Colourful blooms, bountiful vegetables and earthy plants decorated the huge school hall for the 80th annual Proserpine and Uniting Church Flower Show and Fete last Saturday.

Hundreds of people attended the event that was steeped in history and community sentiment – many people coming year after year to celebrate the labours of garden love which are exhibited with pride at the event.

While guests browsed the rows of carefully displayed flowers and plants, others sat and enjoyed the entertainment and refreshments.

A constant flow of local performers came to the stage, two school choirs joined forces to sing ‘Proserpine Shine’ written by Sarah Mead and residents from the local nursing home demonstrated a fine Zumba display.

The Senior Folk Group sung ‘Flowers of Scotland’, Out of the Blue Line Dancers entertained, Bob Barford sung with his guitar and the Proserpine Citizen’s Band added to the lively atmosphere.

Organisers Julianne O’Brien and secretary Bernardine Stevens thanked all those who helped in any way.

“Thank you to those who donated trophies and especially those who took the trouble to bring in their flowers, orchids, pot plants or fruit and vegetables,” said Ms Stevens.

“Also, thanks to the entertainers and especially all those who attended and made the day so special.”

The 80th year was marked with some delicious cupcakes laid out in the shape of 80 and all the children enjoyed eating them.

There was also face painting, crafts, mystery gift stall, a white elephant stall and a popular sandwich bar that sold out of bread, causing volunteers to race to the shops for more supplies.

All proceeds from this years’ event went to assist with the operations of the Uniting Church and organisers said they are overwhelmed with the kindness and level of support from the broader community.

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Trophy winners in 2022

Aggregate points in the Flower section and Champion Pansy: Pat Gillen

Aggregate points in Orchid Section and Champion Orchid: Eileen Cameron

Vegetables: Kathy Bernett

Champion Pot Plant: Carmel Lee

Champion Gerbera: Robert Angelino

Champion Rose: Christine Amos

Champion Cut Bloom: Lee Bettridge

Most Entries: Merv Fuller

Butterfly Knick knack won by the Nursing Home
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Committee members and volunteers who gave their time to help organise the 80th annual Proserpine Flower Show

Everyone enjoyed browsing the colourful blooms

Children’s face painting was popular

Garden lovers celebrated the impressive creations

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On Saturday morning a crowd gathered at the Proserpine Cemetary to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of the first interned local soldier.

While this momentous occasion was being observed, 14 other servicemen were also acknowledged for their sacrifice.

Before this day, 10 soldiers from World War I, and four from World War II, had no headstones commemorating their lives and nowhere for their families to pay their respects.

Thanks to the efforts of the broader community and the dedicated volunteers, however, these soldiers were finally given a symbolic resting place with simple yet meaningful white crosses now marking their lives.

Bunnings donated the wood and the Proserpine Community Centre Men’s Group built the 13 wooden crosses which were then painted white.

Dennis Feijo from Jades Temple Tattoo engraved the names of each fallen soldier onto the crosses which were then placed in the cemetery by dignitaries, family members and RSL representatives on the day.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP helped local resident Anne Gardel place a white cross in the ground for her Great Uncle David Fraser.

“It’s on these men’s shoulders that the defence force is now built upon,” said Ms Camm.

“This show of community pride pays testament to how they sacrificed their youth to go and serve and to see a local connection here today, a family member being recognised, well, I feel really proud to be part of this important moment.”

Organiser Lyn Burke said that every man played an important role in the war and deserved to be acknowledged.

“They’re all diverse - from World War I to the Boar War, the shores of Gallipoli to the trenches of France – we’ve even got an airman here today that we are going to honour who was a radio operator who died at Evans Head in NSW,” she said.

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Councillor Al Grundy, Councillor Jan Clifford, Mayor Julie Hall, Luke Burgess, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP, Lyn Burke, Dave Silverstone, Councillor Gary Simpson

Anne Gardel places a cross for her Great Uncle David Fraser alongside Amanda Camm MP

Councillor Al Grundy with representatives from the local RSL

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A decadent long white table, a stunning silica sand beach, the rich tones of a lively marching band and cool water beneath your feet as you disembark the vessel and are instantly handed a glass of chilled French Champagne.

