More than 500 residential lots bordered by open space and parkland have just been opened-up and approved for development in Cannon Valley.

Gold Coast-based, Alder Developments, have secured this 100-hectare parcel of land at 1405 Shute Harbour Road, Cannon Valley and are looking forward to creating a master planned community “for Whitsunday residents to live in and to raise their families”.

Alder Developments General Manager Greg Tupicoff says Alder Developments assessed dozens of alternate opportunities before deciding to secure the Cannon Valley site which is positioned on Shute Harbour Road leading into Airlie Beach.

“This master planned community project will be delivered in 20-plus stages over the next 10-plus years providing a range of diverse houses, retail, commercial, and educational land uses for the growing market along with parklands with shaded areas, play areas, utilities, and community facilities for the enjoyment of residents and locals alike,” says Mr Tupicoff.

“The development will serve the families of the Whitsundays by offering affordable land to the market in the area which the Whitsundays Regional Council has designated in their 2021 Structure Plan as the desirable growth areas for the Whitsundays.”

Alder Developments’ are also behind Airlie Summit, the last major subdivision of Airlie Beach centre, a 24-hectare development which has approval for the creation of 89 new residential lots.

Explore Whitsundays is the exclusive selling agent for both Cannon Valley and Airlie Summit, any enquiries are to be directed towards Steve Marks on 0423 790 850.

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Family homes and lifestyle living at the new 100-hectare estate in Cannon Valley. Photo supplied

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Back by popular demand, the third iteration of this lively community fundraiser is returning in October and this time they have extended the party, opening the event up to welcome 500 guests.

Hosted by one of the event sponsors, Cape Gloucester Resort, the night will embrace a Hawaiian theme, so make sure you bring your floral shirts and headdresses, throw on a grass skirt and get ready to dance barefoot on the sand.

The Tiny Homes Project is a local charity organisation created by a group of locals who decided to tackle the housing crisis head-on by raising much-needed funds to build four homes for homeless women over 55 living in the Whitsundays.

They work closely with Whitsunday Housing to source grant funding and have also garnered community spirit by hosting regular events which have proven very successful, the last one raising over $30,000 for the cause.

One of the organisers, Fiona Donnellan, said that they are swiftly reaching their goal and are aiming to start construction of the four homes on Gardenia Street in Proserpine before the end of the year.

“We are getting closer to our target thanks to the generosity of the community,” she said.

“Every contribution, big or small, makes a significant difference in the lives of those we aim to help - we are not just building tiny homes, we're building a community.”

Whitsunday Transit are also an event sponsor and have kindly supplied some of their buses to ferry partygoers from the Greater Airlie Beach Area to Cape Gloucester Resort.

GForce and Viva Acoustic will bring their own unique talent to stage for the night.

These two highly regarded bands have donated their time for the event, their lively tunes guaranteed to get the party started and the dancefloor packed.

The events kicks-off at 5pm and guests will be greeted with a welcome cocktail on arrival, perfectly timed to watch the sunset over the ocean.

Canapes will then be served and a lively charity auction will commence.

As daylight fades and night surrounds, the party steps up a notch with the music beckoning everyone to the dancefloor.

The free return shuttle departs at 10am and organisers are hoping to include a camping option for those who would like to stay.

WHAT: Get Lei’d Hawaiian Beach Party

WHERE: Cape Gloucester Resort

WHEN: Saturday, October 7

TIME: 5pm-10pm

TICKETS: $100 from airlieevents.com.au

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Over 500 people expected to attend the Get Lei’d Hawaiian Beach Party Fundraiser at Cape Gloucester Resort. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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The inaugural Pop-Up Chamber event took place at Whitsunday Creatives in Proserpine last week and the relaxed, unstructured morning proved popular with attendees who relished the time to chat, network and share views in a casual environment.

“Today’s event saw business cards flying, excited conversations, and follow up actions,” said the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce’s Policy Officer, Richard Evans.

