By Bronte Hodge

Students at Whitsunday Christian College have gone above and beyond, collection over 4,400 pieces of food and grocery items for the Whitsunday Impact Church Community Food Pantry.

This student-led initiative, primarily run and organised by the Senior student leaders, encouraged all students to bring in non-perishable food and grocery items, with all the gathered food to be donated to the Whitsunday Community Food Pantry, operated through the Whitsunday Impact Church.

The Pantry started in 2022 when a parishioner noticed a woman upset at a grocery store and offered to purchase groceries for her.

Since then, between 15 and 20 families access the pantry every week, and approximately 600 bags of groceries were given out last year.

Student leaders ran the drive throughout May and donated the goods to the Whitsunday Community Food Pantry at a special chapel service last Friday.

College Principal Kylie Langshore informed the Pantry that the school had approximately 2,500 pieces of food and grocery items, however, in the last week of May, students were able to almost double the count.

The items, which included canned goods, cereal, toilet paper and sanitary pads and tampons, were taken to the Pantry and will be on offer for families to take.

The Whitsunday Impact Church Community Food Pantry is open every Tuesday, from 9am to 12pm, and open for any member of the community, no questions asked.

There is also complimentary tea, coffee, and cake available, with members of the church always happy for a chat.

The Community Pantry is operated through Global Care, and accepts donations of non-perishable food and grocery items, as well as financial donations, with any donations over $2 tax deductible.

Whitsunday Christian Church student leaders, Misaki Palmer, Lachlan Whincop and Rowan Kangru with massive donation for Community Food Pantry.

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I attended a conference recently and was privileged to meet an amazing woman who has faced more than her share of adversity in her life, and despite this, believes her life was saved by the kindness of other people. Kindness Factory™ started from her story of courage, hope and adversity and is now a global movement.  

Kath Koschel was an elite cricketer and in 2011, made her debut for NSW against SA. Kath sustained a back injury and complications from surgery saw her nearly have her leg amputated. It was only her stubbornness that prevented surgeons from removing her leg after they discovered a small bleed in her abdomen that was limiting the blood flow to her leg. Whilst attending rehabilitation, Kath met Jim and they planned a future together, but Jim took his own life in 2012. Kath’s recovery from the mental and physical trauma was tough, but throughout it all one thing shone out … the kindness of others who simply wanted to help. Kath launched Kindness Factory in 2015 and hoped to reach a milestone of one million acts of kindness.

With her physical injuries continuing to heal, she competed in an Iron Man Triathlon with prosthetic discs in her back and signed up for another triathlon in 2016. While on a training bike ride for the event, Kath was hit from behind by a 4WD, breaking her back and sustaining life threatening and life altering injuries.

Kath genuinely believes that her life was saved in this instance by the kindness of other people. So many people posted acts of kindness on her website, and social media feeds were inundated with kindness, leading her to believe that we all have the capacity for kindness. The movement has now grown into a registered not for profit organisation operating across Australia and the USA and has logged nearly 4.5 million acts of kindness. Kath continues to strive for kindness everywhere she goes.

If you want to know more or want to log an act of kindness, you can find all the details at Kindness Factory – kindnessfactory.com

Cr Fran Mann

Mackay Regional Council

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Criminals were operating in the Cannonvale area over the weekend with multiple break-ins reported to police and one case of vandalism witnessed at a local shopping centre.

On Sunday, June 4, Whitsunday police were informed that nine locations had been targeted by burglars at Carlo Drive in Cannonvale.

Damage was caused to enable entry in almost every instance, with cash and tools the most common items sought.

Police are now appealing for community assistance, anyone who might have information about any of these matters is encouraged to contact the Whitsunday police (4948 8888) as soon as possible.

“If you witness any suspicious activity, at any time of the day, please report the matter as soon as possible,” said a spokesperson.

In a separate instance, the tiles surrounding garden beds at Whitsunday Shopping Centre in Cannonvale were allegedly ripped off by vandals.

Local resident, Richard Evans, discovered the damage on Sunday morning and said it was a shame to think people have nothing better to do with their time than cause damage at the community’s expense.

“It’s useless morons destroying the amenity of others,” he said.

“There’s no reason for blatant vandalism – whoever did this needs to really think about how they get their enjoyment in life.”

Police remind the public that if you witness any suspicious activity, at any time of the day, please report the matter as soon as possible.

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Nine properties were broken into and garden beds at a local shopping centre was damaged over the weekend. Photo supplied

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If anyone said to me that winter in Mackay is a period in which to curl up into a ball and hibernate for a few months, well they’ve got it drastically wrong.

