Hi Everyone,

This week our team attended Anzac Day Services across the region and had the honour of documenting this important occasion by taking over 800 photos right across the community.

From smiling school kids proudly waving Australian flags to sombre ex-service men and women who had fought in a war– our photos captured a moment in time, and we share them with you all in a special six-page photo gallery on pages 18 to 23 in this edition.

Many of the additional images that we didn’t have space to print are also available for free online through our website and on our Facebook page.

At the Cannonvale dawn service, I was stopped by a proud father who had left his phone in the car and wanted me to take a photo of his son.

It felt great to help him preserve this important moment and I feel like our entire team contributed to the community on Anzac Day which was very rewarding.

All the Anzac Day events are organised by teams of dedicated volunteers.

From the RSL Sub Branches to the musicians who come along each year to sing the National Anthem, play the bagpipes or the trumpet.

From the teachers that organise a rabble of school children into a procession, the volunteers who drive the minibuses, hold the Two-Up, hand out flags at the march or give an umbrella to a stranger.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this Anzac Day special.

Anzac Day is not only a day we say a solemn thank you to those that fought in wars to give us the freedom we have today, it is also a time when we come together.

In the spirit of the Anzacs, this is a day when our own community shines, when strangers and friends unite to say thanks for the life we all hold dear.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend”

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In many cases a good deed slips by unnoticed or the kind Samaritan prefers to step away from the spotlight and remain anonymous.

This was the case with a Good Deed we heard about this week and despite being asked to share, the gentlemen preferred to keep his act of kindness a secret.

With that said, we will respect his privacy but tell you a little about his thoughtful gift that will undoubtedly help some of our more vulnerable residents.

A local tradie, who had a few days “up his sleeve” before a new work contract started used his spare time to extend his services for free to any elderly people or those who have been struggling and could not otherwise afford to get something fixed.

“I am dual trades, handyman, can fix almost anything and I am happy to give up a few hours of my time each day,” read the post on Whitsunday Noticeboard.

While many of us would have used this small reprieve between work contracts to relax, unwind, head out on the water or pursue other hobbies, this kind person decided to contribute to our community and help others.

Good on you Mr anonymous!

Fixing small items around the house can seem easy to many but for those without the invaluable skills of a tradesperson, these jobs are often out of reach and out of budget.

The same goes for other skills – such as fixing computers, writing resumes and repairing clothes – do you have a talent that seems simple to you but would mean the world to someone else?

If so – could you help a fellow local in need?

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The experienced skydiver involved in an accident in the Whitsundays over a week ago has died in hospital from his injuries.

Douglas Ball, 52, was completing a solo dive amongst a group of people when he sustained critical injuries after a “hard landing” at Laguna Quays, north of Mackay.

After sustaining the injuries on April 16, Mr Ball was first flown to Mackay Base Hospital before being transferred to Princess Alexandra Hospital, in Brisbane, where he died from his injuries.

Police said initial investigations suggest Mr Ball’s parachute opened correctly. Mr Ball was an extraordinarily experienced skydiver, according to Police, who said he had completed more than 1,000 jumps.

Friends expressed their sympathies in losing a “bloody awesome human being”.

“It was a gift to know you mate free Fallin Blue sky’s never ending,” one friend said. “Life already doesn’t feel the same without you.”

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52-year-old Douglas Ball has died in hospital from injuries sustained in a skydiving accident on April 16 north of Mackay

• Know the abnormal signs – It’s important to be able to recognise abnormal signs and know when to present to an emergency department. It’s always best to seek medical attention if you’re unsure of what to do.

• Know your DRSABCD – Knowing DRSABCD is imperative, as is knowing how to perform CPR correctly and safely: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, Compression, Defibrillator.

• Keep a first aid kit handy – Ensure your first aid kit is easily accessible, stocked with essential items and in-date.

• Attend a baby first aid course – Feel empowered and educated as a parent or carer by attending a baby first aid course, giving you the tools to understand and treat breathing difficulties, choking, allergies and anaphylaxis, burns, poisons, rashes, head injuries and more.

Loretta Woodford of Parentmedic will be speaking about airway management and CPR for babies and children at the Positive Pregnancy and Birth Expo on Saturday, May 13 in room 2 from 11:00am. Parentmedic provides the Mackay and Whitsunday areas with baby first aid courses, empowering and educating parents and carers with the knowledge to save a child’s life. For more information, visit parentmedic.co or contact Loretta on northqld@parentmedic.co or 0414 967 404.

