No one knows a stringed instrument quite like Roger Buckmaster. For 60 years, strings have been his profession, from crafting violins to selling handcrafted banjos through a shop in Nashville. Now retired, Roger has been pulling on the heartstrings of the community by freely restoring cherished stringed instruments for those in need.

Now 81, Roger has spent a lifetime making and repairing violins, banjos and guitars. Trained in London, and originally from Loughborough, Roger has travelled across Australia helping schools, orchestras and musicians keep their instruments alive and well.

"I used to service all the orchestras and many schools. I had 200 schools on my books at one stage," he said. "We just went everywhere."

From Alice Springs to the Whitsundays, Roger’s generosity has struck a chord. His custom guitars and violins have been displayed in the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, and one of his banjos even lives in a museum in Oklahoma.

"I must have donated them two dozen instruments from different makers... mainly from Australia, right back into the 20s and 30s."

While many have admired his work, one famous fan stands out.

"Rod Stewart wanted to buy one of my guitars and his manager said to me, name your price. But I said I hadn’t got one. It had already been sent to the Powerhouse Museum."

Currently travelling between Bowen, Burdekin, and Airlie Beach, Roger continues to offer his expertise to anyone in need, simply out of goodwill.

"Everyone knows where to find me. I can meet them at different places... they can always contact me."

From museum collections to helping out locals with beloved instruments, Roger’s kindness is music to the community’s ears.

If you need a stringed instrument serviced, Roger is available over the next month and is kindly happy to help. You can reach him directly on 0419 549 841.

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Rogers guitar that Rod Stewart wanted now in Sydney Powerhouse museum.

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Family Thank Community For Support As Local Dad Faces Fight Of His Life

A local family is facing one of the most challenging times of their lives, but their battle has been buoyed by an incredible wave of community support.

In February 2024, Brad Lindsay was diagnosed with Testicular Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. He spent the next nine months undergoing intensive chemotherapy and radiation, and by October 2024, he was considered in remission.

Tragically, several weeks ago, while at work, Brad suffered a seizure while driving and crashed his vehicle. A CT scan revealed that his cancer had returned, this time spreading to his brain. Devastatingly, Brad’s diagnosis was confirmed as Testicular Lymphoma Stage 4 Central Nervous System (CNS) Brain Cancer.

Due to the complexity of his condition, Brad will now undergo further chemotherapy, as well as an immunotherapy called CAR T-cell therapy — a highly specialised treatment that offers him the best chance of fighting the disease.

Brad has now moved to Townsville for treatment, and his loving wife Nikki has not left his side, becoming his full-time carer. Unfortunately, they have both had to give up their employment, and with Brad having used all his leave entitlements during last year’s battle, the financial stress has become a reality.

Brad and Nikki remain as positive as possible and are deeply grateful for the kind words of support and invaluable financial donations made through their GoFundMe page.

“I cannot describe the emotion that I personally have felt over the last couple of days from the outpouring of financial support you have all given,” shared Nikki on the GoFundMe page.

“It is extremely overwhelming for me to accept, but I am feeling very grateful and humbled to receive help from you all.

“This is a really hard time for our family, and it just amazes me that there are people we don’t even know who have donated to us.

“To every single one of you, please know that I am forever grateful for your support to help us through this devastating time.”

Friend of the family and GoFundMe organiser Ella Griffiths said, “If you’re able to donate, no matter the amount, your support will greatly help in reducing the financial stress they are facing.

“Brad and Nikki are kind, humble people who’ve always given so much to others — and now they need our help. Please help us to help them.”

https://gofund.me/a4ff126a

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Brad and Niki in happier times
Brad is going through the toughest battle of his life, but the community can help ease the financial burden at this difficult time
Brad and Niki with their family

Photos supplied

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The twelfth annual Smart Arts Exhibition, will open this Friday 18 July and it will be showcasing art work from local artists of Cannonvale Smart Arts.

