One day in November, Proserpine resident Jenn Johnson noticed a lump in her breast.

She thought nothing of it, and only noticed the lump whenever she was in the shower, finally making a doctor’s appointment later that month.

“I thought it was a swollen milk duct, or something, you can get those years after you’ve stopped breast feeding,” she said.

“I thought it was going to be nothing, and all of a sudden, it was something.”

From the date of the initial doctor’s appointment and ultrasound, it took Jenn two months of testing and scans to receive her diagnoses. Grade three breast cancer, in her breast and lymph nodes.

Since the very beginning, Jenn has kept her almost-four-year-old, Wyatt, informed.

“I told the little one that mummy’s gotta get a needle, to find out if it’s a good bump or a bad bump. Eventually, he asked ‘mummy, is it a good bump or a bad one?’ and I said, ‘it’s a bad one’, and he said, ‘but I want it to be a good one’.”

Jenn is about to finish up the first part of her treatment of four fortnightly rounds of chemo in Mackay, however, she had an extreme reaction to her most recent round, caused by an infection in her port.

After a stay in both Mackay and Proserpine Hospital and the removal of her port, Jenn is now back at home in Proserpine.

She will finish her final fortnightly chemo treatment, before going into 12 weeks of weekly chemo treatments, each one requiring her to be in Mackay for a day each week.

This is where Tarnia Patton, coordinator of Proserpine Community Markets, steps in.

She knew of Jenn in town, and her “bright and friendly character that makes her extremely hard to forget”.

“After finding out about Jenn’s diagnoses, I really was at a loss as to what I could do to help,” said Tarnia.

“Then I noticed a friend of hers started a GoFundMe campaign which I immediately contributed to and shared around my networks.”

Tarnia is founder and coordinator of the Proserpine Community Markets which have been operating since late 2020.

For each market, the team select a charity to support, and on this occasion they decided to put the money raised into supporting Jenn’s battle.  

The market also had a pink theme, to spread awareness about breast cancer, and start the conversation.

“We raised a total of $1,310 through the raffle and donations,” said Tarnia.

Many of the raffle prizes were donations from the staff holders.

“This way, 100 per cent of the funds went directly to Jenn.”

This massive donation has been combined with Jenn’s GoFundMe campaign, bringing the total to $5,225.

Jenn is extremely grateful for the donation and decided to share to raise awareness for breast cancer.

“It can happen to anyone, young and old; it can happen to men. And you don’t realise that until you’re in it,” she explained

“I figured, if this will get my story out there, and if another young woman hears, then it could help her too.”

Once Jenn has completed the 12 weeks weekly treatments, she will next undergo surgery to remove her breast, in order to drastically reduce the likelihood of the cancer returning.

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Proserpine mum, Jenn Johnson, battles breast cancer at 30-years-old

The Proserpine Community Markets supporting Jenn Johnson’s breast cancer journey

Community owned and operated, Whitsunday Foodbank Proserpine, has officially opened its doors this week.

The foodbank offers household items and low-cost food, including fresh, refrigerated, pantry and frozen items, for members of the community in need.

The official opening was attended by Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP on May 3.

“Cost of living pressures are very real right now and this foodbank will make all the difference for lots of individuals and families in this region,” said Ms Camm.

Members of the Proserpine community endorsed the foodbank, after Anglican North Queensland made the move to close the Mackay and Proserpine Low Cost Food Centres.

“The community has come together with a clear vision and generous donations to establish a not-for-profit food store that is already a huge help to many people in our community,” said Ms Camm.

In order to purchase from the store, a pension card, health card or a DVA card must be presented at the checkout.

The store continues to have ongoing needs, including donations and food, said Ms Camm.

“If you are in the position to help with a donation, please contact the store on 04 39 730 790.”

“This is a great community initiative that offers ‘a hand up, not a handout’ and it’s important we show our support.”

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Proserpine State High Year 11 student, Giselle Tronc has been busy, taking part in a National Development Program tour training camp, by Volleyball Australia.

This training camp took Giselle to Thailand in the autumn school holidays, where she trained with over 80 other teen volleyball players, training twice daily, competing against each other daily, and even playing against the Thai teams.

