Sigh, weather chaos strikes the Whitsundays Region yet again, impacting businesses, visitors and residents alike. To be fair, whilst we are not the only region affected, some of the localised flooding is so predictable it is becoming boring. Surely it is time to apply some simple fixes to Goorganga and Hamilton plains – even if the cost of raising the road is prohibitive – surely some extra culvert drains would make a huge difference in key areas. Let’s not hold our breath.

After such a cracker festive season, the deluge has certainly challenged businesses trying to restart after a break and also those trying to deal with lack of supplies and stranded visitors – but they are scenarios we have faced and dealt with many times before.

The Chamber kicked off the “networking season” with an evening event on Thursday focussing on the impacts that the recent Fair Work Legislation Amendment will have on businesses. There are major industrial relations changes that have been implemented and need to be complied with.

Joanna Minchington, CCIQ General Manager for workplace relations was invited to outline the changes and what is required to remain compliant. She was able to address any concerns and answer questions from the floor.

With significant changes in Gender Pay Equality, Flexible Work Arrangements, Pay Secrecy, Fixed Term Contracts, Enterprise Agreements, Anti-Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and the introduction of paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave, it was an important event for all small businesses.

Keep an eye out for further details soon.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Coast Chamber President Allan Milostic.

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Coral Sea Marina Resort has started 2023 on a high by once again being awarded the 5 Gold Anchor Platinum accreditation.  

The Platinum level accreditation is the highest possible accolade under the Marina Industries Association’s (MIA) Global Gold Anchor Scheme and is reserved for marinas that provide exceptional guest experiences, high-quality facilities and outstanding service.

“Coral Sea Marina Resort again sets the bar for Gold Anchor marina standards, with service and facilities that continue to exceed the expectations of its tenants and guests,” said Marina Industries Association CEO Suzanne Davies.

“What’s so impressive is that the marina team continue to look at ways to better their facilities, whether it be the service they provide, the facilities or their environmental and community initiatives.”

This spectacular start to the new year comes off the back of a hugely successful 2022 when Coral Sea Marina won the prestigious ACREW Superyacht Business Award for World’s Best Superyacht Marina 2022.

After record-breaking marina occupancy levels during the winter cruising season, the year finished with a bang with Coral Sea Marina also becoming one of the first marinas in Australia to accredit under the Marina Industries Association’s newly launched Superyacht Ready Scheme.

“Superyacht visitation to the Whitsundays has grown exponentially over the last three years and our Superyacht services and facilities have likewise been enhanced to meet that demand,” said Coral Sea Marina CEO Kate Purdie.

“The addition of our new MIA Superyacht Ready accreditation gives captains and owners that extra vote of confidence that they have chosen the premier Superyacht marina in the region to accommodate their needs.”

Bookings for 2023 are stronger than ever and the marina is ready to showcase why the Whitsundays is the destination of choice for boating enthusiasts on Australia’s east coast.  

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Coral Sea Marina’s Superyacht berthing facilities

The Marina Village is also world class. Photos supplied

Council has a Community Grants Program which provides financial support for local sports, arts and non-for-profit groups in the region.

Last year, Council contributed $1.9 million in community grants. Round 2 is currently open until February 17.

To find out more go to whitsundayrc.gov.au and search the Grant Finder.

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I would like to start by wishing a very Happy New year to all our community and visitors to the region.

2022 was a year of positive change for me, as I learnt new skills and stepped into my exciting role as Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council. I would like to thank you all for your continued support since my election.

I am excited to kick start 2023 by celebrating the inaugural Whitsunday Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremonies. The ceremonies will be held after the Australia Day, Our Whitsunday Way Family Fun Day which will take place at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre form 10am – 1pm, on January 26.

The family fun day will kick off the Australia Day celebrations with free family activities for all to enjoy, as well as live music, craft workshops and a free sausage sizzle. It will also include a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony to acknowledge Australia’s First Nations people.

This year, Councillors and I voted to combine the separate awards ceremonies across the region to create one inclusive and united regional event. Collinsville will still host their traditional Australia Day Breakfast and Award Ceremony from 7am at the Community Centre.

The Australia Day award ceremonies honour the members of our community who continue to go above and beyond to make our region a better place. I am incredibly honoured to be able to present the awards this year and to give my personal thanks to these amazing community champions.