Things are just crazy flat out basically until Christmas time, and I love it.

Take this weekend for an example. I have to play hockey on Saturday night, then I have to get over to the basketball and jump on the mic for the Meteors game. Then I’m up early Sunday to walk up Mt Blackwood and then get some running in after catching the bug last weekend at the Marina Run.

Next thing I’ll know it’ll be Wednesday when we will be doing the 4MK breakfast show out the front of the Lifeblood Centre on Sydney St for our Bloody Oath Day.

It’s going to be World Donor Day and we decided to roll up our sleeves and support the cause by getting the word out there, to see how many people around Mackay would become regular blood and plasma donors. I reckon there will be heaps.

I can’t wait to do the show on Sydney St next week and get heaps of people starting to save lives in their own way.

Fast forward to next weekend and there’s even more action around Mackay. There’s more Meteors and Meteorettes games to be had on Friday, Saturday there will be more hockey and a great night at Moranbah where I’m volunteering on the mic with a Trail to Triumph trivia night with Mat Britton which will be amazing, and then on Sunday the show season starts, with the annual Pioneer Valley Show kicking off in Finch Hatton.

This is arguably Australia’s biggest one day country show and we love it. Sure it’s fresh when you’re heading up the Pioneer Valley at 6 in the morning, but once the sun is out, the horses are smiling and the jackets come off, it’s really the best day out.

Oh, and I’ll be the bloke on the microphone again too, so if you hear someone describing the horses, cattle, wood chopping or the great amount of entertainment, that’s me. Come and say hi too.

When you add it all up this is the best time of the year. The weather is perfect, the events are everywhere, just wait for our Festival of Arts, oh, and the people, well we know how good you are! Just exceptional.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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The doors to the $2.5 million Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre are expected to open within the next month, offering Airlie Beach the facilities to complement its already thriving marine industry.

Located at the Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC), the new centre will include five training rooms that can each accommodate up to 30 students.

There will also be a large lecture theatre that can seat 100 and an ocean view function space for up to 60 people.

Previously, the WSC’s training arm was outgrowing its facilities and General Manager, Robin Ross, said he is excited to bring it all together.

“Training has been getting bigger and bigger and there has been more demand than ever before,” he explains.

“Now we’ll have more space, and we’ll have the rooms laid out for specific classes such as radar equipment for plotting and charting, and a dedicated engine room.”

Construction of the new facility began in December 2021 and the new building will become an impressive new landmark.

The main entrance to the WSC will also become the reception to the Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre, high vaulted ceilings and an expansive window looking out to sea, are the key features of the welcoming reception lobby.

Mr Ross says the construction of the centre is a tribute to local trades who have all completed the job to excellent standards.

“Thank you to all the local tradies, they’ve all been awesome!”

The impressive floor to ceiling windows greet guests as they arrive at the new centre. Photo supplied

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Construction on a $5.5 million social housing project in Cannonvale began in March and by this time next year 12 new social housing apartments will be complete and ready to house those in need in our community.

The complex consists of two, two-storey buildings, delivering 10 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom units.

Fergus Builders are currently working on the site, which is located at 185 Shute Harbour Road Cannonvale, next to the Cannonvale Swim Centre.

Six of the dwellings are accessible with four of the units featuring level thresholds, wider doorways and hallways, and provision for grab rails, making them suitable for people with varying levels of mobility.

Two of the units include additional features and clearance spaces, making them particularly suitable for people who mobilise in wheelchairs.

There are currently 183 applications on the social housing register for the Whitsunday Local Government Area and the Department of Housing says this is just one of several ways it is helping with the current housing crisis.

Over the past year Mackay Housing Service Centre, which also covers the Whitsunday region, has provided 367 bond loans and 147 rental grants to help people secure a rental home in the private rental market.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said with housing pressures being felt right across the country, councils, governments, industry, and organisations need to work together.

“While we’re investing more than ever in new social and affordable homes, we’re also providing more immediate supports like emergency accommodation, bond loans and rental grants, as well as looking at other opportunities that might exist,” she said.

“We’ve delivered on average more than 10 homes a week since coming to government and I’m keen to see more projects like this delivered as soon as possible.”

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By Rachael Smith

At the centre of the local housing crisis there is a lack of affordable homes available for medium to low-income earners to purchase and rent.

The population of the Greater Airlie Beach Area has increased dramatically over the past few years, but the construction of new homes has not kept pace with this population growth.

As a result, there is huge, untapped demand for affordable homes in the region.

