Families across the Whitsundays now have another reason to look forward to the weekend, with Playtime sessions officially launching on Saturday mornings at PCYC Whitsundays.

Designed especially for children aged 0–4 years, the new Saturday session will run every week from 8:30am to 9:15am, offering young families a welcoming and active way to start their day.

The initiative expands PCYC Whitsundays’ growing weekly timetable and provides even more opportunities for toddlers to engage in active, social play within a safe and supportive environment. The early morning timeslot is ideal for families looking to get little ones out of the house before nap time, while also helping children burn energy, build confidence and develop social skills.

Playtime sessions encourage children to climb, explore, move and interact, all while becoming familiar with the club environment. The program also offers parents and carers a chance to connect with other local families and strengthen community ties.

Casual visits are available for $12 per session, while a direct debit option of $11.95 per week allows families to attend as many Playtime sessions throughout the week as they wish. With the addition of the Saturday program, this option provides even greater value for regular attendees.

PCYC Whitsundays looks forward to welcoming families to the club each Saturday morning as it continues to provide inclusive and accessible activities that support young children and the wider community.

Photo source: Facebook

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Batman is a striking Staffy x Great Dane with distinctive black-and-white markings and a big, lovable personality to match. This happy, people-focused boy genuinely enjoys human company and is always keen to learn, making him a wonderful companion for the right home.

Responsive and intelligent, Batman is eager to please and thrives when given guidance and engagement. He enjoys regular exercise and would do best in a household that can provide structure, routine, and ongoing training to help him reach his full potential. With the right investment, Batman is sure to grow into a loyal and well-rounded companion.

About Batman

• Male
• Adult (exact age unknown)
• Staffy x Great Dane
• Friendly, happy, and people-oriented
• Intelligent and quick to learn
• Enjoys exercise and mental stimulation
• Would benefit from continued training

Ideal Home

Batman would thrive in:

• An active household
• A home committed to ongoing training
• A property with secure fencing
• A family willing to include him in daily life and activities

Health and Veterinary Care

Details regarding Batman’s vet care are available upon enquiry.

Adoption Details

Adoption Fee: $400

Adoption fees go directly back into veterinary care and rescuing more animals. Bowen & Collinsville Pet Rescue is a non-profit, no-kill rescue dedicated to giving animals like Batman a second chance at life.

Batman is ready for a home that will invest in him and enjoy watching him flourish. To learn more or arrange a meet-and-greet, please get in touch. Sharing his story could help him find the loving forever home he deserves.

Photo supplied

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Across the Whitsunday Regional Libraries in Bowen, Proserpine, Cannonvale and Collinsville, something special is taking shape - one memory, one stitch at a time.

The Textile Memory Book Project is giving seniors the chance to connect, reflect and create together. We spoke with Sue, Social Seniors Isolation Project Officer, about the initiative.  

Q: What is the Textile Memory Book Project?

Sue: It’s a series of free creative workshops funded by the State Government’s Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, and delivered through our regional libraries. With guidance from a local artist, participants turn a personal memory or story into a textile artwork.

At the end of the program, the artworks will be showcased at a free community expo at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.

Q: When are the workshops happening?

Sue: Bowen has already hosted its session, with participants embracing the chance to share stories and learn new skills.

Cannonvale begins at the end of February, followed by Proserpine and Collinsville in March and April.

Q: What happens in a workshop?

Sue: Participants learn techniques such as wet felting, fabric layering and hand stitching.

They then reflect on a meaningful memory, perhaps a special place, family tradition or milestone, and bring it to life through fabric and thread.

No artistic experience is required. The focus is on storytelling and connection, not perfection.

Q: Why focus on seniors?

Sue: The workshops are part of the Social Seniors Isolation Project, which aims to reduce isolation by encouraging older residents to engage in new activities and build connections.

For many seniors, opportunities to meet new people can become limited. These sessions provide a relaxed, welcoming space where conversation flows naturally and friendships begin.

Whilst the workshops are designed with seniors in mind, the final community expo will be open for the broader community to attend.   

Q: What has the response been like?

Sue: The Bowen workshop showed just how powerful creativity can be. Alongside beautiful textile pieces came laughter, stories and new connections.