During the event, attendees spoke of the need for genuine opportunities to make valuable business connections and to form an active and collaborative business community.

Team Amanda Camm were present on the day and they voiced their eagerness to find a time and a place to regularly meet, learn more about each other, and explore collaborations.

Business concerns were also discussed, and topics included comprehensive insurance, small business education, reliable internet, mobile phone coverage, enhancements to Proserpine’s streetscape, funding pathways and support with grant writing.

Earlier this year Whitsunday Coast Chamber and Proserpine Chamber merged to form one united entity and during the pop-up event, the Chamber’s yet to be released strategy and advocacy plan was sense-checked with attendees.

Mr Evans said that today’s event emphasised the necessity of a unified and organised voice for businesses in the region.

“Our goal is to ensure that businesses have a powerful advocate that champions their interests and effectively engages with policy makers at all levels of government,” he said.

“By collaborating with the Chamber, businesses can amplify their collective voice, and directly contribute to fostering a prosperous and resilient Whitsundays.”

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Julia and Richard Evans from Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce host the inaugural pop-up event in Proserpine last week. Photo supplied

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Earlier this month, my fellow Councillors and I attended the Greater Whitsunday Housing Summit in Mackay. The summit is a much-needed collaboration between the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Isaac regions to discuss gaps in our current housing system.

We came away with a multitude of learnings and information from the event which we will now use to prepare a local housing action plan to address local issues specific to our diverse industries and housing needs.

One of the challenges identified in the summit was investor and developer confidence in the region. To tackle this, we have been talking with community housing providers, and are investigating how we can move the provision of infrastructure forward by partnering with other government agencies.

Prior to the summit, WRC CEO Warren Bunker and I attended a breakfast with The Minister for Housing, the Honourable Megan Scanlon MP, to discuss how we can work with the State Government to secure future funding for social and affordable housing in our region.

In other news, Council’s organisational structure has recently undergone some slight amendments to allow for a greater focus on strategy and network planning. These changes will not affect the 23/24 budget and have been put in place to make sure we are well prepared for the future and that our regional advocacy needs are front of mind.

One such amendment of the organisational structure includes bringing all commercial business units under one Directorate. The goal of this strategic change is to refocus efforts within the commercial assets of council and ensure a strong and sustainable financial performance, which will deliver profits.

We are also identifying the key areas across the region where we will be talking to community and local stakeholders about masterplans to deliver more liveable and enjoyable places for residents and visitors alike.

To this end, Council have had an initial meeting with North Queensland Bulk Ports to investigate an economically viable way to save the Bowen jetty. I also recently had the pleasure of meeting The Honourable Minister Bailey MP, Minister for Transport and Main Roads to discuss the situation. I am extremely grateful for the $50M his government has decided to allocate to save the jetty.

In Proserpine, public consultation is underway for a new Whitsunday Coast Airport Masterplan. Amazingly, we have outgrown our last 10-year masterplan in 4.5 years due to the extremely successful performance of our airport. Well done to all!

Finally, I would like to take a minute to say THANK YOU to all of the amazing sponsors, donators, attendees, and auction bidders who made the record breaking 2023 Mayor’s Annual Charity Ball such a success!

We raised a whopping $105,828.58 which will go a long way in helping our two beneficiaries, RACQ CQ Rescue and Whitsunday Housing Company Ltd, to continue the great work they do in our region.

The generosity of our community has blown me away especially in tough times such as these. It is a real testament to the fact that our local people and businesses are truly the heart of the Whitsundays.

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We have a several different construction crews within Council, all extremely versatile and capable!

Our grader teams work hard to repair and maintain our rural road network whilst our maintenance crews work on our major roads to patch up potholes, undertake drainage repairs, conduct line marking, install road signs, and carry out minor concrete repairs.

We also have dedicated capital works teams in the north and south of the region who deliver a large portion of our budgeted projects, no matter how complex.

Our mower teams maintain our major roads and highways by slashing overgrown vegetation whilst our Parks and Gardens teams work to keep all of our open spaces clean, safe, and tidy for all residents to enjoy.  

