Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm has stepped down from her role as Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, in an effort to prioritise her health and wellbeing. The announcement comes a fortnight after Ms Camm returned from six weeks of medical leave following major surgery, with the Whitsunday MP recognising she needed more time to recover. “This has been a considered and deeply personal decision,” Ms Camm said. “Having returned from six weeks of medical leave following major surgery I have come to recognise that my recovery still has some way to go and I need to prioritise my health and wellbeing.” “I sincerely thank the Premier for the opportunity to serve in his Government and for his support of my decision.” Ms Camm added in a presser outside of Parliament house in Brisbane, that the pressures of ministerial work had contributed to her decision to step down. This follows months of intense scrutiny over conditions for children in care and domestic violence prevention funding cuts had reinforced the importance of personal safety, especially in light of the recent attack on Victorian MP Helen Haines. “Public scrutiny and accountability are essential to democracy and to our institutions,” she said. “Harassment, threats, bullying and personal vilification are not and for the past year this has been my experience.” But during her time in the role, Ms Camm oversaw reforms to strengthen child protection, support foster and kinship carers and improve responses to domestic and family violence. Central to her child safety work was the Government’s response to the Child Safety Commission of Inquiry, which delivered 52 recommendations for improving the system. “The landmark Child Safety Commission of Inquiry was the turning point for the Child Safety system,” Ms Camm said. “There is much more work to be done, while early positive signs show we have stabilised numbers in the Residential Care system for the first time.” Her work in domestic and family violence included introducing laws for electronic monitoring of perpetrators to strengthen accountability, alongside her reporting a doubling of calls answered by DVConnect to help more people access support when they needed it. “After sitting with victims of domestic and family violence over many years through opposition and then in the ministry, I’m proud to have been part of delivering change that can help save lives,” Ms Camm said. In a statement following her decision, Premier David Crisafulli praised her work across both portfolios, describing the child safety inquiry’s reform roadmap as her greatest legacy and highlighting improved access to the domestic violence helpline. “I thank Amanda for her service to Queensland firstly as a Shadow Minister and then as a Minister,” Mr Crisafulli said. “Amanda took on an enormous task with a Child Safety system in crisis and a state in need of domestic violence reform. “With her dedication, passion and commitment, she has put Queensland on the road to repair both. “I speak on behalf of the Government, the LNP and all Queenslanders in wishing her the best in her recovery.” Ms Camm will continue serving as the Member for Whitsunday, reaffirming her commitment to the local community. “I remain committed to the people of Whitsunday as their Member of Parliament, and to supporting the Premier and the Government in delivering a fresh start for Queensland,” she said.
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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay A firmly enforced bioethanol mandate, backed by increased local sugarcane production, is essential to strengthening Queensland’s industry resilience, regional jobs, and Australia’s long‑term fuel security. Our region holds enormous potential: not only for producing sugar, but for renewable fuel, energy diversification, and national economic security. Queensland’s sugarcane industry has always been a cornerstone of regional prosperity, but today it stands at a crossroads. Global markets are volatile and input costs are rising, and at the same time, Australia faces increasing pressure to reduce emissions, strengthen domestic fuel supplies, and build more resilient regional economies. A properly enforced bioethanol mandate is one of the most effective tools we have to meet these challenges head on. Queensland already has a mandate in place, but compliance remains inconsistent. When fuel retailers fail to meet their obligations, growers, mills, and regional communities lose out on opportunities that should rightfully be flowing into our local economy. Bioethanol is not a theoretical solution: it is a proven, practical, and immediate pathway to cleaner fuel and stronger regional industries and economies. Countries like Brazil and the United States have shown that bioethanol can reduce emissions, stabilise fuel markets, and create thousands of rural jobs. In these countries, and across the world, bioethanol forms a substantially higher portion of retail fuel sales than this country has embraced. Queensland has the same potential, but only if the mandate is taken seriously and enforced with the consistency it deserves. For Mackay, the benefits are clear. Our region is one of Australia’s most productive sugarcane hubs, with the land, infrastructure, climate, and expertise