Food retailers in the Whitsundays are invited to become Plastic Free Champions thanks to a free state government funded program which offers practical advice on how to become plastic free.

Eligible businesses will receive personalised assistance in reaching goals to eliminate plastic from their work premises.

Boomerang Alliance are the facilitating company, and they promise to offer free and impartial advice that will also be cost effective.

“We know our stuff, we know the local suppliers and products,” said a spokesperson.

“With our help, you won't end up paying more for cleverly marketed plastic.

“We can help you become compliant with the Queensland plastics ban and reduce costs and waste.”

Eligible food retailers include cafes, restaurants, caterers, mobile vendors, bars, bakeries, juice bars etc.

Participants will be given great benefits such as promotional opportunities and free resources.

Upon completion of the program, businesses can become a Plastic Free Champion and receive a Champion sign to proudly display at the premises.

Those that are already plastic free can become certified straight away.

Head to plasticfreeplaces.org for more information.

‍

Food retailers receive free advice on becoming plastic free. Photo: stock image

‍

Bowen’s Big Mango and Bowen Tourism and Business have celebrated another set of massive milestones, with close to 48 thousand visitors welcomed through the Bowen Information Centre.

Exactly 47,812 people stepped foot into the Bowen Information Centre and Information Booth in the previous financial year, with the previous highest record being from two years ago, with only 42,945 people.

This increase of 11 per cent comes off the back of the Big Mango’s 21st birthday which saw national coverage.

Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business, Jenn Honnery said this result was fantastic and meant that the organisation had not only reached pre-covid levels but had fully recovered and continued to grow since the pandemic.

“Our presence online, on TV, radio, and in print regionally and nationally has been strong in the past two years and we are now reaping the benefits,” she said.

The Bowen Information Centre also broke their record for more visitors in one day, on June 28, with 512 people greeted, breaking the September 2022 record of 439 visitors.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said Bowen has always been a destination that captures the hearts of travellers from around the globe.

“The record visitor numbers at the Visitor Information Centre are not simply a reflection of our region’s natural wonders, but a testament to the exceptional efforts of the team at the centre and their tireless work and innovative ideas,” Mayor Hall said.

‍

Bowen Visitor Information Centre hits another milestone, days before end of financial year. Photo supplied

‍

Council handed down our 2023-24 budget on June 30 and a 2 per cent increase for owner occupiers is a lower rate rise than what could have been.

Like everyone else, Council is feeling the increased costs of living.

Our research expects about 7.5 % inflation for this year, so the good news is that Council is absorbing most of the hikes, rather than passing the full amount onto ratepayers.

There are other increases in water, sewage, and rubbish as we move towards full cost pricing of these services on a user pays model, so remember, the less you waste, the less you pay.

It should also save people from paying rates for expensive services they don’t specifically benefit from.

Rubbish, recycling, and landfill remediation remains a big cost item and I have joined the regional waste committee and continue to put in extra work on finding solutions that can save us all money.

I have read hundreds of pages of reports and policy, including from previous years to help me better understand my first $200 million budget.

Amongst that I saw that last year residents in their own homes had a higher rate rise than other residential properties, so I was happy to endorse the decision of all Councillors to approve a lower rise for them in 2023-24.

The capital works papers outline over $15 million dollars for Cannonvale and Paluma Road, not including another $2 mill for the sewage plant. I think this sets us up for major improvements in services and infrastructure in the coming years.

There are a number of exciting new projects in the pipeline for Cannonvale which we are hopeful of confirming in coming months and will potentially see Division 2 receive more than four times better funding allocation than in last year’s budget.

The Whitsunday Policy on rates says they are based on equity and benefit.

I think there is more we can do towards this going forward and I hope to be stating my case again for the 24/25 budget.

With our new Chief Executive Officer running the business of Council this financial year, I expect to see a better return on investment for ratepayers, better operational outcomes and while change in Local Government sometimes feels like trying to turn the Titanic, I think that analogy shows just how important it is to have the whole region on a safe and steady course to success.

‍

Acts of vandalism across Council assets such as parks and playground equipment, amenities blocks, public tables and barbeques, open space irrigation systems and graffiti to buildings has a cost of over $90K a year to Council! They also take our Officers and Maintenance crews away from their daily tasks, therefore increasing wait times on other community projects and requests.