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Whitsunday Regional Council are facing another Planning and Environment Court battle following an appeal from a developer whose plans were denied for the proposed storage units at 82 Shute Harbour Road in Cannonvale.

This appeal represents a second court battle of this nature, as Council is currently fighting a with Save Our Foreshore following its decision to approve the 47.7 metre high-rise hotel at Port of Airlie.

Unlike the Port of Airlie case, however, Council is on the other side of the argument, following their decision to deny the proposal for the 550-unit storage facility on a residentially zoned block of land in Cannonvale.

Due to the rapid growth of the Greater Airlie Beach Area, Council is increasingly tasked with making tough decisions that seem to either put the needs of future growth or the priorities of existing residents first.

Robin Weaver lives on the site adjacent to the site of proposed storage shed development and said that he is pleased with the Council decision.

“We have dire shortages of residential sites in the area, and it would be sad to see it lost to the commercial sector,” he said.

“They choose this site, despite it being zoned 'residential' because it's the easiest development site near town, all the services are there.

“For the same reason it would be the best residential development site and would offer opportunity for many new homes close to town and transport services and which help alleviate a critical housing shortage.

“People need a storage facility to store things they don't need day-to-day and for that reason they should be located on the periphery and not create an eyesore on prime residential land.”

Once the application was denied, developers Middle Pond Pty Ltd, submitted a second application for an alternative proposal to adopt the same footprint as the storage facility but for a different commercial development.

This was accepted by Council.

Mr Weaver believes this could be used for a retail area and he is comfortable with this use of land providing the remaining land on the site remains residential.

Despite this approval, the developers are still appealing in order to fight for their initial proposal, and they seem determined to go ahead with the storage sheds.

“I hope and trust that our Council will vigorously defend their position for which they have very good reasons so to do,” said Mr Weaver.

“I have spoken with a Council representative, and they believe the court will have good reason to reject the proposal and that they are not likely to lose.

“Alas this will result in more wasted ratepayers' funds in defending an application for which the Council had very good reasons to refuse.”

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Council denied the proposal for 550-unit storage sheds which had been proposed for residentially zoned land. Image supplied

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The court case between Save Our Foreshore and Whitsunday Regional Council has been adjourned once again due to a “witness’ serious illness”.

This is the latest of delays at the Planning and Environment Court which allocated six days to hear the case.

Save Our Foreshore (SOF) are challenging the approval of a 47.7 metre high-rise hotel on the large flat land at Port of Airlie.

Council approved the height of the development despite the maximum height in the Airlie Beach Town Plan being listed as no more than 18 metres.

For the past year Save Our Foreshore has been fighting the decision and President of SOF, Suzette Pelt, said that the current delay of three weeks could not be avoided.

“While it’s frustrating to have taken some 12 months to get this far, it is what it is and while unfortunate for all, our barristers do want to cross examine this particular witness,” she said.

“We’ve been fighting successive Councils to save public foreshores, parklands and Airlie’s famous low rise character against massive overdevelopments that don’t comply with the town plan for nearly 20 years, we can be patient for another three weeks.”

Ms Pelt also vents her frustrations at what she believes is Council’s latest tactic to remove the ‘maximum heights’ wording from a 999-page Major Planning Amendment which was released last week.

“Councillors previously unanimously voted for the words “maximum heights” and the low-rise character description of Airlie Beach to remain, but the Planning department has again deleted,” she explains.

“These words need to remain and by trying to get them removed for the second time, shows a level of desperation. You have to ask why?”

“It’s the lack of a good town plan with clarity that has led us into court in the first place”.

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One of the highlights on our annual events calendar, the White on Whitehaven is back in 2023, continuing the success of the 2022 event.

Prepared and hosted by Fish D’Vine, the White on Whitehaven Long Lunch is now in its fifth year.

The leisurely luncheon begins with patrons travelling in air-conditioned comfort from Port of Airlie to Whitehaven Beach, where they are greeted with French champagne and the lush soft silica sand.

On the menu – canapes of freshly shucked oysters and salmon sashimi, with the main meal of fresh seafood, BBQ meats and gourmet salads.

In the afternoon, patrons are able to lounge in the sand, bonding with each other, or are free to participate in some beach limbo before the returning back to the foreshore.

