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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A group of dog owners who regularly gather at Boathaven Beach to run their dogs off-leash and swim in the safe confines of the stinger net are imploring Council to provide dedicated dog-friendly times following a warning from rangers to put their pets on a lead.

Norma Strang and Paula Medley are part of a group of around 20 individuals who meet casually most mornings at the New Beach in Airlie.

“I moved here about 14 months ago and every friend I’ve made is from the beach,” said Paula.

“It’s a big community of friends and I love swimming here – I need to get in the water, and clear my head before starting the day.”

Norma added that she sees no need for the Council to change the rules.

“What’s the problem?” she said.

“The people are great, this is our morning mental health, our dogs are fine, we pick up after them and they are no trouble.

“We just want a few hours for us here with the dogs early morning - we are ratepayers too and our dogs need exercise off the lead”

Director of Community Services for Whitsunday Regional Council, Julie Wright said that Boathaven Beach has always been an on-leash dog walking area.

“It has never been an off-leash beach, it is an on-leash beach,” said Julie.

“It appears the signage from the western end of the beach has been removed by an unknown in recent months, but this sign will be replaced in the coming days.  

“The on-leash signage is still in place at the eastern end of Boathaven Beach and dogs are not permitted to swim inside the stinger enclosure.”

Julie recommends that the group meet at the eastern end of Cannonvale beach which is an off-leash area from 5am-8pm daily except from 8am-9am and 2.30pm-3.30pm on school days.

Norma has been investigating the legal rights of dog owners and asserts that the beach is in international waters and is therefore not within the Council’s jurisdiction.

In response to that, Council said that Local Law considers it a ‘public place’ when referring to animals under effective control, so the argument of international waters is invalid.

She also added that Council had received “several complaints in the past six weeks from residents complaining that their families have been harassed by dogs off the lead at Boathaven Beach”.

“As a result, Local Laws teams will increase patrols to enforce the on-leash status,” she said.

There are no current plans for Council to change the restrictions, but the group believe that allocated off-leash times would allow all ratepayers to live freely and they remain hopeful that restrictions could change.
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Local dog owners enjoying an off-leash swim with their friendly pooches at New Beach in Airlie. Photo credit: Rachael Smith.

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Hi Readers

This paper marks the first full edition since our dedicated Editor took her maternity leave break. Firstly, I want to wish Amanda and Hamish all the best as you embark on such an exciting chapter. I know you will cherish this time with your family and welcome baby Wright with plenty of love.

This week, I’ve taken on a few of Amanda’s responsibilities, the most interesting one being pagination. I wasn’t unfamiliar with the process before now, but it took me actually doing it myself to truly appreciate the work our editors put in every week. Pagination is the mapping out of the paper – planning what article, ad, photo goes on what page; how much space to allow for it; what should go next to it. It’s a never-ending juggle of puzzle pieces and there’s an element of challenge, fun and satisfaction to fitting all the pieces together – although perhaps my editors will warn that the shine wears off with repetition. We will see.

If you flick to the event guide on page 18, you’ll see there’s no shortage of things to do this weekend. Being a fan of sport, I’m excited to see the Cutters, Meteors and Meteorettes getting plenty of home games. I went to my first basketball game ever last week and the energy inside the Crater was electric. I urge you all to check it out tonight if you can. Read my recollections of last week’s games on Page 21 before you do.

Being a beer fan, I’m also looking forward to celebrating Red Dog Brewery’s first birthday tomorrow. One year ago tomorrow, a relatively fresh journalist in a relatively new town, I dropped in at the corner of Victoria and Chain Streets, had a yarn to Woodsy and enjoyed my first schooner of Red Dog’s Red Ale. That year has flown by, and I’ve enjoyed plenty since. You can read Red Dog’s story on page 19.

Whatever you’re getting up to, I hope you have a good weekend and enjoy the read.

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Warning: Confrontational Salesman

Whitsunday police received reports regarding behaviour of a 50– to 60-year-old man with tanned complexion and short dark hair who frequents business and shopping centre car parks.

