For a plant, one of the harshest environments on earth is the intertidal zone. Half the day, inundated with salt water. The other half of the day, high and dry. 24 hours a day, strong tidal currents and crashing waves.

A tough place for a plant to survive. But mangroves are survivors. They thrive in these wild conditions that would quickly kill most plants.

How do they do it?

Through a series of impressive adaptations—including a filtration system that keeps out much of the salt and a complex root system that holds the mangrove upright in the shifting sediments where land and water meet

Not only do mangroves manage to survive in challenging conditions, the mangrove ecosystem also supports an incredible diversity of creatures. As well, mangrove forests are extremely important to our own well-being and to the health of the planet.

Mangroves form dense barriers against storms and tsunamis, saving lives and protecting property. They also provide us with many other important benefits; mangroves produce seafood, fruits, medicines, fiber, and wood. Up to 70% of all commercially harvested fish on the Great Barrier Reef, spend a part of their lifecycle in the mangroves.

They stabilize shores by trapping sediments and building land. They improve water quality by filtering runoff and polluted waters. They protect the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and reducing the amount of greenhouse gas. All in all, researchers estimate, the world's mangrove forests provide human communities with many billions of dollars worth of free services

The question is: Will mangroves be able to survive the impact of human activities?

Despite their critical importance, mangroves are disappearing at an alarming rate around the world. Human development, port development, and aquaculture are rapidly replacing the mangrove trees and the ecosystems they support. There are a few places where mangrove cover is increasing. But, in just in the last decade, at least 35 percent of the world's mangroves have been destroyed. That is a rate of loss that exceeds the disappearance of tropical rainforests.

It is time to appreciate our mangrove forests. In Queensland, all mangroves are completely protected under the Fisheries Act 1994. Let’s keep it that way.

Contributed by Whitsunday Conservation Council.

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What is Native to Africa, has exceptionally long legs, has an erratic walking style, and measures just 5mm in length yet poses a serious threat to the environment? The yellow crazy ant.

This invasive species is infamous for forming vast ‘super colonies,’ devastating natural ecosystems by preying on native wildlife, including birds, frogs, insects, lizards, and mammals. If left unchecked, they threaten biodiversity, agriculture, tourism, and local communities and is listed as one of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Since their discovery at Shute Harbour near Airlie Beach in 2019, the Whitsunday Yellow Crazy Ant Treatment Programme has been working tirelessly to contain their spread.

Recently, Queensland National Park Rangers collaborated with over 30 field staff from the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Biosecurity Queensland, and Whitsunday Regional Council for a three-day intensive survey of yellow crazy ant infestations in Conway National Park. Their objective was to accurately map affected areas and refine the most effective control strategies.

The survey results showed significant progress in reducing ant populations, with only small numbers detected within Shute Harbour.

Complete eradication remains the ultimate goal, and sustained monitoring over the next five years will be crucial in confirming success.

Fast Fact
Crazy Ants may spray formic acid when disturbed.

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There's plenty happening in Bowen right now, with attractions for food lovers, adventure seekers and anyone looking for a great day out.

The new "360 on the Hill" restaurant at Flagstaff Hill will offer Aussie-Italian cuisine with stunning ocean views when it opens just before Easter. Enjoy breakfast and lunch featuring local Bowen mangoes, Mt Dangar strawberries and fresh seafood. On weekend evenings, they transform into a full Italian dining experience with homemade pizzas and pasta.

For water enthusiasts, the Bowen Marine Centre now provides guided snorkelling tours at Murray Bay reef and kayak trips through Cape Edgecumbe's mangroves, with all equipment and knowledgeable guides included.

Thanks to Whitsunday Regional Council, Rose Bay has received upgrades with new sandstone entrance features replacing the old wooden rails, a repositioned beach shower and additional seating areas.

Mark your calendar for March 15, the earliest possible launch date for Gilmour Space's rocket from Bowen Orbital Spaceport. This milestone event features Australia's first locally designed orbital rocket, a project year in development.

