Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
At just 18 months old and weighing 17kg, Obi is a happy little guy with plenty of love and enthusiasm for life. Getting along well with children, other dogs and visitors, he has plenty of potential to become a much-loved member of his new family. Obi had a rough start to life and can still find the world a little scary at times, so he is looking for a patient and understanding family willing to help build his confidence and show him the ropes. He already knows his basic commands and walks confidently on the lead, making him a great companion for someone happy to continue guiding him as he settles into his new life. Once Obi gets to know and trust you, he will become an unshakeable little shadow, following his favourite person wherever they go. If you have the time, patience and love to give Obi the fresh start he deserves, contact his carer Char on 0402 540 612 to arrange a meeting. Alternatively, email LLTAGSandDogRescue@gmail.com to find out more.
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No city or region in Australia has been unaffected by the property market changes that have become obvious ever since the Federal Government introduced its budget in May, removing negative gearing from established housing and changing the capital gains tax rules. But some have been hit harder than others. The latest property market review by valuers Herron Todd White gives an extensive rundown of where particular regions sit as well as the nation as a whole. HTW chief economist Cameron Kusher pointed out in the September review that inflation continues to be a factor, not only in cost of living but also projected interest rate rises in the months ahead. He said: “National dwelling values fell by 3.1 per cent over the three months to August 2026, with capital city values 3.7 per cent lower and regional values falling by 1.2 per cent.” He said property market analyst Cotality estimates that over the three months to August 2026 “there were 14.6 per cent fewer property sales than the same period last year”. “Transaction activity has seen a much greater decline in the capital cities than in the regional markets; however, falls are broad-based,” he said. “Every capital city except for Hobart is seeing a higher volume of properties available for sale relative to a year ago, and only regional Tasmania and regional NT are seeing fewer total listings. “Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra have historically high listing volumes, and although they aren’t at historic highs elsewhere, Brisbane and Perth have seen annual increases of more than 50 per cent, and Adelaide has seen an annual increase of more than 40 per cent. “The heightened volume of stock for sale at a time in which there are fewer active buyers in the market means that those who are buying have less urgency and more choice. In turn, this means that they have greater scope to negotiate on price, and there are many properties that will take a long time to sell in this market or simply won’t transact. “In the regional areas, the longest median days on market are in NT, NSW and Victoria and the lowest are in WA, Queensland and Tasmania.” The HTW monthly review includes their very interesting property clock, in which they categorise where particular markets are in the property cycle. Sitting at 3 o’clock on the property clock in a declining market are Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Sitting in the “starting to decline” category includes cities such as Alice Springs, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Several Queensland cities are included in the “peak of the market” category; Gladstone, Bundaberg and Toowoomba. And cities in the “approaching the top of the market” category include Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Townsville and the Whitsundays. What about the cities still sitting at 9 o’clock, the “rising market” category? Well, there aren’t nearly as many cities in that category as there were a few months ago but it still includes Mackay, Rockhampton and Emerald, among a few others. HTW can only go on the data in front of them, however agents on the ground experience the market as it happens. It is true that the Mackay market is behaving nothing like the free fall being felt in major cities like Sydney. The economy is going well, unemployment is virtually non-existent, rental vacancies are low and properties are selling. However, no agent in Mackay will tell you that right now Mackay is in a rising market. It’s still active and people are still buying but at the moment it’s not going up … it represents a great opportunity for those wanting to get into the market and investors seeking one of Australia’s best rental returns.
