A fledgling community is developing at the once highly acclaimed Laguna Quays with residents accepting the challenge to determine their own future within this large rural paradise.

The new movement to reinvigorate the community is being led by Vic Schembri, a retired builder and property developer who owns two Cascade Condominium units and a piece of land at Banguru Creek.

Over the past year, Vic has brought the Laguna Quays community together.

He initiated the formation of the Laguna Quays Progress Association, now an association of hundreds of Laguna Quays’ lot owners.

A successful appeal on an insurance claim for damage caused by 2017 Cyclone Debbie, saw Laguna Quays’ Cascade Condominiums receive a well-deserved settlement.

The Body Corporate used the funds to make repairs and beautify the residential areas.

Roof tiles have been replaced with new Colourbond roofing, timber balustrades have been removed and a weather enduring material sits there instead.

Flood overflows have been redirected and timber mulch has been replaced with stone pebbles.

Taking on the role of Project Manager, Vic has personally overseen contractors and ensured that every cent of the insurance money has been put to good use.

He believes that the work done at Cascade Condominiums will now have a trickle-on effect and could breathe new life into other areas.

“All you need is for one house to be built here and it will encourage others,” he explains.

Driving around Laguna Quays today, you can see promise and potential starting to return; the gardens are trimmed, the blocks of units look smart, and the laneways are maintained.

Currently, there are three main residential areas at Laguna Quays, each with its own body corporates; 80 units at Cascade Apartments, 38 at the neighbouring Hillside Apartments and 15 large Club Villas.

There are also 250 privately owned plots of land which represent prime real estate opportunities for discerning investors to be part of a community on the cusp of flourishing once again.

These are located within seven precincts and many of these have now agreed to clear their building blocks and restore services making way for owners to build.

Vic hopes that by continuing to reinvigorate the area, this could in turn increase house prices and stimulate demand.

Located just 20 minutes from Whitsunday Coast Airport, Laguna Quays was the vision of Japanese businessman and avid scuba diver, Shinichi Sawada, who opened a luxury resort there in 1992.

He invested $250 million into Laguna Quays and, upon opening, it was considered a jewel of Queensland’s luxury tourism crown – it boasted an 84-berth marina, an 18-hole International-standard golf course and a 15-hectare, pump-filtered, seafront lagoon, complete with islands and a five star "beach club".

Unfortunately, the business went into receivership in 1995 and was bought by Melbourne developer, David Marriner a year later.

Despite efforts to rejuvenate the resort, it went into receivership again and was bought by its current owner, Chinese company Fullshare Holdings Group, in 2012.

Since then, any further development has stalled and the promise of significant development never eventuated.

“We’ve been waiting a long time for the Chinese developers to invest in this place - and it hasn’t happened yet!” said Vic.

“So, I said ‘well hang on, let’s do it ourselves, let’s turn it into a thriving residential community’ - all it takes is to make a start and the rest will follow!”

The residents that own property on the site have now grown to establish a strong and connected community.

The tranquillity of a bushland setting with an abundance of native animals and bird life makes Laguna Quays, a true paradise.

Despite the odds, Vic’s passion and dedication, and that of the Progress Association’s owners, are already paying off - there is a real sense of community at Laguna Quays.

“It’s a great place to live,” said Vic, who will begin building his five-bedroom dream house on-site at Banguru Creek later in the year.

“All the people who live here love the place and I just wanted to let the community know about the positive change we are seeing – hopefully they will come down and have a look for themselves!”

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Residents take revitalisation efforts into their own hands, with Vic Schembri at the helm. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Some of the plots of land available to build upon are located on the beautiful scenic lake

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Further delays in mediation have prompted Save Our Foreshore (SOF) to vow that they will “go all the way to the Supreme Court” in their fight with Port of Airlie and the Whitsunday Regional Council.

SOF are challenging the decision to approve a 47-metre high-rise hotel at Port of Airlie when the town plan caps all development in that zone at 18 metres.

Since the Council decision to approve the development last year, SOF has taken the matter to the Planning and Environment Court where they have been fighting a legal battle ever since.

It is estimated that their legal fees will cost over $150,000 and SOF say they are grateful for all public donations.

“We can’t thank our supporters enough,” said Suzette Pelt, President of SOF.

“Every donation, small and large, adds up to being able to fund nearly 12 months of legal action to date and ongoing.”

