Major Grants Incentives are available to support growers within the Plane and Pioneer catchments to adopt practice change that will benefit both grower farming operations and provide water quality outcomes.

Access to the major grant funds is available through Reef Catchments, the delivery provider of the Major Grants Project, for growers engaged with Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program (MWWQP) delivery providers and those who are not yet engaged in the program but are Best Management Practice (BMP) accredited.

Equipment commonly purchased under water quality grant schemes includes sub surface nutrient applicators, legume planters, equipment for improved placement of grub control, variable rate and boom section controllers and high rise spray rigs.

Other types of equipment may still be eligible, and growers are encouraged to contact Reef Catchments to discuss their options.

Applicants applying for funding are required to meet the following criteria:

● The grower project must be within the Plane Creek and Pioneer River Catchments.

● The applicant must be an accredited BMP grower or engaged with a Delivery Provider under the MWWQP project.

● The growers project must demonstrate a water quality improvement outcome at end of catchment in Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) loads and/or pesticide risk toxicity, calculated by the delivery provider or productivity service provider.

● Grant applications must include a minimum in-kind 50% cash co-contribution.

● Grower project activities must be completed within 12 months or the program completion date (whichever comes first).

● Must be a legal entity with an ABN.

The MWWQP is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

With two years remaining on the project, the Program is on track to achieve an enduring reduction in pesticides risk toxicity and DIN loads from the Plane and Pioneer River catchment.

To find out more, contact Reef Catchments on 4968 4200 or email grants@reefcatchments.com.

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A recent edition of the New Yorker magazine featured a clever cartoon that nicely summed up the strange world we live in, where young people know nothing about some things but have far more knowledge than adults about other things.

The cartoon depicted a baby sitting in a high-chair, being spoon-fed by its father.

The caption had the father saying: “After I introduce you to solids, I’m going to need your help with some computer stuff.”

Some of us of a certain age are very familiar with having to ask our children to help with “computer stuff”.

In my case, my then-11-year-old son set up our Netflix and other streaming services and is, fortunately, usually on hand to address IT issues as they emerge.

In this IT age, it is the first time in the history of the planet that children can teach adults how certain things work.

I’m not so rude as to say young people are one-trick ponies but their knowledge and easy facility with technology is not matched, in my experience, in other areas of life.

I was reminded of this when I was explaining to a young person I work with that the housing precinct in Glenella that runs off Davey St has streets named after Australian cricketers.

“For example, Bradman Drive is named after Don Bradman,” I told her. Her blank stare showed very clearly that my colleague did not know who Don Bradman was. She had heard of Bradman Drive but not Don Bradman.

I was initially surprised, after all I grew up in a country where everyone knew who Don Bradman was.

But when I thought about it, Bradman died about 21 years ago, around the time my colleague was born. Australia has changed. It is more multi-cultural with different complexities.

Cricket is no longer the only thing you can watch on your TV (or i-pad, i-phone or laptop) during summer. Why would a 22-year-old woman know who Donald Bradman was? It’s a bit sad but not her fault.

I have a young sales associate called Skye who works as a buyers’ agent in my team but also looks after videos and social media posts to help market the properties we are selling.

I got Skye on my team because I needed extra help working with buyers for my properties but I also needed someone who had the talent and knowledge to make the most of social media opportunities when we market my clients’ properties. She fits the bill perfectly.

And, by the way (or as she might say, BTW), it would be pretty stupid of me to say: “Skye doesn’t even know who Donald Bradman is.”

That’s because Skye could just as easily say: “David doesn’t even know how to take a real estate video, synchronise the changing images with cool, trending music that is timed to avoid breaking copyright laws and post it on Instagram and other social media sites, have it all done professionally in a couple of hours and do it all on his i-phone. What an idiot!”

The point about having a team (I’ve also got my PA Sandy looking after admin, contracts etc) is that while one person might not have the ability or experience to do and know everything, as a team we have it covered.

