An amazing month for businesses in the Whitsunday region – with no sign of the doom and gloom being discussed across all media. Harder times will come but currently, business in the Whitsundays is booming.

The Music Festival last weekend was a massive boost to visitation to the region with literally thousands flocking to the party. Airlie Beach was certainly alive and jumping to the beat of multiple bands in multiple venues. What a buzz! Congratulations to Butto and his team of tireless workers and volunteers. With accommodation full and eleven cruise ships scheduled for November, the tourism sector and associated hospitality and retail will enjoy a solid end to 2022.

Similarly, all businesses in the region are ramping up with the end of year rush and thrown into the mix is the Whitsunday Regional Council Division 2 Councillor by-election. Again, this election will be done using an optional preferential voting system, meaning you can number one, some or all of the ballot boxes in order of your preference. Again, the Chamber encourages everyone to number every box to give us the most preferred candidate, not just the one that get the most first votes. The Chamber is looking into options for a small meet-the-candidates forum and wishes all the candidates good luck.

Labor’s divisive Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 was passed by the lower house recently with the government now looking to pass the bill by December 1. The bill is aimed at closing the gender pay gap, expanding multi-employer bargaining and bringing in flexible rostering rights - workplace reforms established at the recent Jobs and Skills Summit.

These industrial relations reforms will accelerate wage growth and if passed, the legislation will significantly affect every small business in Australia both financially and in terms of increased compliance and bureaucracy. It is hard to imagine how the thousands of small business people will suddenly be able to comply with the complexities of meeting industrialised wages and enterprise bargaining agreements given they are stretched to the limit already.

Business advocates have asked for an amendment to the bill excluding employers with 50 employees or less. Hopefully common sense will prevail

The Chamber Christmas Party will be held on Thursday 1 December, 6pm at the Gin Bar, Mirage Whisper Bay. If possible, we will incorporate a meet the candidates evening subject to availability and will advise should that be the case.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic from Whitsunday Coast Chamber

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One of the country’s most famous island resorts is now working with local youth, offering a range of job opportunities to school students between the age of 15 and 18 years old.

Hamilton Island is increasingly becoming a valued source of employment to many people residing on the mainland in the Greater Airlie Beach Area as it is a short and scenic ferry ride away from home.

Making this regular commute across the turquoise waters, are local teenagers Foxx LaMonica, Zavier Goswell and Lukas Allen-Fancke.

The three young men are all 15 years old and have worked in the food and beverage department at Sails Restaurant for the past two months.

“Working on Hamilton Island gives us something unmatched anywhere else,” said Zavier.

“It provides a learning experience and real-world skills that you can’t find anywhere else.”

Foxx agreed saying they had a “great environment to work in”.

“I love working in paradise and working with an amazing team,” he said.

“It teaches great life skills that we can take everywhere and, unlike other venues, Hamilton Island teaches professionalism.”

Lukas says he enjoys the calm ferry ride to work, the island’s natural beauty and meeting people from all over the world.

“Everyone is nice, kind and welcoming,” he said.

“It’s a fun place to work and I have learnt way more than I thought.”

With a variety of job roles on offer, including the island’s IGA, a porter at the hotel and food and beverage staff, Hamilton Island is a great way to gain experience in a number of areas and build towards a future career, or at the very least a solid resume.

CEO of Hamilton Island Peter Brulisauer was involved in setting up a similar ‘Junior Recruitment Program’ in his previous role at Perisher Resort. He said that as well as providing junior staff with ‘real life’ skills the young workforce  brings a fresh breath of air to the workforce.

“The teens have brought their youthful energy to the team, are diligent and hardworking and have fast become valued members of the team,” he said.

“It is a great opportunity to employ these young members of the community and nurture our homegrown talent and help set them up for their future success.”

Each new member of staff begins their tenure with a full day orientation led by the People and Culture team before entering a four-week outlet specific orientation related to their job area.

Each week of the four focuses on a specific skill as part of their job each week.

In addition to the training, students can engage with Robert Oatley College, which is a great resource that provides the Hamilton Island community with the opportunity to train or cross train in a number of areas.

For example, students can complete a Barista or Premium Wine course or get a forklift license for a role in logistics or even an exemption 38 or Coxswain qualification for Sea Service.

