An enthusiastic group of Collinsville residents have been acknowledged for their incredible fundraising efforts by being named a Mater Foundation Community Hero. 

This privilege is given to not only the community groups who raise the most, but also those who embody the community spirit, enthusiasm and support the mission of the broader project.

In February this year, the first Collinsville Sea of Pink event took place – 62 people participated in a five-kilometre walk or run for charity, with all proceeds going towards breast cancer research.

Organiser Alice Randell said that she was inspired to create an event that brought the community together and celebrated women on International Women’s Day.

“From very small things, big things grow!” said Alice.

The event was a huge success and was followed by a community breakfast with raffles and a guessing game.

“By the end everyone was asking what date it would be next year!” said Alice.

In addition to the run, several other community events raised further funds.

The ‘Pay per Rep’ challenge at Alice’s workplace was one of the most popular.

A group of visiting athletes were conducting a training session at the Collinsville Open Cut Mine that day and Alice said that over $1,000 was donated within 10 minutes of the event because everyone was eager to see how much they could do.

Incredibly, 14 volunteers managed to do 470 squats, 515 star jumps and 662 push ups!

The fundraising effort continued with Collinsville Youth Coalition selling pink lemonade slushies and one community member even handcrafted quilted products to auction off.

In total, across all fundraising avenues a total of $9,216 was raised and the event was ranked 16th in the top 20 of its kind in Australia.

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The Collinsville Sea of Pink participants. Photo supplied

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Bowen State High School graduate and Whitsunday Brahmans junior player Shaniah Power has signed a two-year deal to join the inaugural North Queensland Toyota Cowboys NRLW side.

Power scored “the biggest try in the history of women’s rugby league in North Queensland,” crossing the line last-minute in the grand final victory for the Gold Stars last season -- and now she’s ensured her part in the next major milestone for the female game in her home region.

Power said that as soon as the Cowboys knew they would be joining the NRLW, she’s been in their thoughts.

“We’ve been talking about it for a very long time,” Power said.

“But the moment I actually put pen to paper with my favourite club was a dream come true, it was quite surreal.”

The 26-year-old second rower has featured for the Warriors, Titans and Roosters across three NRLW seasons, scoring six tries in 13 games, she’s no stranger to this level footy.

Bowen-born, she began playing her junior rugby league for the Whitsunday Brahmans and has been part of the Cowboys Women’s Academy since its inception in 2019.

“I didn’t think it was possible I would ever sign for the Cowboys,” she said.

“I never even thought it was a possibility three years ago to play professional women’s rugby when I got picked up for the Warriors.

“For girls in the regions, I think my signing gives them hope that they can achieve that goal if they work hard enough for it. But they have to work hard; you have to make bigger sacrifices than someone living down in Brisbane.”

For Cowboys NRLW Head Coach Ben Jeffries, Power was a perfect choice with her resume, which includes representing Queensland at State of Origin level in 2020 and 2021 and the Indigenous All Stars on four occasions.

“Shaniah has very good football instincts, possesses good footwork and can find space consistently,” Jeffries said.

“Her form this season has been outstanding. As it stands after four rounds of the BMD QRLW competition, Shaniah leads the points tally for the Steph Hancock BMD Premiership Player of the Year.

“Shaniah loves being amongst the community in promoting the game and as a North Queenslander, she will be a pivotal player within the leadership group who sets the standards for our inaugural season.”

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Bowen-born rugby star Shaniah Power has signed for the inaugural North Queensland Toyota Cowboys NRLW side

Whitsunday Regional Councillors have delayed their decision on major amendments to the planning scheme, citing the need for “more time” to look over a whopping 999-page document.

The Whitsunday Planning Scheme Major Amendment was brought before Council after a public consultation period where 1331 submissions were made from locals.

A large portion of submissions made direct reference to Airlie Beach’s amenity and its building heights - a topic of fervid local discussion with Airlie Beach action group, Save our Foreshore Inc., began court proceedings against Whitsunday Council on Tuesday, April 18.

Council officers expected the amendments would be endorsed and move to the next stage in the adoption process - submitting the documents to the Minister of the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Stephen Miles.

Despite urgings from Council’s Director of Planning and Development, Neil McGaffin, most Councillors voted to table the document.

Mayor Julie Hall said there was need for further consideration of the amendments, and said she felt uncomfortable passing anything without having a firm grasp of it, especially something with such a sweeping nature.

