Hi, Constant Readers.

I would say, for most of us in the Whitsundays, we’re all from somewhere else. There are few of us who were lucky enough to be born on the sandy shores and sun-starched grass of North Queensland. Sure.

But for most, it is a chosen home rather than a given.

With leaving home comes something you might not always tend to: The family garden. We can neglect our siblings, our parents. I know I’m guilty of it. I’m sure some of you reading it are too.

I don’t often speak to my sister; I should more. I don’t message my parents as much as they message me; I should more. I think - certainly in a world we believe is so hell-for-leather, so high-octane - that we forget to slow down and appreciate the people who supported us in getting to where we are.

We can lose touch with family and take things for granted – the most profound relationships you can have with someone might fall by the wayside. Little things like the progress of life can inadvertently harm others. You’re busy doing your thing, they’re busy doing their thing.

Sometimes I think about how it was in the early 19th century, where the only means of communication between a family half-way across the country might have been through letters. You might not hear from each other for months, years on end. I think one of the few good things to come from the Internet age is instant communication. I can speak to my mum over the phone, see her face, see her smile.

We’re lucky to be able to do that. I’m going to give my mum a ring. I think that speaks for itself.

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Declan

Quote of the Week:

“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” – Michael J. Fox

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Four candidates will run for the currently vacant Division 2 Councillor seat of Whitsunday Regional Council, which was vacated by previous Councillor Al Grundy in early October.

The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) hosted nominees at an official ballot paper order draw on nomination deadline day, Monday, November 14.

The candidates were drawn in the following ballot paper order: Daniel Popovich, Christopher Harvey, Andrew Camm, Clay Bauman.

The nomination deadline was the first time both Andrew Camm – cousin of current Whitsundays Member for State Parliament Amanda Camm and PRD Real Estate agent - and Christopher Harvey - a local Whitsunday electrician - have made their candidacy expressly known to Whitsunday voters.

Clay Bauman announced his candidacy three weeks ago and Dan Popovich came forward last week.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said it was good to see candidates keen to represent their community ahead of what will be a December 3 by-election.

“Now that electors know who is running, they can start to decide who they want as their new councillor and think about their plan for when they will cast their vote.

“If they can’t vote in person there’s still time to apply for a postal vote, and telephone voting is available to people who meet certain criteria, including having to isolate because of COVID-19.”

“There are plenty of voting options for the 4,000 enrolled voters in the division, Mr Vidgen said.

Early voting polling booths at Shop 15, Whitsundays Shopping Centre, 226 Shute Harbour Road, Cannonvale will be open from 9am until 5pm daily from Monday 28 November to Thursday, December 1, and will also be open until 6pm on Friday, December 2.  

Election Day voting will also take place at Shop 15, Whitsunday Shopping Centre on December 3, from 8am to 6pm.

Postal vote applications are open until 7pm on November 21. You can apply online via the ECQ website or phone the ECQ on 1300 881 665.

Mr Vidgen reminded people in the Whitsunday region voting is compulsory and failure to vote fines increased to $143.75 from 1 July 2022.

Further details on the Whitsunday Regional Council Division 2 by-election can be found on the ECQ website.

ECQ have updated the location of voting day polling stations. There will no longer be a station at Whitsunday Christian College. There will be one location: Shop 15, Whitsunday Shopping Centre on December 3, from 8am to 6pm.

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Whitsunday Regional Council Division 2 Councillor candidates Dan Popovich, Chris Harvey, Andrew Camm, and Clay Bauman

“I’ve Got You Mate”

When Proserpine resident, Richard Wheeler, was at the counter at Drakes Supermarket, he tried to pay his for his weekly shopping bill but his card refused to work.

Frustrated and a little embarrassed, he went outside to call the bank but unfortunately couldn’t get through, with the bank stating they were receiving ‘extremely high calls’.

Richard returned to the store and spoke with the check-out attendant to see if he could put his shopping somewhere safe while the money issue was sorted.

Just then, the unexpected happened, a voice called over his shoulder – “I’ve got you mate” – and before he could blink, the kind stranger had used his own card to pay the entire bill.