Fish D’Vine co-owner Kevin Collins is excited to see the return of the event and has encouraged patrons to secure tickets soon.

“The 2022 event saw three days of stunning Whitsunday Spring weather attracting over 700 guests from around the country,” he said.

“White on Whitehaven is the only Whitehaven Beach long lunch event open to the public and many guests have rebooked to join us again this year.

“The Saturday is 50% sold already, so don’t delay, as this year’s event is sure to be a sell out!”

The Long Lunch includes live music from nationally acclaimed band The Natural Culture, a drink package of Laurenti Champagne, Grainshaker and Diablo cocktails and much more.

Tickets went on sale last week.

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Enjoy the day away on this sell-out luncheon

Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. has launched its new recycling program, Project Titan, last week which hopes to recycle or repurpose over 8,000 kilograms of collected marine debris from the Whitsunday Islands through the ideas of volunteers.

The Project’s first brainstorming session was held on Thursday at the not-for-profit’s Eco HQ, in Jubilee Pocket, where the group hopes to transform its thousands of kilograms of debris collected over the past two years into reusable products in-house.

A band of volunteers made input to Project Titan – a continually evolving program which takes its namesake from a moon of Saturn - during its first “Think Tank” session and offered their various skillsets to assist.

In the roughly 14 years of Eco Barge’s operation, the not-for-profit has collected over 245,000 kilograms of marine debris and litter from the Whitsunday Islands.

The debris has either previously been sorted as per the Australian Marine Debris Initiative, then recycled or sent to landfill, or, in the past, has been repurposed through efforts both at Eco HQ in a processing machine or was bailed and shipped to recycling plants in Mackay.

Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. founder Libby Edge said those efforts had worked but were extremely difficult and inefficient with such volumes: “It would take 500 days to shred 500-kilograms,” she said.

During internal discussions the idea had formed to “crowdsource” a plan for recycling the debris, and Project Titan was born.

“We discussed what we already tried to do and how those projects weren’t efficient enough,” Ms Edge said.

“Instead of putting the onus on our already overloaded workers, with over 2000 volunteers on our books, we put the word out to them to see what skills they have and how can they help us find a solution.”

At the first meeting, Ms Edge said it was “quite amazing” what the volunteers brought to the table.

“What was discussed was making an iconic product for the Whitsundays out of this debris,” she said.

“Maybe not an art structure – which is something we’ve done before - but something people can replicate for their own home; something that links them to us and shows they directly helped us.”

Ms Edge said that, with the amount of backloaded recyclables they had on site, if they were able to monetise the refuse somehow, it could potentially fund Eco Barge into the future.

“We could make picture-frames, an art sculpture for educational purposes, plastic garden pots, chairs,” she said.

“What Project Titan is doing is bringing Eco Barge back to the volunteers and the skills they can bring. It gives them the ownership. This think tank for the first few meetings is about sieving out things until something goes clunk: what has traction? What are the pitfalls?”

The next Project Titan meeting will coincide with a new moon-phase on Friday, April 28, at 5pm.

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Whitsunday Regional Council’s expansion works for the Airlie Beach Boardwalk began this week to improve congestion and future proof the “much-loved community asset.”

The upgrades will be performed in sections, with the first portion being upgraded between Coral Sea Resort and Coral Sea Marina, taking approximately six weeks, weather permitting.

“It’s time for an upgrade,” Whitsunday Mayor Julie Hall said.

“We will be expanding the boardwalk by one metre to increase the capacity for users. We’ll also be replacing the timber with a composite fibre material to extend the life of the asset and reduce the maintenance cost on ratepayers.”

During the upgrade period, which began on April 24, the boardwalk will be closed, with detours in place. Future stages of the upgrade will be announced once grant funding becomes available.

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The Coral Sea section of the Airlie Beach Boardwalk has closed for six weeks for upgrades

The final piece of the Bonza puzzle landed on Whitsunday tarmac last week, the inaugural flight to Toowoomba representing the last link to the three destinations offered by the budget airline.

The service will operate twice weekly on Monday and Friday with flights starting from $59 per person one way.

This means passengers will be able to fly direct between the Sunshine Coast, Newcastle and now Toowoomba.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall welcomed the new Toowoomba flights and said it was the perfect synergy linking the highlands to the islands.

“This is fantastic news for the Whitsunday business and tourism sectors and opens up a massive catchment area to attract new visitors to Australia’s most popular domestic tourism destination,” she said.

