Cr Simpson

On Saturday 29th July, I was lucky enough to meet the United States Secretary of the Army, Ms Christine E. Wormuth.

Ms Wormuth flew into Bowen in one of four Blackhawk helicopters which was a real treat to witness. Having the opportunity to meet with the secretary face-to-face was something I will remember for many years to come.

The secretary was in Bowen to partake in the JLOTS (Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore) Community Mission Briefing which was held at Flagstaff Hill and Conference Centre last Thursday.  The briefing saw members of the US Army discuss the Talisman Sabre activities which have been happening in Bowen over the past few weeks.

Around 40 people attended the catch-up which also explained the process of how the army created and installed the temporary trident pier used to unload equipment from the ships and across the beach.

I would like to remind residents that whilst it may have been wetter than usual recently, we are steadily moving towards bushfire season.

On this note, Council have put together an informative video on how we managed a planned burn at Brisk Bay. The burn was a hazard reduction initiative and took place in conjunction with the Department of Resources, Heronvale Rural, Bowen Delta and Bowen Urban fire brigades, and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Townsville.

The initiative was deemed a success thanks to the assistance of all involved. The video can be watched on our Facebook page. Keep your eyes peeled for further planned burns and information sheets in the future.

Great news for our Whitsunday Coast Airport again last week with Bonza announcing another new route, this time to the Gold Coast. This new route will bring a whopping 58,000 additional seats a year to our region and create a multitude of new connections both nationally and internationally. Well done to our airport team for working tirelessly to secure these new and diverse flight paths for our region.

Finally, as the whole world seems to have gone Barbie crazy, there will be a Barbie party at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre this afternoon from 4.30pm to celebrate the initial screening of the film on the big screen. Head to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre’s Facebook page for further information.

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Shute Harbour Marine Terminal welcomes in excess of 155,000 passengers per year to the Whitsundays, with an expected 260,000 people to pass through the terminal next year!  

However, it’s so much more than a simple terminal! Shute Harbour Marine Terminal also offers High Flow Diesel and Premium Unleaded Petroleum for all vessels at competitive rates.

It is also home to Explore 74 café with delicious home cooked treats, take-away alcohol sales and even ice and bait for those last-minute provisions!

The penthouse function room is open daily to allow visitors to take in the amazing views of the specked islands ahead and is also available for hire for private and corporate functions.

For more information, head to shuteharbourmarine.com.au

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Rick Hamilton, CEO Of Tourism Whitsundays, Hits The USA

Last week I joined Tourism Australia’s Marketplace and the Travel Answer Australia roadshow for a whirlwind tour of America.

Starting in Denver, I met with over 600 travel agents across four stops and finished in LA on Friday.  

I love being out on the road, meeting new people and spruiking our region.

Every time I attend one of these events I realise how essential they are for educating travel agents and travel planners on what The Whitsundays has to offer and, in most cases, where we are!

While The Whitsundays is a well-known destination domestically and in Europe, our US friends are still a bit hazy on their Australian geography!

With international visitation numbers increasing and airline capacity returning to 2019 levels, hopefully in the next 12 months, it’s more important than ever to get the word out on The Whitsundays.

The two travel-trade focussed events are just one part of our strategy to engage with travel agents and planners.

We are also inviting Whitsunday businesses to join us at our annual Whitsundays Tourism Exchange in October.

I encourage anyone who has been considering working with or does work with Online Travel Agents or travel wholesalers to register to attend.

During the Exchange, we will be bringing 30 product and travel managers into The Whitsundays for a one-day speed dating style event followed by a famil day.

Register now to maximise your opportunity, simply scan this QR code for further details.

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Some of the agents that Rick Hamilton, CEO Of Tourism Whitsundays, worked with in Dallas. Photo supplied

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Proserpine Hospital’s catering service team has been recognised with the Golden Boot Award for excellent service.