On Giselle’s team, there were eight other Queensland players, two from Victoria, two from New South Wales, and one from Western Australia.

“It was really good,” Giselle said.

Giselle was initially approached to participate in training programs such as this back in September 2022, after playing in the Australian Club Volleyball Championships in Bendigo.

“I’ve met all these coaches from all over Australia, they’ve seen me play and they said there’s other competitions I’ll probably be invited to trial for as well.”

While Giselle’s age group doesn’t compete in the Asian Volleyball Championship, she is hopeful to be a part of a proposed New Zealand volleyball tour.

Giselle’s passion for volleyball began at school, with passionate teachers pushing her to play the sport.

“And when I played, I just loved it.”

Despite still having Year 12 to go, Giselle is looking at her options for after high school, considering university volleyball, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) or the Australian Volleyball Academy (AVA).

“I want to play competitively and for Australia in the future,” Giselle said.

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Giselle Tronc set for volleyball stardom, attending a volleyball training camp in Thailand in March. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

The Airlie Beach Hotel is celebrating 55 years in business, and they are inviting everyone to join the festivities with an action-packed weekend of free live entertainment featuring a Comedy Cabaret that promises to take you back to the 70s and 80s.

Friday evening will be the main celebrations and there will be a birthday cake for everyone to enjoy.

Then, on both Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm until 10pm, it’s time to get your spandex out, slip your fluro leg warmers and don your big wigs for an interactive show that will take you back in time.

Performing for the first time in the Whitsundays, ‘Back To The 70s And 80s’ is a comedy cabaret like never seen before.

Featuring iconic looks of that time, over 20 costume changes, hilarious tongue in cheek humour and one hit wonders that are synonymous with that era – the show promises to enthral and illuminate.

“It’s on the glam side of the spectrum!” said event producer Alex Hell.

“And it’s all based on the F word – Fun! – The crowd can expect interaction – be ready to get involved and if you fancy dressing up – remember it’s a 70s and 80s theme not like you are in your 70s and 80s! Although all ages are welcome!”

The show itself is a parody of the era with some of the most iconic pop personalities of that time transformed into hilarious characters – Cyndi Lauper becomes Cindy Pauper, Tina Turner is Tina Turnover and Gary Glitter is Gary Glittoris.

In a hilarious sketch, Meat Loaf also becomes Meat Tray and is won in a raffle at the local RSL.

As you can see - the show has to be seen to be believed!

For those that want to “Whip it! Whip it real good” make sure you come along and watch the iconic moment Devo has a flower pot on his head.

“We even replicate the energy dome – it’s an iconic look!” said Alex.

“It’s a show of constant costume change – it moves and moves – and we sing all the songs but they each have a comedy element to it too!”

Back To The 70s and 80s are originally from Melbourne and have been performing the show around Australia since 2010.

The group of five eccentric stars understand how to draw a crowd, connect with the audience, and will have you laughing until you fall off your seats.

“It’s like a cocktail shaken not stirred with a touch sanity of course!” said Alex.

“We are extremely excited to be invited to perform at the birthday celebrations – it’s just above and beyond!

“They could have picked any number of great acts from around the country, but they chose us – it’s going to be amazing!

“They’ve really got to be applauded for what they do – they’re bringing big shows up here, it’s a big undertaking and their giving it all for free!”

“Happy birthday!”

WHAT: Back To The 70s and 80s

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: 19 and 20 May

TIME: 7pm – 10pm

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An integral part of the Airlie Beach landscape for the past 55 years, The Airlie Beach Hotel is an iconic location that has evolved alongside its namesake and transformed from a classic Aussie pub of the past to ‘The Pub’ of the present.

The original hotel was built in 1968 by local identity, Harry Muller and then sold to the O’Neil Industries Group in 1982, where it stayed under this banner for the next 38 years.

During this time, it received an extensive expansion, but in 2017 Cyclone Debbie ravished the building, causing significant damage which resulted in the business closing for two years.

While this symbolised the end of one era, it also heralded the start of a new one for this quintessentially Aussie pub.