“I tried to tell him it was $280 but all he said was that next time I see someone in need to make sure I help them out too,” said Richard.

“$280 is no small sum! And all he said was his name was Beau – I don’t even know his last name!”

Afterwards, Richard tried to track Beau down to say thank you, but he could not find him anywhere on social media. His true identity remaining a mystery.

The kindness of his gesture, however, has touched the hearts of the whole community.

“I’m the sort of guy who always helps people out,” said Richard.

“It’s something I’ve always done anyway but it’s normally $20 or $30 - to have someone do this for me now is incredible!

“Beau you are an amazing person - the world needs more like you - I am eternally grateful for your kind act.”

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Stock image, illustration only

As polling day approaches for the Division 2 Councillor seat, we offer each of the candidates a public platform to tell us a bit about themselves and the reason they think they would be the best for the job.

1: Describe your personality in three words:

2: What qualifies you for the position?

3: What is the reason you want to be a Councillor?

4: What key projects would you support?

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Clay Bauman

Coming to the Whitsundays to pursue a passion for sailing, Clay has lived in the area for 15 years. He has produced and directed numerous films and video productions, locally, nationally and internationally.

1: Friendly, conscientious, and reliable

2: I am familiar with coordinating the entire budget across multiple departments and leading a diverse team towards a common goal. I am directly involved with sporting clubs and community groups and have been lobbying Council for the past six years.

3: Since attending my first Council meeting six years ago, I have seen the direct affect Council decisions have on our daily lives and budget. I want to help create change and be at the Council table representing not only Division 2, but conscientiously acting to ensure the best outcomes for our entire region.  

4: The current major amendment to our town plan is very important to ensuring we maintain a high quality of life, liveable suburbs, and a prosperous future. There are also several committees I would like to be appointed to as a Council representative.

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Christopher Harvey

A long-term local of the Whitsundays, Chris is an electrician by trade and loves the outdoors - running, tennis, football - and is a big fan of the North Qld Cowboys.

1: Outgoing, approachable, friendly

2: I have been volunteering with different community organisations, such as Whitsunday SES Group and Local Ambulance Committee. I was awarded Whitsunday Regional Council Citizen of the Year in 2018 for my years of volunteering and my work after Cyclone Debbie with the emergency services.

3: I would like to bring a voice to the Council not just from the people in the community but also to the many organisations that I am a part of.

4: I would like to see more paths/lanes that are user friendly not just for walkers and runners but also for scooters and bikes. I would also work towards getting more charging stations for electric vehicles installed around the region and improved safety for everyone in the form of better roads, more footpaths, wider bike lanes and more street lighting along paths.

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Dan Popovich

Originally from the UK, Dan moved to the Whitsundays with his family 15 years ago. He operates a home-based practice, Peak Body Mechanics, in Woodwark with his wife, Karen.

1: Cool-headed, organised, articulate

2: My previous professional roles include business coach and trainer, delivering management and leadership training to businesses, Councils and Department of Premier and Cabinet in Tasmania. I’m confident that my professional experience in a combination of strategic thinking and project management combined with small business, large enterprise experience and commitment to the Whitsundays would be a positive contribution to the community.

3: Government of any level is there to serve the people - not for the people to serve government, and our community is owed transparency on council business affairs, and I stand to listen to and voice community concerns and aspirations.

4: I believe we need a strategic plan for the Shire, and I believe the proposed high rise Airlie Beach developments should not pollute our skyline and turn our town into a Gold Coast 2.0.

Andy Camm

Having grown up on the family farm in Bloomsbury, Andy eventually moved away from the region before recently returning from 11 years living in the Sunshine Coast. His time away saw him spend some years playing Rugby in Canada before beginning a career in real estate in 1994. He said his greatest pride are his three children.

1: Very approachable person

2: I have worked in three local industries - farming, building and real estate. During my time I have been a team leader, manager and business owner. Having played team sports, plus worked in large organisations both locally and in Southeast Queensland, has taught me the importance of working together with others to achieve great outcomes.

3: With so much natural beauty to enjoy here, we truly need to make sure that all future developments are correctly managed to maintain this.