to support a thriving biofuels sector. Increased demand for bioethanol directly translates into increased demand for sugarcane. That means more cane in the ground, more certainty for growers, and more throughput for our mills, and we all know that milling is a volume game. This in turn supports jobs from the paddock to the processing line. But the opportunity extends far beyond economics. A stronger bioethanol industry enhances national fuel security, reducing Australia’s reliance on imported fuels. At a time when global supply chains are increasingly unstable, producing more of our own fuel is not just smart policy, it is essential. Every litre of bioethanol produced in Queensland is a litre of fuel Australia does not have to import. To seize this opportunity, we must also focus on increasing local sugarcane production. The industry cannot diversify, innovate, or expand into new markets without a reliable and growing supply of cane. More cane means more flexibility for mills, more investment in advanced manufacturing, and greater capacity to produce not only sugar and ethanol, but also bioplastics, green electricity, and other high value products. Growers are ready to meet this challenge. With the right policy settings from all levels of government, including a robust and enforced bioethanol mandate, we can plant more cane, improve productivity, and strengthen the long‑term viability of our region. But growers cannot do it alone. We need government to ensure the mandate is upheld, fuel retailers to meet their obligations, and industry partners to continue investing in innovation and infrastructure. Mackay has the land, the people, and the expertise to lead Queensland’s next era of renewable energy and agricultural diversification. What we need now is the policy certainty that comes from a mandate that is not only written into law but actively enforced. A stronger bioethanol mandate is not just good for growers it is good for Queensland, good for regional jobs, and good for Australia’s fuel future. The time to act is now. Bioethanol can use sugarcane by-products including molasses, bagasse, mill mud as well as plant material. Image: AdobeStock
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Marketing strategy boils down to answering four questions: What does your business want? > The goal. Who can help you achieve your goal? > The audience. What do you need to tell your audience so that they can help you achieve your goal? > The message. Where do you need to put your message so that your audience sees it? > The delivery. But how do you actually go about answering those Q’s? Like anything, the broad strokes are more complicated in practice but it’s a good framework to come back to when you’re planning your next marketing activity. Start by drilling down + identifying a measurable goal that you can work towards. Vague + lofty goals are okay, but without a clear way to track your progress, achieving them will be pretty tough. For example, tracking how many enquiries you get + the quote conversion rate can be useful info to have as a baseline. That way, if you do a targeted campaign to attract more work, you can see if it meaningfully pushed the needle in the right direction! Next, really empathise with who can help you achieve those goals. Try to build up a target customer in your head. How old are they? What do they want from your business? What are they interested in? The more specific you are, the easier it’ll be to craft messaging that will actually appeal to that person. Once you’ve defined your goal + who can help you achieve it, you’ve got to tell them how to help you do it. Your messaging should be the key information that your audience needs to know about your business. This is where you focus on not only what your customers want to know about you, but how your business is different to all the others out there. Your messaging should change based on the people you’re targeting. Lastly, the delivery. Where does your target market frequent? Do they use socials? Are they constantly listening to the radio? Do they frequent the pub on a Friday arvo? Once you know where they go, you can start figuring out how to get your message there. While socials are a great option, they’re not the only one. Billboards, coasters, or a flyer that sits on a wall somewhere are all effective options. But if that all sounds like too much effort, you can always reach out + talk to us. We’ll help you figure it out 😉 Taren McAuley
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Hundreds of excited students are busy practicing lines and rehearsing their moves ahead of this evening’s first performance of Matilda Jr the Musical at Cannonvale State School.
An adaption of the Roald Dahl book and multi-award-winning stage performance written by Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin, the show will be full of music, dance, fun, laughter and of course many hilarious moments when Mrs Trunchbull’s antics cause chaos.
Saskia Hoey from Year 5 plays the scary principal, Mrs Trunchbull, and says she was thrilled to be given the part after participating in two previous school musicals.
“I am really looking forward to seeing everyone have a good time!” she said.
Willow Hammond, who plays Matilda, says she was surprised to be picked for the main role.