If these acts of vandalism and deliberate destruction were to cease, this ratepayer money could be put to much better use such as funding community grants or assisting young sportspeople to achieve their goals.

If you witness an act of vandalism in our community, please report it directly to Council via email:info@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au or by phone on 1300 972 753. Alternatively, please contact Crime Stoppers online or by phoning 1800 333 000.

‍

If you register your dog or cat before the end of this month a special discount is available, and all residents of the Whitsundays are urged to take advantage of this offer to ensure the safety of your pet.

Mayor Julie Hall said that registrations for pet owners are due now with the discount period ending July 31 2023.

“Registering your dog or cat is part of being a responsible pet owner,” she said.

“It gives our Local Law Officers the very best chance of finding and returning your dog or cat should it become lost or wander from its yard.

“I would also like to remind residents that only two dogs or two cats are allowed per property, unless a multiple dog or cat permit has been approved.

“It’s also timely to remind residents about their responsibility as a pet owner with dogs at large and barking being the two most common complaints.

“Residents are encouraged to look at ways they can make behavioural changes with their pets and minimise barking and other adverse behaviours.”

Be aware that unregistered animals may result in an infringement, so make sure to visit Council’s Customer Service Centre to find out how you can register your pet.

Register your pet here: https://bit.ly/3HZK2kg.

Council encourages the following to ensure the best care for your pet:

• Exercise and play with your dog or cat regularly.

• Desex your dog or cat.

• Microchip and register your dog or cat from 3 months old.

• Keep your dog and cat safely enclosed on your property when not walking them.

• Advise Council if there is a change of address or ownership.

• Clean up after your pet, both at home and in public places.

‍

Register your pet before July 31. Photo: stock image

‍

Promoting our region to a national and international market is something that Tourism Whitsundays do successfully every day, but here on the ground they are equally as busy.

Last week, CEO of Tourism Whitsundays Rick Hamilton, made a trip to Bowen and while he was there, took the time to hang out and meet with other tourism operators.

“Having the opportunity to combine meetings with experiencing our region is one of the best parts of my role at Tourism Whitsundays,” he explained.

“As CEO, I work closely with my team, members, and community to market The Whitsundays and support the development of the tourism industry to ensure the longevity of tourism in The Whitsundays.”

While attending a meeting between advocates for the Bowen Marina and Council, Rick was able to gain further insights into the challenges facing the marina precinct and has promised Tourism Whitsundays will assist with the solution where they can.

“This is a long road, and a vision shared by all stakeholders, businesses, council, and Tourism Whitsundays, will ensure we’re all working toward the same outcome,” he said.

After the meeting, Rick took the opportunity to head down to the marina and pick up some fresh fish for dinner.

“On the hunt for some locally grown produce to accompany my fish, I headed out to Stackelroth Farms, where both Michelle and Belinda were at the farm shop,” he said.

“Michelle showed me the beehive in the wall of the farm shop and explained how their farm works in with others in the region.

“The day showed me how much progress we can achieve as a region when we all work together for the benefit of the whole region.”

‍

CEO of Tourism Whitsundays Rick Hamilton and Cait Fleming from Tourism Whitsundays with Belinda Williams from Stackelroth Farms. Photo supplied

‍

The Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) has been announced as the venue for the 2023 Whitsunday Tourism Awards which is due to take place on Friday, October 20.

Based on feedback from last year, the highly anticipated 2023 event will take a different format and will be delivered cocktail-style, with a well-airconditioned venue for the award presentations.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton, expressed his excitement for the new location.

"We are thrilled to be bringing the Whitsundays Tourism Awards to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre!” he said.

“We’re looking forward to a different style of event this year with two distinct elements to the evening – live music, canapes, and drinks on the lawn followed by the awards ceremony in the auditorium.”

Following an $18.8 million rebuild, the PEC provides The Whitsundays with a state-of-the-art facility that can seat up to 380 people in the auditorium and has international standard lighting, sound equipment, and professional backstage areas.

The event promises to be a night of celebration and recognition as business owners, management, and staff gather to honour the remarkable contributions and successes within The Whitsundays tourism industry.

In addition to the presentation of accolades, the evening will feature captivating entertainment, delectable food, and great networking opportunities.

For the first time this year, Tourism Whitsundays is excited to announce Bishopp outdoor advertising as the new event sponsor.