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Locals gathered in Mackay last Saturday for the annual March For Life, which brought together supporters of the pro-life movement. The march began at Harbour Road before finishing at Caneland Central Park, where attendees heard from guest speakers and community representatives. Among those attending was Cherish Life Queensland CEO Matthew Cliff, who travelled from Brisbane for the event. Operating since 1970, and formerly known as Right to Life Queensland, Cherish Life is one of Queensland's longest-established pro-life organisations, with branches throughout the state, including Mackay. Mr Cliff, who has been CEO for around four and a half years, said the organisation's work centred on two key areas of education and advocacy, aiming to encourage greater understanding of its pro-life position, while engaging with elected representatives and participating in public discussions about abortion. Mr Cliff said the organisation also connected women experiencing unplanned pregnancies with other services that could provide practical and emotional support. Though Cherish Life do not offer direct assistance themselves, they refer women to services like Hope's Dream, a Christian-based, non-profit charitable organization which provides pregnancy counselling and support. “The rallies are really a good way of bringing public awareness,” Mr Cliff said. “It's an opportunity for people who support the pro-life movement to demonstrate why this is important to them.” Mr Cliff said his own Christian beliefs played a role in shaping his position, with his views centred on the belief that human life is valuable from conception. “The Christian method in which I believe as the CEO of Cherish Life Queensland is to walk in grace and truth, and truth in love, and that all human life from conception is valuable,” he said. The Mackay event featured several speakers and representatives, including Mr Cliff, Australian Christian Lobby Assistant Director Daniel Adsett, Family Voice Australia Queensland Director Andrew McColl, Lighthouse Church Mackay Pastor Jai Wright and St Joseph's Catholic Church Associate Pastor Rev. Fr. Raju Mandothparambil. While Cherish Life advocates against abortion, other organisations take a different view of reproductive rights. CEO of Queensland pro choice organisation Children By Choice Anjulee Singh shared: “Children by Choice believe all people have the right to make decisions about their own body and health care. “Abortion is legal healthcare and should be accessible without barriers regardless of where you live.” The organisation advocates for accessible reproductive care in regional communities, claiming that stigma and privacy concerns can make it hard to ask for help, and can prevent women from pursuing the healthcare they are entitled to. “Everyone has the right to make their own decision about their pregnancy, whether that means continuing, ending, or considering adoption,” the organisation states. “Support should be non-judgemental, confidential, and respectful.” The differing perspectives come amid ongoing public and parliamentary debate about reproductive rights in Queensland, including discussions involving Mackay MP Nigel Dalton, who earlier this year crossed the floor in opposition to restrictions on parliamentary debate about abortion. Photo source: Cherish Life QLD - Mackay Branch
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Mackay beachgoers are encouraged to put their photography skills to good use, with the arrival of two new monitoring stations giving community members a hands-on role in tracking changes to the coastline. Eimeo Beach and Lambert’s Beach are the first locations to introduce the newly installed CoastSnap poles, which feature a phone cradle where residents and visitors can position their phones, capture an image of the coastline and upload it through the CoastSnap app. Photos taken from the same position over time will help build a long-term record of sand movement, beach erosion and recovery, providing valuable information to support future coastal management. Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the project, led by the University of New South Wales, would give council access to valuable monitoring data while allowing the community to get involved. "It's easy to use. You just follow the barcode. And you can do it anonymously, you don't have to put your name on it," he said. Mr Williamson said the photographs and accompanying observations would help build a detailed picture of how the region's beaches change over time. "If everybody does that every day, just imagine the record that we're going to have via the University of New South Wales to manage this in the future," he said. "This is just another tool for us to be able to effectively manage the 31 beaches we've got in our region." Council's Coordinator of Waterways and Coastal Planning Robyn Burkett said the initiative formed part of the Mackay Coast Our Future project, helping council better understand coastal conditions and plan for future changes. "It's about monitoring our beaches, and community education, so that's why we're encouraging people to come along, snap a photo, and learn more about coastal hazards and how our coastal processes work in the Mackay region," she said. Ms Burkett said ongoing monitoring would help determine how much sand was lost during storm events, whether beaches recovered naturally and when intervention might be needed. "Having good information now, when we experience a storm event, looking at what those changes are, and how much sand is lost, whether it will recover over time, or whether it needs intervention is really important." The CoastSnap initiative was founded in 2017 as a pilot project by the University of New South Wales, with more than 100 poles now installed across 16 countries. The two Mackay stations were funded by council, with further locations being considered for the region. To learn more, visit www.coastsnap.com or visit connectingmackay.com.au/mackay-coast-our-future. L-R - Robyn Burkett, Coordinator Waterways and Coastal Planning for Mackay Regional Council, Kylie Cauchi, Waterways Planning Advisor for Mackay Regional Council and Mayor Greg Williamson of Mackay Regional Council, testing out the new CoastSnap pole at Eimeo Beach. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara The impact of tropical cyclone Debbie in 2017. Supplied by Mackay Regional Council
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Registrations are open for the Chamber's inaugural Whitsundays Business Conference!
