Nominations are now open for the 2024 Australia Day Awards, through the Whitsunday Regional Council.

And Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall is calling on residents to nominate the special people in their lives for the awards.

“This is your chance to recognise and celebrate the remarkable individuals and groups that make our community a better place,” Mayor Hall said.

“The Australia Day Awards are a tradition that honours outstanding contributions to our community, and it’s your turn to be a part of it.

“Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond to make the Whitsunday Region a more vibrant, inclusive, and caring place to live?

“Whether they’ve demonstrates remarkable leadership, offered a helping hand to those in need, or achieved something extraordinary in their field, we want to hear about them.

“Residents can complete the form online, making it quick and easy to nominate someone special living in our community.”

There are eight categories of awards:

Citizen of the Year (aged 26 and older)

Young Citizen of the Year (aged 16 to 25)

Young Sports Award (aged 16 to 25)

Senior Sports Award (aged 26 and older)

Arts and Culture Award

Environmental Achievement Award

Community Event of the Year

Volunteer of the Year Award (awarded in honour of the late Wally Hinschen)

You can complete the online form at yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/, or go to Council’s Customer Service Centre, or print one from the website.

Nominations close Wednesday November 29, at 5pm.

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Over 150 people, including children and their families took to Lake Proserpine last weekend for a mammoth day of fishing and fun.

A total of five lucky local youth won the big prize of a Daiwa Fishing Rod and a one hour exclusive fishing session with the local fishing legend Matt Scholz.

“They released 1000 bara fingerlings into the lake for the event,” explained Craig Turner, Director of Commercial Businesses for Whitsunday Regional Council.

“We also had great stalls, jumping castles and other activities for kids to enjoy.”

With informational talks about fishing for the adults and kids alike, there was something for everyone on the day.

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Photos supplied

Whitsunday local Karen Vloedmans has taken part in the JDRF One Walk Australia every October for the last few years, this year uniting a team, Whitsundays Type1 Tribe, to pool donations and make an even bigger impact.

JDRF is the leading supporter of type 1 diabetes research, their major fundraiser One Walk tasking participants to take 8,000 steps a day during October for the eight Australians diagnosed with type 1 diabetes every day.

Ms Vloedmans thanked the Whitsunday community and her fellow teammates for their support.

“We are receiving such incredible support with over $11,000 raised so far,” she said.

“Our awesome team is made up of those that either have Type1 Diabetes, or, like me, love someone who does.”

Joining Ms Vloedmans in the Whitsundays Type1 Tribe are Kym Hepburn, Theresa Huttley, Kelly Belton, Kelly Bullen, Hannah Oliver, Liliana Hepburn, Mia Vloedmans and Jessica Cristaudo.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition that can develop at any age, with over 130,000 Australians living with the condition.

Type 1 diabetes is unpreventable and, right now, there is no known cure.

“We are each walking 8,000 steps a day in October to raise research funds to improve the lives of those living with Type1 Diabetes and to ultimately help find a cure,” Ms Vloedmans said.

“Thank you to everyone who has already donated, it really means the world to us, we so appreciate the love and support, we see you all.”

Whitsundays Type1 Tribe are accepting donations until the end of October.

To donate and support the team, visit walk.jdrf.org.au/fundraisers/whitsundaystype1tribe.

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Back row L-R Kym Hepburn, Theresa Huttley, Karen Vloedmans, Kelly Belton, Kelly Bullen. Front row L-R Hannah Oliver, Liliana Hepburn, Mia Vloedmans. Absent: Jessica Cristaudo (top left). Photo supplied

Innovations are coming thick and fast for the new-look Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce, with the announcement of a new name and three new committee members at its AGM last week.

Now known under its new name, The Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the decision was made so the name reflects the chamber’s intention of being “more inclusive of diversity”, representing all the different businesses in our region.

The AGM also welcomed a brand-new business logo and three new committee members, while retaining five familiar faces that will now join as one to represent the welfare of businesses in the region.

Chamber President is Allan Milostic from LiveLife Airlie Beach Pharmacies, Vice President is Gus Walsgott from Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine, Secretary is Megan Taylor from Kapow Interactive and Treasurer is Annette Neil from PRD Whitsunday Real Estate.

