After 50 years serving the community, Meals on Wheels in Proserpine is urgently calling for more volunteers to help this invaluable local organisation continue operating.

Local Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP attended the venue last week to raise awareness for the issue and hopes more support will be given soon.

“It’s a really important community service that this organisation provides,” she expressed.“But one that if discontinues, puts people at risk who won't get that service. Connecting with people in our community who are at times, isolated.”

Meals on Wheels operating out of Proserpine, has been a long-standing service that delivers nutritious meals and also provides connections to people that might be living on their own.

Run almost exclusively by volunteers, the team prepare, cook and deliver 50-60 meals every day to local people in need.

Despite a lack of volunteer numbers in recent years the team persevere, operating with just a skeleton crew, concerned about how they will continue in the future.

Volunteers estimate there could only be another three months of operation for this vital service if support is not offered soon.

“I've done it on my own. I've been without chefs and I've just come in and done my best because they need this service,” said Helen Maynard Turner, the organiser of Meals on Wheels in Proserpine.

If you would like to volunteer a few hours a week and breathe new life into this vital local service then please reach out directly to Helen. Simply call between 7am-12pm on: 07 4945 1733 or email your interest to volunteer to: prosmow@gmail.com.

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Volunteers Mika Nishiguchi and Leanne Alexander beside Amanda Camm, and Helen Maynard Turner the organiser of Meals on Wheels in Proserpine. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

Proserpine Lions & Lion Ladies are excited to host their very first International Women’s Day celebration 'March Forward', paying tribute to the incredible women who have shaped and developed the Proserpine district. This special event will honor our pioneering women from various sectors such as tourism, education, health, business and more, highlighting their significant contributions to the community.

The day will feature a guest speaker addressing important issues surrounding domestic violence and family violence, providing invaluable insights and raising awareness. Attendees will also hear from a Youth of the Year entrant, learn about the vital services of Meals on Wheels and the local food bank, and enjoy a variety of other engaging activities.

For $25, participants of the Marching Forward event will enjoy a cent sale, lucky door prize, and fun games for all, along with a delicious high tea. With tissues on the tables to help attendees through the emotional moments, this event promises to be a blend of heartfelt recognition and fun-filled celebration.

The Proserpine Lions & Lion Ladies invite all women to join them for a day of reflection, connection and laughter, with all proceeds going to the Proserpine Meals on Wheels. Call Lyn on: 04 0769 2928 to reserve your spot!

WHAT: Proserpine Lions & Lion Ladies March Forward
WHEN: Saturday, 8th March 1pm-5pm
WHERE: Proserpine R.S.L. 27 Chapman St.

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Last Wednesday, Cannonvale State School proudly held its annual Student Leader Induction Ceremony, a momentous event celebrating the leadership potential and dedication of its students.

The special occasion united staff, students, families, and community members as they gathered to support and congratulate the newly appointed student leaders stepping into their important roles for the year ahead.

During the ceremony, school captains, vice-captains, sports house captains, events managers, ambassadors, band captains, and student council representatives were officially inducted, receiving their leadership badges as a symbol of their dedication and responsibility to the Cannonvale State School community.

Each leader was recognised for their commitment to serving, inspiring, and upholding the school's values. The atmosphere was filled with pride and excitement as students took their leadership pledge, vowing to lead with integrity, kindness, and a dedication to making a positive impact on their peers and school environment.

Principal, Mr Nicholas Shirley said they were honoured to have special guests in attendance, Belinda Greenwood who represented our Member of Parliament Mrs Amanda Camm, the Principal of Proserpine High School, Mr Don McDermid, Ms Libby Edge from Eco Barge CleanSeas and the President of the Cannonvale State School Parents’ and Citizens Association, Ms Sabrina Mitchell.

The 2025 School Leaders are:

School Captains: Mia Berry & Jagger Sassall

School Vice Captains: Ruby Luka & Harvey Fitzpatrick

Indigenous School Leader: Tiffany Bloomer

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Rising Whitsundays motorsport star Jure Portelli is excited to announce her participation in the prestigious Kyojo Cup Vita-01 Championship. This exciting move marks a significant step in Jure's burgeoning career, offering a new platform to showcase her talent and compete against some of the best female drivers in the world.

Jure is 15-years-old and has competed various racing events including karting, endurance racing, sprint racing, hillclimb, and rally events. In 2023, she was selected for the FIA Girls on Track - Rising Stars program and trained with the Ferrari Driver Academy. Her natural talent and determination quickly shone through, leading to numerous podium finishes and a diverse racing portfolio that spans endurance, sprint, and rally disciplines.