The Conference will be held Friday 31 May and will bring together the region’s business community and stakeholders. The morning program will be hosted in Proserpine, with afternoon practical workshops and a Sundowner cocktail networking event held in Cannonvale.
The program is shaping up to be rich in content and highly informative and is designed for attendees to walk away with specific strategies they can implement straight way.
There will be networking and a series of thought-provoking sessions on Building Business Together; The Benefits & Impact of AI and Cybersecurity in Business; Features, Drivers, & Myths About the Future Workforce; and Driving Business Growth and Turning Business On Its Head.
Thanks to our inaugural major sponsors Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine, My Pathway, Shiift, Tassal through their local presence with the Proserpine Prawn Farm, Whitsunday Regional Council, TAFE Queensland Whitsunday Campus, and Mackay and Whitsunday Life for their generous support in bringing this important regional event to life!
Have you been enjoying our new article series featuring Chamber members? Head over to the Chamber’s Facebook page to learn more about their members and the Ask An Expert series. Got a business question you want answered? Visit the Chamber’s website or social media to ask your question for an expert response.
Did you know? You can join the Chamber any time, your membership is valid for 12-months from day of joining. We have five membership categories starting from $99 per year to suit a range of needs. We look forward to engaging you in Chamber life and the Whitsundays business community.
Over 60 local residents attended a lively Mayoral Candidates Forum held by the Whitsunday Conservation Council at the Reef Gateway Hotel last Wednesday evening.
Candidates Phil Batty, Richard Evans and Ry Collins all took to the stage to answer questions given by facilitator and well-known local environmentalist, Tony Fontes.
The fourth candidate, Peter Hood, was invited to participate but chose to sit in the audience, saying that his position as an accountant forbid him take part.
In making this assertion, Hood caused quite a disturbance during the opening speech, standing from within the crowd and yelling toward the front.
Organisers quickly instructed him to sit down and asked him to leave unless he could remain seated and listen like everyone else.
The rest of the evening progressed in a civilised and democratic manner with each candidate taking their turn to inform the audience of their views on seven different questions.
There were seven main topics which included liveability, the reef, sustainability, biodiversity, town planning, the village atmosphere of Airlie Beach area and Council transparency.
Phil Batty held the current council account, producing a range of documents that supported his assertion that the Council had funding and permission to implement certain projects but had failed to do so on several occasions throughout the years.
Richard Evans spoke frankly and earnestly without needing to refer to notes, instead offering case studies which showed how he had sent his time actively communicating with the general public over the past few weeks.
Ry Collins gave evidence of his passion for community, liveability, and environment, illustrating well-prepared and thorough answers addressing the key issues with sound knowledge and consistency.
Afterwards, Tony Fontes asked several impromptu questions gathered from the community and given to the candidates.
These covered similar subjects, but narrowed in on some of the key issues.
Each candidate was given two minutes to deliver their responses and a bell would ring 30 seconds before the end so they could conclude within time.
Open to everyone in the community, the forum attracted a broad spectrum of people who were all interested in making an informed decision about who they would vote for next Saturday.
Caption:
1: Mayoral candidates – Phil Batty, Richard Evans and Ry Collins at the Whitsunday Conservation Council Mayoral Candidate Forum last Wednesday. Photo credit: Rachael Smith
2: Mayoral Candidate Peter Hood disrupts the forum but is soon asked to take a seat. Photo credit: Rachael Smith
Rosanagh Gallivan comes to the region with a wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience to her new role with Tourism Whitsundays, as Public Relations and Social Media Executive.
Here is more about Rosanagh:
What is your role at Tourism Whitsundays? I've recently taken on the role of Public Relations and Social Media Executive which means I will be involved in all thing's media relationships, stories, and social media marketing for The Whitsundays.
What made you chose The Whitsundays? Being new to the tourism industry I couldn't think of a more iconic Australian destination to be a part of! I am also a big fan of the island life, which made the decision even more appealing. I can't wait to explore more of the region!