Also joining the committee are Jannah Baker (Scallywag Fabrication), Melinda Louise Hutchings (Melinda Louise Media), Anthony Nobilia (ABES - Airport Transfers and Charters)

and Kim Porter (Hummingbird Refrigeration, Electrical & Air Conditioning).

During the AGM, which was held at Whitsunday Green’s new conference room, plans were outlined for the year ahead.

These included the announcement of the five-year Strategic Plan, the 10-year Advocacy Plan, a new membership model and the launch of the Vision of the Whitsunday Project.

The Chamber are also hosting the Inaugural Whitsunday Business Conference in May 2024.

With ambitious and innovative plans afoot, memberships are steadily increasing, and the committee would like to extend a warm invitation to any other local businesses who would like to be part of this diverse and dynamic community.

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Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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The past few weeks have been hectic as I was part of the Greater Whitsunday Regional delegation to present to the State Government in Brisbane, then attended the Local Government of Queensland Annual Conference in Gladstone before arriving back in region for the Tourism Whitsundays’ night of nights at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.

I joined Isaac Mayor Anne Baker, Mackay Regional Council CEO Scott Owen and GW3 CEO Kylie Porter as part of the delegation to showcase our region’s vision to the state government and unlock investment opportunities to allow us to evolve and diversify.

I gave a speech at the showcase and spoke of the opportunities and strengths of our region especially the Abbott Point State Development Area which we hope will not only be home to Queensland’s first Space Station but also become a key hydrogen and energy hub, a lynch pin between the Isaac and Northern Queensland Renewable Energy Zones.

However, to attract further investment and capitalise on further opportunities the addition of simple services like power, water, gas, and sewerage will be the icing on the cake to secure development opportunities.

Put simply we do not have the financial capacity to do this alone and would be excited to collaborate with the Qld government to explore funding options to make it happen.

Add to this the news that Australia’s largest aquaculture company Tassal have committed more than $240 million to expand their prawn farm near Proserpine indicates we are entering an exciting period of growth and innovation in the Whitsundays.

At the LGAQ Conference I presented three motions on behalf of Council, and all were carried convincingly.

At the Whitsunday Tourism Awards our very own Whitsunday Coast Airport took out Gold and Shute Harbour Marine Terminal Silver in the Tourism Retail Hire and Services.

The good news kept coming with Council’s Director of Commercial Business Craig Turner being awarded the Bob Porter Award for Outstanding Contribution by an individual to tourism. Congratulations Craig, very well deserved.

The Proserpine Entertainment Centre was the venue for the awards and looked amazing. Thank you to Rick Hamilton and his team at Tourism Whitsundays for such an amazing event recognising our outstanding tourism stakeholders and operators.

Starting next week, we will roll out a series of Whitsunday Regional Council staff profiles to highlight the people behind the scenes at Council that help make our region a great place to live, work and play.

Contributed with thanks to Mayor Julie Hall.

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Storm season in the Whitsundays starts on the 1st of November and continues until the 30th of April.

It is more important than ever to make sure you are prepared for the season, by understanding your zoning, having a disaster plan in place for your household, having an emergency and evacuation kit ready and also having a plan in place for pets in case of emergency.

To help the community keep up to date with storm and disaster news, Council now offers an opt-in notification service exclusively through the Whitsunday Disaster Dashboard. This service allows residents to receive real-time alerts and notifications tailored to their individual needs, including emergency news and weather warnings.

The Whitsundays has seen approximately 7 cyclones pass directly through our region since 2010, the largest and most notable being Cyclone Debbie in 2017.

For more information on how to get ready for storm season, head to the Disaster and Emergency section on Council's website.

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For close to 50 years, Claire Mitchell-Must has dedicated her life to saving the lives of others, and she has recently hung up her nursing uniform and welcomed retirement.

“It’s amazing too, because my mum was a nurse, for 50 years, and so are my two sisters, so between all of us, we have over 120 years of nursing,” Claire explained.

Throughout childhood, Claire wanted to be a ballerina, however she happened into the role as an assistant nurse when she was 17 years old.

During that time, Claire has witnessed massive changes in the industry, including the introduction of gloves for preventative measures, rather than just when in theatre, or even when Claire used to work alongside ambulances.

“There was a time when the ambulance driver was just the driver, so I had a bag packed and would jump into the ambo and head out to regions, on farms and on beaches, to help in all sorts of emergencies,” Claire said.