Celebrating all operational services teams across the Mackay Hospital district, which includes eight hospitals and five community health centres, the Golden Boot Awards commend excellent performance and service in operations.

The Proserpine Hospital Catering team was presented the award due to their excellent work, particularly for how they responded following an incident, in which all the power was lost at the hospital.

On May 21 this year at 5am, a fire broke out in the operations building, causing the hospital to lose power.

The hospital’s generator was unable to be used due to the fire.

“The clinical staff were using their mobiles as lights, but it was time for breakfast, so the catering team quickly made a kitchen out of a small room in the maternity ward,” explains Lisa Bates, the Operations Services Coordinator.

“For nearly two days, the catering team worked to provide meals and washing up for all the patients and meet all our standards.”

Using the hospital’s cyclone menu, the catering team delivered meals to close to 30 patients, with only a short delay initially of 15 to 20 minutes.

“They just went into action and got it done, while the fire was still being put out,” explains Nicola Young, Director of Nursing.

“If we hadn’t been able to do that, we would have to had shut down the hospital and transfer all the patients,” said Ms Young.

The Catering Team prepare just under 28,000 meals 365 a year, with locally sourced produce.

With a team of 21 staff, who work flexibly across all areas of hospital services, including laundry and cleaning, receiving the Golden Boot acknowledges and celebrates their outstanding service to the hospital and its patients.

“We get a lot of our patients give the team feedback when they’re delivering the meals, saying how wonderful it is, that it’s like home cooked food.

“They love it, they do an exceptional job,” said Ms Bates.

“The entire team is very community minded; they are very devoted to the hospital.”

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The quarter has rolled around, and the Proserpine Community Markets are on!

Supporting the Proserpine Cricket Club, the Proserpine Community Markets are one of the best markets for handmade, handcrafted, and hand grown goods, with over 60 stalls on offer throughout the old St Catherine’s Campus.

What started out as just a one-off market following COVID, snowballed into the quarterly thoroughfare it is now, with market goers coming from far and wide to browse the goods.

“It was only ever going to be just one market, because everyone was keen to get out and put themselves out there after COVID,” explains market coordinator, Tarnia Patton.

“Everyone is strapped for cash, and they haven’t been able to go to a market in years, so we ran one. We literally pulled it together in two and a half weeks.”

Now a few years on, the markets have grown to accommodate a large variety of goods, each operated by a community minded local.

“We make it a big event once a quarter. When people know it’s coming up, they try to come, because if they miss it, they’ve got to wait another three months!” said Tarnia.

With something for everyone, including free kids’ activities, the markets are a great destination for a Sunday morning.

WHAT: Proserpine Community Markets

WHERE: Old St Catherine’s Campus, 69 Marathon Street, Proserpine

WHEN: Sunday, August 13, from 8.30am

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With a variety of stalls for every member of the family, the Proserpine Community Markets are always a great event. Photo supplied

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Are most "FITNESS" people really that MOTIVATED?

The simple answer is NO.

If exercise is not a regular part of your life, you might be surprised to read the title. Motivation and Dedication are two different things.

The thing to understand with motivation, is that is doesn`t last for literally anyone.

Yes, you might have been really "motivated" watching people take on the triathlon recently, but let me assure you, three weeks later, when you have a training block early on a rainy morning, that "motivation" won't be there. You need something else in your toolbag to keep going for the long term.

Creating habits needs to be considered and incorporated for any long-term fitness commitment.

Habits are what we do daily and consistently to ensure we don't rely on "feeling" like exercising or training.

I certainly don't exercise every day based on how I am feeling. TRUST ME!  Here are some daily habits you could consider:

• Prepare your gym bag early with your workout gear or have your workout gear out ready so you don't have to shuffle around looking for something.

• Set an alarm, and get up at the same time daily.

• Have an early dinner and try and go to bed as early as possible.

• Find an Accountability Buddy to exercise with. The day you "don`t feel like it" your buddy can help pull you through that day, and vice versa.

