As Councillors, we deal with a broad range of issues but one of the more rewarding is planning for the needs of young people in our community and advocating to help deliver positive outcomes.

I represent Council on the Bowen and Collinsville Youth Action group (BACYA), which meets quarterly with lead stakeholders, businesses, and educators working in or with the youth of Bowen and Collinsville and surrounds.

We are currently working on a project aiming to have 150 conversations with young people aged 10-20 years and have their answers recorded to give an indication of what our region’s youth are needing in our communities.

These conversations and the feedback we gather from our young people will provide us with the real data that will validate why we are working towards a certain project or why advocacy is needed on different issues.

We can't pretend to know what life is like for our region’s youth so these informal conversations will allow us to better understand youth experiences in our community better.

Also, another project that is currently underway is the ‘Choose Collinsville’ Town Centre Upgrade which has commenced and, weather permitting, should be finished early September.

The works will create new irrigated garden beds, shade trees, disabled car parks, street furniture and include a new line marking, asphalt, and re-seal of the Main Street.

Works completed to date include installing the conduit for garden irrigation, the removal of hedges near Nugent’s Food Store, concreting of the hedge areas that have been removed and installation of new seating and bins.

In the fortnight ahead, Council will commence digging new garden beds. This will involve small work sites taking approximately 3 days per garden bed, moving through the street, minimising impacts on any one business for extended time.

Hopefully the works cause minimal disruptions, and the end result will be a bright streetscape for Collinsville Main Street.

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Illegal dumping and littering are a major problem in our region. This behaviour leads to significant environmental issues which negatively impact our communities, ecosystems, and overall quality of life.

The unsightly waste not only diminishes the natural beauty of our surroundings but also poses significant health hazards and threatens wildlife.

In the past six months alone, Council have received over 61 illegal dumping reports and have removed a whopping 336,477 litres of illegally dumped waste and litter across the region, which has a substantial cost to Council and ratepayers.

It is more important that we all follow safe waste management practices in order to protect our environment for future generations.  If you witness acts of illegal dumping, we ask that you inform Council via email at info@whitsudnayrc.qld.gov.au or phone on 1300 972 753 so that we may stop this behaviour.

For more information about waste management in our region, head to our website www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au

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With TW Marketing Manager Laura Knipe

This week the second phase of our Bonza Newcastle campaign draws to a close. We launched this two-phase campaign to entice the residents of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley to holiday in The Whitsundays with the direct Bonza flights.

There are approximately 1.3 million people living in the Newcastle and Hunter region and we knew that enticing them to visit the Whitsundays would make huge impact to local tourism.

Over the past few months, The Whitsundays has been splashed across billboards at the Newcastle Airport, and Newcastle buses, and information about our region has been sent directly to inboxes and filled social feeds across Newcastle and the Hunter.  

If there’s someone in that region who hasn’t heard about The Whitsundays by now, I’d be surprised! Our partners at Newcastle Airport have surveyed 1000 passengers and awareness of the Newcastle to Whitsundays route doubled during the campaign.  

It’s been great to see our members jump at this campaign with 26 local businesses involved, from accommodation providers, transport, tours and experiences. We’re absolutely thrilled that these businesses see the value in this new market, like we do. 

As part of the campaign, we’ve also put together, with the assistance of many of our members, The Whitsundays Wildcard Weekend – a competition to win one of four long weekends in The Whitsundays.  

Entrants go into the draw to win a long weekend in The Whitsundays focusing on adventure, relaxation and exploring the Great Barrier Reef or enjoying island luxury.  

Each weekend includes return flights from Newcastle to Whitsunday Coast Airport, accommodation, one or two day tour experiences and return airport transfers.  

If you know anyone in the Newcastle/Hunter regions, make sure you tell them to enter via our website: https://www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au/bonza/whitsundays-wildcard/

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The Heronvale Rural Fire Brigade has welcomed a new piece of equipment into their fleet.

The new ATV and attached trailer will aid the volunteer fire fighting contingent to better fight and manage hard to reach locations, that the regular fire truck would be unable to service.

An official Open Day was held in honour of the new additions and Councillor Michelle Wright spoke to the community about Whitsunday Regional Council’s valued contribution.

“I am proud that Council recognised the need to support the Heronvale Rural Fire Brigade and allocated $20,000 through our special projects funding towards the new ATV,” she said.

“The Heronvale Rural Fire Brigade has been a pillar of strength in our community, tirelessly dedicating their time, courage, and expertise to protect and keep our residents safe.”

