When a grandmother took to social media to ask the local community if there was someone willing to teach her grandson to fish while they were on holiday, she was overwhelmed by the kind response from people willing to help.

Last week, while visiting Arlie Beach on a cruise ship, her 12-year-old grandson met with Brent Stephenson who took the time to teach him to fish, tie knots and other valuable lessons.

Brent runs weekly free fishing clinics for kids of any age and any background, giving some that may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn the skill, access to the sport.

This all began when he moved to the area with his partner, and she encouraged him to donate his fishing gear to Proserpine Youth Space.

When he attended the centre, he realised that his calling was more than donating a few rods, it was to help kids learn to fish.

Since then, Brent has started running regular clinics, passing on knowledge and skills to the younger generation.

“Fishing has helped me a lot in life, it is my happy place,” said Brent.

“I hope that by helping kids learn to fish it will help them whenever they feel lost in life.”

If you are interested in attending one of the fishing clinics, simply come to New Beach in Airlie Beach at 3.30pm on Wednesdays or Thursdays.

Go to Mudskippa’s Whitsunday Fishing Clinics on Facebook to check the time as often days rotate.

Brent also runs a fishing apparel business called Mudskippa and donates 5 per cent from each sale back into the free fishing clinics.

Brent Stephenson runs weekly free fishing clinics at New Beach. Photo supplied

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The upcoming Australian Defence Force (ADF) visit has become more exciting, with the Bowen Aerodrome being taken over for training exercises.

The main runway of the aerodrome with remain open for pilots, except for when a Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) alert bulletin has been released to pilots.

Military personnel and activities will be conducted 100 metres west of the main runway as well.

The second runway will be closed for all fixed-wing aircraft, to allow the Australian Defence Force to complete military activities from June 14 to August 20.

Lighting will not be used during this time as well.

This closure will see some take offs and landings delayed, as the second runway is usually used when there is a strong crosswind which is dangerous on the main runway.

In the case of strong winds, pilots may have to use a different runway or will be forced to wait for the strong winds to ease and use the main runway.

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Over two years ago, the Proserpine Golf Club was granted $145,000 from the federal government to construct an irrigation circuit, keeping the green perfect and lush all year round for locals and visitors alike.

The grant, gifted through the now abolished Building Better Regions Fund was designed to fund regional infrastructure, projects, and community development activities.

Proserpine Golf Course was granted $145,000 for the new irrigation system and was able to match the amount dollar for dollar, making the total investment almost $300,000 for the works.

“This is great for local golfers, local tourism, and the local economy,” said Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox.

The new system keeps the green lush through winter, when previously it would often dry out and become dusty, ruining the top soil for the summer season.

The golf course now meets open standards, meaning Proserpine could host the North Queensland Open, attracting players from across the state, as well as domestically across Australia.

“Irrigated fairways have been the most significant improvement made to Proserpine Gold Course in the time of my membership,” said Roger Vandenberg, PGA Golf Professional, who spoke at the official opening.

The new system allows more comprehensive opportunities for lessons, more allowance for use of the green in winter, and more consistent competitions for the club.

The official opening of the new irrigation system happened on Monday, June 5, with Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, Mayor Julie Hall, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP, and Rick Hamilton, CEO of Tourism Whitsunday, in attendance, along with the Proserpine Golf Club board and team.

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Andrew Willcox MP, Roger Vandenberg, Mayor Julie Hall, Phil Batty, Amanda Camm MP, Rod Wecker, Ann Gardel, Rick Hamilton, John Grosskreutz and Peter Lewis. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

A Mackay gastroenterologist has been recognised on the world stage for his significant research in the field of coeliac disease.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Interim Chief Executive Dr Charles Pain congratulated Dr Robert Anderson receiving the 2023 Global Coeliac Disease Research Prize from the Coeliac Disease Foundation.

“It is indeed a high honour for Dr Anderson to win the international $25,000 Prize for Excellence in Coeliac Disease Research,” Dr Pain said.

“This recognises ‘an investigator whose research has made a significant impact on clinical, translational, or transformative research in coeliac disease’.

“The work that Dr Anderson has been undertaking over a number of years is changing the way that coeliac disease is diagnosed and treated, and it is a significant achievement for an Australian to receive this honour.