• If you plan on exercising in the afternoon, maybe try a pre-workout supplement, have it just before you leave work so you don't divert home instead of the gym.

There are many many "hacks" you can do to create daily habits for you that work, so don't make the all too common mistake of just relying on "motivation". It just doesn't last.

Regards, Sonny Ivanovic

F45 Training Airlie Beach

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Excitement is building ahead of this year’s Airlie Beach Fight Night where Mixed Martial Art (MMA) fighters will go head-to-head in combat, jeered on by the cheers of hundreds of supporters that are expected to attend the event.

Due to be held at the Whitsunday PCYC in six weeks’ time, tickets are selling fast for the upcoming Fight Night with VIP seating already sold out.

Dan Zealand, from Whitsunday Martial Arts is one of the organisers of the event.

“We are super excited!” he said.

“We often have to travel to compete and when we told them we had the opportunity to fight in front of the home crowd, it really picked everyone up.”

Among the local talent competing at this year’s Fight Night is Ian Dreadlox.

“He’s been training for a few years now and is always up for a challenge,” said Dan.

“Recently he’s been training harder than I’ve ever seen him before!”

Long-time fighter Blair Frew will also be fighting on the night.

Having won many battles over the years, Blair has decided to make his last ever fight in front of his home crowd.

“This will be his last amateur fight so it will be a bit of a send-off,” said Dan.

“He’s been training really hard, and he wants to go out with a bang!”

On the night, local fighters will clash with competitors from as far north as Cairns and as far south as Brisbane, with one competitor coming from Victoria.

WHAT: Airlie Beach Fight Night

WHERE: Whitsunday PCYC

WHEN: Saturday, September 23

TICKETS: Available through WMA Facebook page

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Ian Dreadlox will be going up against Jedd Fogg at Airlie Beach Fight Night. Photo supplied

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Safari For Cancer Support

34 blokes on 34 postie bikes departed Mackay last Thursday, July 27 for the Postie Bike Safari, taking them across 2,200km of dirt road to Chillagoe and back.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Safari started with a group of mates in Glenden who decided to buy some postie bikes and go for a ride.

Over a decade later, the ride has raised funds for RACQ CQ Rescue, Black Dog Institute and Canteen, this year fundraising for Childhood Cancer Support for the third time.

“Childhood Cancer Support’s a great organisation to raise funds for; they do great work for sick children,” said Organiser Greg Becke.

“It’s really good to see our work goes to something to make someone’s life easier.”

Mackay To Chillagoe For Childhood Cancer

When last year’s Postie Bike Safari went through the small town of Moura, west of Biloela, the group met Victor Lee who, this year, is embarking on the trip for the first time.

Mr Lee’s son, Sidney, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2021, aged eight, forcing his family of four to travel to Brisbane for treatment.

“We left Moura fairly early on that morning to head to Brisbane … not knowing where we were going to stay,” Mr Lee said.

A family friend who had gone through a similar situation contacted them while they were on the road and told them about Childhood Cancer Support (CCS), a charity providing accommodation to regional families of children receiving cancer treatment.

“When we got closer to Brisbane I rang them, I put the address into the satnav, and as we turned down the street, these two ladies wearing CCS shirts were standing in the middle of the street pointing us down a driveway and tears just started falling,” Mr Lee said.

“That was our home for eight months.”

Not long after returning to Moura, Mr Lee received a call to say that the Postie Bike Safari was travelling through his hometown raising money for CCS.

“We went down, and I shook all their hands and said, ‘Thanks, guys,’” he said.

Inspired by his son, Mr Lee is embarking on the trip for the first time and led the fundraising campaign having raised over $20,000 before departure.

“I just wanted to do something little for an organisation that’s done so much for us,” he said.

“They gave us a lot, and are still now giving us support, so when the opportunity knocks like this to do something, it gives you a warm fuzzy feeling.”

