Export diversification is a critical aspect of modern agriculture, particularly for small-scale farmers who are often vulnerable to market fluctuations and price volatility.

However, exporting fresh produce like the commodities grown in the Whitsunday region poses unique challenges that must be addressed for farmers to benefit fully from global trade.

One of the main challenges of exporting fresh produce is maintaining quality and freshness during transportation.

Perishable crops, such as fruits and vegetables, require careful handling, storage, and transport to prevent spoilage and maintain their market value.

This requires investments in infrastructure such as refrigeration and cold storage facilities, as well as training and capacity-building for farmers and transporters.

Another challenge is meeting the stringent biosecurity and safety standards of importing countries.

These standards can vary widely, and complying with them can be costly and time-consuming, particularly for small farmers who may lack the resources and technical expertise to meet them.

Governments and organisations such as the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) can play a critical role in supporting farmers by providing technical assistance, training, and access to financing to help them comply with these standards.

Over the past month BGGA, along with a number of our local producers have been proactive in seeking new business in new and existing export markets with a recent delegation to New Zealand and completion this week of our Japanese agricultural exchange student project to enhance trade relations with Japan.

New Zealand, although small in size, offers a range of benefits as a destination for produce from our region with gaps in their seasonal production aligning with our peak in production as well as relative ease in supply chain access and a trade culture supporting safe and ethical business practices.

Japan on the other hand offers immense opportunity due to the scale of the market there, high relative income levels, lack of land for domestic food production and cultural embeddedness of value-added fresh food products.

With the myriad of ongoing challenges occurring in domestic production, the pursuit of diversification is crucial for farmers to mitigate risk, and through accessing larger and new export markets, we can start to see a green sprig of opportunities not only for industry growth but empowering local farming businesses that work smarter not harder.

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BGGA CEO Ry Collins with Countdown New Zealand Fresh Produce Manager Monish Gounder at their new Auckland distribution centre. Photo supplied

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With plenty of handy people donning the tool belt and getting stuck into jobs around the house this Easter, the community is urged to be electrically safe to avoid turning DIY into DIE.

Over the last five years in the Mackay and Whitsunday area 181 serious electric shocks were reported to Queensland Ambulance.

Of these, 30 occurred last year, figures Ergon Area Manager Wayne Alderman said were extremely concerning.

He urged handy homebodies to be conscious of electrical dangers when working around the house these holidays.

“School holidays and extra-long weekends like Easter always see a spike in the number of people tackling DIY jobs around the home,” Mr Alderman said.

“People will be cutting, drilling and digging around their properties and we’re highlighting the need to be aware that live electrical cables can be hidden behind every wall, floor and ceiling.

“So before working on an area of your home, ensure there are no wires behind the surface by using a quality stud finder that has an electricity sensing capability or avoid drilling or cutting in the surface near power points or other electrical fittings.

“If you’re still unsure, you’re better off taking the safest route by getting a licensed electrical contractor in to check all the areas you’ll be working on. It’s a cheap way of ensuring you don’t injure yourself with an electric shock or worse still, electrocution.’

Mr Alderman also reminded Queenslanders that attempting to do your own electrical work is not only extremely dangerous it’s illegal and electrical work must only ever be carried out by a qualified electrician.

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DIY electrical work is illegal in Queensland

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Business owners in Proserpine attended a lively networking afternoon on Friday and organisers were thrilled to see such a positive turnout for what they hope will become a monthly event.

Polley’s Realty hosted the occasion which was initiated to bring together business owners in the community.

“Sometimes being a business owner and getting out in the community can be hard,” said owner of Polley’s Realty, Nicole Polley.

“We wanted to bring businesses together where everyone can refer and network – the business community is so diverse, and we wanted to get together and know who’s who in the zoo!”

Vicki Leith, Relationship Manager from Westpac in Proserpine, spoke at the event.

“I’ve been working for Westpac for 21 years, so I know this local area, I know many of the clients and I am looking forward to spreading some knowledge,” said Vicki.

During the event, she spoke about hot topics such as how to avoid falling for security scams, predicting the rise and fall of interest rates and other useful tips and insights for business owners.

Over 20 people attended the casual networking afternoon which was held at Healthy Haven Café.

Prior to the event, Nicole and her team personally visited every business in Proserpine to invite everyone along.

“It’s got to be personal,” said Nicole.

“We are really hoping this will become a monthly event and we are open to talking to other businesses who might like to host future events.”