This was the scene presented to over 500 people on the three-day White On Whitehaven Long Table Lunch held over the weekend – a pop-up restaurant set on one of the world’s best beaches, two hours from civilisation.

Arriving on a three-level air-conditioned SeaLink ferry, guests are treated with five-star comfort from the moment the day begins.

With a dress-theme of elegant white – ivory dresses flowed, hats were wide-brimmed, and feet were bare to create a striking luncheon that embodied luxury yet was deliciously casual in approach.

Chef, event organiser and co-owner of Fish D’vine, Kev Collins, said that long-term he wanted the White on Whitehaven to become the Whitsunday’s iconic food and beverage event.

“We’re a company that’s run by the motto of – loving making people happy!” he said.

“We’ve knocked the house down this year, it’s been absolutely fabulous, and people have loved it! I wouldn’t want to change a thing!”

Guests were treated to welcome canapes of salmon sashimi and freshly shucked oysters, followed by a buffet of the finest local cuisine, including prawns, Morton Bay Bugs and local barramundi fillets accompanied by tender meats and tangy salads.

This years’ event was moved from May to September, which Mr Collins said certainly showcased the best the Whitsundays had to offer and numbers were capped at 200 per sitting to create a more intimate feel.

Aided by the weather, Mr Collins coined this year ‘the redemption lunch’ following a rainy, windy and chilly Sunday last year that unfortunately made the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

“We were heartbroken – but you can’t help the weather,” said co-organiser Katelyn Aslett.

“One of the best outcomes is that several people were here for the bad day last year and returned this year for one of the best days!

“The last three days have been the best you can ever get in the Whitsundays – the wind has been below five knots the whole time!”

“We’ve had fabulous weather, happy people - everything has just gone perfectly!” said event coordinator Stacy Harvey.

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Whitsunday Anglican School (WAS) held its Global Learning Day last Thursday with colourful displays of song and dance representing the different nationalities and cultures that make up the Junior School cohort.

Students from diverse backgrounds joined their classmates to share information and perform dances, stories, songs and poems from varying nations and cultures.

Now in its 14th year, each class represented a different nationality including Bangladesh, China, France, Germany, India, Jamaica, Ireland, Italy, Vietnam and more.

Gracie and Cruz are both in the year 3 class that prepared a song and a story to represent Zimbabwe.

They’ve been preparing their performance in class for about three weeks while learning about the country.

“It’s a landlocked country in Africa,” said Cruz.

“And there’s five national animals,” added Gracie.

“The buffalo, lion, elephant, leopard and rhino,” they listed together.

WAS Head of Junior School Mick Martin said Global Learning Day started out as a small event to recognise the school’s diversity and multiculturalism.

“It’s a great recognition of the growing cultural diversity at the school and Mackay too,” said Mr Martin.

“We’ve got about 52 different nationalities represented in the junior school along through the families and staff so it’s a great way to give those children and parents an opportunity to be involved as a community and show off their culture and nationality.”

“It’s very important that we are promoting tolerance, inclusion and really celebrating that diversity,” added WAS Principal Andrew Wheaton.

“It’s wonderful to see all the students that are here so proud of their backgrounds and their diverse cultures that we see represented here at Whitsunday Anglican School.”

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WAS Head of Junior School Mick Martin and Principal Andrew Wheaton with year 3 students Gracie and Cruz

Junior school students told the stories of different cultures through song and dance at WAS’s Global Learning Day last week. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

These days there are experts in virtually everything and those experts are always happy to voice their options, bestow their knowledge.

I am finding there has been a sudden increase in property market experts.

I was going to say the list of experts extends to Every Man and His Dog but that is a sexist exclusion of half the human population and does not take into account the feline opinion.

Everyone has an opinion about property markets generally and there is no lack of noise in the national media about “the market”. One of the things to consider is that the national media is pretty much focused on Sydney, Melbourne and the other state capitals.

