Local farmers are invited to apply for grants that will enable them to erect fences along the riverbanks in their property thanks to Federal Government funding.

The fencing will help better manage stock and pest animals on properties which will, in turn, help protect creek and streambanks from erosion during severe weather events.

Studies show that extreme weather events can be catastrophic for our local ecosystems and, riverbanks can be an area where damage is extensive.

Areas with healthy riparian fare much better in extreme weather because their riverbanks act as a natural buffer protecting the broader area from extreme volumes of water.

Less resilient were the riparian zones that lacked this buffer and these areas required much greater investment in recovery and remediation after the event.

Thanks to the government funding, made possible by the Preparing Australian Communities Program funding stream, local farmers are now able to receive a grant for off-stream watering points and riparian fencing on their property.

Any farm in the Whitsundays that is south of Heronvale is eligible to apply for the grant.

Reef Catchments project officer Michael Boland said assisting property owners to protect the riparian zones along creeks and stream banks will help to improve farm management and prevent the loss of productive agriculture land.

“Managing grazing and pest animals in riparian areas with fencing and off-stream watering points helps to support the establishment and enhancement of creek and streambank vegetation, which in turn reduces the risk of erosion and increases resilience to extreme weather events,” he said.

Landowners have already taken up grant opportunities and with the project running until March 2025 there is still plenty of opportunities for new applicants to submit expressions of interest.

To download an application pack, visit www.reefcatchments.com.au or call 07 4968 4200 for further information about the program.

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Monitoring and protecting the reef is no longer a task reserved for scientists, it is now a big part of the job for many people working in the local tourism industry.

Government incentives have assisted with funding to enable operators to engage with environmental projects and a rising trend in tourists seeking eco and educational tours has heightened the demand for meaningful experiences.

Ocean Rafting’s Environmental Manager, James Unsworth encounters this every day with the huge variety of reef protection projects that he is tasked to oversee.

In November during the annual coral spawning event, he was part of a team that conducted the Boats 4 Corals initiative.

Coral spawn was captured and left to culture in large nets before it developed into larvae and was out-planted into the reef.

“Only one in one billion eggs survive to being an adult,” said James.

“And the coral takes three to five years to grow so we have not seen results yet.

“But larvae has settled on the tiles which suggests it is settling on the reef so it is looking positive.”

James is also involved with the Coral Restoration Project through the Coral Nurture Program.

Branching coral that has broken off the reef is collected and “given a second chance” when it is replanted using a coal clip that connects it to the reef bed.

Ocean Rafting has a coral garden at Luncheon Bay where coral is planted and monitored.

“With all the methods we use we try and have as little human impact as possible,” said James.

“We don’t want to play God, the reef is able to recover on its own, we are just giving it a little helping hand.”

Another initiative close to James’ heart is the Rapid Monitoring excursions where he hosts school groups and shows them how to collect data, count sea cucumbers and other marine life while providing educational talks to inspire the next generation.

Moving forward, he is excited about the Reef Protection Initiative which is a government funded project that will allow Ocean Rafting teams to spend 150 days over 18 months conducting reef surveys.

Through Reef Health and Impact Surveys, Ocean Rafting can collect data and report back to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks Authority (GBRMPA) who manage the reef and decide on the location of moorings, zones and reef protection markers.

A total of 80 per cent of the Ocean Rafting staff are trained in reef monitoring and James is proud to be part of the team.

Environmental Manager, Master Reef Guide, Skipper and all-round good guy, James Unsworth, moved to Australia from the UK five years ago. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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A belated seasons greetings to you all.

The year has started with the return of the wet and we witnessed a large number of stranded motorists and other travellers. Thank you to everyone who went above and beyond to keep our community and visitors safe and dry during this time.

The Whitsunday is renowned for its mateship and swiftness to band together in times of disaster, and this was demonstrated once again last week. We must all take this as a timely reminder to remember “If it’s flooded, forget it” and to also make sure our disaster kits and evacuation plans are ready for storm season.

