In exciting news for Lake Proserpine, we are nearing our 10,000th campsite booking since we started taking official reservations in July 2021.

Lake Proserpine is truly a hidden gem within the region, and I encourage everyone to get out there to experience what Division 3 has to offer whether that’s catching a 1 metre barra or having a BBQ with your family while watching a spectacular sunset.

Only a few years ago we had minimal facilities here and we now have a popular camping area including glamping options, with new pontoons, shower facilities, upgraded toilets and improved picnic areas.

Having hundreds of vehicles each week travelling through Proserpine during peak season will create an estimated average spend of $385 on provisions and services per vehicle.

This means an economic injection into the Whitsunday region of up to $7million annually.

Due to the recent severe rainfall event in January, the Peter Faust Dam is now at 72.75 per cent capacity, which is great news as it is our sole water source for Proserpine, Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and Bowen. This is the highest it has been since 2019!

Our Whitsunday Disaster Management Group did a wonderful job coordinating road closures and ensuring public safety during the weather event. This group is made up of various agencies such as QPS, SES and QFES, with Council at the lead during a disaster. I can ensure you we are in very capable hands should a Tropical Cyclone form off our coastline this wet season.

It’s important that we’re all prepared for whatever may come our way during storm season – that’s just part of what we have to do to live in the beautiful Whitsundays! Visit Council’s website for preparation tips.

Til next time.

Sarge

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An exciting week last week with the arrival of the first Bonza flight from Sunshine Coast. Increased tourist visitation to the region and increased access for locals will be a positive for our members and the broader community.

Cruise ships continue to be a strong economic driver for the Airlie Beach and surrounds, please make our seafaring guests welcome if you are in the area.

Our next event is on Thursday, February 16 between 6-8pm.

Topic: Soon to be introduced legislation for paid family and domestic violence leave

Very special guest speaker: Joanna Minchinton from CCIQ. Specialist in Workplace Relations.

Ticketing per WCCC website. Venue TBC.

Full-time, part-time and casual employees will be able to access 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave in a 12-month period. The full 10-day leave entitlement will be available upfront.

• The leave will be available from:

o 1 February 2023, for employees of non-small business employers (employers with 15 or more employees on 1 February 2023)

o 1 August 2023, for employees of small business employers (employers with less than 15 employees on 1 February 2023).

• From 1 February 2023, there are rules about information that must not be included on an employee’s pay slip relating to paid family and domestic violence leave.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic.

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A local family are grateful their newborn son is alive following the terrifying moment his lung collapsed just hours after he was born.

Brianna Woods was concerned when listening to her son Kyron breathe in the hours after his birth.

“He sounded like a baby goat,” she recalls.

“I thought – this isn’t right - so I called a nurse who called the doctor who administered cold pressed oxygen and then his lung collapsed.”

Within minutes the medical team jumped into action and it was decided to airlift baby Kyron to Townsville.

“It was extremely scary because when my first baby was born, he was airlifted to Mackay,” said Brianna.

“It was like reliving a nightmare, going through it all again.”

Kyron was flown at a low altitude so that no additional damage was done to his lung and was soon in the care of experts.

Brianna and her husband were not permitted to travel on the aircraft, so they raced home to Bowen, packed a quick overnight bag and drove straight to Townsville.

When they arrived, Kyron was connected to several beeping machines which was terrifying for the new parents to witness.

Their newborn son spent the next two days on oxygen and was attached to a CPAP machine while doctors put a drain on his lung.

Fortunately, his lung soon returned to normal, and all his signs were looking good.

“After a few days we took his wires off to give him a bath and all his levels were perfect,” said Brianna.

“But that night they declined again so he was put back on oxygen.”

While Kyron was under specialist care, Brianna and her husband, Bayden, were welcomed into the nearby Ronald McDonald House.

Located a one-minute walk away from the hospital, the Ronald McDonald House provides accommodation for families with sick children.

During their stay, Brianna met one lady who had spent six months at the house while her newborn twins received medical care.