They would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to other sponsors Reef Gateway Hotel, Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper, TeePee Events, Whitsunday Transit, Bendigo Bank, Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce, ARN and BookEasy, whose generous support has made this significant event possible.

Tickets are on sale now: tourismwhitsundays.com.au.

WHAT: Whitsunday Tourism Awards

WHEN: Friday, October 20

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre

‍

The Proserpine Entertainment Centre will host the 2023 Whitsunday Tourism Awards. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

‍

The Proserpine Lions and Ladies Auxiliary celebrated their annual changeover dinner last week, at the Proserpine Leisure and Activity Centre.

Celebrating the incoming board of directors and congratulating the outgoing board of directors, the club also acknowledged their mammoth figure of $31,250 that had gone towards local community organisations.

The dinner was attended by Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Julie Hall, and included a series award presentations.

Lions President Joe Little was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the International President, Brian Sheehan, and a plaque of appreciation from the wider Proserpine Lions Club, for his continued commitment to being the president of the lions club for six terms.

‍

Proserpine Lions Club and past Lions District Governor Gary Kenny, with Mayor Julie Hall.
President of the Proserpine Lions Club Joe Little was recognised for his continued commitment to the club. Photos supplied

‍

The Proserpine Library has unveiled a new visual art exhibition, displaying the Heart Art Exhibit created by participants of the Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre.

The artwork created for the exhibit was a part of the participants art therapy, which allowed creative expression and an emotive release.

The art therapy also improves mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing by engaging self-expression in a safe and comforting environment, fostering social inclusion through the use of a group setting.

Hosted by the Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre, participants include ageing seniors and disabled residents in the Whitsundays community and provide and encourage them to make the best of their individual abilities.

Jayne Milne, Chief Executive of Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre said that the art group is a good outlet for the participants, and the ability to have their art viewed in a public setting is exciting.

“This opportunity gets some positivity back into their lives,” she said.

“It allows the centre to get a bit more exposure and all funds gathered are a bonus for the organisation.”

Robyn Batman, Team Leader for Proserpine Library said that Proserpine Library is proud to showcase to the community the artworks created by the participants of the Whitsunday Leisure and Activity Centre.

“The art therapy sessions and other activities provided by this organisation are vital to the communities wellbeing and supported by the Whitsunday Regional Libraries.”

The Heart Art Exhibition will be available for viewing until August 7, and all artwork is available for purchase.

‍

The Heart Art Exhibition showcases the artwork completed by the Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre. Photo supplied

‍

The team at Whitsunday Mowers are looking after the Whitsundays this month, with ten per cent off any and all mowers off the floor, for the month of July.

Yes, this includes your standard push mower, your ride on mower, your zero turn and your electric mower, until stocks last.

Stocking premium names in the business, Whitsunday Mowers has some of the best knowledge in the business.

With a range of Toro, Cox, Victa, Bushranger, Razorback, Ferris, and Stihl machines, the staff are able to point you in the right direction, for a mower that best suits your needs.

Don’t forget to check their extensive electric range, which offer some of the best power, with the added convenience of no fuss charging at home.

“Once you’ve got an electric mower, all you need to do for maintenance is change the blades,” explained Wayne Drabsch, owner and manager of Whitsunday Mowers.

“And these machines can easily mow up to 800 metres with ease.”

Whitsunday Mowers are also the local Razorback dealer, experts with these machines of power.

“The Razorback range is compact and is more in the brush cutting world than the mowing world,” explained Wayne.

“Because they are as heavy duty as heavy duty comes - being a four-wheel drive, this thing can get into some pretty awesome places.”

No matter the yard, from the standard 800 square metre residential plot to big paddocks and rural land blocks, the extensive range available from Whitsunday Mowers has something for everyone.

‍

With ten per cent off mowers at Whitsunday Mowers, now is the perfect time to upgrade. Photo supplied

‍

This beautiful family home is perched against a backdrop of rainforest, nestled in a private location in Sugarloaf. The property is set on an 8.5-acre block surrounded by tropical gardens, fruit trees, seasonal waterfalls, and ponds.

Some features include:

- Three bedrooms, master with renovated ensuite and walk in robe

- Large modern kitchen

- Spacious open plan living/dining area

- Full length front verandah

- Family bathroom

- Office

- Three carport spaces

- One bedroom guest cottage with bath and toilet

- Polished timber floors throughout

- 55,000 litre pool

- Good bore

- Approx. 120,000 litres of tank water suppling the house

- Three bay Colorbond shed approx. 9m x 6m

Recently renovated and looking for a new family, this stunning property offers the lifestyle you've been dreaming of.