“Mackay HHS and the entire region is extremely fortunate to have a gastroenterologist of Dr Anderson’s calibre providing treatment here through our Specialists Outpatients Department.”

Dr Anderson collected his prize in person at an event in Chicago on May 9 ahead of International Coeliac Day which is celebrated on May 16 each year.

“The award I have received for excellence in coeliac disease research reflects how much Australians can contribute to global research when their programs are well resourced and focus on patient needs and good science,” Dr Anderson said.

“I have been very fortunate as a clinician scientist and later in drug development to have my research supported by public and commercial backers.

“Patients are my inspiration for discovery, and I can see great potential for Mackay Base Hospital to stimulate impactful patient-based research.”

Dr Anderson worked with a team of researchers based at Oxford University in the UK to determine the fragment, or T cells, that trigger coeliac disease.

As a co-director of Novoviah Pharmaceuticals in Brisbane, Dr Anderson is also working on the development of a simple blood test to support diagnosis of coeliac disease without the need for invasive intestinal biopsies.

If he can develop a very targeted response to coeliac disease, it will assist in treatment strategies for other autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Dr Anderson is also the current president of the International Society for the Study of Coeliac Disease, and the first Australian to hold the position.

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Dr Robert Anderson received the 2023 Global Coeliac Disease Research Prize in Chicago last month. Photo supplied

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A recent report by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has found that “coral bleaching was mild last summer”, a positive outcome for our region that has been plagued by several bleaching events in the past few years.

Last year saw a mass coral bleaching event occur, largely due to above average water temperatures, but this year there were none.

In addition, there were no cyclones during the summer months, leaving the reef time to replenish and rejuvenate.

The report detailed, however, that this summer is expected to be an El Nino year, with hotter than usual temperatures and the possibility of a bleaching event.

The GBRMPA Summer Snapshot report was released by GBRMPA last month and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP took to social media to vent his frustration that the findings were not publicised by the government.

“Very interesting we haven’t heard anything from the Government celebrating this incredible news?” he said.

“It’s time they stop demonising our miners and farmers, or does this not suit their agenda?”

His post on social media garnered hundreds of responses largely supporting his statement.

“They are trying to scare everyone, and we all have to go Green and go broke doing it - that’s why they don’t say anything about how well the Great Barrier Reef’s going,” read one post.

“We live in the area and the Reef hasn’t changed its natural cycle at all. The regeneration naturally happens as old coral is promptly replaced by new. What do the greenies do, take a picture of one of the old pieces probably way older than they are and state that the whole reef is dying, which is rubbish,” read another.

A recent Summer Snapshot of the Great Barrier Reef says “coral bleaching was mild last summer”

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Did you notice a sprinkling of colour throughout the city centre over the last week?

Locals spotted dozens of knitted and crocheted pieces throughout town last week, leaving many in awe of the talented artists who installed them, and many more scratching their heads wondering who these talented artists were.

It was the work of Artists Connect Inc and YarnBomb Mackay, who installed the pieces overnight on Thursday, June 1 ahead of City Heart Fridays last Friday.

The result of two months of work and 57km of yarn, the installations included yarn bombing around the Canefire sculpture at the intersection of Wood and Victoria streets – “turning concrete into crochet” – as well as crochet on many surrounding light posts, bicycles and seven crocheted mannequins scattered throughout town.

“Some great memories (and lots of knitting and crocheting) were made at our get togethers over the past couple of months,” YarnBomb Mackay posted on Facebook.

“Anyone keen to contribute to another yarnbomb is welcome to join us every second and fourth Monday each month starting June 26th.”

Visit YarnBomb Mackay on Facebook for more information.

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Mackay’s city centre was yarn bombed for City Heart Fridays last Friday. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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The 2023 sugar crushing season at the Proserpine Mill is expected to begin on Tuesday with high optimism around this year’s sugar production due to the strong global sugar prices.

While the crop size is similar to last year, at an estimated 1.8 million tonnes, the sugar prices are currently around $800 a tonne.

The 2022 season finished much later than usual largely due to weather conditions, but El Nino is forecast this year which is set to make harvesting smoother.

The late finish to last year’s season meant that $25 million in capital and maintenance at Proserpine Mill was conducted over the last few months.

“Our people have worked closely with external contractors to deliver a large capital and maintenance program in a compressed timeframe due to the late finish to the 2022 season,” said Proserpine Operations Manager Sebastian Foti.