A special feature of this year’s event will be an auction of pieces from the exhibition’s African-themed section, with all proceeds going to Aid for Africa Down Under AFADU).

The works will be judged by renowned artist Carol Bell, with the live auction to follow, conducted by Brad Sobott of Taylors Property Specialists.

Suzi Hancock, founder of Smart Arts, has long supported AFADU, a registered charity that has been helping children in Zimbabwe for over two decades. AFADU funds the Lirhanzo Children’s Village, which cares for orphans affected by HIV/AIDS in the remote and disadvantaged Zimbabwe.

Cannonvale artist Pammie Harrison, who has served on the AFADU board since 2009 and has made nine visits to the village, praised Suzi’s commitment.

“I am elated that the ever generous, Suzi, a sponsor of orphans at the children’s Village for many years has come up with this fabulous way to raise money for the children’s on-going education,” she said.

More than 80 original artworks will be on display and available for purchase during the week-long exhibition. Two standout pieces in the auction include Mzimba (Rhino) and Chimp My Ride.

The opening night kicks off at 6pm on Friday 18 July at Smart Arts Studio, 8 Commerce Close, Cannonvale.

Tickets are $10, which includes wine and nibbles. The exhibit is on display for one week only

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The Smart Arts Exhibition opens Friday 18 July, and will be on display for one week only. Artwork supplied

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The Whitsunday Regional Council’s public consultation regarding Short Term Accommodation closes this weekend Sunday 20 July 2025.

Open from 11 June Council has asked the community to ‘Have your say” relating to Council’s scheme.

The Whitsunday Regional Council announced change to the Whitsunday Planning Scheme 2017 following resident's concerns that short term accommodation was conflicting with the availability of housing for long-term residents.

Council said that the changes were to help better manage short-term accommodation, within the Low Density Residential zone, hoping to  find the right balance between supporting tourism and protecting residential amenity and housing supply for locals.

Council had identified 10 precincts in which Short Term Accommodation would be allowed and supported, these included Shute Harbour, Brisk Bay, Dingo Beach, Hydeaway Bay, Conway Beach, Wilson Beach, parts of Airlie Beach, North Mandalay, and Bowen, Queens Beach, Grays Bay and Horseshoe Bay.

The recent changes will not change the following:
• Home based businesses - e.g. letting a room alongside permanent residents living in the home.
• STA within the Low-medium density residential zone or other non-residential zones where it is currently permitted, subject to requirements
• STA that already have planning approval in any zone.

Council is seeking public consultation on the new amendment.

You can have your say until Sunday 20 July, when council close the ‘Have your say’ and begin consideration.

• Online via a registered account on Yoursay - via the online survey below
• In writing to Council, by mail or in person to a Customer Service Centre
• Email to planning.submissions@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au, including the name and address of each person who is making the submission.

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Accomodation in Airlie Beach. Stock image

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The Airport: More Than A Gateway

It’s fantastic to see Whitsunday Coast Airport (WCA) reaching new heights and truly flying high. In the past year, we welcomed over 522,000 passengers, smashing our previous record and cementing WCA as one of Australia’s top regional gateways.

But this milestone is about much more than numbers. The airport is a powerful driver of our regional economy, creating local jobs, opening doors for small businesses, and strengthening our tourism and hospitality sectors. It also means better connectivity for everyone, whether you are a business owner, a worker, or visiting family and friends.

This success highlights the Whitsundays’ incredible appeal, not just as a holiday destination but as a vibrant, thriving place to live, work, and build a future.

Whitsunday Coast Airport is a fully self-funded, Council-owned asset that operates without ratepayer subsidies. It delivers strong financial returns, which are reinvested into essential services and infrastructure to keep our region moving forward. Every dollar of profit supports projects that make the Whitsundays an even better place for all of us.

This record-breaking year is a win for our economy, our tourism industry, and our entire community. I want to thank our dedicated airport team, airline partners, and of course, all of you who continue to support this vital part of our region.

