitsundays, we have extraordinary natural raw material. Writers who capture this landscape like no-one else. Performers who fill every seat they’re given. Visual artists whose work deserves a proper platform — just as the new Community Gallery in Proserpine is beginning to show us what’s possible.

Our cultural community deserve better than crossed fingers and collection tins.

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An accessible arts policy means a first-time author gets the same fair shot as an established local group. A teenager wanting to learn film editing has somewhere to go. The door is open, not just ajar.

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The economic case is real. Local creative precincts and activities lift a community and cultural tourism draw visitors in ways that are hard to put in a spreadsheet, but very easy to feel when they’re gone.

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But the deeper case is simpler. A community that creates together knows itself. It has memory, identity, and the confidence to imagine its own future. Culture provides a social asset for all of us.  

That’s worth a policy. That’s worth a seat at the table.

The creative community is ready for the conversation. We invite community leaders, businesses, philanthropists, stakeholders and government to help shape a shared vision for arts and culture in the Whitsundays.

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Richard can be contacted via hello@whitsundayswriters.com

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Welcome to Create. Connect. Whitsundays., the weekly feature now proudly presented through a collaboration between the Whitsundays Writers Festival and Creative Connections Whitsunday.

This feature continues the wonderful work established by former journalist Seb, whose commitment to highlighting local creativity helped shine a spotlight on the people, stories and organisations that enrich the cultural life of our region. We are delighted to continue that legacy and provide a dedicated space for creativity in the pages of our local newspaper.

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Each week, Create. Connect. Whitsundays will feature thought-provoking articles, local creative profiles, poetry, writing opportunities, and information about exhibitions, galleries, markets, and cultural events happening across the Whitsundays.

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The Whitsundays is home to an extraordinary community of writers, artists, musicians, makers, performers, volunteers, and creative thinkers, all contributing to the unique character of our region.

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Whitsundays Writers Festival President Richard Evans said creativity plays an important role in building community connections.

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"Stories help us understand who we are and where we belong. Through this feature, we hope to showcase the remarkable creative talent that exists across our region and encourage more people to engage with the arts, whether as creators, participants or audiences."

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Creative Connections Whitsunday President Glenda Brown said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting a thriving creative community.

"Arts and culture are woven into everyday life. Creativity brings people together, supports wellbeing, sparks new ideas, and helps build stronger, more connected communities. Creative Corner will celebrate the people who make the Whitsundays such a vibrant place to live."

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Whether you're a creator, a supporter, or simply curious, we invite you to join us each week as we celebrate the creative spirit of the Whitsundays.

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Get in touch!

We also welcome contributions from across the community. If you would like to submit a poem, creative writing piece, profile suggestion, event information, or share your creative story, please contact hello@whitsundayswriters.com

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The White Cross

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The success of the Cool Waters Methodist Youth Camp at Emu Park led to plans for another camp further north. Noel McClintock, who ran a watch and jewellery shop in Proserpine, learned of a large block of land at Mandalay with no road access. He contacted Rev Ivan Alcorn, head of the Methodist Youth Department, and arranged its purchase from Mr Janson of Airlie Beach.

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The site was originally a very small coconut plantation that had been established by the Waterson family. The only access to Mandalay in those days was by sea and a trip was organised by the local Methodists. With the help of Rev Ivan Alcorn from Brisbane, they inspected the site of what was to become the new Methodist Youth Camp.

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The site’s tropical jungle, palm-lined beach and small shack among the trees above the avenue of hoop pines were strikingly beautiful. The first caretaker, Bessie Stowe, lived there and rowed across to Airlie Beach before the road was built.

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Much work was needed to establish the camp. Ro Jackson used a two-cylinder John Deere crawler to cut a road into the block, and Robbie Vonhoff graded it. The track was cleared through jungle, swamp, hills, springs, rocks and boulders from what later became Shute Harbour Road, at that time ending at Jubilee Pocket.

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The outdoor chapel and cross were built within the avenue of hoop pines looking across the bay to Airlie Beach. Sleeper logs were set up and angled to the centre aisle and a pulpit was constructed out of stones from the original jetty on the foreshore.  

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Keith Heaton and another teacher took a year off from teaching and built the first dormitories and facilities. The minister of the time, Barry Dangerfield, negotiated a good price for some bricks from Pindi Pindi, mainly reject clay bricks with very minor imperfections. However, Rev. Alcorn was told they could have as many bricks as could be shifted in a fortnight, free of charge. And so, the Jacksons closed their sawmill for the two weeks to undertake the task. Spearheaded by Mick Grevell, John Jepsen, Watt Jackson and Allen Cumming, the job was completed with the help of church volunteers.  

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Cool Palms Methodist Camp opened on November 1, 1969, with Howard and Daisy Walsh as the first caretakers of the camp. Bruce Muller recalls that they slept on camp stretchers in army tents at the first camp that he attended and that it was a great adventure.

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Other churches used the camp and its facilities. In the late 1960s, the Adventist Church held meetings there and used the dormitories for campouts. Occasionally, a funeral service was conducted there.  

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As was the case with many enterprises of the day, the facility was always short of money. There was much fund-raising by the local Methodist congregation and so many people who gave so much of their time to make this dream become a reality.  Sadly, it was eventually sold off, and the dedication, hard work and self- sacrifice of so many locals was cast aside to history. Some of the money was spent on a small number of blocks at Cannon Valley which included a parsonage, and the rest went to Brisbane.

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It is uncertain when the Cool Palms Methodist building was pulled down. Sadly, all that remains today of this popular camp is the big white cross and a few of the pews situated amidst big shade trees and facing out over the water.          

Story and photo sourced from Bruce Rath Muller’s recollections (PHMS Magazine December 2020) and PHMS archives.

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Look for an active teat like this to identify whether any joeys survive the deceased macropod.  

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Fauna Rescue is reminding locals to check the pouch anytime a macropod (a kangaroo or a wallaby) is found deceased.  

The risk of hitting wildlife is a sad reality of driving across the region, so should residents find themselves in the situation, they’re encouraged to, if safe to do so, perform a pouch check - and potentially save a life.  

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When checking a pouch, gently open and inspect the area. Look for a joey – even a tiny, furless one. Feel for movement or warmth. And finally, importantly: check for an active teat.  

An active teat is when the mother’s teat is elongated so it can be attached inside the joey’s mouth. In young joeys, the teat actually swells to anchor them in place while they feed.  

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“If you see an active teat but no joey, it’s very likely the joey is big enough to come out of pouch and has retreated from their injured/deceased mum.” Fauna Rescue explained.  

“Usually they hide in nearby grass or bushes, but don't typically go too far.”

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In this situation, the organisation advise to call a wildlife rescuer immediately and leave the deceased mum where she is in case the joey returns to her smell.  

If you're able to do so, take a clear photo of the teat to send to the Fauna Rescue group on Facebook. This helps rescuers assess the situation quickly and give the best advice.

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“Call a wildlife rescue immediately if you find a deceased macropod,” Fauna Rescue said — even if you’re unsure.

Save the Fauna Rescue hotline number in your phone: 4947 3389

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