“I love singing and acting so I thought I’d go for one of the mains, but I was so surprised to get Matilda,” said Willow.
“I love being on stage, not just dancing, but acting too.”
The famous cake eating scene features Year 6 student, Cruze Nahas, who plays Bruce.
“It’s been great being part of the musical because I have really conquered my fears, I get really nervous, but I love singing!” he said.
Torben Bradley plays Eric and divulged that he decided to be part of the musical because his sister bet him $50 he wouldn’t get a part as a main.
Delighted to prove her wrong, Torben loves his role where he gets Mrs Trunchbull to drink a newt.
One of the most famous scenes is undoubtedly the moment that Amanda Thrip is swung around by her pigtails.
Mia Berry plays this character and said she loved the whole experience.
“I love the whole thing and practicing with everyone, and all the sets have been amazing,” she said.
“It’s my first time as a main and I love singing!”
Meanwhile, Brodie Lambie from Year 6 plays Nigel, the young boy who gets covered in a blanket of coats.
“I’ve always wanted to be a main and this is the year!” He said.
Willow Thompson is Hortensia and, having watched her three sisters perform in musicals over these years, is thrilled to have an exciting role.
“I love having a microphone and being on stage – it’s really cool!” she said.
Evie Berry from Year 5 plays Lavender and says she loved meeting all the mains.
Charlotte Behnck said her favourite part was spending time with friends and making new friends.
With Director Angel Kanniah at the helm and a sea of other teachers, parents, and volunteers all behind the scenes, the musical is bound to be a huge success.
Willow Hammond plays Matilda and Saskia Hoey plays Mrs Trunchbull in the incredible Matilda Jr the Musical which debuts this evening. Photo credit: Rachael Smith
Willow Hammond, who plays Matilda and Saskia Hoey who plays Mrs Trunchbull, lead the show at Matilda Jr the Musical. Photo credit: Rachael Smith
The main characters starring in the show
Cannonvale State School preps love performing in their first show as the ‘Miracles’ in Mummy Says I’m A Miracle
The man accused of killing three family members in Bogie, west of Bowen, last year has attempted to represent himself at court this week saying that he was unable to get legal aid because he was told he didn’t have enough paperwork.
On Tuesday Darryl Valroy Young appeared in Bowen Magistrates Court and his case was adjourned until next Tuesday.
It has been over a year since he allegedly murdered married couple, Mervyn and Maree Schwarz along with Maree’s son Graham Tighe.
Maree’s other son, Ross Tighe, was also shot but managed to escape, driving over 40 kilometres to raise the alarm.
Mr Young appeared by video link from Townsville Correctional Centre on Tuesday and an ABC News court report stated that he tried to represent himself because he was refused legal aid as he didn’t have enough paperwork.
The matter was adjourned once again, but Acting Magistrate Ron Muirhead told Mr Young he could not continue to delay.
Hi Everyone,
It is so wonderful to hear that the Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church has raised $250,000 in their Brick By Brick campaign to fund the rebuild of their church.
To think this massive sum of money was raised in just four weeks, however, is astounding!
From individuals purchasing one brick to larger entities buying 250, the whole community has come together, getting behind this important building that not only holds church services but also provides a local hub and meeting place for all to enjoy.
While less and less people identify as being religious these days, Christianity remains the biggest religion in Australia, at 43.9 per cent of the population according to the Bureau of Statistics 2021 survey.
I come from a mixed family, my dad a staunch atheist and my mum a practicing Christian.
When my mum and I are together, I attend church with her every week, but I have to confess, when she’s not here to keep me honest, my attendance slips.
Despite this, I love the inclusivity of the Christian Church and always try to live by its morals.
I think that’s what I love most about love the concept of the new building that will become Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church.
It is not just a space for practicing Christians, it will be open to all denominations, and it will become a central location where everyone in the community feels welcome.
And while it will of course always be a sacred space, it will also be a gathering place for merriment and celebration, a venue for everyone to get together.
This means that, while many of us do not attend church on a weekly basis, it will still play an important role in all our lives.