The floods however did highlight to me that we have limited options for safe places of refuge in the Airlie Beach /Cannonvale area other than the local accommodation houses. The PCYC Whitsundays and our Local Disaster Management team always do a wonderful job at stepping up when disaster strikes. However, it would be wonderful to have a second option within the Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and Jubilee Pocket areas in times of major disaster if the PCYC in Jubilee Pocket was unavailable.

To mitigate this, I want to seek funding to build safe place of refuge in the Airlie Beach/ Cannonvale area. Key Focus Area 5 of Council’s Operational Plan suggests considering a safe place of refuge to be located within a Multi-Storey Car Park Facility addressed in the Airlie Beach Parking Strategy.  This will give dual usage to the facility and make it a worthwhile investment in our region. I will be heavily focused on lobbying for funding for this as one of my top priorities for 2023.

In other news, the long-awaited Stage 1 upgrade to the Shute Harbour Lookout will be completed in the first quarter of the year, weather depending. The works will offer two new picnic settings, a drinking fountain and an expanded concrete footpath to give our residents and visitors another wonderful location to stop for a while and take in the magnificent views of Shute Harbour and surrounds.

I have a long wish list of other projects I would like to champion in 2023; stay tuned for that.

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The Whitsunday Region covers 24,000 km2 and has a road network of over 1790 km – that’s as far as driving from the Whitsundays to Sydney!  

This extensive network is made up of 580km of sealed roads and over 1200km of unsealed roads which we must maintain year-round. Last year $10.5 million of rate payer money alongside other grants and subsidies was spent on road maintenance alone!

As well as keeping our local roads safe, Council is also contracted to maintain approximately 380km of sealed state roads, 160km of unsealed state roads and 140km of sealed National Highway.

The maintenance of these roads is not funded by Council, however we are always actively advocating for better State and National roads in our region.

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One of the most common financial steps people go through involves buying a new family home which is of a better standard then their last one.  This is a natural progression as people settle into careers, have more disposable income and build families.

Often people decide to keep the previous property as an investment and use the rental income to assist with repaying the new debt and building wealth.  There is a trap with this scenario that can lead to a poor taxation outcome.  This makes repaying the debt take significantly longer due to the limited assistance from the tax man.

The issue is whether the interest on a loan is tax deductible or not.  Most people in this situation would be in the 34.5% or 39% tax bracket.  That means that if their loan is tax deductible, they are getting a tax refund equivalent to over a third of their interest.   Obviously the more of their debt that is tax deductible the better.  If they are going to have debt against their own home and also debt against a rental property, they should ensure the debts are clearly separated so that any principal repayments can be coming off the ‘bad’, own home loan as it’s not tax deductible.  

The key to whether a loan’s interest is tax deductible or not is what the money was used to purchase and not which property the bank takes a mortgage over.  Generally, the family home doesn’t produce income and therefore loans where the money was used to purchase or renovate the property you live in are not tax deductible.  Loans for rental properties or shares generally are tax deductible.  Based on this, minimising the new loan against the new family home and consequently increasing the investment loan makes sense.  Sometimes selling the old home, maximising the cash deposit on the new home, and buying a new rental property makes more sense however this needs careful analysis.

There are several strategies that can be used to decrease non-deductible debt and replace it with deductible debt and investments, and a range of flexible lending products to assist.  As always seeking the advice of an experienced financial planning professional is advisable.  

If you’d like an obligation free review of your situation, to maximise your lending structures, call us for an appointment today.

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Shiift's ’Thriive’ Women's Personal Development Group is founded upon Positive Psychology and aims to build resilience and emotional wellbeing, create confidence, evoke positive behaviour change, through neuroplasticity and building emotional intelligence.

A monthly women's group which helps identify, explore, and develop self-strengths, and capabilities and discover untapped potentials. Our team have lived the challenges faced by women and have developed this program for participants to take back into the workplace, homes and share with family, peers and friends.