On the day, the ATV was officially named, by children from the community.

“A great morning had by all,” said Gavin Maxwell, 1st Officer of the Heronvale RFB.

“Congratulations to the Brigade and welcome Heronvale 35 aka ‘Rainbow Duck Fire Truck’ to the growing fleet of ATVs in the region.”

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Heronvale Rural Fire Brigade welcomes new additions, the ATV and trailer, to combat fires in all terrain. Photo supplied

Councillor Michelle Wright attends the event. Photo supplied

It’s not every day you get an insight into regionally specific economic data from an individual who has a direct line to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).

Luckily for local residents, PRD Whitsunday is bringing this level of information to town when they host their second Annual Property Research Night next week.

Featuring special guest speaker Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo, familiarly known as ‘Dr Asti’, the event will inform the audience about key topics such as interest rate rises, inflation, and cost of living.

Dr Asti is PRD’s Chief Economist and an RBA Liaison Partner who attends quarterly meetings with the RBA and has a deep knowledge of the inner workings of Australia’s central banking system.

“She has her finger on the pulse and is highly regarded in the industry,” said Chief Executive Officer of PRD Whitsunday, Annette Neil.

“Better still, she delivers economic data with a personality, everything she says is relatable and easy to understand.

“Taking on feedback from last year, we are also making this event less high level, a bit easier to understand if you are not closely following economics.”

This year Whitsunday Regional Council Economic Development Manager, Gary Warrener, will also be speaking at the event and he will be accompanied by Mayor Julie Hall and Council CEO Warren Bunker.

Guests are invited to listen to presentations from both Dr Asti and Mr Warrener, with the opportunity to ask questions afterwards.

“The issues they will be discussing effect everyone,” said Ms Neil.

“We are regional and are very passionate about our region, but a lot of information that we see in the media comes from capital cities.

“Having something that is locally relevant, that’s regional and specific to the Whitsundays is vital, so you know that what we are talking about is real information that can make a difference in our community.”

Ms Neil said that providing this type of public service is at the heart of the PRD mentality, where the ‘R’ in PRD stands for ‘research’.

“This event is not about making sales or selling you anything,” she explains.

“It is about informing the community and giving you the opportunity to have more knowledge on topics that matter to you.”

With the aim of making the Property Research Night a firm fixture on the annual event calendar, Ms Neil says that she hopes many people will attend.

“This is a rare opportunity to see someone of this calibre come to the Whitsundays,” she said.

The event is gold coin donation, and all proceeds will go directly to the Tiny Homes Project.

There will be free nibblies provided and a licenced bar on site with the opportunity to network with other community members before and after the event.

WHAT: Annual Property Research Night

WHERE: Reef Gateway Hotel Function Room

WHEN: Wednesday, August 9 from 6pm

COST: Gold coin donation

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Rob Ferguson, PRD Business Consultant, Dr Asti, PRD’s Chief Economist and Annette Neil, Chief Executive Officer of PRD Whitsunday at last year’s event. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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With its origins dating back to well before the Great Barrier Reef Festival’s inception, the iconic Rotary Street Parade is an intrinsic part of Whitsunday culture and a cornerstone of the festival.

Welcoming a new sponsor, Ray White Whitsundays, this year is set to be one of the best ever events, as dozens of colourful floats form a lively procession up the main street of Airlie Beach.

Ex-vice principal, Merewyn Wright, has been a Rotarian for many years and was the Street Parade organiser for six of those years.

“My favourite part of the event was always seeing everyone lined up on the day,” said Merewyn.

“It takes a lot of organisation behind the scenes so seeing it all come together in reality is really gratifying.”

Businesses, schools, community groups and friends are all welcome to join the parade and each entrant is charged with creating a unique float that captures the imagination and theme of the festival.

Previous years have seen up to 50 different floats participate and many children love dressing in colourful home-made ocean-themed outfits.

Lollies are offered to spectators; bubbles are blown into the air and sparkle in the sunlight and music bursts out from vehicles as they glide by at snail’s pace.

This year, Merwyn has hung up her organiser’s cape and instead she is becoming one of the judges.

“It’s nice to have gone full circle and still be part of something I love,” she said.

WHAT: Street Parade

WHERE: Airlie Beach Main Street

WHEN: Saturday, August 5 at 5pm

Did You Know?