“The house was a life-saver to so many of us in there,” said Brianna.

“You walk in, and everything is there – food, a bed, drinks – and there are other people to talk to who are going through a similar situation so you can comfort each other.

“The hospital can be very stressful with endless rounds of doctors and registrars; it was all so much to take in and it was nice to be able to escape that for a bit.”

After nine days at Townsville Hospital, Kyron was released and he is now a healthy four-month-old baby leading a normal life.

Recently, Brianna’s mum took a donation box full of children’s toys and clothes to Ronald McDonald House to say thank you.

Brianna will always remember her time at “Ronny Mac’s” and she said would recommend others to use the service if it is offered to them.

“I was a bit nervous at first, being away from Kyron, but it’s only a minute’s walk away,” she said.

“Don’t be scared, just take it in and use the service, it made all the difference when we were there.”

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Caption:

1: Baby Kyron’s lung collapsed a few hours after he was born

3: The family deliver a thank you package to the Ronald McDonald House

4: Kyron is now a fit and healthy four-month-old baby. Photos supplied

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The local property market is holding steady - even improving in some regional hotspots - despite interest rates in the country rapidly rising according to local experts.

Whitsunday Realty Principal Troy Liesch said it could be attributed to the lack of listings – something that’s “the same everywhere.”

“What we’re seeing is that there are still buyers, prices are still strong, rentals are crazy,” Mr Liesch said.

“A lot of properties have been sold over the past two years and I think a lot of them would be rental properties, which people are living in now. They’ve been sold and become owner occupied; a lot of investment properties that have been cleaned out and the market becomes dear, like it is everywhere.

“I haven’t seen any price crash here. It’s such a seller’s market now that most homes we get won’t even make it to market – we have a backlog of people looking to buy that get to it before then.”

For sellers, that means high prices. And Mr Leisch said with so few places up for grabs now that homes can be sold as quickly as a week – normally they would remain on the market for 30 to 40 days.

“If I was thinking about selling my house, it’d be a case of sooner rather than later. We have people ringing up almost every day looking for a house,” he said.

“What I would suggest is, because in the next six months, the interest rates will influence how many buyers there will be, to sell while the going’s good. What we might see is more people selling their homes once the interest rates reach even higher, and that can change the complexion of things.

“What I would suggest is: people can come have any conversation with me – a free appraisal or a chat about the market – I’m happy to talk to them. Whether it’s rental or selling. We’re here to help.

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Caption: Whitsunday Realty Principal Troy Liesch said the property market is strong and those looking to sell would best do so soon

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One of the region’s rising young stars spent his school holidays at a nationally prestigious annual summer camp that invites the country’s best and brightest in for a 10-day learning experience.

Proserpine State High School student Sam Rogers was invited to attend the National Computer Science School (NCSS) at the University of Melbourne alongside 64 other grade 11 and 12 students, receiving a full scholarship to attend.

The camp yearly invites students to its intensive course on computer programming, tasking its attendees with rigorous 18-hour days of activities ranging from lectures and programming interviews to scavenger hunts and social events.

Sam said this year’s course focused on “web development and allowed students to work in industry style teams to create a chatbot and video presentation for parents, mentors, and the public.”

“Regardless of coding abilities, the incredible tutors meant there was always something for everyone to contribute and learn,” Sam said.

“NCSS was a phenomenal chance to learn more about the booming industry of computer science, but also to meet an incredible group of passionate and like-minded teenagers from around the country.”

The Proserpine-born student - who showed off his computing abilities on the world stage when winning two awards at the International Science and Engineering Fair last May for the construction and programming of a robotic arm – continued his rocketing momentum in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M) fields at the national camp.

At the event’s closing ceremony, Sam was recognized with an award for ‘Outstanding combination of technical, teamwork, and leadership skills’.

Alongside brother Mac Rogers – Proserpine State High School’s Year 12 Dux for 2022 and inaugural winner of Channel 10’s ‘Ultimate Classroom’ S.T.E.M program – Sam is proving a major player in the Proserpine school’s scientific revolution, with his dream to study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in his crosshairs.