Enhancing communication, creating self-awareness, harnessing improved outcomes - all within a psychologically safe environment. Designed for women looking for more in personal development, seeking growth, support, and those wishing to build connection and engagement with a group of like-minded women.

"Thriive offers women, local opportunity for ongoing personal development. A wide variety of topics are covered in monthly workshops, and all are meaningful and provide useful knowledge and ideas to use in the workplace and in personal life.

“It is refreshing to be able to access personal development face-to-face with the Shiift team, who bring passion, enthusiasm, vast knowledge and lived experience to every session. It is a highlight of my month and a valuable way to learn and grow,” said Maree Sturdy.

Running in Mackay and the Whitsundays from March to December, Thriive is one of Shiift’s signature programs we are truly proud of.

Reach out to the Shiift team for more information on how you can join Thriive today or visit www.shiift.com.au

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The Whitsunday property market is one to watch this year as southern buyers continue to flock to the tropical paradise, cementing its position as one of Australia's key lifestyle markets.

Recent market activity suggests that the Whitsundays is going head-to-head with the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, and Sunshine Coast, proving to be a favourable lifestyle destination as southern buyers continue to snap up luxury properties.

Rob Taylor from Taylors Property Specialists reveals that the Christmas and New Year period has shown a continued strong demand from southern states for properties in the Whitsunday region.

"We've seen steady demand for property from southern buyers who have identified the Whitsundays as a key lifestyle market, especially blue chip locations such as Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach," said Mr Taylor.

With growth in the state's southeast coupled with limited stock due to rising construction costs, demand is outstripping supply and attention has turned to markets further north, especially among lifestyle buyers.

Among the major projects currently marketed by Taylors is the $350 million Shute Harbour Marina Resort which has drawn extensive inquiry from buyers who are enticed by the lifestyle and value offered in the Whitsundays.

"Already in the first few weeks of the new year buyers have secured numerous $1 million-plus lifestyle homes," said Mr Taylor.

"The enquiry rate hasn't shown any real signs of slowing down from southern interest.

While we don't expect to see the hectic market activity of early 2022, we can expect a far more realistic, solid market which is best for the long term."

Shute Harbour Marina Resort master plan will feature 58 luxury waterfront residences to be located along the marina, each with their own private marina berth of between 25 and 35 metres.

When completed, the marina village will comprise mixed retail and commercial Pier 61, restaurants, cafes, and swimming pool, as well as managed apartments with resort club facilities for berth owners.

As one of the biggest residential-resort projects in North Queensland in more than a decade, the transformational development is also destined to become the region's premier lifestyle and leisure precinct – the perfect place to live, work, and play.

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The $350 million Shute Harbour Marina Resort

The 58 luxury waterfront residences each have their own private marina berth: Photos supplied

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Due to last weeks’ flooding, the PCYC Bowen had to cancel their Gymnastics Come and Try Day, but the dedicated team are encouraging everyone in the community to come down and experience a free trial at one of the gymnastic classes instead.

Last week the local PCYC was used as an emergency shelter for over 400 people affected by the flooding and due to the lengthy clean-up process the centre was unable to host the Come and Try event which was due to be held last Thursday.

“We opened our doors in a crisis to support the community and now we are asking the community to support us,” said Sergeant Michelle O’Regan from the Bowen PCYC.

“By coming along for a free trial and registering for one of our gymnastics classes, you can in-turn help us keep our doors open.”

Bowen has one of the most advanced gymnastic facilities in a PCYC anywhere in Queensland, boasting a competition grade spring floor, a nine-metre tumble tramp, 12 metres of air track, a variety of bars and much more.

Over $300,000 has been invested in the facility.  

Weekly classes include the Kinder Gym with Ebonee Zahn for children five and under.

This class offers adventure based learning where gym skills are made fun.

“This is a great way for kids to learn gross and fine motor skills while having so much fun that they don’t even know they are learning!” said Ebonee.

The PCYC also offers a Fitter For Life over 50’s Fitness Class with Tracey Hivon who has been teaching seniors fitness classes for over 20 years.

The goal of this class is to increase mobility, fitness and balance.

