Local animal rescue operator, Christina Della Valle, was on holiday over Christmas when a friend left the gate open and two of her rescue dogs escaped her property. The dogs ventured onto a neighbouring paddock and one of them bit a cow on the neck.

When Council was unable to complete a compliance inspection earlier this month, a search warrant was enforced and Seizure Notice issued.

Christina, who owns Animal Rescue Whitsundays, was distraught by events which she says were out of control and also uncharacteristic of her two much-loved dogs.

Director of Community Services, Julie Wright agreed to sit down with Christina following a request for review notice.

“It was a good meeting and Julie really did her best to help,” said Christina.

During the meeting it was decided that Max, the likely culprit in the offence, would be put to sleep, but Snoopy, Christina’s ‘emotional support dog’, would be allowed home.

“I am of course devastated about Max,” said Christina.

“But I knew it was going to be tough, I knew a compromise would have to be made.

“It’s just a shame that dogs don’t get a second chance like a human would if they don’t re-offend.”

Max was brought to Christina two years ago when he was found wandering around Proserpine. He was 15 kilograms underweight and had been abandoned by his owners that may have been training him to be a pig dog.

Snoopy was brought to Christina a year ago, he had been abandoned at a caravan park in Conway and left alone, tied to a chain for two days before anyone found him.

On Wednesday morning Max was taken to a local vet and gently put to sleep.

Snoopy was returned home to Christina the same morning.

In order to keep Snoopy Christina must abide by strict rules for keeping a declared menacing dog.

These include extra signage and an extra $400 a year in fees.

‍

Newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Whitsunday Regional Council, Warren Bunker, will officially start his new role on Monday, replacing Rod Ferguson who is moving into retirement.

Bunker has been in local government for the past 28 years, beginning his career in the planning department as the first Strategic Planner to be employed by Caloundra Council.

He then worked his way up through the ranks, becoming the Director of Governance and Strategy, before taking on the role of Director of Regional Strategy and Planning for the newly amalgamated Sunshine Coast Council.

His most recent position was Group Executive of Liveability and Natural Assets, and Bunker says he looks forward to bringing his experience working with both tourism and agriculture to his role as CEO.

“I’ve got a high level of understanding of local government, what the rules are and how to use them to the best,” he said.

Eager to watch, listen and learn, Bunker says that he is eager to observe, understand and “ask silly questions” when he first takes on the role.

He explains that a CEO’s role has three central pillars – to assist the Mayor and Councillors by helping them make good decisions and providing the necessary information.

Secondly, running the business of Council and its operations.

“This means more than just rates, rubbish and roads,” he said.

“There are over 70 different services we look after from the libraries through to the swimming pools.”

Lastly, Bunker will ensure good governance by working with the community.

“I have a big belief in talking with the community,” he explains.

“I am more likely to be listening and observing.”

Bunker is also looking forward to making good partnerships with neighbouring Councils in order to create better funding opportunities for the broader region.

No stranger to the Whitsundays, he spent many school holidays here as a child, visiting almost every year while his dad worked as an accountant for some of the island resorts.

‍

Local police are appealing for information from the public relating to an alleged serious assault in Bowen on the corner of Herbert and Powell Street.

It is alleged a man was approached by two men and a woman when a physical altercation occurred at approximately 8.30pm on February 7, resulting in the man being transported to the Bowen Hospital.

The man was treated for injuries sustained in the alleged altercation.

Senior Constable Ross Petersen said local police would like to “speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and observed the incident taking place or who may have dashcam footage.”

Those with information can contact Bowen Police on 4720 4555 or contact Policelink on 131 444 and quote this reference number: QP2300226258.

‍

Zonta Club of Bowen oversaw the installation of a 'Red Bench' which aims to raise awareness of domestic violence at the new Bowen Neighbourhood Centre earlier this year.

The local not-for-profit organisation donated the seating as part of the Red Bench Project, a program launched in 2019 by The Red Rose Foundation.

Over 300 Red Benches are dotted across Australia as part of the campaign's aim to “raise awareness and provide an opportunity for this important issue to remain visible.”