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Caption: Proserpine State High School student Sam Rogers (right) claimed another accolade for his growing collection at the National Computer science School

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Susan Blyth

There has been some culture shock in adjusting to Proserpine for Susan Blyth, the new manager of the town’s Nursing Home.

“I heard recently that truck drivers shouldn’t be stopping by the roadside to fish for barramundi after the flooding because the crocodiles are there,” Susan laughed.

“I heard Proserpine River has them in plague proportions and it’s right over there, a few hundred metres from where we work!”

Moving from Launceston, Tasmania, to take on the role at Proserpine Nursing Home, Susan has worked in aged care for more than two decades, travelling across the country to better facilities in both the business sense and in their ability to care for the elderly.

Her ethos is: “where there’s a will there’s a way. Never say no!”

“I always say this to staff: if we run out of ice cream, we never say we’ve run out of ice cream. We get into our vehicles and drive down to the local IGA and get some ice cream,” Ms Blyth said.

“The privilege of working in aged care is the simple fact you are caring for another person.”

She arrived at Proserpine Nursing Home in May of last year with fresh ideas that she hopes to implement like hosting wine and cheese nights for the residents and their families, as well as those she already has realised, like restructuring the catering.

Ms Blyth said she arrived at Proserpine Nursing Home to find that it was already a place that its residents called home:

“I can honestly say, quite sincerely, Proserpine is the first facility I have walked into where the genuine love and care is extraordinary,” Ms Blyth said.

“Aged care can be such a challenging thing. Yet, to have a place where the local community has already show their passion and priority for those who live here, that is more than many places across the country.

“I have never come across that before. Normally, you’re having to change the culture towards that, however, here, it is a place built by the community for the community. Every resident is so well loved.”

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Robyn Batman

If it is possible that the ‘world’s happiest job’ exists, Robyn Batman could convince you that it is being a librarian.

Mrs Batman exudes passion and happiness for her profession. Perhaps it is the proximity to great writing, perhaps the air conditioning, but the Proserpine, Bowen, and Collinsville Library Team Leader would point to where a group of children sit reading in the library’s breezy corners and smile -- the expression says more than words in any book.

“I love the people. It’s not just the community, it’s my staff members; I love interacting with all of them,” Mrs Batman said.

“Being in a job that gives so much back and provides so much to the community in lots of positive ways fills my cup.

For 12 years, Mrs Batman has worked at Proserpine Library, starting as its Team Leader before expanding into the Team Leader roles for Bowen and Collinsville. She spends her weeks in between Proserpine and Bowen, occasionally heading out to Collinsville, and said she could not adore it more.

“What my job entails is a good customer service background, good people advisory and people skills for managing and running a team, how to catalogue a book, activities, promoting, marketing – things that I loved and learned and have been a part of my job from day one,” she said.

“I have seen some change here, especially through Covid, where we have learned more about engaging with the community more and in different ways, particularly moving into the digital age.

“People should come to the library because it is a place that offers so much for free. There is so much to take from books and in the variety of services we offer here. And it’s air-conditioned!”.

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Caption: Robyn Batman, the Proserpine, Bowen, and Collinsville Library Team Leader has been in amongst the stacks for 12 years

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Flora was the daughter of Danish migrant, James Christian Nielson, who settled in Proserpine in 1896 after working and travelling far and wide in Australia for seventeen years. He took up Springsure Farm, seventy-nine acres of light forest land in Glen Isla, becoming one of the most successful farmers in the district growing sugar cane and tobacco. (In 1921, James sold the farm to H M Clarke).

Flora was one of seven children – three sons and four daughters. When she was about five or six years old, a tragic accident occurred. Her brothers were cutting off bits of fencing wire with a tomahawk, putting the wire on a log as they hit it. Flora was holding one end as the chop was made and a bit of wire flew up into the little girl’s eye. There were no doctors in town at this time so they quickly got a horse into a springcart and set off for Bowen – a trip that would take many valuable hours. Taking such a long time to reach Bowen, an infection had already set in to the damaged eye and then spread to the other eye. Doctors tried to save the sight but it was too late.