The citizenship ceremonies offer us a chance to welcome our new residents into our beautiful region with open arms and celebrate the diversity of our wonderful community. The beauty of the Whitsunday region comes not only from our landscape and scenery, but also from the people that call this place home.

The year ahead is set to be an exciting one, with a number projects on track to help our region prosper such as the Bicentennial Board Walk upgrade, Choose Collinsville Streetscaping plan, Richmond Road floodway upgrade in Bowen and additional grey water storage at Lake Proserpine.

I wish you all a wonderful 2023 and hope to see you at the Australia Day celebrations on Thursday.

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One couple’s journey to bringing natural and organic produce to the Whitsundays while simultaneously reducing single-use plastic has come a long way since they first opened the doors of Airlie Health Hub a year ago.

During this time, Hayley and Paul Moran have challenged and transformed the daily habits of many local residents by gently educating them on the merits of new shopping methods than can easily be adopted by household.

By supplying bulk goods, their customers can buy as little or as much of any product they choose.

This gives them complete flexibility and freedom to either invest in a staple or buy the tiniest amount for a single recipe.

Every item in-store is also either natural or organic and sourced as locally as possible.  

With over 300 products in stock, you can choose from pantry staple items, dried fruits, nuts, pulses, superfoods, spices, flours, rice pastas and dairy products.

They also stock locally baked artisan sough dough bread, fresh eggs direct from local farms, a range of other pantry items and completely natural cleaning products.

“You don’t need to know a lot about organic produce to find something you will like here,” said Hayley.

“We have so many items that almost anyone could benefit from – simply come in and have a chat with us – it can be a bit overwhelming at first because it’s new – but we can explain everything and together we can find out how it suits your lifestyle.”

Saving The Environment, Protecting The Future

At Health Hub they are not only concerned with what you put into your body, they are also concerned with how it gets onto your plate.

Every time you purchase a natural or organic item from Health Hub you will also be helping the environment by using a recycled jar or bottle with which to transport your produce home.

Wicker shopping baskets are available to borrow in-store and they supply a collection of donated jars and bottles that can be used to store your purchased goodies.

Over the past year Health Hub are proud to have saved 22,573 one-litre bottles from being used thanks to their natural cleaning products and personal care range.

During this time, a total of 724 bottles of local honey has been purchased.

In addition, 4,620 kilograms of local produce has been sold without using a single piece of plastic.

Hayley and Paul have also saved thousands of jars and bottle from reaching landfill through their jar donation program which encourages anyone to drop in their used items for re-use in store.

“We believe this cycle is very important,” said Hayley.

“It protects our future and by also using organic products we can help encourage better farming practices, protecting the biodiversity of our environment.”

Here’s what we did this year:

• 22,573 one litre plastic bottles

• Sold 724 Litres of local honey

• Sold 4620 kilograms of produce without using plastic

Find Food Freedom Again

With an increasing number of people living with food intolerances, Airlie Health Hub are pleased to offer practical and affordable solutions that can give you back your food freedom.

From gluten free pasta and other alternatives designed to suit special dietary requirements, such as sialic and keto, Airlie Health Hub has a wide range of produce for you to browse.

“In a world where so many people have food intolerances, it’s wonderful to help!” said Hayley.

“We had one mum come in who said that her family can finally eat pasta again and that made my day!

“People are also welcome to come in and ask about hard to source items and we’ll do our best to get them for you.”

From special orders to bulk buys, Airlie Health Hub can help.

Healthy Food, Heathy Kids

Local families are increasingly looking to Airlie Health Hub for advice on how to reduce artificial preservatives, colours and other chemicals from their children’s diets.

With many studies now linking preservatives to behavioural issues and other health concerns in children, many parents are choosing to opt for organic, natural produce.

“It’s highly damaging putting preservatives into our bodies and a world without them would be a lot better,” said Hayley.

Preservatives have also been linked to fertility issues and skin conditions.

Airlie Health Hub can help you live a preservative free life by replacing your favourite family food items with equally delicious alternatives.

From peanut butter to confectionary and cereals, they offer organic goodness with taste satisfaction every time.

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Starting a new school term can be a nerve-racking experience that comes with many challenges like settling into a new classroom with a new teacher and classmates, adjusting to new ways of learning, timetables and recreation schedules.

Much of this can seem daunting to your children and, while you wish you could take the nerves away, it is actually better to help them build resilience – that way they know help themselves all the time, even when you’re not there.

Here are some top tips:

• Make connections - Teach your child the importance of engaging and connecting with their peers, including the skill of empathy and listening to others.