We also have dedicated team who inspect Council infrastructure assets such as our roads, drainage, footpaths, and signage to ensure that they are always compliant.

This team also carries out investigations and replies to any Customer complaints we receive in these departments.

All of our construction workers are trained in traffic control and plant operation and are progressed though Certificate 3 and 4 Construction Operations.  

Our teams work tirelessly to make sure our region is a wonderful place for us all to enjoy. They also take pride in their work and carry them out using safe work practices to ensure every employee can return home to their families every day.

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With Dea Huvonen

Whether visiting the Whitsundays for a holiday or a long-time local, the Whitsundays Visitor Information Centre is a great place to head if you are seeking inspiration and knowledge.

For Dea Huvonen, the Business Development Manager who is at the helm of the Centre, it is a great community asset, one that she is proud to be involved with.

Alongside her six eager volunteers, Dea always greets every visitor to the centre, sharing knowledge, making recommendations, and ensuring guests have the best time in our region.

Dea says the volunteers are amazing.

“This is their passion, they love the work and they love the region; they just want to give the visitors the best experience they can have in the Whitsundays,” she said.

Located next to the Whitsunday Gold Coffee Plantation and café on the Bruce Highway just outside Proserpine, the Visitor Information Centre boasts a welcoming space with a selection of information brochures and guides.

“We are unbiased, and just want the best for the visitor, so we suggest activities and experiences that work within their budget, their family, and their time frame,” explains Dea.

“Last month, we had our record month; we had over 900 people come in, so we’re looking at 30 to 50 guests a day.”

That’s not including the amazing phone and web enquiries, and emails Dea answers on a daily basis.

Visitor or not, the Whitsundays Visitor Information Centre is your one-stop-shop on all things Whitsundays.

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The Bowen Historical Society and Museum is turning 60 and wants everyone to join in on the celebration!

An idea of three Bowen local men, the Bowen Historical Society and Museum now acts as a beacon for locals and visitors alike, to learn and engage with Bowen’s bountiful history.

The Historical Society was official founded in August 1963, by Victor Jones, Walter Cottrell, and Henry Darwen, who wished to discuss and explore Bowen’s history with likeminded locals.

In its first year, the Bowen Historical Society grew to over 70 members, and soon, locals began gifting antiques and items to Victor, for the Society.

Taking residence in the room above what is now the Department of Transport Centre, the Historical Society soon outgrew the site and went on to build their first museum premise.

“We have gone from strength to strength,” explained Julie Jurgens, Secretary for the Bowen Historical Society and Museum.

“In those days everyone knew the town’s history, preserving and collating pieces of history and artifacts.

“Nowadays, we stand for locals and visitors to come and learn about Bowen.”

Catering for everyone from visitors, locals, and even school groups, the Bowen Museum is a hive of activity and action.

The 60 Years celebrations includes markets tomorrow, and a Social Night next Friday evening, where the Society will share stories of the museum’s history and feature talks from the founders, that have been persevered in the museum.

WHAT: Bowen Historical Society’s Morning Market

WHERE: Museum Grounds

WHEN: Saturday August 26 from 9am

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WHAT: Bowen Historical Society Social Night

WHERE: Museum Grounds

WHEN: Friday, September 1 from 7.30pm

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Now is the time to invest in a new wardrobe with Wendy Bickhoff and her team at Coral’s City 2 Country.

Stocking everything from the perfect frock for race day to your jeans, boots, and hat for hitting the paddock, you are spoiled for choice.

“We’ve got everything from boots and jeans to dresses, shoes, and lingerie,” said Wendy.

With over 600 square meters of prominent store frontage and excellent customer service, it is no surprise customers travel far and wide to get a peek at the wide range of fashion items at the Bowen store.

“I have people coming from Mackay and Sarina, some from Ayr,” said Wendy

“They see our dresses in pictures and come into the shop looking for exactly that.”

