International Artists Inspire At Special Event

The annual Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and Residency has concluded, following a massive success with a sold-out performance event at Paradiso on Saturday evening.

With headliners Mark Sholtez, Toni Childs, and Vika and Linda joining as the professional mentors, 11 aspiring songwriters engaged in a week of dedicated support and encouragement, producing music with their idols.

The culmination of the event was the Concert and Conversation showcase, held at Paradiso Restaurant on Saturday evening, where each aspiring songwriter was given the stage to perform an original song they’d developed over the week to a live audience.

Karen Jacobsen, Co-Founder of Whitsunday Songwriter Festival and Residency said the week helped aspiring songwriters develop their original music alongside professionals that have been involved in the industry for years.

“The mission of the festival is to create and support a new generation of songwriters, and make opportunities for regional Australia, that big cities have,” she explained.

“We bring these industry connections to the regions and create a thriving hub of music and song writing here in the Whitsundays.”

On the final evening, all the songwriters performed two songs together and two songs developed during the residency.

“Brand new music is always exciting, and these songs were quite raw,” said Karen.

“One celebrated music and the art of songwriting, the other was about heartbreak, the age-old topic for all.

“It was a wonderful evening and the audience was moved to tears.”

Karen explained that each artist on the residency created new music, with even the mentors writing new songs we can expect to hear in upcoming albums.

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Vika Bull, Toni Childs, Karen Jacobsen, Mark Sholtez, Francesca de Valence, and Linda Bull. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

A 43-year-old Proserpine woman has been charged, following a fatal car accident which occurred when her ute crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided with a station wagon, on Strathdickie Road, on the evening of August 20.

A 67-year-old Dingo Beach man was the driver and sole occupant of the station wagon and unfortunately died at the scene.

The Proserpine woman was taken to Townsville Hospital and was later charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance.

So far this year Mackay and Whitsunday Police have intercepted over 670 drink drivers across our region, which is a similar figure from this time last year.

“Traditionally we see an increase in the drink driving offences as we approach Summer and the Christmas holidays,” said Shane Edwards, Senior Sergeant of Highway Patrol Mackay.

“Drink Driving is a significant contributor to the fatalities on our roads in Queensland with over 30 per cent of drivers and riders involved in fatal traffic crashes being over the legal limit.

“Alcohol impairs a drivers/riders reaction time along with their ability to make smart decisions.

“We have had 13 deaths on our Districts roads in 2023 and drink driving is being investigated as a contributing factor in around 50 per cent of those incidents.”

Mr Edwards and the Mackay Whitsunday Police urge drivers to not drink and drive.

“Have a designated driver if you plan on going out with friends

“If you see that friends have been drinking don’t let them drive, you could be saving their lives as well as other members of public.”

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Community spirit has far surpassed even the wildest of dreams of Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church whose Brick By Brick campaign has raised an astounding $250,000 in just four weeks.

This exceptional community effort means that the construction of the new church could begin early next year.

“We need the contract to be signed by mid-November and now that we have the funds in place we will be approaching architects and consultants in the next few weeks,” said Reverend Suzy Sutton.

“Builders can be looking out for tenders from October and contracts will be signed by the end of that month!”

Steeped in history, a church has been located at the corner of Main and Herbert Streets in Proserpine since 1899 when local families worked together to construct the building.

It is only fitting now that the community have pulled together once again to continue this legacy.

Irreparably damaged in the 2017 Cyclone Debbie, the Uniting Church was demolished in 2021.

Since then, the congregation has worshipped at a temporary location, a community hall at the end of the street.

Launching the Brick By Brick fundraiser on August 1, the community were encouraged to participate in the much-needed rebuild.

Individuals could become Community Champions and purchase a “$100 brick” and larger entities could scale right up to “Platinum”, purchasing 250 bricks for $25,000.

Rev Sutton said that she was thrilled to find out at least three platinum sponsors had come on board, but that all the individual sponsors were just as appreciated for their kind and supportive gestures.

“This amazing result means we can step forward confidently,” she said.

“We can’t believe it and all we can say is praise God!”

While Rev Sutton says she cannot wait to see the community enjoying the facility.

“The church will be multi-purpose and provide a space for many,” she said.

“It will be a hub for social life, dinners, meetings, families, markets and concerts.”