Local Cannonvale development, The Grove, has started to meet this demand with eight new townhouses expected to settle in the next four weeks.

The continuation of stage four of the development has already commenced with a further 16 houses underway and 103 additional townhouses already been approved for the site.

"The rental crisis is an issue that plagues our region daily, and we firmly believe that the solution lies in creating more rental properties," stated Steve Marks, Principal, Explore Property Whitsundays.

"With the capacity to introduce over 100 brand new, affordable townhouses to the market, we aim to tackle this problem head-on. However, to achieve this, we need to shift our focus to local investment, reducing reliance on southern investors."

Mr Marks says he is offering a savvy and safe investment opportunity for homeowners in the area to use the equity in their property to purchase a townhouse at The Grove.

Not only will this return a good rental yield and virtually no outlay, but it will also provide an affordable rental for someone in need in the community.

“Property owners in the Whitsundays have experienced remarkable price growth in recent years, with Cannonvale alone witnessing a median sale price increase of 30% since 2021 representing an average rise of over $100,000 in property value,” he said.

“This untapped equity presents a valuable opportunity to invest in the local region, providing homes for fellow locals and serving as an excellent investment opportunity.

“We are encouraging local property owners to seize this unique opportunity to contribute to the region's growth and address the pressing need for affordable housing.

“By harnessing local investment, the development aims to create a sustainable solution that benefits the entire community.”

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Steve Marks, Principal, Explore Property Whitsundays, standing outside The Grove where townhouses to meet the affordable housing shortage are being built. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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As the 2023 Financial year races to a close, businesses need to act now to prepare for the implementation of increased award rates on 1st July. The recent decision made by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) regarding the annual wage review will significantly impact many businesses in the region with a substantial increase of 5.75% to Modern Award minimum wages for all classification levels. These new rates will come into effect from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1st July 2023.

The FWC's decision was influenced by various economic and social factors, including the rising cost of living, a strong labour market, high inflationary pressures and projected economic slowdown for the 2023-24 financial year. Taking proactive measures now is essential to navigate the upcoming changes and maintain compliance with the updated regulations. For more information, go to www.fairwork.go.au/newsroom

The Whitsunday business community will soon be invited to participate in the Greater Whitsundays Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) Business Community Attitudes Survey. This survey aims to understand the impact of immigration on your workforce, and more importantly, your interest in a DAMA for our region. A DAMA represents a significant opportunity for the Greater Whitsundays region. It is a formal multi-year agreement between the Australian Government and a regional authority that provides access to a larger pool of overseas workers than the standard skilled migration program. By participating in this survey, you will actively contribute to shaping the future of workforce development in our region.  

Our next meeting and business networking event will be held 7:00am-8:30am Thursday 13 July in Proserpine. Join us to have your say on priorities for the region and help build on the economic Vision for the Whitsundays, connect with like-minded businesses, and hear more about our new strategy, advocacy, and membership services.  Speaking of membership, don't forget to take advantage of our free end of financial year membership offer - valid to 30 June 2023. Jump onto our website and join up.

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Just under a year ago, Chris Webby made the decision to better his health and joined F45 Airlie Beach.

He is now the first member to hit 250 visits.

Since his first class, where he had to sit out early, Chris has improved not only in endurance but also in his overall strength and physique, with the added benefit of losing 20 kilograms.

“The first three to four months was a struggle,” Chris said.

“It was definitely intense going from doing nothing to working out almost every day.”

Since he joined in August last year, Chris has committed to going six days a week, every day except Sunday, when the gym is closed, and when he holidays away.

“Chris has always been dedicated,” said Studio Manager Monique Pattison.

“I feel like I started yesterday!” said Chris.

“The team at F45 give you everything, unlike a regular gym, where they’ll tell you something and you have to do it all by yourself.”

The team continue to push Chris.

“They’re friendly, non-judgemental, and encouraging and they know when to push you,” he explains.

“I’ll do a push up now and they’ll put a 15-kilogram plate on my back!”

“It feels really great,” Monique said, “To know that someone is trusting us with their fitness journey.

“And to come 250 times, it shows a level of commitment, and that what we’re doing is helping people.

“Chris has built muscle and strength, and has had aesthetic changes, and he always walks in here with a smile and welcomes everyone. He has really embraced the F45 community.”

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Chris Webby has worked out with F45 Airlie Beach 250 times and is the first member to hit that milestone. Photo supplied

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Cold mornings and dark evenings can often create the perfect excuse to pull the doona up over your head or stay curled up on your sofa. While it’s nice to snuggle in the warmth, the winter weather should not deter you from maintaining your fitness goals.