But there is no lack of local opinion about the Mackay market. Some buyers will tell you it’s cooled off and they are hoping it has.

I have noticed that activity continues to be strong. Some people who were “doing research” and popping into open homes for a bit of a look this year have taken a “wait and see” approach.

There are some buyers who are being cautious, listening to the media reports and taking their time with their purchase.

But there are plenty of buyers out there and plenty of properties are being sold. And that’s because, in terms of the fundamentals, nothing has changed.

Unemployment is virtually non-existent in Mackay, rental vacancies remain under 1 per cent and our resource sector-driven economy is performing extremely well and helping power the state.

Renters who discover their rent has gone up again are deciding that buying is still the best option and people moving to town are still seeing that it is very difficult to find a rental and many of them are still buying.

The other group that continues to grow is the southern investor.

People in NSW and Victoria are very aware that their markets are falling and many have discovered a much more affordable option in Mackay with low rental vacancies and a far better rental yield than is available in their home states.

Those investors come from cities where prices are in the $800,000-$1.5m range and are picking up properties in Mackay in the far less-riskier $200,000-$450,000 price range. Importantly they are able to positively gear their investments because of the very good rental returns in Mackay.

I am not going to predict what will happen to the Mackay market but the fundamentals that have been driving our strong market have not changed and rising interest rates on our much smaller mortgages don’t have the impact that they are having in Sydney and Melbourne.

Plenty of people are seizing the opportunities and I am looking forward to a strong finish to the year.

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At our council meeting on August 24, Cr Martin Bella and I were proud to bring forward a Notified Motion, which saw Mackay Regional Council adopt a Councillor Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy.

The policy received unanimous support from all councillors present at the meeting. For me, there was no question about introducing a policy – if it’s good enough for our staff to participate in random drug and alcohol testing, then it should be good enough for councillors.

The objectives of the policy are to provide a safe, healthy and productive workplace, and it focuses on eliminating risks associated with the adverse effects of alcohol and other drugs in the workplace by:

• preventing, where possible, drug and alcohol related incidents

• ensuring that councillors adversely affected by substances do not create a negative perception of council

• ensuring councillors are in a fit state to undertake their official duties.

In doing research prior to the formulation of the policy, it appears Mackay Regional Council is one of only a handful of 77 councils throughout Queensland to take this step, and residents of our region have suggested to us that State and Federal government MPs should also hold themselves accountable and introduce policies.

Our residents deserve nothing less than full clarity from the leaders and decision makers of this region. If you see something about a councillor’s behaviour that leads you to think they are impaired by drugs or alcohol, report it to council.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Luke Bona from Triple M Night Shift about the policy and he was astounded that we were only just introducing it now. He, like a lot of people, thought that a staff Drug and Alcohol Policy would automatically cover elected officials. This is not the case, as we are not classed as employees.

It’s very simple. Where a councillor is not undertaking official duties, the policy does not apply.  However, councillors, as the primary representative of the council, are still required to comply with the “Code of Conduct for Councillors in Queensland” and any other legislative provisions.

Cr Fran Mann

Mackay Regional Council

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Established in the local community for over 18 years and with over 40 years of combined industry experience, you can count on Roy Powell Security to find the best security solution for you.

Roy Powell Security provides advice, installation and maintenance services for every aspect of security from your home, business and even vehicle.

Their services encompass security alarms, alarm monitoring services, CCTV, intercoms, boom gates, automatic gates, access control and many more, so you’ll rest easy knowing your premises are safe and secure.

“Our solutions can start from a basic home security system to a fully automated and customised solution,” said Roy Powell Security Office Manager Kelli Powell.

“Imagine hitting one button on an app on your phone that turns your alarm system off, your lights on and aircons on, knowing that you can walk in and your house is ready for you to be at home.”

Roy Powell Security can offer a certified data and fibre solution for your business as well.  

With the industry’s technology ever-evolving, Roy Powell Security strives to stay at the forefront with innovations including thermal cameras, intercom systems, key trackers, GPS trackers, solar camera/boom gates and facial recognition software.

