In the waiting room of a Mackay doctor’s surgery in the early 1990s, a GP called the name of his next patient, Bente, pronounced “Benta”.

When two women who shared the name responded, a decades-long friendship began.

The women, Bente McDonald and Bente Christensen, spent the next few minutes conversing in their native Danish, much to the amusement of the waiting doctor.

They discoverIn the waiting room of a Mackay doctor’s surgery in the early 1990s, a GP called the name of his next patient, Bente, pronounced “Benta”.

When two women who shared the name responded, a decades-long friendship began.

The women, Bente McDonald and Bente Christensen, spent the next few minutes conversing in their native Danish, much to the amusement of the waiting doctor.

They discovered that they were both born four months apart and, as children, lived in the same town of Hareskov, on the outskirts of Copenhagen, Denmark.

It wasn’t until that chance meeting on the other side of the world that the beautiful friendship flourished, with the pair agreeing that they were commonly confused for one another.

Bente McDonald’s family migrated from Denmark to Mackay when she was 12 years old.

She now lives in Walkerston, where she worked as Walkerston Library Coordinator for 32 years before retiring in 2017, the year both women celebrated their 70th birthdays.

Ms McDonald’s passion for literature continues to this day through her involvement in Walkerston Rotary's Little Libraries, erecting ten little libraries in the beautiful front gardens of Walkerston and surrounds over the past four years.

Bente Christensen came to the area later, migrating to Australia in 1972 with her husband at the time.

After living in Ipswich and Glenden, they moved to the Mackay region in 1991 as Ms Christensen wanted to concentrate on her ceramics and establish a gallery in Mackay.

They moved into the old general store in North Eton where Ms Christensen opened the North Eton Pottery Store and Gallery, the chance for a coffee and chat just as alluring to friends and customers as her bright, practical pottery.

The North Eton store was the first property Ms Christensen inspected, saying she fell in love with the area on sight.

“The valley quite reminds me of Denmark in one sense,” Ms Christensen said in 1993.

“You go a little way and there’s one little town, go again and there’s another town and, if you visualise the cane as wheat, it’s very similar.”

Ms Christensen sold the store around 20 years ago, moving to Mackay and continuing her creative pursuits in the way of silk screening projects and photography.

Sadly, Ms Christensen passed away in November 2022.

Ms McDonald was in Denmark at the time, where she regularly visits her two children and grandchildren who now live there.

She joined the funeral via a live stream and returned for a moving Scattering of the Ashes Ceremony held at a later date.

“I don't think my brain has, even now, caught up with the fact that Bente is no longer here to get together with and have a good old conversation with, in both of our languages,” said Ms McDonald.

“It is immensely sad not to have my funny, crazy, very clever friend, and namesake, around anymore.

“I am sure the lovely Bente Christensen would also have had a big smile, wherever in the universe she may be.”

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Last year, Walkerston Rotary Club member Col Baldock joined Rockhampton Fitzroy Rotary club members, other Rotarians and non-Rotarians for a ten-day trip to Cambodia’s Phnom Penh and Siem Reap regions.

The Rocky Fitzroy club has several projects going on in these areas, building schools, establishing water wells to supply water for a handful of residences; and also educating and supplying birthing kits and delivering sanitary kits for women and girls, supplied by Walkerston Rotary’s affiliated group Mackay Days for Girls. Donations-in-kind such as repurposed stretchers and first aid kits were also presented.

A stand-out event was the Rotarian volunteers who delivered and fitted the Helping Hands prosthetics which have been produced for landmine victims in Cambodia, as well as Sri Lanka, Kenya and Laos.

A short but extremely interesting tour of the local area was also presented as part of the visit. Vision Cambodia coordinates this project.

As a result of Col Baldock’s promotion of his visit to Cambodia, the Rotary Club of Walkerston has donated financial support to the Vision Cambodia Organization to assist with building schools and water wells in rural areas of Cambodia (RAOAF).

The next Cambodia trip, to assist with this project, is planned for April 2023.

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Col Baldock in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Fitting a Helping Hand prosthetic

Installing a water well

Rotary members in Cambodia

The time has nearly come for the Great Barrier Reef Arena (GBRA) to officially open!

With the launch of Mackay’s own world-class sport, entertainment and leisure destination, there’s a chance for you to be a part of history.