Beyond passenger numbers, our team remains focused on providing a seamless, high-quality experience for everyone, whether they are heading on holiday or returning home. Our steady growth from 280,000 passengers in 2021 to over 522,000 today shows what we can achieve with careful planning, smart investment, and strong community support.

Importantly, the airport is much more than a tourism hub. It supports business travel and freight services, keeping our region connected and competitive, and stands as a true symbol of how strategic investment can drive economic growth and strengthen our community for years to come.

As part of this forward focus, I’m also excited to share that the airport has joined the Containers for Change program. By collecting and recycling eligible drink containers, the airport and other Council business units are expected to raise around $80,000 each year.

This isn’t just about recycling, it’s about turning small actions into big community benefits. We’re exploring options to direct these funds to local non-profits, sporting clubs, and grassroots groups across Airlie Beach, Proserpine, Bowen, and Collinsville.

Partnering with a Bowen-based contractor keeps jobs and expertise local, backing our businesses and delivering practical environmental outcomes.

Additionally, our airport is part of pioneering efforts to trial sustainable aviation fuel through Virgin Australia’s partnership with Viva Energy that helps reduce emissions and keeps us at the forefront of industry change.

When I reflect on these milestones, I’m reminded that our airport is more than a gateway. It’s an engine for economic growth, environmental progress, and community pride.

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Whitsunday Conference Reveals Next Program Rounds

The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released the next wave of program highlights for the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference, showcasing eight practical breakout sessions designed to give local businesses real tools, insights, and strategies to grow and adapt in a changing regional economy.

The conference—scheduled for Thursday 28 August at TAFE Queensland’s Whitsunday Campus—will feature two more rounds of concurrent sessions. Each is designed to help participants choose the topic most relevant to their business goals, covering areas such as finance, workforce, marketing, leadership, customer service, and tendering.

At 1:15pm, the second round of sessions will begin. Highlights include a financial deep dive in Ask An Expert: Money Matters for Modern Business, where a panel of six regional finance professionals will unpack topics including structure, compliance, lending, superannuation, and insurance. Panellists include representatives from Rural Financial Counselling Service, Accountancy Plus Whitsundays, Eclipse Financial Planning, Bendigo Bank, Option Insurance Brokers and Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting.

Other sessions in the 1:15pm block include International Recruitment & Migration, presented by Alana Hopkins from Workforce Abundance, and Unlocking Motivation with leadership coach Brian Ward of BRIAN8. Rounding out the workshop options is The Power of Storytelling, led by Rachael Smith, Editor in Chief of Mackay and Whitsunday Life and Core Life Magazine, who will share how personal branding can connect businesses more deeply with their community.

At 2:00pm, the third round of concurrent sessions will offer another tailored learning opportunity. Ask An Expert: Local Marketing That Works will see marketing specialists Melanie Laas (EMME Influence), Courtney Casey (Southern Cross Austereo), and Trish Jandt (Mackay and Whitsunday Life) share strategies for social media, print, radio, and digital success.

Businesses looking to secure more contracts won’t want to miss Tendering: Top Ten Tips with Ros Weche from the Department of State Development and Infrastructure, while The Dying Art of Customer Service will explore 12 practical rules that helped presenter Rick Brown build a $20 million business. Meanwhile, HR specialist Mark Lipkin will guide attendees through compliance and strategy in Ask An Expert: Smarter People Management for Small Business.

With limited seats remaining, attendees are encouraged to register soon and take advantage of the ability to personalise their conference experience. For full program details and tickets, visit: www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/whitsundays-business-conference

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As a business owner I spent many years, 10s of 1000s of dollars, and a lot of lost time on training my teams and seeing no difference.