The group unveiled the donation as part of its end-of-2022 celebrations before its installation this year.

The Bowen Neighbourhood Centre Red Bench is emblazoned with the Project’s message of “Change the Ending: Let’s Stop Domestic Violence”.

Bowen Neighbourhood Centre Coordinator Stephanie Cora said the bench’s prominent public location is part of that battle of putting an end to domestic violence through awareness.

“It is more than just a place to sit; it can be a place to have a conversation about how we as a community can change,” Ms Cora said.

“We cannot thank Zonta Bowen enough for their donation of the Red Bench and thank you to Michael Dekkert for installing the chair and painting it.”

Zonta Club Bowen also donated funds to the Bowen Community Council and Neighbourhood Centre’s Emergency Crisis Housing Fund which assists with temporary accommodation for persons leaving violent situations, and toiletry bags for the Centre’s clients in need.

‍

‍

Zonta Club of Bowen installed a Red Bench in front of the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre to raise awareness of domestic violence

‍

Local farmers will soon have a safe access bridge thanks to $160,000 of funding that will upgrade the Cantamessa Road Bridge that was badly damaged during 2017 Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

The bridge is a primary access point for farmers transporting heavy equipment and machinery during wet season and Councillor Gary Simpson, who is also a cane farmer, said he is pleased to see the upgrade finally underway.

“Some people think it is only a little bridge for a few farmers,” said Cr Simpson.

“But it has been an access point for over 50 years, and it helps to keep slow-moving tractors off the roads.

“It’s a big thing for these farmers and I am thankful it is finally happening.”

Local farmer Russell Biggs said that there is simply too much traffic to safely navigate Shute Harbour Road and, without the bridge, he has to take a back road which takes a lot longer.

“It’s all about safety,” he said.

“We have to transport many oversized vehicles so the less we have to be on the highway the better.

“The Cantamessa Road Bridge is a convenient way to get all our equipment off the road, so these upgrades are a big win for us.”

The bridge also acts as a second access point on the rare occasion that there is an accident on Strathdickie Road.

The Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund (QRRRF) have provided $144,000 of funding for the upgrades and the Whitsunday Regional Council have contributed the remaining $16,000.

‍

‍

Brendan Nothard, Steven Cantamessa, Michael Cantamessa, Glen Clarke, Russell Biggs and Councillor Gary Simpson. Photo supplied

‍

Six local students competed in the annual Youth of the Year competition held by Proserpine Lions Club Inc. on Wednesday last week.

Proserpine State High School students Scarlett Foti, Makaela Stefani, and Hurley Diessel, St. Catherine’s Catholic College students Tristan Sainsbury, Cai Scott-Fitzgerald, and Kai Telford represented themselves and their schools in the three-stage contest.

The 16- to 17-year-old contestants face first an interview, then a panel of three judges, speaking to two impromptu questions and delivering a five-minute speech on a topic of their choice.

The Lions Australia Program is a yearly competition hosted at the various club branches across the country, inviting students to test their public speaking and interview skills.

In front of a crowd of Proserpine Lions Club members, parents, and local enthusiasts, Scarlett Foti was crowned the Overall winner as well as the Public Speaking winner for the night,

Ms Foti impressed with her speech “Imagination, No More” – A brief overview of how technology has affected imagination in children, quoting from both her own experiences in babysitting and from the great thinkers.

“Let me ask you to pause for a moment, what do you think life means? Life can be defined in so many ways,” Ms Foti said in her powerfully orated speech.

“It can be described by the classification of living things in year seven to the philosophical works of Plato… life is the ability to dream.”

Ms Foti also won the previous year’s Public Speaking award and is now expected to represent the Proserpine Lions club at the next youth of the year tier in Home Hill in March.

Proserpine Lions Youth of the Year Coordinator Jane Betteridge said she was extremely proud of each student.

“I don’t think there are many adults who would stand up and be able to give the speeches these six students did tonight,” Ms Betteridge said.