What are you most looking forward to doing in your new role? Leveraging our social media platforms to showcase the magic of The Whitsundays to the rest of Australia and also internationally, as well as meeting the members of Tourism Whitsundays who make up this beautiful part of the world.
What is one thing about The Whitsundays, as a new resident, you think everyone should know? Even in my short time here I've been amazed at how much is on offer for such a diverse audience. The Whitsundays goes so far beyond being either a backpacker or honeymoon destination, with attractions, accommodation, and activities to suit everyone. My initial experience here has been nothing short of amazing, and as a newcomer to the region, I hope I can bring a fresh perspective.
Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine is excited to announce the appointment of Amanda Anderson as its new Branch Manager.
“We are delighted to have Cannonvale local and active community member Amanda Anderson join the Branch team. She is a welcome inclusion for our Branch team, customers, and shareholders. We look forward to her contribution in 2024 and beyond” said Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Chairman Mark Henry.
Amanda brings to the role over ten years branch management and banking specialist experience, and time spent in business development, property management, and small business ownership.
“I am really excited to be in a leadership role and lead a customer focused team,” said Amanda. “The opportunity to service the local community and help our customers with their home loan journey or assist them in building their investment portfolio is exciting.”
The Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine opened in June 2012 with the support of local shareholders who saw the value of the Community Bank model and raised $800,000 locally to establish a branch in the Whitsundays.
At Bendigo Bank, our customers and the community always win. Our success is based on our profit-with-a-purpose model which sees around 50 per cent of the profits generated by our independently owned and operated Cannonvale-Proserpine branch invested back into the community.
Over the past seven years Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine have invested just over $178,600 into local schools, social programs, sporting groups, arts and culture events, conservation initiatives, and community prizes.
“I chose to join the Community Bank as I would be proud to be part of an organisation that is so involved and invested in the local community with volunteering and sponsorship” she said.
“Our ability to invest in the local community is due to our branch team for delivering consistently high-quality customer service, our shareholders for backing the Whitsundays community, and all the passionate local directors past and present for their hard work and dedication”, said Mark.
Visit the Branch at Whitsunday Plaza Cannonvale or contact the team on phone 07 4948 3599 or email cannonvale&proserpinemailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au
Community Owned Response to Eliminating Suicide, better known as CORES Queensland, is gearing up for another free, community focussed workshop for local residents.
This two-hour workshop will focus primarily on self-care and mental wellbeing, providing skills and resources to develop an individualised self-care and mental wellbeing plan, which includes activities to enhance physical, emotional and mental health on a daily basis.
The workshop will also explore the concept of self-care and mental wellbeing, how to identify personal signs of stress and simple strategies that can be used to manage individual stress levels on an everyday basis.
For more information, contact CORES at adminqld@kentishrc.com.au or phone 0448 894 525.
WHAT: Self Care & Mental Wellbeing Workshop
WHERE: Proserpine Community Centre, 36 Gardenia Street
WHEN: Thursday, March 21, from 1pm to 3pm
Cost: Free
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/3OXYnlM
Photo credit: Bronte Hodge and Rachael Smith
Proserpine State School student, Sophie Dening, has decided to cut her hair for kids with cancer.
Getting the big snip last Friday, Sophie has sent off the fallen locks to be repurposed into a wig for a child with cancer.
“I have beautiful hair with such a unique colour,” Sophie explained on her fundraising blog.
“I wanted to share my beautiful hair with someone who needs to feel beautiful.
“Kids with cancer unfortunately lose their hair due to necessary medical treatments to make them better. If one little girl could have a wig made from my hair, I know it would make her smile (and me),” she explained.
“I started growing my hair and this journey a couple of years ago so I could have it long enough for me to still have a bob cut when I get the big chop.”
Having been sent off last week, Sophie’s hair will arrive at the Wigs 4 Kids wig partner, Ella Wigmakers, to be constructed into a wig for a child with cancer.
Kids with Cancer Foundation support children and young families of pre-teen children, between the ages of 0 to 12 years old, that are experiencing financial difficulties due to their child being treated for cancer, along with doctors, nurses, social workers, and cancer research.