Entertainment options include the Speedway Season Opener on March 22 at Bowen Showgrounds and the inaugural "Soundzgood" music event on March 29 at Flagstaff Hill, featuring local performers with free shuttle service from Grand View Hotel.

Whether you're looking for new dining options, outdoor adventures or entertainment, Bowen has plenty to explore for your next day trip.

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Flagstaff Hill
Rose Bay Foreshore

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Dea, Emma and Ellie from the Tourism Whitsundays team joined the Airlie Beach Cruise ship Ambassadors and Bowen Tourism for a memorable outing with our wonderful friends at Pioneer Adventures. They were treated to a stunning sunset and coral viewing experience, cruising comfortably aboard their glass-bottom boat. This scenic tour is a true highlight, offering a unique perspective of vibrant marine life, all while enjoying the warm glow of the sunset over crystal-clear waters.

The evening was extra special as we celebrated the Cruise Ambassadors, whose dedication and passion help showcase The Whitsundays to thousands of cruise passengers annually. During the busiest month for cruise ships, it was refreshing to see this incredible volunteer group experience our beautiful backyard from a more serene vantage point.

Pioneer Adventures' glass-bottom boat is a great way to explore the underwater beauty of the region without getting wet. The boat allows guests to observe colourful coral gardens and tropical fish, all from the vessel's comfort. As the sun set, the sky transformed into a canvas of brilliant colours, adding a magical touch to the already stunning scenery. It was an unforgettable experience for all and a great way to spend a relaxing evening in The Whitsundays!

Contributed by Jade, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays

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The majority of people who have endured a life-changing traumatic event would likely focus on their personal recovery, but local hero Michelle Wardrope says she feels more inspired to help others than ever before.

Michelle tragically lost her leg last year after a soil-borne bacterial infection entered her bloodstream when she slipped and fell on her driveway following heavy rain.

Initially believing it was nothing more than a deep cut, she left the hospital with several stitches, but woke up that evening in severe pain.

Rushed back to the hospital, within less than 72 hours her leg was amputated, and she spent the next 13 days in a coma.

Eventually returning to her Whitsunday home months later, life had changed forever for Michelle and her family.

With limited NDIS support, Michelle’s husband became her full-time carer, and the family had to adjust to a new way of life.

However, instead of feeling self-pity, Michelle felt deeply grateful to be alive. She embodied an inner strength and positivity that not only helped her through the tough days, but also propelled her into a new and empowered way of living.

She exhibits this strength once again this month as she embarks on a 50-squat-per-day challenge, completing 50 squats each day throughout the month of March.

Most people would balk at the idea of 50 squats a day with two legs, but Michelle is smashing it with just one.

Now, almost halfway through the month, she is ready to share her story.

“I don’t really have the money to help the causes that I’d like to support,” Michelle shared. “So that’s why I wanted to try to do something that would help raise money instead."

“It’s been very, very hard, but it turns out that I’m getting way more out of it than I ever thought I would!”

So far, Michelle has raised just over $1,000, and all proceeds are going to the Royal Flying Doctors, the service that brought Michelle home once she had completed her initial recovery and was able to leave the hospital.

Looking ahead, Michelle invites everyone in the community to come down to an open parkland area in Airlie Beach on Sunday, March 30th.

This will be an opportunity for her to thank those who have supported her journey. There will be prize giveaways, a sausage sizzle, and an abundance of inspiring community spirit shared with all who attend.

Michelle is also issuing a challenge to anyone who would like to join her in completing her penultimate set of 50 squats.

Members of the Whitsunday Life Newspaper will be there to join in, and Michelle is also hoping to get representatives from the local council—perhaps even the Mayor—to participate.

“I’d love it to be like a Flash Mob Squats,” Michelle expressed. “Doing it with other people really uplifts me, and I’d love to share that feeling with others in the community.”