“I need time to look through documents like this and wrap my head around them,” Mayor Hall said.

A full public gallery attended the ordinary meeting when the decision was made, with Airlie Beach resident and Save our Foreshore member Faye Chapman presenting a question to council on one of the amendments more “startling” points.

“The words ‘maximum building heights’ is causing confusion to the general reader, as building heights stipulated in the Planning Scheme are only the Code or Council accepted assessable heights,” the amendment states.

“Under the Planning Act an applicant may apply for a greater building height. Delete ‘maximum’ and put in note to help general understanding.”

Ms Chapman asked Councillors “What is so confusing to the ‘general reader’ about the term ‘maximum’?”

“Maximum means just that: maximum,” she said.

“There's only one reason to remove these words and we all know what that means – high-rises.”

The Major Amendments are due to be voted on again at a later council meeting.

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An inquest into the death of Luke Gilbert, who was tragically killed in a police shooting in October 2022, is due to be held in Cairns in August.

Luke was shot in the chest three times just after midnight on October 1 last year following an altercation with two police officers.

Police allege CCTV evidence shows Luke approaching the officers with a pocketknife, refusing to retreat when asked, and then shouts at officers, “f***ing shoot me then you f***ots”.

It is alleged that a total of five shots were made, two hit nearby cars and three hit Luke directly.

Afterwards, he was searched, and it was over seven minutes before resuscitation attempts began.

His parents, Nicola and Darren Gilbert who reside in Western Australia, have since been petitioning for the police officers to be charged with their son’s murder.

They have now received over 16,000 signatures on a petition asking for an inquest into his death.

The Gilbert’s claim that Luke had been wearing his work uniform and that the knife was part of tool kit.

They also allege that unnecessary force was used that night.

“18 seconds was the whole interaction and they shot at my son five times,” said Nicola Gilbert.

“Luke would never have thought they would actually shoot him – had they got the taser, baton or pepper spray out he would have known they would have definitely used them and dropped the knife.”

A pre-inquest was held on Tuesday this week and evidence is now being gathered ahead of the inquest in August.

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Luke’s family have received 16,000 signatures on a petition for a police inquest into his death. Photo supplied

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The Puma Service Station in Cannonvale closed its doors suddenly last week with staff saying they were given very little notice before they were left unemployed.

“Yes, they closed us forever, the lease wasn’t renewed,” said a staff member named Anthea.

“Gonna miss all my amazing staff and customers, we got a month’s notice which was a huge shock as I had just employed two new staff a week before and they gave up good jobs to come work at Puma.”

In 2020, American company, Chevron, purchased Puma which had previously been one of Australia’s largest independent fuel retail chains.

It operated a network of about 360 retail fuel, 222 shops and dozens of cafes and truck stops.

For the past three years, Chevron have been gradually rebranding all its assets to Caltex.

Ampol, which had been using the name Caltex, has also been gradually returning its outlets to the Ampol brand, since American company Chevron withdrew its licence to use the Caltex name in Australia.

No information is yet available about the fate of the Cannonvale service station, but if it follows the national trend, it will eventually be re-opened as a Caltex.

Meanwhile, many local customers are disappointed that their favourite servo has closed its doors.

They took to Facebook to express their disappointment stating that it had “the best hot box and the friendliest service I had ever seen around.”

Another said the service station had “the best mince burgers and savoury mince jaffles ever” and they were “the only place in Cannonvale to make fresh sandwiches.”

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The Puma Servo closed down, giving staff only a month’s notice. Photo credit: Bec Douthwaite

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Councillors Stand Against Saturation Of Short-Term Accommodation

Whitsunday Regional Councillors have deferred a decision on a short-term accommodation (STA) application in a move to take a stand on further exacerbation of the region’s housing crisis.

The proposal for the Cannonvale property hoped to turn the two-story house with three bedrooms into short-term accommodation managed by local business, Whitsunday Holiday Rentals.

Disregarding town planner’s recommendations, Council defeated the motion to approve the property 2/5, tabling the matter for a later meeting to provide reasons for refusal and using it as an opportunity to discuss their growing concerns with short term accommodation.

Councillor Jan Clifford was first of the Councillors to proclaim that she could not support more holiday homes in the region.

“There are currently 500 short-term accommodations operating within the Airlie Beach-Cannonvale area, and enough is enough,” she said.

“I believe there are 14 to 15 rentals available for the average person. How many of the 500 plus properties are actually lawful?”