Some of the other names in that Glenella precinct are: Lillee, Border, Grout, Hughes, Tallon, Lindwall and Chappell … that would have been a pretty good team as well.

But they’d still need Skye for their social media.

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As a council, we are extremely proud of our two venues that took out three awards at this year’s tourism awards.  A big shout out to Jemma Carey and her team from the MECC for winning Best Business and Event Venue. Jemma and her team provide a first-class venue for functions, events, conferences and performances.  The MECC certainly rates as one of the best facilities in regional Queensland.  The venue is always presented in a very professional manner and the staff pay great attention to detail to make sure your function is just perfect.  The team pride themselves on delivering top quality service to all users of the venue.

The Sarina Sugar Shed was our next winner, taking out the Award for Excellence in Food Tourism.

This is a great achievement to win this category again this year.  Ian Mason and his team play a pivotal role in ensuring the visitor experience is second-to-none when you visit the Sugar Shed.  The mouth-watering products that are produced onsite are just mind blowing. The sauces, chutneys and jams really tantalise your taste buds.  Then you move on to taste the onsite distilled range of liquors, NOIs (Nice Over Ice) and locally produced rum. No tour is complete unless you taste one of Betty’s freshly made cocktails.  When you visit the Sarina Sugar Shed, you are certainly in for a great food tourism experience.

Lastly, our Sarina Sugar Shed was category winner for Most Outstanding Volunteer Group.

The success of the Sugar Shed would not be possible without the dedicated group of volunteers that help with the production of chutneys, sauces, jam, alcohol manufacturing and cane crushing.  The passion of the Sugar Shed team really comes to life through this great group of volunteers.  They certainly make things happen and the spirit of giving comes through in the many hours of volunteer time they contribute.  Well done to everyone.  Tourism is certainly well and truly alive at Mackay Regional Council.  Great team effort to be gold winners on the night.

So proud of our people!

Cr Karen May

Deputy Mayor

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ADAPT and leverage from the changing tides occurring within the workforce.

EVOLVE with the expanding universe of digital, AI and technological advancements.

GROW stronger by embracing a future of sustainability and geopolitical change.

As millennials move deeper into their careers and Generation Z enters the workforce, baby boomers and Generation X are faced with the challenge of effectively communicating with younger employees.

Managing a workforce that is becoming increasingly diverse in age is no small task. Use the power of the digital natives to improve your business!

With special guests Craig Reucassel and Jordana Borensztajn, and a panel of local experts, join the Chamber of Commerce on a journey to become a strong and diverse business community with a workforce ready to seize today's jobs and adapt to future opportunities.

Don't miss out on this transformative Mackay Region Chamber event! Non-members are also welcome.

When: THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER from 8:30am

Where: Rydges Mackay

Tickets from $99

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Hi Everyone,

Firstly, a huge congratulations to everyone in our local tourism industry – we live in one of the most beautiful destinations in Australia and this is made even better by every individual who works to enhance visitor experience through tours and experiences in our region.

It was great to see the industry get together at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards last weekend – and congratulations to all the winners.

Read our special 10-page feature inside!

This edition also celebrates the 10th annual Airlie Beach Festival of Music and we have put together 7 pages for the second of our Special Features for you.

Inside you will find interviews with bands, both big and small, a festival map guiding you to local venues and a history snapshot featuring an interview with the festival founder.

Music Festivals always remind me of the first rock concert I went to when I was just 15 years old.

My parents had bought my friend and I tickets to see Bon Jovi at the Milton Keynes Bowl in England.

It was 1997 and I had my bedroom wall entirely covered with Bon Jovi posters at the time, there was not even a gap to see the colour of my wall paint!

When we arrived at the concert there were 65,000 people there and I was so excited that I took the lead, pushing all the way to the front.

Once there, however, I very quickly realised that I was way too young (and short!) for the mosh-pit and so ran all the way back out again!

Despite this, watching my rock idol perform live on that day was a moment I will remember forever.