“The students have quickly become members of the close-knit staff community on Hamilton Island,” said Mr Brulisauer.

“And we look forward to welcoming more students to the island community as we move closer to the festive season.”

The opportunities are endless at Hamilton Island and first-job seekers who have a can-do attitude and willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

Applicants simply need to be between 15 and 18, have a Queensland or National Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate and in some cases a driver’s licence.

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Hamilton Island is a tourist hot-spot and an ideal location for your first job

15-year-old staff members, Lukas Allen-Fancke, Zavier Goswell and Foxx LaMonica

Local action group Save Our Foreshore (SOF) will be facing over $150,000 in legal costs when they head to the Planning and Environment court hearing in March 2023.

The procedural hearing on November 9 allowed the team to inch forward in their goal of fighting against the Whitsunday Regional Council approved development plan which will see a 47.7 metre high-rise resort built on flat land at Port of Airlie.

SOF have been campaigning since 2006 to keep the “small village feel” of Airlie Beach and this latest battle has seen them accrue over 2000 signatures on a petition against high-rise development.

SOF President Suzette Pelt said the legal fight was a “long and daunting community process”.

“We’ve always been able to work through it, but never before has a Council so blatantly gone against the community, the town plan and their own policies by failing to properly acknowledge over 2000 submissions objecting to the proposal.”

Suzette says that in one case, the Planning and Environment court overturned a decision where the judge was found to have made an error in law with regard to the community’s expectations on building heights and she hopes they will do the same in this case.

“To maintain the famous character of Airlie Beach with its low-rise, village atmosphere, we will continue fundraising to meet the $150,000 target,” she said.

“In the New Year, keep a lookout for an online art auction where local artists are donating works to help fund the community versus a private receiver’s court appeal to fight for Airlie.”

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Protestors say no to high-rises in Airlie Beach

As is the case with many rural towns, Proserpine has its fair share of strong women who have contributed significantly to their district. One such remarkable character was Bridget Ryan, affectionately known as Granny Ryan.

In response to the enticement of free land, newly married James and Bridget Ryan, aged only 16 and 18 respectively, decided to leave Ireland for Australia. James was a coach builder and Bridget was a school teacher – an achievement of no small means in an era where few were educated. Bridget described the perils of their long voyage at sea on the Zamora”: “It wasn’t just the battle of the waves, but one’s very survival in crowded, unhygienic conditions.”  

Arriving in Brisbane, they found that the streets were not “paved in gold” and work in James’s trade could not be found, so they travelled to Sydney. Bridget took work as a housemaid for a pastoralist in the Blue Mountains and James worked as a station hand. When that work ceased, they travelled to Brisbane. James worked for a number of years in his own trade as a coach builder but there was no real continuity of work. In 1894, they were forced to take their family of six by boat to Bowen. Here the last link of the northern railway was being completed and James found work there.  

In 1904, with a large family of nine to care for, the Ryans moved by wagon to try their luck farming in Proserpine’s Preston district. This proved a disastrous step. James was unaccustomed to farm life and land had to be cleared and cultivated with none of the modern implements and methods of today. Life became a struggle. But like most women of her era, Bridget was tough, resilient and resourceful.

According to the stories Bridget told her family, there would have been no recycling problem. Clothes were handed down; sugar bags were made into “woggas” covered with patches of clothing; flour bags were used for aprons, tea towels and bandages; home remedies catered for illnesses.  Nothing was wasted - curtains made from rolled and pasted jam labels or newspapers were hung in doorways. Kerosene lanterns provided lighting. (Bridget remained terrified of electricity until the day she died).

The family battled for many years and when four of the eldest sons enlisted in World War 1, Bridget decided that they’d had enough of “that Godforsaken hole” and, virtually facing starvation on tea, flour and sugar rations from the police station, they moved to town.  Bridget received a special military award for her four sons who fortunately all returned home from the war.

In Proserpine, James obtained employment as a blacksmith at the Sugar Mill and a home was built where Ampol Service Station now stands, the site known as “Granny Ryan’s Corner” until her death at the age of 95.

Life in town was much easier and more enjoyable. Bridget often spoke of the excitement at election times when they and their neighbours decked out their horses, dogs and cats with ribbons of their political choice and also at the St. Patrick’s Day processions when Bridget marched carrying a green umbrella. These days were greatly anticipated; a relief from the hardship of life. Granny Ryan joined women such as Mrs Jupp and Mrs Maltby in raising funds from bazaars, fetes and the annual ball and serving hot meals in the streets.