• Help your child by having them help others - Children who may feel helpless can feel empowered by helping others. Engage your child in age-appropriate volunteer work or ask for assistance yourself with tasks that they can master.

• Maintain a daily routine - Sticking to a routine can be comforting to children, especially younger children who crave structure in their lives.

• Teach self-care - This may be making more time to eat properly, exercise, and get sufficient sleep. Make sure your child has time to have fun and participate in activities they enjoy.

• Move toward goals - Teach your child to set reasonable goals and help them to move toward them one step at a time. Establishing goals will help children focus on a specific task and can help build the resilience to move forward in the face of challenges.

• Nurture a positive self-view - Help your child remember ways they have successfully handled hardships in the past and help them understand that these past challenges help build the strength to handle future challenges.

• Keep things in perspective and maintain a hopeful outlook - Even when your child is facing challenging events, help them look at the situation in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective.

• Look for opportunities for self-discovery - Tough times are often when children learn the most about themselves. Help your child take a look at how whatever they’re facing can teach them an important lesson.

• Accept change - Help your child see that change is part of life and new goals can replace goals that have become unattainable. It is important to examine what is going well, and to have a plan of action for what is not going well.

Written with thanks to APA.

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A young environmental crusader has been quietly contributing to the protection of our precious local ecosystems by spending her spare time cleaning up beaches and removing marine debris.

A project and a passion that started in her hometown of Warrnambool in Victoria has seen marine biologist, Emily Monacella, bring her skills to the Whitsundays where she continues her study of the type of marine debris that washes up on our shores.

Back in Warrnambool, Emily pioneered projects that created great change within her community.

Over the course of a year, she found 24,000 plastic cotton buds on a single beach in her hometown.

Distraught to see one small item cause so much impact on the environment, Emily lobbied for a change in legislation which led to the ban of single use plastic cotton buds thanks to her ‘Better Bud’ campaign.

Bringing this mindset and motivation to the Whitsundays, Emily has been on countless beach clean-ups since she moved to the area two years ago.

Thanks to her understanding partner, she is able to store the colourful array of discarded plastics in her garage and, instead of letting them return to landfill, she is creating art.

With broken bits of hard plastic, a glue gun and a wooden board she creates aesthetically pleasing designs.

Back in Warrnambool she crafted the pieces into signs that directed people to remote beaches.

Each time she completes a beach clean-up, Emily records and labels her collection and then uploads the results to the marine debris database provided by Tangaroa Blue.

She also traces their origin so she can see where the debris came from.

One of the most common items she finds are Aqua bottle caps which are a popular water bottle in Asia.

Emily is using information from the Whitsundays, studies she did in Warrnambool and also ger mother’s records from Weipa to create a map illustrating their prevalence across Australia.

“If you find any Aqua lids anywhere let me know,” she said.

“We are always looking for more data on where they’ve been found – you can send a message to me on Facebook if you like.”

“Even in the most beautiful regions in the world there is so much debris”

During the day Emily works as a Marine Biologist for Red Cat Adventures, a tour company that also has a passion for protecting the environment.

Thanks to funding from the Great Barrier Marine Park Authority, the company is able to conduct regular reef surveys that Emily conducts.

“When I lived in Thailand I became totally obsessed with coral,” said Emily.

“Then when we moved here and went for a tour with Red Cat it was just amazing!

“We met the team and the next minute I had a job!”

Since then, Emily has been involved with reef restoration projects, coral spawning studies and reef surveys.

Through Red Cat’s ReefSearch programs she heads out into the islands up to twice a week to conduct ‘Eye on the Reef’ studies.

In the coming months, she is hoping they will open the tour up to passengers who might like to contribute to the environment while enjoying a Whitsundays adventure.

“You can inspire people without meaning to inspire people”

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Help make change today:

• Only use reusable plastic bottles and shopping bags

• Look at the ingredients in the cosmetics you are buying – chemicals wash down the drains and into the sea

• Always recycle items and read labels – you can purchase items that are made out of recycled plastic

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Marine Biologist Emily Monacella conducts reef surveys for Red Cat Adventures

A skilled diver, much research takes place under water

Emily spends her spare time on beach clean-up duty

She collects discarded items and stores them in her garage

Marine debris is transformed into colourful pieces of art

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With building labour and supplies in short supply and high demand, along with the rising cost of living, many people are turning to alternatives when building their homes.