For information about upcoming sessions, contact your local library branch or visit www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Regional Libraries.

1- Pam Finlay’s beautiful textile book inspired by Monet’s garden

2 – Seniors are invited to create textile art under a local artist’s guidance. Photos supplied.

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At Whitsunday Green Club, Jon Miller brings both impressive playing credentials and a strong passion for community golf to his role as Golf Manager. A long-time local, Jon is responsible for all things golf at the club, combining high-level competitive experience with a welcoming approach that reflects the spirit of the region.

Jon’s journey in the game began at just 10 years old. By 13, he had reached a single-figure handicap, a sign of the talent and dedication that would shape his golfing career. Today, he plays off a scratch handicap and has competed at the highest levels of amateur golf, representing himself in numerous state and national championships. His pursuit of excellence saw him compete at the PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School, further sharpening his competitive edge. Along the way, he has claimed Club Champion titles at two separate clubs, reinforcing his standing as a proven performer.

While his playing résumé is impressive, Jon’s focus at Whitsunday Green is firmly on growing the game and creating an inclusive social culture. He is committed to making the course a fun, social and “all welcome” destination for visitors and members alike. Known for his friendly and approachable manner, Jon encourages participation from golfers of all ages and skill levels, from seasoned players to juniors, beginners and first-timers. He is always willing to offer practical advice and handy tips, particularly around the greens, helping players build confidence and enjoyment in their game.

Innovation has also become a hallmark of his management style. Jon has introduced new and engaging competition formats designed to attract a broad range of participants and keep members excited about their involvement. He recognises the significant global growth in golf participation since 2020 and sees particular opportunity in shorter formats of the game. These condensed versions appeal to modern lifestyles, offering quicker rounds that suit young players, newcomers and those short on time while maintaining the social and competitive elements that make golf so compelling.

Collaboration is central to Jon’s vision for the club. Working closely with the lead Superintendent and the Clubhouse Café Manager, he is focused on delivering a seamless and enjoyable experience. The goal is to create an environment where quality course presentation, friendly service and strong community engagement come together to form an ongoing destination for locals and visitors.

With construction of the future nine holes currently underway, there is a growing sense of anticipation across the club. Jon and the wider team are enthusiastic about the expansion and the opportunities it will bring to enhance play, attract new members and further establish Whitsunday Green as a vibrant hub for golf in the region.

Captions

Photos supplied

On This Day 20th February 1986

High School Captains For 1986.

School captains Lisa Linneweber and Mervyn Dries were presented with their badges by state member Geoff Muntz along with senior Mill Bursary Winner Michael Braby and juniors Rosanne Doolan, Amanda Raleigh and Andrew Vonhoff.

Highway Bypass $1 Million.

The highway will be reconstructed from Fuljames Street through to the tramway North of Taylor Street with work on side roads and intersections.

Cannonvale – Pierless.

Council labour gangs have removed the old stone jetty as part of renovations to the old swimming enclosure at Cannonvale Beach.

Cannonvale School Enrolments.

246 children enrolled at the opening of 1986 school year, 13 more than last year despite 20 children going to the new school at Hamilton Island. New buildings have been approved for a tuckshop, amenities block, and admin area.

High School Is Buzzing.

Formation of a school choir, tutorials for maths, and a gym club is being planned. The Student Council is organising the first school dance of the year under C Block.

Collinsville Footballer Appeal.

A mother has appealed a sentence for her son who received serious injuries in the 1984 Under 18 Semi Final against Proserpine when a kick in the head led to a black out of senses.

$8 Million Planning Proposal For Airlie Beach Rejected.

Developer Chris Dorrough’s plans to build a town square, a shopping complex and a beach were rejected on several counts by Council.

Bloods Advance.

Airlie Bloods moved into the Mackay ‘A’ Grade Division and will also form a ‘B’ grade team. Several new players have been signed up by coach Doug Murray and training will commence at Cannonvale School Grounds in March.

Proserpine Historical Society adopts a constitution.

Jan Maltby and Don Dinnie were carrying out research and Secretary Alan Dufty was seeking support from local clubs.

Happy Bay Changes Over 50 Years.