“I’d like to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of everybody involved in this maintenance program. It’s been a huge effort by all.”

The biggest capital project for 2023 is a new Pan 3 and condenser to replace a vessel that had reached end of life.

The project is valued at $6.6 million and incorporates three new vacuum pumps aimed at improving sugar production rates.

Other major capital projects include the construction of 50 new cane bins, a major upgrade to the motor control centres (MCCs) for the pan and fugal stations, a new high-grade fugal and new shredder rotor.

The public are warned that cane trains are now active across the cane rail network and to approach all level crossings with caution.

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Counting down to the start of the 2023 season at Wilmar’s Proserpine Mill are, from left, Acting Assistant Production Superintendent Tom Badger, Acting Production Superintendent Jamie Bell and Cane Supply Manager Jed Page. Photo supplied

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By Bronte Hodge

Students at Whitsunday Christian College have gone above and beyond, collection over 4,400 pieces of food and grocery items for the Whitsunday Impact Church Community Food Pantry.

This student-led initiative, primarily run and organised by the Senior student leaders, encouraged all students to bring in non-perishable food and grocery items, with all the gathered food to be donated to the Whitsunday Community Food Pantry, operated through the Whitsunday Impact Church.

The Pantry started in 2022 when a parishioner noticed a woman upset at a grocery store and offered to purchase groceries for her.

Since then, between 15 and 20 families access the pantry every week, and approximately 600 bags of groceries were given out last year.

Student leaders ran the drive throughout May and donated the goods to the Whitsunday Community Food Pantry at a special chapel service last Friday.

College Principal Kylie Langshore informed the Pantry that the school had approximately 2,500 pieces of food and grocery items, however, in the last week of May, students were able to almost double the count.

The items, which included canned goods, cereal, toilet paper and sanitary pads and tampons, were taken to the Pantry and will be on offer for families to take.

The Whitsunday Impact Church Community Food Pantry is open every Tuesday, from 9am to 12pm, and open for any member of the community, no questions asked.

There is also complimentary tea, coffee, and cake available, with members of the church always happy for a chat.

The Community Pantry is operated through Global Care, and accepts donations of non-perishable food and grocery items, as well as financial donations, with any donations over $2 tax deductible.

Whitsunday Christian Church student leaders, Misaki Palmer, Lachlan Whincop and Rowan Kangru with massive donation for Community Food Pantry.

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I attended a conference recently and was privileged to meet an amazing woman who has faced more than her share of adversity in her life, and despite this, believes her life was saved by the kindness of other people. Kindness Factory™ started from her story of courage, hope and adversity and is now a global movement.  

Kath Koschel was an elite cricketer and in 2011, made her debut for NSW against SA. Kath sustained a back injury and complications from surgery saw her nearly have her leg amputated. It was only her stubbornness that prevented surgeons from removing her leg after they discovered a small bleed in her abdomen that was limiting the blood flow to her leg. Whilst attending rehabilitation, Kath met Jim and they planned a future together, but Jim took his own life in 2012. Kath’s recovery from the mental and physical trauma was tough, but throughout it all one thing shone out … the kindness of others who simply wanted to help. Kath launched Kindness Factory in 2015 and hoped to reach a milestone of one million acts of kindness.

With her physical injuries continuing to heal, she competed in an Iron Man Triathlon with prosthetic discs in her back and signed up for another triathlon in 2016. While on a training bike ride for the event, Kath was hit from behind by a 4WD, breaking her back and sustaining life threatening and life altering injuries.

Kath genuinely believes that her life was saved in this instance by the kindness of other people. So many people posted acts of kindness on her website, and social media feeds were inundated with kindness, leading her to believe that we all have the capacity for kindness. The movement has now grown into a registered not for profit organisation operating across Australia and the USA and has logged nearly 4.5 million acts of kindness. Kath continues to strive for kindness everywhere she goes.

If you want to know more or want to log an act of kindness, you can find all the details at Kindness Factory – kindnessfactory.com

Cr Fran Mann

Mackay Regional Council

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Criminals were operating in the Cannonvale area over the weekend with multiple break-ins reported to police and one case of vandalism witnessed at a local shopping centre.

On Sunday, June 4, Whitsunday police were informed that nine locations had been targeted by burglars at Carlo Drive in Cannonvale.