The team at Roy Powell Security can advise you on the security system products to suit your home or business and strives to offer a cost-effective, professional service each time.

Find out which level of security best suits your needs and speak to their consultants today.

Call 07 4952 5334, email reception@roypowellseciruty.com.au or visit the team at 3/52 Margaret Vella Dr, Paget.

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The team at Roy Powell Security has more than 40 years’ experience in security services and is up-to-date with the latest systems to provide better, protective solutions to your home or business. Photo credit: Alyce Holzy

Raw Sugar prices

● Overview: Raw sugar futures suffered under the macroeconomic headwinds of global inflation and recessionary fears last week. The prompt Oct22 ICE 11 contract traded from a high of 18.52 USc/lb on Tuesday, down to a low of 17.89 USc/lb on Wednesday before closing the week at 18.15 USc/lb.

● Brazil: Brazilian petroleum giant, Petrobras, announced a further reduction of wholesale gasoline prices by 0.25 BRL/litre (7%) on Friday. The reduction comes as West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil traded to a two-week low and closed the week down 5% at $US88.30/barrel, driving ethanol parity sub-14 USc/lb equivalent. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has also stated that he will not reinstate taxes on gasoline if he is re-elected in October, indicating that sugar is unlikely to receive any strength from ethanol prices in the foreseeable future.

● India: The Indian monsoon continues to operate on two speeds, with both the Maharashtra and Karnataka states receiving well above average rainfall while the Uttar Pradesh state's cumulative rainfall is tracking well below average. However, the India Meteorological Department has stated it expects showers in September to provide some relief.

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A strong bio-economy will prove to be an important way to value-add to our already vibrant sugar industry, and to diversify the regional economy.

This week, we have seen Mackay region’s role in Queensland’s emerging bio-economy validated, with the staging of the Life Sciences Queensland Bioeconomy Forum held at Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on Monday.

The forum brought together Queensland’s key stakeholders across industrial, agricultural and environmental biotechnology, in a program that included keynote presentations and panel discussions.  Some major players that were included in the event included Nick Hazell of v2food, a major player in plant-based protein production, and Ben van Delden, Head of AgriFood Tech and Circular Economy Advisory at KPMG Australia.

Visitors to the region were joined by State Government department representatives and regional industry leaders, including Mercurius Biorefining CEO Karl Seck, Mackay Sugar CEO Jannik Olejas, and GW3 CEO Kylie Porter.

The forum discussed approaches and technologies that support our growing local bio-based economy to meet global demand for more sustainable energy, processes and products.

It’s exciting stuff that tailors to the value-adding and diversification ideas contained in Sugar Plus, the sugar industry roadmap developed by key sugar industry organisations. But what does that really mean for growers? Ideas about value-adding have been mooted for years: how is now different?

Sometimes, great ideas have their moment, and now is that moment of critical mass for a bio-economy to emerge in the Mackay region. As the world looks for better, more sustainable solutions to energy, fibre and food, and sugarcane is at ground zero for that.

The crop already occupies a sizeable footprint not just here in Mackay but along Queensland’s coast, but Mackay has that perfect capacity of a strong sugarcane growing sector and an abundance of world-class engineering firms. Our small city has the space to develop a greenfields site for new processing and research facilities, and what is more, there is the will to make it happen across our industry and across the region’s economic and political leadership.

CANEGROWERS Mackay is committed to making sure that our members get a good deal in any emerging bio-economy, and that cane growers get a place at the table in any industry deals. It is not enough to have a top-down approach: if a premium industry is to develop in this then it is equally important that there is good benefit for the growers of the base material – sugarcane.

It is also essential that we have a voice in the emergence of our regional bio-economy, and to that end, CANEGROWERS Mackay CEO Kerry Latter takes a place at the discussion table, representing members at the Greater Whitsunday Biofutures Leaders Group and the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Agribusiness Future Alliance Project.

CANEGROWERS Mackay has plans to host an event for growers and bioeconomy players post-crush season.

We will continue to speak for the betterment of our growers.