WHAT: Flash Mob Squats and Community Gathering
WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore
WHEN: Sunday, March 30th, late afternoon

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Shell Wardrope completing some of her 50 squats earlier this week
Shell with her family when she was in hospital after her leg was amputated

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Four weeks ago, a local lady was bitten by a Coastal Taipan while attending to the laundry underneath her pole home in Proserpine. Accustomed to living in a remote area, Kate Cross commented in her social media post to the community that "I have always lived on acreage and have been bitten, stung, and spiked by many things," once having even been bitten by a snake.

Due to this, following the initial bite, Ms Cross was not too concerned.

"It was early evening and dark, but the light was on. I was barefoot, planning to be there for just a minute. The bite felt like a sting, not unlike a wasp. While looking for the source, I saw a small, dark snake entering some nearby cardboard packaging. It was about 50 cm long and the thickness of my finger. I feel grateful that I saw it, as I might have guessed the cause of the bite to have been a spider, a more common sighting in that area," she shared.

"I called my partner to tell him that a snake had bitten me and asked him to bring the phone so we could take a photo. We commonly photograph snakes we see to confirm identification, and due to the bite, it seemed like a good idea.

"I was not concerned. It may have been shock or disbelief but I felt okay."

"I have been on this property for 25 years, and snakes are common. At least 90% of sightings have been tree snakes, pythons, or whip snakes. I was confident that an identification would confirm nothing more sinister than a lesser black.

Ms Cross commented that the snake identifiers were fantastic.

"Within six minutes, we had an approved ID. In the interim, we received directions to apply first aid and call 000. The clear and concise directions were helpful in this confused moment. A special thank you to the person who contacted Proserpine Hospital so the medical staff knew I was coming before the ambulance called it in. The community response meant that my partner felt supported, and I appreciated the kindness."

Symptoms started approximately 20 minutes after the bite.

"I began to feel intoxicated, poisoned, I knew then I was being affected by venom. My eyes were blurry, and I felt a little woozy. I had developed a bad headache and intense jaw pain. The ambulance arrived 15 minutes after the call, about five minutes after the onset of symptoms. By then, my symptoms had worsened and now included nausea, throat tightening, and vomiting.

"While traveling to the hospital, I contemplated what being bitten by a taipan meant, but I had no idea what my body was about to go through. It was shutting down!"

Once Ms Cross arrived at Proserpine Hospital her symptoms had escalated.

"The left side of my face had begun to droop, and I struggled to open my eyes. My left arm was weak, and my body began to experience muscle spasms."

When injected with the anti-venom she experienced an allergic reaction.

"I couldn’t see, my throat was closing, my muscles spasmed, and my heart was beating hard."

Immediately transferred to Mackay Base Hospital by CQ Rescue’s helicopter, Ms Cross spent six hours in the ED undergoing neuro testing, monitoring, blood tests, and fluids.

Overall, she was hospitalised for four days and rested for another 10 days at home in bed and has sustained some organ damage that unfortunately cannot be reversed.

Ms Cross finished her message to the community with the following: "I would like to thank everyone involved. There are many: the medical teams at Proserpine, Mackay Base, and Mackay Mater hospitals; the paramedics; CQ Rescue; the snake identifiers; the tea ladies; my family and partner; and the kind community that sent best wishes. Thank you!"

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After driving past kilometres of sugar cane fields, travellers along the Bruce Highway might be amazed as they pass the Whitsunday Gold Coffee plantation in Proserpine, North Queensland.

While coffee growing in the area is unusual now, coffee plantations have a surprisingly long history here, dating back to the early 1900s. The variety grown now is same as was grown over 100 years ago - 'dwarf catui'; one of the Arabica types of coffee.

So why was coffee grown in this region all those years ago?

One line of thought is that the early settlers brought coffee into the region, originally because of isolation. Another possibility is because of the high Italian population in North Queensland.