When ABH Operations purchased the leasehold in 2018, they embarked on renovations which totalled more than $20 million.

The vision was to amalgamate the three on-site food and beverage venues into one premium, modern facility and this vision became a reality when the doors to the new “The Pub” opened in April 2019.

The concept was to provide Airlie Beach with a neutral yet sophisticated entertainment and dining precinct that was both approachable and classy, seamlessly connected, and able to offer a complete recreational experience for customers.

From its four dining sections, al fresco cocktail bar with elevated entertainment stage, Sports Bar with over 30 screens, large Pokie Room, seven day a week courtesy bus, over 80 accommodation rooms from high-end to budget and a large food servery – the complex allows fast, easy access to thousands of customers each week.

The set-up and layout soon proved extremely popular with a range of clientele packing the tables and enjoying lively entertainment.

Its all-encompassing business model means that families can sit together to eat and relax next to lively groups and celebrations who are sitting next to regulars enjoying a cold drink on a bar stool.

Everyone is invited and the party is always on!

This feeling is largely achieved by the cleverly created ambience.

The interior design brings a modern twist to the ‘beach meets plantation’ theme with tropical influences generating a warm yet sophisticated welcome.  

Strategically placed misting systems keep patrons cool, hanging garden chandeliers provide lush decoration, a series of speakers generate ultimate acoustics, and the open plan layout creates a smooth ocean to interior beach vibe.

Within six months of opening The Pub became one of the most popular leisure destinations in Airlie Beach.

But the experience did not stop there – the entire precinct offered much more – with the introduction of the Airlie Beach Hotel Liquor and Tobacco Merchants which opened in 2019.

Three buildings were removed and replaced with this 10-vehicle dual lane liquor superstore.

The following year, operations expanded again with the invitation to iconic local restaurant, Fish D’Vine, who joined the precinct as a tenant.

Airlie Beach Hotel understood the importance of bringing variety and diversity into the mix and a new partnership was formed between the two businesses.

As the Airlie Beach Hotel celebrates its fifth year under its current iteration, it also looks back through the years and into its history as one of the first pubs in the town back when bare chests and sandals were frequent attire.

Despite times (and dress codes!) changing, the Airlie Beach Hotel still speaks to the ‘everyday person’, inviting all people to come together and celebrate the quintessential Aussie Pub and this incredible town we live in.

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This famous photo adorns the wall of The Pub and was taken in 1982 by renowned social observer Rennie Ellis

The Ruff as Guts (RAG) Social Club outside the old bottle shop in 1981

The entrance to the front bar and bottle shop in the 1980s

The Airlie Beach Hotel as it looks today

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Few people who see regular music at The Airlie Beach Hotel would say they have never heard of Dellacoma Rio, who makes frequent standout performances from the elevated bar top stage.

Renowned for his incredible ‘stage’manship, Dellacoma Rio has been known to race into the crowd, run down the street and also sing while hanging upside down in a tree!

His performances have created such an impact that he is a regular feature on The Pub’s event calendar, playing to several packed-out crowds every year.

Dellacoma has become a much-loved feature and is synonymous with the good times at The Pub, so much so that he has developed a huge fan base in Airlie Beach and considers the town a second home.

The crowds love his genuine passion and the fact that he regularly hangs out after the show and chats with anyone who wants to say hi.

“I’ve performed in towns all over the world and you can never tell where you’re going to take off,” said Dellacoma.

“But Airlie Beach is one of those places for me. This is the only hotel we ever perform at, the rest are convention centres and concert halls, but I love the crowd and the atmosphere which is why we keep coming back.”

Dellacoma was born in the US, but he grew up in Tasmania from the age of two before attending University in Los Angeles.

During his time in the States, he spent six years performing live theatre and also featured in some well-known TV shows before coming back to Australia and once again reuniting with his musical routes.

In 2014 he launched his solo rock band career, releasing his first album ‘Dead Will Rise’.

Earlier this year he released another album entitled ‘Blood’.

To most Whitsunday fans, however, Dellacoma Rio is best known as the front man of INXS Revived and the Bon Jovi tribute show.

“My passion is live music,” he said.