Bridget Ryan remained fiercely independent until her death. She read without glasses; recited her catechism and said poetry in public – and throughout her life always retained a yearning for “dear old Ireland.”

Bridget had twelve children, two of whom died in infancy.

Story courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum and photo courtesy of Bridget’s granddaughter, Colleen Byrnes (nee Ryan)

Local students pulled on their hardhats and steel-capped boots for two days of work experience at a Collinsville Mine Site on Wednesday, November 2.

The grade 10 and 11 Collinsville State High School students took to the mines for a tour, as well as a trades-focused workshop courtesy of Glencore Coal.

Coordinated by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), roughly 20 students went behind the scenes at the site, exploring firsthand the mine’s varied local career opportunities on offer.

QMEA Director, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said the students rotated through hands-on trade activities under the guidance of Glencore Coal representatives, getting a feel for what skills are needed to pursue a “rewarding trade-based career in the resources sector.”

“This unique two-day experience strategically incorporates the most valuable aspects of work experience and life experience, helping the students bolster their professional and manual skills in a real-world context,” Ms Jones said.

“Integrating a school excursion with a skills-based workshop allows these bright young men and women to see how the activities they’re learning translate to in-demand, highly-paid jobs in a local industry.”

Human Resources Manager at Glencore Coal, Anthony Exelby said the two-day experience connected students with some of the company's most knowledgeable tradespeople, who can also provide personal insights into the extent of career pathways available.

“Each year, Glencore Coal brings on a new cohort of recruits for its four-year apprenticeship program, and we heavily rely on the talent pipeline that comes from local high schools to fill roles like electricians, mechanics, and boilermakers,” Mr Exelby said.  

“We want these students to experience some of the cutting-edge technology and innovative practices we have at our sites, helping us make our operations safer and more efficient.”

Collinsville State High School Principal, Mrs Anna Reeves said students greatly benefitted from learning new skills under the guidance of experienced industry professionals.

“Not only did the site tour and workshop show our students the different types of exciting career possibilities in their hometown, but it helped them make new professional networking connections,” Mrs Reeves said.

“The activities were also an excellent opportunity for them to apply their life skills like teamwork, problem solving, and critical thinking.”

QMEA, as Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools training initiative, said they seek to “broaden student and teacher knowledge of career opportunities in resources.”

The academy encourages a talent pipeline of employees into vocational and professional careers, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation. The QMEA currently engages with 90 schools and is a partnership between the Queensland Resources Council and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.

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Students at Collinsville State High School headed to the mines to participate in work experience thanks to Glencore Coal

The Grade 10 and 11 students took part in a trades-focused workshop, as well as enjoying a tour of the Collinsville Mine Site

Images: Supplied QLD Minerals and Energy Academy

After Almost two decades in the making, Shute Harbour Marina Resort is forecasting a start of construction for the middle of next year, with plans to be fully operational by 2025.

Offering 395 private berths and 24 waterfront land and berth packages, the development is forecast to provide a ‘safe haven’ for boat owners.

In the past two years Queensland has experienced a doubling of boat registrations which is touted as potentially leading to a shortage of marina berths.

This is coupled with insurance companies requiring owners to seek permanent berths for their vessels, especially in cyclone prone areas like the Whitsundays.

These factors, combined with the natural beauty of the area, led to Adelaide developers choosing Shute Harbour to become a unique and modern marina, the first one built in the region for over 10 years.

Shute Harbour Managing Director, Sam Wade, said that over 450 jobs will be provided in the two-and-a-half-year construction phase and a further 250 in operation thereafter.

Taylors Property Specialists are working with developers to sell the lucrative berth and land packages, with Principal Rob Taylor saying they have received over 3000 enquiries and half are already sold.

To celebrate the successful project and connect with the community, Shute Harbour Marina Resort hosted a special event last week which included a talk by well-known researcher Peter Bell from Aurelius.

He presented his report findings and outlined the need for a marina of this calibre in the Whitsundays.

“Over half (57 per cent) of marinas in Queensland had a waiting list for boat storage spaces during their peak seasons,” said the report.