Harrup Park have just released exclusive GBRA Foundation Memberships. This includes a 25-year membership to the club, a GBRA foundation members card, along with an engraved plaque with your name on it to be installed on a stadium chair.

General Manager, Adrian Young mentioned, “the opportunity to become a foundation member only happens once in a lifetime, the Arena is a great asset for the Mackay region and we can’t wait to share what we have in store over the next few years.”

Australian Cricket Legend, Michael Kasprowicz has been working with the GBRA team to develop new opportunities for the Arena and region. Kasprowicz believes, “with the Great Barrier Reef Arena’s state of the art facilities, it gives Mackay the ability to host cricket at any level, and it’s very exciting for a centre such as Mackay.”

Adrian Young stated, “without the ongoing support of the community, the GBRA wouldn’t have been possible.

“We wanted plaques on the chairs as a reminder of why this project started in the first place.”

To get your own piece of the Great Barrier Reef Arena, you can purchase your Foundation Membership here, http://bit.ly/3HaGAo3

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Australian Cricket Legend, Michael Kasprowicz and Harrup Park General Manager Adrian Young

Friday January 20 is my last official day of holidays, and I must now return to work on Monday, and yes, the kids must return to school too! Ha-ha!

Let’s just say I’ve had a great couple of weeks off exploring Mackay and the Whitsundays. I’ve been up to Airlie, stayed in a tent at Eungella (before the big wet), drank way too much coffee at home while eating bacon and eggs for breakfast, after sleeping in.

I’ve even taken a quick trip down to Sydney to spend a week with Dad. He’s had a difficult 18 months since Mum left us, so it was good to spend some quality time with him. We watched a bit of cricket together, took a drive up to Lithgow to say hello to Mum, and we also ate way too much, but hey, that’s holidays right?

I reckon if I weighed myself today, I would have put on a few kilos over the holidays for sure.

Are you in the same situation? Ate too much but haven’t done the extra exercise to lose it?

I guess you may see it with the numbers on the floor scales, but I want to ask, does it really matter? Does the number matter?

I reckon if you look at yourself in front of the mirror in the bedroom, do you like what you see? If it’s a yes, stuff the number. If it’s a no, well, change something. Simples.

I look at myself in the mirror every day in South Mackay and I giggle when I see myself. I laugh because, well why wouldn't you when your head looks like a smashed crab caught in Cremorne.

With the return of work on Monday and a new year of fun on the radio, comes heaps of new and exciting things to do and play with. I’m sure I’ll get to play plenty of music, have a few laughs and most importantly find out from you what makes your life tick.

That’s why I love what I do.

I wish you and yours a fabulous 2023 and all that comes with it.

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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Firstly, before I begin my column, I would like to take this opportunity to wish our residents a most wonderful new year.  My hope for all is for 2023 to be filled with new opportunities, new goals, new dreams, and successes.

One of the most rewarding areas of my role as a councillor, is being involved in local government committees that benefit our community.

One of those committees I am proud to be involved in is the Community Grants Assessment Committee.  These grants assist local, not-for-profit community groups/and or volunteers of organisations who make positive contributions to the quality of life for people within their community, an opportunity to provide better facilities or equipment which they could not otherwise afford.

During my term so far, we have allocated funds to local sporting and community clubs and groups for requests as diverse as ride-on mowers, defibrillators, computerware, to upgrades of facilities to assist with the elderly (disability toilets), extensions and renovations.

Councillors have received invitations to visit these organisations on completion of their projects, and there is certainly a feeling of pride to realize the small role you played in the process of providing a positive outcome for these often-small not-for-profit organisations.

Categories available are as follows:

● Small Equipment Grant – up to $1,500

● Community Grant - up to $7,500

● Minor Asset Grant Category - up to $30,000

● Minor Infrastructure Grant Category - up to $30,000

If you are a not-for-profit organisation and require funding to assist with your project, I encourage you to visit the following website, which will provide you with the Grant Application Form, Grant Guidelines and the Community Grants Help Guide: mackay.smartygrants.com.au

If you have any further questions regarding the application process or guidelines, please contact council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) during business hours or email leah.chambers@mackay.qld.gov.au

Applications are now open for the first round for 2023 and will close at midnight, February 3.

Good luck and I wish you every success in your application.