4: I would like to see an over 50’s village built here, plus a retirement village in the area. Road congestion is a real concern as well. I also do not understand why there is a proposal for a cluster of traffic lights between Paluma Rd and Macarthur Dr.

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Embarking on his usual Sunday morning flight, Rogin Taylor never imagined that shortly after take-off his two-seater plane, Savannah, would plunge into the ocean, leaving him fighting to breathe in a cabin that was quickly filling with water.

78-year-old Rogin has been flying for 54 years and has a commercial pilots license which had only ever used to fly recreational aircraft.

Part of ‘Whitsunday Flying Friends’, he has been joining a fleet of up to 12 other aircraft each Sunday morning on scenic flights down towards Bloomsbury.

On this particular morning, however, Rogin had taken a different path, eager to show his passenger some crocodiles in the Proserpine River.

Unfortunately, during this process the plane had started to lose altitude and before he could pull-up it suddenly hit the water.

“It made a huge bang and I actually thought we’d hit a boat,” explained Rogin.

Within minutes the plane started sinking into roughly three to four metres of water, in choppy ocean about 150 metres from the coast near Conway Beach.

“We couldn’t get the doors open and the plane started to sink,” said Rogin.

The external pressure was holding the doors closed and the pair used all their strength to try and push it open but to no avail.

Watching as the water started to rise past their feet, and then their waists, and finally up towards their chins, it wasn’t long before they realised they might drown.

“We both looked at each other and thought we might drown; it got up to our chin and then to our mouth and we took our last breath of air – the cockpit was completely full and totally submerged.”

In that moment, when many would think the panic would consume them, Rogin said the opposite happened.

“I was as close to death as I’ve ever come and at that point the terror and the panic went away, and I felt totally calm.

“I realised we were going to die, but neither of us were in any pain.

“When I spoke to my passenger afterwards, he said he felt the same, we had both accepted that we would drown and experienced a sense of calmness and tranquillity – it was so peaceful and there was no fear.”

Resigned to his fate, Rogin decided to take one giant gulp of water and thought that would be the end, but just then a miracle happened.

With the plane now completely submerged and water entirely filling the cabin, the pressure equalised and the door slowly opened.

Fortunately, Rogin was able to move fast.

He grabbed his passenger and the pair escaped through the door, swimming a few metres to the surface.

“At the surface we took a big gasp of air, and it was absolutely wonderful!” he said.

Sitting on the wing, which was still floating above the water, the survivors soon realised that the fight was not yet over, this was just a small reprieve.

They still needed to swim 150-metres to shore, fully clothed and passed a treacherous stretch of ocean known for its jelly fish, sharks and crocodiles.

Minutes later, the wing also sunk to the bottom and the pair were left alone in the ocean.

It took them over half an hour to reach the shore, swimming in choppy ocean and miraculously avoiding any hazards.

“When we reached the beach, we were pretty finished,” said Rogin.

“We crawled up the beach and just lay there. After a while we started walking around the point.”

Fortunately, someone had seen the incident and had already raised the alarm.

When the ambulance arrived, however, Rogin and his passenger were in shock but otherwise in good health and were permitted to return home.

“I will go flying again this week!” laughed Rogin.

“I asked my passenger too and he said he would go up in a plane again with me anytime too!”

Within three hours of the incident three planes from Rogin’s flying group had flown up from Mackay to search for the submerged plane.

Five other pilots came to the beach to help as well.

“The camaraderie and concern from the other pilots was just amazing and overwhelming,” said Rogin.

“The following day the plane was spotted, it’s tail coming out of the water like a breaching whale!”

Able to bring it to shore, Robin has now spent most of this week retrieving useable parts from the wreck and says he will likely have nightmares for years to come but is very grateful to have survived.  

By Rachael Smith

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The two-seater recreational plane, Savannah, with a motto emblazoned across the side saying ‘nothing ventured nothing gained’. Photo credit: Paul Douthwaite

The team at Coles in Cannonvale launched their fresh new look at a special ribbon cutting event on Wednesday morning with their bright red branded truck setting a vibrant backdrop to the festivities.

For the past two months, the store has been receiving a complete refurbishment, as well as the addition of several new concepts which are set to increase the customer experience.