“I always give more energy than I have in every show – the crowd can expect high-energy, high-passion – I always say that you can capture moments in live music – during a show you can create something special that can never happen again, share an experience that only happens in that moment.”

In August, Dellacoma will be performing as INXS frontman Michael Hutchence in a ‘sing-off’ with an AC/DC tribute singer Adam Sprizzo to create a Versus Day.

He will also be a big part of the Rock Legends Theatre Show on August 5 and 6 over the Great Barrier Reef Festival Weekend and again on the Airlie Beach Festival of Music weekend, November 11 and 12.

The Rock Legends Show will recreate the primal, heart pumping tunes and theatrical antics of heavy rock classics from monsters of the genre like Guns n Roses, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, AC/DC, Kiss, Van Halen, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Ozzy Osbourne and more.

Dellacoma Rio will perform alongside other powerhouses like Tara Graham, and Shaleena Bain, to create an absolute killer live rock band.

WHAT: Rock Legends Theatre Show

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: August 5 and 6 and November 11 and 12

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WHAT: INXS vs ACDC

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: June 3 and 4 August 26 and 27

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Photo credit: VAMPP Photography

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Sit back, relax, and enjoy a cool beverage while witnessing your youth recreated through the biggest hits of some of the most iconic voices in the world – George Michael, Phil Collins and Bruce Springsteen.

Entertaining the crowd both Saturday and Sunday afternoons over the Big Birthday weekend, this incredible tribute band will bring your favourite hits to life.

From In the Air Tonight to Against All Odds, Easy Lover, Freedom, Faith, Knew You Were Waiting For Me, Dancing In The dark, Hungry Heart, Born To Run and many more – these guys seamlessly link the music of legends together in a show to be remembered.

The name of the band, Freedom In The Air Tonight, is a combination of and pays homage to George Michael’s famous song ‘Freedom’ and Phil Collins’s classic ‘Something In The Air Tonight’.

The band formed in Sydney 12 months ago and spent the year creating the concept before performing their first gig to a sell-out crowd last month.

These experienced musicians, who are uniting for a series of special performances, are thrilled to be coming to the Airlie Beach Hotel.

“We are really looking forward to it!” said Producer, Cherie Abdy.

“We’ve been here on holiday before, but this is the first time we’ll have performed in town, and we can’t wait!”

Lead vocalist Ric Herbert created the show alongside Justin Bianchi who is the musical director and bass player.

Ric Herbert is also a celebrated singer working regularly with premium guitarist Peter Northcote, he also fronts legendary 80’s band Matt Finish plus The Get Rich band.

Appearing in stage plays, musical theatre, T.V and film, Ric Herbert is perfectly suited to take you on an emotional voyage through the music of these amazing artists.

“You can expect a high energy, high vibe performance with a few ballads thrown in between,” said Justin.

“It’s a good time party where you can leave your troubles at the door!”

WHAT: Freedom In The Air Tonight - Phil Collins, George Michael, Bruce Springsteen Tribute

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st May

TIME: 2pm-5.30pm

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Bringing together the love of live music with a first-class drinking and dining experience is something that the Airlie Beach Hotel thrive at.

With a multitude of seating options, guests can enjoy a family or large group booking in the quiet, fully air-conditioned indoor restaurant or in the al fresco dining section overlooking the foreshore.

Others that prefer to be closer to the action can pull up a bar stool and a bar snack meal, socialising in the heart of the entertainment section.

With its elevated bar top stage, no one is left with a bad view of the live music, no matter where you sit.

Committed to quality yet able to feed thousands each week quickly and efficiently, The Pub’s bistro offers buffet style accompaniments to main meals seven nights a week.

The Bistro serves a wide selection of menu options, from their famous chicken wings to the extravagant seafood platters, succulent steaks to creamy pastas, loaded fries and specialty burgers – The Pub’s food offering has only one thing in common – they are all delicious!

Eight senior managers developed the menu, and they all stand behind its taste.

When it comes to bar service you cannot go past a cocktail at The Pub, simply select your flavour and watch in awe as the talented mixologists whip up an entertaining frenzy, spinning bottles and glasses until a colourful concoction is placed in front of you.