Big spend – zero shift. Sound familiar? If you’re like me you gave up. So why doesn’t it work

1. No accountability after the training – Your key people attend the session… and then nothing. No follow-up, no expectations, no change in behavior is tracked.
2. One-off events don’t create new habits - A single-day workshop can't undo years of habits. Without repetition or reinforcement, it fades fast. Consider a 4-touchpoint program
3. Training is misaligned with real-world challenges - Sessions can often feel too theoretical or generic. If the facilitator can’t adapt content into workplace specific scenarios it just won’t stick.
4. There’s no ‘Why’ - If your team-members don’t understand the relevance to their role, their team, their business, they mentally check out. Take the time to discuss why you chose them for further development and the value you see in their presence.
5. The culture doesn’t support the learning - You can train someone to lead better but if the company culture punishes or rejects change, nothing moves.
6. Wrong people in the room - Sometimes the ones who most need leadership training are too senior to attend—or think they don’t need it.
7. No buy-in from senior leadership - If execs don’t model the behaviours being taught, it sends a loud message: we don’t really care.
8. Information overload – Leadership training is like a buffet. Don’t pile your plate high and hope you can change the world. Choose 1-2 things to work on per month. Less is more.
9. No followup – If nobody cares about the training received enough to find out what they’ve learned, how they will apply it, and what others learn from it …. Why bother…..

Learning, growing and creating change takes intent. It’s not just an investment in time and money, it requires ongoing curiosity and followup by management to imbed new learnings until they stick. Contact Shiift to help build a training program that works for you. We create long-term programs to create sustainable positive change and even step in to help create accountability when you’re just too busy.

Contributed with thanks to Judy Porter of Shiift

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Coral Sea Marina’s Better Boating Expo, held on Friday, 11th July, welcomed a vibrant crowd of locals, visitors, and members of the boating community for a day packed with education, entertainment, and environmental advocacy at the Coral Sea Marina Gardens.

From safety at sea to sustainability tips and local reef knowledge, the expo offered a fun-filled and informative day for all ages. Families and children, in particular, were thrilled by the live life raft demonstration presented by Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsundays, which gave them the rare chance to "hop on board" a real raft and imagine the experience of being adrift at sea.

Many young visitors also eagerly took part in the safety flare deployment, tested their skills at Mainstay Sailing’s rope station, and learned about the fragile beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from the passionate team of local Master Reef Guides.

“While guests are enjoying the reef, our Master Reef Guides work with tourism operators so guests enjoy the reef, they don't touch the reef, don't stand on the reef, remove all their rubbish, make sure they don't bring pests onto the islands — all of those different things. But most importantly, we connect them to the reef, and hopefully we send people home wanting to look after it and protect it,” said James Unsworth, Project Manager of the Master Reef Guide Programme.

Visitors were also invited to head down to the water and explore VMR1, Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday’s rescue vessel, and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service’s barge, and to chat with the crew on board.

The event successfully brought together an inspiring range of organisations including Queensland Parks and Wildlife, Maritime Safety Queensland, Tangaroa Blue, Whales of the Whitsundays, and many more passionate local businesses — all offering engaging presentations and hands-on experiences aimed at promoting safer, smarter, and more sustainable boating.

Maritime Safety Queensland Marine Officer Tristan Carlson explained the changes made to the life jacket laws in Queensland:

“If you're boating alone in a vessel under 4.8 metres, you are required to wear a life jacket now. And also, if you have a child under 12 years old in an open area of a boat, they're also required to wear a life jacket,” he said.

“There've been a few changes here, and we're trying to get people to understand that. We believe that education is the best way to achieve that.”

The Better Boating Expo also served as the official launch of Coral Sea Marina’s new Better Boating Guide – Our Guide to Greener Recreational Boating. Designed for everyone who spends time on the water, this comprehensive guide provides tips on reducing environmental impact, managing waste, protecting the marine environment, and being a positive ambassador for the ocean.

“It was incredible to see such a strong turnout from our local community and visitors alike, all eager to learn and engage with the marine environment,” said Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Coral Sea Marina.