The Street Parade started before the Great Barrier Reef Festival

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The Street Parade isa popular event for everyone to enjoy

Merwyn organised the event for six years

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Formerly Superior House Painting Specialists, we have adopted the local name Whitsundays House Painting Specialists as we continue to service our community.

In the current economic climate, we know that money matters.

So, we are excited to offer affordable Painting Packages to add value and protection to your home for years to come.

Having worked as a Painter for 25 years, we know the importance of listening to our customers.

Everyone wants a great deal.

We specialise in creating a competitive package tailored to every budget and need.

We are licensed (Painting, Decorating and Waterproofing), including full insurances with QBCC and public liability.

We don’t take shortcuts and offer a workmanship guarantee on everything we do.

We only use the best Dulux and Trugrip paints and products that deliver a durable finish.

Our total preparation systems are suitable for all surfaces, including an etch primer, undercoat sealer before applying two topcoats (three coat system minimum).

These are some of our basic Painting packages on offer:

• Roofing and guttering.

• Eaves and fascias.

• Walls, windows, and doors.

• Concrete surfaces such as driveways, patios, and paths.

• Decking, pergola, fencing and gates.

Ask us about our previous work and to arrange a free quote.

Call Kathryn on 0466 648 626.

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If you’re passionate about supporting people with disability to live their best life, a career with Endeavour Foundation could be for you.

Whether someone wants to live independently, get a job they love or engage with the community, Endeavour Foundation supports people every step of the way.

They are equally dedicated to empowering their team members to live their best lives, too.

Local Support Worker, Kerry Martin, said that she loves the flexibility, the opportunities and the support but also told us about her favourite part of the work she does for Endeavour Foundation.

“The reward of building rapport with people and seeing them develop over time is the best part of the job,” she said.

“A lot of people may think that they might not suit this type of work, but if you have a passion for working with people and are open to learning – this may be the career for you.

“In my role as a Support Worker, it’s my job to support people to live their life of choice, to empower them in their everyday.”

Like Kerry, Administration Assistant Brandon Cheng has worked in a diverse range of roles with Endeavour Foundation, becoming a role model for others on the path from supported to open employment.

“I love working in the disability sector because it inspires me,” Brandon said.

“It’s just a community for them to connect together because we are all about family.

“I recommend Endeavour Foundation to people with disability, and to people who don’t have disability.”

If you’re interested in a career that creates brighter futures and makes a lasting difference, visit careers.endeavour.com.au to learn more and find the right role for you.

The friendly team from Endeavour Foundation will also be at Mackay Careers Expo to answer all of your questions about making a difference in the lives of people with disability.

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Rebuilding Proserpine Uniting Church

The Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church has welcomed parishioners for almost 125 years and this August, the church is launching its Brick By Brick campaign, to rebuild their fallen church.

Following the devasting results of Cyclone Debbie, the Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church was demolished, in order to rebuild the structure in its entirety.

Looking to completely rebuild the church on the corner of Main and Herbert Streets in Proserpine, the Brick By Brick campaign invites locals to help with the rebuild and has five levels of sponsorship, starting at $100 for a brick.

Beginning August 1, the campaign will run for the whole month, with the ultimate goal of reaching $250,000 for the construction costs.

“A new church will not only serve as a focal point for our faith, but also rejuvenate our commitment to our community’s wellbeing and expand the care we provide,” explained Reverend Suzy Sitton.

The Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church has been involved in the local community for its entire history, and often contributes with outreach and support programs, including the annual flower show, the annual harvest thanksgiving and celebration of life service, nursing home services, youth engagement, and Family Food and Fun with Jesus.

St James Church was built in 1899 by local families and was expanded and solidified over the years.

In 1977, the church became the St James Uniting Church, before Cyclone Debbie in 2017 damaged the building beyond repair.

The official grand opening of the resurrected church is expected in late 2024 or early 2025.

To learn more or to donate to the campaign, visit proserpineuniting.church/brick-by-brick.

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The St James Uniting Church was demolished following severe damage from Cyclone Debbie. Photo supplied

Queensland’s Catholic Education Week 2023 (23 – 29 July) will see communities in the kindergartens, primary schools and colleges that comprise Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR), join in statewide celebrations honouring their distinctive mission.

Under the theme Communities of Faith, Hope Love, over 20,000 CEDR students, staff and volunteers in regional, rural and remote centres from Mackay to Bundaberg and west to Longreach, will join with their counterparts from around the state to participate in a range of celebrations including liturgies, award presentations, special assemblies and gatherings, fun activities as well as outreach to the wider community.