Here are a few tips for staying active this winter:

• While the summer can often be too hot for long walks, the cool winter days and stunning sunsets make every walk enjoyable. Put your runners on and head outside, it won’t take you long to warm up and you’ll be glad you made the effort.

• Be accountable with a group fitness workout – sign-up to a gym that has a community vibe, a group of people who will notice if you are missing and motivate you to turn up each day. F45 is a local fitness club that offers this.

• Exercise during your lunch break – if cold mornings and evenings are sabotaging your routine, skip out of work on your lunch break and head to the gym or go for a long walk.

• Plan for success – avoid making excuses on your drive home by putting your exercise clothes on before you leave work. If you exercise in the morning – why not wear your fitness gear to bed?!

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Over 150,000 Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer each year and, on average 1,700 people pass away from the disease.

In Queensland we can be more susceptible to skin cancer due to high levels of sun exposure, so it is vital to get regular skin cancer check-ups.

Next week the Skin Cancer Doctor will be back in town and is available for checks and treatments.

Dr Amid Gayed will be hosting a pop-up clinic at the Whitsunday PCYC on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 of June.

You can book an appointment directly and do not need a referral.

The cost is $140 and you’ll receive a $39.75 Medicare rebate.

Simply follow this link to make an appointment: bit.ly/3qkHvMu

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As the 2023 crushing season gets underway, locomotives will become a prevalent sight in the district. But the technologically sophisticated machines of today are a far cry from the locos that chugged along the tracks in days gone by.

Before big expansions in the sugar industry necessitated inevitable changes, steam locomotives hauled the cane from farm to mill. The Proserpine Sugar Mill owned nine steam locomotives. Until the early 50s, the locos had coal (mostly from Collinsville) and wood fired steam engines and pulled a tender loaded with the fuel and water supplies essential for operations. These engines weighed up to 18 tons and could pull 152 full trucks of cane.

Most of the locos were affectionately given names apart from Numbers 1 and 8.

Number 1, built in South Australia in 1939, was the largest engine and it handled the big hauls from Up River, Lethebrook and Kelsey Creek.

One of the most famous was Number 2 – Digger. Built in Leeds, England in 1916, this locomotive was one of 155 ordered by the war department to serve in France in World War 1. After the war, it was taken back to Leeds, slightly modified, and in 1924 was one of several sold to Australia for use in the Queensland Sugar Industry. Despite some modifications throughout its life, it remained essentially a Hunslet War Department design – hence adding to its historic significance.

Number 3 – Fritz also served in France during the war. Numbers 2 and 3 had smaller engines and handled runs to Cannon Valley, Strathdickie and Waterson.

Number 4 – German Annie was built in Germany in 1908 and was used on Conway and Preston runs. It had a distinctive shrill whistle making it easily identifiable from a distance or at night.

Number 5 - Bonnie Jean, an 1899 Krauss, was named after a local lady, Jeannie Voss. It was the first one to service the Conway line, however, having a very small engine, it was seldom fired up and was used for emergency work around the mill yard.

Number 6 – Tilly, the mill’s original locomotive, was named after another Proserpine lady, Mrs Matilda Stoneham. Despite its small engine, it did mighty work and was mainly used on the Lethebrook line. On a clear night with a big load, most of the town would hear her coming, puffing like billyho from Goorganga Plains through Glen Isla to the mill. She whistled at every crossing and must have been cursed by many as she hit town areas and passed by the hospital - but locals did consider her whistle cheerful.  

Number 7 – There were 2 Number 7s.  The first, Mae West, built in England in 1915, was distinctive in that it had water tanks positioned on each side of the boiler, like 2 big floaties. The second, was a new Perry built in 1948.

Number 8 completed the steam fleet. Bought in 1953, it was a Bundaberg Fowler steam loco fitted with a distinct spark arrestor on its smoke stack. Used until the early 1970s, it had historical significance, being the last of its type in the world.

Gone now are the days of the steam locomotive. In 1954, the first diesel engines graced the tramlines. All engines were eventually changed to diesel burners in the early 50s and by 1965, the mill had 8 diesels.

Gone too are the days when communications were especially difficult - when, in order to establish the position of a loco that was running late, it involved ringing telephones along the route to establish where it had passed and where it was yet to reach. The exchange and farm ladies were always helpful and generally had a rough idea of where the loco would be. When a derailment occurred, a common occurrence, drivers blew the whistle 3 times. If a navvy gang was within earshot, they would come to assist, otherwise, the fireman could have a long walk to the nearest telephone for help.