“You would get the call out, grab your bag, and off you went.”

Having been extensively theatre and emergency department trained, Claire was witness to just about any and every sort of accident and emergency.

“My passion was in theatre and ED; they were just areas I really loved. When the theatre closed in Bowen, I moved into ED more consistently.”

Looking back over the time, “It has been wonderful, I have not regretted a minute, and if I could go back to do it again, I would not change a thing.”

Skipping a generation, Claire’s grandson, who is currently completing his senior exams, is looking to study Medicine at university.

“What made the job was when patients would turn to you and say ‘thank you for being there’, even when you feel you didn’t do a thing, that’s what made you feel good.”

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Claire Mitchell-Must at her Retirement Party.

Claire on the job

Taking on COVID

Claire when she was a young nurse

Claire’s mum, Eileen Knight. Photos supplied

Bowen RSL has recently discovered a World War One veteran being honoured without his headstone, in an unmarked grave.

Major Stuart Tooth, service number 352, served in the Boer War and World War One, and passed away on June 8, 1968.

He served in the 6th Light Horse Regiment and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and was mentioned in Dispatches for his outstanding bravery.

He was laid to rest in Bowen Cemetery in an unmarked grave, which was drawn to the attention of the Bowen RSL by a visitor, Gary Parsons.

Mr Parson was researching a history of Australians in World War One when he discovered Major Tooth.

With funding secured by RSL Queensland and the work of Whitsunday Monuments, a suitable headstone has been placed to recognise the life and service of Mayor Tooth.

A short dedication service has been planned in November to formally recognise his service.

WHAT: Honouring Fallen Veteran

WHERE: Bowen Cemetery

WHEN: Friday November 10, at 10am

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Mayor Stuart Tooth’s new headstone in Bowen Cemetery. Photo supplied

Bowen’s own Vennesa Locke has been announced a finalist for her Contribution to Australian Music, by the Australasian Performing Rights Association and Australasian Mechanical Copywrite Owners Society (APRA AMCOS).

Vennesa’s show, broadcast on 95.1 GEMFM, is “The Alternative Goodness Session”, and sees Vennesa promote awesome Australian and local independent, original music.

“I like to support local emerging artists and live music events,” Vennesa explained.

“My show is a discovery music show.”

Having been an avid listener of GemFM for years, and regularly ringing the channel to make song requests, the station approached Vennesa and asked if she was interested in her own show.

“We talked, and because of my work, I got an evening show,” she explained.

“I went in for training and never looked back, and now it’s been two and a half years.”

For the Awards, she was approached by the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBBA) to submit an entry.

“The process was extensive, but it’s exciting to be announced a finalist, said Vannesa.

“And even if I don’t win, it will be exciting to be a part of the conference, to network with other broadcasters, and to be a part of it all.”

Vennesa is only one of six to be a finalist for award.

“And to be from small Bowen? Amazing.”

Station Manager Brian Winterburn was thrilled with Vennesa’s nomination.  

“Congratulations Vennesa, from humble beginnings to be listed in the seven finalists Australia wide,” he said.

“This is no small feat. On behalf of all our members, I would wish you all the best fortune in the forthcoming determination. What a great achievement.”

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Get ready this disaster season, with one of the best and most knowledgeable teams at Bowen Small Motors and Cycles.

“We have everything a household would need in an emergency,” explained Scott Raisbeck, owner and operator of Bowen Small Motors and Cycles.

“From generators, chainsaws and pumps, our team are able to make sure you and your family are ready.

“For generators, while Honda is the preferred brand which we stock, we also have a great range of other generators, that sort all needs.”

Following Scott’s recommendation, every household in the region should have a generator, be it a small generator, to power fridges, fans, and lights, or large capacity systems that can run absolutely anything, from stoves, lights, multiple fridges, and air conditioners. And don’t forget about charging phones and communication devices.

“Even just to run the bare essentials, every home should have a generator.

“If a household has medical needs, like CPAP machine, then having a generator is a must. Not even just for cyclones, but when we have power outages, you need to be able to run those invaluable devices,” Scott explained.

Bowen Small Motors and Cycles also stocks a wide variety of chainsaws, which come in handy in the post cyclone clean-up.

“While not essential for every home, having a chainsaw is handy,” said Scott.

And prior to disaster season, Scott recommends getting your home ready.