There are 10,678 wet berths in Queensland, with 61 per cent of these located in the state’s south-east.

North of Bundaberg there are 4,117 marina berths, and just 49 are for sale, leaving just 1.2 per cent of the supply available.

Attending the special event, held at the Volunteer Marine Rescue Centre in Cannonvale, were a mix of marine operators, professionals and local councillors.

After the presentation, a panel took questions with the central theme being the environment – where the dredge spoil would be taken and whether water quality would be affected.

Mr Wade reassured the community that water quality measures would be taken and that the dredge spoil would be removed from the area.

Shute Harbour Marina Resort is owned by a 100 per cent Australian consortium and has a small group of shareholders making decisions.

The development will cost $350 million and will be one of the biggest residential-resort projects for North Queensland in more than a decade.

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Shute Harbour Marina Resort Developer Sam Wade, researcher Peter Bell and Rob Taylor from Taylors Property Specialists

Over 30 people attended the special event held in Cannonvale last week

The new yacht share syndicate which has been creating conversations across the Whitsunday region, is hosting an open viewing event at the end of the month and everyone is invited to come down to Sorrento’s at Coral Sea Marina.

A unique concept in luxury boat ownership, Yacht Share Marina offers a syndicate of eight investors the opportunity to own shares in a vessel and spend up to six weeks a year sailing around the Whitsundays and the east coast.

The Bali 4.4, named Aleka, is the first of its kind in Australia and boasts 85 square metres of useable space on the main deck.

Known for its luxury, style and comfort the catamaran has an entire side dedicated to the master suite, where the owners can relax in comfort and privacy while their guests enjoy the other ‘wing’.

The galley and saloon areas are akin to a sumptuous lounge setting with all the modern fixtures and fittings you would expect from a vessel of this calibre.

All eight syndicate options for Aleka are already sold but a new Bali 4.4 is due to be delivered to the region next May.

In the meantime, anyone interested in taking a look is invited down to Sorrento on Wednesday, November 30 from 5pm until 7pm.

There will be drinks and nibbles served and an opportunity to find out more about the opportunity.

Anyone interested in touring the vessel, which will be berthed a short walk away, will need to make a booking to receive a time slot.

WHAT: Yacht Share Boat Viewing

WHERE: Sorrento, Coral Sea Marina

WHEN: Wednesday, November 30 from 5pm until 7pm

VIEWINGS: Call Trevor on 0412 296 656

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The Bali 4.4 is the only one of its kind in Australia

A group of Whitsunday students travelled to Brisbane to compete in a state-level STEM contest that saw their school raise $20,000 in sponsorship for a region-new program.

Bowen State High School Year 8 and 9 students travelled to the Queensland capital for the F1 in School’s State Finals from October 30 to November 3.

In their first time entering the competition, the local school saw several of its F1 Academy Classes – who participated throughout the year in a program which saw them design and race their own miniaturised Formula 1 race cars – qualify for state level at the F1 in School’s Regional Finals in mid-June in Mackay.

Teachers Katie Broomfield, Ben Davies, and Kayne Fayolle travelled with the students to Brisbane for the program which Mr Fayolle said the program “not only gets students working in teams, it also provides them with industry applicable skills, most notably through the use of industry-level computer programs.”

“They use Computer Assisted Design and a CNC Router Machines where anything they’ve designed in the program can be automatically cut, milled or anything like that,” he said.

“In this instance, they were creating cars, collating the data, testing it, and making a better design for competition.”

The F1 competition involves teams designing their own F1 car model with consideration given to Newton’s Laws of Motion, Aerodynamics, weight, friction, and other key principles of physics.

For the program’s success astounding success in its first year, Bowen State High School’s Senior School Head of Teaching, Tim Close, said they needed to thank both minor and major sponsors who helped them raise $20,000 dollars towards the F1 classes.

Mr Close said the students at the event made an outstanding effort and represented the school in perfect fashion, especially as it was their first year in the program.

“There are some schools who have been a part of it for 20 years, from the inception, and we were up there competing with them in our first year,” Mr Close said.

“We had a strong performance and the positives are that we can hopefully go again next year and send them through to nationals.”

The competition took place at Queensland University of Technology at the Gardens Point Campus with 27 students competing across the program’s distinct Development and Cadet in their self-named teams: Nitrous, Fast Finishers, C-TA, Rapido, KG Racing, Wescon, and Apollo Racing.