One such alternative rising in popularity is the prefabricated, or modular, home.

Modular homes are houses built off-site, usually in an indoor factory-like setting.

They are completed in sections, or modules, according to specific plans.

These sections are then transported to the site where they are assembled by builders and installed into the foundations.

Approximately five per cent of all homes in Australia were modular in 2019 and this is expected to rise to as much as 25 per cent by 2025, but what are the pros and cons?

The glaring benefit of modular homes is the cost: with fewer materials required, less materials wasted and not as many workers needed to complete the job, consumers experience enormous cost savings.

Most prefab homes are also being designed with energy efficiencies in mind, sticking to strict guidelines set by the Australian Building Codes Board that cover off integral components, accessories and fittings to reduce the volume of energy used and water wasted.

Consumers are also realising that a cheaper build does not equate to a lack of quality.

Prefab homes don’t have to lack high-end panache, with modules being transformed into luxury homes and even mansions all over the world.

The boxy design also aligns with architectural trends that have been rising in popularity over the last decade.

One of the bigger expenses involved in modular homes can be transportation.

Land access issues or remote property locations can result in a spike in transportation costs and any damage done to the house on the truck can be difficult to rectify.

Different companies offer different styles of modular homes, breaking the stigma that all modular homes look alike.

They vary in size and design and can be easily customised, making modular homes a great option that allows for style and substance at an affordable price point.

Up to 25 per cent of all homes could be modular by 2025

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When considering small touches to breathe life into a home, eye-catching coffee table books are a terrific way to bring character to spruce up your space.

Near the Beach by Real Living

The Aussie sun, surf and sand are front and centre in Near the Beach, visiting the homes of the country’s most creative coastal-residing stylists, tastemakers and influencers. From Byron Bay to Phillip Island, each of the 20 houses, apartments and surf shacks has a different vibe, be it fresh and minimalistic or moody and textured.

Ken Done: Art Design Life by Amber Creswell Bell and Ken Done

For more than forty years, ad man, artist, designer and entrepreneur Ken Done has chronicled the Australian way with an exuberance that is immediately recognisable. Art Design Life allows readers access into the catalogue of homewares, fashion and designs that defined an era.

Woman Made: Great Women Designers by Jane Hall

Featuring more than 200 designers from more than 50 countries, Woman Made shines a timely light on the fascinating and often overlooked history of women in the field of design, highlighting the most extraordinary objects made by female designers.

Australian Dreamscapes by Claire Takacs

Claire Takacs showcases the varied gardens found in the Australian landscape, from lush green oases to semi-arid settings. Australian Dreamscapes profiles gardeners and designers to highlight the diversity of Australian gardens, especially ones that have been nurtured to sit gently within their environment.

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It started raining really hard last Sunday and got worse Monday and all my husband was doing was standing at the window looking sad….

I did think… if got any heavier, I’d have to let him in!

Yes, the monsoon season is upon us. The plants have all perked up and are growing upward. Gardeners have gained a little extra time in their day with watering not really necessary - but there is still plenty to do.

So, what am I growing now?

Well lettuce is not a tropical weather plant, but the open leafed varieties can still be grown even this time of year but not in the vegie patch. This is where my Vegepod is amazing.

I keep my Vegepod in the carport, in a semi shaded position with only two-to-three hours of morning sunlight. The cover keeps the grasshoppers at bay and offers protection from the harsh summer sun. I have more lettuce, basil and parsley growing in them today than the family can eat!

Have you ever tried growing micro greens?  

To be honest until now I have not given them a lot of energy but you have to give the Indoor Kitchen Pod a go. They are easy to use even “fool proof”, great for the kids to watch things grow and you don’t need to go out into the weather to snip off what’s needed for dinner, it’s right there on the kitchen bench!  

The Indoor Kitchen Pod has self-watering wicking beds, LED growing lights and a built in water gauge. We have them for sale at Whitpro and you can check them out on the Vegepods website.  

Between the wet days there is still plenty to do in the garden in preparation for Autumn.

Weeds are about to explode after all this rain, so keep on top of them. My best advice is mulch, mulch and add a little more mulch. Not only are you feeding your soil, you are protecting it from exposed, wet earth which is a weed’s playground.