The new bakery will see flatbread made fresh and ‘flipped’ in-store and a brand-new baked artisan sourdough adding to the extensive range.

Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy the delicious dessert treats from the patisserie range and the mouth-watering frozen dessert bar, including mochi, mini gelatos and macarons which have already become extremely popular.

There is also a big cheese section for entertainers and new deli meat case.

Coles Cannonvale Store Manager Andrew McIntosh has worked at Coles for almost 12 years and said he was excited to provide an enhanced shopping experience and 30 additional local jobs to the community.

“The store has transformed immensely from what it used to look like,” he said.

“Coles is proud to be continuing to invest in the Cannonvale community and we have started recruiting to further grow our already strong team of around 100 team members, some who have been with us since we opened our doors in 2006.”

Local shoppers will have also noticed that new shelves and fridges have been added, and while many items have been moved to different locations, Andrew assures us that they have been laid out to align with our shopping habits.

Coles is also launching home delivery for time-poor customers and the convenient and complementary shopping service Click&Collect will expand.

Additional car parks will be added as well as new shades covering the collection area, just in time for summer.

The new store also champions sustainability, partnering with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation and SecondBite to donate unsold edible food to disadvantaged Australians.

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The Coles team celebrate the new-look Cannonvale Store on Wednesday

Whitsunday audiences were greeted with a wonderful surprise when they tuned into their televisions this week to see a local tourism operator in the spotlight alongside Hollywood star Zac Efron.

Journey Beyond’s Cruise Whitsundays announced their participation in the newly released season of Netflix series ‘Down to Earth with Zac Efron’, which became available on the streaming platform late last week.

For its second season, Efron headed Down Under alongside wellness expert Darin Olien to travel Australia, learn about sustainable living practices, and experience Australia’s culture and beauty.

When natural splendour is being sought in the Antipodes, it’s unsurprising that Cruise Whitsundays’ Reefworld would feature heavily in the Great Barrier Reef episode of the series.

Focusing on the environmental factors facing coral reefs within the world’s largest reef system and the restoration techniques being used to try and restore and sustain the natural wonder, the episode ended with Efron and Olien spending a night at the Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld.

The Reefworld facility is Cruise Whitsundays award-winning, permanently moored pontoon found 39 nautical miles from the coast of Airlie Beach at Hardy Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef. It is most famed for its ‘Reefsleep’ for overnight guests, as well as receiving a recent gold win as Major Tour Attraction and Gold for Unique Accommodation at the Whitsundays Tourism Awards.

Cruise Whitsundays Sales and Marketing Manager, Renee Branton-Brown said the episode gave a “perfect balance of reporting tough environmental facts, while also providing great insight as to what is being done to mitigate those challenges and gives hope for future generations.”

“Cruise Whitsundays is incredibly proud to be involved with this production,” Ms Branton-Brown said.

“This episode highlights how lucky we are to live and work on the Great Barrier Reef, and why it’s so important we do what we can to protect it.”

Ms Branton-Brown said that Zac, who has been diving globally for over 15 years, was in awe of the beautiful patch of nature at Hardy Reef, which elicited genuine excitement and enthusiasm.

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton thinks this is a fantastic coupe for the region at such an important time for international markets

“What an incredible opportunity for Cruise Whitsundays to be featured on a global platform like this. Now more than ever it’s crucial for The Whitsundays to be front of mind for international holiday makers,” Mr Hamilton said.

And, as if the recent accolades and the global exposure weren’t enough to convince travellers to book a night at Reefworld, Efron gave a stunning endorsement of the site for good measure.

“I will relive this moment in my head forever and ever. It’s truly one of the coolest experiences of my life,” Efron said.

“I’ve never seen coral that alive and thriving and so many different colours.”

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Zac Efron spent a night at Cruise Whitsundays’ Reefworld as part of his series ‘Down to Earth with Zac Efron’

Reefworld has been raking in the successes in recent weeks, both with international recognition on the Netflix series and as a double Gold winner at the Whitsundays Tourism Awards

The husband of a woman who died in a golf buggy crash on Hamilton Island has been charged in relation to the fatal incident which occurred in June this year.