Whitsunday Mayor Julie Hall agreed but was concerned that denying short term accommodation, such as the Cannonvale one, could lead to legal troubles for Council.

“It is an issue that we’re losing a lot of accommodation to these short-term accommodations but, if we are to knock this back, it will go into the Environmental and Development Court,” she said.

The situation could be described as ‘damned if you do and damned if you don’t’: If Councillors permit more STAs, there will be fewer rental homes on the market during a housing crisis. If they don’t, the denied STA owners could have grounds for legal action, costing ratepayers up to $100 thousand.

The change of use was eventually denied on the grounds it would be in a medium density residential area and would not be compatible with the prevailing residential character.

Councillor Clay Baumann said every development must be assessed individually.

“If it does go to court, which is not for certain, it would be heard anew. If we sit here, allowing bad decisions to go forward, we’ll end up in a worse position,” he said.

“I agree that we need more holiday accommodation but what we really need are suburbs and houses for people to live in.”

Council’s Director of Planning and Development, Neil McGaffin said justifying these arguments would be difficult if the matter did become litigious.

“I understand what everyone is getting at and certainly we’re moving towards a situation where we need to carefully look at the saturation of short-term accommodation in the area,” Mr McGaffin said.

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This ANZAC Day, the Whitsunday community will gather to honour all the Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in conflicts, wars, and other service operations, marking their involvement and suffering on our behalf. Lest we forget.

The following services will be held on Tuesday, April 25.

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Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach RSL will hold ANZAC commemorations beginning from 5.30am, with the Dawn Service at Cenotaph Bicentennial Park, Cannonvale.

There will be a Gunfire Breakfast at Jubilee Tavern at 6.30am for ex-servicemen and women and their families.

From 8.45am, the March will begin at Broadwater Avenue carpark, with assembly from 8am.

The Second Service will begin directly concluding the March, at the Remembrance Rock Foreshore Park Airlie Beach.

All are welcome to attend the Jubilee Tavern for a Trench Lunch at 12pm, complimentary for Veterans and their families, and emergency service people.

Dawn: 5.30am at Cenotaph Bicentennial Park, Cannonvale

March: 8am assemble, for 8.45am step-off from Broadwater Avenue carpark

Service: Directly succeeding the March, at Remembrance Rock Foreshore Park, Airlie Beach

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Bowen

Bowen RSL will begin their ANZAC Day commemorations from 5.50am, at the Cenotaph on Herbert Street.

The Dawn Service will be followed by a gunfire breakfast hosted by the Bowen RSL.

The March will begin at 9.15am, from the RSL on Williams Street, with the second Service beginning at 9.30, at the Cenotaph on Herbert Street.

Dawn: 5.50am at the Cenotaph on Herbert Street

March: 8.50am assemble, 9.15am step-off from the RSL on Williams Street

Service: 9.30am at the Cenotaph on Herbert Street

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Proserpine

The Dawn Service in Proserpine will begin at 4.30am, at the Proserpine Cenotaph.

The March will step-off from the Proserpine RSL at 10.30am, with the second Service to begin at 10.45am at the Proserpine Cenotaph.

Ex-servicemen and women are welcome to return to the Proserpine RSL for the afternoon.

Dawn: 4.30am at the Proserpine Cenotaph, 14 Main Street

March: 10.30am from the Proserpine RSL

Service: 10.45am at the Proserpine Cenotaph, 14 Main Street

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Collinsville

Collinsville Community Centre will hold a 6am Dawn Service at ANZAC Park, with several Australian Defence Force personnel from Townsville in attendance.

The March will begin at 9am, with 8.45am assemble at Foodworks.

The Second Service will begin at 9.15am at ANZAC Park.

Dawn: 6am at ANZAC Park

March: 8.45 assemble, for 9am start from Foodworks

Service: 9.15 at ANZAC Park

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Local historians return to community cemeteries this weekend, in support of buried ANZAC soldiers and ex-military personnel.

In a yearly tradition, beginning with Proserpine Cemetery in 2016, Lyn Burke and Lloyd Fox will erect over 350 small Australian flags on the graves of ANZAC soldiers and ex-military personnel, including one Boer War soldier, two Gallipoli veterans, and one 5th Light Horseman.

Five white crosses will also be erected for five World War One veterans who have no headstone.

The pair will begin their duties on Saturday, April 22, at 9am, in Proserpine Cemetery, placing 380 Australian flags on the graves of ex-servicemen and women.