Rach
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness” (Dalai Lama)
When a honey-mooning couple embarked on an underwater adventure in the Whitsundays, they never dreamt that their day would become part of a lifelong memory, and not just for the incredible marine life they saw.
It was while snorkelling in Saba Bay, that the groom’s ring had somehow slipped off and disappeared into the water.
Distressed and disappointed, the couple’s only option was to return to the mainland, thinking the wedding ring had been lost forever.
“They were very casual but you could tell they were upset,” said Nicole Rosser from ZigZag Whitsundays.
“When items get lost under the water, they don’t often come back, but when our crew returned to the same spot the following day, they were determined to have a look.”
ZigZag regularly complete environmental surveys of the reef and so they used the opportunity to scour Saba Bay for their studies and also to try and find the ring.
Miraculously, the ring was found glittering on the seabed sometime later.
“The crew were absolutely astounded!” said Nicole.
“And when we told the couple they were happy, stunned and appreciative – fortunately, they were still in town and were able to meet the boat at the jetty, collecting the ring just 15 minutes before they had to leave for the airport!”
“Your special moments are our special moments too. We're more than just a tour—we're a community, and we take care of each other.”
Wedding ring retrieved from the ocean and returned to the happy honeymooning couple. Photo: Supplied
The annual Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and Residency has concluded, following a massive success with a sold-out performance event at Paradiso on Saturday evening.
With headliners Mark Sholtez, Toni Childs, and Vika and Linda joining as the professional mentors, 11 aspiring songwriters engaged in a week of dedicated support and encouragement, producing music with their idols.
The culmination of the event was the Concert and Conversation showcase, held at Paradiso Restaurant on Saturday evening, where each aspiring songwriter was given the stage to perform an original song they’d developed over the week to a live audience.
Karen Jacobsen, Co-Founder of Whitsunday Songwriter Festival and Residency said the week helped aspiring songwriters develop their original music alongside professionals that have been involved in the industry for years.
“The mission of the festival is to create and support a new generation of songwriters, and make opportunities for regional Australia, that big cities have,” she explained.
“We bring these industry connections to the regions and create a thriving hub of music and song writing here in the Whitsundays.”
On the final evening, all the songwriters performed two songs together and two songs developed during the residency.
“Brand new music is always exciting, and these songs were quite raw,” said Karen.
“One celebrated music and the art of songwriting, the other was about heartbreak, the age-old topic for all.
“It was a wonderful evening and the audience was moved to tears.”
Karen explained that each artist on the residency created new music, with even the mentors writing new songs we can expect to hear in upcoming albums.
Vika Bull, Toni Childs, Karen Jacobsen, Mark Sholtez, Francesca de Valence, and Linda Bull. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge
A 43-year-old Proserpine woman has been charged, following a fatal car accident which occurred when her ute crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided with a station wagon, on Strathdickie Road, on the evening of August 20.
A 67-year-old Dingo Beach man was the driver and sole occupant of the station wagon and unfortunately died at the scene.
The Proserpine woman was taken to Townsville Hospital and was later charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance.
So far this year Mackay and Whitsunday Police have intercepted over 670 drink drivers across our region, which is a similar figure from this time last year.
“Traditionally we see an increase in the drink driving offences as we approach Summer and the Christmas holidays,” said Shane Edwards, Senior Sergeant of Highway Patrol Mackay.
“Drink Driving is a significant contributor to the fatalities on our roads in Queensland with over 30 per cent of drivers and riders involved in fatal traffic crashes being over the legal limit.
“Alcohol impairs a drivers/riders reaction time along with their ability to make smart decisions.
“We have had 13 deaths on our Districts roads in 2023 and drink driving is being investigated as a contributing factor in around 50 per cent of those incidents.”
Mr Edwards and the Mackay Whitsunday Police urge drivers to not drink and drive.
“Have a designated driver if you plan on going out with friends
“If you see that friends have been drinking don’t let them drive, you could be saving their lives as well as other members of public.”
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Community spirit has far surpassed even the wildest of dreams of Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church whose Brick By Brick campaign has raised an astounding $250,000 in just four weeks.