Damage was caused to enable entry in almost every instance, with cash and tools the most common items sought.

Police are now appealing for community assistance, anyone who might have information about any of these matters is encouraged to contact the Whitsunday police (4948 8888) as soon as possible.

“If you witness any suspicious activity, at any time of the day, please report the matter as soon as possible,” said a spokesperson.

In a separate instance, the tiles surrounding garden beds at Whitsunday Shopping Centre in Cannonvale were allegedly ripped off by vandals.

Local resident, Richard Evans, discovered the damage on Sunday morning and said it was a shame to think people have nothing better to do with their time than cause damage at the community’s expense.

“It’s useless morons destroying the amenity of others,” he said.

“There’s no reason for blatant vandalism – whoever did this needs to really think about how they get their enjoyment in life.”

Police remind the public that if you witness any suspicious activity, at any time of the day, please report the matter as soon as possible.

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Nine properties were broken into and garden beds at a local shopping centre was damaged over the weekend. Photo supplied

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If anyone said to me that winter in Mackay is a period in which to curl up into a ball and hibernate for a few months, well they’ve got it drastically wrong.

Things are just crazy flat out basically until Christmas time, and I love it.

Take this weekend for an example. I have to play hockey on Saturday night, then I have to get over to the basketball and jump on the mic for the Meteors game. Then I’m up early Sunday to walk up Mt Blackwood and then get some running in after catching the bug last weekend at the Marina Run.

Next thing I’ll know it’ll be Wednesday when we will be doing the 4MK breakfast show out the front of the Lifeblood Centre on Sydney St for our Bloody Oath Day.

It’s going to be World Donor Day and we decided to roll up our sleeves and support the cause by getting the word out there, to see how many people around Mackay would become regular blood and plasma donors. I reckon there will be heaps.

I can’t wait to do the show on Sydney St next week and get heaps of people starting to save lives in their own way.

Fast forward to next weekend and there’s even more action around Mackay. There’s more Meteors and Meteorettes games to be had on Friday, Saturday there will be more hockey and a great night at Moranbah where I’m volunteering on the mic with a Trail to Triumph trivia night with Mat Britton which will be amazing, and then on Sunday the show season starts, with the annual Pioneer Valley Show kicking off in Finch Hatton.

This is arguably Australia’s biggest one day country show and we love it. Sure it’s fresh when you’re heading up the Pioneer Valley at 6 in the morning, but once the sun is out, the horses are smiling and the jackets come off, it’s really the best day out.

Oh, and I’ll be the bloke on the microphone again too, so if you hear someone describing the horses, cattle, wood chopping or the great amount of entertainment, that’s me. Come and say hi too.

When you add it all up this is the best time of the year. The weather is perfect, the events are everywhere, just wait for our Festival of Arts, oh, and the people, well we know how good you are! Just exceptional.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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The doors to the $2.5 million Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre are expected to open within the next month, offering Airlie Beach the facilities to complement its already thriving marine industry.

Located at the Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC), the new centre will include five training rooms that can each accommodate up to 30 students.

There will also be a large lecture theatre that can seat 100 and an ocean view function space for up to 60 people.

Previously, the WSC’s training arm was outgrowing its facilities and General Manager, Robin Ross, said he is excited to bring it all together.

“Training has been getting bigger and bigger and there has been more demand than ever before,” he explains.

“Now we’ll have more space, and we’ll have the rooms laid out for specific classes such as radar equipment for plotting and charting, and a dedicated engine room.”

Construction of the new facility began in December 2021 and the new building will become an impressive new landmark.

The main entrance to the WSC will also become the reception to the Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre, high vaulted ceilings and an expansive window looking out to sea, are the key features of the welcoming reception lobby.

Mr Ross says the construction of the centre is a tribute to local trades who have all completed the job to excellent standards.

“Thank you to all the local tradies, they’ve all been awesome!”

The impressive floor to ceiling windows greet guests as they arrive at the new centre. Photo supplied

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Construction on a $5.5 million social housing project in Cannonvale began in March and by this time next year 12 new social housing apartments will be complete and ready to house those in need in our community.

The complex consists of two, two-storey buildings, delivering 10 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom units.

Fergus Builders are currently working on the site, which is located at 185 Shute Harbour Road Cannonvale, next to the Cannonvale Swim Centre.