“The opportunities that it presents to them, in improving their public speaking skills, in meeting like-minded people, is invaluable.”

Previous Lions Club Youth of the Year alumni and winners have gone on to become Rhodes Scholars and even Prime Ministers.

‍

‍

Proserpine Lions Club Youth of the Year and Public Speaking award winner and Proserpine State High School Student Scarlett Foti with Proserpine Lions President Joe Little

Proserpine Lions Club Youth of the Year competitors from Proserpine state High School and St. Catherine’s Catholic College

‍

The aged care facility at the Collinsville Multi-Purpose Health Service (MPHS) is receiving an upgrade, with six rooms soon to be equipped with en suite bathroom facilities.

The renovation, which is due to be finished in March, is the latest project Ben Lawrence, Director of Nursing (DON) at MPHS, has overseen in his two years in the position.

“This is a great development for our residents,” he said.

“The work is progressing really well and should be on track to be finished by the end of March.”

Ben did not always want to be a nurse, in fact, he had aspirations to be a social worker but a friend of his mum’s guided him into nursing and he has never looked back.

Originally from Maryborough, Ben completed his degree at JCU in Townsville and went on to do his grad year on the Fraser Coast.

In 2009 he moved north.

“I was nurse unit manager in Bowen, before working as the DON in Hughenden for five years and then Charters Towers for a year,” he said.

Two years ago, he took on the DON role in Collinsville.

“Working rural is my passion and it’s a privilege to work in the communities I have,” Ben said.

“The days are challenging, and every day is different, but I love my job and what I do.”

‍

‍

Ben Lawrence, Director of Nursing at Collinsville Multi-Purpose Health Service. Photo supplied

‍

Developing and delivering optimal nutrient management plans, can be complex and challenging for both farmers and agricultural service providers.

In 2019 LiquaForce developed LAND HUB in consultation with agronomists, and growers across Queensland’s sugarcane and horticultural industries to close the knowledge gap required for sustainable farm management.

The Local Area Nutrient Datahub (LAND) is designed to improve the information capacity of growers, enhancing decision making processes around nutrient application and other farming practices, leading to productivity improvements on-farm, and water quality outcomes off-farm.

It also provides secure, private, digital storage of all their farm, soil, and production data year on year. This simplifies long-term monitoring of crop and financial performance over time, providing a far greater understanding of underlying agronomic issues and solutions suitable for their farms.

According to the independent consultant managing the project, Sara Bennett – “The quality and accessibility of the connected data in LAND delivers farmers the ‘information capacity’ for widespread practice change, which will result in substantial water quality outcomes for the Great Barrier Reef.”

In the Mackay Whitsunday region, Colin and Lenore Bourke own two sugarcane farms: one in Karloo just east of the Bruce Highway and the other in undulating country at Carmila West.

Karloo soils are typically sand or loam overlaying a sodic clay subsoil and cropping is all rain fed.

At Carmila West, soils are a mix of loam and a sand or loam overlaying sodic clay. This country can be subject to surface runoff with seasonal rainfall making crop nutrient loss a concern.

To improve their farming practice with nutrient management, Colin and Lenore shifted from surface application of liquid Dunder (Mill by-product) blends to sub-surface stool-split application.

“Fertiliser that leaves my paddock is money lost, it does not grow my crop, and it is not good for the environment or for water quality” says Colin.

‍

Cruise Whitsundays and Eco Barge Clean Seas have announced the continuation of their partnership which works in collaboration to maintain the pristine nature of the marine environment in the Whitsundays.

This is the ninth year that the two entities have worked together, and Libby Edge from Eco Barge Clean Seas says she is thrilled the vital support is continuing.

“Our team, and the turtles we care for, can’t thank Cruise Whitsundays enough for continuing this partnership,” she said.

“Through this support, we can continue to care for sick and injured turtles and keep our marine park clear of debris.”

Eco Barge Clean Seas, a not‐for‐profit organisation, established in 2009 in Airlie Beach was founded to protect the precious marine life and environment across the Whitsunday region.