1. Sophie Dening’s big chop
2. Sophie sending off her hair donation, for her hair to be constructed into a wig for a child experiencing cancer. Photos supplied
Another massive name is Australian literature will be gracing the Whitsundays Writers Festival stage, with Christos Tsiolkas recently announced to attend.
Prepared for the September festival, Melbourne based author, Christos Tsiolkas has penned nine novels, and is an accomplished playwright, essayist, and screenwriter.
His novels include ‘The Slap’, which won Overall Best Book in the Commonwealth Writers' Prize 2009, Australian Literary Society Gold, and 2009 Australian Booksellers Association and Australian Book Industry Awards Books of the Year.
With ‘Loaded’, ‘The Jesus Man’, and ‘Dead Europe’ winning the 2006 Age Fiction Prize and 2006 Melbourne Best Writing Award and ‘Barracuda’ and ‘Damascus’ winning the 2019 Victorian Premier's Literary Award for Fiction, and 7½ won the Melbourne Prize for Literature.
‘The Slap’ and ‘Barracuda’ were both adapted into celebrated television series.
Christos’ most recent novel is ‘The In-Between’, released in 2023.
“We planned for the best and we are attracting Australia’s leading authors,” said Festival President Karen Jacobsen.
“We are very excited to announce Christos’ attendance and we know he will bring many excellent insights for Festival attendees.
“My only advice for those who might experience Festival FOMO is to subscribe to receive Festival news from our website, so you don’t miss out!’ Karen said.
The Whitsundays Writers Festival is a premier literary event dedicated to fostering creativity, dialogue, and appreciation for the written word. Bringing together acclaimed authors, aspiring writers, and avid readers, the Festival celebrates the diverse tapestry of storytelling while showcasing the natural beauty of the Whitsundays region.
The Festival, spanning three days from Friday, September 6, to Sunday, September 8, 2024, will also feature the prestigious Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards. The Heart Awards provide well-deserved recognition and financial rewards to talented writers for best unpublished manuscript, short story, poetry, and book design.
WHAT: Whitsundays Writers Festival
WHEN: 6-8 September
www.whitsundayswriters.com
Christos Tsiolkas announced to join Whitsundays Writers Festival roster. Photo supplied
Join Black Dog Ride and PCYC Whitsundays this March for the iconic annual 1 Dayer event, which aims to start a national conversation about depression and suicide prevention.
The 1 Dayer event looks to have the riders of Black Dog Ride unite under one banner, with one voice on one single day to amplify a national message of hope, awareness and prevention.
Registration for the event includes 1 Dayer patch, a round 1 Dayer 2024 participation bike sticker and a Black Dog Ride bike sticker.
Black Dog Ride began in 2008, following founder Steve Andrews’ hearing of two mates’ wives suffering from depression and succumbing to the illness.
He had always dreamed of competing a ride around Australia, but lacked a purpose, that would fuel the ride.
The inaugural Black Dog Ride occurred in 2008, with Steve kicking off in Busselton. 26 days later, and over $34,000 raised, he had been successful.
Since then, Black Dog Ride sub-groups have spread across Australia, bonding over the love of bikes and camaraderie.
The annual Black Dog Ride allows all riders to come together, and as a national organisation, start the national conversation for suicide prevention and depression.
To register for the 1 Dayer event, visit https://bit.ly/4c3lVzJ
For more information, contact the local contacts for Black Dog Ride on Whitsundays@blackdogride.org.au
WHAT: Black Dog Ride’s 1 Dayer
WHERE: PCYC Whitsundays
WHEN: Sunday, March 17, from 7am
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/4c3lVzJ
This St Patrick’s Day, head to the Airlie Beach Hotel for one Sunday of the absolute best Irish jigs, with one of the best Irish tribute bands ever to escape Ireland!
Rattle and Hum is Australia’s premier U2 Tribute band, with the perfect recreation of the iconic band’s hits, with smooth beats and near-pristine tunes.