They will also be honouring Maureen Busuttin, who passed away in September 2022 and enlisted into Great Britain’s land army in 1923, as well as two newly located sailors, John Compton and Keith Savage.

In Collinsville Cemetery at 2pm, the pair will continue placing the flags, for a further 30 ex-servicemen.

A QR Code will also be placed on the Collinsville Cenotaph, containing information gathered on nine of the men who appear on the Roll of Honour.

This will continue to be an on-going project, with information updated periodically.

A similar QR Code is hoped for Bowen Cemetery, with local schoolchildren and the Bowen Chamber of Commerce working collaboratively on producing a comprehensive list of local ANZACs and ex-servicemen and women.

Lyn and Lloyd are no strangers to local history, completing two books on World War One, titled ‘Proserpine Answered the Call’ and ‘The Proserpine News’, which are readily available in the local library and in local schools.

Members of the community are warmly encouraged to join in the effort to recognise local ANZACs and ex-military personnel.

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Collinsville ex-servicemen and women to be honoured this weekend. Photo supplied

My name is Bronte, and I am the new cadet journalist with the Mackay and Whitsunday Life newspaper.

I’ve relocated from the regional city of Armidale, in New South Wales.

When I left Armidale, the temperatures were as low as two degrees, with some people starting their fires, so the weather here has been a massive change!

In 2021, I graduated from the University of Southern Queensland, completing my Bachelor of Arts – English Literature and Critical and Creative Writing.

I chose this path of study because I love reading and writing, with the ultimate goal to get into journalism, media, and publications.

I lived in Toowoomba while I was studying, which I loved, but COVID caused my campus to close, and I headed back to Armidale.

From there, I worked in advertising and marketing for 2 years, but I was ready for the big change, and when the Whitsundays came knocking, how could I say no?

I am eager to get to know Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays, hitting the beach and taking part in all the exciting adventures that are on offer here.

I’ve never even visited the Whitsundays before, so any recommendations on something to do would be much appreciated!

In my free time, I enjoy going on walks and hikes, and exploring my surroundings, shopping at local markets and boutiques, as well as reading and hanging out with friends.

I am excited to get settled and stuck into life in the Whitsundays and learn all that I can from the Whitsunday and Mackay Life team!

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Hello everyone!

I hope a wonderful Easter period was had by all and that everyone enjoyed being out and about in our beautiful region.

The Easter holidays concluded with the last of the Get Active community events which was held on the Bowen Foreshore. It was great to so many faces, new and old, getting involved with all the wonderful free events and enjoying the perfect Whitsunday lifestyle that Bowen has to offer.

In other good news, the Bowen and Proserpine pool heaters have now been installed. The heaters keep the water at a perfect swimming temperature of 28 degrees, so even on those chilly winter mornings residents will have a free and warm facility to use.  

The Whitsunday region is one of the only places you can still use public swimming pools for free, and I’m proud that we continue to support this in our region.

On a separate note, Anzac Day falls on Tuesday next week. The 25th April is the day where all Australians and New Zealanders unite to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect their nation.

We remember their courage, their bravery and their commitment to their country. We also pay tribute to the many families and loved ones who were sadly left behind.

The theme for Anzac Day this year is “That’s the Anzac Spirit: We Will Remember” - and I for one vouch to do so. I vouch to remember the men and women who fought on the battlefield and in their homes during the conflicts of Gallipoli, the Western Front, in the Pacific, in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. I hope you will take the time to pause for a moment and remember with me.

Anzac ceremonies will be held across the region on Tuesday, with a Dawn Service and Main Service in each location.

These services are organised and led by our local RSL branches. Thank you to all of the volunteers that donate so much of their time in order to make sure these services duly honour the fallen.

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A year on and it’s time to clear, sort, and record the plastic pollution caught in the 15 litter traps that have been placed in the waters as part of the Whitsunday Gross Pollutant Trap project.

An initiative between the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership (HR2RP) and the Coral Sea Academy, the project involves the catching, sorting, and recording details of litter and pollution gathered in the 15 traps, detailing each piece into the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) Database, for ongoing research and to aid reduction programs.

Since early 2022, when the traps were first placed, over 8,000 pieces of litter have been collected, and volunteers are urged to step forward for the next community litter audit, next Saturday, 29 April

“The information we gather from the community litter audits will help inform plans to reduce litter in the first place, so it’s a great way to get involved and keep our region’s waterways healthy,” HR2RP Community Engagement Officer, Rebekah Smith said.