“Tidy up your yards, clean your gutters, and be ready to quickly move items that can be blown away in a cyclone,” Scott said.

Ready for disaster season, Bowen Small Motors and Cycles has great deals, so stock up now and be ready.

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Ensure the best for your family this disaster season, with Bowen Small Motors and Cycles. Photo Shutterstock

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Bowen Gumlu Growers Association welcomed growers and industry professionals and stakeholders to Bowen last week, to engage with up-and-coming autonomous technology.

Showcased on Vee Jay’s Kalfresh, the field day displayed ‘Robotti’, a robotic farming platform that is improving farming practices on the vegetable farm.

Robotti is a state-of-the-art device, that is revolutionising farming techniques using top-notch equipment and technology.

With capabilities that include automatic data collection, extensive decision making and management systems, Robotti’s autonomous operation is easing the burden on farmers for cropping and farm management.

Vee Jay, who has been using the device on his farm, spoke on the true value of the technology, utilising the autonomous vehicle throughout winter, and divulging information on costs, benefits, challenges, and future opportunities for the device.

Ry Collins, Chief Executive Officer the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, said he is proud to have played a role in this project, continuing our advocacy toward the adoption of advanced agricultural technology.

“This technology holds great promise in enhancing productivity and sustainability within the industry,” he said.

“We eagerly anticipate future collaborations that will continue to shape the future of farming in Australia.”

A collaboration between government, industry and business, the project was funded through the Queensland Government Queensland Reef Water Quality Program and Hort Innovation.

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Autonomous farming technology Robotti is changing the game for famers. Photo supplied

Experience joy and magic in Pilcher's Christmas Alley, snap memories at their Christmas Photobooth, win big in their Three Weeks of Christmas Treats Giveaway, and discover the perfect gifts for everyone on your List!

As the holiday season approaches, there's no better place to find the perfect gifts and immerse yourself in the festive spirit than Pilcher's Mitre 10. This year, Pilcher's is turning into a Christmas wonderland with the launch of Pilcher's Christmas Alley, with an enchanting photobooth for capturing memories, 3 Weeks of Christmas Treats Giveaway, and an array of gift ideas for mum, dad, and kids that will make your holiday shopping a breeze.

Pilcher's Christmas Alley: A Magical Journey

Step into Pilcher's Christmas Alley, and you'll instantly be transported into a sparkling wonderland. The store is adorned with sparkling lights, beautifully decorated trees, and a plethora of holiday-traditions that will fill your heart with warmth and joy.

Christmas Photobooth: Create Cherished Memories

Capture the magic of the season at Pilchers Christmas Photobooth! Located at the heart of Pilcher's, this photobooth is designed to make your holiday memories last a lifetime. Whether you're snapping photos with loved ones or taking a solo shot in Santa's Sleigh, our Christmas Photobooth is the perfect spot to create cherished memories.

3 Weeks of Christmas Treats Giveaway: Win Big!

'Tis the season of giving, and Pilcher's is spreading the holiday cheer with their 3 Weeks of Christmas Treats Giveaway. Starting from December 1st and running through December 21st, every instore purchase gives you a chance to win fabulous prizes. Don't miss out on your chance to win big at Pilcher's this holiday season!

Gift Ideas for Mum, Dad, and Kids: Find the Perfect Present

Finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones has never been easier. Pilcher's has curated a wide range of gift ideas for mum, dad, and kids. Whether you're looking for a power tool for dad, home or garden treats for mum, or games and outdoor play for the little ones, they have you covered. Pilchers friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to assist you in selecting the ideal presents that will bring smiles and joy to your family and friends.

So, why not make Pilcher's Mitre 10 your go-to destination for all things Christmas this year? Head on down to Pilcher's and experience the magic of the season at Pilcher's Christmas Alley, capture memories at our Christmas Photobooth, enter the 3 Weeks of Christmas Treats Giveaway, and find the perfect gifts for mum, dad, and kids. Make this holiday season one to remember with Pilcher's Mitre 10, 56 Powell Street, Bowen – Open 7 Days!

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Welcoming the excited traveller who are stepping off the cruise ships is none other than the capable team of Whitsundays Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors.  

Taking out Silver in the Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group category of the 2023 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, the Ambassadors could not be more excited.