Start preparing your soil for planting in March, if you don’t have one, start a worm farm.  Worm castings grow great vegetables when mixed into your soil and if you are still throwing your kitchen scraps in the bin, what are you thinking!  There are worms that need feeding and a local tip that does not want your scraps.
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WORM FARM TIPS:

There are a few important things to know about worm farms:

1. We live in a warm climate, and you can bake worms, so make sure they are in a shady position. Soil temperatures over 26 degrees may see loss of worm life.

2. Worms, just like all plants and people - need water. Worms in a dry worm farm will die. So, keep your worm farm moist but not wet. Worms are not fish, they can drown.

3. Be careful not to over feed your worms. You only need to feed them once or twice a week. Only add more food once the last batch has been consumed.

Top Tip: Blend, chop finely or shred your scraps before giving them to your worms.

Recipe

5 SHADES OF GREEN

Salad:

• 1 Granny Smith apple, chopped

• 1 avocado, chopped

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 continental cucumber, chopped

• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios

• 1/4 cup chopped raisins

• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (or your favourite cheese)

• 2 tablespoons chopped chives

1. Toss the apple and avocado in the lemon juice so they don't oxidize.

2. Mix everything together
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Chive dressing:

• 1 small clove garlic

• 2 tablespoons Champagne vinegar

• 1 teaspoon crème fraîche

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon chopped chives

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• Salt & lots of pepper

1. Blend everything aside from the olive oil in a blender

2. Then with the blender still on, through the top, slowly pour in the olive oil.

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Create delicious leafy greens in any weather with a Vegepod

A simple yet sumptuous green salad

Max Grosskreutz (1906 – 1994) - A Legend in the History of the Speedway Machine

From a very early age, Maximillian (Max) Grosskreutz had a yearning to become a speedway rider. Max was born at Foxdale in 1906, the youngest of eleven children of William Grosskreutz, a German who had emigrated to Australia as a child in 1873 and eventually purchased a sugar cane farm in Proserpine in 1897.  

When not helping in the cane fields, Max would be off riding his motor cycle, much to the annoyance of the neighbours. But that did not faze him. Nor did a serious accident when he rode into a barbed wire fence. He began his motor-cycle career on a makeshift grass track at the showgrounds in Bowen, riding his Indian Scout road bike to win his first race with the prize money of £10.

In 1928, Max moved to Brisbane where, as a 22 year old, he won the Australian Title at Davies Park (becoming the first official Australian Champion). Thus began a meteoric rise to fame and he became the greatest idol the Brisbane speedway-going public had ever had, known to fans as “The Northern Flash”.

In 1929, he was signed up to ride in England. For ten years, Max raced for several British clubs regularly returning for the Australian season. In 1930, Max rode in the first official Test against England and then made forty-one consecutive appearances against England, over seven years. In 1935, he finished third in the Star Riders’ Championship – the forerunner to the Speedway World Championship. In 1936, he won both NSW and Australian Championships.

When war broke out in 1939, Max and his family secured a passage on the last ship to leave England, settling in Sydney. But once hostilities ceased, Max returned to racing on Friday nights at the Sydney Sports Ground. In 1946, he was again NSW Champion. This success persuaded him to return to the UK for the 1947 season, again proving a great drawcard. In 1948, he broke three track records in a week, however after a serious crash on August 2, at the age of 42, he decided to call it a day.  

The “pudding basin” helmets, heavy black belted armour and bulky cumbersome machines made the speedway circuit no place for the faint-hearted. But Max was not of the faint-hearted – he rode with an injured neck, jaw, cracked ribs and even a chipped skull. Twice he was reported dead! Max once said, “You haven’t got to be mad to be a speedway rider, but it helps.”

Max Grosskreutz was not just a successful speedway rider; he was also a pioneer in the sport. In 1934, when he inspired an Australian Test victory over England, Max had ridden a machine of his own design built from pieces discarded by fellow riders - the prototype of the now famous Grosskreutz frames.

Max was offered substantial amounts of money for his secret. In an interview in 1992, he recalled – “It was easy because the bike was much lighter. My engine was put back in the centre. They were all forward, that was their problem. They didn’t wake up for a long time. They started to catch up when I sold my bike to Bluey Wilkinson.” In 1936, when Wilkinson won all of the world final races mounted on one of Max’s frames, orders poured in and so it was that the Grosskreutz frame generated the standard design of frames to follow.

Proserpine salutes your memory, Max Grosskreutz, a world-beating sporting hero from our small town.