This two-year project, set to complete in early 2024, will inform pollution reduction programs, as well as keep local beaches clean.

Edutourism has seen a rise in popularity, with pollution, conservation, and education becoming more prevalent in tourist experiences.

“The purpose of the Coral Sea Academy is to provide the opportunity for events such as these to engage with guests on themes that are relevant to the Whitsundays,” said Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Coral Sea Marina.

“These community litter audits are certainly a great way in which any individual can help towards this goal.”

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The next community audit needs your help. Photo supplied

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One lucky Central Queensland lady is celebrating this week having received a phone call to inform her she is the winner of the Visitor Information Centre Passport Competition and will now receive $2,100 worth of vouchers to spend in the region.

Competition winner Carry Lee completed her passport in December 2022, while travelling from Townsville home to Rockhampton.

“We stopped at the Bowen Information Centre to try a mango sorbet, and the person at the counter explained the passport competition to us and encouraged us to complete the stops on our way home,” she explains.

“Receiving the call on Thursday brightened my day, and I’m looking forward to visiting the Sarina Sugar Shed, as well as some of the highlights in The Whitsundays and Mackay.”

The Passport Competition was launched for the second year running in October last year, inviting passing tourists to visit the three local information centres in order to get three ‘stamps’ on their ‘passports’ to receive entry into the competition.

Tourism Whitsundays, Bowen Tourism and Business, and Mackay Isaac Tourism all partnered to host the event which teamed the information centres in Bowen, Proserpine, and Mackay together, encouraging tourists to visit all three locations and their surrounds.

Hundreds of entries were received and CEO of Tourism Whitsunday, Rick Hamilton, was thrilled with the response.

“The visitor information centre is often the first impression visitors to each region have,” he said.

“We all strive for this to be the best impression it can be. For hundreds of travellers, it was an impression worth having three times!”

Carry Lee will receive $700 to spend on merchandise, accommodation, or tours at each of the three information centres.

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Councillor Jan Clifford enters the Visitor Information Centre Passport Competition. Photo supplied

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Whitsunday Regional Council has devised a flying fox management plan with short and long-term strategies in hopes that concerted action could lessen the adverse impact of the protected species in Collinsville.

The population of Little Red and Black Flying Fox has caused major community discontent over the last two years in the Whitsundays northernmost township, with the species numbers fluctuating as high as 26,000 in September of 2022.

Collinsville residents’ prayers may have been answered after two years of complaints about the smell, defecations, and noise of fruit bats roosting in Pelican Park and across town, with Council’s new strategy.

Council’s Coordinator of Natural Resource Management, Scott Hardy, presented the ‘Pelican Park Flying Fox Roost Management Plan’ to Council at the ordinary meeting on Wednesday, April 12.

“The purpose of the Management Plan is to communicate Councils intensions to the State Government and to the community on how it plans to manage the Flying Fox issue in Collinsville,” Mr Hardy said.

The strategy, which incorporates community consultation feedback from June 2022, identifies short (the next two years) and long term (over two years) strategies, which include triggers and intervention methods.

Population triggers for the two species of flying fox take place when there are “more than 15 Black Flying Fox or more than 15 Little Red Flying Fox for more than seven days in the trees during the day,” whereupon Council contractors will employ the use of smoke and noise to deter the fox from settling.

Mr Hardy said that these short-term methods had been trialled before over the two years of Collinsville’s infestation with the protected species.

“They have been successful in some instances but have often forced them out of one part of town into another,” Mr Hardy said.

“That’s something we are going to be mindful of with this management plan. Because, in the end, the main, long-term goal is to move the flying fox out of Collinsville entirely – to achieve that is going to be potentially costly and have a long-term management strategy.”

Council will keep nearby residents aware of flying fox intervention activities into the future.

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Whitsunday Regional Council are continuing efforts to address the Collinsville flying fox problem

Did you notice the influx of dragonflies! More than I have seen in a long time in the Whitsundays.

“A lot of dragonfly mean the Wet has ended” (June Djiagween, First Nations Person)

With the wet season coming to an end and the April temperatures finally dropping under 30 degrees, it is a very exciting time for the Kitchen Garden!