Beau Brooker teaches a range of gymnastic classes to students from four-years-old right through to adults.

He also teaches parkour which has become very popular.

“Gymnastics is a different fitness option for people,” he said.

“It’s a different way to challenge yourself and increase your core fitness and strength.”

Beau’s classes are held after school most days of the week and families looking to enrol are recommended to call the PCYC on 4786 1383 to find out which will best suit their needs.

The other classes are open to walk-ins.

WHAT: Kinder Gym at PCYC Bowen

WHEN: Mondays 9.15am to 10am or Wednesdays 10am to 10.45am

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WHAT: Fitter For Life Over 50’s

WHEN: Tuesdays 8am to 8.45am and Thursdays 8am to 8.45am and 5.30am to 6.15pm

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WHAT: General Gymnastics and Parkour

WHEN: Most days after school

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Sergeant Michelle O’Regan, Gymnastics Coach Beau Brooker and Kinder Gym Coach Ebonee Zahn. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Four dedicated members of the PCYC Bowen R.U.B.Y. Crew had their plans changed in the most dramatic way last week when the floods prevented them from travelling to Brisbane to attend the State Youth Leadership Program.

When many others would have stayed at home feeling sorry for themselves, these four inspiring individuals decided instead to spend the time that they would have spent having fun on the camp with the peers, volunteering at the PCYC emergency shelter instead.

“I am overwhelmed by the sheer amount of support from adults in the community, but you kind of know that will happen,” said Branch Manager Sergeant Michelle O’Regan.

“To have so many inspirational strong young people step forward without even being asked – well, I am so very proud – they’ve been our hands and our feet and have done an amazing job.”

Noah Maltby, Isabella Lote, McKenzie Green and Keeleigh Muir had all been selected to attend the Bornhoffen camp in the Gold Coast hinterland and had been looking forward to enjoying a range of activities with 45 of their peers from across the state.

As the rain began to fall last weekend, however, they all started to worry that their travel plans would be affected and the worst came true when the road to Proserpine was cut-off and the Whitsunday Coast Airport closed.

“We were very disappointed because we had been waiting such a long time for it to be our turn to go,” said Isabella.

“Yeah, I started with the R.U.B.Y. Crew three years ago and I’d been wanting to do this camp since I started,” said Noah.

McKenzie and Keeleigh were together when they received an email saying their flights were cancelled and it was later that day that they went to the PCYC with some supplies to donate.

“When we got there, we could see that there was a lot to do – we went around handing out soaps and bottles of water, cleaning up rubbish and helping serve at the canteen,” said Keeleigh.

“We just wanted to make sure everyone had what they needed.”

Over the course of three days all four R.U.B.Y. Crew members provided invaluable support enabling the PCYC emergency shelter to function and help over 400 people.

R.U.B.Y. Crew stands for (Representing and Uniting Bowen Youth) and consists of around 18 youth who are all aged between 13 and 18.

The Crew are seen everywhere within the community, volunteering their time at events, helping others and actively participating with anything from handing out skates at the weekly Skate Rink event or manning a stall at the local fete.

“I just love helping people and it gives me something to do when I get home from school,” said Noah.

“I moved here during Covid and I was helping my mum set-up at Skating when I met Michelle and she asked if I wanted to join,” said McKenzie.

“I love it so much and it looks great on my resume – in fact, I got my first job through doing this!”

R.U.B.Y. Crew are always looking for new members so, if you have a kind heart and a willingness to help, then talk to Sergeant Michelle O’Regan at the PCYC to see how you can get involved.  

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McKenzie Green, Noah Maltby, Keeleigh Muir and Isabella Lote from the R.U.B.Y. Crew helped hundreds of people at the Bowen PCYC emergency shelter. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Locals and visitors alike are invited down to the Grand View Hotel in Bowen to experience some of the delicious additions to the brand-new menu which was launched earlier this month.

Perfecting some of the classics, tweaking some flavour combinations and including some divine new dishes, the latest menu offers variety to regular customers while welcoming in fresh faces to try this unique dining experience for the first time.