This exceptional community effort means that the construction of the new church could begin early next year.
“We need the contract to be signed by mid-November and now that we have the funds in place we will be approaching architects and consultants in the next few weeks,” said Reverend Suzy Sutton.
“Builders can be looking out for tenders from October and contracts will be signed by the end of that month!”
Steeped in history, a church has been located at the corner of Main and Herbert Streets in Proserpine since 1899 when local families worked together to construct the building.
It is only fitting now that the community have pulled together once again to continue this legacy.
Irreparably damaged in the 2017 Cyclone Debbie, the Uniting Church was demolished in 2021.
Since then, the congregation has worshipped at a temporary location, a community hall at the end of the street.
Launching the Brick By Brick fundraiser on August 1, the community were encouraged to participate in the much-needed rebuild.
Individuals could become Community Champions and purchase a “$100 brick” and larger entities could scale right up to “Platinum”, purchasing 250 bricks for $25,000.
Rev Sutton said that she was thrilled to find out at least three platinum sponsors had come on board, but that all the individual sponsors were just as appreciated for their kind and supportive gestures.
“This amazing result means we can step forward confidently,” she said.
“We can’t believe it and all we can say is praise God!”
While Rev Sutton says she cannot wait to see the community enjoying the facility.
“The church will be multi-purpose and provide a space for many,” she said.
“It will be a hub for social life, dinners, meetings, families, markets and concerts.”
The old St James Church before it was demolished in 2021. Photo supplied
Endurance athletes from around the country are flocking into the region this week ahead of the Accom Whitsunday Trail Fest which is due to kick-off on Sunday morning.
With a variety of off-road racing events, the Trail Fest offers something for everyone, from beginners and children all the way through to experienced athletes looking to bring home a trophy.
Organised by the Whitsunday Running Club, the event is now in its 18th year and 2023 is expected to be another huge event with 120 participants registered.
Race Director Andrea Farley said she is thrilled to see competitors come from around the country and even some international guests attend this year.
“Trail Fest is a great way to explore our national parks and celebrate our region,” she said.
“It a community event, supported by local sponsors and run by volunteers from the Running Club.”
The most ambitious race on the event day calendar is the 58-kilometre Shokz Ultra which is now in its sixth year and has become a popular challenge for members of the Australian Trail Running Community.
A traditional favourite is the 28-kilometre Accom Whitsunday Trail which started back at Trail Fest’s inception in 2005.
The original and still most popular distance, this race is a point-to-point run from Brandy Creek to Airlie Beach.
Current records are held by women’s champ Montanna Mcavoy who completed the trail in 2.37.06 hours in 2022 and men’s reining champ Sam Stedman who completed the trail in 2.29.44 back in 2021.
This race maintains its position as the Whitsundays preeminent off-road race, attracting trail runners from Australia and overseas.
While many of the events are challenging for experienced runners, there is also something for beginners and children, with a range of other events perfect for those wanting to give trail running a go.
The Honeyeater Ray White Challenge 10.5-kilometre challenge is quickly becoming a popular favourite trail run for beginner runners and, while it is a challenging run, ascending into the clouds towards the lookout, the view atop is as rewarding as the race.
Children are invited to enjoy a fun and lively race at the Tarkine Kids Beach Bash which runs along the Airlie Beach Foreshore to the Dugong then back towards the start and then another lap along the beach.
At approximately 1400 meters, the race is challenging but also achievable for children from 4-12 years of age.
The day’s event concludes with the popular Survivors Beach Bash which is open for participants who ran the 28-kilometre, 58 kilometre, or volunteers.
This fun run is a great way to celebrate the event and the first male and female will win lucky dip prizes.
Winners of each category will receive a medal and there are cash prizes for anyone who beats an existing record.
The community are also invited to come down and watch or participate on the day.
RACE TIMES:
4:30am Competitors for 58 km meet.
5:00am START – 58 km race.
5:00am Competitors 28 km meet.