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Vicki Leith, Relationship Manager from Wespac Proserpine, Misty Bland, Nicole Polley and Abbey Coquillon. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Tired of waiting for Tradesman to call you back or turn up? Dissatisfied with previous work or the mess that was left behind? Time to call Superior House Painting Specialists/Superior Concrete Resurfacing.

Jono has lived and worked as a house painter in the Whitsundays for 13 years and knows the problems that homeowners face.

As a licensed Painter, Decorator and Waterproofer (Licence 1118887) he can help provide solutions to eradicate issues and create a long lasting finish that will add value to your property.

Mould, moisture, dampness, water leaks and damage, rust, slippery surfaces

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10 years - Jono has completed Training with Master Builders, achieving a Certificate 3 in Waterproofing. A Certificate 3 in Painting & Decorating with Master Painters. Advanced Training with Dulux in Acratex and Avista.

What is important? 1)Preparation. 2) Use the right paints and applications. 3) Problem solving.

Do the job once, do it right.

25 years - As a qualified Tradesman he has gained extensive experience and understands what works. Most of our customers are looking for quality that is affordable. We can deliver that.

We have partnered with two leading industry businesses, Dulux and Adcrete Industries. The applications are well suited to the Whitsundays environment. Most people know Dulux Acratex/Avista to be No 1. Their undercoats, colour pigments and sealers are the best.

For concrete resurfacing, Adcrete offer a waterproof system that is affordable.

Their primers and paints are flexible, nonslip and durable.

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A driveway upgrade makes all the difference

A garage refresh can transform your space

This courtyard is a delight!

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A local activist group’s fight against an approved high-rise development in Airlie Beach took an artistic turn last week as the association organised an art exhibition and auction to raise funds for its court case.

Save our Foreshore Inc. (SOF) hosted the Art Exhibition at 3 Little Birds Espresso last Friday evening to gather financial support in its ongoing legal battle against the approved 47-metre, 12-story planned high rise adjacent to Port of Airlie.

Local artists donated their work for the auction in a show of support, works which included paintings, portrait vouchers, ceramic vases, sculptures, cast iron wall decorations, and a picture framing voucher.

All proceeds will go to upcoming legal costs when SOF takes the case to the Planning and Environment Court this month.

With legal costs having the potential to blow out to $150,000, Suzette Peel from SOF said the association needs all the help it can get.

“We’re on the right track and events like this, financially but also emotionally, give us the support to keep going,” Ms Peel said.

“In a David and Goliath kind of battle like this, events where creativity and community come together are crucial in the fight.”

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Save Our Foreshore member Suzette Peel speaking at the organisation’s recent art auction – an effort to fundraise for the groups growing legal costs in the battle against an approved high-rise for Airlie Beach

Many auction items were sold across evening, some selling in excess of $250 dollars and each donated by local artists

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While we might complain about the pitfalls of travel today – delayed or cancelled planes, rough potholed roads and constant highway stoppages – spare a thought for our forefathers and the challenges they faced while trying to navigate even the simplest of journeys.  

People travelled by horse and sulky and bullock teams with huge loads lumbered up the streets. From the 1880s onwards, coaches ran between Proserpine and Bowen, transporting people and delivering mail.

In 1904, Tom and Joe Faust operated the mail coach between these two towns. About this time, Alexander Gordon Wilson and his son, William, opened stables and began a freight and mail coach service between Proserpine and Bowen, also carrying passengers.

The journey was often dangerous as sometimes aborigines would wait near creek crossings and throw spears at the coach as the driver slowed down. The horses would be whipped to gallop up the creek banks to avoid harm to passengers. Spears that lodged in the woodwork were kept as souvenirs.  

In 1903, J I Gray recorded in his journal that he paid 1/- for a parcel to be delivered and £1/5/- for the fare for his wife, Sarah, and son, George.

In 1908, Mrs Eliza Fuller recalled getting up very early and travelling from their farm in Strathdickie into Proserpine to catch the 6am coach then sitting in the open coach until it arrived in Bowen eleven hours later.

In the early days of coaches, Mrs Joe Faust (nee Amy Dray), remembered going to Bowen only if the dentist’s services were required. She recollected seeing the coach-and-four whizzing past on its way to Bowen, past the cemetery, up the old Bowen Road to the crossing (now Pluto Station), along a narrow bush track, through ti-tree scrub and across numerous gullies until it reached Bell’s Hotel at Bell’s Gully (also known as Billy Creek). The next stop was the Homestead Hotel. In 1885, the Deicke family established this hotel at Duck Creek, Mookarra, about ten miles (seventeen kms) south of Bowen near where the present cattle saleyards are at Miowera.