The Mackay “Daily Mercury” (January 7 1914) noted that several settlers in the Proserpine district were “contemplating the growing of coffee which (authorities) considered would do particularly well”. Then, in the following year, “Townsville Bulletin” (December 20 1913) reported on “a very instructive lantern slide lecture” held the Cannon Valley Hall in which farmers were warned of “the inadvisability of having all one’s eggs in one market. Cocoanut growing was dealt with, also coffee and vanilla, and the profits that (could) be made…”

However, as far back as 1912, there were newspaper reports signifying that coffee was already being grown in the district. The “North Queensland Register” (August 12 1912) published the results of exhibits at the annual show. R Guskie (Gustkie) won first prize for ‘Coffee in Berry’ and for ‘Manufactured Coffee’ while A E J Emmerson won first prize for ‘Tobacco Cured in Leaf’. (Robert Gustkie grew coffee on Gustkie’s Hill which was located where Taylorwood is now situated.)

Prior to the 1920s and into the 1930s, C H (Harold) Waye farmed coffee on his 258 acres of land in the Caprioglio Road area, Conway. By 1920, he had secured a First Order of Merit for his coffee at the Brisbane Show.

The Brisbane “Courier Mail” story, “Queensland Coffee Growing” (August 2 1926), reported that Mr Waye had “sent to Townsville for inclusion in the tropical exhibit at the Brisbane Show some pure coffee grown and prepared for market by himself at Proserpine. The coffee is on show in Brisbane, Sydney, London, and Ottawa, and he has inquiries for large quantities from Ottawa, Sydney and from one of the largest firms in this State. The grower suggested that a ‘Queensland Coffee’ put on the world's market as boldly as is ‘Queensland Jam’ should be a success. But he does not find the Government very encouraging.”

By 1933, the quality of the coffee produced by Waye was acknowledged. The “Bowen Independent” (October 9 1933) published a letter written by Frank W Bullock, Secretary for Agriculture and Stock, regarding trials of coffee growing. It stated, “We are aware of the work that has been done with coffee by Mr Charles H Waye of Proserpine … The quality of the coffee produced by Mr Waye … is known to … my department.”

The letter recognised that the “principal difficulty associated with coffee production in Queensland is competition of imported coffee grown under cheap black labour conditions which mostly consists of an adulterated concoction of three parts chickory and one part coffee.” The letter concluded that it would be necessary to educate consumers on the merits of pure coffee and for the government to grant some protection but that such efforts were to no avail.

Perhaps it was the government’s lack of support that resulted in the demise of the industry in the Whitsundays.

Story courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and photo sourced from “Proserpine Guardian” 18/04/2001

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Harold Waye surveying his crop at Conway

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It was a hot and humid morning last Sunday, 9 March, for the third annual Collinsville Sea of Pink.  More than 75 people ran, walked, scooted or rode their bikes for five kilometres in the town’s ‘virtual’ answer to the Brisbane International Women’s Day (IWD) Fun Run event, supported by Mater Chicks in Pink.

With the Brisbane IWD Fun Run event cancelled this year due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the wave of pink in the Queensland regions has made an even bigger impact, with people coming together to help spread the message about early detection and breast cancer research.

Community Gathers For Third Annual Sea Of Pink

The sun was high and shining strong as the finishers returned to the Collinsville Golf Club, eager to accept their reward of an icy pole and chill out in the shade. There were raffles and guessing games to play to help boost fundraising efforts, and the Collinsville QCWA volunteers cooked up bacon and egg wraps, savoury mince toasties and fresh fruit salad.  Local baker “Jenni’s Treats” donated some delectable pink cupcakes which were a hit with young and old alike.

At the time of writing, the Collinsville Sea of Pink has raised over $13,400 in support of Mater Chicks in Pink.

Funds raised go towards life-saving research at Mater Hospitals and also help provide practical items like mastectomy bras and wigs, helping women feel more like themselves and boost their confidence as they recover from their treatment.

For event participant Rebecca Sulusi, the day had special significance.

“My mum is a survivor and has been cancer free for the past six years, however many of her family members have not been as fortunate to catch it in the early stages,” Rebecca said.
“The fundraising efforts are such an important part of the journey to find a cure and improve treatment and care.  Without the awareness and funds to improve treatments I wouldn’t have my mum.”

This year, Collinsville was thrilled to welcome Whitsunday Regional Mayor Ry Collins to join the Sea of Pink.