Cr Pauline Townsend

Mackay Regional Council

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Kath and Kim Drag Bingo is coming to the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre Friday, February 17th 2023 - hosted by Sydney Drag Queen’s foxiest morons: Prada Clutch and Conchita Grande.

Prada and Conchita have been touring New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory with their Kath and Kim themed drag bingo playing to full houses of fanatical Kath and Kim fans – and now they’re enroute to Mackay!

“We started touring just as COVID-19 hit our shores. The pandemic changed our plans slightly but despite this we’ve been touring the show since 2020.” Prada says.

One thousand dollars cash and prizes are given away each night whilst punters play absolutely hilarious games of drag bingo that you would expect to hear on the main stage at Westfield Fountain Gate.

“Come along dressed as your favourite Kath and Kim character to win our fancy dress prize – who knows you may even go home with our major $1,000 cash prize!” Prada says.

As well as hosting Kath and Kim themed drag bingo Prada and Conchita perform to Kath and Kim favourites that you know and love.

“Performing the chart-topping hit as seen on TV at The Logies, is definitely a highlight of the night.” Prada says.

If you’re looking for a fun night out that will leave you in stitches and maybe even a little more effluent, then this is the show for you, Hornbags!

What: Sydney Drag Queen presents Kath & Kim Drag Bingo

When: Friday 17 February, 8pm

Where: MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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The RSL Farleigh and Northern Beaches Sub Branch will hold its monthly meeting next Wednesday, January 25 at the Northern Beaches Bowls Club, commencing at 6:30pm.

Sub Branch President Cameron Dorward said the Sub Branch is always looking for new members.

“Younger veterans have got different needs and we need a transgression of younger members to take it on and keep it going for the next 100 years,” he said.

“The reason the organisation has survived so long is because of the ongoing commitment of service personnel and we need to keep that going.”

Contact Mr Dorward on 0488 425 557 or email Ruth Wickham at secretary@farleigh.rslqld.net.au for more information.

Caring for our Defence Family.

WHAT: RSL Farleigh and Northern Beaches Sub Branch Meeting

WHERE: Northern Beaches Bowls Club

WHEN: Wednesday, January 25 at 6:30pm

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The Ambassador Hotel is a stunning entertainment venue in Mackay, renowned for its fascinating historical background. Hosting a variety of special events such as outside festivals, parties and celebrations, corporate events and charity fundraisers, the Ambassador is sure to create an unforgettable experience this Australia Day Eve.

On Wednesday 25th Jan from 6 pm, MOJO Rooftop Bar at the Ambassador, will be opened to showcase the real Aussie spirit. Everyone is welcome to come wearing their best Australia Day outfit, bikinis and boardies included, to indulge in Smirnoff Slushies and traditional Aussie snacks like meat pies and sausage rolls. Adding to the Aussie-style celebration, DJ Funky will be on the decks pumping out tunes from 7pm. And since Thursday is a public holiday, why not kickstart the weekend a little early?

Mackay's only rooftop bar, MOJO, promises the perfect evening out with stunning views of the Pioneer River and a vibrant atmosphere. Open every Friday and Saturday, MOJO offers top-notch service and an extensive selection of cocktails. The tranquil evening bar transitions into party central as the lights dim down and the DJ music commences. MOJO is the crown jewel of the Ambassador Hotel and is the perfect destination for a night out special event or celebration.

The Ambassador offers two other entertainment venues which can be found on the lower level of the hotel. LUSH function room and G's Bar, bursting with personality, are an ideal place for a range of events from hens, bucks and birthday celebrations to comedy nights and office parties, tailored to suit all demographics and planners. Both venues can be privately hired for any day of the week.

Everyone is invited to come and celebrate Australia Day Eve on Wednesday, 25th of January at the Ambassador Hotel starting from 6pm. For function or event enquiries, email enquiry@ambassadorhotel.net.au or phone 4957 7522.
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On Australia Day Eve enjoy cocktails from Mojo’s rooftop bar

Wet weather provides a perfect excuse for a game of cards and Mackay Contract Bridge Club are inviting visitors to come and learn the game of bridge on Australia Day.

While members will be playing their regular bridge, the Come and Try Day invites guests to come and watch, learn how the game is played and even pick up some cards and have a go.