5:30am 28 km bus leaves from Race Precinct to Brandy Creek
6:30am START – 28 km from Brandy Creek
8:30am Race Briefing for Honeyeater Challenge
9:00am Honeyeater 10.5
10:30am Kids Beach Run
1:00pm Presentations
2:30pm Survivors Beach Bash
Trail Fest organisers, Andrea Farley, Chris Harvey, Robyn Corrigan, and Liv Compton, Photo credit: Bronte Hodge
Bowen was host to the latest Whitsunday Regional Council community catch-up last week, an initiative to allow the council to better connect with the community it services, build relationships and gain feedback on issues.
Meeting at the Bowen PCYC, Mayor Julie Hall welcomed 20 residents to discuss ongoing and upcoming Bowen projects.
Along with hearing from members of the community, discussion included bush fire preparedness, yellow crazy ants, the proposed closure for the Cape Edgecumbe Trails upgrade, the Muller Lagoon Park Masterplan results, and storm season readiness.
Mayor Hall and Councillors also fielded questions regarding the Whitsunday Airport Masterplan and amenities upgrades in the Bowen township.
The Community Catch-ups are an initiative of Mayor Hall and Councillors to open conversation in the community.
The next Community Catch-up is scheduled for Scottville on September 20.
Council encourages residents to visit the Your Say Whitsunday portal to propose ideas or suggestions for the next catch up.
Mayor Julie Hall at the Bowen Community Catch-Up last week. Photo supplied
Raising $10,000 from their annual Charity Golf Day, the Whitsunday Lions have distributed the monies to three local charities, The Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, Whitsunday Counselling and Support, and Proserpine Hospital Auxiliary, in a special ceremony held at Whitsunday Green Golf Club on Saturday.
“We’re amazed at the amount of support we get,” said Allan Gravelle, a representative from Whitsunday Lions.
“One of the really important aspects of fundraising is the number of local businesses that come and contribute, and the businesses here are very generous.”
On the Golf Day held earlier this year, Whitsunday Lions saw over 150 competitors take to Whitsunday Green Golf Course, many of which were business teams.
$4000 from the day was donated to Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, which will fund counselling services, including post-suicide resilience counselling.
“It is really difficult to talk about suicide,” explained Matt Stokes, Committee Member of Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Centre.
“We are very grateful for this donation to help fund our counselling services to families post suicide.”
Whitsunday Counselling and Support were the recipients of another $4000 sum.
“We would like to thank everyone for this very generous donation,” said Leanne Althaus, Administrative Services Manager.
“We are going to put this money towards establishing a teenager room, so that teenagers who are victims of domestic violence and abuse are able to engage in counselling to recover from their trauma.”
Proserpine Hospital Auxiliary received $2000, to go towards much-needed equipment for the hospital.
“Over half of the equipment at the Proserpine Hospital has been supplied by different community groups,” explained Lola Moody, a representative of the Proserpine Hospital Auxiliary.
“This donation gives us the power to buy things to make patients more comfortable and make the strain on our nurses easier, so thank you.”
Whitsundays Lions encourages any community organisations to reach out if they’re facing tough times, as they endeavour to help wherever they can.
Whitsunday Lions donated funds to Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, Whitsunday Counselling and Support and Proserpine Hospital Auxiliary. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge
Whitsunday Regional Council have opened a consultation period asking the community’s opinion on whether to trial seven pedestrian crossings on Airlie Beach Main Street.
This move goes in hand with a Main Street upgrade which will see the lagoon and foreshore receive new landscaping, line marking, repairs, improved lighting, and deep cleaning of pavements.
The decision to trial the seven zebra crossings came from feedback gathered from a consultation period in 2022, which reported a majority of participants were in favour of prioritising pedestrians on Airlie Beach Main Street.
“The move to a pedestrian priority is a follow-up from a consultation last year,” a Council spokesperson said.
“This consultation showed there was a lean towards improving pedestrian priority.”
The last major upgrade to Airlie Beach Main Street occurred over 10 years ago, costing about $25 million for the project.
The current pedestrian walkways have been in place since this previous upgrade, and have signage stating, ‘Pedestrians only cross when road is clear’, giving motorised vehicles right of way.