From frozen daquiris to elegant martinis, shared cocktails, and long drinks – the choice is yours!

One feature you will notice throughout any experience at The Airlie Beach Hotel is the exceptional customer service.

Quick and efficient bar staff and friendly wait staff, every encounter is positive, and it is evident that the staff love their jobs.

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With over 80 hotel and motel rooms, the Airlie Beach Hotel offers premium accommodation right in the heart of the town centre where guests can be part of the action and enjoy just a short walk upstairs at the end of the night.

The motel rooms were completely renovated in 2020 and each of the hotel rooms receives a light renovation every year to ensure the facilities are kept fresh and modern.

From Ocean Side Rooms and Suites which offer stunning views over the Coral Sea to the Village View Rooms that provide a view of the hinterland, the hotel accommodation is premium quality with everything needed for a comfortable night’s stay.

A more budget friendly option is also available on-site with the Courtyard Rooms offering value priced accommodation in the form of 3-star motel style rooms which are well-appointed with all modern conveniences nearby.

All rooms feature a large flat screen TV, free guest WIFI, espresso machine with complimentary pods, tea and coffee, and daily servicing.

Airlie Beach Hotel is one of the only places in town where guests can book one night accommodation, with no maximum stay – this offers maximum flexibility to people who are driving into town for one night over the weekend.

They also offer a transfer bus service which takes guests directly to and from Whitsunday Coast Airport.

In addition, tours and activities can be booked from the Airlie Beach Hotel reception where guests are offered great deals and special discounts.

From trips to the Whitsundays Islands, Whitehaven Beach, scenic flights over Heart Reef, horse-riding through bushland and water sports like sea kayaking – there are variety of options available and the knowledgeable reception staff will be able to answer any questions and offer advice.

With a central location, which is just a short walk away from Port of Airlie and the rest of the town, the Airlie Beach Hotel is the perfect place to stay and play.

But you could also decide to spend your stay ensconced in the Airlie Beach Hotel and with free live entertainment, two restaurants, gaming lounge, swimming pool, sports bar and cocktail bar – why would you need to go anywhere else?

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Every day of the week guests are transported to and from their favourite watering hole for free thanks to Airlie Beach Hotel’s dedicated courtesy bus that is hosted by the friendliest drivers.

Extending its exceptional level of service beyond its walls, The Pub wants to ensure all its patrons can get the establishment easily and then get home safely at the end of the night.

A brand-new 11-seater courtesy bus was delivered just six weeks ago and transports patrons from as far afield as the far reaches of Cannonvale on Kookaburra Drive all the way through to Shute Harbour.

This massive distance brings the community together and ensures no-one feels the need to drink and drive.

To receive a free transfer, guests simply need to become a member which involves a simple sign-up process that can be done through the online portal or manually by paper while in the bus.

Wayne Fairbrother drives the courtesy bus regularly and despite it being a free service he said that they regularly receive tips.

Instead of pocketing these kind donations, however, the drivers make their own kind donation and have given thousands of dollars over the years to various community groups.

In the last few months alone, they donated $2000 to the Shitbox Rally which supports Cancer research and $1400 to the PCYC Braking the Cycle Program which matches youth with volunteer drive instructors so they can attain the necessary hours to secure their P Plates.

Catch the bus:

Mon-Thurs: 4pm – 9.30pm

Friday: 4pm – 10pm

Saturday: 11am – 10pm

Catch the Bus - 0428 462 600

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The courtesy bus runs from Shute Harbour to Cannonvale seven days a week

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Become A Member Today

Becoming a member of the Airlie Beach Hotel ‘Local Rewards’ club is a quick and easy process that gives you so much in return.

Members receive a $50 voucher on their members card to spend in any department on their birthday, they can also win cash prizes through exclusive competitions and membership draws including auto entries with kiosk swipe.

In addition, members can enjoy daily discounts on selected meals and beverages, they can also earn points to redeem for cash or credit.

Members are also the first to know about special events through a text notification or email reminder.

(Please note, T&Cs apply)

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With an impressive 29 big screens, Airlie Beach Hotel’s Sports Bar is the home of high-definition sports entertainment featuring back-to-back games, matches, races and fights.