Joy Block and her husband have been playing bridge for two years and still consider themselves beginners, saying the club has been very welcoming.

“It’s very challenging, it keeps your mind going,” Ms Block said.

“We’re a very friendly club, lots of lovely people there.

“If you love cards, you’ll just love bridge, but it is challenging, it’s not an easy game, you have to be persistent.”

People of all ages are welcome to participate, with the club’s youngest member being 10 years old.

“It probably helps if you’ve played cards of some description before, but you don’t need to have any specific knowledge because it’s different to any game that anybody’s probably played,” Ms Block said.

A free morning tea and sausage sizzle will also be on offer thanks to sponsorship from the Mackay Regional Council.

For more information, email mcbc@mackaybridgeclub.org.au or call Anne on 0439 436 533.

WHAT: Mackay Contract Bridge Club Come and Try Day

WHERE: 414 Shakespeare Street, West Mackay

WHEN: Thursday, January 26 from 10:00am to 2:00pm

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Mackay Contract Bridge Club invites visitors to come and try bridge this Australia Day

Hi Everyone,

I am writing this Editor’s Note from Mackay where I have been ‘stranded’ for the past four days, working to get this newspaper to print while my five-year-old son asks seemingly endless questions about Minecraft, and other subjects I know nothing about!

A particular highlight was Monday morning when I was talking to our local Member for Whitsundays, Amanda Camm, and he kept interrupting because he really wanted me to peel him a pear!

Fortunately, she was understanding, and his interruption only brief.

Since then, we have reached an agreement – no talking to mummy when she is on the phone.

Despite the challenges it has been nice spending this last week of school holidays with him and, as we have been ‘stranded’ at my partner’s house, we have been very comfortable.

Sadly, many others affected by the flooding have not been as comfortable – hundreds of travellers have been forced to stay at local shelters, emergency services have been working around the clock and Mayor Julie Hall told me on Tuesday that she had just slept the night in her office.

While the flooding illustrates some of the worst that nature can deliver, it has also shown us some of the best in our human nature.

Over the past week there have been almost too many stories to tell about the kindness of individuals, volunteers, emergency service personnel and Council staff rallying around to help those affected by the floods.

We have included a few of them here in a special extended Good Deed Feed which highlights the amazing service provided by the Local Disaster Coordination Centres.

Stay safe,

Rach

Quote of the Week “If you cannot feed a hundred people then just feed one” (Mother Theresa)

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As the floodwaters surrounded our communities and the main highway was cut off, both to the north and the south, much of the Whitsundays became like an island where many people were marooned and unable to return home.

Stranded without any provisions and with local accommodation quickly reaching capacity, the Disaster Management Group, operated by the Whitsunday Regional Council, jumped into action opening two local Disaster Coordination Centres.

The first site to be activated was at the Bowen PCYC on Sunday and over the course of three days 400 people used the emergency shelter, 200 of which stayed overnight.

People slept in cars in the carpark, others camped inside the centre using the blankets, linin and hot showers provided.

Proserpine Entertainment Centre was the second shelter to be opened on Monday night, welcoming over 50 people.

Mayor Julie Hall, who is also the Chair of the Disaster Management Group, said she was pleased with the overall response.

“As the Mayor, I am proud of the community who all pulled together to help people in need,” she said.

In both locations there was a staggering amount of support from local businesses and individuals who volunteered their time.

From local supermarkets delivering provisions to the pizza shop arriving with hot pizzas, individuals bringing in spare linen, homemade lasagnes and dozens of crockpots overflowing with hot food and kindness.

Stranded motorist, Troy Hankin, who had been moving from Toowoomba to Townsville with his four children, said that he had never experienced such compassion.

“I think I’ve put on a few kilos while I’ve been here!” he joked after three nights at the Bowen PCYC.

“The kids love it here so much they don’t want to leave!

“I’d like to thank all the volunteers from the bottom of our hearts – thank you for your generosity – Bowen is a great little place and we will definitely be back!”

Sergeant Michelle O’Regan from the Bowen PCYC was on the scene throughout the event and didn’t return home until 4am on the first night.

She said it was incredible to see how, what could have been a traumatic experience, turned into something truly special.

The local vets brought dog food for any stranded pets, a volunteer arrived to conduct a yoga class and Bowen Tourism invited all the children to the Big Mango to enjoy a mango sorbet.