“The Better Boating Expo is a reminder of the positive impact we can have when we come together to share knowledge, encourage sustainable choices, and foster a culture of responsibility on our waters.”

With face painting, ice cream, expert advice, and hands-on experiences, the Better Boating Expo proved to be both educational and enjoyable — reinforcing Coral Sea Marina’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community connection.

For more information or to download the Better Boating Guide, visit the Coral Sea Academy website at coralseaacademy.com.

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Safety Flare Demonstration at the Better Boating Expo. Photo supplied

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More than 30 people gathered at the Proserpine Swimming Pool on Saturday, June 28, to honour the extraordinary legacy of Des and Janet Erricker, two beloved community members whose selfless contributions helped shape generations of local swimmers.

The unveiling of a commemorative plaque was a long-overdue gesture recognising the couple’s efforts in not only helping to fund and establish the original Proserpine pool, but also teaching countless children to swim, completely free of charge.

Des, saw the need for a public swimming pool and, with community support, made it happen. Together with Janet, they ran daily swimming lessons before and after work, coached children in stroke technique, and helped form the Proserpine Swimming Club alongside other parents.

The couple did more than teaching children how to swim, they would pay for swimmers if parents could not afford it and they would also pay for accomodation when chidlren travelled to carnivals or events with the swimming club.

The couple’s daughters — Robyn, Lynn and Gail led the unveiling and spoke movingly of their parents’ devotion to the community. Past club members and their families, previous students all shared fond memories, with many remarking on how the Errickers’ kindness left a lasting impression.

The ceremony concluded with light refreshments and laughter under the pool’s shaded area. It was a fitting tribute to a couple who gave so much, and asked for nothing in return.

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The Plaque honouring the couple is now on display. Photo supplied

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Jack Tyree Remembers

I came up to North Queensland after the war where I met an old sailor in Mackay who asked, “Why don’t you come and get a job on the boats on Hayman.” It was when Ansett had just bought the island … so there was a lot of construction to be done and materials to be transported.

When I arrived, accommodation was in tents with fly sheets and floorboards in rows for all the workers. There was a ranch house where the meals were served.

It was a great time to work there … a good life, free and easy, just what was needed after the war. You could come and go as you liked, go fishing for two or three days and then go back to a job. George Bailey, a carpenter on Hayman, built himself a little fourteen-footer and on occasion would tell Bill Ponchoy, the foreman, “The weather’s too good to be working.” So, they would take four days to sail down to Lindeman and back. Then start work again. I sailed on the ‘Sea Prince’ which won the first and second Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Races. … We were away for about a month but came back and walked straight into a job.

We would be three to four weeks on shore digging drains, putting in windows and the like and then three to four weeks on the barges bringing in the materials. It was well before Shute Harbour was built and the trucks would go on to the beach at Shingley carrying the stuff which we would load up on the barges. All of which was done by hand. There were no forklifts in those days.

Annie Lewis ran the old store at Cannonvale Beach at the time. She would watch for the barge coming into Shingley and by the time the boys had walked over she would have a meal waiting for them. She would call them ‘her barge boys’. Sometimes, she would even go and pick oysters for them.

Transport from the Flying Boat to the hotel

Before the Shute Harbour jetty was built, guests would come in on Catalinas and Sunderlands and land outside the reef where the water was not always flat calm. The dinghies had to get under the wing of the Catalina to get people out of the door and into the boat. They had to hang onto the open door … with the swell taking them up and down. As the boat came up level, you’d shout, “Right oh then jump.” Invariably the women would hesitate. They came up from Sydney all dressed up with high heels. One of them had a fur coat. She stepped straight into the sea in between the boat and plane. We hauled her out like a drowned rat … There were no life jackets. Then they would have to climb out of the dinghy … into the four-wheel drives to get ashore. If it was raining, we had an old tarpaulin that had been used to cover a cement truck.