It's a time to celebrate what is at the heart of a Catholic school, according to Catholic Education’s Diocesan Director Leesa Jeffcoat.

“In Catholic Education Week we focus on our Catholic identity and the unique role of Catholic schools in their local communities,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“We reflect on our beliefs and values and seek to deepen our understanding of what it means to be part of the Ministry of Catholic Education within the Catholic Church, and to share that more widely with our parishes and communities,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“Specifically, we celebrate the religious dimension of a Catholic education where we seek to be true witnesses to Christ’s message of hope and love for the world, to be the face of Jesus to those we meet in our everyday lives,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“It’s an opportunity to be explicit about who we are, what we believe in, what we hold dear and the way we seek to live our lives.

“It calls us to reach out to those in our parishes and wider communities to say thank you for their support and, inspired by Jesus’ example, to look for opportunities to help others in need through our acts of kindness and social justice,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

This year’s Diocesan Catholic Education Week Mass, to be celebrated at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Rockhampton, at midday on Thursday 27 July, will be livestreamed to Catholic school communities across the Diocese.

Catholic Bishop of Rockhampton, Bishop Michael McCarthy, will preside at the mass which will include a special presentation to this year’s Diocesan Recipient of the statewide Spirit of Catholic Education Award, Deputy Principal: Mission at The Cathedral College, Rockhampton, Claire Stitt.

In congratulating Mrs Stitt, Miss Jeffcoat also acknowledged all 31 award nominees from the Diocese for their outstanding contribution to Catholic Education and for making a real and lasting difference in the lives of students and their families.

“We, in Catholic Education, are abundantly blessed to have such committed and dedicated people in our kindergartens, schools and colleges,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Acts of Kindness are a real feature of the Catholic Education Week with staff and students undertaking creative and meaningful activities in service to others including delivering baked treats to local businesses and community services, connecting with the elderly and those isolated in the community, participation in charity drives such as the Vinnies Winter Appeal and simple acts like delivering written affirmations to staff and classmates.

“This is the most anticipated aspect of Catholic Education Week which is loved by all our communities, the opportunity to do something for someone and the sense of joy and happiness that always follows,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Miss Jeffcoat paid tribute to students, parents, families, teachers, staff members, Board and Parents and Friends members, volunteers, priests and religious, and parish and community members for their great contribution to, and ongoing support for, Catholic education.

“All are important and cherished members of our Catholic Education family for whom we are most grateful,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

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Protech Mining and Maintenance (formerly Global Product Search) is an industry leading labour and training solutions provider to key clients in civil, mining, maintenance and coal terminal industries throughout Mackay and the QLD Bowen Basin. Protech has grown to be an employer of choice in these key industries through supply of both Professional and Technical staff including New to Industry & Experienced Operators, Tradespersons, Supervisors, Professionals and Administration personnel.

Protech offers a Mining Simulator Program for New to Industry Operators which was tailored to provide candidates with the opportunity to enter the thriving mining industry. The program allows attendees to put all theory into practice by experiencing both electric and mechanical haul truck operation in a life-like simulated environment. Candidates benefit from the introductory course with clients experiencing faster onsite training timeframes for candidates to be familiarised with haul trucks.

As an employer of choice, Protech can provide a variety of benefits including:

● Full time or casual engagements

● Variety of site location and roster options

● Banked hour options

● Weekly pays

● Job share options

● EAP Program

Do you want to start a new career?

Are you seeking a new location?

Are you looking for Quality People? Every Time?

Contact us today to discuss what we can provide to suit your requirements.

P: (07) 4952 5244

E: gps.apply@protech.com.au

W: www.protech.com.au

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CQUniversity will host its annual Open Days across the University’s regional Queensland footprint kicking off in Mackay on Saturday, August 5.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore campus facilities and attend information sessions, with experts including academics on hand to discuss the many qualifications available through CQU.

Current CQUniversity student Lily Moss, who is studying a Bachelor of Nursing, attended a CQU Open Day and said she would highly recommended attending.

“It lets you see what CQU is like first-hand, allows you to ask questions about your study choices and participate in activities to see what a course is like,” Lily said.

Open Days campaign lead Karlie Williams said the event was a great way for those interested in tertiary education to discover first-hand what it is like to study at university.

“There will be information sessions that will help you learn more about CQU and the courses offered at CQU Mackay, how we can support you to be what you want to be and walk you through your next steps in getting there,” Ms Williams said.