Mr Close said the school was extremely proud of the students and of the teaching team as part of a “massive, whole school effort.”

“The commitment by the actual classroom teachers with six-months of pedagogy and other staff members who have stepped in, as well as the students is exemplary,” he said.

“We are very excited to improve these programs in the future and produce the quality of the cars and the quality of their presentation in years to come.”

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Bowen State High School Student’s headed to Brisbane for the State Finals of the F1 in School’s in early November

The school hosted a sponsorship night for its major sponsors and minor sponsors who raised $20,000 dollars towards the program’s implementation

The way we dispose of our waste is changing - methods are improving and technology is enabling us to streamline processes - there are countless options to recycle almost anything from car tyres to batteries and mobile phones.

The Whitsunday Regional Council is at the forefront of this change and Manager of Waste Services, David De Jager, said they are currently developing a new Waste Management Strategy which will be rolled out in the coming months.

In the past year, 27 per cent of all waste received as landfill has been diverted, but David said that the biggest problem in regional areas like the Whitsundays is finding a company to purchase and then re-purpose the waste.

“We have no local markets,” he said.

“We have to find markets, and this often means transporting waste off-site which starts to stack up financially.”

Most importantly, though, David said it all starts with us. By adopting sustainable practices in our own households, we can contribute a small part of the bigger picture.

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WHERE DOES MY RECYCLING GO?

While some in the community believe that all recycling gets put back into landfill, this is a myth – local recycling is sent directly to Mackay for processing.

“It heads straight to the Material Recycling Facility in Mackay where it is sorted,” said David De Jager.

“A company called Re-Group sort it, remove all contamination, find markets for it and then it is turned into new products.”

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YELLOW BINS

While many households have yellow recycle bins, most apartment complexes do not. These locations often do not have the space for an additional bin on the premises, but Council are hoping to address this as part of the new strategy.

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SATELLITE TRANSFER STATIONS

There are 15 Satellite Transfer Stations in the Whitsundays and Council is working to transfer as many as possible into kerbside waste pick-up. So far this year, they have managed to close two stations by expanding areas serviced by garbage trucks.

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FOGO

No, this is not an acronym for ‘Fear Of Going Out’, it actually means Food Organics Garden Organics – these waste products represent 42 per cent of what we put in our household rubbish and they are the next big focus in our national waste management plan.

We are all encouraged to use our food waste as fertiliser in our veggie patches or in worm farms. If you don’t have these, then find a friend who does and donate your scraps to them.

One day there will be a third kerbside collection bin for FOGO, in fact, Townsville Council are already trialling one.

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BIGGEST PROBLEMS

• Solar panels that were installed 10 years ago are largely ending their working life and we do not have a local market for them yet, they are currently taken to Townsville

• Soft plastics – Coles shut down there REDcycle program last week. This had been a donation point for ‘anything you can scrunch’, so there is nowhere to dispose of this waste anymore

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RECYCLING RULES

• Follow the instructions on the label, if it has three arrows pointing towards each other in a triangle then it is recyclable

• Never use a plastic bag to recycle – remove contents and place them ‘nude’ into bin or tip

• Only recycle paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass jars and bottles, plastic containers, milk and juice cartons

• Rinse well before placing in recycle bin

Recycle your mobile phone here:

• Your local library

• Your local tip

• Your local phone shop

• Your local Council offices

Recycle old batteries here:

• Your local Bunnings

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Every location has its negatives, and in the beautiful Whitsundays, those come in the form of storm season running from November to April each year.

Tropical cyclones are a fact of life in the region when the gorgeous beaches and sunny skies turn dark and cloudy, and now is the month for residents to begin natural disaster preparedness according to Whitsunday Regional Council’s Disaster Management Coordinator, Sandra Black

“Now is as good a time as any; a time before we all start breaking for Christmas,” Ms Black said.

“The last things we want to be doing once our family arrives and we take on a holiday mode is pack up a house. It’s time to look over these things this month before we relax within that Christmas break.”

Ms Black said, for every household, the best place to start is with the basic of ensuring your gutters are cleaned, because storm season doesn’t always mean tropical cyclones, it can also mean inclement, severe rain and wind.