Mayor Collins said it was fantastic to see Collinsville locals—young and old—lace up their runners for such an important cause.

“The great turnout showed that the Mater Sea of Pink Fun Run isn’t just about fitness; it’s about community standing together to support women in our community who are battling breast cancer,” Mayor Collins said.

"A huge well done to Alice and her incredible team of volunteers for putting together such a well-run event, and a big thank you to Glencore for their support.

"As a bonus, I’ve already ticked off 6,000 steps for the day! But more importantly, we’ve all taken steps toward raising awareness and funds for an incredibly worthy cause,” Mayor Collins said.

Collinsville Sea of Pink was proudly supported by local organisations and businesses, including Glencore’s Collinsville Open Cut operation, Collinsville Community Association, Collinsville QCWA, Collinsville Youth Coalition, and Collinsville Golf Club.  Prizes were donated by local businesses Heavy Logistics & Mechanical (HLM), Vex Engineering Services, N&S Abrasives, Opal Ridge Motel, Collinsville Workers Club, Collinsville Pharmacy, Beaute at the Ville and ERT Training Qld.

Event organiser Alice Randell thanks the Collinsville community for their support and encouragement.

“The event has become a milestone in the community’s calendar.  It’s great to see new and returning faces each year,” Alice said.

“Unfortunately, we continue to share new stories of breast cancer diagnoses, giving us pause to remember why we continue to come together, raise funds and show support to breast cancer patients and survivors.”

With one in seven women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, the message is simple – check your boobies!

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Mayor Ry Collins joined the Collinsville Sea of Pink this year and said it was great to get his 6000 steps while raising funds and awareness for Breast Cancer. Photo supplied

Team HLM loved participating in the event
Charlee and Harper were keen to get involved
Jasmine loved the event

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Crocodiles are often considered the closest living relatives of dinosaurs. Despite this ancient lineage, they are remarkably complex creatures that survived the mass extinction event that ended the Cretaceous period around 66 million years ago. Today, many crocodiles inhabit Australia’s waterways, including the Proserpine River.

As cold-blooded reptiles, crocodiles rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. Without an internal thermostat, they seek habitats with consistently warm water and air temperatures year-round.

Though often misunderstood, crocodiles play a vital role in wetland ecosystems. As apex predators, they help maintain the delicate balance of freshwater and estuarine environments by controlling prey populations. However, they are not just hunters—they also serve as prey in their early years, falling victim to feral pigs, goannas, turtles, barramundi, sea eagles, and even larger crocodiles.

By occupying both predator and prey roles, crocodiles contribute significantly to the health of wetland ecosystems. A thriving crocodile population is often a strong indicator of a healthy wetland—and when wetlands are in good condition, local fisheries benefit as well.

Fast Fact: Saltwater crocodiles have about 66 teeth that get replaced every 2-3 years and can go through over 3000 teeth in a lifetime!

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Sometimes, a good deed can sound as sweet as it feels, and that’s certainly the case with this week’s exciting news: music sensation Tones & I has announced she will be performing in Bowen!

Music lovers across the region will be thrilled to hear that one of the biggest stars of the moment is bringing her incredible talent to our sunny shores. This highly anticipated event will not only be a fantastic occasion for locals, but it will also shine a well-deserved spotlight on our region, helping to boost tourism and put Bowen on the map.

The exciting announcement was made by Tones & I herself on her official Facebook page:

“Even though I’m scared of flying, there’s one place that’s been calling me for a long time, and I finally have to reward you...
BOWEN.”

Much of the credit for this remarkable visit goes to Bowen local Katie English, who has spent the past six months campaigning for the Dance Monkey singer to make her way to Bowen.

“I don’t think anyone thought I could pull it off – but my persistence finally paid off!” Katie said in an interview with Channel 7.

“I’ve been relentless, stalking her on every social media platform for months!”

Though exact dates are still to be announced, the community can officially start getting excited for the incredible moment when Tones & I takes the stage in Bowen.

Congratulations to everyone involved in making this dream a reality!