There were lots of whales … which caused difficulty when the Catalinas took off. Sometimes a whale would emerge just in front as the plane went to take off. You had to try and shoo them off or you would hear the engine scream as the plane tried to back off. On the motor boat from Shingley, you would have to look out for whales. The boats wouldn’t hurt the whales but they could knock a hole in the boat. Once a thirty-footer was sunk by a whale.

In all they were good times, with lots of fun and not too many regulations.

Story and photos courtesy of the late Jack Tyree (25/12/1916 – 20/03/ 2017)

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Jack Tyree at Hayman Jetty. Photo supplied.
Catalinas were used to transfer people to the islands of Hayman and Daydream. Photo supplied.

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For over 15 years, long-time locals Marie Bailey and Marg Hurst have been the warm and welcoming faces greeting visitors at Bowen’s iconic foreshore information booth located by Bowen’s Little Mango.

As two of Bowen Tourism and Business's longest-serving volunteers, the pair have become familiar figures for travellers seeking insights into the region's hidden gems. Whether it’s recommending a stroll along the jetty, a swim at Horseshoe Bay, or a scenic visit to Flagstaff Hill and Mullers Lagoon, Marie and Marg are passionate about promoting their hometown.

“We get visitors from all over the world, and it’s a history lesson in the making,” said Marie.

The pair also help direct visitors to Bowen’s famed murals, which reflect the town’s rich history, and offer directions to the Whitsunday islands.

“I just love meeting people and telling them where to go,” Marg said.

“We have a beautiful town here and it’s lovely to spread the word.”

Marie is also a volunteer at the local museum and says their deep knowledge of Bowen’s past helps enhance the visitor experience.

Both volunteers’ love Bowen, and their love for the town shines through in their long-standing voluntary work.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said all volunteers are an integral part of the organisation.

“We simply couldn’t do what we do without the volunteers welcoming visitors each and every week,” she said.

“They are a wealth of local knowledge and are passionate about the region.

“Marie and Margie are our longest serving volunteers and do an excellent job at the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach which is entirely run by volunteers.”

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Marie and Margie have been volunteering for more than 15 years. Photo sourced: Facebook

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It’s been a fantastic start to the school holidays in The Whitsundays. Occupancy is up on the same time last year, and it’s been great to see so many families out making memories, whether it’s a reef trip, a sunset sail, a mainland adventure or hopping between the islands.

We’re also celebrating our biggest year ever for website traffic, with 1.16 million page views- up 10% on the year before. Bounce rate is also down 5%, meaning visitors are staying for longer and engaging more deeply with our content, which are great signs for both our brand and local businesses.

And finally, a quick date for your calendar: the 2025 Whitsundays Tourism Awards will be held on Saturday, 18 October. It’s always one of the most special nights of the year as we recognise the hard work, creativity and passion behind our region’s success. Tickets will be on sale soon - we’d love to see you there!

Contributed with thanks to Tim Booth, CEO, Tourism Whitsundays

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Whitsunday Christian College students are proving themselves as forces to be reckoned with on the athletics circuit, delivering a string of impressive results across regional events and setting their sights on state-level competitions.

Annalise Kennelly placed 6th in the Under 16 girls division at the Regional Cross Country Trials in Townsville before powering into 1st place in the 16-19 girls category at the Mackay Marina Run. She is gearing up for another major event: The Queensland State Cross Country Championships from 18 – 20 July.

Joining her on the path to success is Penelope Shields. She has had a standout season, placing 2nd in the 800m at the Mackay Track and Field event, all while battling wild wind and rain. She also ran her way to 2nd in the 3km Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon, before taking out 1st place in the Under 11 girls division at the Regional Cross Country Trials. Penelope capped off her recent streak with a personal best and 2nd place finish in the Under 14 girls division of the Mackay Marina Run. Penelope is preparing for the Queensland State Cross Country Championships in July.