“Things like making sure before the season that your outside area is cleared of items that could become projectiles are great first steps,” Ms Black said.

“And in terms of purchases or items, generators, and batteries as well as an emergency kit are integral. Emergency kits include things like non-perishable foods for four to six days, first aid kits, batteries for radios – items you’ll find when you’re going camping.”

As well, the importance of familiarising yourself with storm season information is key. More information is always available at Council’s ‘Cyclone Sunday’ events, which will be hosted in Airlie Beach on November 27 at the Airlie Beach Foreshore and at Bowen Markets on November 20.

“The Whitsundays is very transient, so many people in the area who are not used to this weather and have never been in a cyclone before,” Ms Black said.

“These events are pivotal to getting the information out there about how warning systems work, how we can look after our households, our families.”

Ms Black said templates of Emergency Plans were available within Council’s Whitsunday Disaster Dashboard, as well as its customer service desks.

“The plans are good to complete with your family; get the kids involved and let them be part of it,” she said.

“I find at home, if I was ever getting ready, I would get my daughter to look after the animals with water, food. It gives them a job to do when you might be concentrating on other stuff. Let the whole family including kids be involved with little jobs.”

More information is available at both the Council website as well as the two community events on November 20 and 27.

WHAT: Cyclone Sunday (preparedness event)

BOWEN: Bowen Market, November 20

AIRLIE: Airlie Beach Markets, November 27

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Having a substantial first aid kit for the Whitsundays’ cyclone season – which occurs annually off the Queensland coast from November through to April – is paramount, according to local experts.

It’s as pivotal as wearing a seatbelt.

In a year where the likelihood of any tropical cyclone is above average, the month before a predicted four weather events occur in Australia’s Eastern region is a time of preparation.

Qualified First Aid Trainer and owner of AWB First Aid First, Andrew Barker, said first aid kit maintenance was key at this time of year, and that the first step for any individual, business, or household in the Whitsundays, was in accessing their own needs.

“Whether it’s a whole family or a personal kit, they need to be appropriate for the risk level of where they’re living,” Mr Barker said.

“If they’re living in town, the risk level is different to living somewhere like Strathdickie which might be cut off in a storm event. What is needed is to have a first aid kit that is going to both give you the ability to perform basic first aid, but also more serious stuff in a situation where emergency services may not be able to get to you for up to 24 hours, such as during Cyclone Debbie.”

Mr Barker said most people buy their kits off the shelves, and in most cases, these kits are substantial and can cover all bases, but using them is another matter.

“It’s like buying a car and not having a license,” Mr Barker said.

“People may not know how to use them, and of course, we run first aid courses and we say to anyone: if you’re going to buy a kit, you need to know how it is used.

“What I advise for everyone when they buy a kit is to take it home, put it on the kitchen table and unpack it. Put it all on the table and have a look at it and understand it. Each kit comes with a list of its contents, which is used for restocking. As well, kits have an expected life expectancy of three to five years and need to be restocked or replaced.

“If there’s ever any confusion, you can come in and see us and we’re more than happy to discuss it with you.”

AWB First Aid First supplies the Whitsundays with professional first aid training, first aid kits and more.

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Wendy Barker from AWB First Aid First with some of the business’ first aid kits, suitable for the tropical storm season in the Whitsundays

A proactive collaboration between local sugarcane growers and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation is starting to reap benefits, making a big difference in how we farm our land and protect the Reef.

Funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, a large-scale $200 million water quality program is enabling projects to improve the quality of water entering the Reef, with $22.2 million being invested to support projects in the Whitsunday and Mackay region.

Mid-way through its four-year project period, the Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program has engaged with multiple growers, investing in initiatives across 40 per cent of sugarcane land in the Pioneer and Plane Basins.

With farmers spending a significant amount of money on inputs to grow their crop, many have been eager to hear how precision ‘smart farming’ can reduce costs while leveraging increased profitability.

Program Manager for the Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program, Chris Dench, said that the interests of the farmers are at the forefront of the project.

“Improving on-farm productivity and profitability is key, while increased water quality is an outcome of this improvement,” he said.

“Everyone wants a healthy Reef – a lot of growers spend time out on the Reef, it’s close to everyone’s hearts – but you have to maintain a profitable business as well.”