Nancy Allan formerly Thorogood of Kelsey Creek described life on Long Island in the late 1930s. It was aimed at tourism rather than grazing like on other islands. Transport to the island was by boat called “Ventura” which departed from the old stone jetty at Cannonvale. Shute Harbour had no facilities in those days.

Respite Care in Mackay for Proserpine.

Care and counselling for handicapped people was described by the state coordinator to Proserpine Blue Nurse representative Lillian Orr.

Cricket Results

Magpies 187 [ A.Pini 71n.o.] beat Norths 81 [S.Rock 3/20]

Colts 158 [ G.Mitten 43, W.Woods 3/65] beat Centrals 129[ R. Donnelly 3/22

Valleys 160 [ L.Churchward 60, R.Magee 4/44] beat Souths 57 [W. Borellini 5/20]

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This week’s winner is Corrine Hendrikse with this stunning peacock photo. The theme was “Blue”.

Next week’s theme is ‘Glass’, and members are welcome to join the Whitsundays Amateur Photographer’s Facebook group.

These photographs are contributed by the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Group.

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Proserpine’s Main Street today bears little resemblance to what it looked like in the early to mid 1900s. Most of the original buildings have long gone, however, the facades of several of these early establishments can still be seen as one drives down the main street. The Hewitt Building is one of these reminders of the past.

Throughout its existence, it was the location of a variety of businesses, the first being the premises of Alfred Harvey Hewitt who operated a saddlery/harness business.  It was a two-storey building and he moved into it in December 1903. In about 1910, the Hewitts left the area for Sarina.

J A Behrens, who was also a photographer, ran refreshment rooms called The New York Café from this building. In August 1913, he sold to Mrs. William (Mary Ann) Compton (nee Jenkins) who lived with her family in the rooms above the shop. There were steps at the back and then they had to walk across the roof to access the rooms.

In 1914, after Alfred Hewitt died, aged only 37 years, his widow, Margaret and young family returned to Proserpine where she operated a tearoom from the shop. In 1918, she married Mr John James O’Hara. They left the area for a short time, returning in 1921 and bought a farm. For a short time in the 1920s, these rooms were taken over by single ladies, the Clifford sisters.

May 1925 saw a change of business when Mr J M Harkness, Chemist, took over the shop which had been thoroughly renovated. He had arrived in the area in 1924 originally operating his business in Mrs Beame’s premises next to Kelly’s Hotel (now the Grand Central).  Following the death of Mr Harkness, Philip Sydney Reid acquired the pharmacy in 1928.  

Mrs. O’Hara, wife of the late Mr. Hewitt, still owned the building and decided to rebuild, this time to a single-storey building. Mr. Bob Shaw was the builder. The “Proserpine Guardian” (June 17, 1939) reported, “With its demolishment will go an old landmark of the town” … “probably one of the oldest buildings”.  Timber from the old Hewitt building was transported to Dent Island where it was used to build a home for Jack and Margaret O’Hara when they retired from mainland farming in 1941.

Christopher John Monkhouse assumed control of Reid’s Pharmacy in April, 1948 and the Hewitt Building remained the location for a pharmacy for almost another fifty years. When C J Monkhouse died suddenly in January 1960, the freehold was passed to Mrs Monkhouse. W N Gillies managed the business until Mr. Campbell Hill took the reins in 1961.  He sold to Mr. Graham Chandler on October 1, 1962. Graham carried on the business on his own until Paul and Gloria Gluske became partners c1993.  The Chandlers eventually moved away from Proserpine and the business was bought by Robert and Megan McKay in 1996. They closed this shop in 1997 taking the stock a few doors up to an existing chemist shop, Proserpine Pharmacy. So ended the Hewitt Building’s association with chemists.

Since then, a diverse range of businesses has operated from the Hewitt Building. A music shop called In the Hearing of Audioworx relocated from 140 Main Street. It was owned by Don Hope from 1997 to 1999. After this closed, Harvey World Travel shifted to the building until October 2009.  Around May 2010, Anita and Steve opened their business, Tropical Beach Hut. They were followed by an acupuncturist. From about 2016, Peak Body Mechanics, a complementary health and wellness clinic, began operating until eventually closing and putting the business up for sale in 2022.