Departing Mackay, the group of riders ventured through Eungella and Charters Towers to arrive at their destination of Chillagoe, returning to Mackay via Cardwell and Bowen.

“We drive along the back roads, keep off the bitumen as much as possible, camp at towns in the outback and get up and do it all again the next day,” said Organiser Greg Becke.

“You’ve got to take your postie bikes through some pretty wild territory; dirt roads, corrugation, soft sand, anything to keep us off the main road.

“It’s good camaraderie, everyone pitches in and helps, and it’s a really great break for people to get away from it all and we’re raising some funds for some well deserving organisations on the way.”

Collectively, Postie Bike Safari had raised over $130,000 before even leaving Mackay.

This is the third year the group has raised funds for CCS, a charity that has helped over 80 Mackay families.

“The accommodation’s based in Brisbane but it’s a regional charity because it helps regional families,” said CCS President Bert Pulman, a local man who used the services of CCS himself when his son Darcy was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2010.

“We house families of kids with cancer in Brisbane, because that’s where they’ve got to get their treatment.”

Mr Pulman has participated on the ride over the last three years and said the Postie Bike Safari has embraced the charity.

“These guys do a great job every year,” he said.

“When you talk amongst the guys, there’s someone who knows someone who’s experienced childhood cancer, so these guys know what’s going on and they get to meet some of our families along the way which makes it real for them.”

Visit fundraise.ccs.org.au/event/postie-bike-safari-23/home to donate.

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Victor Lee and Childhood Cancer Support President Bert Pulman. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

34 riders are on a Postie Bike Safari to Chillagoe and back. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Aspiring young actors from across the Mackay region have the chance to audition for a fully funded scholarship to learn from some of the country’s most respected actors, directors, and educators at renowned national theatre company Bell Shakespeare.

The John Bell Scholarship provides three talented high school students from regional Australia the opportunity to travel to Bell Shakespeare’s headquarters in Sydney in early 2024 to take part in the intensive week-long program. Over the week they’ll receive training and mentoring, undertake acting masterclasses and backstage tours, observe rehearsals, and watch live theatre performances.

Auditions take the form of a 15-minute Workshop Audition with a Bell Shakespeare artist where students perform a prepared monologue from Shakespeare, receiving feedback and direction.

Bell Shakespeare’s Artistic Director Peter Evans said the program is central to Bell Shakespeare’s ongoing commitment to nurturing new talent and sharing Shakespeare as widely as possible.

“This is a phenomenal opportunity that can help set the stage for a career in theatre,” he said.

“It is such a pleasure to give regional students this life-changing opportunity to experience immersive Shakespeare instruction, and to be mentored in the engine room of Australia’s national theatre company”.

The shortlist will be announced in November 2023 with the successful recipients announced in December 2023.

All details including registration forms, the official monologue list and tips on auditioning are available at https://www.bellshakespeare.com.au/john-bell-scholarship

What: John Bell Scholarship Auditions

When: Monday 4 September, 3.30pm

Where: MECC – Lynette Denny Space

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Four students from regional Australia were selected for the John Bell Scholarship in 2022

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By Neighbourhood Watch Awards

Two prolific Mackay residents have received national recognition for their work in the community through the Neighbourhood Watch Australasia Awards.

Gerri Kissner of Mackay Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch and Sergeant Nigel Dalton were recently awarded the Malcolm Grant OAM Volunteer of the Year Award and the Neighbourhood Watch Australasia Police Commissioners Award respectively.

It’s the first time the two awards have been presented to people from the same town, acknowledging the work Ms Kissner and Mr Dalton do in bringing the online world to seniors and personal and online safety.

As Coordinator of Mackay Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch, Ms Kissner’s work often involves teaching personal and cyber safety to the over 50 community.

“It’s always nice to be acknowledged for the work you do, but I do it because I find there’s a need for it to be done,” she said.