Six of the dwellings are accessible with four of the units featuring level thresholds, wider doorways and hallways, and provision for grab rails, making them suitable for people with varying levels of mobility.

Two of the units include additional features and clearance spaces, making them particularly suitable for people who mobilise in wheelchairs.

There are currently 183 applications on the social housing register for the Whitsunday Local Government Area and the Department of Housing says this is just one of several ways it is helping with the current housing crisis.

Over the past year Mackay Housing Service Centre, which also covers the Whitsunday region, has provided 367 bond loans and 147 rental grants to help people secure a rental home in the private rental market.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said with housing pressures being felt right across the country, councils, governments, industry, and organisations need to work together.

“While we’re investing more than ever in new social and affordable homes, we’re also providing more immediate supports like emergency accommodation, bond loans and rental grants, as well as looking at other opportunities that might exist,” she said.

“We’ve delivered on average more than 10 homes a week since coming to government and I’m keen to see more projects like this delivered as soon as possible.”

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By Rachael Smith

At the centre of the local housing crisis there is a lack of affordable homes available for medium to low-income earners to purchase and rent.

The population of the Greater Airlie Beach Area has increased dramatically over the past few years, but the construction of new homes has not kept pace with this population growth.

As a result, there is huge, untapped demand for affordable homes in the region.

Local Cannonvale development, The Grove, has started to meet this demand with eight new townhouses expected to settle in the next four weeks.

The continuation of stage four of the development has already commenced with a further 16 houses underway and 103 additional townhouses already been approved for the site.

"The rental crisis is an issue that plagues our region daily, and we firmly believe that the solution lies in creating more rental properties," stated Steve Marks, Principal, Explore Property Whitsundays.

"With the capacity to introduce over 100 brand new, affordable townhouses to the market, we aim to tackle this problem head-on. However, to achieve this, we need to shift our focus to local investment, reducing reliance on southern investors."

Mr Marks says he is offering a savvy and safe investment opportunity for homeowners in the area to use the equity in their property to purchase a townhouse at The Grove.

Not only will this return a good rental yield and virtually no outlay, but it will also provide an affordable rental for someone in need in the community.

“Property owners in the Whitsundays have experienced remarkable price growth in recent years, with Cannonvale alone witnessing a median sale price increase of 30% since 2021 representing an average rise of over $100,000 in property value,” he said.

“This untapped equity presents a valuable opportunity to invest in the local region, providing homes for fellow locals and serving as an excellent investment opportunity.

“We are encouraging local property owners to seize this unique opportunity to contribute to the region's growth and address the pressing need for affordable housing.

“By harnessing local investment, the development aims to create a sustainable solution that benefits the entire community.”

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Steve Marks, Principal, Explore Property Whitsundays, standing outside The Grove where townhouses to meet the affordable housing shortage are being built. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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As the 2023 Financial year races to a close, businesses need to act now to prepare for the implementation of increased award rates on 1st July. The recent decision made by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) regarding the annual wage review will significantly impact many businesses in the region with a substantial increase of 5.75% to Modern Award minimum wages for all classification levels. These new rates will come into effect from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1st July 2023.

The FWC's decision was influenced by various economic and social factors, including the rising cost of living, a strong labour market, high inflationary pressures and projected economic slowdown for the 2023-24 financial year. Taking proactive measures now is essential to navigate the upcoming changes and maintain compliance with the updated regulations. For more information, go to www.fairwork.go.au/newsroom

The Whitsunday business community will soon be invited to participate in the Greater Whitsundays Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) Business Community Attitudes Survey. This survey aims to understand the impact of immigration on your workforce, and more importantly, your interest in a DAMA for our region. A DAMA represents a significant opportunity for the Greater Whitsundays region. It is a formal multi-year agreement between the Australian Government and a regional authority that provides access to a larger pool of overseas workers than the standard skilled migration program. By participating in this survey, you will actively contribute to shaping the future of workforce development in our region.  

Our next meeting and business networking event will be held 7:00am-8:30am Thursday 13 July in Proserpine. Join us to have your say on priorities for the region and help build on the economic Vision for the Whitsundays, connect with like-minded businesses, and hear more about our new strategy, advocacy, and membership services.  Speaking of membership, don't forget to take advantage of our free end of financial year membership offer - valid to 30 June 2023. Jump onto our website and join up.

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