The Kyojo Cup, founded in 2017, is a pioneering all-female racing series based in Japan. It provides a unique opportunity for women from diverse motorsport backgrounds to compete on a level playing field. The Vita-01 Championship is a mixed race series attracting a range of talented male and female drivers, including those transitioning from karting, formula racing, and rally, and boasts a growing international profile.

The Kyojo Cup VITA-01 Championship provides a stepping stone for drivers aspiring to reach higher levels of motorsport, such as Super GT and international championships. Jure's participation in the series is a testament to her dedication and ambition, and she is poised to make a significant impact on the championship.

"I'm incredibly excited to join the Kyojo Cup Vita-01 Championship," said Jure.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to compete against a talented field of women and further develop my skills in a new environment. The Kyojo Cup’s commitment to promoting female motorsport and diverse racing backgrounds aligns with my own values, and I'm proud to be a part of it."

Follow Jure’s racing career or get involved via Instagram or Facebook @jureportelliracing

The Kyojo Women’s Championship Rounds dates are:
Round one: 13-15th March
Round two: 8-10th May
Round three: 14-16th Aug
Round 4: 19-20 Dec

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Jure Portelli is excited for the Kyojo Cup Vita-01 Championship. Photo sourced: Facebook

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The Director-General for the Department of Trade, Employment and Training, Peter McKay, recently visited PCYC Whitsunday to showcase the impact of the Get Set for Work program conducted PCYC Whitsunday.

The visit served as a valuable opportunity to showcase the program's success and the meaningful impact it has on young people in the community.

During his time at PCYC Whitsunday, Mr. McKay met with both current and former program participants, hearing firsthand how the initiative has helped them develop new skills, build confidence, and pursue employment or further education. The program is part of the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, which provides training and employment pathways for those facing barriers to workforce participation.

PCYC Whitsunday’s Get Set for Work program plays a vital role in empowering local youth by offering hands-on learning, industry exposure, and practical experience. Through partnerships with local businesses, participants gain valuable real-world insights and workplace readiness.

Program Coordinator Scott Lynch shared the success story of Xannon Smoothy, a former participant who secured an apprenticeship with the construction company through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

“By pure chance, on the day of the Director General’s visit, Xannon was back at the club as a second-year apprentice, working on a renovation to the building. It was the perfect opportunity to introduce Peter to one of the program's most remarkable success stories,” he said.

Youth Club Program Manager Sergeant Billy Li praised his team’s commitment to supporting young people.

"Programs like Get Set for Work are essential in helping young people unlock their potential and build a brighter future,” he said.

“It’s inspiring to see the positive impact this initiative is having on the local community."

The visit underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between government agencies, community organisations, and local businesses in fostering opportunities for young people. PCYC Whitsunday remains dedicated to continuing its work in equipping youth with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Get Set for Work is one of eight programs that make up the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.
For more information about the Get Set for Work program and how to get involved, visit PCYC Whitsunday or contact the team on 07 49481144.

Contributed with thanks to Get Set to Work Program Coordinator Scott Lynch

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Join us for the Greater Whitsunday’s Vet Services Official Open Day, an exciting event filled with entertainment, great prizes, and family-friendly activities. The day promises something fun for everyone, with over $1000 worth of lucky door prizes and giveaways up for grabs!

There will be so many stalls set up offering a wide variety of products you’ll find something to take home. The stalls including timber markets, jewellery, pet accessories, baby essentials, chutney, and even equine supplements. For the naturalists, there will be a great selection of plants ready to take root with you, as well as beautiful handmade earrings and natural body products. Artists will be showcasing their work, and there will be plenty of fun for both kids and adult animal lovers alike with cows, alpacas, and dogs to meet and interact with.

You can also check out Ryans Hawaiians for a touch of tropical flair and then visit the talented face painter for a fabulous new look. For those looking for excellent food the open day has only the best BBQ around!

A delicious BBQ lunch will be available, as well as scrumptious slices and cakes or those with a sweet tooth. All proceeds from the lunch go to the MND and ME Foundation, a cause supported by the Plemenuk family. Also, don’t forget to cool down with a treat from Rilo’s Ice Cream Van, offering a range of refreshing ice creams and iced coffees.

This fun-filled day open day is not to be missed, so bring the whole family and come along to support a wonderful community event while enjoying a variety of activities and local products. You could even win one of the amazing giveaways!