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

CANEGROWERS Mackay Chairman Kevin Borg with SRA District Manager - Central Dylan Wedel at the Life Sciences Queensland Bioeconomy Forum. Picture: Contributed

Plant-based protein has a growing presence in the market, sourced from plant stocks such as sugarcane or legumes. Mackay has been slated by the Queensland Government as a centre for development in this production space. Picture: courtesy CSIRO

From Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Ram Mereddy, Michael Brown and Paul Burt with CANEGROWERS Mackay CEO Kerry Latter and Chairman Kevin Borg at the LSQ Bioeconomy Forum. Picture: Contributed

Talking ahead of the forum, from left, GW3 CEO Kylie Porter, with Jarrah Steen GW3 decarbonisation project, CSIRO Main Sequence commercialisation and venture capital unit’s Phil Morle and Gabrielle Munzer. Picture Contributed

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Australia’s leading award to celebrate and acknowledge exceptional women from rural industries and communities is now open for applications.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said “The State Government proudly supports the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and encourages women working on a project or business that is positively contributing to rural industries and great lifestyles in regional communities to apply.”

“Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Westpac, the Queensland winner of the Rural Women’s Award will receive a $15,000 grant to further their work and represent Queensland at the national awards where they have the chance to win an additional $20,000 grant,” Mr Furner said.

“Our new State sponsor, the University of Queensland, is providing a $2000 grant to Queensland’s finalists.

“For women who feel they are not quite ready to apply for the Award, the Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant provides a bursary of up to $7000 for professional development.

“Applications for the 2023 awards close at 10pm AEST Wednesday 19 October 2022 and I encourage emerging female leaders who want to innovate and make a difference to rural and regional Australia to apply for the Award.”

Managing Director of AgriFutures Australia John Harvey said the Award empowered and celebrated the inclusive and courageous leadership of women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities, now and into the future.

“The Award provides a platform to inspire and support Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities, and can open doors to professional development and Alumni networks,” Mr Harvey said.

Westpac Regional General Manager Queensland Peta Ward said the Award played a significant role in acknowledging the change makers in our rural industries and communities.

“The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is an important platform to shine a light on innovative women like Queensland’s 2022 winner, pioneering child health nurse Rebecca Bradshaw,” Ms Ward said.

“Rebecca truly exemplifies the rural and regional women whose leadership today is going to continue to make a difference to the lives and families in our rural communities for years to come.

“It truly is inspiring to be able to recognise the work of women who are responding to some of the biggest industry and community challenges being faced by many of us.”

More information about the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is available at www.agrifutures.com.au/people-leadership/rural-womens-award.

Information about the Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant is available at www.agrifutures.com.au/people-leadership/acceleration-grant.

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2022 Queensland AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Winner Rebecca Bradshaw. Photo credit: Jessica Howard

Year 6 Walkerston State School students were drawn to the magnetic attraction of one of Queensland’s best island vacation spots for their school camp earlier this month.

On Magnetic Island off the coast of Townsville, the Walkerston students combined learning with epic fun, from life skill learning such as building shelter and rafts and fishing, to overcoming fears with abseiling and kayaking.

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Photo source: Walkerston State School

Speaking in public is something many of us fear, but Miley Weller from Walkerston State School is showing there’s nothing to be scared about.

The student took out the Pioneer Valley Primary Schools' Public Speaking Competition in its 16th year.

The competition was initiated by the Rotary Club of Walkerston in 2007 and remains a hotly contested event.

The Rotary Club of Walkerston conveyed their congratulations to Miley and the other participants.

“Getting out there in front of an audience and speaking so well is undoubtedly not an easy task,” a club spokesperson said.

“Congratulations also to each student's support crew of teachers, parents and families.

“Brilliant presentations!”

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Photo source: Rotary Club of Walkerston

We were always taught in school PE to warm up and cool down before and after exercise but it is easy to fall into the habit of skipping these routines. Going through a complete warm up and cool down is a simple way for athletes to maximize their athletic performance and reduce the likelihood of injury and soreness. Pre and post workout exercises play a crucial role in preparing the body for activity and assisting in full recovery.