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The old St James Church before it was demolished in 2021. Photo supplied

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Endurance athletes from around the country are flocking into the region this week ahead of the Accom Whitsunday Trail Fest which is due to kick-off on Sunday morning.

With a variety of off-road racing events, the Trail Fest offers something for everyone, from beginners and children all the way through to experienced athletes looking to bring home a trophy.

Organised by the Whitsunday Running Club, the event is now in its 18th year and 2023 is expected to be another huge event with 120 participants registered.

Race Director Andrea Farley said she is thrilled to see competitors come from around the country and even some international guests attend this year.

“Trail Fest is a great way to explore our national parks and celebrate our region,” she said.

“It a community event, supported by local sponsors and run by volunteers from the Running Club.”

The most ambitious race on the event day calendar is the 58-kilometre Shokz Ultra which is now in its sixth year and has become a popular challenge for members of the Australian Trail Running Community.

A traditional favourite is the 28-kilometre Accom Whitsunday Trail which started back at Trail Fest’s inception in 2005.

The original and still most popular distance, this race is a point-to-point run from Brandy Creek to Airlie Beach.

Current records are held by women’s champ Montanna Mcavoy who completed the trail in 2.37.06 hours in 2022 and men’s reining champ Sam Stedman who completed the trail in 2.29.44 back in 2021.

This race maintains its position as the Whitsundays preeminent off-road race, attracting trail runners from Australia and overseas.

While many of the events are challenging for experienced runners, there is also something for beginners and children, with a range of other events perfect for those wanting to give trail running a go.

The Honeyeater Ray White Challenge 10.5-kilometre challenge is quickly becoming a popular favourite trail run for beginner runners and, while it is a challenging run, ascending into the clouds towards the lookout, the view atop is as rewarding as the race.

Children are invited to enjoy a fun and lively race at the Tarkine Kids Beach Bash which runs along the Airlie Beach Foreshore to the Dugong then back towards the start and then another lap along the beach.

At approximately 1400 meters, the race is challenging but also achievable for children from 4-12 years of age.

The day’s event concludes with the popular Survivors Beach Bash which is open for participants who ran the 28-kilometre, 58 kilometre, or volunteers.

This fun run is a great way to celebrate the event and the first male and female will win lucky dip prizes.

Winners of each category will receive a medal and there are cash prizes for anyone who beats an existing record.

The community are also invited to come down and watch or participate on the day.

RACE TIMES:

4:30am      Competitors for 58 km meet.

5:00am      START – 58 km race.

5:00am      Competitors 28 km meet.

5:30am      28 km bus leaves from Race Precinct to Brandy Creek

6:30am       START – 28 km from Brandy Creek

8:30am      Race Briefing for Honeyeater Challenge

9:00am       Honeyeater 10.5

10:30am     Kids Beach Run

1:00pm       Presentations

2:30pm       Survivors Beach Bash

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Trail Fest organisers, Andrea Farley, Chris Harvey, Robyn Corrigan, and Liv Compton, Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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Bowen was host to the latest Whitsunday Regional Council community catch-up last week, an initiative to allow the council to better connect with the community it services, build relationships and gain feedback on issues.

Meeting at the Bowen PCYC, Mayor Julie Hall welcomed 20 residents to discuss ongoing and upcoming Bowen projects.

Along with hearing from members of the community, discussion included bush fire preparedness, yellow crazy ants, the proposed closure for the Cape Edgecumbe Trails upgrade, the Muller Lagoon Park Masterplan results, and storm season readiness.

Mayor Hall and Councillors also fielded questions regarding the Whitsunday Airport Masterplan and amenities upgrades in the Bowen township.

The Community Catch-ups are an initiative of Mayor Hall and Councillors to open conversation in the community.

The next Community Catch-up is scheduled for Scottville on September 20.

Council encourages residents to visit the Your Say Whitsunday portal to propose ideas or suggestions for the next catch up.

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Mayor Julie Hall at the Bowen Community Catch-Up last week. Photo supplied

Whitsunday Lions Presents Donations To Community Organisations

By Bronte Hodge

Raising $10,000 from their annual Charity Golf Day, the Whitsunday Lions have distributed the monies to three local charities, The Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, Whitsunday Counselling and Support, and Proserpine Hospital Auxiliary, in a special ceremony held at Whitsunday Green Golf Club on Saturday.