Police allege Robbie Morgan – a 30-year-old New South Wales man - was driving without "due care and attention" during the crash which claimed the life of his 29-year-old wife Marina Hanna

Days after their marriage, whilst honeymooning on the famed resort island, the couple’s holiday ended in tragedy.

Following an “extensive investigation,” Mr Morgan is now being charged with dangerous driving which resulted in his new wife’s death.

The allegations also state the 30-year-old man was using a mobile phone whilst driving and that neither he nor his wife were wearing seatbelts.

Mr Morgan will appear in Proserpine Magistrates Court on December 5.

The incident had made national news when, on June 20 at approximately 4.30pm, police were called to a traffic crash involving a registered golf buggy on Hamilton Island’s Whitsunday Boulevard.

According to police, the buggy rolled during an attempted U-turn.

Mrs Hanna, the passenger, suffered critical injuries and died at the scene, despite attempts by an off-duty firefighter, doctor, and dentist to save her life. Mr Morgan was not physically injured.

In days after the crash, Mr Morgan took to Facebook, writing: “My heart is broken and my world shattered with the tragic loss of the most beautiful girl in the world.. my angel.. my saint.. my wife Marina Hanna.”

“I will love you forever and ever and EVER!”

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Marina Hanna and Robbie Morgan at their engagement party in 2019

Image: Facebook

An amazing month for businesses in the Whitsunday region – with no sign of the doom and gloom being discussed across all media. Harder times will come but currently, business in the Whitsundays is booming.

The Music Festival last weekend was a massive boost to visitation to the region with literally thousands flocking to the party. Airlie Beach was certainly alive and jumping to the beat of multiple bands in multiple venues. What a buzz! Congratulations to Butto and his team of tireless workers and volunteers. With accommodation full and eleven cruise ships scheduled for November, the tourism sector and associated hospitality and retail will enjoy a solid end to 2022.

Similarly, all businesses in the region are ramping up with the end of year rush and thrown into the mix is the Whitsunday Regional Council Division 2 Councillor by-election. Again, this election will be done using an optional preferential voting system, meaning you can number one, some or all of the ballot boxes in order of your preference. Again, the Chamber encourages everyone to number every box to give us the most preferred candidate, not just the one that get the most first votes. The Chamber is looking into options for a small meet-the-candidates forum and wishes all the candidates good luck.

Labor’s divisive Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 was passed by the lower house recently with the government now looking to pass the bill by December 1. The bill is aimed at closing the gender pay gap, expanding multi-employer bargaining and bringing in flexible rostering rights - workplace reforms established at the recent Jobs and Skills Summit.

These industrial relations reforms will accelerate wage growth and if passed, the legislation will significantly affect every small business in Australia both financially and in terms of increased compliance and bureaucracy. It is hard to imagine how the thousands of small business people will suddenly be able to comply with the complexities of meeting industrialised wages and enterprise bargaining agreements given they are stretched to the limit already.

Business advocates have asked for an amendment to the bill excluding employers with 50 employees or less. Hopefully common sense will prevail

The Chamber Christmas Party will be held on Thursday 1 December, 6pm at the Gin Bar, Mirage Whisper Bay. If possible, we will incorporate a meet the candidates evening subject to availability and will advise should that be the case.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic from Whitsunday Coast Chamber

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One of the country’s most famous island resorts is now working with local youth, offering a range of job opportunities to school students between the age of 15 and 18 years old.

Hamilton Island is increasingly becoming a valued source of employment to many people residing on the mainland in the Greater Airlie Beach Area as it is a short and scenic ferry ride away from home.

Making this regular commute across the turquoise waters, are local teenagers Foxx LaMonica, Zavier Goswell and Lukas Allen-Fancke.

The three young men are all 15 years old and have worked in the food and beverage department at Sails Restaurant for the past two months.

“Working on Hamilton Island gives us something unmatched anywhere else,” said Zavier.

“It provides a learning experience and real-world skills that you can’t find anywhere else.”

Foxx agreed saying they had a “great environment to work in”.

“I love working in paradise and working with an amazing team,” he said.

“It teaches great life skills that we can take everywhere and, unlike other venues, Hamilton Island teaches professionalism.”