Stocking some of the biggest brand names, Coral’s City 2 Country has Fate + Becker, Escape and Orientique, Thomas Cook, and Sass.

In the extensive range of country clothing, they also have Wrangler, Ariat, Bullzye, Grace in LA, and Pure Western.

Shopping for the entire family has never been easier, with an entire range of children’s clothing available on the shop floor too.

And Coral’s City 2 Country is even looking after their customers out and about, servicing almost each and every local show, PBR and rodeo that is occurring in the region.

You can’t miss them at the upcoming Dittmann Bucking Bulls and Bull Pit, on August 26, so be sure to find their stall and shop the newest fashions.

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Wife and Husband team, Wendy and Mark Bickhoff, with Mary, Wendy’s mum, keeping Bowen on-trend. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

At The Grand View Hotel

If you haven’t been to the Grand View Hotel this week you haven’t been to the Grand View Hotel at all, with a new menu hitting the kitchen and dining room tables.

Completely turning your basic pub feed on its head, the Grand View Hotel is offering premium upmarket meals at fantastic prices, a move which is intriguing and exciting patrons with exotic touches on classic meals.

Louise Savage is the long time Kitchen Manager and has specially crafted this menu to entice Bowen locals and visitors.

“I try to bring something totally different to the menu than your normal pub fare, while still trying to keep your normal standard pub goers happy,” she explained.

“We’re utilising the smoker with the smoked chicken wings, and we’ve got different things like gourmet spring rolls, and lemon pepper calamari.”

One dish on the menu is the Buddha Bowl, which is proving popular with travellers.

With a base of sushi rice, the bowl includes pickled carrot, daikon, salt and pepper tofu, kakiage fritters, edamame and wakame slaw.

“We’re trying to bring really different flavours that people aren’t used to trying.”

Don’t miss the beautiful al dente pasta, Macadamia Nut Pesto, with local tomatoes, burrata cheese on pappardelle.

Perfectly pairing with the extensive main meals is the carefully selected dessert menu.

Each are created in house and are decadent in rich flavours.

In fact, close to everything in the kitchen is locally produced and sourced, with each sauce made in house.

“That’s why we have such a tomato heavy menu!” said Louise.

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St Catherine’s Catholic College Year 10 student, Ivan Poljakavoic has recently completed an entire week of work experience, working with the Whitsunday Regional Council Bowen Office.

Primarily working in the Information Technology Department of Council, Ivan was given a fantastic opportunity to experience technical computer engineering and data base collection.

For five days, he was doing everything from internal computer diagnosing, IT jobs, and computer assembly and disassembly, as well as compute mapping.

“My supervisors and the Council gave me a good look at everything that is involved in the job,” Ivan explained.

“They were very supportive and helped me at every point of the week.”

With this work experience under his belt, Ivan is looking to complete a traineeship or certificate in Information Technology, wishing to expand his skills and talents.

“It’s exciting to see the amount of young people taking advantage of the opportunity to work in one of the many fields that local government has to offer,” said Julie Hall, Whitsunday Mayor.

“It’s also a positive for the organisation knowing that some of the students might decide to follow a career path at Whitsunday Regional Council in the future.”

St Catherine’s Catholic College is proud of our students and grateful to the Whitsunday Regional Council and all our hosts across the community.

“The work experience hosts have dedicated their time in training our students and provided an understanding of the work environment,” said Tara Congoo, VET and Pathways Coordinator for St Catherine’s Catholic College.

“Our students have received great feedback from their hosts, and we have had some students receive job offers and further training opportunities which is a fantastic outcome. “

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Work experience student Ivan Poljakavoic spent one week in the Bowen Offices of the Whitsunday Regional Council, learning the tricks of the trade in Information Technologies. Photo supplied

If Australia goes into a recession over the next twelve months, how prepared is your family?  How will it affect your job or business?  How will it affect your super or pension?