Passenger coaches left Bowen every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. Drivers of Thorne’s coach were Jack and Billy Thorne and Fred Watts.

Harold Baumgarten related his mother, Mrs Finlay’s memories of the first stop from Bowen – The Homestead Hotel – which she managed for the Deicke family in 1907. She served morning tea to passengers while her daughter, Ethel, 13, changed the horses and ran the old team into the paddock. The coach then travelled on to the Watts’ Hotel at Billy Creek for a midday meal and another change of horses.

Arriving at Crystalbrook about 3 pm, yet another horse team was replaced. Six horses were needed for each team and fresh horses were required often as they mostly travelled at a gallop. There was no help nor any refreshments at this stop. The driver ran them in himself at the Mail Paddock (Up River).  After crossing the river, they finally arrived at their destination at 5pm.

Just imagine the discomfort of passengers (particularly the ladies in their mode of dress) and the drivers, riding over a rough dirt track, especially in summer. No air conditioning or deodorant in those days!

It is uncertain just when passenger coach travel ceased and how long after the railway service began, however, mail coaches were still operating in 1918 according to the “Proserpine Guardian” of that year. “Postal Information – From Bowen by coach. Tuesdays 6 pm – mail delivered 9 am. Wednesday – Saturdays 6pm – delivered 7 to 8 pm.”

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

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Retired and former Queensland mine and quarry workers in the Whitsundays Region can access free lung health checks on the Heart 5 Mobile Health Unit, 26-27 April in Bowen.  

Executive Director of Resources Safety and Health Queensland’s (RSHQ) Occupational Health division Dean Barr said the world-first mobile health unit the Heart 5 travels Queensland to provide lung health checks for mine and quarry workers who may be at risk of mine dust lung disease.

“If mine dust lung disease is detected early it can reduce the risk of disease progression, helping to maintain quality of life, and get workers access to support,” he explained.

“We’re proud to be in partnership with Heart of Australia who visit mining communities to offer lung health checks which are paid for by RSHQ.

“The free lung health checks for retired and former Queensland mine and quarry workers include chest X-ray and spirometry, and where required, other follow-up investigations such as high-resolution CT scans.”

The program is part of Queensland’s mine safety and health regulations to provide retired and former workers with a free lung check, every five years, for life.  

Heart of Australia’s Head of Operations Ewan Wylie said the Queensland-made, 56-tonne, 34-wheel road train Heart 5 was launched in February 2022.

“With support from the Queensland Government and RSHQ, we built Heart 5 specifically to travel into regional and remote Queensland to provide mine and quarry workers with easy access to the best respiratory health services available,” he said.

“Workers can be assured they are in the best of hands – our team includes experienced respiratory specialists, radiologists and technicians who utilise highly sensitive on-board equipment to investigate possible abnormalities.”

Heart 5 is the fifth truck in Heart of Australia’s fleet of mobile services, which have been improving health outcomes for Queensland’s rural and remote communities since 2014.

If you are a retired or former Queensland mine or quarry worker, contact the Mine Dust Health Support Service on 1300 445 715 to discuss your eligibility and how to arrange a free lung health check on Heart 5 in Bowen 26-27 April.

If you still work in the industry, speak to your workplace about mandatory lung health checks as part of your employment.

WHAT: Free lung health checks for miners

WHERE: Bowen

WHEN: 26-27 April

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Heart 5’s Ewan Wylie takes retired gold miner, John Walker through a spirometry test

Radiographer, Mark Moxey, explains the CT scan procedure to a client

The Heart 5 Truck

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One of the shining jewels of Airlie Beach’s restaurant and cocktail scene has added rooftop functions to its venue’s repertoire of ocean views, delicious food, and daring beverages.

Paradiso Rooftop Bar & Restaurant’s upstairs event space has an upgraded new look thanks to a suite of renovations completed last Saturday, including a staff-painted wall-size mural of Elvis to lead the way.

The ocean-view venue is now home to a new-look ‘Paradiso Rooftop Function Space’ for milestone birthdays, weddings, corporate lunches and dinners, and Christmas parties in a chic, spacious interior with its own private bar.

Marketing Manager at Paradiso Kylie Warren said “Your New Party Venue” is open for its regular hours on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but was also now available for private events.