In 2024, a new owner/tenant started a home brew shop, cleverly named Home Brewitt – a nod to the original owners of the building.

Stay tuned for more stories about the history of some of Proserpine’s early establishments.  

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

1. Hewitt building today
2. Hewitt building in 1999

Late in the night of Tuesday 10^th February, BMA Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue was tasked to Haslewood Island to assist a man suffering from a marine envenomation. The patient was on board a marine vessel and experiencing significant pain, respiratory distress and intermittent loss of consciousness, prompting urgent medical intervention.

In a challenging operation, BMA CQ Rescue’s medical team, comprising an onboard Paramedic and Doctor, were winched to a nearby beach before making their way to the patient by vessel. The crew stabilised the man before transferring him to land, where he was carefully winched into the helicopter and transported to Mackay for further medical treatment.

This mission underscores the critical role BMA CQ Rescue plays in delivering life-saving care to those in remote and regional locations, often when time and distance are against them.

Complex rescues such as this rely on the precision and expertise of highly trained Rescue Crew Officers, the calm judgement and skill of dedicated Pilots and Air Crew Officers, and an advanced medical team prepared to deliver critical care wherever it is needed most.

Contributed with thanks to BMA CQ Rescue

The rescuers that keep watch over our shores

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We are excited to introduce a new column ‘The Poet’s Corner’, a section dedicated to showcasing local poetry across the region.

The first poem is from Suzy Gordon entitled, ‘Thunderstorm’. Suzy Gordon has lived in the Whitsundays for 16 years. She teaches and mentors young writers, runs an online magazine for them, and is working on two poetry collections and a book about creativity and writing.

If you are interested in submitting your own poetry don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing sebastian@lifepublishinggroup.com.

Thunderstorm

We sit on the front deck when the rains come
All a slather;
A watery frame in which we wash

– arms, brows, backs –

It reminds me of the clamour & hush
when snowdrops crown
& I hold my hand up
trace the condensation

hoping this glassy relief
will vanquish the cold

once and for all.

It is the end of a long winter in the north.

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Hailing all the way from Leeds in the UK, Suzanna McLoughlin has joined the Life Publishing team as the newest Cadet Journalist. Suz initially studied English Literature and French at the University of Manchester, spending a year in France where she taught kids English.

After university, she embarked on a grand trip to New Zealand, working and travelling there for two and a half years, deciding to stop in Australia on the way home. Whilst in Australia, she did seasonal work on Fraser Island and around the Great Ocean Road, falling in love with the country.

Upon returning to the UK, Suz worked in audio and podcasting, writing material for mental health and sleep podcasts, whilst dabbling in children’s fiction as a side hustle. Having gained valuable skills, Suz – reminiscing on her time in Australia – decided to return to become a journalist.

“I love storytelling. Throughout the years I got more passionate about honest and ethical journalism. I want to tell stories in ways that honour people’s experience and serve a purpose”, Suz said.

In her spare time, Suz pursues physical activity such as yoga, having recently become a qualified yoga teacher. She loves camping and hiking and is excited to explore the beautiful environment.

“It’s been amazing meeting everyone. All the people I’ve met are so kind and it’s really nice to see a tight knight community that welcomes others so readily.”

If you see Suz around, don’t hesitate to say hello. The team readily welcome her and are excited to see what she will accomplish.

Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

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Reef Authority experts are calling on citizen scientists to help unlock the mystery of the whale sharks of the Coral Sea.

Little is known about the star-speckled giants of the sea or where whale shark aggregations can be found on the Great Barrier Reef.

But latest findings from the Eye on the Reef program reveal a surge in whale shark activity, with reefs off Townsville and the Far North becoming key areas of interest.

In the last four months alone, eight sightings have been recorded – an unusually high frequency for this period.

Reef Authority’s Eye on the Reef Program Manager Chris Jones said the Townsville data stands out due to the high frequency of sightings despite lower boat traffic compared to other hubs.

"While places like Cairns see a high volume of sightings, they also have significantly more tourism vessels on the water," he said.

"The fact that we are seeing this cluster of sightings off the Townsville region with fewer boats suggests there is something truly special happening here.