WHAT: Greater Whitsunday’s Vet Services Proserpine Open Day
WHEN: Sunday, 9th March 10am-2pm
WHERE: 52 Main St Proserpine, Entrance via Dobbins Lane

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Get Along with Georgia!Greater Whitsunday Vet Services Operational Manager, Georgia Bowser, is a Proserpine local, born and raised on the farm. Georgia rotates between the Proserpine and Bowen clinics throughout the week ensuring that the staff and productivity of the business is on track.

Georgia has over 8 Years experience as a Veterinary Nurse and brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the clinic. She enjoys coaching and training staff whilst allowing innovative ideas from the team for further development. Georgia loves to help her team thrive to ensure that we are providing a service like no other.

Greater Whitsunday Vet Services continues to provide Georgia with career opportunities and personal development to ensure she stays up to date with what our clients need and want in 2025. They have also provided her with a work-life balance stability helping her in personal achievements like recently purchasing her own property.

The knowledge and expertise she has gained from her career is assisting her and husband Jack to smoothly operate their farm. Equipping them with better ideas for animal health, profitability, and innovation so that they have their property long into the future.

Georgia said “Working for Greater Whitsunday Vet Services has been and continues to be, an amazing workplace. It is full of innovation and our team prides themselves on providing a client experiences like no other.” Customer service and clarity have unfortunately disappeared in some businesses, and this is something Georgia strongly focuses on with the team. they aim to bring back the old standard and making it so much better, ensuring a strong rapport across the team and clients.

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Georgia leading our last big event Photo supplied: Glenys Mansfield

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For years, the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre has been keen to add one key essential service, and in May this is due to finally come to fruition. Orange Sky Laundry Pod will open, providing much-needed laundry services to the region’s most vulnerable.

This service is the result of dedicated advocacy by the Centre, which had long been pushing for help. After discussions with the previous state government and Megan Scanlan, the Minister for Housing, the need for services like what Orange Sky can provide became clear. Once contacted, Orange Sky identified the Whitsunday as one of four locations in need, and now the area will finally have access to their vital services.

The Orange Sky laundry Pod is still in the planning stage with the centre making sure that the plumbing and structure that will house the laundry pod is secure. Making it cyclone and monsoon-proof, and that the structure is designed with sustainability in mind, this includes rainwater tanks to capture and provide the water.

Operating from 9:30am to 11:30am, the pod will offer free laundry services to those who can’t afford laundromats, providing an essential lifeline. Unfortunately, the inclusion of shower facilities is still uncertain. The Centre is in talks with Orange Sky and the government about adding showers in the future, as new neighbourhood centres and other similar communal facilities are built with these facilities in mind.

The importance of this service cannot be overstated. Orange Sky already operates across countless cities and regional towns, and now, Airlie Beach will join that network. Their services help bridge the gap in hygiene access for vulnerable groups, promoting health, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging.

The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre’s advocacy and partnership with Orange Sky represent a crucial step toward addressing the unmet needs of the homeless population. This laundry pod is a much-needed response, offering not just clean clothes, but dignity and connection for those who have long been overlooked.

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What the laundry pod could look like at the centre. Photo Sourced: Orange Sky’s Website

Orange Sky volunteers operating a laundry pod. Photo Sourced: Orange Sky’s Website

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Exciting news for Bowen as Flagstaff Hill's iconic café is reopening. Bringing modern Australian-Italian cuisine to one of the most breathtaking locations in the Whitsundays. After being damaged by a cyclone and undergoing a rebuild two years ago, the café is about ready to welcome guests once again.

Set to open just before the Easter school holidays, this new eatery will offer panoramic views of the Coral Sea, with floor-to-ceiling windows ensuring the beauty of the Whitsundays is never out of sight. Whether it's a sunny day or a dramatic sky, the café's stunning ocean views promise an unforgettable experience for visitors.

The new café will feature a fabulous fusion menu. Guests can look forward to homemade italian pizzas and a variety of light breakfast and lunch options served daily. For those looking for a more relaxed dining experience, the café will also offer dinner on Fridays and Saturdays evenings.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said it was very exciting to have the café at Flagstaff Hill re-opening saying “It is such a beautiful location with stunning views.” and “We are looking forward to sending our guests at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre back to this great venue and we wish the new operators all the very best.”

The space includes both indoor and outdoor seating and a conference space for special social events like weddings or corporate gatherings. With its combination of delicious food, incredible views, and versatile venue, 360 on the Hill is set to become one of the must-visit spot for Bowen locals and tourists alike.