Formed in the midst of the mid 90s and crafting their sound and stage presence throughout the 2000s, Rattle and Hum’s unbelievably accurate renditions of U2 are sure to get Airlie Beach Hotel’s patrons excited this St Patricks Day.
But the unforgettable U2 tracks won’t be the only things on the set list, with Rattle and Hum ready to belt out classic Irish jigs and the perfect St Pats tracks, before they smooth out the afternoon with a special guest set-list of Coldplay, which always ends a Sunday afternoon off right.
Sure to be a sell-out show (with free entry!) reserve a table now with the team and be ready for all the action!
WHAT: St Patricks Day: Rattle and Hum
WHEN: Sunday March 17, from 2pm to 5.30pm
WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
TICKETS: Absolutely Free But It’s Recommended To Reserve A Table!
Don’t Miss The Saturday Set!
Rattle And Hum
Saturday March 16, from 2pm to 5pm
With passion dedication and commitment, Daniel Spurway has set his sights on supercar racing, the natural evolution of his karting career.
It all started in 2018, when Daniel found himself behind the wheel of a kart and for the first time discovered the thrill of driving on the competitive track, and he hasn’t looked back once.
“I wouldn’t call it a passion,” Daniel shared.
“It’s more like a life-long obsession with racing.”
Closing out the chapter of kart racing in 2023, with 12 wins and 37 podium finishes spanning his karting career, Daniel decided that car racing was the next step for him, and rather than waiting for the pros to approach him, he would go knocking on some doors.
“I’m happy with all that I accomplished in kart racing. I am proud of making it to the NQ Championship in 2022, and for competing in the QLD State Cup.”
Now turning his efforts to getting into the support category league of Aussie Racing Cars, Daniel is chasing the rush of powerful engines.
Aussie Racing Cars is just one stepping-stone in Daniel’s progression, with the goal of racing in the Supercar Championships the ultimate goal.
“To be able to be on the tracks that my heroes have raced on, that’s what I’m after.
“To be in the league with some of the best, that is my major dream.”
Daniel is open to local sponsorships, to propel him further in his racing career.
“To be able to race in the big leagues, that would mean the world to me. And to have long-term sponsors behind me means that I can achieve my dreams of racing alongside my heroes.
“Racing is something that came to me at an early age.
“Racing is something that me and my dad bonded over, and it was something that helped me through tough times.
“It allowed me to escape my life for a time, when all I had to focus on was taking the next turn, then the next then the next.
“Any assistance I will always appreciate.”
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Richard from Freem Racewear, who’s always been looking out for me with our racewear.”
Daniel’s Fastest Speeds:
“In my kart, I once hit 120 kilometres, and in the Scholarship Series Toyota 86, I got up to 220 to 230 kilometres, which was incredible.”
1. Daniel Spurway, at the 2024 Toyota 86 Scholarship Series
2. Daniel’s karting career ending with 12 wins and 37 podium finishes. Photos supplied
Local youth sports coaching organisation Next Stars Sports Academy isdelighted to announce the extension of their partnership withMomentum High Risk Training (Momentum HRT) for an additional 12months, marking a significant milestone in their collaboration.
Overthe past year Momentum HRT has served as the proud naming rightspartner of Next Stars' Momentum Speed Squad demonstrating theirdedication to fostering athletic excellence within the community.With this renewed commitment Momentum HRT's support will nowencompass the entirety of Next Stars' coaching programs expandingtheir impact and reach across the Whitsunday region.
Thecontinued partnership between Next Stars and Momentum HRT underscoresa shared vision of empowering youth through sports, emphasising bothphysical and emotional development.
Lukeand Jacqui Shields, the owners of Momentum HRT, said, "We arethrilled to extend our partnership with Next Stars! We have witnessedfirsthand the exceptional coaching and mentorship that has beenprovided to our own children and together we look forward tofurthering the positive impact we can make in the lives of youththroughout the Whitsunday region.”
TimOberg from Next Stars said, “I have loved collaborating with Lukeand Jacqui from Momentum HRT over the last year and am excited aboutthe impact we can achieve with this enhanced partnership. I’m afirm believer in the power of shared values and I know that MomentumHRT and Next Stars are perfectly aligned in that regard.”