“We’re amazed at the amount of support we get,” said Allan Gravelle, a representative from Whitsunday Lions.

“One of the really important aspects of fundraising is the number of local businesses that come and contribute, and the businesses here are very generous.”

On the Golf Day held earlier this year, Whitsunday Lions saw over 150 competitors take to Whitsunday Green Golf Course, many of which were business teams.

$4000 from the day was donated to Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, which will fund counselling services, including post-suicide resilience counselling.

“It is really difficult to talk about suicide,” explained Matt Stokes, Committee Member of Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Centre.

“We are very grateful for this donation to help fund our counselling services to families post suicide.”

Whitsunday Counselling and Support were the recipients of another $4000 sum.

“We would like to thank everyone for this very generous donation,” said Leanne Althaus, Administrative Services Manager.

“We are going to put this money towards establishing a teenager room, so that teenagers who are victims of domestic violence and abuse are able to engage in counselling to recover from their trauma.”

Proserpine Hospital Auxiliary received $2000, to go towards much-needed equipment for the hospital.

“Over half of the equipment at the Proserpine Hospital has been supplied by different community groups,” explained Lola Moody, a representative of the Proserpine Hospital Auxiliary.

“This donation gives us the power to buy things to make patients more comfortable and make the strain on our nurses easier, so thank you.”

Whitsundays Lions encourages any community organisations to reach out if they’re facing tough times, as they endeavour to help wherever they can.

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Whitsunday Lions donated funds to Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, Whitsunday Counselling and Support and Proserpine Hospital Auxiliary. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Whitsunday Regional Council have opened a consultation period asking the community’s opinion on whether to trial seven pedestrian crossings on Airlie Beach Main Street.

This move goes in hand with a Main Street upgrade which will see the lagoon and foreshore receive new landscaping, line marking, repairs, improved lighting, and deep cleaning of pavements.

The decision to trial the seven zebra crossings came from feedback gathered from a consultation period in 2022, which reported a majority of participants were in favour of prioritising pedestrians on Airlie Beach Main Street.

“The move to a pedestrian priority is a follow-up from a consultation last year,” a Council spokesperson said.

“This consultation showed there was a lean towards improving pedestrian priority.”

The last major upgrade to Airlie Beach Main Street occurred over 10 years ago, costing about $25 million for the project.

The current pedestrian walkways have been in place since this previous upgrade, and have signage stating, ‘Pedestrians only cross when road is clear’, giving motorised vehicles right of way.

“This new consultation is to gauge the sentiment for the number zebra crossings,” the Council spokesperson said.

The consultation period will run all of September, and members of the community are able to suggest ideas or share feedback through the Your Say Whitsunday Portal, or to Council at their stall at the Airlie Beach Markets.

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Seven new zebra crossings have been proposed, with the community encouraged to share their thoughts to Council. Photo supplied

The Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its Vision for the Whitsunday initiative.

Employing a series of workshop style focus groups, the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce are working to better futureproof their economic projection for the Whitsundays, a projection that is informed by the region’s trades, small business, commerce, and industry.  

Chamber President Allan Milostic urges both members and the broader business community to submit their ideas and concerns for consideration.

“Having a united, clear vision of the future designed by business for business is urgently needed. “What follows is relevant advocacy, representing our vision and influencing decisions across all levels of government,” Allan said.

“Coordinated advocacy is highly valued by all levels of government, and the Chamber will ensure that Proserpine and the Whitsunday coastal business centres have a strong voice in the development of this pivotal project.”

With three key pillars of engagement, the official findings of this initiative will be shared at the Chamber’s inaugural Whitsunday Business Conference in May 2024.

Businessowners and individuals are encouraged to formally submit their options to better the region to the Chamber, complete a quick survey, both of which close in December, and join a series of focus groups, all occurring throughout September and October.

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The 81st Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church Flower Show and Fete has flourished once again this year, with over 350 attendees visiting Proserpine State School to browse the various entries, enjoy the entertainment and purchase homemade goodies.

The Flower Show is the Uniting Church’s main fundraising event and aids the everyday running of the church.

“It is truly a lovely day,” said Jane Bettridge, a Committee Member of the Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church.

“It’s a unique event, the way it brings all aspects together, from a performance by the nursing home, to school groups, and dancers.