Fortunately, these days I am tall enough for the front row so I can’t wait to get to the Airlie Beach Festival of Music and in amongst it this weekend!

If you are heading down to the main stage, I might see you there!

Rach

“I'd much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero” Sophia Loren

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In years gone by, when we think about a teenagers’ attitude, we are likely to imagine a grumpy, unhelpful and often silent individual that wishes the world would go away.

This stereotype, however, is thankfully changing and teenagers these days seem to be enthusiastic, spirited and happy to help others.

This was certainly the experience of one Whitsunday local, Brett Shaw, who called into the McDonald’s drive through in Cannonvale last week.

Brett was so happy with an interaction he shared with a teenage staff member that he took to Whitsundays Chat social media platform to tell everyone about it and received over 500 likes from other users.

When Brett went to pay for his McDonald’s at the drive-through he asked the young server if he could use the loose change in his centre console.

The young man, who Brett estimates is about 15 years old, agreed happily so Brett started counting out $14.25 in coins ranging from five cents to dollars.

To his surprise, the young man eagerly took the loose change and began counting out the money quickly and proficiently.

When Brett complimented him on his ability, the young man said:

‘’That’s ok I took the hardest maths at school, so I need to practice.”

Hearing this made Brett feel even more impressed which inspired him to let the community know about his positive experience.

“There is so much doom and gloom on the internet these days,” said Brett.

“The world needs to be a happier place, so I thought I’d share.”

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The southern hemisphere’s only historic recreation of a 15th century explorative vessel -which would have been used by the likes of Christopher Columbus - is now docked at Bowen Harbour and open to the public all weekend.

Notorious is a hand-crafted vessel that was researched, designed, and built by Graeme Wylie over a period of eight and half.

The full-time labour of love was completed in 2011 and has been sailing around Australia since 2012.

Graeme and his wife, Felicite, live aboard the vessel and spend their days sailing along the coastline, calling into ports and opening the beautifully crafted timber boat up for viewing whenever they can.

They have previously travelled between Tasmania and Port Douglas, but have spent the last few years in Queensland.

The 15th century Portuguese caravel is made with 300 tonnes of reclaimed timber and has been constructed to look exactly like its predecessors, none of which exist today.

“Children see a pirate ship and can’t wait to get onboard,” said Felicite.

“And Shipwrights see an amazing wooden vessel.

“Everyone loves it, especially families!”

Notorious will be docked outside Birds Fish Bar and Manager Chloe Bauer said she is glad to welcome the ship back after five years.

“The last time they came here was in 2017 and it is great to see them again!” she said.

Visitors can climb the gangway and explore onboard and below deck, kids can pretend to be pirates and take a few photos as keepsakes of a memorable day.

Notorious will be in Bowen Saturday and Sunday this week and it will be open to the public from 10am until 4pm.

Adult admission is $6 (over 15) and children (2-14 years) are $3.
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Graeme and Felicite Wylie welcome guests to explore their Portuguese caravel

The recreation of the 15 Century caravel is the only one of its type in the southern hemisphere

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At 11 am on 11 November 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare.

The allied armies had driven the German invaders back, having inflicted heavy defeats upon them over the preceding four months.

In November, the Germans called for an armistice (suspension of fighting) to secure a peace settlement.

They accepted the allies terms and surrendered unconditionally.

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month attained a special significance in the post-war years and became universally associated with the remembrance of those who had lsot their lives serving as well as those who returned, forever changed.

This important date is marked next Friday, October 11 in the following locations:

Cannonvale Cenotaph

The community is invited to meet at 10.30am at the Cenotaph at Bicentennial Park on Coral Esplanade, between Logan’s Playground and Cannonvale State School. A minute’s silence will be observed at 11am followed by laying of the wreaths. Drinks and nibbles will then be provided at the Jubilee Tavern.