To provide his daughter with an opportunity to acquire an education despite her disability, James enrolled her at the blind school in Brisbane.  Flora made the journey to Brisbane by boat and it was there that she learnt braille.

In 1913, Flora was part of a band, unique in North Queensland, which was comprised mostly of members of the Nielson family. Charlie was the original conductor, Jim the E flat base; Edith the euphonium; Percy the tenor horn; Violet the second cornet – and Flora the first cornet. Flora memorised all her music from braille. Other band members were Eileen and Mick McCormack and Wally Greenwood. Percy, one of the sons, was tragically drowned during floods in 1921.

Flora’s musical talent was quite amazing. One old timer of the past recalled the silent movie era and how Flora would play music for the films. Her brother would sit beside her and explain what was on the screen and Flora would play suitable background music. What a talent.

In a letter to the “Proserpine Guardian” in February 1973, Mrs Olive Clarke (nee McCormack) wrote of this amazing blind lady who accomplished what even many sighted people would struggle to manage – “Flora was a wonderful person. She did beautiful fancywork; darned socks and made her own frocks. My brother, Joe, and I would often go across to our neighbours, the Nielsons. She really could make that piano talk.”

While it is not certain when Flora died, it was believed to have been in the early 1980s and she was most likely in her seventies.

Thanks to the foresight of her father, James, who was determined that Flora would achieve an education despite her blindness and who arranged for her to make what was, in the very early twentieth century, a long and arduous journey to Brisbane, Flora was able to live a full and productive life upon her return home. Her musical talent brought great joy to her community.

A remarkable lady indeed.

(Postscript: Flora’s surname has often been incorrectly spelt as “Nielsen” even in the local paper and also on Council’s cemetery register, however, the family headstone records the surname of her father, Charles, and brother, Percy, as “Nielson”. This Nielson is not to be confused with the Nielsen family of pioneers Peter and Christian who migrated from Copenhagen, Denmark.)

Story Proserpine Historical Museum. Photo sourced from “Don’t spare the horses” by Beris Broderick.

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Caption: Flora Nielson seated third from left and holding her cornet

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Being able to follow your passion every day and get paid for it is the dream of many, but for local videographer Will Finley, it is now within arm’s reach.

For the past three years, he has carved out a reputation in the industry and is now working full-time as an independent freelance videographer here in the Whitsundays.

Will first started making videos with a humble Go-Pro, using every spare moment of his year in America, where he worked as a barman in Las Vegas, to take footage and practice filming techniques.

“My videos back then were pretty amateur,” remembers Will.

“But when I returned to Sydney and got stuck in lockdown during Covid, I spent hours learning about the craft.”

Endless YouTube videos, online tutorials and courses over a period of months taught Will how to make a range of videos from real estate to travel, commercial and more.

In 2020 Will moved to Airlie Beach with his American girlfriend who was seeking to extend her visa by completing regional work in the area.

Falling in love with the Whitsundays, Will continued with his passion for filming.

“It’s a beautiful spot to film and create videos,” he said.

“And I have since been lucky enough to be involved with many local projects.”

At the end of 2021, Will became a full-time videographer and has not looked back.

“I love the story, the way that a video can tell a story,” he explained.

“Whether it is selling a property or sharing a personal story about what someone has been through – I find every project meaningful in its own way.”

Armed with multiple cameras and drones, which he loves to use both recreationally and commercially, Will can create a range of films.

At the moment he is filming a one-minute clip for an online service called Adopt A Backpacker which involves gathering footage from a range of travellers using the platform.

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Caption: Local videographer Will Finley. Photo supplied

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Dress in Pink and get ready for a day of fun, frivolity, and fundraising at the annual Bowen Pink Stumps Day, which is due to be held on Saturday, February 18 at the Bowen Sporting Complex.