Lukas says he enjoys the calm ferry ride to work, the island’s natural beauty and meeting people from all over the world.

“Everyone is nice, kind and welcoming,” he said.

“It’s a fun place to work and I have learnt way more than I thought.”

With a variety of job roles on offer, including the island’s IGA, a porter at the hotel and food and beverage staff, Hamilton Island is a great way to gain experience in a number of areas and build towards a future career, or at the very least a solid resume.

CEO of Hamilton Island Peter Brulisauer was involved in setting up a similar ‘Junior Recruitment Program’ in his previous role at Perisher Resort. He said that as well as providing junior staff with ‘real life’ skills the young workforce  brings a fresh breath of air to the workforce.

“The teens have brought their youthful energy to the team, are diligent and hardworking and have fast become valued members of the team,” he said.

“It is a great opportunity to employ these young members of the community and nurture our homegrown talent and help set them up for their future success.”

Each new member of staff begins their tenure with a full day orientation led by the People and Culture team before entering a four-week outlet specific orientation related to their job area.

Each week of the four focuses on a specific skill as part of their job each week.

In addition to the training, students can engage with Robert Oatley College, which is a great resource that provides the Hamilton Island community with the opportunity to train or cross train in a number of areas.

For example, students can complete a Barista or Premium Wine course or get a forklift license for a role in logistics or even an exemption 38 or Coxswain qualification for Sea Service.

“The students have quickly become members of the close-knit staff community on Hamilton Island,” said Mr Brulisauer.

“And we look forward to welcoming more students to the island community as we move closer to the festive season.”

The opportunities are endless at Hamilton Island and first-job seekers who have a can-do attitude and willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

Applicants simply need to be between 15 and 18, have a Queensland or National Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate and in some cases a driver’s licence.

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Hamilton Island is a tourist hot-spot and an ideal location for your first job

15-year-old staff members, Lukas Allen-Fancke, Zavier Goswell and Foxx LaMonica

Local action group Save Our Foreshore (SOF) will be facing over $150,000 in legal costs when they head to the Planning and Environment court hearing in March 2023.

The procedural hearing on November 9 allowed the team to inch forward in their goal of fighting against the Whitsunday Regional Council approved development plan which will see a 47.7 metre high-rise resort built on flat land at Port of Airlie.

SOF have been campaigning since 2006 to keep the “small village feel” of Airlie Beach and this latest battle has seen them accrue over 2000 signatures on a petition against high-rise development.

SOF President Suzette Pelt said the legal fight was a “long and daunting community process”.

“We’ve always been able to work through it, but never before has a Council so blatantly gone against the community, the town plan and their own policies by failing to properly acknowledge over 2000 submissions objecting to the proposal.”

Suzette says that in one case, the Planning and Environment court overturned a decision where the judge was found to have made an error in law with regard to the community’s expectations on building heights and she hopes they will do the same in this case.

“To maintain the famous character of Airlie Beach with its low-rise, village atmosphere, we will continue fundraising to meet the $150,000 target,” she said.

“In the New Year, keep a lookout for an online art auction where local artists are donating works to help fund the community versus a private receiver’s court appeal to fight for Airlie.”

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Protestors say no to high-rises in Airlie Beach

As is the case with many rural towns, Proserpine has its fair share of strong women who have contributed significantly to their district. One such remarkable character was Bridget Ryan, affectionately known as Granny Ryan.

In response to the enticement of free land, newly married James and Bridget Ryan, aged only 16 and 18 respectively, decided to leave Ireland for Australia. James was a coach builder and Bridget was a school teacher – an achievement of no small means in an era where few were educated. Bridget described the perils of their long voyage at sea on the Zamora”: “It wasn’t just the battle of the waves, but one’s very survival in crowded, unhygienic conditions.”  

Arriving in Brisbane, they found that the streets were not “paved in gold” and work in James’s trade could not be found, so they travelled to Sydney. Bridget took work as a housemaid for a pastoralist in the Blue Mountains and James worked as a station hand. When that work ceased, they travelled to Brisbane. James worked for a number of years in his own trade as a coach builder but there was no real continuity of work. In 1894, they were forced to take their family of six by boat to Bowen. Here the last link of the northern railway was being completed and James found work there.  