Bowen RSL

The community is invited to attend a special Remembrance Day ceremony in the air-conditioned RSL on 38 Williams Street, with the bar open from 10am. Everyone will take their seats by 10.50am and a minute’s silence will be observed. Mayor Julie Hall will be in attendance and afterwards the Country Women’s Association will kindly provide a luncheon.

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The owners of a historic Bowen institution were honoured for six decades of continued service and contribution to community last week in a morning tea celebration.

Summergarden Cinema owners Ben and Phyllis De Luca were congratulated on 60 years of operating the famed theatre by Zonta Club Bowen at the Garden Club Hall on Saturday, October 29.

Known locally as “Ben’s Baby”, the Summergarden has become fundamentally linked, alongside the family themselves, with the fabric of Bowen.

“They have been associated with Bowen for 60 years and this is a huge achievement worthy of celebrating,” Zonta Club Bowen member Kerry Moloney said.

“Throughout those years, Ben has supported community groups – such as Zonta – with fundraising activities, and we have benefited immensely, with the profit enabling our club to support our community.

“This is for those funds, for everything, and for all the entertainment provided to Bowen and the Whitsundays for six decades.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox was joined by distinguished guests from Whitsunday Regional Council, including Mayor Julie Hall, Councillors Jan Clifford, Gary Simpson, and Michelle Wright, as well as Bowen Gumlu Growers President Carl Walker, to applaud the achievement.

The Member for Dawson, who has lived in Bowen all his life, recalled how much the Summergarden Cinema means to not just his family, but to the town itself.

“What a great man he is; 60 years providing entertainment to all of Bowen. it’s an iconic destination and tourist attraction in its own right,” Mr Willcox said.

“My early memories, and Mr De Luca will attest to this, I was a very good patron. My wife on the other hand played up a bit, and I would never have done anything like that! In fact, we have Carl Walker here and he would throw popcorn around, but he’s grown up now too.

“I can remember being at school and working with the P&C, he would donate vouchers for people, he kept his prices low, because people in Bowen didn’t have a terrible amount of money. If you went to the city, you would see that those prices would be four and five times the amount. But he always looked after the community.

“I spoke to my parents today, and they recalled some of their times at the cinema. We’ve had three children and they’ve all been through there. My own son has just married and his first date with his now wife was right there in the Summergarden – with mum sitting two seats behind!

“As a town, we are honoured and blessed to have the De Luca family for everything they’ve done. Thank you very much on a personal note and thank you so much for the community.”

Mr De Luca thanked all attendees on behalf of his family, with Phyliss an apology on the day.

“Everyone here is so important to us and to me over those years. That’s why I love to greet you all when you come around to my place, because you’re all very important,” he said.

“We are the only cinema in a big, wide area now and we have the movies the same day as Sydney! I can’t thank you enough and hopefully we have a few more years to go.”

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox congratulating Ben De Luca on 60 years of owning the Bowen Summergarden Cinema

Mr De Luca was presented with an honorary plaque by the Zonta Club Bowen

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall and Ben De Luca

Councillors Michelle Wright, Gary Simpson, and Jan Clifford with Ben De Luca

Bowen State High School is shooting for the stars as it officially becomes an Aerospace Gateway to Industry School, allowing its students to take their first small step towards the final frontier.

The school will begin offering a Certificate III in Remote Piloting next year within its senior school thanks to the State Government Initiative which transitions students from school to industry.

Senior School Head Of Teaching Tim Close said the program sees the governing body of Aerospace Gateways to Industry liaise between schools and stakeholders to create a partnership which sends students directly into work.

“One of their key roles is creating that partnership with an industry body and a business, which is now formalised and solidified through that program,” Mr Close said.

“Next year, we will see the implementation of a Certificate III in Remote Piloting for the first time. Students will be able to exit grade 12 with the capability of being a fully qualified drone pilot.”

Integral in the program is a partnership with Gilmour Space Technologies, a Gold Coast-based venture-funded Australian space company who are constructing an orbital launch facility out of Abbott Point State Development Area.