“It is a fantastic location that is now even classier thanks to these recent renovations,” Ms Warren said.

“It’s becoming extremely popular now as a function space and coming into the cooler months, that’s only going to keep growing.”

Aside from a fresh coat of paint, the space has been revitalised with the additions of circular mirrors backed with neon lights, thematic portraiture painted by a staff member and local artist, and greenery – all of which combines to create the venue’s lively, stylish atmosphere.

As well, The Function Space - in its elevated perch above Airlie Beach foreshore - catches the Whitsunday breeze directly off the Bay, especially when utilising its openable sliding doors and windows.

Ms Warren said those looking to book the fresh and trendy Rooftop venue can enquire through gm@paradisowhitsundays.com.au

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Paradiso Rooftop Bar & Restaurant’s Rooftop has more than a fresh lick of paint – the place has been revamped as a trendy event space

With the full complement of Paradiso’s already stellar service, The Rooftop Function Space has been drawing in plenty of party people already

A staff member even painted an enormous Elvis Mural to point the way upstairs at the venue

With a fully stocked bar, those booking The Rooftop get the five-star treatment they’re used to from the restaurant’s staff & kitchen

The Proserpine community continued its support of a local church’s building fund last month by generously donating $1500 during a recent fundraising effort.

Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting’s Trivia Night on Friday, March 24, hosted by Proserpine Community Centre was a major success for the local institution.

The local congregation began fundraising to rebuild its St James Church on the corner of Herbert and Main Streets in Proserpine after the previous building was demolished after 2017’s Cyclone Debbie irrevocably damaged its roof.

The lively crowd were kept on their toes at the Uniting Church Building Fund Trivia night on Friday according Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church spokesperson Jane Betteridge.

“Questions like ’How many hearts does an octopus have?’ meant there was a great deal of laughter and fun had by all,” Ms Betteridge said.

“Thanks to the generosity of the bighearted businesses and talented people in town who donated many wonderful raffle prizes, and food.”

Ms Betteridge said The Proserpine Community Centre were exceptional hosts and that the Church could not thank them enough.

She said more Uniting Church fundraising projects are on the horizon including ‘Quiche n Treats’ on the last Friday of the month from March to July, starting March 31 at 3:30pm on the Church grounds.  

Sausage Sizzles will also return on the last Saturday of the month, starting in April, at Porters Mitre 10 in Proserpine.

The sponsorship campaign "Brick by Brick" will also steam ahead in the coming weeks, allowing donators to sponsor bricks in the new Church and be a part of the new building forever.

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David Fraser, Denise and Laurie Corrigan, Jo Fraser, Horace and Anne Lowbridge, and Jane Welbourne at the recent Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting’s Trivia Night

Local Schools’ Easter Bonnet Parade

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Enthusiastic readers, writers and book lovers have attended a series of author talks hosted by Richard Evans over the past few weeks and his entertaining sessions have proved a popular addition to our local cultural offering.

Cannonvale, Collinsville, Bowen and Proserpine State Libraries have all participated in the events which have seen a variety of community members enjoy stimulating stories about politics, plot lines and other insights into the world of publishing.

Richard Evans has written eight books in the political thriller genre, with much of the storyline inspired by his real-life experience as a Federal Member in the early 90s.

During his time in politics, Richard experienced issues such as sabotage, in-fighting and suspicious agenda.

He was also outspoken about issues such as Indigenous affairs, the Carbon Tax, euthanasia, and breast cancer.

His photo was famously printed on the front page of the New York Times for publicly proclaiming that he would get rid of all the cats in Australia following exponential growth in feral cat numbers.

During his talk at Cannonvale State Library, the audience was asked to participate in the event by sharing what they hoped to gain from the experience.

This allowed Richard to tailor his talk to suit the needs of the audience.

Richard and his wife Julia run a local publishing firm and are bringing their passion for the written word into a new project to reinvigorate the Whitsunday Writers Festival in 2024.

Last held in 2017, it is hoped that, with these two highly motivated individuals at the helm, the festival will become a popular mainstay on the annual events calendar and a hotbed of inspiration for writers, readers and thinkers both locally and across Australia.

Author Richard Evans  with some attendees

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Over one hundred people attended a lively evening event at Cannonvale Marine on Saturday to congratulate owners Leanne and Darrell Hinschen on successfully operating the business for 30 of its 50 years.

On the night a 370 Outback Explorer with a 20-horsepower Honda engine, valued at around $13,000, was up for grabs.