Through a series of funding streams that provide agronomic advice and equipment that assists with adopting environmentally sustainable practices, many farmers have jumped at the opportunity to trial initiatives.

Adopting practices such as planting soy or mung beans can allow growers to reduce the amount of synthetic Nitrogen being applied, which can result in big cost savings. Equally, identifying and addressing soil constraints such as pH can reduce the cost to the grower and the amount of fertiliser required.

Other growers involved in the program have focused their attention on better application of pesticides. Through the fabrication of a high clearance spray tractor and GPS rate controller, one grower has reduced pesticide usage by 15 per cent.  

These are just two examples of what is currently underway within the nine different project areas of the Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program.

“It’s been incredible to see the willingness of growers to get involved, give things a go and trial innovations,” said Chris.

“Farmers take their stewardship of the land seriously and we enjoy working with them for the benefit of everyone.”

The Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and is locally managed by Central Resource Services and coordinated by Reef Catchments.

If you are a grower in the Pioneer, Plane Creek, Proserpine or O’Connell catchments and would like to find out about opportunities to be involved, please visit www.reefcatchments.com.au

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This high rise boom sprayer was fabricated and enabled one grower to reduce pesticide usage by 15 per cent. Photo supplied by Reef Catchments.

One of the region’s great natural phenomena began to unfold this week as the annual coral spawning cycle commenced.

The yearly reproduction event began on Monday, November 14, with coral across the Great Barrier Reef synchronising its breeding by releasing millions of tiny egg and sperm bundles into the water.

The bundles containing the elements for life erupt from coral across the reef in unison, covering the sea in colourful clouds which rise slowly to the surface where fertilisation begins before settling to the ocean floor to develop into coral.

In the Reef’s outer stretches, coral spawning occurs during November after a full moon, normally lasting from a few days to a week.

Master Reef Guide and skipper of Kiana Sail and Dive, Brent Chatterton experienced this year’s spawning event firsthand on a five-day four-night trip to the Reef.

“We had the pleasure of seeing the coral spawning; it was amazing. Sunday night we saw the initial evidence of the spawning where they began to release the sperm and the egg,” Mr Chatterton said.

“[On Monday night] it was incredible when at around eight o’clock, the coral spawned before our eyes. It’s like an amazing snowstorm of baby corals under the water.”

Mr Chatteron said he saw different species of coral spawn over a period of days, with his tour witnessing the ‘bushies’ and Acropora corals spawning first.

“It is such a critical event, not only for coral but for fish species. It provides a tremendous amount of nutrients for small and big fishes to eat,” he said.

“The quantities are so vast to allow for it to be eaten, as well as migrate in the ocean currents to settle in other reefs as well, giving the chance for biodiversity to spread through the coral reef system.”

The Master Reef Guide said it signified a few things: “That the lifecycle of the coral is rejuvenating, ready to resettle on systems damaged by cyclones and storms.”

“Storms and cyclones are part of the coral lifecycle, the break and build. From an operator’s point of view, it’s refreshing to take tourists from all over the planet to see the health of the reef in an exciting time where the coral can be reborn and grow,” he said.

Coral Spawning is being utilised by Australian Institute of Marine Science for a project in the Whitsundays known as The Boats4Corals Program which collects spawn for resettling on places where reefs have become denuded.

In 2022, Boats4Corals will commence during this week’s spawn.

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Coral spawning began across the fringes of the Great Barrier Reef on Monday, November 14

Images: Maddie Gablehouse aboard Kiana Sail and Dive

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.
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On November 11, 1919, King George V inaugurated the first Remembrance Day, marking the end of, what was at the time, the worst conflict in human history: “The war to end all wars”.

To mark those who did not return – “The Fallen” - The Great War’s end on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month became a commemoration for soldiers and service personnel who lost their lives.

Now each year, to commemorate all who died while serving in conflicts and peace-keeping operations in conflicts since World War One, people across the globe observe Remembrance Day through a minute’s silence and a sounding of the Last Post.

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Proserpine

Proserpine’s Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) Sub-branch hosted a Remembrance Day Ceremony, honouring all who were lost, including Proserpine Servicemen who were killed during World War One, World War Two, Korea, and Vietnam.

Proserpine RSL Sub-branch President Jason Raiteri led the proceedings, making special note of the Australian participation in ending The Great War.