“Winning Silver at The Whitsundays Tourism Awards for the Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors was such a fantastic achievement and a huge credit to the volunteers!” said Dea Huvonen, Visitor Service Manager of Tourism Whitsundays.

“We are very happy that the cruise ambassadors have been recognised for their passion and long-term dedication to the tourism in the Whitsundays.”

With 38 volunteers, the Ambassadors program strives to make sure cruise ship visitors have the best time in Airlie Beach.

“The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors offer immense direct and indirect value and benefit to the local tourism industry,” Dea explained.

“Their role extends to include warmly greeting passengers, providing collateral such as maps and brochures, answering various questions and providing advice on where to eat, shop and places to visit.

“Over the years, their premium customer service experience has encouraged hundreds, if not thousands, of cruise passengers to return to The Whitsundays for a longer holiday. They truly are ambassadors for the whole Whitsundays.”

Established in 2004, the volunteers have greeted over 570 cruise ships and have welcomed over 800,000 cruise passengers into Airlie Beach.

“This is a remarkable achievement by a volunteer run group.”

The Cruise Ship Ambassadors have welcomed over 570 cruise ships to Airlie Beach. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Sequins, sass, and shiny shoes were the calling cards of success at the Hollywood-themed Whitsunday Tourism Awards held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre last Friday evening.

Over 300 tourism operators and affiliated business filled the lawns for a large-scale cocktail party, where guests could mix and mingle, and be transformed to the Hollywood of yesteryear at the stunningly decorated venue.

After canapes and cocktails, everyone was beckoned into the air-conditioned auditorium for the formal awards ceremony which celebrated excellence, and paid homage to the extraordinary contributions that the tourism sector makes to The Whitsundays region.

Afterwards, the band kicked-off with some classic tunes and the dancefloor soon filled with revellers enjoying a vibrant atmosphere of camaraderie and passion for an evening to celebrated the hard work if a dedicated industry.

Rick Hamilton, the CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, described the Whitsundays Tourism Awards as the region's most anticipated event.

“We are the most tourism-reliant region in Queensland, with 1 in 3 jobs dependant on tourism,” he explained.

“The evening’s event is a tribute to the region’s reliance on tourism, with everyone gathered to applaud their own achievements, their competitors' feats, and, most importantly, the collective triumphs of the tourism industry."

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In a mammoth night of big wins and excited thrills, the team behind Bowen Tourism and Business were able to leave the night with three awards and a special finalist mention.

“It was absolutely spectacular, and we were thrilled to share the feelings with our team who were able to join in the excitement on the night,” said Leanne Abernethy, Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business.

“It was particularly special to have our fantastic volunteers acknowledged, that was a big highlight of the evening. We were very proud to come home with two gold, one silver, and be a finalist as well.”

Collecting three awards and one finalist position, almost all aspects of the business were recognised, with The Big Mango winning Silver for Tourist Attraction, Gold for the category of Visitor Information Services, Gold for Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group, and being highlighted a finalist for Tourism Marketing and Campaigns, for the Big Mango 21st birthday takeover in June.

“It is a real team effort, with us, from volunteers and the business team. I feel very privileged to work with such a wonderful team and a supportive community,” said Leanne.

“Together we have been able to grow the business by implementing changes. In the past financial year, we have had a record number of visitors come through our Visitor Information Centre, and it was an exciting year for volunteers and the business with the 21st birthday of the Big Mango, which reached over four million people as part of our big marketing campaign.

“We always strive to ensure an excellent visitor experience for everyone coming through Bowen and the greater Whitsunday region.”

Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business, Jenn Honnery, was proud of the achievements of Bowen Tourism and Business.

“We felt very proud to receive a number of awards at the Whitsundays Tourism Awards. Taking gold in both Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer Group and Visitor Information Services recognises the tireless contribution of our volunteers and staff,” she said.

“The passion they show for Bowen cannot be underestimated and their excellence in customer service and dedication to the organisation is to be congratulated.

“We have 18 volunteers at the Big Mango Information Centre and Front Beach Info Booth, each one bringing a lifetime of unique skills to support our services, we really couldn’t run without them! Our team of staff are the backbone of Bowen Tourism and Business, outperforming KPIs, increasing our services and welcoming a record number of visitors year on year.

“I’d like to personally congratulate every member of our team, both volunteer and staff, for this amazing achievement,” she said.

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