The heavy-set man is allegedly insistently and confrontationally approaching elderly or vulnerable shoppers and offering services to repair damaged vehicle windscreens.

Anyone with safety concerns should contact police immediately.

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Vessel Trespassers Charged

Two people were charged for allegedly entering a vessel moored in Airlie Beach at The Beacons on March 26 at 12.30am.

It's alleged the caretaker of a moored 30-metre-long vessel found two males in the cabin. The men decamped after being verbally challenged.

Police checked CCTV footage, conducted interviews, and patrolled the area before subsequently arresting and charging a 28 year old male Brisbane resident.

He will appear in the Proserpine Magistrates Court on April 17 for charges of trespass and unlawful entry of a vessel.

A 27-year-old Caboolture man was arrested on the same charges and an additional charge of unlawful possession of a dangerous drug (cocaine) and will appear in court on the same date

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With 57 homeless young people turning to youth support service YIRS in the month of February, calls are being made for more funding to be funnelled into youth services.

YIRS (Youths Information Referral Service) is a youth service for young people aged between 8 and 21 and their families, with the most commonly seen issues facing Mackay’s young people being homelessness, mental health and education.

An average of 20,000 young people present to YIRS a year, and, with only four staff, Service Manager Dee Chapman said more funding is required to provide intervention and support to our young people.

“There’s just not enough manpower,” Ms Chapman said.

“The demand is high, ongoing and increasing.

“We talk about crime in youth but, basically, their basic needs aren’t being met.

“If we put more supports in place for this youth, we’re going to see less crime.”

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm welcomed changes to breach of bail legislation that was passed in the Queensland Parliament earlier in the month criminalising breach of bail for children aged 10 to 17 years.

“Juvenile repeat offenders are causing havoc in the community and to deter these young criminals it was crucial that we reinstate the breach of bail offences,” Ms Camm said.

Ms Camm is now calling for increases to funding for youth services in regional communities to prevent children from becoming involved in criminal activity.

“This government talks about early intervention and supporting young people with complex needs, yet for my community of Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays there has been not one increase in funding in the past decade,” she said.

“My local community’s service, YIRS, is now using reserve funding and making a loss each year to support young people — young people with complex mental health issues who are known to Child Safety and the youth justice system.”

53 per cent of the young people that present to YIRS are victims of abuse, trauma or neglect, 41 per cent are under a current child protection order and 49 per cent have mental health issues.

Ms Chapman said, with more funding, these young people will have better access to the support they need.

“Young people bounce back from trauma if we intervene early enough and put those supports in place,” she said.

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YIRS Service Manager Dee Chapman and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm at YIRS One Stop Youth Shop Mackay. Photo supplied: Office of Amanda Camm

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Hi Everyone,

Let’s talk Easter Bonnets!

This week my son and I created a Minecraft Easter Bunny ‘Bonnet’ for his school parade which was held on Wednesday.

I’m sure many of you out there have also been part of the excitement of this crafty Easter tradition – paint splotches on the carpet, sticky fingers on couches, half-complete projects abandoned . . . and there you are at 9 o’clock in the evening glueing last minute accessories onto the masterpiece!

It’s a wonderful tradition, and I truly enjoyed spending time with my son, watching his eyes light up as a cardboard box was transformed into a Minecraft-inspired Easter bunny.

Squares were wonky and excess glue was making the paper creased, I found myself trying to correct his placements, make it perfect – but then I stopped myself and let go – this wasn’t a display of great parenting, this was an expression of creative joy, a project for him.

When we got to school, he was proudly wielding his bonnet, which was actually more like a mask, and I watched as his friends gathered.

Everyone was showing off their hats and other kids were keen to see what it was like inside the Minecraft Bunny.

Apparently, when he did his roll call in his classroom this morning he asked his teacher to call him Minecraft Bunny – “good morning Mrs Bunny” – he said afterwards.

As we all enjoy the Easter festivities, let’s remember that family and friends are at the heart of everything we do – quality time is the most important gift we can give anyone – so call your parents, spend time with your children, say hi to your neighbours and stop to talk to a stranger on the street.

Rach

“Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans” (John Lennon)

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