Warming up is the process of increasing blood flow to the muscles that are to be engaged in the planned exercise. Heightened blood flow to muscles means an increase in oxygen delivery to tissues and the removal of carbon dioxide, a harmful toxin for muscle performance.

Before exercising, do about five to 10 minutes of light aerobic exercise to loosen up your muscles. This could include walking briskly, marching, jogging slowly, or cycling on a stationary bike. Make sure you don't rush your warmup. Dynamic stretches like walking lunges, jumping jacks or opposite toe touches are good ways to stretch the muscles as well.

On the back end of a workout, cooling down can be extremely beneficial for maximizing athletic performance and speeding up recovery. Cooling down is an important step in helping an athlete’s muscles clear lactate and other waste, while loosening tight muscles.

A cool down will usually include gentler cardiovascular exercises and stretching movements, which will help the body dispose of any harmful toxins that can cause muscle aches and stiffness. The main goal of a cool down is to slowly decrease the body temperature, lower an athlete’s heart rate and reduce injury. If athletes choose not to participate in a cool down, they are more susceptible to blood build up in their veins and soreness the next day. A light jog or walk is a simple way to wind down the body after exercising, but stretching can address the particular muscles you want to cool down. Stretches such as upper body stretching, seated forward bend hamstring stretch, standing quad stretch and lunging calf stretch can help you avoid the dreaded soreness the next day.

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It was a race night like no other to raise money for a local charity making a difference.

Mackay Riding for the Disabled held a Race Night called Riding for a Cause. It had all of your race-favourite activities including Fashions on the Field and betting, but with a difference.

The sell-out audience who attended the inaugural event last Friday at the Metropolitan Hotel, were entertained by an array of activities, including fashions on the field, mystery balloon pop and a trivia quiz. It was also an opportunity for the charity to share the story about the magnificent horses at the centre of its organisation and what they bring to the participants life, which is hope and joy. Punters bid on races with funny money watching faux races on a television screen, with as much exuberance and enthusiasm as the real deal.

Riding for the Disabled makes a huge difference to the lives of children and adults living with intellectual, physical, sensory and learning disabilities.

Mackay Riding for the Disabled was recently awarded the Centre for Excellence among its national group of Riding for the Disabled organisations.

Proceeds from the fundraising night were donated to Mackay Riding for the Disabled.

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The inaugural Riding for a Cause Race Night was a sold-out event held at the Metropolitan Hotel on 9 September

When arthritis threatens to immobilize you, exercise keeps you moving.

Exercise is crucial for people with painful joint conditions. It increases strength and flexibility and it can reduce pain.

Understandably, once you are suffering from stiff joints, the thought of moving might be overwhelming. But you don’t need to do strenuous exercise to get results. Even mild movements can help to reduce pain while also helping you to maintain your overall health.

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but all are painful and can lead to joint deformity and a loss of function if not managed.

Top Tip – Try Pilates

Pilates is a great form of exercise for arthritis patients who shy away from exercise, which they feel they cannot do. Pilates is gentle; it does not stress your joints or add burden to ligaments and cartilage that surround the joints.

The Arthritis Foundation says exercise is one of the best ways to keep joints healthy in the first place. As little as 30 minutes of exercise five times a week helps joints stay limber and strengthens the muscles that support and stabilize your hips and knees.

Top Tip – Try Strength Training

These exercises help you build strong muscles that help support and protect your joints. Rest a day between your workouts, and take an extra day or two if your joints are painful or swollen.

Walking, gardening – even scrubbing floors – count. But the greatest results come with a consistent and progressive exercise program adjusted for your age, fitness level and the activities you enjoy most.

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Top Tip – Try Yoga

Yin yoga is good option if your goal is to reduce chronic arthritis pain by reducing stress, muscle tension, and anxiety in the body. This type of yoga focuses on matching breath to movement during a flowing sequence of poses.

No matter what type of exercise you choose, listen to your body. If you have pain after a workout that persists more than an hour or two, do less next time and take more breaks.

To avoid injury, go slow until you know how your body reacts to a new activity and don't repeat the same exercise every day.

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