The event began in 2005 when famous cricketer Glenn McGrath and his wife Jane started the McGrath Foundation to raise money for people fighting breast cancer.

In 2008, Jane sadly lost her battle with breast cancer at just 42 years old and since then, Pink Stumps Day has become an annual event held in her memory.

Proceeds are used to fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses which are dedicated specialists that help individuals and their families through diagnosis, treatment and life afterwards.

Since 2005 proceeds raised through the McGrath Foundation have funded 193 Breast Care Nurses and the charity organisation has a goal of reaching 250 nurses by 2025.

Events have been taking place right across Australia for the past 14 years and Bowen Cricket Inc has been hosting this lively ladies’ fundraising lunch for several years.

In 2022, over 300 women attended the Bowen Pink Stumps Day and $10,000 was raised for the McGrath Foundation with a further $3,000 gifted to the local Bowen Cancer and Ostomy Support Group.

This year, organisers are expecting another successful event.

“It’s a ladies’ day where everyone can enjoy each other’s company and raise money for an important charity,” said Cricket Club President and Event Organisers Seth McIntosh.

“There will be live entertainment and guest speakers so it should be another event to remember!”

Guest speakers at this year’s event include Tash Leaver from the Bowen Cancer and Ostomy Support Group, Sonographer Sue Murray who will talk about the impacts of a breast cancer diagnosis, Gemma Duncan who will talk about her breast cancer journey and a breast cancer nurse from Mackay Hospital.

Everyone is asked to dress in pink and invite their friends for a laughter-filled afternoon which will not only help support women living with breast cancer but also provide education and awareness for everyone to take onboard.

Tickets are on sale for $50 per head or $400 for a table of 10.

This includes delicious share platters of food and there will be four licenced bars on-site for guests to purchase drinks.

These include the Ballistic Beer Van and a cocktail bar.

While the women drink and dine, the men will enjoy a game of cricket nearby.

There will be two teams vying for the Watts Ducky Lee Shield on the day, this special cup is dedicated to two local men who lost their battles with cancer.

WHAT: Pink Stumps Day

WHEN: Saturday, February 18 - opens at 11.30am

WHERE: Bowen Sporting Complex

TICKETS: $50 per person or $400 for a table of 10

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1: Last year’s event attracted over 300 women

2: Get your friends together for an afternoon of fun and fundraising

3: The men will get into the theme, wearing pink for a special game. Photos supplied

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This Valentine’s Day show your partner how much you love them with a carefully curated hamper full of hand-picked goodies that show your thoughtfulness and consideration.

By working with Whitsunday Gift Hampers, you can not only create a unique and charming gift but you can also be assured that, where possible, the items are sourced from local suppliers.

From sensual bath salts to scented candles, their favourite cocktail or a dreamy blend of Whitsunday tea, satin pyjamas, Valentine themed biscuits or a soft teddy bear - simply call Jo McGregor at Whitsunday Gift Hampers and she can help guide you in the right direction.

“We always try and personalise it to each individual,” said Jo.

“The whole experience of opening the hamper is really special and I always make it with love so that when they open it, they feel that little bit of luxury.”

Whitsunday Gift Hampers deliver for free anywhere in the Proserpine and greater Airlie Beach Area and, your hamper can usually be delivered the same day.

Make your love feel special this Valentine’s Day with a personalised Whitsunday Gift Hamper or contact Jo anytime for any other special occasion and she will be happy to help.

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Caption: Owner of Whitsunday Gift Hampers, Jo McGregor, personally makes each hamper with love. Photo: Rachael Smith

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A candle can transform any ambience, create a sensual mood, and bring joy to any room.

The soft glow of a slow-burning wick, the sweet smell of a tangy fragrance – within seconds of lighting a Sweetie Soy Candle you can close your eyes and feel the magic wash over you – the stresses of the day fade away and a new peace and tranquillity alight.