The Bar also boasts the biggest screen in town which measures a whopping 9m by 2m, so large crowds can enjoy poignant sporting moments like the State of Origin and large national finals.

From Rugby League to Union, AFL, Aussie Soccer, motor racing, fights like MMA and boxing or replays of major events – the friendly team try to feature as many sports as possible and if there is something you would like to see, you are welcome to ask.

With almost 30 screens, there will likely be room to play even the most obscure sporting event which they can find on their numerous sporting channels.

Known for its creature comforts and attention to customer satisfaction, The Sports Bar creates its own little microcosm where guests can enjoy one of the only undercover smoking areas in town.

By providing adequate ventilation and airflow through the open plan layout, they are permitted to allow smoking within the venue.

In addition, the Sports Bar offers a dedicated TAB section, so guests do not need to leave the venue in order to place a bet.

With one of the largest ranges of spirits and longest bars in town, the Sports Bar is an ideal place to order limited edition liquors, specialist brands or sample something unique.

They also stock a large range of cigarettes and cigars which can be purchased over the bar.

Located within the Airlie Beach Hotel precinct, the Sports Bar is a short 30 second walk to The Pub and guests are permitted to wander freely between the venues.

This means you can easily check on the latest sporting results whilst listening to some free live music at The Pub.

You can also order your favourite cigar and brandy after dining with the family at the bistro just a short walk away.

There is no better place to watch live sports than at The Airlie Beach Hotel Sports Bar.

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Two out of three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70 which is a concerning statistic.

Fortunately, 90 per cent of these cancers will be survivable, but living in Queensland with the highest rates of skin cancer in the country means that we all need to be ultra-vigilant.

No-one understands this more than Jan Brown whose son Chad was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2014.

His diagnosis became terminal a few years later and he has been relying on maintenance drugs and ongoing research to keep him alive.

“We are lucky that the drugs are working for him,” said Jan.

“If it wasn’t for research, he wouldn’t be alive today.”

Not one to sit around doing nothing, Jan has been a constant fundraiser and supporter of the very cancer research department that is helping her son.

The Berghofer Institute directly funds ongoing research and money goes straight to the scientists who are creating real time breakthroughs that are helping millions of Australians each day.

For almost a decade Jan has been fundraising through monthly sausage sizzles and regular events such as Reggae Nights and Movie Premieres.

With a goal to raise $5000 every six months, Jan has miraculously raised over $100,000 over the years in total.

Her incredible efforts have been recognised with a mention in the recent Berghofer Institute magazine.

Under the banner ‘Buck Off Melanoma’, Jan combines the family’s love for bull riding and their unwavering determination to fund further cancer research and find a way to eliminate it forever.

“Without this sort of research so many people would not be alive today,” she explains.

“The research is giving everyone more time.”

At the upcoming Bowen River Rodeo, due to take place on June 9, Jan will be hosting her regular stall, selling merchandise to raise money, and also chatting to event goers to spread awareness.

“We are truly grateful to the whole community for all their help over the years,” said Jan.

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Jan Brown, Della Norman, Wendy Windridge, and Deb Norman at a ‘Buck Off Melanoma’ event. Photo supplied

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Within Australia, skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer, with over 750,000 new diagnoses made every year, making up about 80 per cent of cancers diagnosed in Australia.

While most skin cancers are curable if detected early, the disease can be deadly if left untreated. Therefore, it's crucial to know the signs of skin cancer and ways to prevent it.

Signs of skin cancer to look out for include:

1. Changes in the colour, size, or shape of a mole or other skin spot

2. Scaly or rough patches of skin

3. Redness or swelling beyond the border of a mole or other spot

4. Itching, bleeding, or oozing from a mole or other spot

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Preventing skin cancer is essential, and there are several ways to do so:

1. Wear sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin, including your lips, every day.

2. Seek shade: Stay out of the sun, especially during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

3. Cover up: Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, hats, and sunglasses.

4. Avoid tanning beds: Indoor tanning can increase your risk of skin cancer.

5. Perform self-exams: Check your skin regularly for any changes and report any suspicious moles or skin spots to your doctor.