The State High School - which already offered smaller-scale Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (S.T.E.M) programs on rocketry and droning within its curriculum - was gifted with Civil Aviation Safety Authority certified flight simulators in partnership with Gilmour Space in December last year.

Initial introductions to the Aerospace Gateways Program were facilitated by Gilmour Space Technologies in July of last year, with the school now progressing to official aerospace status for its 2023 curriculum.

James Gilmour, co-Founder and Head of Launch Site Operations at Gilmour Space said the program was a key aspect for the company to grow alongside the region.

“Gilmour Space has already invested over $3.5 million into the local community, and we are working with local manufacturers to buy more systems associated with launch and develop local supply chains to support our ongoing operations,” he said.

“We're extremely excited about the future opportunities that space, and particular launch, will bring to the region and Australia. We want the sky to no longer be the limit for any students! Students and industry can be bold and dream big.”

Mr Gilmour said the company are organising speaking engagements with the school to talk about the different career pathways to space, which now exist in Australia.

In coming years, the school hopes to implement further opportunities, according to Mr Close.

“Future opportunities the program presents in conjunction with the flight simulators, the strength of our relationship with Gilmour, implementation of the Certificate III, we now have opportunities for our students on top of what we already have,” he said.

“We look forward to continuing to grow our Aerospace capability within our school and are very excited for the future of Bowen as we move towards becoming space ready.

“Thank you to Gilmour for their continued support and funding for our S.T.E.M in school and the assistance by Atherton State High School and Senior Experienced Aerospace Teacher, Jon Collins.”

The far north school southwest of Cairns lent information and assistance to Bowen State High School, including an insight into what the future can hold for an Aerospace school.

“We could have students potentially taking part in Aerospace Skills as a general subject, which can see them gain their pilot’s license,” Mr Close said.

The program will be delivered independently by a registered training provider at the school’s independent learning centre for three lessons a week.

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Senior School Head of Teaching at Bowen State High School Tim Close, Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Mrs Natalie Allen, Operations Manager for Gilmour Space Industries Mr Scott Shimmon, and Senior Experienced Aerospace teacher from Atherton State High School Jon Collins

Representatives from our local agriculture industry have spent the last five months passing on knowledge to a team of dedicated foreign trainees as part of a Japanese Agricultural Exchange Program.

Coordinated by Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA), the initiative saw Japanese trainees spend time with a range of local growers, producers and associated agribusinesses, including Marto’s Mangoes, Eden Lassie Agave Farm and Koorelah Farms.

The exchange program culminated in a visit from the Japanese Consul- General, Masuo Ono, who took a tour of the farms, met the trainees and local growers then spent some time with Mayor Julie Hall and local government representatives.

BGGA Chief Executive Officer, Ry Collins, said the association had been working closely with the Japanese Consulate and exchanging information and updates about the program since the trainees arrived in Australia in April.

“The Japanese Consulate’s visit provided a great opportunity for Mr Ono to meet the growers and trainees and see first-hand where they have been living and working,” he said.

Mr Collins said the Japanese Agricultural Exchange Program was an important international education, trade and regional promotion initiative helping to create conversations about new agricultural export and trade opportunities for local growers with Japan.

“BGGA addressed the need to remove existing regulatory and market access barriers that currently restrict some of our produce from entering this important Asian market,” he said.

“Our discussion also highlighted the wealth of trade opportunities in North Queensland through other industries including aquaculture, manufacturing, mining and tourism.”

Our region is the largest producer of winter vegetable crops in Australia generating farm gate production worth approximately $650 million per annum.

Key commodities produced include tomato, capsicum, mangoes, cucurbits, beans and corn.

Local growers employ approximately 1,500 workers throughout the year with an additional 2,000 during the harvest season which means that one in every five workers living in the region are supported by this sector.

Local produce feeds the nation and is exported to more than a dozen countries.

Mr Collins said that the wealth of knowledge embodied in this vast agriculture sector was imparted on the trainees who will now take their new experiences back to Japan.