“The flower displays bring so much joy, and afterwards, we give the flowers to the nursing home, and they get distributed into resident’s rooms and they put big smiles onto people’s faces.”

Photo credit: Bronte Hodge and Supplied

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Whitsunday schools gathered together for a night of musical celebration, performing for the wider community at a special concert held last Friday night.

The 2023 Gala Concert welcomed friends and family to Proserpine State High School to showcase the musical abilities of students across the region.

The line up included the Bowen State High School Band, the Proserpine Citizen’s Band, and the Little Kids Big Band, which included Proserpine State School and Cannonvale State School students.

They were joined by a range of Proserpine State High School musical ensembles, including the School Band, Strings Ensemble, Soul Band, and N’Orleans Band.

Year 12 Art students from Proserpine State High School also painted artworks during a performance, letting the music fuel their creativeness and create a beautiful piece of art to celebrate the event.

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Cannonvale and Proserpine State School Strings

Proserpine State High School Strings

Proserpine State High School Year 12 Art students. Photos supplied

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Visitors to the North Head Lighthouse were greeted with an unexpected surprise, when Kenny the Kensington Pride Mango Mascot snapped pictures with them as they took the walk.

The North Head Lighthouse walk is a well-loved experience, attracting visitors from across Australia.

The surprise of Kenny was a welcome sight, with many visitors posing for photos before their trek.

Leanne Abernathy, Sales and Marketing Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business said it was wonderful to see people travel from all over Queensland to do the walk.

“We even saw former locals come back and walk to the lighthouse again,” she said.

100s of people took on the lighthouse walk, a local experience only possible at super low tides.

In order to walk to North Head Lighthouse, it is best to leave from Dalrymple Point, wear good protective shoes, and be sure to leave the lighthouse one hour before low tide.

“It was great opportunity to promote Bowen mangoes to visitors as the mango picking season is about to set off in November,” explained Leanne.

Kenny the Kensington Pride Mango has been with Bowen Tourism and Business for years and is a prominent local figure in Bowen.

Making appearances at local festivals and events, Kenny has also been featured on tv twice in 2023, showcasing the best of Bowen to the wider nation.

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Kenny the Kensington Pride Mango greeting visitors at the North Head Lighthouse. Photos supplied

Within the small community of Collinsville, the Collinsville Multi-Purpose Health Service (MPHS) looks after every single resident, making sure everyone is in good health and good spirit.

Overseeing the Health Service is Dr Myint Soe, the medical superintendent who has been at the helm for almost 20 years, and bringing with him extensive medical experience and history, spanning three continents.

Completing his studies in Myanmar more than 40 years ago, Dr Soe graduated in 1982.

Moving on to work in a military hospital as an intern, Dr Soe encountered a range of injuries, including many mass casualties from bomb blast injuries.

Finishing his internship, he began working with a surgical team, before moving to a Myanmar township as a GP for four years.

Afterwards, he decided to pursue further study in England for a time, before moving to South Africa.

For 14 years, Dr Soe practiced a myriad of different medical fields, including being the principal medical officer in an Orthopaedic Department for seven years, however he decided to move to Australia, and take a position in the Emergency Department at Redcliffe.

It wasn’t long, however, before a small town in the north was calling his name.

“I had a friend who was working in Ayr, and he told me that there was a vacancy here in Collinsville,” Dr Soe said.

“I started here in October 2004.”

Over the years, Dr Soe has seen the growth of Collinsville, and was rewarded with a nomination for a Royal Flying Doctor Service Spirit of John Flynn award in 2021.

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Dr Myint Soe has been delivering exceptional medical care to the community of Collinsville for almost 20 years. Photo supplied

With our Whitsunday Coast Airport recording record numbers and cruise ship visits increasing with new cruise lines utilising our revitalised Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, Council is keen to ensure a better visitor in Airlie Beach.

Prior to the September school holidays our Parks and Gardens and Infrastructure teams will continue with their refresh of the Airlie Beach Main Street, lagoon and foreshore area with upgraded landscaping, new line marking, repairs and deep cleaning of the pavements, improved lighting, and minor repairs to ensure the safety of all our locals and visitors.

We will also consult further with our community for their feedback on how best to prioritise pedestrian movements in Airlie Main Street while also ensuring traffic flow for delivery trucks, taxis and buses are not hindered severely.