Kitchen Manager, Louise Savage has been with the Grand View Hotel for 14 years and says she is excited for everyone to try the new menu.

“We always try to keep ahead with food trends and try to offer something a little different to normal pub food,” said Louise.

“We have an emphasis on really good quality produce, sourcing fresh local seafood and cooking food with love that is both healthy and fresh.”

The new menu introduces a Street Food Small Plates section, allowing customers to try dishes such as Middle Eastern Lamb Spring Rolls, The Mexican Beef Chilli Chimichanga and Hainanese Noodles.

There are also many other exotic meal options sure to tantalise your taste buds, from the Thai Buddha Bowl with crispy noodles and pineapple slaw or the Borani Bowl with Halloumi, poached egg and beetroot yoghurt.

For those who love the classics, however, you will still get to enjoy your favourites – the Ginger Beer Battered Fish and Chips, the Classic Steak Sandwich and of course the Chicken Parmi.

“Everything is made fresh on the premises,” said Louise.

“All the sauces, spring rolls, tomato relish – nothing is pre-done – we do it all here!”

Known for its warm welcome and traditional pub atmosphere, the Grand View Hotel dining experience is restaurant quality that is open to everyone.

Dine in air-conditioned comfort in the restaurant or head to the Jetty Bar Marquee for some garden dining in the courtyard.

Upcoming specials include $16 select lunch dishes from Monday to Friday and two meals for $40 available once a week.

The kitchen is open lunchtimes Monday to Friday from 12pm to 2pm and weekends from 11.30am to 2.30pm.

It is also open every evening from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

Come down to the Grand View to try their new menu and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of one of Bowen’s most iconic hotels.

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Tucked away in a quiet sanctuary within the bustling Bowen Home Hardware Store is the tranquil garden centre which is teeming with verdant plant life, bright coloured blooms and a range of impressive pots.

As you wander through the green foliage, decorative hanging baskets and rows of abundant blooms you will be able to browse and admire the range available.

There to help assist with selecting items to adorn your garden are the friendly garden team of Linda Scells, Tania Sleeman and Tanya Begg.

Each of the three ladies has a passion for plants and helping people find the right match for their garden.

They pride themselves on their ability to deliver on specialist customer orders with the help of their trusted suppliers.

“We have been able to find some of the most unusual requests,” said Linda.

“From carnivorous picture plants to white bat plants and fruit trees like mangoes, citrus, lychees, bananas.”

For the novice gardener, the team would also love to help you learn and discover the wondrous world of plants.

“If you don’t know what you are looking for then have a look around town,” said Tania.

“Take a picture of something you like, and we can tell you whether it would work in your garden and help you find it here.”

Bowen Home Hardware offer a complete range of plants from potted colour to shrubs, fruit trees, natives, ground covers, cacti and succulents.

They also of have a full range of gardening essentials including pots, planters, potting mixes, fertilisers, pesticides gardening tools.

“We’ve got everything you need and more!”

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Linda Scells, Tania Sleeman and Tanya Begg. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Being on dialysis is a big commitment, it involves being plugged into a machine for about five hours a day, three times a week while your blood is filtered and replenished.

For many people with kidney failure there is no alternative to this unless they are fortunate enough to receive a transplant.

Some patients endure these endless rounds of hospital appointments for over 20 years.

Many people living in the Bowen, Collinsville and Proserpine areas would need to travel down to Mackay for treatment and this travel time added extra stress to the already lengthy commitment.

That was until three years ago when the satellite Renal Ward was opened at the Bowen Hospital enabling six locals to receive treatment closer to home.

Late last year the ward was expanded to service 12 patients in a modern and uplifting unit overlooking Bowen and the Coral Sea.

Nurse Maggie Staggs is one of the friendly faces to greet patients as they come into the Renal Ward.

“We only have 12 patients here so you get to know them really well - you get to meet their families and celebrate their birthdays,” she said.

“I really enjoy that about Renal Nursing, and the team here are really fantastic.”