There is no-one that understands the relaxing qualities of a scented candle more than Josie Middleton, owner of Sweetie Soy Candles in Airlie Beach.

For the last eight years, she has been making deliciously scented candles and almost two years ago began selling them to an ever-growing fan base of local customers.

“It’s simple really, I love sweet scents and candles bring me joy,” she said.

“Scent makes me happy so if I have a nice scent then I am happy and relaxed – I think a lot of other people are the same.”

Josie’s passion for candles was sparked when she was gifted a Black Raspberry candle by a friend.

Once the candle had burnt its last flame, she was desperate to get another but didn’t want to spend a fortune, so she decided to make her own.

Using soy wax and speciality fragrances, Josie began making them from home for a great price, the savings which she now gladly passes onto her array of customers.

She chooses to use soy wax for each candle because it is 100 per cent natural.

“It’s completely natural and it’s refined from a soya bean, so it is plant-derived, it’s vegan-friendly, biodegradable and sustainable for the environment and that’s why I love it,” she said.

Customers can choose from a range of sweet fragrances, from floral to zesty, including her favourites Black Raspberry, Vanilla Caramel, Movie Time (chocolate, caramel and popcorn) and Blueberry Cobbler.

Josie can deliver for free anywhere in the Greater Airlie Beach Area within 48 hours’ notice and to Proserpine once a week.

All her products and her fragrances are also available on her website and from Whitsunday Creatives in Proserpine and Lush at the Whitsunday Shopping Centre.

Give your Valentine the sweetest gift of all with a hand-made candle that doesn’t just smell good enough to eat – it’ll make you hungry!

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Caption: Josie Middleton’s lovingly hand-made Sweetie Soy Candles. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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One of the Whitsundays’ newest community organisations celebrated its first birthday last week, inviting in locals for a celebration which also acted as the official opening of its services to the wider region.

Stella Life Care held the anniversary at its premises on Herbert Street, Bowen, commemorating the occasion as well as the hard work of its almost 20 staff and volunteers whilst keeping an eye to its future.

The company first launched as a disability and aged care support service with the earnest goal of helping the community overall – a challenge those it helps would agree it has certainly risen to.

Basing itself in Bowen, Stella Life Care formed on February 1, 2022, and quickly imbedded itself as one of the towns most valued altruistic organisations.

CEO of Stella Life Care Faileen James said she and her husband Bruce initially arrived in the Whitsundays on holiday when she saw the “genuine need” of the community for a service like Stella Life.

“We did not want to just create an area where only people who are disadvantaged or have a disability or are aged could gather; we wanted to create a space where all the community felt they could be welcome,” Mrs James said.

“As part of that, those people who are disadvantaged, elderly, or disabled can receive the services which they need. Everybody here today makes up Stella Life Care. We could not do what we do without the support of everybody in this room.

“You have all been a part of our journey.”

Mrs James said over their first year of operation that many of their clients come to Stella at their wits end, ready to give up in applying for benefits they are “actually entitled to” but the “bureaucracy is just too much for them.”

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from several of Bowen’s community groups alongside clients and Whitsunday Mayor Julie Hall, who said it was “an absolute honour to be asked along to launch Stella Life officially and I wish them a happy, happy birthday.”

“They have already been a shining star in our community,” Mayor Hall said.

“It is very exciting that Stella is celebrating its first year of providing a broad range of services to create positive change in the Whitsundays.”

Stella Life Care’s first ever client, Kay Smith, said without the organisations help, she would never be able to live independently.

“I have had eight strokes, a major heart operation, diabetes, and Stella Life has given me more independence than I could have believed I could have,” Ms Smith said.

“My family isn’t here [in Bowen], so Stella Life are my family.”

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With Sonny Ivanovic from F45 Airlie Beach

In the six F45 studios across Queensland that I have started, this has always been my mission brief: introducing exercise to people’s lives because it can literally save them their life.