Story courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum and photos from “Speedway Past Australia”

Max Grosskreutz, a world-beating sporting hero from our small town

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The popular fundraising events which are dedicating to raising money to build affordable housing for homeless women over 55, are back this year and the first gathering will bring a taste of Bali to Airlie Beach.

Organisers are excited to try something new for the new year and, instead of the usually formal gala dinners, they have decided to host a relaxed cocktail party with a Balinese dress theme.

“This is going to be a casual evening which lends itself to comedy and fun,” said organiser Sandy Clarke.

“It will be more like a party - there will be dancing and a tropical theme so it will be very visual.”

Taking place poolside at Waters Edge Resort in Airlie Beach, guests can enjoy a free cocktail on arrival, just in-time for sunset.

There will then be time to mingle before local comedian Brad Elliot introduces a fun-filled evening of light jokes and of course the charity auction with many exciting items up for grabs.

These include a glamorous photography package worth $750.

There are also many prizes to be won, including best dressed ‘Bali themed’ male and female plus vouchers from local tours and restaurants who have kindly sponsored the event.

A highlight of the evening is the delicious Indonesian cuisine which will be served on large platters by roaming waiters.

There will also be a decadent grazing table for all to enjoy.

Throughout the evening there will be a floorshow by Viva Acoustics who will be sure to get the dancefloor moving.

This will be the third event of its kind and organiser Sandy Clarke said she is thrilled to see the support from the local community.

“The project has come a long way since its launch in October,” she said.

“We are very excited to announce the previous fundraiser was a sold-out event raising $16,250 and a further $10,000 from corporate and private cash donations.

“To top it off Whitsunday Regional Council donated the land on which to build the initial four Tiny Homes and the Whitsunday Housing Company COO Joanne Moynihan has also announced a major donation.”

Sandy is aiming to raise a total of $400,000 through events, sponsorships and a series of grants that she will be applying for this year.

Women over 55 are statistically the most common demographic to face homelessness and with the recent rental crisis in the Whitsundays, there is a waiting list of eligible individuals desperate for assistance.

This team of kind volunteers are dedicated to helping these local women and would like to invite you to show your support by attending their next event.

Tickets are $100 per head and selling fast.

Sandy would like to thank La Tabella, KC’s Bar and Grill, Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Waters Edge Resort, Sealink, Mirage, Australia Post Cannonvale, Penfolds Wines, Woodcutters Cottage and Kelly Koolstra-Aplin for their support.

WHAT: Bali Hai Fundraiser Cocktail Party

WHERE: Waters Edge Resort

WHEN: Saturday, February 4

TIME: 5pm – 9pm

TICKETS: https://bit.ly/Bali_Hai

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Waters Edge will host the Bali Hai fundraiser cocktail party

Viva Acoustics will play some classic tunes and get the dancefloor moving

Well respected Mackay community member and educator, Seini Willet, acted for the first time in her life when she took the role of one of the central characters in Black Snow.

Playing Isabel’s mother, the South Sea Islander woman who turned 50 this year said she was humbled by the experience.

“I always say to my students that when there is an opportunity to - give it a go - and so I thought it was time I followed my own advice!” she said.

“And I loved the whole thing! From behind the scenes to seeing what it actually takes to run a production – it was amazing!

“I loved the script and how they weaved the South Sea Islander history into the storyline.

This was the main reason I wanted to be part of it, to show our history because there are so many people who don’t know much about it.”

Seini recounts how, even though it was her first time on-set, all the crew made her feel welcome and accepted.

They had an acting coach that helped them all connect and showed them how to draw from real life experiences.

“Everything you see on the screen is real - real tears, real emotions,” she said.

“The emotions are real because we were so connected, we became like a family.”

The producers went to great efforts to portray a true reflection of culture and characters, using accurate music, language and words.

“It was all done so respectfully, and I feel honoured to be able to share our culture and have our rituals on-set,” said Seini.

“It was all done in a safe environment, all in a collaboration and in a beautiful setting – I feel so honoured to have been part of it.”

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For three months last year, the usually quiet town of Proserpine was bustling with excitement as film crews descended and countless hours were spent shooting scenes across town, many of them featuring local faces who were lucky to be selected.

From the Sugar Mill to the local pub, the cane fields to the old Hospital, many local landmarks were transformed into the set of this enthralling crime series based in the fictional North Queensland town of Ashford.

The series is steeped in South Sea Islander history and tells the story of a 17-year-old girl, played by Talijah Blackman-Corowa, who is about to graduate high school when her life is tragically cut short.