There is a very strong possibility that Australia will have a recession soon.  Like most of the world, the huge handbrake central banks have put on economies with much higher interest rates are starting to bight.  With monthly loan repayments rising by around 50% and those increases flowing on to rents as well, families have less to spend and are cutting things back in their budgets.  Less spending means less economic growth and if growth across Australia is negative for two consecutive quarters, that is deemed a recession.  Other than during Covid, we haven’t had a recession in Australia for decades.

It's time to think about how a recession will affect your business or the business you work for.  As we’ve seen several times in the last 5 years, the demographic mix of visitors to town could change, more young people and retirees who don’t have home loans and less middle-aged family people with home loans.  With our dollar quite low, more international travellers and probably the barbell effect of them being younger people before they have home loans or retirees with no home loans.  Less discretionary spending means businesses selling goods and services that could be deemed luxuries or toys will see less demand.  Can you pivot your marketing towards those consumers with little or no home loan who won’t be as badly affected?  Are you ready to be nimble with your staffing levels and expenses to trim them quickly if sales fall?

Sometimes recessions spill over into the share and property markets.  This doesn’t happen all the time so ‘selling out’ of growth assets like shares and property in your super isn’t sensible.  Major studies throughout history have shown that people who try to ‘time markets’ and buy low and sell high end up worse off than those who buy and hold.  If it was easy to time markets, we would all be rich.  No one’s crystal ball is reliable in the long run.  There are however ways to prepare your super or super pension.  Understand what you’re invested in and ensure your investments are weighted towards quality, reliable assets and not risky, ‘blue sky’ assets.  If you are drawing down on your super, make sure you have a strategy in place so you don’t have to sell growth assets when they have fallen in value to make pension payments.  Come in and we will review your existing investments and explain our 3 Bucket Protection Strategy for free.  Now is the time to ensure you have a steady hand on the tiller as the weather looks like turning nasty…

If you think you could benefit from a discussion with a Financial Planner, give us a call.  There’s no obligation, the first meeting is free, and all fees are spelled out clearly in advance.  If you’re not sure, try our Financial Fitness Survey on our website at www.eclipsefs.com as it’s a simple free tool to help assess your financial strength.

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Please stop talking!

Whether it was a live presentation, a speech, a video clip, or even a TV show, most of us have sat through an experience where we just want the speaker to use less words or stop and pause.

What if we are that person to someone else?

How can we speak in a way that people want to listen?

How well your message is received comes down to the specific words you use, your tone of voice, and how your presentation (body language) comes across.

Tune in to your inner voice.

The words that run through our mind shape our view of ourselves, others, and our environment. They not only determine our approach towards the world around us, but our outward behaviours, such as what and how we say things to others.

Listen to the words that flow through your mind and consciously work on shaping them into a language you want to convey outwardly.

Set an intention for the language you want to use.

Think about how you would like to deliver a message – how you will speak and the words you will use. How will your outer voice sound? What will your posture be like?

Take small steps to remove the words that don’t deserve a place in your vocabulary and consider how you can incorporate language that more closely aligns with what you want to communicate.

Commit to speaking more consciously.

Commit to communicating consciously to have a greater impact. When you speak clearly, transparently, and in a way that others can understand, they will be far more open to receiving what you have to say. Inspire others by using words of possibility not difficultly, of clarity not confusion and of harmony, not conflict.

And above all, listen. Listen to the comments, feedback, or silence – and observe how your message is landing. Be prepared to change it up halfway to create the impact you require.

With awareness, intention, and action towards your everyday language, you can avoid being tuned out by your audience, and increase the impact your words have in a positive way.

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The Bowen brand of Bowen Mazda has seen an upgrade, taking on the moniker Whitsunday Auto Group, and increasing their on-floor fleet.

However, this family owned and operated business has journeyed through many a business model, starting out as Crossley Holden, before succinctly moving into the name of Bowen Mazda in 2017.

Now, in 2023, Bowen Mazda has seen one last manifestation of the business, with HG Auto Group taking on the dealership and introducing MG Motors into the fleet, as well as increasing the on-ground team.