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One of the great privileges of being Mayor is witnessing the next generation of leaders step up with enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and a strong commitment to their community.

Over the past few weeks, I have attended several school investiture ceremonies and Lions Youth of the Year events, and I can confidently say that the future of the Whitsundays is in good hands.

Leadership is more than just a title—it’s about taking action, making a difference, and inspiring those around you. The Whitsundays has always been built on the strength and resilience of its people, and it is encouraging to see our youth embracing these values and stepping forward with confidence.

The young leaders of today will become the business owners, community advocates, and decision-makers of tomorrow—some may even go on to serve in public office, perhaps one day as the Mayor of the Whitsundays!

No matter what path they take, the skills and qualities they develop now will shape not only their future but also the future of our region.

Programs like Lions Youth of the Year play a crucial role in fostering these skills, giving young people the opportunity to grow, learn, and develop confidence. As a community, we must continue to support and invest in the leaders of tomorrow, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to thrive.

I want to congratulate all the young people stepping into leadership roles this year. Our community is behind you, and we are excited to see the impact you will make in the years ahead.

The future of the Whitsundays is bright, and it’s in very capable hands.

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On Sunday, the Proserpine Lions Club proudly hosted the Zone 9 Final of the prestigious Youth of the Year Australia program, showcasing the exceptional talents of four inspiring local students. The event, held at the Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre, was a resounding success and highlighted the incredible potential of the young people in our community.

The four entrants, all representing different schools in the Whitsunday region, were:

Allegra Bradley – Proserpine State High School
Amelia McKay – St Catherine's Catholic College
An Nguyen – Bowen State High School
Kodi Mackie – Collinsville State High School

The competition was fierce, but it was Amelia McKay who emerged as the overall winner. Representing the Whitsunday Lions Club, Amelia will now go on to represent Zone 9 at the District level in Townsville, where she will compete against the best from across the region.

The event saw a series of powerful speeches and impromptu topics that demonstrated the skill and maturity of all the participants. Kodi Mackie, from Collinsville State High, was named the Public Speaking Winner for her captivating speech titled "Adult Time, Adult Crime." Her impromptu talk on the value of kindness also left a lasting impression on the judges and audience.

The event was a true celebration of the region's young talent, and the Lions Clubs of Whitsunday, Collinsville, and Bowen, along with the dedicated teachers and judges, deserve recognition for their hard work in organising this memorable day.

A special thanks also goes to the staff at the Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre for providing such a welcoming and impressive venue.

Congratulations to all the entrants—Allegra, Amelia, An, and Kodi—for their outstanding performances. The Lions Clubs and the wider community are incredibly proud of these remarkable young women, and we look forward to seeing Amelia represent Zone 9 at the upcoming District finals.

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Representatives from local schools competed at the Youth of the Year Finals.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox standing with Kodi Mackie who won the Public Speaking Award and Amelia McKay who was the overall winner

Photos supplied

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Save Our Foreshore was founded in 2004 by passionate Whitsunday residents who united in response to a proposal by McDonald’s for a half-meter highway sign featuring their iconic golden arches. This proposal sparked Save Our Foreshore's first major protest, igniting a wave of community activism that would shape the town’s future.

Wondering why the golden arches now sit discreetly on the building’s eaves rather than towering over the highway? The protest worked, leading to a significant shift in the development proposal.

The organisation's mission is to protect and enhance public access to coastal areas, preserving the ecological, scenic, and recreational values of coastal public lands for future generations.

Faye Chapman, the founder and leader of Save Our Foreshore, has been the driving force behind the organisation and a prominent figure in the community. Before moving to the Whitsundays, Faye was a dedicated advocate on the South Coast of New South Wales. Upon her arrival in the Whitsundays, she quickly recognised the area's natural beauty and understood the need for responsible development that would also preserve its unique charm for generations to come.

At the Zonta 2025 International Women's Day celebrations, Faye was honoured as 'Woman of the Year' for her unwavering dedication and tireless commitment to the community. Her efforts have left a lasting impact, inspiring others to take action and contribute to preserving the environment.