Maggie did her nursing training in Melbourne after she finished high school and specialised in operating room nursing.

For the past 40 years she has used her qualifications to live all over the world in places like England, Dubai, Canada and most recently New Zealand.

A desire to be closer to her family enticed her back to Australia in 2018 and she spent two years living in Mount Isa before heading for a sea change in Bowen.

She brought her two dogs with her and purchased an old Queenslander in town which she now spends much of her free time renovating.

At almost 64 years old, Maggie says that she is grateful for the opportunity to retrain and discover a new passion in nursing so late in her career.

“As a nurse it is really marvellous to retrain in something that I didn’t know anything about,” she said.

“To have that opportunity to do something local in Bowen that helps the community, it’s been really marvellous.”

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Nurse Maggie Staggs with Kenneth Cora who has been receiving kidney dialysis for the past three years. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Senior School at Proserpine State High School prepares students to complete their schooling with the knowledge, understanding and skills for successful lifelong learning and participation in both the local and global communities.

Such education provides them with endless possibilities and opportunities to experience success, pursue interests and excel personally.

The senior school curriculum has been developed to consider students’ future goals by providing numerous alternative pathways, which meets the various needs of students wishing to access the full variety of opportunities in tertiary study and the workplace.

With over 40 subject offerings, taught by specialist teaching teams committed to excellence in specialised teaching fields, the school offers a wide and diverse range of opportunities.

Academic programs, vocational education and training certificates, school and community partnership programs, as well as school-based traineeships and apprenticeships, provide extensive and exciting pathways for our students.  

Sporting and cultural activities, international experiences, leadership and community responsibilities are strongly encouraged, along with a diverse range of extra-curricular activities to keep students engaged, motivated and challenged.  

Proserpine State High School places great emphasis on the provision of safe, supportive and respectful learning environments.

The school recognises that student resilience and wellbeing are essential for both academic and social development.

They offer a team of dedicated staff to assist students with career guidance in developing capabilities which promote health and wellbeing for success in life.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine State High School.

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School Captain Sam Rogers, Vice Captain Abbie O’Sheehy, Indigenous Leader Isabella Allan, Vice Captain Riley Stuchbree and School Captain Georgia Butler. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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There is a buzz of excitement in the air at St Catherine’s Catholic College, with 670 students welcomed this week, filling hallways and classrooms as the new school year gets underway.

Focused on striving for each individual child’s own excellence, St Catherine’s offers students from Kindy to Year 12 a broad spectrum of opportunities from cultural, sporting, and academic activities both within and beyond the classroom.  

Celebrating students’ success includes their Year 12’s latest results, with one student topping the class with a final ATAR score of 98.55.

A total of 20 per cent of the 2022 graduating class who sat for their ATAR received an above 90 score, with 48 per cent receiving above 80.

Of course, these outstanding results could not be possible without an expert and dedicated teaching team from Prep to Year 12.

Among the staff at St Catherine’s there are numerous role holders with QCAA, professional awardees and high-level athletes.

Each staff member, no matter their role and experience, works to foster a sense of belonging and in students at St Catherine’s, contributing to an enjoyable education and strong friendships with their peers.

Valued involvement in school life is encouraged through leadership opportunities, academic and sporting competitions,

A terrific example of this is the College’s 2023 musical ‘Beauty and the Beast’.

Students’ singing, dancing and acting talents will shine on stage in April, with the community encouraged to go along and support them. Keep an eye out for ticket information as the months draw closer.

New outdoor eating and learning spaces, diverse study furniture and open planned classrooms encourage collaborative learning whilst also providing break out spaces for small group and individual learning to take place.

Enrolments are still open in some year levels for 2023, to book an interview call 49451630 or visit www.prspne.catholic.edu.au.

Contributed with thanks to St Catherine’s Catholic College.