It is 25 years later when a time capsule is unveiled and releases a startling revelation which prompts Detective Cormack, played by Travis Fimmel, to investigate her murder and find answers to long forgotten secrets.

Local Extras Shine In National TV Series

Over 150 local ‘extras’ were involved in filming the TV series Black Snow with many commenting that the whole production team were friendly, respectful and welcoming.

“They held a community BBQ to introduce themselves,” said ‘extra’ Bess Nolan.

“Everyone was really down to earth, friendly, helpful and normal.

“It was lovely to see so much bustle in town and it brought a whole lot of people into the town which was good.”

Bess featured in several scenes over a period of five days and said it was a really fun experience that she would love to do again.

Nine-year-old Proserpine State School student Meela Thornton played Rob Carlton’s on-screen granddaughter and filmed for one day, which happened to be her birthday.

“I had to yell out ‘poppy!’ as we were running down a driveway,” said Meela.

“I really loved everyone on set, especially the grandfather.”

Aspiring actor, Brian McDermott was the man who lifted the top off the time capsule and he said that he loved being on a real set for the first time.

“It was great to get that experience and see how it all works,” said Brian.

For other ‘extras’, it was an opportunity to tick off a bucket list item and try a new experience.

“I’ve done a lot of things in my life, I’m an old bloke and I’ve had a lot of fun,” said retired press photographer Bob Feeney.

“But this was one thing that I hadn’t done, so I thought - why not give it a go?!”

Mark Fornasiero featured in two scenes and agreed with Bob.

“It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do, something on the bucket list!” he said.

All the extras agreed that there were long days and a lot of standing around, but that it didn’t matter because watching ‘behind the scenes’ was fascinating.

“I worked out that I did 22 hours over two days and I think I’m on screen for between five and eight seconds all up!” said Bob.

“Out of those two days filming, there was only about four minutes of screen time – so it’s a lot of money, a lot of repetition but I thought the whole thing was fascinating to be part of.”

Christina Unterwurzacher said she loved how the directors aimed to convey real life emotions.

“They filmed us hearing the contents of the letter for the first time ‘live’ so they got everyone’s real reactions to it,” she said.

“It was really interesting hearing the big reveal on day one.”

For many, however, it was the cultural undertones and the representation of the South Sea Islander community that was closest to their heart.

Adeline Poid brought members of the South Sea Islander community together when she was tasked with recruiting her family and friends.

“I really wanted to be involved because of my own heritage, I have direct family from Tanna, my uncle is still a chief over there,” she said.

“The South Sea Islander Heritage is very real in this area, and it was really interesting to learn about that through a lot of local elders who helped make the series as authentic as possible.”

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Front and centre – local faces appear in STAN mini-series

Nine-year-old Proserpine State School student Meela Thornton filming on-set

Proserpine’s cane fields were a major feature of the crime thriller

The old Hospital became the set of the high school in the Black Snow series where the time capsule was unveiled

Hi Everyone,

I spent a lot of time in Proserpine this week and was reminded once again what a friendly town it is – cars stop in the middle of the street to let you pass, strangers pause for a chat and everyone is smiling as they pass by.

I always leave Proserpine feeling invigorated by the charm and friendly nature of the town and its people – it must be a lovely place to live!

My main reason for visiting was that Black Snow, the Australian TV series that was filmed in Proserpine, had just been released on STAN and the cast of local ‘extras’ were finally allowed to talk to the press.

The day before my visit, I put a social media post up requesting for anyone who was in the series to get in touch with me, and I was overwhelmed by the response.

It seemed that not only had a lot of locals been involved, but also everyone had enjoyed such a positive experience that they couldn’t wait to talk about it!

With very short notice, a group of eight ‘extras’ were able to meet me at a local café, telling me about their individual experiences.

For many of them, our meeting also became a chance to reconnect and reminisce.

Later that day I also received a call from Seini Willett, a South Sea Islander woman who played the mother of Isabel in the series.

She told me how respectful the producers had been about her culture and community, detailing how much it meant to see this side of history brought to the fore on a film set.  

Uniting the experiences of the ‘extras’ who loved being part of all the action on-set with Seini’s heartfelt account of her experience was very fulfilling and I hope you enjoy reading the feature story on pages 3, 12 and 13.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “In times of crisis the wise build bridges and the foolish build barriers” Black Panther

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