Meanwhile, rising star Kayne Higgins made his mark by taking 1st place in the Under 10 boys division at the Regional Cross Country Trials. He too will represent the College at the State Championships next month.

Kayne has demonstrated outstanding sporting talent across a range of disciplines, with a particular aptitude for soccer. He will proudly represent the Whitsunday District at the upcoming North Queensland Trials. Most notably, Kayne has earned a prestigious opportunity to train with the West Ham United Academy in the United Kingdom later this year — a remarkable achievement that reflects his dedication, skill, and passion for the sport.

Best of luck to all three runners as they continue to chase big goals and fast times!

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Annalise Kennelly at the Mackay Marina Run
Penelope Shields during the Mackay Marina Run
Kayne, Penelope, Annalise at the NQ Regional CC

Photos supplied

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Patches is a gentle three-year-old Mastiff x Bull Arab who was heartbreakingly left behind by his former family. Rescued in poor condition, this big softie has slowly regained his strength—and his trust in people. Now, he’s searching for a fresh start with someone who’ll show him the kindness he deserves.

He’s not an energetic dog and is happiest lounging on the couch, enjoying short play sessions or walks by your side. Once Patches trusts you, he’s incredibly affectionate, loyal, and easygoing.

He’s great with children and fine with cats. While he prefers to be the only dog in the home, he isn’t aggressive with others.

Patches’ adoption fee of $650 includes desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, flea, tick and worm treatments, and a Proheart injection.

If you’re ready to meet this beautiful boy, email Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue at bowencollinsville@gmail.com with your contact number and email address.

Rehoming fee: $650
Age: 3 years
Sex: Male
Breed: Mastiff x Bull Arab
Other dogs: yes, but not in home
Cats: Fine with cats
Fences: 5ft

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The Giant Clam certainly lives up to its name.

As the largest bivalve mollusc, the giant clam weighs an average of 200kg and can grow over a metre across its shell. They can live for several decades, with some individuals living for over 100 years.

These clams are found sitting on the sandy bottom in the warm, shallow waters of the Great Barrier Reef. They are easily spotted by their distinctive, fluted shell and the brightly coloured mantles (the “lips” of the clam).

Giant clams are filter feeders, taking in plankton through a large, central opening. However, like corals, giant clams have a unique relationship with algae called zooxanthellae that live within their tissues. The algae provide the clam with nutrients through photosynthesis, while the clam provides the algae with a safe environment and access to sunlight. The algae also give the mantle of the clams their vibrant colours.

Now, about that “Man-Eater” Myth…

Giant clams have a wildly undeserved reputation as man-eaters, with South Pacific legends describing clams that lie in wait to trap unsuspecting swimmers. No account of a human death by giant clam has ever been substantiated, and scientists say its adductor muscles, used to close the shell, move far too slowly to take a swimmer by surprise. Even the largest specimen would simply retreat into its shell rather than attempt to sample human prey. Nice to know.

The giant clams may not eat people, but they can see you…sort of.

Giant clams can see, but not in the way humans do. They have hundreds of tiny, simple eyes called "pinhole eyes" along the edge of their mantle. These eyes are not capable of forming complex images, but they can detect changes in light, movement, and shadows. For protection, clams will often close when they detect changes in light.

Giant clams are hermaphroditic, producing both eggs and sperm. A fully-grown giant clam can release over 500 million eggs in one go. As they cannot fertilise themselves, they reproduce through broadcast spawning. When an egg is release, this triggers nearby giant clams to swell their mantles and contract their adductor muscles. This causes the clams to fill with water containing broadcasted sperm and eggs.

Globally the giant clam population has decreased substantially.  The clams are harvested for their meat, shells, and for the aquarium trade. Currently, they are listed as vulnerable.

However, the species has never been allowed to be collected from the wild in Australian waters, so it is reported to be in healthy numbers on the Great Barrier Reef. However, reef degradation due to pollution and climate change poses a significant threat to their survival.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council.

Giant Clam. Photo supplied.