At the helm is Gary Brenchley, with an impressive history in vehicle sales from his time in Hervey Bay, before moving up to Bowen to take on a new role as Principal for Whitsunday Auto Group.

With him is Lindsay Galloway, a seasoned vehicle salesman, and Troy Jackson who is at the heart of the operation, having been with the business for years, and knowing Bowen like the back of his hand.

Keeping all of them in line is Lisa Read, who is the receptionist and car rental administration person, the first port of call for enquiries.

Working as a team, Whitsunday Auto Group has overseen their recent expansion with ease and confidence.

Now operating under Whitsunday Auto Group, the team have incorporated MG Motors into the mix.

They also have access to the extensive second-hand vehicle market across the entire HG Auto Group umbrella.

“Across our entire fleet stock, we have almost everything. If somebody is looking for something, we’ll search for it, and we’ll get it to their door,” said Gary, Principal for Whitsunday Auto Group.

For those looking at keeping the budget to a minimum, the offering of MG Motors is a great option.

“MG adds another dimension to our fleet, as people are looking for a particular price range of car, and someone who sees the value in a brand-new car.”

At this stage, more new offerings and brand names are soon on the cards for this dealership, meaning even more choice for Bowen and wider Whitsunday locals.

Whether you’re shopping around, or know exactly what you’re after, Whitsunday Auto Group is the dealership for you.

Visit the entire fleet at 98 Herbert Street in Bowen, or ring 07 4763 2101, or visit whitsundayautogroup.com.au

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Melbourne (Mel) Ward - one of the “characters” of the island history of the Whitsundays.

Born in Melbourne in 1903 (hence his name), Mel Ward was the son of Hugh J. Ward, a well-known American theatrical entrepreneur of the early 1900s. This led to Mel’s taking to the stage early in his life as an acrobatic dancer, musician and comedian. However, he soon tired of that life and in the 1920s retired from the stage to pursue his hobby and obsession, marine zoology; a field in which he became an internationally acknowledged expert and an honorary lecturer to the Australian Museum in Sydney.  A small red crab which he discovered on a Queensland beach in his early days was named after him - Cleistostoma wardii.

Mel’s connection with the Australian Museum led to his becoming a private lecturer on marine life to members of the Embury Expeditions which had their first outing on Lindeman Island in December 1928, a role for which he was well suited, his theatrical background giving him the ability to make his lectures entertaining and absorbing. (The story of the Embury expeditions were detailed in earlier editions of this paper – March 3 and March 10)

In the accompanying photo of Mel with a catch as big as himself and taken during the Embury Expedition, he comes across as the character and extrovert he was and it confirms a description of him in the Australian Dictionary of Biography - “Sun browned and stocky with big blue eyes and a mass of curly hair.”

Mel’s experience on Lindeman Island must have made a big impression on him because, in 1933, he and his wife, Halley,* moved to Lindeman Island to take up residence in the old bungalow which had served earlier as the main living quarters for guests to the island.  There, until 1935, Mel conducted a detailed study of the island’s marine ecology, along the way setting up a small museum of marine life in one half of the bungalow.  Once again, his background served him well in entertaining visitors to his museum. In fact, he and his wife more directly entertained visitors to the island by playing duets on saxophone and guitar.

When the association of the Nicolson family with Mackay Tours in developing the island’s tourist potential was concluded, a syndicate was formed to carry on the task. It comprised of Angus Nicolson, George Gordon-MacLeod and Mel Ward but, in 1935, he resigned from the syndicate, selling his shares to Lachlan Nicolson who later was to become the leading figure in the development of the resort.  

Thereafter, Mel returned to Double Bay in Sydney to take an increasing interest in indigenous people and their relationship with local flora and fauna.  During World War II, he became an honorary entertainer and lecturer to the Australian Army Education Service and taught Australian jungle fighters tropical hygiene and how to live off the land in the Dorrigo rainforest. In 1943, he moved to the Blue Mountains to open his Gallery of Natural History and Native Art at the Hydro Majestic Hotel.  