For more information or to arrange a private viewing please contact Troy Liesch on 0428 646 599 or email troy@whitsundayrealty.com.au

‍

Elizabeth Nicolson nee Miller was born in Bowen March 12, 1884. She married Angus DeSalis Nicolson on June 17, 1914. Initially, they went to live with her family in Argyle Park, Bowen (near Queen’s Beach).

The Nicolson family association with Lindeman Island began in 1923 when Angus went to the island and saw its potential for tourism and established a rudimentary camp for visitors.  Elizabeth purchased the licence to the island in her name that year a precursor to Lindeman becoming the first of the Whitsunday Island tourism resorts.

With their three children – Lachlan De Salis born 1915, Donald Archibald (Archie) born 1918, Elizabeth Margaret (Betty) born 1921 – Elizabeth travelled via coastal steamer, QGS Relief, the primary transport mode to the islands, and joined Angus on Lindeman Island in 1925.

For a young family, Lindeman Island was quite isolated in terms of access to many mainland advantages such as medical care and schools. With a young family, Elizabeth no doubt experienced many tense times weathering the storms of childhood illnesses and injuries in the very early days.  If Angus was away on the island’s boat, Aladdin, it was extremely difficult to obtain medical help. The nearest doctor was a slow boat’s sail to the mainland.  

The Relief, the government lighthouse vessel, called once per month or a passing ketch could be hailed.  However, the children had a lot of fun and were quite healthy being brought up on physical activity, home grown produce and well away from coastal epidemics. When of school age, they began correspondence school with the task of teaching falling to their mother, Elizabeth.

It must be said though that Lindeman was not a lonely place as it was popular with boats passing through and had a welcoming reputation.  

Elizabeth worked in partnership with Angus to manage the island grazing business (already established) and develop a base for tourism – their shared dream for the island. In 1926, they obtained a special lease for fourteen years for grazing purposes.

In the early days, the family lived in the residence built by the former owners, the Addisons, and adapted to life on an isolated island – running sheep; obtaining water from the island’s wells and springs; growing a variety of fruits and vegetables – gradually adding facilities to cater to tourists including the Embury scientific expeditions which began in 1928.

In 1932, Elizabeth and Angus applied for a new lease to develop tourism on the island which by then had ‘comfortable grass cabins, electric light and running water in every room.’ In 1934, Elizabeth took on the role of island secretary for syndicate formed with Gordon-MacLeod of Sydney, the Nicolsons and Mel Ward, expert in marine zoology.

Eventually, in 1938, Elizabeth and Angus, bought out other shareholders and divided them equally amongst the children and themselves.  Until her passing in 1958, the business would be a shared family venture. All children, their spouses and her grandchildren remained involved and lived on the island during her lifetime.

Elizabeth lived to see the dream that she and Angus had worked towards, where the island, set in the waters of the beautiful Whitsunday Passage, was transformed into a highly popular resort with all the facilities needed to attract tourists from far afield - built accommodations, dining hall, recreation lounge, tennis court, golf course, air strip, and the island’s own boats.

Even royalty knew about Lindeman. In 1954, the Royal yacht Britannia anchored off Lindeman and Queen Elizabeth II swam in the waters nearby, during her visit to Australia.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

‍

Australian Street Aid Project were the recipients of a record $75,000 grant at last Friday’s annual Mackay Community Foundation (MCF) grant presentation in the Jubilee Community Centre.

The sizeable grant, the largest issued to date in MCF’s twenty-year history, will assist in funding the PINK Sleepbus for Mackay.

Dianne Smith, Client Services Manager of ASAP, accepted the $75,000 certificate from MCF Board Member Ian Joblin and said the funding would provide an option for females and children to obtain a safe night’s sleep while being supported by an all-female volunteer Sleepbus team.

Safe Sleep Mackey was formed last November in response to the current housing crisis to deliver short term solutions for people without a safe place to sleep.

ASAP are committed to providing immediate relief and support to people experiencing homelessness. It was one of eight local non-profit organisations to receive grants totalling $169,000 on the day.