“I’m lucky, I work with the Crime Prevention Unit and Neighbourhood Watch, so it’s always good to get out and help people where you can.”

Ms Kissner moved to Mackay from Sydney 18 years ago, saying the local volunteer community is a welcoming one, and urging others to get involved.

“There is a very good community spirit in Mackay,” she said.

“In a regional town, you’ve got the opportunity to find things that are around, find things to do.

“There are things that need to be done in the community where people need to step up and be volunteers.

“If you’ve got time on your hands, you don’t have to be retired, get out there and give a bit back to your community.”

Ms Kissner and Mr Dalton often collaborate, most recently speaking with the Blue Care Wellness Tuesday Group where they spoke about personal safety as well as scams and cyber-crime issues.

Ms Kissner will again be facilitating ‘Be Connected’ online safety sessions in September, inviting over 50s from all backgrounds, including indigenous people, people living with a disability, immigrants, or anybody looking for assistance, to get involved.

“We particularly want to educate the older people to be aware of just what’s out there and keep themselves safe,” she said.

The free sessions will be held at Jubilee Community Centre on September 7, 14 and 28 from 10:00am to 12:00pm and includes morning tea.

Numbers are limited so contact 0423 291 979 for more information.

Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch are also collaborating with Shed Happens Mackay for Fun and Pancakes with Dad, happening at the Sugar Bowl on Saturday, September 9 from 10:30am to 2:30pm.

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Gerri Kissner and Sergeant Nigel Dalton. Photo supplied: myPolice Mackay Whitsunday

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Well, how time flies when you're having fun, or navigating the rollercoaster of 2020 and beyond! Can you believe it's already been three years since we embarked on this wonderful journey together, bringing you Mackay and Whitsunday Life?

Launching our publication amidst the chaos and uncertainty of 2020 was like sailing through uncharted waters, but we held on tight for an exhilarating ride which has now captivated our local community for three years. I didn’t things could get much weirder than what happened during the pandemic, yet here we are, only this week talking about aliens following the Congressional hearing on UAPs and UFOs in the United States last week.

But, forget the aliens, in other breaking news, we are about to launch our third newspaper, Burdekin Life, in a little over a month in September. So, when you are next making the trek up north through Ayr and Home Hill, keep an eye out for the familiar masthead as we deliver another regional community voice to Queensland.

We couldn't have made it this far without the fantastic support from the Mackay and Whitsundays communities. You've welcomed us with open arms, embracing our free community newspaper with so much warmth and enthusiasm. You've been the wind beneath our wings, and we are eternally grateful.

To our loyal readers, you are the heartbeat of our newspaper. Your passion for staying informed and connected with your community keeps us going strong. Whether you're enjoying a quiet coffee at home or catching up with friends at the local cafe, we hope you find a moment to dive into the pages of Mackay and Whitsunday Life, where stories of triumphs, local heroes, and all things community await you.

And let's not forget our local businesses, who have been true champions through thick and thin. Your support, through advertising and partnerships, has been the lifeline that helped us navigate the uncharted waters of publishing in uncertain times. We couldn't have asked for better mates to sail this sea with.

As we blow out the candles on our third birthday cake, we're humbled by the friendships we've formed, the stories we've shared, and the sense of community that fills these pages. With every issue, we aim to bring a smile to your face, a touch of inspiration, and the joy of connecting with your fellow neighbours.

So, cheers to three years of Mackay and Whitsunday Life! Now, let's raise a toast to the future, with more adventures, laughter, and, who knows, maybe even a visit from some friendly extraterrestrial neighbours. Here's to thriving together in this incredible community we call home.

Thank you, Mackay! You make every moment worth the journey.

With gratitude and a sprinkle of stardust from a galaxy far, far away,

Amanda

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A Hay Point man has been identified as one of three victims following a triple-fatal car crash on the Bruce Highway at Federal, west of Noosa, on Friday, July 21.