6. Get regular check-ups: Have your skin checked by a dermatologist at least once a year, especially if you have a history of skin cancer or other risk factors.

In particular, the highest rates of skin cancer are found in Queensland, due to the high UV levels. By practising sun safety, you can prevent cancer and other associated health issues.

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With the Proserpine Show Ball occurring this weekend after being revitalised only a couple of years ago, it is a reminder of just how popular balls have been in our district over the years. The first Proserpine Show Ball was held in 1910 but this was just one of the many types of balls that were an integral part of society and eagerly anticipated by locals. There were Nurses’ Balls, Teachers’ Balls, Rugby League Balls and Debutante Balls to name just a few. In 1919, after four years of wartime deprivation, the first Annual Military Ball was introduced and, not surprisingly, keenly embraced by the community.

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The First Annual Military Ball in Proserpine was held at the Tivoli Theatre on ANZAC night, April 25, 1919 (This was on the site of what is now Porters Plumbing). This event was greatly anticipated as a commemoration to mark the anniversary of the Anzac Campaign. Programs were printed and over 200 tickets were sold.

Earlier on in the day of the ball, an Anzac Day parade and ceremony were held in Main Street Proserpine. Although the weather on the big day was gloomy, there was a splendid roll up at the First Annual Military Ball.

The organiser, Lieutenant Meredith, President of the Ball Committee, had received permission to wear uniforms by Returned Soldiers, Citizen Forces and the Rejected Volunteers who had been in camp. Although the theme of the ball was not fancy dress, the guests were invited to wear the national dress of any of the Allies or evening dress. As had been expected, the ladies of district did not disappoint and turned out in their finest ballgowns. Returned soldiers were attired in their khaki uniforms. Officers from Bowen had also expressed interest in attending the ball.

“The Proserpine Guardian” April 19, 1919, reported: “The Red Cross and Repatriation ladies have promised to provide the supper, so that it behoves each and every patriotic lady of Proserpine to help them in their colossal task.”

To cope with the large number of attendees, Mrs Kemp and Mrs Booth took on the task of co-ordinating contributions of poultry, salads, cakes etcetera, all of which were gratefully accepted. And so it was that according to reports from those who attended the ball, the sumptuous supper was a credit to the ladies who worked cheerfully at their enormous task. It was served in the skating rink at the Tivoli Hall “which was an ideal place as the ladies had a comfortable room to attend to their duties and the tarpaulins erected prevented the dew from interfering with those at supper” (“The Proserpine Guardian” April 26, 1919).

The hall was nicely decorated with the flags of the Allies, palms, and red, white, and blue bunting. The Proserpine Citizens Band were called on to play the military and dance music. They played the National Anthem followed by the ANZAC Grand March and Lancers. Eighty to ninety couples paraded about the hall. Those who assisted the Citizens Band were Miss Waldron on the piano and Mrs Lascelles and Mrs AL Scotts who contributed extras. The dance program continued well into the early hours of the morning, concluding at 2:30am with the only interruption being made during supper. The names of the twenty dances were aptly named, all relating to a significant battle or other war - related aspect and concluding with the suitably entitled “Dinkum’s Medley”.  

Masters of Ceremony for this inaugural ball were Sergeant W Biggs (a returned World War 1 soldier) and Mr W McNeil.

Story courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and “The Proserpine Guardian” and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

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Legal Proceedings Underway

Two concerned community members are aiding residents of Westminster Lodge, a North Mackay aged care rental village, to pursue legal action after an alleged decline in living standards and numerous alleged instances of neglect have affected their mental health and way of life dramatically.

Christine McDonald and Glen Dreier of Worldwide Rally for Freedom Mackay are utilising their community connections and legal background, with an investigation by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) currently underway.

“The RTA is currently investigating 13 alleged breaches,” Mr Dreier said.

“They’ve now got onto the Body Corporate.

“There’s been interviews, it has been presented to the Manager, she’s had time to come back and now it’s going to the powers to be.”

Westminster Residents Gain Support

Westminster Lodge appears to be a retirement village divided.