“For more personal support, attendees can also grab a treat or something to drink at the café and speak to support staff about career goals, how to apply, entry pathways and anything you need to know about studying.”

Those unable to attend a physical event can attend the virtual Open Day on Thursday, August 31.

To register your attendance for a CQU Open Day event or for more information, head to cqu.edu.au/open

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Holy Spirit College is a co-educational Catholic secondary school (Years 7 to 12) in Mackay and proud to be part of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton.

We welcome all types of learners as they are nurtured and given every opportunity to develop their God-given gifts.

Skilled and professional staff offer a quality education and extra-curricular opportunities in the areas of sport, culture, service, STEM and academic development.

Mrs Alison Wales, Principal, said, “The College strives to achieve a sense of positive community for all, laying the foundation for a successful and fulfilling future for students.”

At Holy Spirit College:

• We nurture our students within a safe, positive and supportive school environment.

• We connect our students within the College Community via a broad range of opportunities offered both within the curriculum and through extra-curricular opportunities.

• We excel at developing lifelong learners through their secondary schooling years, as our past outcomes and results confirm.

• We encourage each student to strive to reach his or her personal potential.

• We strive for each learner to understand that effort is not an optional extra to achieving goals but, rather, is an essential ingredient for success.

• We discover by working together, who we are and where each student's talents, interests and abilities lie.

• We create through stimulating cultural and artistic programs.

• We energise through involvement in a wide array of sporting pursuits.

• We serve our community by encouraging students to use their skills and gifts for positive outreach.

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Empowering the next generation is one of Whitson Dawson’s many strengths, the firm’s School Leaver Initiative allowing students to get a head start on their accounting careers.

Whitson Dawson nurtures young accountants by encouraging and supporting them through their study, offering practical training to complement their theory-based learning through flexible part-time work.

Work-life-study balance is imperative to the firm, with paid study leave and other incentives available to those embarking on their accounting journey.

“Sometimes year 12 students don’t quite know what they want to do, so we’re happy to give them that start in their career straight after school so they can work, have that flexibility to study at the same time and earn money,” said Whitson Dawson Office Manager Vanessa Erasmus.

“We do have a lot of long-term employees here already who did go through that same system that are still here after 10 years.”

Graduate Accountant Sam Di Francesco has been with Whitson Dawson for three years, completing his degree in 2021 while working for the firm.

“Whilst I was studying, Whitson Dawson allowed me to work three days a week in order to concentrate on my studies, as well as my personal life,” he said.

“Now that I’m working full time, I work reasonable hours from Monday-Friday, which allows me to pursue my own personal interests.”

Mr Di Francesco said he would recommend Whitson Dawson as a great place to work.

“Especially for those currently studying, you will be supported throughout your degree and be provided a fresh perspective on the topics you are learning at Uni,” he said.

Find out more by visiting Whitson Dawson at the Mackay Careers Expo or emailing business@whitsondawson.com.au.

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Whitson Dawson Graduate Accountant Sam Di Francesco

In exciting news for the region, BlueCare - one of Queensland’s largest aged care providers - has a raft of opportunities locally and throughout the State.

The not-for-profit organisation is recruiting for roles ranging from nurses to personal carers and hospitality staff within residential and or community aged care.

And with the two recently-announced pay increases – both of which BlueCare has pledged to pass onto staff in full - there has never been a better time to join, according to the organisation’s Regional Residential Services Manager, Regional & Remote North Cluster, Jenny Nuss.

“The Fair Work Commission has increased minimum award rates by 5.75 per cent on top of the recently announced 15 per cent minimum wage increase for direct carers,” she explained.

“This uplift not only acknowledges the importance of aged care workers, but will encourage more people into the sector.”

Jenny adds that learning and development for staff remains a priority for BlueCare, too. And, with the recent announcement that The Australian College of Nursing has received more funding to upskill more nurses to work in aged care, “it means the sector is ripe with opportunity,” she adds. “Now the sky is the limit when it comes to growing your aged care career.”

On the cusp of the service reaching its 70th anniversary next month, Nuss reflects on the positive impact of a career in the sector.

“We are committed to ensuring our residents and clients get the kind, empathetic, compassionate care they deserve from our dedicated teams,” she says.

“But our staff also benefit through the beautiful connections they make with the people we serve. It’s life-affirming. Our senior citizens have got so much to offer and teach us.”

Find out more: bluecare.org.au/careers

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