And gone too are the days of all male crews steaming along the line …

Story and photos courtesy of the Proserpine Historical Museum and Proserpine Sugar Mill.

Number 5 – The Bonnie Jean L-R Martin Braby, Joey James, Roy Hansen, Tom Treacy  

Lady Drivers I McCormack - Mrs Frazer at the last lady driving contest c1930

Vicki Burnett - first lady crew person on the locos -1989

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By Bronte Hodge

When Helen Maynard-Turner, Coordinator for Meals on Wheels Proserpine, set out to plan the Meals on Wheels Day celebrations, she didn’t think that all three local members of government would raise up their hand on the same day to take part in the cause.

Meals on Wheels Day is always held on the last Wednesday of August however, a special honorary day was planned to align with the schedules of the three special guests.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP and Mayor for the Whitsundays, Julie Hall, all came along to lend a hand and celebrate Meals on Wheels.

Mayor Hall arrived first and was tasked with the Beach Run, encompassing the clients who live in Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, and Jubilee Pocket.

Mr Willcox and Ms Camm were on the local run, accompanied by an existing volunteer couple who showed them the ropes.

“It was incredible to join the team for a meal run and get a look behind the scenes of this operation,” said Mr Willcox.

“Seeing first-hand the dedication these volunteers have to our region; supporting residents in need right around the Whitsundays.”

Mrs Camm said the Meals on Wheels service is invaluable to our community as it supports so many.

“It doesn’t take a lot of time and has great positive impacts for the people you are delivering to and as a volunteer,” she said.

“I came away with a gratitude for the wonderful individuals I met. Get involved!”

Mayor Hall said Meals on Wheels has provided a vital lifeline for many individuals in our community, particularly our elderly and vulnerable residents.

“Their service extends far beyond the physical act of delivering meals; it brings comfort and a much-needed human connection to those who may otherwise feel isolated or alone,” she said.

“The Proserpine Meals on Wheels service embodies the true spirit of community, and the volunteers and staff are an inspiration to us all.”

Meals on Wheels Proserpine has been servicing locals for over 65 years, and can assist anyone needing meals, including elderly, disable, and impaired.

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Mayor Julie Hall joins Meals on Wheels Proserpine and delivers meals. Photo supplied.

Andrew Willcox MP, and Amanda Camm MP, with Helen Maynard-Turner and volunteers with Meals on Wheels Proserpine. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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Born and bred local, Proserpine State High School student Reid Ogden did not expect to be welcomed back to the school year with an invitation to be a part of the Ministerial Student Advisory Council.

Reid is one of 16 students from across Queensland to represent youth opinions on matters that directly influence and impact on them with their school environment.

Established in 2018 by Minister for Education, the Honourable Grace Grace MP, the council gives Queensland students the opportunity and space to voice concerns, feedback, and advice on a range of educational matters.

With two meetings every year, the council discuss important matters, which Grace MP takes on board when creating changes in the education sector.

While not being able to discuss the agenda of his first meeting, Reid mentioned that previously the council discussed the e-cigarette and vape crisis occurring in schools, which helped inform the ban that was later put in place.

“I feel pretty privileged to be picked from this school and that I get to go down there and voice my opinion to someone of power,” Reid said.

“Voice my opinion formally and properly so they take it in and take it on board, yeah I feel very grateful that I get the opportunity to do that.”

Reid was put forward to the council by his school Proserpine State High School, based on his history of school commitment and outstanding effort.

Reid had been elected as a Junior School Executive leader in Year 9 and is currently in the Senior Leadership Team.

In 2022, when Reid was in Year 10, he was awarded the St Vincent de Paul Scholarship, for dedication to upholding school values, work ethic and leadership in the school community.

Don McDermid, Principal of Proserpine State High School, said “we have great confidence in Reid’s ability to be a valuable member of the Ministerial Student Advisory Council.”

Students come from all across Queensland, from Cairns, Longreach, and Tully, as well as Brisbane and Redcliff, as well as a range of year groups, with one student only being in Year 7.

Reid will remain in the council until he graduates at the end of 2024.

Until then, he continues to influence within his school, eyeing to become School Captain next year, as well as play Volleyball and AFL, as well as be a part of his House Committee.

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Reid Ogden standing outside the William Street Queensland Government Building

Year 11 student Reid Ogden (back row, third from left) joins 15 other students to inform Queensland Government on youth and student opinion. Photo supplied

View the photo gallery here

Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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