“Most of us have been here many years,” one resident wrote.

“It is our home. We like it.”

But since the catering service reportedly ceased in September 2022, forcing residents to source their own meals and limiting opportunities for social interaction, many disagree, saying they’re living in “sub-human” conditions.

“I can’t stand the way it is,” said Garry Byatt, who has lived at the village since 2020.

“I want to see the kitchen open again.

“I’m missing the food and missing being able to talk to people.”

“Since closing the kitchen, there’s been so many people depressed in here,” added Elvira Bates, a resident since 2021.

“Most of these people are so vulnerable because of their age and infirmity.”

In September 2022, a Facebook post requesting the loan of a barbecue for Christmas attracted the attention and support of many throughout the community.

Volunteers rallied to source food, presents, maintenance and provide social gatherings for the residents, who had allegedly been left with substandard kitchen facilities.

This is when Mr Dreier and Ms McDonald got involved.

“We met some fantastic people here, we cooked, we brought a heap of food, presents, and we tried to bring a bit of cheer, and a lot of people said to me, ‘We want to show you what it’s like,’ and it enraged me so much,” Mr Drier said.

“We could see that the community wasn’t going to be able to keep up this level of help long term, so we were prepared to step in and help them find a way out of it legally,” added Ms McDonald.

Each unit is equipped with a microwave, mini fridge, toaster and kettle, limited bench and storage space and dated appliances, forcing many residents to seek Meals on Wheels and the assistance of family and community to feed themselves.

“We’re trying to make a decent meal in there and it’s impossible,” said Ms Bates.

Mr Dreier surmises the division, causing tension and alleged intimidation amongst residents, to be due to improper management.

“These factions are occurring because there’s no management with the suitable training to ensure that those factions don’t occur,” he said.

“You leave factions to fester; this is exactly what you build and its purely because they don’t have a resident manager.”

Residents claim numerous instances of neglect on the property, including no emergency phones, faulty air conditioning, broken furniture, out of date fire extinguishers, rat infestations and overgrown pathways causing access issues for ambulance officers.

There have been reports of residents having to perform CPR on each other in emergencies and finding other residents deceased.

Also, residents state that while the common room is unlocked during the day, it’s only accessible through one door, causing a potential fire hazard.

Westminster Lodge Manager Helen Liu claimed to live on the premises but said she could run the business from wherever she wants.

“I can legally run the business from anywhere I like, but I’m still in Mackay,” she said.

“I can choose to live there, I can choose not to live there, it’s none of their business.”

A contract signed by all residents of Westminster Lodge states that: “Westminster Lodge Mackay is a dedicated seniors’ retirement village servicing aged care, aged, disability and veteran affairs pensioners who are over 55 years of age and are entitled to rental assistance through Centrelink.

“We provide individual units that are fully self-contained and fully furnished with catering three meals per day for seven days per week.”

The village’s meal service ceased in September last year, with a letter from Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson addressed to Mr Dreier confirming “The license as a residential aged care (facility) was handed in, in September 2022, as was the license to conduct a kitchen on the premises.

“Minister Enoch’s department (Communities and Housing) has confirmed Westminster Lodge is no longer a residential facility for aged care and council confirms the licensing requirements to operate a kitchen were revoked in September.

“Westminster Lodge is now a facility the same as any other block of flats.”

Upon seeking records of these licenses being revoked, Mr Dreier said he was told by Council and a senior staff member of the RTA that they are still enforced.

Moreover, Westminster Lodge is still described, in signage and real estate listings, as a “retirement village” or “aged care community”.

“Under the Retirement Village Act 1999, if you advertise as a retirement village without being registered, you have committed a serious offence,” said Mr Dreier.

With investigations between residents, Ms Liu and the Body Corporate underway, many hope for new management to provide the service and standard of living outlined in their contracts.

“These people are very vulnerable and very scared,” said Ms McDonald.

“It’s only a matter of time before something more serious happens.”

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Westminster Lodge residents Garry Byatt and Elvira Bates have welcomed the assistance of the community. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Christine McDonald and Glen Dreier were “horrified” to learn of the alleged neglect at Westminster Lodge. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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