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Back L-R: Tomas del Solar, Teagan Rodriguez and Jy Parkinson. Middle: Vivien Rose and Harriet Cole. Front: Isla Appleton, Ayda Telford, Andy Fletcher. Photo supplied

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Last year, Mackay and Whitsunday Life listened to the call of Calen locals, who say they are in desperate need of a doctor for the small rural town.

A local resident known as ‘Lyn Ellen’ spoke out about the dangers to the widespread rural community, whose residents are playing Russian Roulette with their health due to GP services not being available.

The issue is that the nearest medical centres to Calen are in Proserpine, Mackay or the Pioneer Valley. Residents often have to wait longer than two weeks to see a doctor due to high demand at the closest medical centres, and on top of that, they need to take half a day or more from work to accommodate the lengthy drive and wait times once they arrive. Add to these factors the cost of fuel, the result is that locals are leaving their health to chance, and those with chronic conditions aren’t being monitored as closely as they should be.

We spoke to Calen’s pharmacist, Kaz Olaniyan, to hear how the lack of close medical care is impacting local residents.

“The challenge people here face is the distance to see a doctor,” Mr Olaniyan said.

“Sometimes they are having two to four weeks before they are able to see a doctor in Mackay, even just to get a prescription for their essential medications. We try our best here, within the law, to assist when they run out of medication, but we are only able to supply three days’ worth of medication in some cases which is not enough if they have more than a weeks’ wait to see a doctor.”

“This is why we so desperately need a doctor here, not only for Calen but all the other rural areas surrounding Calen such as Seaforth, Bloomsbury, Pindi Pindi, Kuttabul, Midge Point and more.

“Some people travel to Airlie Beach to see a doctor sooner, which I do not think is good enough.”

Mr Olaniyan said many people suffering from chronic conditions need closer medical support.

“Calen is just a mini-Australia. What you see in other places is what you see here, just on a smaller scale. So there are people with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, pregnant women, cancer, kidney disease, and we haven’t even covered the range of accidents which can happen on the farms. Many people here work the land,” he said.

“The need for us to have a doctor here is desperate, I don’t use that word lightly.”

Although there are telehealth options and some medical centres will fax a prescription to the pharmacy, Mr Olaniyan said this doesn’t solve the problem.

“There are many conditions that a doctor will want to see a patient for, and a prescription is only a small part of a person’s health. When someone delays their visit to see a doctor, they could be making a life-threatening disease worse without knowing.

“For painkillers and other controlled medications, a doctor will usually insist on seeing a patient before prescribing, so while telehealth options can help in some cases, in others it could potentially make a situation more dangerous,” he said.

The flow-on effect is that the lack of close medical care in Calen means there is added pressure on the local ambulance service based at Calen.

“When people can’t see a doctor, the last resort is emergency,” Mr Olaniyan said.

“It puts pressure on the ambulance which could have been avoided, which then puts added pressure on the emergency departments in Mackay and Proserpine.

“A doctor here would make the difference. It only needs to be one or two days a week. It could be a travelling rural clinic or something similar, there must be a solution Queensland Health can provide.”

Mr Olaniyan opened the Calen pharmacy around two years ago, as well as one in Seaforth about a year ago, to help the rural communities who had no close access to medications. He operates the Calen pharmacy in the mornings and the Seaforth pharmacy in the afternoons, with Seaforth also open on Saturday.

Also at the heart of Calen is the newsagency, where grabbing a loaf of bread usually comes with a chat to Mavis or Peta.

Peta Sturdy said her mother had to wait almost two weeks to see her doctor in Mackay just to get a repeat prescription.

“You need to take a day to see a doctor in Mackay, and when you work 6-days per week, it’s hard to find that sort of time,” Ms Sturdy said.

“If there was a doctor here, you could schedule it into a lunch break.

“I know I’ve had to use the ambulance a couple of times for things that could have been seen by a GP instead, which puts added pressure on the two guys here who cover the ambulance.

“Not only is it the time, it’s the cost, the added wear and tear on the car. My kids are older now but in the past, it was a mission to pack everyone up when my husband was working just to go to the doctor.

“There’s no question, Calen needs a doctor.”

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