Transforming Lives
Mackay Community Foundation Grants Fuel Social Impact

The Mackay Community Foundation provides an opportunity for individuals, families and businesses to make donations to support those in need in the region, both now and in the future.

Not for profit organisations in the region apply for grants to fund charitable projects that align with the aims of the Foundation.

Since 2003, the Foundation has provided a total of $1.6 million in grants thanks to the Mackay community’s commitment to “Give Where You Live”.

MCF Board Chair Frances Easton said that the other seven grants in this year’s round were “just as worthy”.

“Each year we are able to increase our level of grants, thanks to the generosity and vision of Mackay businesses, families and individuals,” Ms Easton said.

ASAP strives to build community and bring hope, encouragement, and purpose to the lives of those they serve whilst creating opportunities which enable pathways out of homelessness.

They aim to promote dignity and positive social interactions in an inclusive and welcoming environment which enables people to exit the cycle of homelessness with as little trauma as possible, increasing their chances of leading a fulfilling life following their homelessness experience.

KIDNEY SUPPORT NETWORK were the recipients of a $28,545 grant for its Renal Patient Transport Service.

The funding will help replace an ageing vehicle that assists to transport renal patients to and from hospital appointments for their dialysis three times per week.

Paula O’Neill, KSN Operations Manager, accepted the grant from Wayne James of Next Accounting and a founding director of the MCF.

Kidney Support Network has been providing quality support to Queenslanders who are impacted by chronic kidney disease (renal failure) since 1981.

SELECTABILITY received a $20,000 grant to support its River 2 Reef Ride for Young People.

This project is to take a group of ten disadvantaged young people and train the participants up to be successful in completing the River 2 Reef Ride during October this year.

The aim of the project is to build a sense of participation and community amongst the group and to develop teamwork and communication strategies that enforce positive outcomes.

Carl Holland, the Bike Shed Co-ordinator for Selectability, accepted the grant from named fund donor Frank Attard of Key Solutions Group.

RONALD McDONALD House Charities North Australia were the recipients of a $14,400 grant to fund its Learning Program.

The grant will cover costs of 40 hours of tutoring for six local Mackay students.

Aim is that each student has improved numeracy and literacy skills and to make the journey back to school as smooth as possible.

These children will have missed a large amount of schooling due to cancer treatment and this tutoring will provide a much-needed boost to their confidence and self-esteem.

Samantha Lee from Ronald McDonald House accepted the grant from Geoff O’Connor of SBB Partners.

CROSSROAD ARTS were the recipients of a $10,000 grant to help fund the Loose Ends Event that is part of celebrations for International Day for People with Disability.

This would include venue hire, artists, artist support and an AUSLAN interpreter. Loose Ends was initiated in 2018 to address the gap for inclusive nighttime activities in the CBD for young people with disability.

It was also designed to be a place for people to socialise, be entertained and have opportunities to meet new and different people. For many groups the Loose Ends evening is an event to work towards celebrating diversity, access and inclusion.

Lesa Walker, Company Administrator of Crossroad Arts, accepted the grant from Luke Phillips of Gardian Group.

PHOENIX PLACE was the recipient of a $9,720 grant to support its Driving Equity project.

This project will fund the modification of a vehicle and training of an existing qualified driving instructor to provide local access to specialised driving lessons for people with a disability.

Objectives and aims are to provide local opportunity for people with a disability to enhance and improve their independence, participation and employability and reduce their reliance on family carers and paid carers.

There is no service in Mackay at present and people need to travel to Townsville or Rockhampton as the closest points for driver training.

Phoenix Place representative Janice Quadrio accepted the grant from Ben Chick of named fund donor Explore Property.

MACKAY COMMUNITY VISITORS ASSOCIATION were the recipients of a $5,500 grant.

The MCVA provides great work in the community in supporting the elderly with their services.

In aid of assisting with these services and continuing to operate to the highest possible standards this grant will fund much needed IT equipment such as two desktop computers, a new printer and server.

MCVA promotes inclusion, participation and friendship for people who are feeling isolated in aged care facilities or in their own homes.

They aim to enhance the lives of clients who experience limited contact with family and friends, experience mental health issues, cultural barriers, mobility issues, disabilities, illness or isolation.

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY were the recipients of a $5,000 grant to again support its UniCare MCF Emergency Grant scheme.