Mel Ward died on October 6, 1966 at Medlow Bath in the Blue Mountains. Thus passed a man of extraordinary talent, known in world-wide zoological circles for his research capabilities and achievements and one of the characters in the history of the Whitsunday Islands.  

* It is the understanding that Halley was born in 1910 and named after Halley’s Comet which made a spectacular display when it passed by in April that year.

Story and photo courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum and “The Whitsunday Islands – An Historical Dictionary” by Ray Blackwood.

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Mackay’s oldest family-held farm celebrated 150 years last week, with family, friends and special guests gathering on the property to mark the occasion on Saturday, August 12.

The farm, named ‘Etowri’ after an aboriginal word said to mean ‘a good place to camp’, was purchased by Edward Denman for £214 on August 8, 1873, eleven years after the first settlement at Mackay.

150 years later, the 597-acre farm is owned by Edward’s grandson, Robert, and Robert’s son, David, and is recognised as one of the leading farms in the region for cattle and cane production.

Approximately 150 guests from as far as Melbourne, Newcastle, Sydney and Cairns travelled to Etowri to celebrate.

Robert Denman is the longest serving family member to have worked on his family farm Etowri, working on the property for 70 years since the age of 15.

He said life on the farm is varied and no two days are the same.

“I get up in the morning and I just start working,” he said.

“That’s what you’ve got to keep doing.

“You never know when you’re farming and you’ve got cane and cattle.

“You do what you’ve got to do.”

Robert joined family, friends and special guests last weekend to celebrate 150 years of Etowri, marking the occasion with speeches, historical displays and demonstrations.

Robert’s grandfather, Edward, left England in 1872, travelling to Rockhampton and Brisbane before ultimately selecting to purchase and settle on 597 acres of land approximately 9.5 miles, or 16km, from Mackay.

With no roads accessing the property, a track was cut from Richmond to Etowri using a horse and plough with a second track cut to access a butcher at Glendaragh (Glenella).

The diverse farm has served many purposes, with Edward originally planting maize before growing fruit and distilling his own rum.

The Denman’s then moved into cattle and cane, becoming heavily involved in Farleigh Mill, Mackay Show Society and other agricultural organisations.

“We’ve been a leader in the industry,” said Robert.

“I’ve been involved in the board of the Farleigh Mill, my father was on the board of Farleigh Mill, my grandfather was involved in milling.

“And ever since the inception of the show in 1897, I’d say there’d have been someone from the family on the show committee.”

The farm was the first in the region to have silos and chainsaws, as it also housed a dairy and a timber mill over the years, previously providing firewood to Farleigh Mill.

Robert is Mackay born and bred and was destined to a life on the land.

“In my lifetime, I’ve moved 400 metres from the corner down there to here,” he said.

He attended Etowri State School, which was located near the house and closed in 1953, before leaving school to work on the farm at age 15.

While life on the farm may seem tough, Robert said he’s loved every minute of it.

“I’ve been buried in trenches, come off horses, severely burnt, I’ve been through it all,” he said.

“It’s been a great life.

“Not many people have been employed at the same place for 70 years.”

Thanks to his involvement in the show society, Rotary Club of Mackay and Lifeline as well as Farleigh Mill, Mackay Rural Production Society and other organisations, Robert was named Mackay Regional Council’s Citizen of the Year in 2018.

With no plans to hang up the boots, Robert looks after everything on the farm, from fencing to bookwork, but hopes to pass these responsibilities onto his son, David, while continuing to work on the land.

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Jim Denman, Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, Robert Denman, David Denman, Donald Denman and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm. Photo credit: Deanne Woods Photography

Jim Denman, Helen Heron (nee Denman), Heather Denman, Robert Denman and Donald Denman

Brothers Donald and Robert Denman showcased their crosscut saw abilities.

150 guests gathered to celebrate. Photo credit: Deanne Woods Photography

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