Forfurther information regarding Next Stars Sports Academy seewww.nextstars.org.
The Cannonvale Cannons had a very successful weekend at the NQ Swimming Championships held in Mackay. The Cannons thoroughly enjoyed the relays on Friday night and were very excited with their medals. On Saturday morning, the Cannons started the day on a high, winning the annual March Past. The swimmers looked amazing in the caps and capes. To top off the championships, the Cannonvale Cannons accrued the highest number of points and were named the Champion Club.
Congratulations to Jax Clayworth, Don Algie and Jacob Bell for being awarded Age Champions.
Zane Clayworth, Zachary Trefz, Levi Smith, Addie Sanders, Charlie Doherty, Eric Mulliss, Koa Harland, Thomas Ganter Evie Doherty, and Harris Delac swam PBs in just about all their events. Charlie Doherty, Thomas Ganter, Remy Hedges, Holly Perrin, Jy Parkinson Anisa Helou, Ehsan Helou, Noah Maltby, Tora Delac, and Jack Ganter made finals for all his events and won a swag of medals. Dylan Reynolds was thrilled to make finals for four of her events.
Ruby Harland, Indi Smith, Alex Trefz, Eloise Chegwidden, and Isabella Pisaniello swam excellent Backstroke setting PBs or achieving medals. Celeste Orenshaw, Maeve Dicheria, and Andie Reynolds were outstanding in the Breaststroke and Butterfly events. Isaac Pisaniello's best events were his last three in which he swam PBs and earned medals. Declan Dichiera was very happy with his silver medals. Matilda Nicholes’ best swim was 100m Freestyle which she swam in under 1min 20sec.
Coaches Ken Crittenden, Mark Erickson and Rylee Erickson were very impressed with all the swimmers and their exceptional achievements. The coaches were very proud of all the swimmers and were thrilled with the Cannons being named the Champion Club. Congratulations to all the swimmers and a big thank you to all the wonderful parents for their support.
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.
1. Team Cannons at NQ Champs
2. Cannons at NQ Champs
3. Boys Relay team
4. Senior Mixed Relay Team. Photos supplied
As the wet continues, maintaining a consistent fitness routine can become a challenge with the unpredictable weather. However, there are plenty of ways to stay active and keep fit, even when the rain is pouring down.
1. Embrace indoor workouts: Take advantage of indoor facilities such as gyms, fitness studios, or even your own living room. From cardio exercises like jumping jacks and burpees to strength training with dumbbells or resistance bands, there are countless workouts you can do indoors to keep your fitness levels up.
2. Try swimming: If you don't mind getting wet, swimming is an excellent way to stay fit during the wet season. Swimming provides a full-body workout and is gentle on the joints, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
3. Dance it out: Put on your favourite music and dance around your living room. Dancing is not only a fun way to stay active but also an effective cardio workout. You can follow along with dance workout videos online or simply freestyle and let loose.
4. Take up a new indoor sport: Consider trying indoor sports such as indoor boxing, basketball, or badminton. These activities provide a great workout while keeping you protected from the rain.
5. Invest in home workout equipment: If you have the space and budget, consider investing in home workout equipment such as a treadmill, stationary bike, or rowing machine. Having these tools at home makes it easier to stay active regardless of the weather outside.
Collinsville is excited to welcome a new nurse graduate into their community this year.
Shakarna grew up in Clermont, near Mackay, and during high school, she was unsure what she wanted to do as a career.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do in high school, but I started a double degree in nursing and midwifery in Townsville,” Shakarna said.
“But that was difficult financially, so I dropped back to nursing only, got work as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) and completed by degree part-time.”
Shakarna completed her studies over six years, working during her studies.
During this time, Shakarna also benefited from three years of practical experience working as an Assistant in Nursing at the Clermont Multi-Purpose Health Service.
Having relocated to Collinsville earlier this year, Shakarna is enjoying the tight-knit community.
“There have been lots of learning opportunities and the community has been very welcoming,” she explained.
Shakarna will join a host of confident, compassionate, and knowledgeable nursing and health staff in Collinsville.
Shakarna is joining the health team of Collinsville. Photo supplied
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