“The connectivity with Wellcamp Airport at Toowoomba also opens the possibility of international freight opportunities for our region.

“And the best kicker of all is that Bonza is a budget airline which means cheaper airfares, more bums on seats and extra bodies in beds to boost the local economy of both regions.”

Carly Povey, Chief Commercial Officer at Bonza, sad she was thrilled to see the final link connected.

“Today’s new route is great news for people of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs,” she said.

“You can now enjoy a weekend in the Whitsundays with a direct flight on Friday and returning on Monday for as little as $59 per person one way.

“Savvy travellers to the Whitsundays can also bolt on a short trip to experience a different side to Queensland including inland winery and food trails.

“Locals from the Whitsundays, Mackay and surrounds should also take the opportunity to visit Toowoomba in September for the annual Carnival of Flowers - a month-long celebration of Australia’s Garden City.”

Bonza Airlines offer a host of different services including an App-only booking platform and an on-flight straight to your seat service.

“Onboard, our team of legends are delivering a game changing experience for travellers with our all Aussie menu that is delivered directly to your seat,” said Ms Povey.

“The airline trolley is definitely a thing of the past!”

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Whitsunday Regional Council Chief Operating Officer Aviation and Tourism, Craig Turner, Mayor Julie Hall, Carly Povey Chief Commercial Officer at Bonza and Dennis Wagner. Photo supplied

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After many years working autonomously for the same purpose, Proserpine Chamber of Commerce and Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce have decided to merge and form one entity which will represent the region as a whole.

By joining forces, it is hoped that ideas and innovations can flow across the business community and that collaboration will generate a new excitement among members and drive higher engagement in uniting and representing the common interests.

The move will also help lighten the load for committee members who often juggle volunteer responsibilities with running their own businesses.

President of the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce Allan Milostic expressed his excitement at a breakfast networking event held at Whitsunday Green Golf Club last Thursday morning.

“This is an opportunity that we have discussed over the years and now it is finally happening,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity to forge a much stronger and more united voice in the greater Whitsunday area and it will connect this growth corridor.

“It makes no sense to have two different chambers with limited volunteer resources, it makes much more sense to have one strong and united presence.”

In addition, the new united Chamber has employed two liaisons who will guide the direction of the organisation from within and create a solid structure that will form the framework of the group for years to come.

Dr Julia Evans and her husband Richard Evans have accepted this position and were present at the meeting.

Julia has over 20 years’ experience working within large organisations, optimising the structure, efficiency and overall running of the entity.

She will bring these skills to her new role at the Chamber.

Richard has been board member and CEO of several national and state industry associations  and a previous Federal Member of Parliament.

He gave a motivational speech at the networking breakfast which inspired members.

Allan Milostic finished by saying that the Chamber would now be open for feedback from members ahead of the next event  which will take place during Queensland Small Business Month on Tuesday, May 16.

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Kim Porter and Amanda Yuksan, Annette Neil, Allan Milostic, Megan Taylor, Julia Evans and Richard Evans. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Tickets for Whitsunday Mayor Julie Hall’s first annual Charity Ball at the revitalised Shute Harbour Marine Terminal are on sale now.

The Saturday, 22 of July event will host a three-course dinner with drinks included, fireworks, and live entertainment from the eight-piece Baker Boy Band.

All proceeds will be donated to Mayor Hall’s charities of choice: RACQ CQ Rescue and Whitsunday Housing Company.

“We’re hoping to raise as much money as we can for both these not-for-profit charities and ensure that they can continue with the wonderful service they provide to our region,” Mayor Hall said.

Tickets are available online at local tickets.

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The Mayor’s Charity Ball returns after a two-year hiatus with tickets on sale now

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A local charity’s Tiny Homes Project has partnered with Play for Purpose – a national raffle organisation - to bolster its plans of housing women over 55.

In collaboration with the special fundraising raffle site managed by The Lottery Corporation, Whitsunday Housing Company Ltd (WHCL) hope to raise the money to build four tiny homes on donated land.

Play for Purpose runs regular raffles for major causes across the country, using their platform, contributing 50 per cent of ticket price to charities of choice and using the remainder to purchase prizes such as a $15,000 travel vouchers, campervans, and more.