“From the summer of 1918, the five divisions of the Australian Core were at the forefront of the Allied advance to victory,” Mr Raiteri said.

“Victory for the Australians had come at a heavy cost: They suffered almost 48,000 casualties in 1918 alone. The four years of World War One 330,000 Australians served overseas, and 60,000 died.

“Today, we remember the over 100,000 Australians who did not come home over all wars. From World War One, World War Two, Malaya, Korea, Vietnam, Rwanda, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and all the other operations Australians have been involved in across the globe.”

Wreaths were lain at the foot of the Proserpine Cenotaph by representatives from Proserpine RSL, Whitsunday Regional Councillor Gary Simpson, ex-military servicemen, and local schools, before a minute’s silence was observed.
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The well-attended ceremony ended with a playing of ‘The Last Post’ before local’s travelled to the Proserpine RSL to continue a day of remembrance.

The Proserpine Cenotaph was the scene of a touching Remembrance Day ceremony

The event was well-attended by veterans, to whom it means so much

Proserpine Returned and Services League (RSL) Sub-branch organised the day and saw many of its members observe the ceremony

Members from various ex-service groups took part in the RSL-led service

Proserpine RSL Sub-branch President Jason Raiteri conducted the rites of the day

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Bowen

Over 80 people attended the indoor service at the Bowen RSL last Friday, including Mayor Julie Hall who stayed to speak with war widows and other guests after the ceremony.

“It was a lovely turn out,” said Bowen RSL President John Eyles.

“We had a very good day as a club.”

The attendees comprised ex-servicemen, families, guests, and friends of the RSL, with the Country Women’s Association putting on a delicious afternoon tea for all to enjoy.
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Wreaths laid to remember those that served

Volunteers Rob Byles, Faileen James, Robyn Burrell

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Cannonvale

There were roughly 50 attendees at the Cannonvale Cenotaph to commemorate Remembrance Day this year and Airlie Beach Whitsunday RSL Vice President Carl Brown led the service.

Father Jose gave a shirt address and requiem which was followed by the prayer of Remembrance.

President of Airlie Beach Whitsunday RSL Dianne Trueman laid the first wreath followed by Amanda Camm MP’s representative Jacqueline Spruce and Councillor Jan Clifford.

They were followed by ex-service men, local police officers and students from nearby Cannonvale State School.

Jenni Borellini sung the New Zealand National Anthem and Airlie Norton sung the Australian National Anthem.

The flag was lowered and a minute’s silence observed to the emotive sounds of ‘Last Post’ played by Bryce Fraser.
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Service concludes with wreaths laid and flag at full mast

Councillor Jan Clifford, President of Airlie Beach Whitsunday RSL Dianne Trueman, Amanda Camm MP’s representative Jacqueline Spruce and RSL Vice President Carl Brown

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The Hamilton Island luxury yacht fire in late October is still being dealt with by insurance companies.

A stunning Sunseeker 82 motor yacht known as Time Out caught alight on the morning of October 24 this year, before emergency services attended the scene at Hamilton Island Marina which lasted approximately 10 to 12 hours before sinking.

The fire onboard caused the yacht to sink to the seabed which indicates its intensity, as well as the severity of damage the fire incurred to the hull.

Marina staff were integral in efficiently and effectively working with firefighters to contain the flames, with crew from the yacht having provided critical first response.

In days after Time Out’s eventual total submergence, the vessel’s owners were approved with an insurance claim sum in excess of $1,500,000.

A Loss Adjustor and Marine Surveyor, Michael Lieberman, from Nautilus Marine Insurance has been attending the marina to manage the post-incident site and minimise any environmental impact.

Within such a pristine environment this was of immediate concern to the insurance team who had immediately organised professional divers to secure any potential for pollution damage.

Assisted by a range of photos provided by the yacht mechanic, the diver operation was “very successful with the required lines being blocked and the fuel contained.”

The site is still being monitored with additional resources being utilised as soon as required.

“As a professional I have attended many salvages and none of them are ever the same, Mr Lieberman said.

“Being a large vessel resting on the seabed the issues with this salvage are manifold and, like all incidents in marine locations, must be carried out with an abundance of caution and consideration for the environment and local community.”

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A vessel named Time Out caught fire in late October

The emergency event at Hamilton Island Marina saw insurance claims awarded of $1.5 million