“However, we need more sightings to identify any patterns.”

Reef Authority Field Management Director Dr Mark Read said this localised activity may be linked to broader biological events occurring across the Marine Park.

“Just like the famous aggregations at Ningaloo Reef, whale sharks on the east coast appear to gather around coral and fish spawning seasons,” he said.

“While we have long known they visit the Reef, the latest data logged by citizen scientists is helping us better understand their movements and identify potential areas of interest.”

The Reef Authority is calling on all reef-goers – from commercial operators to recreational divers – to help solve the mystery.

“If you have seen a whale shark on the Reef – even if it was 10 or 15 years ago – you can still enter them in Eye on the Reef app,” Dr Read said.

“Every entry helps us identify long-term patterns and contributes to the global knowledge of where these sharks are going not just across the Reef, but around the planet.”

The gentle giants being spied increasingly in our waters. Photo supplied

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The Great Barrier Reef — the jewel in the crown of coral reefs worldwide — is facing an uncertain future.

The greatest threat to the Reef is climate change. Rising ocean temperatures are driving mass coral bleaching events, while ocean acidification weakens the calcium carbonate skeletons corals rely on to grow. Combating climate change requires a coordinated global response, and while action is underway, it is happening far too slowly. Time, unfortunately, is not on the Reef’s side.

Yet all is not lost. While the Reef cannot be saved by local action alone, there is much Australia can do right now to buy it time. The key lies in building reef resilience.

What Is Reef Resilience?

Reef resilience refers to a coral reef’s capacity to resist damage and bounce back after stress events such as bleaching, cyclones, or disease outbreaks. A healthy, resilient reef is far more likely to survive climate impacts than one already weakened by pollution, overfishing, or poor water quality.

The good news is that building reef resilience does not require international agreements or global consensus. It can be — and already is being — done at home through two complementary strategies: reducing local pressures on the Reef and actively restoring and adapting reef ecosystems.

Reducing Local Impacts

Local stressors have long undermined the health of the Great Barrier Reef, increasing its vulnerability to climate change.

One of the most damaging is poor water quality. Runoff from the land carries excess nutrients, pesticides and fine sediments into coastal waters, largely from agriculture, land clearing and coastal development. These pollutants promote algal blooms, reduce light availability, and increase coral disease.

Australia’s recently released Nature Laws have the potential to significantly reduce this decades-old problem — but only if they are properly enforced and adequately funded.

Another major threat comes from crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS). These coral-eating predators can devastate reefs, consuming vast areas of coral in a matter of weeks. Outbreaks have plagued the Reef for decades, with poor water quality believed to contribute to population explosions.

Today, trained dive teams actively control outbreaks by injecting starfish with reef-safe substances such as vinegar or cattle bile. While labour-intensive, this approach has proven highly effective in protecting high-value reefs.

Fishing practices also play a critical role. Overfishing and destructive fishing methods disrupt reef ecosystems and is harmful to reef building corals.

On the Great Barrier Reef, fishing is managed through zoning, quotas, gear restrictions and enforcement — all designed to maintain ecological balance and long-term sustainability.

Restoration and Adaptation

Alongside reducing local impacts, scientists are actively restoring and adapting the Reef to a warming world.

Reef restoration and adaptation involve large-scale, science-driven initiatives aimed at improving coral heat tolerance, accelerating recovery, and enhancing long-term survival. Approaches include growing heat-tolerant corals in nurseries, boosting resilience using beneficial microbes, and using robotic systems to distribute coral larvae and stabilise damaged reef structures.

It may sound like science fiction, but these projects are already underway on the Great Barrier Reef.

Buying Time

Despite these efforts, climate change remains the Reef’s greatest existential threat. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to limiting warming to 1.5°C — a threshold widely regarded as critical for coral survival.

Local action alone cannot save the Reef. But by reducing pollution, managing fisheries, controlling outbreaks and restoring damaged reefs, we can strengthen resilience and buy time.

For the Great Barrier Reef, time may be the most valuable resource we have.

Contributed with thanks to Tony Fontes

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Last week, more than 13,000 cruise passengers passed through Shute Harbour Marine Terminal across three consecutive days, delivering a significant boost to local businesses and tourism operators across the Whitsundays.