The family of 65-year-old retiree Terry Bishop paid tribute to the husband, father and grandfather after he was killed when his car hit another car head-on.

“Our family is absolutely devastated,” Mr Bishop’s family said in a statement.

“He is a man that would always go out of his way to help anyone in need.

“He leaves behind a wife, daughter, son and five young grandchildren who all loved him dearly.

“Our hearts go out to the other victims' families and the first responders in this horrific tragedy.”

The statement confirmed that Mr Bishop, a former long-term resident of Brisbane suburb Northgate, was travelling to Brisbane on Friday, July 21 to attend a family member’s wedding the day following the incident.

It is believed that Mr Bishop stopped to assist 25-year-old Yandina resident Gypsy Satterley in the early hours of Friday morning.

Mr Bishop allegedly picked up Ms Satterley when his car was then allegedly chased and knocked into oncoming traffic by a stolen vehicle operated by 25-year-old Rafferty Rolfe who police say had been in a relationship with Ms Satterley.

The stolen vehicle was seen trying to ram Mr Bishop's car when they crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a third vehicle driven by 38-year-old alpaca farmer Jessica Townley.

Mr Bishop, Ms Satterley and Ms Townley died at the scene while Mr Rolfe was arrested and rushed to hospital.

The Yandina man faces a range of charges including three counts of murder, armed robbery, dangerous operations of a car, stealing, evading police, and driving without a licence.

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Hay Point resident Terry Bishop was travelling to Brisbane when he was involved in a triple-fatal car crash. Photo supplied

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In the heart of Mackay, an organisation dedicated to making a difference has been quietly supporting regional patients traveling to Townsville for leukaemia treatment. The Queensland Freemasons Village, managed by the Leukaemia Foundation, stands as a comforting haven for hundreds of patients who have journeyed to Townsville Hospital for treatment over the years.

With deep roots in the community, Calen Hamilton Lodge, in collaboration with Mackay, Moranbah, and Proserpine District Lodges, and Hand Heart Pocket, stepped up last year to provide significant support to the Village. Together, they donated just over $40,000, contributing to the renovation of the gym with new carpeting and the purchase of 18 TVs and dining tables, ensuring each room in the accommodation precinct was comfortable and inviting.

The longstanding partnership between the Freemasons and the Leukaemia Foundation dates back to 2002 when they jointly financed the construction of the original nine units. Recognising the increasing demand, they collaborated again in 2013 to add additional units. Mackay District Masonic Lodges have been unwavering in their support since the Village's inception, ensuring the units are well-maintained, and the families who utilize them experience a high standard of comfort during their stay.

Among the generous donors is Mrs. Alma Blake, whose late husband, Bro John Blake, has inspired her ongoing support to Calen-Hamilton Masonic Lodge for the benefit of the Townsville accommodation precinct.

“It is always very moving to hear from families who are going through a stressful period, thank the Freemasons for their support to be able to stay at the Village for long periods of time at no cost for their loved one to receive treatment at the Townsville Hospital," Mackay Freemason Graham Townsend said.

"It has always been a great pleasure to work with the Manager Marie Morris for the last 21 years and Marie keeps us informed of what is required for the units from time to time to keep the units of a high quality," he said.

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L-R: Wor Bro Ray Graham Walkerston 482, RW Bro Graham Townsend

OSB Calen-Hamilton 395, Manager Marie Morris, MW Grand Master Jeff Harper

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In a major development, Bonza Airlines is set to expand its operations with the addition of direct flights from Mackay to the Gold Coast, with the airline confirming flights will be departing before Christmas.

The Gold Coast Airport will become Bonza's third base, with two aircraft designated for these new routes. Travellers will have access to 11 existing Bonza destinations, including Albury, Bundaberg, Cairns, Gladstone, Melbourne Avalon, Melbourne Tullamarine, Mildura, Rockhampton, Townsville, and the Whitsunday Coast.