WHCL’s Tiny Homes Project was established in late 2022 in effort to ease the housing crisis for elderly homeless women over 55 years of age right here in the Whitsundays with the help of two local women: Fiona Donnellan and Sandy Clark.  

With the reach of the project rocketing in 2023, “the race is on to raise the money and to build the homes.”

Volunteer Sandy Clark said if people can save the link and share it with their friends, the funds can

“roll in quickly for the Tiny Homes Project.”

“This is bound to be a great opportunity and a great way of raising money for our build,” she said.

“Not only this year, but ongoing if people believe in our cause and spread the link.”  

Multiple Play for Purpose raffles will run during the year however, the current online raffle closes on June 15.

Many prizes are on offer, with tickets easy to purchase, and the first prize is a VW Crafter Campervan and gold bullion worth $250 thousand.

Tickets are $10 each and 50 per cent of the ticket price will be paid to the Tiny Homes Project at WHCL.  

Donations link: https://playforpurpose.com.au/Tiny-Homes-Project

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The Proserpine Chamber of Commerce and the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce will be merging to become one Chamber.

We congratulate Kim Porter and Misty Bland on their appointment to the Chamber Committee and look forward to working with them. We would also like to extend our appreciation to Amanda and Greg Yuskan who will be liaising and assisting with the transition process of becoming one Chamber.

The Chamber will soon undertake a strategic review process, reviewing previous plans and establishing new ones to sharpen a regional focus on advocacy, membership services, events and networking, communications, and Chamber operations.

As part of this review, we are considering new and exclusive membership offerings, with Proserpine Chamber members initially being offered an honorary 12-month membership to the combined Chamber.

We are excited for what the future holds and the opportunities this merger presents. We look forward to working with all our members and continuing to support and represent the Whitsundays business community.

In speaking of the future, at our next special Chamber event, we will hear federal, state, and regional perspectives on the future for the Whitsundays.

Our speakers will explore the current drivers of change and how they might influence our region in the next 25-40 years, and ideas we could explore today to future-proof the next few decades.  The Chamber will also discuss its intention to develop a vision for the Whitsundays and how Chamber members and the community can play a vital role by joining the conversation.  

This event is open to all Chamber members and their guests, and the broader Whitsundays community.  

Save the date for 6pm-8pm Tuesday 16 May 2023. This event forms part of the Chamber’s program for the 2023 Queensland Small Business Month and is supported by a Regional Networker Grant administered by the Queensland Government Department of Employment, Small Business and the Training

Allan Milostic, President of the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce

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As Mayor, I believe a key role of my job is to engage with the community to ensure that our region continues to be a vibrant and welcoming place for all.

I’m currently working with Council to investigate ways we can attract new businesses to the region to create more jobs for residents.

We also want to ensure that people have the skills and training they need to compete in today's economy.

To this end, we have been in discussions with Mackay’s Resource Centre of Excellence to explore opportunities to create a similar hub in Bowen.

A centre like this in our region would be key in facilitating education and training for our future workforce. This is no quick fix project and will take a lot of collaboration, but we need to start the ball rolling now.

Sadly, homelessness in the region has continued to rise. Here at Council, we are responding to it as best we can with the limited resources we have.

One way we are doing this is by calling on the Australian Government to extend the deadline for the operation of the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).

The NRAS scheme provides incentives to property investors to build and rent out affordable housing, helping to increase the supply of rental properties and lower rental prices.

Also, Council recently voted to approve, with conditions, a new master-planned home park estate at Lodge Rd in Mount Gordon with 402 relocatable buildings which will focus providing housing to the over 50s demographic.

On another note, Whitsunday Coast Airport continues to grow and evolve with a new Freight Distribution Centre opening earlier this month.

The opening of this facility is the first step towards positioning the Whitsunday region as a player in the national and international freight industry.

Also last week I flew on the first Toowoomba to Whitsundays Bonza flight which has capped a huge month for the airport after recently smashing the weekly and daily passenger records. This new route now opens up another catchment area to the Whitsundays of up to 840,000 people.

Whilst in Toowoomba we toured the Wellcamp freight centre and discussed ways we could link our facilities to deliver international freight opportunities to the Whitsundays.

Finally, I am working with our Economic Development team to explore funding opportunities for a community minibus for Bowen, Collinsville and surrounds to transport patients to Townsville for medical appointments.

I am passionate about access and equity across the region, and we are working hard with local community groups to attempt to get this project off the ground.

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