I’m Sonny Ivanovic, a qualified personal trainer and the owner of F45 Airlie Beach. In this column, Catch Up With Sonny, I will write about all things fitness every month, sharing what there is to love about the world of physical activity, its benefits, and why it is so important.

Now that the housekeeping is done, here is what I wanted to talk about this week:

Choice can be paralysing.

When a whole gym is in front of you – the rowing machines, the dumbbells, the ellipticals, the various class types – this can be enormously confronting.

In the industry, we are constantly reminding ourselves that stepping into any fitness facility for many, is a huge barrier for most people. It`s something that every single day, stops people from achieving their goal of being fitter and healthier. Because what do we mean when we want to feel fit? We want to better ourselves, and in turn, better our quality of life, and generally even those closest to us.

The reality is that barrier to entry can comprise of hundreds of reasons not to do something – which in turn can then exist and impact in every facet of our lives.

At my F45 studio, we help people tear down that wall. In some cases, people who have been non-exercisers their whole lives come to us and are not turned away by reasons not to do this, but reasons to do it. For us, it is providing that option for people who want to improve their health – both mental and physical.

I know what we do in this industry is special. We save lives by building confidence, and creating communities for people - plus, where else can you meet 30+ like-minded people all cheering you on?

Sonny Ivanovic

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Australian Idol Launches Mackay Singers Into The Spotlight

Two Mackay singers are manifesting their boyhood dreams, progressing to the next round of the country’s most iconic star-making television series, Australian Idol, as it returns to television screens after 13 years away.

Moranbah coal miner Damien Agius and ex-Mackay Cutters rugby player Noah Cookson have already impressed the judges in the globally successful show, and now they’re shooting to go all the way. They’ve showcased their talent as emerging artists to Australian superstar Amy Shark but can they become the next Australian Idols?

“It’s Unreal To Be Representing The Region”

The little boy from the Pioneer Valley - who sat in front of the telly in 2001 begging his mum to let him vote for “Nollsy” on her Nokia - would be proud of his future self-achieving what has been a lifelong dream.

Damien Agius, a Moranbah coal miner who grew up singing in his school-choir before graduating to country music performances on the loud stages of places like Eton Pub, is one of two Mackay musos representing the Sugar City on Australian Idol 2023 – something that has been on his mind for over 20 years.

Alongside him representing the region is a youngster who traded in the footy and picked up a guitar: Noah Cookson – a falsetto-voiced 19-year-old from a family of musicians.

Both singers have progressed from the auditions of the show to the next round.

“It was my dream to go on Australian Idol,” 28-year-old Damien Agius said.

His audition aired last Sunday on Channel 7, and Australian audiences were treated to a special showing of Agius performing Garth Brooks’ ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’ in front of superstar Amy Shark.

“It was the busiest night at Eton Pub I’ve ever seen and then Amy Shark walked in and she said, ‘you’re going to audition’ – there’s a reason I looked so surprised,” Agius said.

“When it was over, I was emotional to have made it through. I was speechless; normally you can’t shut me up. I couldn’t believe it. For me, the dream is to make this my full time living and win Idol. This is something I’ve been working towards for 20 years – I’m ready to leave my job and be able to play to people at my own concerts, sell out places.

“I want to take on the world.”

For his fellow Mackay musician Noah Cookson, taking on the world is within his sights after dropping rugby league to pursue singing fully, following in the footsteps of his wedding singer parents.

“I wanted to focus on music because it is something that makes me feel at my best,” Cookson said.

“There was no doubt from them; they would support me if I had chosen footy or music. Their musical influence has been such a great thing to grow up in – they’re my heroes. And I think that’s made them proud to see me perform ‘Yellow’ [by Coldplay] in front of Amy Shark.

“That’s my dad and my song. We always perform it together and to have that be the song which got me through to Idol, I think that’s a sign. I am so grateful for them and for everyone in Mackay who has helped me on this journey.”

Both Agius and Cookson have made it through to the next round of Australian Idol, which will be showing on Channel 7 Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday night.

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Images:  - Damien Agius - Noah Cookson

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