“BGGA is pleased with the success of the program to date and thanks the growers who have been contributing to the trainees’ agricultural knowledge,” he said.

“BGGA also acknowledges the trainees’ dedication to their learning and farm work as well as the support from the Queensland Government for their contribution to the program.”
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(left to right): Sawaka Kasuga (trainee), Chris Monsour (Prospect Agriculture and Eden Lassie Agave Farm owner) and Mizuki Oki (trainee) at Eden Lassie Agave Farm

Robert Lee (Koorelah Farms) with Consul-General, Masuo Ono, at Koorelah Farms

3:Japanese trainees with Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Julie Hall, Consul-General Masuo Ono, and Consul, Ms Harumi Narita, at a networking event at Grand View Hotel on 25 October. Photos supplied

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The highly anticipated first book in the series ‘Campfire For The Heart’ has been just been released by local Airlie Beach author Natalie Stockdale.

By bringing together stories of trauma, tragedy and resilience, Natalie shows us how we can all overcome life’s curveballs and move forward into a brighter future.

Using inspiring, true stories of recovery after experiences of loss, injustice, natural disasters, war, terror, illness, injury, abuse, and disability – life experiences shared by all humanity – the book aims to help improve mental health by giving others hope.

“By learning how other people have converted their darkest times to personal growth and success, we can discover how we too can grow from hardships - and help others in theirs,” said Natalie.

A total of 30 storytellers are included in Campfire for the Heart, most of whom are unknown heroes of their personal journeys.

Others are well-known champions of resilience such as Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton, celebrity chef Matt Golinski, and Gayle Shann, a horrific farm accident survivor.

Early next year, Natalie will be bringing out the second book in the series, ‘Campfire for a Woman’s Heart’, which features the remarkable stories of 25 international women.

This includes an Australian Paralympian champion, a gutsy barrister who stood up to ICAC, a legendry ice-water swimmer from the UK, a brave young student from Afghanistan, a mother from war-torn Ukraine, a former First Lady of Timor Leste, and many other extraordinarily resilient women.  

The first in the series, Campfire for the Heart is available now online through the publisher (Big Sky Publishing) and at local book shops, news agencies, and some post offices.

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Local author, Natalie Stockdale

Blink and it’s November already. The Summer heat has hit, Airlie Beach Music Festival is this weekend and Christmas parties are being arranged as we speak. Time flies. A crazy reflection on how busy we all are.

A huge week for businesses in the Whitsundays last week with the Federal Budget being handed down and the Whitsunday Tourism Awards returning after a three year absence. This year, the Tourism Awards incorporated the Chamber Sponsored Business Awards. Our congratulations to the Winners in every category – it has been a hard job to just survive these last few years. To overcome all obstacles and excel in the process is a testament to effort, resilience and quality of the business owners in the region.

Notable winners in the People’s Choice Tourism Experience category were Ocean Rafting, whilst Big4 Adventure Caravan Park took out the People’s Choice Accommodation. Congratulations to Crystal Lacey on her Young Achievers Award and special note to Michael and Elizabeth Hackett recognised for the efforts with the Bob Porter Award for outstanding contribution.

In the business categories, it was fantastic to see a mixed of established and new businesses. The awards were based on a nomination process and the Winner of the Businesses of the Year award went to the hard-working team at Magnums. Congratulations to the winners of the Outstanding Business awards: Shift for Service Businesses, Whitsunday Creative for Retail, Fish D’Vine for Hospitality Venue and Airlie Beach Tourism for Booking Agents.

Not much room to comment on the Budget, but it was certainly a Federal Budget focussed on delivering on its election promises, tempered with warnings about “awful” times ahead – factoring in massive increases in cost of living – especially electricity prices. There is cost of living relief factored into childcare, cheaper medicines, more affordable housing however, inflation will outpace wages growth for now. To try and contain inflation, the Government has pumped very little back into the economy.