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The sleek, modern cafe atop Flagstaff Hill. Photo Sourced: Whitsunday Regional Council Website

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Down at Port of Airlie is the delightful Zorro’s Cafe & Bar. Just a short walk from Airlie Beach,this local gem has a great menu and ambience attractive to locals and tourists with its picturesque views over the water.

Owned and run by Perri and Terry, and named after their friendly little dog, Zorro’s is a place that everyone can sit down and enjoy. They have a changing seasonal menu, guaranteeing that all their delicious meal options are fresh and locally sourced. Catering to any and all dietary requirements, Zorro’s offers options for breakfast, lunch, tapas and they soon plan to extend times to dinner around Easter!

From grilled coral trout, stacked burgers, and delightfully fresh orange and avocado salads, there’s a heart-warming option for you. Any cafe can do eggs for breakfast, but have you tried Perri’s own breakfast savoury mince? Made with love and topped with a blob of sour cream its absolutely scrumptious, it's a great way to start your day full of flavour and energy.

What if you're looking to slow down and enjoy the bobbing boats on the water? Zorro’s has a happy hour where you can enjoy a fully stocked and licenced bar and try their amazing Cocktail of the Week. Zorro’s is a cosy place with a dedicated team providing great food and drinks at very reasonable prices.

So, you can enjoy some finger-food and a beer while watching the sunset or sip great coffee after your morning run at Zorros Cafe & Bar with air-conditioned indoor and breezy outdoor seating available. There’s also plentiful free 2hr parking under the Boathouse Apartments so you can wind down and take you meal slow. Stop by today and give little Zorro a pat, he along with Perri, Terry and their team, welcome you all to come and enjoy their delightful cafe and bar.

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Perri, siting out by the amazing view from Zorro’s Café & Bar. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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This week, we have experienced a variety of activations, ranging from the solemn task of transporting a deceased individual, an essential, albeit sad service—to the urgent evacuation of a very sick child during extremely poor weather conditions.

One of the notable calls was a small fishing boat that broke down in 36-knot winds at night, requiring a tow to safety. At the same time, VMR1 was already engaged in an urgent Medevac operation. A second crew was called in to deploy VMR2, our 7m semirigid vessel. While I’ve been out in similar conditions with 40-knot winds during daylight, nighttime presented its own challenges. Without the ability to see the waves coming, we were hit by them unexpectedly, forcing us to slow our progress to a crawl.

Meanwhile, Canberra reported an EPIRB activation near Border Island and sent up their ultra-high-tech search jet. They put us on standby, but despite their efforts, no vessel was found at the reported location, and we were eventually stood down. It's puzzling how such incidents can occur.

On a positive note, we have been able to upgrade our radio base coverage, thanks to the support of Marine Safety Queensland. Their powerful MSQ repeaters combined with our state-of-the-art Omnicore operating system greatly enhance our range, coverage, and clarity, improving safety for the boating community.

Remember, the emergency channel 16 is reserved for essential use only. If you would like to volunteer as a radio operator or crew member, please visit vmrwhitsundays.com.au/volunteerto sign up.

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Contributed with thanks by Shane Newell, President of VMR Whitsundays.

The VMR vessel off to the rescue. Photo Sourced: VMR Whitsundays Facebook Page

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Café Operator, Robbie Miles, has brought fresh energy and a new vision to the Clubhouse Cafe at Whitsunday Green Golf Course, transforming it from just a post-game pit stop to a versatile venue that welcomes everyone, not just golfers. Since taking over in October, Robbie, a chef with a rich background from both the UK and Australia, has been dedicated to making the cafe the go-to hub for both the local community and visitors.

Operating daily from 8am to 6 pm, with a liquor license until midnight, the cafe is perfect for corporate events, birthday parties, or any occasion that could use a little extra sparkle. Whether you're enjoying a glass of bubbly while golfing or sipping on a cold beer during a stag-do. Robbie's diverse menu caters to all tastes, with grab-and-go options and a delicious hot menu, plus enticing deals like two-for-one pizzas.