With a clear mission for the Whitsundays, Eco Barge Clean Seas carries out programs including removal of marine debris, reduction of land‐based litter, recycling and transformation of ocean plastics, and providing care for sick and injured marine turtles at their Turtle Rescue Centre.

Since its inception, Eco Barge Clean Seas has removed a whopping 243,252kgs of rubbish from the Whitsundays waterways.

Cruise Whitsundays Sales and Marketing Manager, Renee Branton‐Brown is proud to support such an important local initiative.

“Libby and her amazing team at Eco Barge Clean Seas are so passionate and dedicated to keeping the Whitsundays pristine, this ethos aligns perfectly with Cruise Whitsundays’ commitment to ensuring we do all we can to protect the incredible environment in which we operate,” she said.

“Cruise Whitsundays takes its role as reef custodian very seriously, and our partnership with Eco Barge Clean Seas is a crucial part of our environmental commitment.”

If you would like to know more or register as a volunteer for Eco Barge, please visit their website www.ecobargecleanseas.org.au

‍

‍

Cruise Whitsundays Sales and Marketing Manager, Renee Branton‐Brown and Eco Barge Clean Seas founder Libby Edge. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

‍

Maintaining your home in the harsh Whitsunday climate can be a challenge. Do you have cracks in your concrete? Has your paintwork faded? Is mould a problem? Could your home do with a touch-up?

If so, it’s time to enlist the skills of Jonathan and Kathryn Pourau, who operate Superior House Painting Specialists and Superior Concrete Resurfacing.

Jonathan has over 25 years of experience in the industry, 13 years living in the Whitsundays.

He has completed Advanced Training with Dulux, Master Painters and Master Builders, waterproofing and rendering completes his skill set.

Kathryn is the Business Administration Manager and has 20 years of experience working in health and safety for construction.

Using only the best quality Dulux Acrylic Render, they can ensure cracks are given a long-lasting water-proof seal and weather-enduring finish.

The most important part of any job, however, is following the three fundamental steps of preparation, application and finish.

“Our systems are designed to deliver a great result and finish that will last for years,” said Jonathan.

“Preparation is crucial. Shortcuts are a waste of time and money and will lead to failures such as cracking, fading or discolouration, peeling and flaking or mould. Initial steps include carrying out repair work such as cut and fill as applicable.

“Acid etching and pressure cleaning creates greater adhesion for external surfaces. Further surface preparation includes priming, undercoating and sealing.

“Engage a licensed and qualified tradesperson. Get value for your money. Dulux, Master Painters or Master Builders will recommend a competent and trained applicator to you, free of charge.”

‍

‍

Jonathan and Kathryn Pourau, operate Superior House Painting Specialists and Superior Concrete Resurfacing. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

‍

Struggling to sleep after a long day? Having difficulty getting up for work in the morning?  

Feeling like there’s no point to your work? Snapping at people around you?

It could be burnout. There’s a certain amount of work-related stress in our lives, but burnout is different. It’s a more serious type of chronic stress. It leaves you physically and mentally exhausted (brain-fog), and can cause you to catastrophise and question everything you do.

DID YOU KNOW?  

62 per cent of Australians say they have been affected by burnout in the workplace.

Recognising Burnout:

• Struggling to get to work, feeling drained, lacking energy and focus, not sleeping well and becoming sick.

• Not enjoying your work anymore, being critical and cranky with the people around you, feeling pessimistic.

• Feeling apathetic, being less productive, becoming snowed under and missing a sense of satisfaction.

• A mismatch between you and your job overall withdrawal, isolating yourself.

Common Causes:

·         Poor work-life balance

·         Feeling constantly overwhelmed by your workload

·         Lack of support or feedback

·         Mental health challenges

·         Not taking leave / breaks when you need to

·         Expectations to work longer hours

·         Inability to say ‘no’

·         Socially toxic workplace

·         Lack of control of workplace environment

How to step back into your power:

• Identify the source: Work out where your stress is actually coming from – is it a task or person? Identify one thing you can do this week to address the pressure. Start small first, then see if you can work up to bigger actions.