In 1904, with a large family of nine to care for, the Ryans moved by wagon to try their luck farming in Proserpine’s Preston district. This proved a disastrous step. James was unaccustomed to farm life and land had to be cleared and cultivated with none of the modern implements and methods of today. Life became a struggle. But like most women of her era, Bridget was tough, resilient and resourceful.

According to the stories Bridget told her family, there would have been no recycling problem. Clothes were handed down; sugar bags were made into “woggas” covered with patches of clothing; flour bags were used for aprons, tea towels and bandages; home remedies catered for illnesses.  Nothing was wasted - curtains made from rolled and pasted jam labels or newspapers were hung in doorways. Kerosene lanterns provided lighting. (Bridget remained terrified of electricity until the day she died).

The family battled for many years and when four of the eldest sons enlisted in World War 1, Bridget decided that they’d had enough of “that Godforsaken hole” and, virtually facing starvation on tea, flour and sugar rations from the police station, they moved to town.  Bridget received a special military award for her four sons who fortunately all returned home from the war.

In Proserpine, James obtained employment as a blacksmith at the Sugar Mill and a home was built where Ampol Service Station now stands, the site known as “Granny Ryan’s Corner” until her death at the age of 95.

Life in town was much easier and more enjoyable. Bridget often spoke of the excitement at election times when they and their neighbours decked out their horses, dogs and cats with ribbons of their political choice and also at the St. Patrick’s Day processions when Bridget marched carrying a green umbrella. These days were greatly anticipated; a relief from the hardship of life. Granny Ryan joined women such as Mrs Jupp and Mrs Maltby in raising funds from bazaars, fetes and the annual ball and serving hot meals in the streets.

Bridget Ryan remained fiercely independent until her death. She read without glasses; recited her catechism and said poetry in public – and throughout her life always retained a yearning for “dear old Ireland.”

Bridget had twelve children, two of whom died in infancy.

Story courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum and photo courtesy of Bridget’s granddaughter, Colleen Byrnes (nee Ryan)

Local students pulled on their hardhats and steel-capped boots for two days of work experience at a Collinsville Mine Site on Wednesday, November 2.

The grade 10 and 11 Collinsville State High School students took to the mines for a tour, as well as a trades-focused workshop courtesy of Glencore Coal.

Coordinated by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), roughly 20 students went behind the scenes at the site, exploring firsthand the mine’s varied local career opportunities on offer.

QMEA Director, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said the students rotated through hands-on trade activities under the guidance of Glencore Coal representatives, getting a feel for what skills are needed to pursue a “rewarding trade-based career in the resources sector.”

“This unique two-day experience strategically incorporates the most valuable aspects of work experience and life experience, helping the students bolster their professional and manual skills in a real-world context,” Ms Jones said.

“Integrating a school excursion with a skills-based workshop allows these bright young men and women to see how the activities they’re learning translate to in-demand, highly-paid jobs in a local industry.”

Human Resources Manager at Glencore Coal, Anthony Exelby said the two-day experience connected students with some of the company's most knowledgeable tradespeople, who can also provide personal insights into the extent of career pathways available.

“Each year, Glencore Coal brings on a new cohort of recruits for its four-year apprenticeship program, and we heavily rely on the talent pipeline that comes from local high schools to fill roles like electricians, mechanics, and boilermakers,” Mr Exelby said.  

“We want these students to experience some of the cutting-edge technology and innovative practices we have at our sites, helping us make our operations safer and more efficient.”

Collinsville State High School Principal, Mrs Anna Reeves said students greatly benefitted from learning new skills under the guidance of experienced industry professionals.

“Not only did the site tour and workshop show our students the different types of exciting career possibilities in their hometown, but it helped them make new professional networking connections,” Mrs Reeves said.

“The activities were also an excellent opportunity for them to apply their life skills like teamwork, problem solving, and critical thinking.”

QMEA, as Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools training initiative, said they seek to “broaden student and teacher knowledge of career opportunities in resources.”

The academy encourages a talent pipeline of employees into vocational and professional careers, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation. The QMEA currently engages with 90 schools and is a partnership between the Queensland Resources Council and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.