Our initial community consultation last year showed that a majority were in favour of prioritising foot traffic activity to make our main street safer for pedestrians.

Over the next four weeks, commencing Monday September 11, we will consult with our stakeholders and community for their feedback on the installation of zebra crossings via Council’s Your Say Whitsunday online engagement portal - https://yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/ and face to face with a stall at the Airlie Beach Markets.

Stage 1 of the upgraded Airlie Beach Boardwalk was completed in June and Council is now preparing to undertake works on Stage 2.

Works will result in a closure of the Boardwalk between the VMR Boat Ramp and Shingley Drive from 11 September to early December in time for the Christmas holiday period (approx. 13 weeks, subject to weather).

During the closure, a detour will be available behind Mirage Whitsundays Apartments, via Altmann Avenue and Shingley Drive.

Keep up to date on this and all Council projects via our Your Say Whitsunday project page - yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.

As mentioned above our airport is smashing records so we are undertaking a review and update of the Whitsunday Coast Airport (WCA) Master Plan 2015.

The Master Plan is used to strategically guide the development and expansion of the airport and a review is now practical following the recent and significant growth in passenger numbers and aircraft traffic.

Submissions from interested parties have been received and a report is being compiled and will be placed on Council’s Your Say page on our website.

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Bowen telehealth coordinator Jennifer Aceret has been awarded the Non-Clinical Award for the great work she has done with the Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

“I didn't know I was nominated,” Jennifer explained.

Moving into the position seven years ago, Jennifer coordinates the telehealth appointments for Bowen, which has grown from five appointments a week to more than forty.

“I transferred from Townsville Hospital to Bowen Hospital because my partner and I decided to settle and raise our family - daughter Makayla and son William - in this beautiful little town,” she said.

“I was working in more of an HR admin role in the operating theatres in Townsville, doing payroll for 950 nursing staff.

“The role here in Bowen is more patient-based admin, and because the telehealth service was in its infancy when I started, I have had the opportunity to develop and create desktop procedural manuals and orientation/training manuals for clinical staff.”

Over the past seven years, Jennifer has moulded and grown the service, using her experience from managing a private GP practice for 20 years before taking up a position with Queensland Health.

“I feel overwhelmingly blessed to win this excellence award; it’s a highlight in my Queensland Health career,” Jennifer said.

“I want to thank Julie Minogue, our Director of Nursing, for her help and support, as well as all the current and past clinicians who are the backbone of the telehealth clinic and they make my job easy.

“I also want to acknowledge the virtual health team in Mackay for their wealth of knowledge and inspiration.”

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Jennifer Aceret, Coordinator of Bowen Telehealth, has been recognised for her service to the Bowen community. Photo supplied

With Rick Hamilton

The Whitsundays Tourism Awards judging is underway this week, with ten dedicated judges from The Whitsundays and wider tourism industry are all reading, scoring and discussing the submissions put forward by 40 local businesses.

Released this week, is the lighter side of the Awards and one that everyone can get involved in – the People’s Choice Award.

This is your chance to vote for a business you’ve had a wonderful experience with or one you think is the most deserving of the People’s Choice Award.

The winner and runners-up will be announced at the Whitsundays Tourism Awards Ceremony on Friday 20 October.

Here are the businesses you can vote for are:

• Accom Whitsunday

• Bell Tents Whitsundays

• BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

• Elysian Retreat

• InterContinental Hayman Island Resort

• Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach

• Mirage Whitsundays

• Phoenix One

• Pinnacles Resort

• Queens Beach Tourist Village

• Tasman Holiday Parks Airlie Beach

• Bowen Tourism and Business

• Cruise Whitsundays

• Driftwood Tours

• Grand View Hotel

• Great Barrier Reef Festival

• Iconic Whitsunday Adventures

• Kiana Sail and Dive

• Little Fish Tourism Development Consulting

• Ocean Rafting

• Scamper Island Camping & Water Bikes Whitsundays

• SeaLink Whitsundays

• Shute Harbour Marine Terminal

• Whitsunday Coast Airport

• Whitsunday Segway Tours

Voting is open until 11:59pm Friday 15 September.

If you haven’t purchased your tickets for the Whitsundays Tourism Awards, get them organised soon via whitsundaystourismawards.com.au

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