The Clubhouse Cafe can accommodate up to 60 people, and members enjoy a 10% discount on food and beverages. And it’s not just about great food, Robbie’s commitment to inclusivity is reflected in his catering for various dietary needs and menu preferences. He plans to create a sense of community, with ample outdoor seating and a members' lounge next door being open to all, the Clubhouse Cafe has become much more than just a place to eat. It’s a place to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the stunning views over the golf course, come down and say hello to Robbie at the Clubhouse today

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Robbie Miles behind the counter at the Clubhouse Cafe. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton
The comfortable seating and versatile space of the cafe's members lounge. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton
Huge range of outdoor seating options too, with low and high tables available. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton

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The Whitsunday region marked a historic moment with the official opening of Club Whitsunday in the Whitsunday Sports Park precinct at Airlie Beach. The Honourable Mr. Andrew Willcox MP, Federal Member for Dawson, had the distinct pleasure of cutting the ribbon on this groundbreaking development, which promises to be a cornerstone for both the region’s sporting culture and community spirit.

Club Whitsunday, now fully operational and trading for lunch and dinner seven days a week, offers a range of gaming and wagering options, fulfilling its promise as a vital community hub. With significant local support and an extensive network of partners, this facility stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Ry Collins, Mayor of the Whitsundays saying “This highlights what can be achieved when community vision and ambition along with three levels of government all working together can deliver a common goal for the community.”

The opening event, filled with family-friendly activities like face painting and a train ride for the kids, was a celebration of what has been a long journey. Local sports teams, community members, suppliers, construction partners, lenders, and government representatives all gathered to mark this significant occasion for the Whitsunday region and its sporting community.

Clay Bauman, Councillor for the Whitsunday Regional Council, spoke about the collaborative approach that helped bring the project to fruition. “I think it's terrific for all the sports clubs in the regions. We have worked with them for so long and now it's a license bar with pokies, with so many features separate it from other clubs.”

For Justin Butler, Chairman of Club Whitsunday, the opening was a deeply personal moment saying "I want to thank all the sports clubs that call the Sports Park home, including AFL, Touch Footy, Soccer, Netball, and the new code of Cricket," he said. "It’s been a long road, but we’re finally here. My family has been with me through this journey, and now we can look forward to more time together.” Justin said that “This Club should be a hub for building community spirit and sports for decades to come in the shire.”

Federal MP Andrew Willcox echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the commitment of local leaders in turning the vision into reality. "I’m pleased to do the official duties, opening club Whitsunday here today, it’s a project I've been involved in since beginning, going back to my mayoral days. I’m really pleased with Justin Butler, who's put blood, sweat and tears into this.” He said, “It’s a fantastic facility and it opens up being able to host touring games form all the different areas with the biggest advantage that it’s for the locals, and the profits of this club will go back into the local community.”

Club Whitsunday General Manager, Josh Prowse, expressed his gratitude for the local support saying “The Club’s trading now, with more events and functions booking here each day.” He wanted everyone to know that “every dollar spent, the more we get to put back into supporting the local clubs.”

Finally, Amanda Camm, MP Member of the Queensland Parliament, praised the tenacity of those who made the project a reality saying, “I think the tenacity, particularly of Justin, and those on his committee, from the initial concept now to what we're seeing, it needs to be commended. They never gave up.” She also said, “the facility inside and outside out is a quality finish and they should be congratulated.”

With the doors officially open, Club Whitsunday is poised to become a central gathering place, not only for sport but for the broader community. The journey may have been long, but the outcome is a facility that will benefit generations of sports enjoyers and club-goers to come.

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Did you know?

If you have a pool or a spa on your property, it must be registered with the QBCC. As well as having a compliant fence, pools must also have visible and weatherproof CPR signage.

To ensure the safety of yourself and others using your pool or spa, regularly inspect its fence or barrier for rust, loose hinges, or broken panels, and arrange repairs as needed. Make sure no climbable objects like furniture or toys are near the fence.

Taking these few small steps can make a big difference in preventing accidents and can ensure a safe summer swimming season for all.

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When 78-year-old Margaret lined up at Coles to pay for her groceries, she never expected a stranger’s kindness to turn her day around.

As she reached the checkout, she fumbled with her phone, trying to transfer funds.

“She couldn’t get service or her phone to work to cover her bill,” her granddaughter later explained.

Margaret then stepped aside to try again.

Moments later, a Coles employee approached her with surprising news.

A kind gentleman behind her in line had paid for her items.

In disbelief and gratitude, Margaret looked around, but the young man was gone.

She had no chance to thank him, but his generosity stayed with her. His quiet generosity not only lifted the burden in that moment but also sparked a ripple effect, inspiring Margaret to carry the goodwill forward.

“A big thank you from her,” her family later shared.

“She is determined to pay it forward.”

Margaret left the store with more than just her groceries - she carried a renewed faith in the kindness of strangers, already thinking of how she could do the same for others.

“You have a beautiful heart…I hope good karma comes your way.”

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