Though surprised by the recognition, Faye humbly expressed her gratitude: "I really appreciate the award, but I was totally stunned," she said.

Congratulations, Faye, on this well-deserved achievement and the incredible work you've done for your community and its environment.

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Saturday, March 8th marked International Women's Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the remarkable women who inspire change, challenge norms, and make a difference both globally and locally, including here in the beautiful Whitsundays.

Zonta Whitsundays hosted a lively and vibrant community event to honor the incredible women of the region. The celebration was filled with an array of delightful food, exciting raffles, heartfelt awards, sparkling moments, and a lively atmosphere that had everyone dancing and enjoying the company of one another. It was a day that truly brought the community together, creating lasting memories and recognising the strength, resilience, and achievements of women in the Whitsundays.

Two exceptional women who stood out on the day were Zonta's Women of the Year, Margaret Kurzok and Faye Chapman. Their unwavering dedication to the local community over the years has had a profound impact, and they continue to inspire those around them through their tireless efforts and selfless contributions. Their recognition was a testament to their years of hard work and passion for improving the lives of others in the Whitsundays.

Awards were also presented to younger generations, some of which had won scholarships with Zonta for their amazing efforts, including Zuri Potelli, Isabella o'sullivan, Eleanor Baldock, Thalia foster.

Mayor Ry Collins who attended the celebrations stated:

"It is great to see everyone coming together, I think it's really empowering the women in our community.

"I think that the theme of this year's one is about bridging that gender gap from an equality point of view.

"I think it would be a mistake to assume that these issues will resolve themselves on their own. We can't just flick a switch and expect everything to be fixed.

"It takes the efforts of groups like Zonta,to really keep putting these things on the agenda and making sure that we're moving in the right direction with key issues for women."

"As mayor of the region, I've got a role to play in making sure that our women have a really strong place in our community, and the things I really try to focus on are safety, security and making sure that there's opportunities for women in their community."

Marlene Reiffel, Zonta Whitsundays president, also reflected on the days festivities:

"International Womens Day is important because it's recognised worldwide for women, and we need that recognition desperately.

"Not only do we need that recognition but we also can showcasing some of the fantastic people in our community."

What began as a day filled with laughter, fun, and recognition has become a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing the remarkable women in your life.

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Hi Everyone,

Sometimes it feels like there are inspiring people everywhere in our community.

This week, I reconnected with one of my favorite local heroes, Shell Wardrope, who lost her leg after it was infected by a soil-borne bacteria last year. Instead of falling into self-pity or asking, “Why me?”, this incredible woman exudes positivity and gratitude in every aspect of her life.

Reconnecting with her reminded me of this once again as she filled me in on her latest plan to get the Mayor to do 50 squats with her at a community event at the end of the month—all to raise money for the charity that flew her home after her lengthy hospital stay. You can read about her latest antics on page 3.

It was also wonderful to hear from the organizers of Collinsville’s Sea of Pink event again this year. This inspiring group has raised an incredible amount of money for breast cancer over the last few years.

Moving on, we have another local hero, Kate Cross, who survived a snake bite and, instead of playing the victim, championed the community for helping her when she needed it most.

This evening (Wednesday), I’m heading to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre to see one of our family’s heroes—Ahn Doh. This guy has to be one of the most inspiring people on the planet, and he knows how to make you laugh, which is an added bonus!

My son and I are obsessed with his kids’ stories—The Ninja Kid, Hot Dog, and Pow Pow Pig, to name a few. Tonight, however, Ahn Doh will be talking about his book, The Happiest Refugee, and I’m excited to introduce my seven-year-old son to such an inspiring role model.

Young or old, I believe it’s so important to fill our minds with inspiration and positivity—not only does it make us happier, but it also spreads an attitude of kindness and gratitude, rather than focusing on trauma and tragedy.

Rach

Quote of the Week:
"If the worst happens, if you lose and fail, but you still celebrate coming second because you’ve given it a red-hot go, there is no need to fear failure."
— Ahn Doh

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