As a Council-owned facility, Shute Harbour Marine Terminal plays a critical role as a key gateway

to the Whitsundays.

“Shute Harbour is a Council-owned asset that delivers real economic returns for our community,” said Mayor Ry Collins.

“When cruise ships arrive, visitors flow straight into local tours, transport, shops and hospitality venues, providing a direct boost to local businesses and jobs. Combined with the continued record-breaking performance at Whitsunday Coast Airport, it shows how our sea and air gateways are working together to strengthen visitor connectivity and keep our regional economy moving.”

Director of Commercial Businesses Craig Turner said the scale and success of the cruise operations

reflect careful planning and strong coordination across Council’s commercial facilities.

“Managing cruise operations of this size over consecutive days is a complex task, and the results

reflect the professionalism of our teams and partners across the terminal,” Mr Turner said.

“Shute Harbour and Whitsunday Coast Airport are Council-owned gateways that complement each other. Together, they allow us to efficiently move visitors into the region by sea and air, connect

them with local operators, and support a strong and growing visitor economy.”

Mr Turner said strong collaboration between terminal staff, tenants, transport providers and tour

operators was critical to ensuring safe, efficient passenger movement and a positive experience

for cruise lines and visitors alike.

Positive feedback was received from visiting cruise operators, highlighting the success of the operations and the professionalism of the Whitsundays’ tourism network.

1 – It’s always smooth sailing through the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal
2 – One of many cruise ships bringing custom to our shores

The key to a gorgeous, liveable backyard often begins with nailing the aesthetic elements. But the real secret to unlocking its full potential lies in creating zones, layers, and experiences that invite you to relax, reconnect with nature, and make the most of every square metre.

Zone Your Space for Purpose & Flow

Rather than having one big, undefined plot, divide your backyard into distinct areas; lounge, dining, play, garden nook, etc. Use changes in flooring (decking, gravel, grass), planters, or pergolas to visually separate zones without building walls, adding function while also making your backyard feel larger and smarter.

Incorporate Water Features

A small fountain, bubbling pot, or pond serves as a background soundtrack, visual element, and stress reliever all rolled into one, setting a relaxing undertone to any gathering.

Embrace Sustainable & Natural Elements

Use drought-tolerant natives, recycled materials, and permeable pavers to support sustainability without sacrificing design. Loosen the reins on structure to create a more biodiverse, lively space.

Comfortable Outdoor Living

Think of your backyard as an extension of your home. Add comfy loungers, a fire pit gathering area, or a dining nook under shade sails or a pergola. Mix furniture materials for visual depth, and include soft textiles that withstand the weather.

Vertical Greenery

Use walls, trellises, or hanging planters to maximise green without eating up floor space—great for smaller yards or creating privacy screens.

Incorporate these tips to stay ahead of the curve, with a backyard that not only appears stunning and organised, but genuinely is.

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Indoor-outdoor living is especially popular in the tropics for a variety of reasons.

Natural Ventilation and Cooling:  Tropical climates are characterised by high temperatures and humidity. Seamless transitions, using features like large windows, sliding doors, and open floor plans, allow for maximum cross-ventilation and air flow, which naturally cools interior spaces and reduces reliance on energy-intensive mechanical cooling systems (like air conditioning).

Thermal Comfort and Shading: Covered terraces, verandas, and pergolas act as transitional semi-outdoor spaces, filtering UV rays and providing essential shade from the intense sun while still allowing air movement. These areas create comfortable temperatures whilst offering protection from sun and rain while maintaining an open-air ambiance.

Lifestyle and Well-being:  The mild year-round temperatures in tropical regions encourage an outdoor lifestyle. Blurring the boundaries between inside and outside promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being by providing constant access to natural light, greenery, and fresh air.

Expanded Living Space:  These transitions effectively extend the functional living areas of a home. A covered patio or deck becomes an outdoor living room, dining area, or kitchen, offering flexible and adaptable spaces for social interaction and everyday activities.

Aesthetic and Cultural Appeal:  This design philosophy connects you with the lush surrounding landscape and natural beauty, which is a significant part of the region's appeal.

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