“For a lot of the kids, instead of it being about the tragedy, it was more about the adventure!” she said.

Councillor Michelle Wright was also at the Bowen PCYC throughout the event and said she was overwhelmed to see the generosity of the local community.

“I think we’ve got six croc pots on the go out the back there!” she said on Monday evening.

“We have a really generous community and it’s times like these we realise how lucky we are for everyone to band together when needed most.”

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Troy Hankin and his four children spent three nights at the Bowen PCYC shelter

Well fed pets and their owners found comfort at the shelter

Hot pizza was delivered for all to enjoy

Children ate delicious mango sorbet thanks to Bowen Tourism

Special deliveries kept on coming

The R.U.B.Y. crew

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Following a period of community consultation, the proposed site of the new Cannonvale Fire Station has been approved and will be constructed on the vacant plot of land on the corner of McArthur Drive and Shute Harbour Road.

The new station design is pending final approval and is being modified in response to the community consultation which raised some concerns of noise and light pollution potentially affecting homeowners on the residentially zoned block.

Acting Chief Superintendent Fire and Rescue, Clint Tunnie, said that fire stations are designed to be put in an urban interface and that there will be no impact to local residents.

“It is not unusual to have Fire Stations in residential areas,” he said.

“If anything, it is a positive and there will be no negative impact on local residents.”

The Cannonvale site was selected to best serve the growing population and its location was decided by using a ‘response isotope’ that examines the ability of the Fire Station to best serve the community.

“It was assessed according to factors like being close to where most calls are coming from and our ability to get the fire trucks across town or out to the highway to help people as quickly as possible,” said Superintendent Tunnie.

It was determined that the new central location will allow local fire services to be as quick and efficient as possible.

Superintendent Tunnie said that the station is not 24 hour and will therefore only be open during the day unless there is an emergency.

“Only four staff work there all day and training is just once a week,” he said.

“The bulk of this training is done out in the community, because that’s where we learn most.”

During the community consultation phase residents had the opportunity to participate in one-on-one feedback.

As a result, there have been changes made to outdoor lighting among other modifications to the station design.

“We now have a further community engagement plan and anyone in the community is welcome to make contact,” said Superintendent Tunnie.

“We are always happy to sit down and talk to you.”

Dates for the completion of the final design or commencement of construction are yet to be confirmed.

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Airlie Beach Fire Fighters Blair Mitchell, Station Officer Rees May, Fire Fighter Andrew Neil, Station Officer Paul Pfeifer and Fire Fighter Nick Bellinger. Photo: Rachael Smith

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Supermarket shelves are bare, tourists have been unable to make domestic and connecting international flights, the hospital has been inaccessible by land and hundreds of motorists have been stranded between flood waters.

While this amount of rainfall will undoubtedly set new local records, the annual wet season in the Whitsundays is nothing new to our region.

Each year we can expect a deluge of torrential rain to fall between January and March, but while other regions may have flood mitigation infrastructure in place, the Whitsunday’s roads remain vulnerable to flooding.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said that this is despite studies and funding already allocated to address the frequent flooding issues in key areas like Hamilton Plains.

“I am not happy at all that nothing has been done to prevent Hamilton Plains from flooding,” he said.

“When I was mayor, I fought for funding for this and with the previous Member for Dawson George Christiansen, we got the money, had it in the Federal Budget and lots of studies have been done.

“This project really needs to get moving!”

Mr Willcox said that it is occasions like this that remind us all how vulnerable we are.

“Now we find ourselves in a situation where a major area has been cut-off – the Bruce Highway is a major highway for produce to go south and all the suppliers to come up north,” he said.

In regards to Hamilton Plains, Mr Willcox says he is extremely frustrated that nothing has been done to mitigate the floods during an extreme weather event.

“The money has already been provided!” he said.

“We just need the state government to get on and do the work – this is something that I will be pushing hard for – it’s simply not good enough.”

This week, the highway south of Proserpine near Goorganga Plains and Lethebrook was closed for five days after extensive flooding caused a B-Double truck to get stranded in flood waters.

Regional roads through Mount Julian and Strathdickie were closed from Monday until Tuesday afternoon.

Further north, roads opened from Proserpine to Bowen on Tuesday afternoon, along with access through to Townsville.