Starting fares for these flights are expected to range from $49 to $79 per person one way. The flights will be available for purchase through the airline's exclusive app, offering direct bookings.

Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza said the announcement is about creating more depth in Bonza’s network by connecting existing destinations with the Gold Coast.

“It is a huge boost for the economy and allows people in our existing destinations the opportunity to book an affordable flight to Gold Coast Airport and take a much-deserved holiday or long-awaited visit to friends and family,” he said.

The airline says there will be additional and new destinations that will connect with the Gold Coast and those will be revealed when the time is right.

“We’ll be adding new destinations to our route map that will fly from the Gold Coast and we continue to welcome conversations with airports around the country as we fulfil our mission to connect communities.”

This next phase of Bonza’s growth will see 70 new flights per week and almost 700,000 additional passenger seats a year into and out of Gold Coast Airport.

Initially, Bonza will partner with an airline wet lease provider to enable families to holiday and connect with each other over Christmas and peak school holidays at a time when global aircraft supply is challenged.

Mr Jordan said recruitment for roles at the Gold Coast will commence soon.

“Our new base means pilots and cabin crew who live here can come home after a day’s flying and enjoy the lifestyle that the region has to offer.”

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CEO of Bonza Tim Jordan and Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans

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Bodybuilding Bronze For Aussie Couple

Ken Ware grew up in the tropical north Queensland heat but said nothing compared to the humidity he experienced in Mexico.

The prominent medical practitioner, now based on the Gold Coast, was recently in Central America with his wife, Nickie, competing in the World Fitness Federation Universe, often considered the pinnacle of the bodybuilding calendar.

For the 66-year-old, it was his first competition since 2008, while Mrs Ware also recently returned to competition after a 12-year hiatus.

Born and bred in Mackay, Mr Ware started bodybuilding while playing rugby league for Brothers in 1982, entering his first competition in Brisbane in 1983.

“Coming from Mackay, to go down to Brisbane to compete against the who’s who was a big ask but I actually won that competition and came second in Australia in my first outing.”

That’s what started what Mr Ware called a “whirlwind run”, achieving high rankings and impressive results across the world, all the while living in north Queensland, where he later met Mrs Ware.

“I was completely alienated from the bodybuilding fraternity, so it made it special,” he said.

“Mackay has that thing about it, there’s people I grew up with who have gone on to achieve great things, so it just has that atmosphere that keeps you very humble.”

Mr Ware’s journey led him to winning the title of Mr Universe in 1994 which, other than competing in Australian Titles in 2008, was the last time he’d competed before this year’s titles.

“It was a big break, but we know what we’re doing, we’re always healthy and well and doing lots of good training so we didn’t have to change too much,” he said.

“We feel very enthused now, all those memories start to come back, and it makes me feel much, much younger.”

The pair spent two weeks in Mexico preparing and competing, Mr Ware in the ‘Grandmasters’ and Mrs Ware in ‘Super Bodies’, both earning themselves bronze medals.

“It was great to be up and compete in a Universe again and experience the vibe of the competition,” Mr Ware said.

“It was a really high standard.

“We came back and we’re looking almost better two weeks later than we did on competition day so that’s given us the incentive to dig in.

“I’m very excited about Nickie’s future and that keeps me on task as well.”

With a reinvigorated passion, the couple continue preparations for competitions in October, although Mr Ware suggested they will be his last as he continues Gold Coast-based NeuroPhysics Therapy Institute.

“We need the break away from our day-to-day stuff, because we’re always working with broken people, very hard cases and people who have very high needs in terms of getting their health back on track, so it’s our way of escaping and looking after ourselves first and foremost,” he said.

“That’s the primary reason we do it, just to look after ourselves so we can offer better help to other people.”

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Ken and Nickie Ware, who met in the Pioneer Valley in 2000, recently returned from Mexico with bronze bodybuilding medals. Photo supplied

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