• Stop working harder to overcompensate: Step back and identify the easiest things you can do which will have the biggest impacts – work smarter.

• Step back into your values: Ensure what you do, aligns with what you believe in.

• Seek help: Holding it in can worsen the effects of burnout. Identify a trusted supervisor or friend and speak to them about what you're experiencing. Sometimes simply talking about your feelings can offer relief.

• Set boundaries: Burnout can be overwhelming, so as you're getting back on track set boundaries and commit to saying ‘no’.  

• Find joy in everyday things you do: It might be helping a colleague, a good coffee in the sun, a podcast on a walk, planting sunflowers in your garden, or a regular catch up with a friend.  

• Turn off: Put down the tech and limit your exposure wherever possible, screens can drain huge amounts of your time and energy.

• Ask for feedback: Tell your manager you thrive with positive feedback.

• Take care of your health: Sleeping, eating, and exercising well are important for mental and physical wellbeing. In times of stress, it can be harder to keep these healthy habits but not tending to your health can compound the original stress and hold you back from recovering.

Contributed with thanks to Judy Porter from SHIIFT

‍

With Gary Simpson, Councillor for Division 5

Hello everyone,

The beginning of the year is just flying by and I’m excited to share some Division 5 news with our community.

Just call me ‘Good News Gary’ because we have just received some important funding from the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund (QRRRF) to upgrade the Cantamessa Road Bridge in Strathdickie.

The bridge was badly damaged in the 2017 Cyclone Debbie event, but up until now, it has never been eligible for flood damage funding.

This bridge is an essential lifeline to our community. Not only do local farmers rely on it to safely transport heavy equipment and machinery during crushing season, but it also serves as a detour option should Strathdickie Road be closed.

I am grateful for the support of my fellow Councillors that we have finally managed to obtain grant funding of $144,000 from the QRRRF. That grant along with the $16,000 contribution from Council ensures a safe passage for all.

In other news, I am proud to say that the first Community Catch-up will be happening at the Dingo Beach Community Centre on Wednesday, March 1, from 9am – 11am.

This will be a great opportunity for Councillors and our senior Council staff to catch-up with local residents face to face and to listen to your needs and aspirations for the future.

I am also excited that investigations are underway for the Dingo Beach – Hydeaway Bay walking track, and I am advocating strongly to deliver a positive outcome for residents.

The application is currently waiting for sign-off by the powers that be in Brisbane, so fingers crossed we will have some good news soon.

It will be wonderful to see these two individual communities brought together in this way. I for one, cannot wait to explore the track with my family.

I can’t wait to catch up with those of you that can make it on March 1. I am so proud to live in our region and will do everything I can to make sure our residents are too.

Cheers

Cr Gary

‍

One of Australia’s biggest breakfast shows spent a day on the shores of the Whitsundays’ far north to promote the region last week through its daily weather broadcast.

The TODAY Show’s weather presenter Tim Davies introduced national audiences to Bowen and its variety of experiences on Thursday.

The top of the Whitsundays went all out in its television spotlight, having Mr Davies drop in at some iconic spots including Rose Bay and The Big Mango, and some lesser-known locales.

The TODAY Show journalist stopped by Stackelroth Farms for a beekeeping lesson courtesy of Bowen Police Sergeant Michelle O’Regan, local business Smile Kitesurf took Mr Dvies out on the water to showcase their tours and kitesurfing adventures, and Bowen State School kids and Principal Christien Payne came along later, as well as their school mascot – Kindawri.

And he wasn’t the only mascot, Bowen Tourism and Business’ Kenny the Kensington Pride Mango made a guest appearance alongside Manager Leanne Abernathy and Committee Chair Jenn Honnery at The Big Mango Visitor Information Centre.

Ms Abernathy and Ms Honory put the spotlight on Bowen’s most famous commodity, decking Tim out with some mango socks, a hat, and a fishing shirt – which he gladly put on for the segment.

“It was a little blowy as Bowen is famous for on the day that the TODAY Show came, but the community turnout just made such a fantastic atmosphere for Tim and the crew,” Ms Honnery said.