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Students at Collinsville State High School headed to the mines to participate in work experience thanks to Glencore Coal

The Grade 10 and 11 students took part in a trades-focused workshop, as well as enjoying a tour of the Collinsville Mine Site

Images: Supplied QLD Minerals and Energy Academy

After Almost two decades in the making, Shute Harbour Marina Resort is forecasting a start of construction for the middle of next year, with plans to be fully operational by 2025.

Offering 395 private berths and 24 waterfront land and berth packages, the development is forecast to provide a ‘safe haven’ for boat owners.

In the past two years Queensland has experienced a doubling of boat registrations which is touted as potentially leading to a shortage of marina berths.

This is coupled with insurance companies requiring owners to seek permanent berths for their vessels, especially in cyclone prone areas like the Whitsundays.

These factors, combined with the natural beauty of the area, led to Adelaide developers choosing Shute Harbour to become a unique and modern marina, the first one built in the region for over 10 years.

Shute Harbour Managing Director, Sam Wade, said that over 450 jobs will be provided in the two-and-a-half-year construction phase and a further 250 in operation thereafter.

Taylors Property Specialists are working with developers to sell the lucrative berth and land packages, with Principal Rob Taylor saying they have received over 3000 enquiries and half are already sold.

To celebrate the successful project and connect with the community, Shute Harbour Marina Resort hosted a special event last week which included a talk by well-known researcher Peter Bell from Aurelius.

He presented his report findings and outlined the need for a marina of this calibre in the Whitsundays.

“Over half (57 per cent) of marinas in Queensland had a waiting list for boat storage spaces during their peak seasons,” said the report.

There are 10,678 wet berths in Queensland, with 61 per cent of these located in the state’s south-east.

North of Bundaberg there are 4,117 marina berths, and just 49 are for sale, leaving just 1.2 per cent of the supply available.

Attending the special event, held at the Volunteer Marine Rescue Centre in Cannonvale, were a mix of marine operators, professionals and local councillors.

After the presentation, a panel took questions with the central theme being the environment – where the dredge spoil would be taken and whether water quality would be affected.

Mr Wade reassured the community that water quality measures would be taken and that the dredge spoil would be removed from the area.

Shute Harbour Marina Resort is owned by a 100 per cent Australian consortium and has a small group of shareholders making decisions.

The development will cost $350 million and will be one of the biggest residential-resort projects for North Queensland in more than a decade.

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Shute Harbour Marina Resort Developer Sam Wade, researcher Peter Bell and Rob Taylor from Taylors Property Specialists

Over 30 people attended the special event held in Cannonvale last week

The new yacht share syndicate which has been creating conversations across the Whitsunday region, is hosting an open viewing event at the end of the month and everyone is invited to come down to Sorrento’s at Coral Sea Marina.

A unique concept in luxury boat ownership, Yacht Share Marina offers a syndicate of eight investors the opportunity to own shares in a vessel and spend up to six weeks a year sailing around the Whitsundays and the east coast.

The Bali 4.4, named Aleka, is the first of its kind in Australia and boasts 85 square metres of useable space on the main deck.

Known for its luxury, style and comfort the catamaran has an entire side dedicated to the master suite, where the owners can relax in comfort and privacy while their guests enjoy the other ‘wing’.

The galley and saloon areas are akin to a sumptuous lounge setting with all the modern fixtures and fittings you would expect from a vessel of this calibre.

All eight syndicate options for Aleka are already sold but a new Bali 4.4 is due to be delivered to the region next May.

In the meantime, anyone interested in taking a look is invited down to Sorrento on Wednesday, November 30 from 5pm until 7pm.

There will be drinks and nibbles served and an opportunity to find out more about the opportunity.

Anyone interested in touring the vessel, which will be berthed a short walk away, will need to make a booking to receive a time slot.

WHAT: Yacht Share Boat Viewing

WHERE: Sorrento, Coral Sea Marina

WHEN: Wednesday, November 30 from 5pm until 7pm

VIEWINGS: Call Trevor on 0412 296 656

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The Bali 4.4 is the only one of its kind in Australia