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A worldwide, unprecedented research and tourism partnership has expanded to the Whitsundays, launching the Coral Nurture Program to help local reefs recover with a plan for long-term Reef stewardship.

Initially pioneered in the northern Great Barrier Reef, Cairns-Port Douglas region, the program has now dived into the Whitsundays thanks to a partnership between University of Technology Sydney and local tourism operators.

Successfully completing its first mission to establish new coral nurseries in Whitsunday reefs, the program saw the planting of more than 1600 healthy corals at three locations.

Through the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Reef Islands Initiative, the ‘Whitsundays Coral Nurture Program’ is bringing “unique Coralclip technology to three new sites in the region – an innovative device that allows corals to be planted roughly 10 times faster than before.”

Great Barrier Reef Foundation Managing Director Anna Marsden said the Whitsunday project builds on the success of its first iteration’s early days in Cairns and Port Douglas – particularly its partnership with tourism operators.

“Bringing together science and tourism is key to this project’s success,” Ms Marsden said.

“By combining the knowledge of our marine science experts with the experience and resources of the tourism operators who are out on the Reef every day, we can accelerate the natural recovery of local reefs at a greater scale and faster than we’ve seen before.”

Ms Marsden said the Whitsundays Coral Nurture Program aims to assist the recovery of three ecologically and economically important reefs through use of the unique Coralclip technology – a Queensland invention.

“[The clips are] a game-changer for coral restoration at this local level because it offers a fast and cost-effective solution to out-planting corals at larger scales,” she said.

The first Coral Nurture Program has achieved outstanding results in north Queensland with over 75,000 corals planted to date.

Ms Marsden said the program hopes to create a legacy through tourism operators and the local community.

University of Technology Sydney lead researcher Professor David Suggett and Coralclip inventor, Wavelength tourism operator John Edmondson, travelled to the Whitsundays to train local tourism operators in the Program’s technique.

“We worked with three Whitsunday tourism operators – Red Cat Adventures, Kiana Sail and Dive, and Ocean Rafting – to showcase how our innovative approach works and provide the skills to take the lead in rebuilding coral reefs at the sites they frequently visit,” Professor Suggett said.

“The beauty of the Coral Nurture Program is that it’s community-led and science-backed.”

Tourism operators will act as stewards on the front line, working to grow and plant the corals and then check back in regularly on their health, according to Professor Suggett, with those results being independently and scientifically validated for their positive impact.

Tourism operators will head back to the coral nurseries in November to check and report on progress.

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A new Coral Nurture Program has arrived in the Whitsundays

Image: Great Barrier Reef Foundation

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort raised a staggering total of $10,009.64 for RACQ CQ Rescue through its annual ‘Camp and sCare’ charity event last weekend.  

The popular Halloween family “minibreak for a good cause” sold-out the holiday park’s cabins and sites, with over 1,000 excited children and parents enjoying the spooky fun.

Each year, the annual charity event chooses a charity, individual or business to support and raise funds for, with this year’s heading to RACQ CQ Rescue.

The emergency helicopter service covers the Whitsundays and surrounding regions between Townsville, Rockhampton and the Galilee Basin to 200 kilometres off-shore to the Great Barrier Reef.

On average an hour in the air costs CQ Rescue $10,500.

“With the Whitsundays making up 41 per cent of RACQ CQ Rescue’s regional tasks, we really wanted to support them with our fundraising this year,” BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort Marketing Manager Tanya Cran said.

“The reality is that any Whitsunday resident or holidaymaker may need their services at some point in time, so it is an organisation that the McKinnon family [who own and operate the resort] and our team really wanted to support.”

Camp and sCare is always a big event for the business, according to Ms Cran, but this year’s fundraising total was a record for the most they have ever raised.

RACQ CQ Rescue were extremely grateful that BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort put in so much work for their guests, and with their help, raised such an incredible amount.

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The BIG 4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort’s annual ‘Camp and sCare’ charity weekend for locals raised over $10,000 for RACQ CQ Rescue this year