“We could show them how much we love Bowen and the feedback so far is it was a fantastic snapshot of what people can expect when they come here to visit.”

TODAY Show was already visiting the Whitsundays as part of a Wonders of the Whitsundays campaign to showcase the region, which Bowen Tourism and Business contributed financially to see the region have its own “morning on air”.

Mr Davies said it was another opportunity in his career to show off operators and spend another occasion at the Big Mango.

"Everyone knows the Big Mango, I've been there many times and I looked up on my phone all the different occasions I've been there and all the haircuts and all the different people I've been there with," Mr Davies said.

"It's one of those landmarks that is very recognisable. Bowen is such a massive producer of tomatoes, capsicums, and that honey, and if we can highlight that to the nation, even if they're passing through, it's a pin drop in their brain. If from memory they can say, 'I think you can go and do this in Bowen', that's job done for us.

“That is so important to have in an Australian breakfast program, that’s the real DNA of our segment. I love the Whitsundays – it’s my happy place.”

‍

For Jessica Volker, a Bowen local and ex-dentistry student, becoming an organic farmer in the Lower Don was not in the script.

Yet the now treasurer of Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, agronomic scientist, and consultant is in her third season of owning and operating her farm: Bio Lower Don Organics.

"I did not think my husband and I were going to be farmers – I never thought that would happen but it is seriously the best thing we have ever done,” Mrs Volker said.

Mrs Volker, although growing up in the horticultural hotspot of Bowen, had no experience in the agricultural world. Instead, her expertise was as a young dental assistant in town – eventually moving to the Gold Coast to study the profession.

“The thing I loved about dentistry was helping someone who was coming to see you – to get someone out of a jam, in a sense,” she said.

“When I started studying, I had to do a lot of science subjects, which ended up being agricultural. That was when it clicked that I loved agriculture and made the switch to agronomy.

“Now I’m helping farmers out of a jam in a way. I'm the go-to when you have a problem. It's like what I liked about dentistry but very different; only it still a people-person sort of job where you’re solving a problem.”

Mrs Volker moved back to Bowen to work in agricultural consultancy before starting her farm with her husband, Luke. The pair knew they “had to do something different” to stand out in Bowen.

“That’s why we decided to go certified organic,” she said.

“What we love about farming is the lifestyle it has given us. It’s a back-to-basics job. It’s lovely being out there planting and picking, it’s cliché to say but it’s very wholesome and special.”

With eggplant, tomato, chilli, mangos, and more, Mrs Volker and her family have found their passion in the Lower Don.

‍

As the Whitsundays slowly moves into its cooler months, locals are getting ready to start growing, especially in the horticultural hub of Bowen.

Scott Raisbeck at Bowen Small Motors and Cycles said he was expecting major interest in his store’s products during what is the “biggest season of the year for all things garden equipment”.

“Next season of growing, that’s going to be big for outdoor power equipment, blowers, snippers, mowers, and everything we’ve got,” Scott said.

“What we always see around this time of year is a massive increase in the demand for these products, and rightfully so; it’s all about growing and gardening at this time of year.”

But Bowen Small Motors and Cycles doesn’t just cover the entire stock range - including Hustler, Stihl, Hansa, Bushranger, Honda, and more – it also repairs all outdoor power equipment, a demand which has seen Scott hire some new staff.

“With more staff now, we’re able to deal with the oncoming demand,” he said.

“It’s obvious how a few extra hands around the place can help you with turnaround time with repairs and keep the customers happy, as well as us ticking along.”

Scott said that, despite the cooling down, residents needed to be wary of cyclone season’s capacity to rear its ugly head in March.

“Staying on top of your generators in case we get a cyclone coming through in that part of the year– which still occurs,” he said.

“Those generators might need some looking into and certainly might need replacing.”

And despite the gloom of potential weather events, the Bowen Small Motors and Cycles owner was eager to remember that cooler weather is the perfect time to get out on your bike – another service that the all-in-one shop stop was more than happy to oblige with.

‍