The lucky winner was Bill Falconer who had been a customer for the past 20 years and had recently stepped into retirement.

“He was quite chuffed with his win,” said Leanne.

“And we were really happy with the whole events, thanks everyone for coming along!”

Owners of Cannonvale Marine, Leanne and Darrell Hinschen

Winner of the $13,000 tinny, local Bill Falconer with Darrel Hinschen

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Police report that an unknown person has illegally gained entrance to a portable construction site office in Paget between 5:00pm on March 27 and 6:00am on March 28.

Secure doors were damaged to allow access and Milwaukee brand batteries and chargers have been stolen along with a radio.

Police report that Milwaukee brand commercial tools are being targeted by thieves at multiple business locations and construction sites around the Mackay city area and the Pioneer Valley in recent weeks.

Police urge builders and business owners to ensure sufficient security is in place at their locations.

Information on the matter can be and should be reported to police as soon as possible – quote Report number: QP2300519975.

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A new concept in nursing has arrived in Mackay and it promises to help residents receive the healthcare they need in the comfort of their own homes, enabling them to also avoid lengthy waiting times along the way.

Data has revealed that Mackay Hospitals are clogged with too many patients waiting for appointments.

Earlier this month, Queensland Health said the waiting-list-for-the-waiting-list at Mackay Hospitals increased by 16 per cent in the past 12 months for the December quarter.

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli said that “better resourcing, improving triaging, real time data monitoring and giving power back to local doctors and nurses to run our hospitals” could provide a solution.

“Behind these 9332 patients waiting for their specialist appointment are stories of Mackay patients desperate for a better quality of life,” Mr Crisafulli said.

A real-time solution is now on its way and, while it cannot replace the need for specialist appointments, it is hoped that it will take some of the pressure off by providing services such as complex bowel care, urinary catheters, wound management, and subcutaneous injections.

Nurse Next Door Home Care Services is operated by local residents Sarah Ryan and George Blackie who wanted to find a solution to support the local community by providing care and nursing services in people’s homes.

“While working in the disability sector, I’d often hear stories from clients about how hard it was to get the proper care they needed and going to hospital was the last thing they wanted to do because of how limited the resources were,” said Sarah.

“We wanted to find a way to help the vulnerable people in our community access healthcare from the comfort and safety of their own homes, on their own terms.” added George.

Almost 20 per cent of the Mackay population is either over the age of 65 or living with a disability.

Nurse Next Door aims to help people continue living independently at home, with the care they need, and to continue to participate in the community safely, with an added personal touch of compassion from locally employed caregivers and nurses.

“We are focused on getting Mackay’s residents that require some level of care back to doing the things they love, and we want each and every one of our residents to live their best lives,” explained Sarah.

The couple hope their services will help to address the growing demand on the healthcare system for Queensland’s ageing and special needs population.

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A “thirsty workforce” is responsible for donating $50,000 to RACQ CQ Rescue Helicopter thanks to a partnership between Bravus Mining and Anything Environmental.

Since 2018, workers at the Carmichael Mine have been putting their empty bottles into dedicated recycling bins which are collected by Anything Environmental

These are then cashed in for 10 cents a bottle and, thanks to the generosity of Bravus, the money goes straight to RACQ CQ Rescue to assist with emergency airlift operations.

Bravus Mining and Resources Chief Operating Officer Mick Crowe said the success of the program was due to its simplicity, and a hungry and thirsty workforce.

“Mackay-based group Anything Environmental developed the program and they do the heavy lifting for us. They put the bins in place, collect the recyclable materials, and tally up the donation – all of which goes to RACQ CQ Rescue,” he explains.

“Our people are enthusiastic about doing what they can to reduce, reuse, and recycle on site, and Change for Choppers makes it as simple as putting the right thing in the right bin.”

Mick encourages other businesses to get behind the initiative, which can turn your costly waste into dollars that help provide the region with a vital service.

RACQ CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee said the community was indebted to their corporate partners.

“RACQ CQ Rescue is a vital part of emergency support for all residents, visitors and workers in this region and it’s reassuring to know corporate organisations like Bravus appreciate the value of supporting our helicopter and that with their support we can continue to provide our vital, lifesaving service to anyone in a time of crisis,” he said.

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(L-R) Bravus Mining and Resources COO Mick Crowe with RACQ CQ Rescue aircrewmen Grant Bollington and Ben McCauley. Photo supplied

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