At the time of going to print on Wednesday afternoon, the Bruce Highway from Proserpine to Mackay was still closed along with the only access road to Whitsunday Coast Airport.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said that she will ensure infrastructure is repaired as soon as possible.

“We’ve contacted the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, who also take part in our local disaster management group meetings, and they’re aware of the impacts to the infrastructure in our region,” she said.

“We’ll be seeking their assistance and I look forward to working with them during our region’s recovery.”

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Hamilton Plains has funding allocated for flood mitigation but nothing has been done

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Authorities are warning swimmers to be especially careful in the ocean during stinger season with records showing stinger instances in our region have already surpassed last years’ numbers and that we have over ten times the amount when compared to Mackay.

So far this stinger season, which runs from November through to May, local hospitals have recorded 13 Irukandji sting cases.

This is the same number that was recorded for the whole year in the 2021/22 season and we are only half way through the same period this year.

While Mackay have recorded just two Irukandji sting cases, Proserpine Hospital has seen nine cases, while Bowen Hospital has seen four.

Bowen Hospital Senior Medical Officer Dr Michael Reinke said the four Irukandji stings experienced in Bowen occurred at Gray’s Bay.

“We know it’s hot and that the best way to cool down is by going for a swim, but people need to be aware that there are stingers and jellyfish about,” Dr Reinke said.

“Protective clothing such as stinger suits and wetsuits will significantly reduce your risk of being stung.

“People should also try to swim in patrolled areas and know first aid.”

Residents are advised that it could be difficult to work out which species of jellyfish had caused a sting, so if in doubt, to treat a sting as if it was potentially serious by dousing in vinegar, carefully removing tentacles if present and rinsing with seawater, and seeking medical attention.

Symptoms of an Irukandji sting may not be immediate and can appear five to 45 minutes later.

Irukandji Sting Symptoms

• Severe backache or headache

• Shooting pains in muscles, chest and abdomen

• Nausea, anxiety and restlessness

• Vomiting and breathing difficulties

• In some cases heart damage and failure

First Aid Steps:

1. Call for help - Dial 000 for an Ambulance

2. Treat the sting - Pour vinegar onto sting, remove tentacles, rinse with seawater

3. Emergency care - Administer CPR if needed

4. Seek medical aid - Transport to hospital

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Bowen Hospital Senior Medical Officer Dr Michael Reinke

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Whitsunday Coast Airport is thrilled to announce that new airline, Bonza, is about to make its maiden voyage to Whitsunday shores following its successful partnership with the Sunshine Coast based company.

Bonza announced this week that it has been granted its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and now that they have received the final tick of approval they are making preparations for tickets to go on sale.

Whitsunday Regional Council Chief Operating Officer for Aviation and Tourism, Craig Turner said he is excited to finally be able to announce the news.

“Bonza’s first flight will be from the Sunshine Coast to the Whitsundays,” he said.

“We will put on a big welcome for them, their CEO and owners, and it will be an unbelievable showcase of our region to the rest of the world.

“Tickets are going on sale soon and we would love to see a flight land sometime in January.”

Bonza, Australia’s only independent low-cost carrier, announced that its initial route map will include 17 destinations and 27 routes – 93 per cent of which are not currently served by any other airline and 96 per cent of which currently have no low-cost carrier.

Whitsunday residents will soon be able to travel direct to the Sunshine Coast, Newcastle and Toowoomba.

Sunshine Coast flights will be coming to the Whitsundays three times a week and there will be flights to Newcastle twice a week.

Once more aircraft become operational, direct flights to Toowoomba will be introduced twice weekly.

Tim Jordan, Chief Executive Officer of Bonza said this is an historic moment for Australian aviation.

“The excitement for what we are about to deliver is palpable and the timing couldn’t be better,” he said.

“Demand for domestic travel is high and Aussies deserve for travel to be a basic right for many, not a luxury for the few. This has never been truer with today’s cost of living challenges.”

Key facts

• The inaugural Bonza flight will be landing in the Whitsundays

• The first flight is expected to arrive by the end of this month

• Bonza is Australia’s only independent low-cost carrier

• One-hour flights are expected to cost as little as $50

• Bonza will fly from the Whitsundays to Sunshine Coast, Newcastle and Toowoomba direct

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Whitsundays announced as first Bonza destination

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