“This new consultation is to gauge the sentiment for the number zebra crossings,” the Council spokesperson said.
The consultation period will run all of September, and members of the community are able to suggest ideas or share feedback through the Your Say Whitsunday Portal, or to Council at their stall at the Airlie Beach Markets.
Seven new zebra crossings have been proposed, with the community encouraged to share their thoughts to Council. Photo supplied
The Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its Vision for the Whitsunday initiative.
Employing a series of workshop style focus groups, the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce are working to better futureproof their economic projection for the Whitsundays, a projection that is informed by the region’s trades, small business, commerce, and industry.
Chamber President Allan Milostic urges both members and the broader business community to submit their ideas and concerns for consideration.
“Having a united, clear vision of the future designed by business for business is urgently needed. “What follows is relevant advocacy, representing our vision and influencing decisions across all levels of government,” Allan said.
“Coordinated advocacy is highly valued by all levels of government, and the Chamber will ensure that Proserpine and the Whitsunday coastal business centres have a strong voice in the development of this pivotal project.”
With three key pillars of engagement, the official findings of this initiative will be shared at the Chamber’s inaugural Whitsunday Business Conference in May 2024.
Businessowners and individuals are encouraged to formally submit their options to better the region to the Chamber, complete a quick survey, both of which close in December, and join a series of focus groups, all occurring throughout September and October.
The 81st Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church Flower Show and Fete has flourished once again this year, with over 350 attendees visiting Proserpine State School to browse the various entries, enjoy the entertainment and purchase homemade goodies.
The Flower Show is the Uniting Church’s main fundraising event and aids the everyday running of the church.
“It is truly a lovely day,” said Jane Bettridge, a Committee Member of the Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church.
“It’s a unique event, the way it brings all aspects together, from a performance by the nursing home, to school groups, and dancers.
“The flower displays bring so much joy, and afterwards, we give the flowers to the nursing home, and they get distributed into resident’s rooms and they put big smiles onto people’s faces.”
Photo credit: Bronte Hodge and Supplied
Whitsunday schools gathered together for a night of musical celebration, performing for the wider community at a special concert held last Friday night.
The 2023 Gala Concert welcomed friends and family to Proserpine State High School to showcase the musical abilities of students across the region.
The line up included the Bowen State High School Band, the Proserpine Citizen’s Band, and the Little Kids Big Band, which included Proserpine State School and Cannonvale State School students.
They were joined by a range of Proserpine State High School musical ensembles, including the School Band, Strings Ensemble, Soul Band, and N’Orleans Band.
Year 12 Art students from Proserpine State High School also painted artworks during a performance, letting the music fuel their creativeness and create a beautiful piece of art to celebrate the event.
Cannonvale and Proserpine State School Strings
Proserpine State High School Strings
Proserpine State High School Year 12 Art students. Photos supplied
Visitors to the North Head Lighthouse were greeted with an unexpected surprise, when Kenny the Kensington Pride Mango Mascot snapped pictures with them as they took the walk.
The North Head Lighthouse walk is a well-loved experience, attracting visitors from across Australia.
The surprise of Kenny was a welcome sight, with many visitors posing for photos before their trek.
Leanne Abernathy, Sales and Marketing Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business said it was wonderful to see people travel from all over Queensland to do the walk.
“We even saw former locals come back and walk to the lighthouse again,” she said.
100s of people took on the lighthouse walk, a local experience only possible at super low tides.
In order to walk to North Head Lighthouse, it is best to leave from Dalrymple Point, wear good protective shoes, and be sure to leave the lighthouse one hour before low tide.
“It was great opportunity to promote Bowen mangoes to visitors as the mango picking season is about to set off in November,” explained Leanne.
Kenny the Kensington Pride Mango has been with Bowen Tourism and Business for years and is a prominent local figure in Bowen.
Making appearances at local festivals and events, Kenny has also been featured on tv twice in 2023, showcasing the best of Bowen to the wider nation.
Kenny the Kensington Pride Mango greeting visitors at the North Head Lighthouse. Photos supplied
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