Last year the $5,000 grant supported seven students who were in need of financial support for various reasons and continued on with one graduating and the other six still enrolled and studying.

By extending this grant the Foundation can continue to assist students financially who come into an emergency crisis so as to assist them with their studies.

‍

‍

Mackay Community Foundation board chair Frances Easton with the 2023 grant recipients:  CQUniversity Unicare Emergency, Mackay Community Visitors Association, Phoenix Place Inc., Crossroad Arts, Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia, Selectability, Kidney Support Network and Australian Street Aid Project

ASAP Caption: Diane Smith and Ash Hilder from the Australian Street Aid Project receiving a $75,000 grant from Ian Joblin, board member for the Mackay Community Foundation

Kidney support network Caption: > Mackay Community Foundation co-founder Wayne James of Next Accounting presenting a 2023 grant to Kidney Support Network CEO Paula O’Neill

Selectability Caption: Carl Holland, the Bike Shed Co-ordinator for Selectability, accepted a $20,000 grant from named fund donor Frank Attard of Key Solutions Group, presented by Mayor Greg Williamson

Ronald McDonald House Caption: Samantha Lee from Ronald McDonald Charities North Australia receiving a 2023 grant from individually named fund donor Geoff O'Connor, also representing named fund donor SBB Partners

Crossroad Arts Caption: Lesa Walker and Georgia Knoll from Crossroad Arts accepting a grant from named donor Gardian, represented by Luke Phillips

Phoenix Place Caption: Phoenix Place representative Janice Quadrio accepted the grant from Ben Chick of named fund donor Explore Property

MCVA Caption: MCVA were the recipients of a $5,500 grant

CQU Caption: Leanne Williams, CQU Campus Co-ordinator, accepted the grant from Whitsunday Anglican School students Sabrin Sekandar and Imogen

‍

Earlier this week, the local community came together to commemorate NAIDOC in a truly remarkable event. The morning was filled with a vibrant display of cultural pride and unity at Mackay Regional Council’s annual Flag Raising Ceremony, as attendees were treated to captivating performances by the Tchundal Malar Dance Group and the Torres Strait Island Dancers.

The rain didn’t dampen spirits as the event moved inside to escape the intermittent showers. The festivities commenced with a Flag Raising Ceremony at the Civic Precinct, where esteemed community Elders, including Merle Barba, Arthur Ahwang, and Pat Corrie, played a significant role in the proceedings.

The excitement continued as the Tchundal Malar Dance Group took to the stage, showcasing their traditional dance moves and mesmerising the audience with their rhythmic beats. The performers skillfully brought to life the rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions of the First Nations community.

The Torres Strait Island Dancers also graced the event with their awe-inspiring routines. With their vibrant costumes and graceful movements, they transported the crowd to the stunning islands of the Torres Strait, showcasing the beauty and diversity of our Indigenous cultures.

The event served as a powerful reminder of the significance of NAIDOC and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation and cultural preservation. It was a testament to the strength and resilience of the First Nations community, and a celebration of their rich contributions to our society.

‍

‍

NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony. Photo Credit: Mackay Regional Council

‍

At Cape Hillsborough

Queensland National Parks are working with Yuwi Land and Sea Rangers to protect the cultural heritage of Cape Hillsborough National Park.

The Yuwibara, or Yuwi, people are the traditional custodians of the lands that make up the Mackay region, their traditional lands covering an extensive area from the O’Connell River in the north, to Eungella National Park in the west, Cape Palmerston National Park to the south and sea and coastal Country to the east.

Cape Hillsborough National Park has several areas of cultural significance to the Yuwi People, including a site containing a large shell midden, a distinct concentration of shells containing evidence of the Yuwi Peoples’ long-standing connection to the area.

The National Park has an increase of a weed species growing around the midden site after extensive rainfall in early 2023.

Yuwi Elders, knowledge holders, and the Ranger teams met on site to discuss different options to remove the weeds with minimal impact to the significant cultural site.

It was decided that using temporary plastic sheeting to suppress the weeds and seeds over time was the perfect sensitive approach to restoring and protecting this site.

To install the material, Rangers worked from outside the fence line, carefully laying the sheets across the site and minimising their impact.

Over the next few months, Rangers will continue to monitor and assess the site.

‍

‍

Photo credit: Mike Griinke © Queensland Government

‍