April, May, June and July are the months in the Whitsundays to sow from seed for so many vegetables, herbs and beneficial flowers Including (but not restricted to):

Basil, Beetroot, Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Capsicum, Cauliflower, Chilli, Chives, Coriander, Corn, Cosmos, Cucumber, Eggplant, Fennel, Kale, Leek, Lettuce, Marigold, Nasturtiums, Parsley, Peas, Pumpkin, Radish, Rockmelon, Silverbeet, Squash, Sunflowers, Swede, Tomatoes and Zucchini.

Planting from seed is cost effective, simplifies the process and is incredibly rewarding.

A packet of seeds cost between $3-$5. In each packet you’ll have more seeds than you will need to produce enough of that vegetable for the season.

In the Whitsundays, sowing directly into your garden beds will give you great results,

you just need to follow a few very simple rules and if nothing pops up after 20 days, simply sow something else in that bed.

Seeds hold all the nutrients they require to germinate, so your part at this stage is to sow to the correct depth and to keep your soil moist, its very important that you water every morning and do not let your soil dry out while your seeds are encouraged to germinate.

This is where seed raising mix is, in my opinion, essential for optimal success.

Seed raising mix holds moisture and has the perfect structure to allow the new growth to push through to the surface. I spread a layer of seed raising mix directly on the garden soil, spread my seeds on top and then cover them with more seed raising mix. This will increase your success with germination rates, tenfold.

Remember, do not bury your seeds. It takes a lot of energy for those new leaves to push through to the surface. The general rule is sow to twice the depth of the seeds diameter.

Then, water EVERY morning without fail.  

Seed raising mix is a wonderful medium for seed germination, but it is not much use after that. It is nutrient deficient, so you don’t need to lay it on your garden beds thickly.  

One more thing, protect your beds with a shade cloth.  

A shade cloth will prevent birds from getting to your seeds, will reduce the intensity of the suns rays (I use 25 per cent) which in turn will help with moisture retention and will keep insects and pests/pets  (like bandicoots and dogs) off your patch.

Follow these simple rules and you will be rewarded with little green glimpses covering your soil within 7 – 21 days.

If you don’t have space for a vegie patch, then growing food in pots is a real option.

So, sow some seeds today! Remember to water every morning without fail and reap the rewards over the coming months

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

BLT POTATO SKINS & HERBS FROM THE GARDEN

Prepare the potatoes ahead of time and freeze them, ready to pull out at any time for a quick and easy share plate that even the kids will enjoy.

Ingredients

Potatoes

Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper

Butter

Cooked diced Bacon

Grated Cheese of your choice

Sour Cream

Tomatoes

Lettuce

Chives, Parsley, herbs of your choice

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Heat oven to 210 degrees Celsius, wipe over potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

Bake in the oven for 60 minutes. Cool till you can handle them and cut in half length ways.

Spoon out a majority of the flesh (set that aside and use it for potato mash with dinner) and freeze till you are ready to use.

Place skins on tray, fill with mixed cheese and bacon and place in the oven at 200 degrees for 5-10 minutes until cheese has melted. Now top with all remaining ingredients and more!  Quick, easy and a favourite with all.

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“A lot of dragonfly mean the Wet has ended” (June Djiagween, First Nations Person)

Growing from seed is very rewarding

Make sure you use a shade cloth

A delicious snack for the whole family!

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Coral formations make great homes for a huge variety of different animals. From the fish, which hide in their shadows, to the borers which carve their homes out of the substance of their hosts – the ocean is one great relationship between species.

The Christmas tree worm is one such borer which settles on a piece of coral, perhaps where a polyp has been damaged and is unable to sting it and immediately secretes a small chalky tube.

The coral grows up around the tube through which the worm feeds, secretes, and breeds. It simply must construct its tube at the same rate as Coral growth to prevent it being sealed up and can reach lengths of 50 to 60 millimetres.

A sharp spike at the entrance of the Christmas tree worm deters fish from nipping at the feathery gills/feeding filters but the worm can contract rapidly into its tube sealing the entrance with a chalky plate.

Christmas tree worms are common in the massive porites coral boulders. The reasons for the variations in their colours are not known.

A variety of boring organisms such as worms, sponges, bivalves, algae and even particular hermit crabs make their homes in Coral.

In one study a 2.5-kilogram block of coral was found to be honeycombed with more than 100 species of polychaete worms!

What relationship will you discover when you visit the Reef?

See the Reef, Love the Reef, Protect the Reef.

Contributed with thanks to Brett Chatterton

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What marvellous relationships we see in the coral reefs of the world? Such as the Christmas Tree Worm, named for its appearance

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