Last Friday SOF appeared in a court-directed mediation session with Port of Airlie/Meridien and Council.

“The message we took was that the maximum height is 18 metres and the town plan must stand,” said Suzette.

“And that’s what we will continue to take, all the way to the Supreme Court if needed.”

“We are committed to representing the community and public interest in this shameful development proposal that not only conflicts massively with the town plan but also puts our iconic Whitsunday and Airlie Beach low-rise, village character at risk.”

Developers are planning to construct a luxury five-star hotel complex and large conference centre on the site and they believe that the height level is necessary to attract a prestigious hotel brand name.

Airlie Beach has not had a significant hotel development in many years and the counter-argument on the subject is that the town needs this sort of development in order to compete with places like Hamilton Island.

At the moment Airlie Beach has a maximum function room capacity of 110 people, whereas Hamilton Island can cater for up to 700.

Therefore, by increasing our mainland function room offering, Airlie Beach could attract an entirely new form of corporate client.

The question is, however, with the local airport already bringing in over 500,000 passengers per year – does Airlie Beach need to entice a new demographic when it is already popular in its own right?

SOF certainly believe this is the case, asserting that it is the “village feel” that attracts people to the town and stating this would be destroyed if a high-rise hotel is built at Port of Airlie.

“People live and invest in the Whitsundays because of its unique lifestyle and character,” said Suzette.

“There is no issue with aspirational plans to develop five-star hotel accommodation but in the right place, in the right style and according to the town plan is not too much to expect.  

“There are massive flaws in this proposal.”

Suzette stated that the court case may cost ratepayers between $250,000 and $350,000 and pointed out that the Meridien group behind the development is in receivership.

‘We can’t understand why the council would be backing a company already in receivership,” she said.

Whitsunday Regional Council were asked to comment and stated that “as the matter is currently before the Environmental and Planning Court, Council is unable to comment”.

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Demonstrators protest at the site of the approved 47-metre high rise development last year

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A local not-for-profit will host a Morning Tea for Dementia fundraiser at the end of March to support families and residents of Proserpine Nursing Home.

The Quota Club of Whitsunday Inc. invites the community to Father Tom Gard Centre, St Catherine’s School on Sunday, March 26, to raise monies for resources and equipment at the local nursing home and for Dementia Australia research.

The local branch of the International Quota organisation is comprised of volunteers seeking to make an impact in the community, with this morning tea fundraiser’s focus being the progressive neurodegenerative condition of dementia.

Quota Club of Whitsundays Morning Tea event coordinator Jacqui Barrett said almost everyone has “their connection and story that goes with the mention of dementia.”

“I find it difficult to engage in conversation with people who have just heard a family member is at the beginning of this journey as I remember not quite believing this decline would happen to my mum,” Ms Barrett said.

“We need to find a cure so this can stop happening to our mums and dads, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters.”

The morning tea will feature local musicians the Momma’s and Poppa’s and Dazey Chain; local school children performing a dance routine; and Susan Blyth, General Manager of Proserpine Nursing Home, as the event’s guest speaker.

As well, three lucky door prizes, games and competitions, meat tray raffles and a rolling Cent Sale throughout the morning with over $2000 in prizes contributed by local businesses will provide entertainment for the day.

Tickets are available to purchase for $20 at Café One 3 in Airlie Beach and CE Smith Accountants in Proserpine.

WHAT: Morning Tea for Dementia

WHEN: 10 am on Sunday, March 26

WHERE: Tom Gard Centre, St Catherine’s School

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One of Mayor Julie Hall’s most prominent election promises was to increase the connection between Council and the community, and this is a vision she is now delivering upon in a series of community face-to-face catch-ups.

The first event of this type took place at Dingo Beach and it proved to be a huge success with over 50 interested locals attending to share their views and open discussion.

Subjects on the day included raising awareness of Yellow Crazy Ants, managing 4WD impacts on coastal habitats and turtles, and the Dingo Beach bollard project.

The next catch-up will take place at Cannonvale TAFE at the end of the month and everyone in the community is invited to come along.

Ahead of time, residents are encouraged to help build an interesting and relevant agenda by sharing ideas for discussion via Council’s Online Engagement Portal Yoursay - https://bit.ly/Communitycatch-ups.

Mayor Hall said she is a huge advocate of face-to-face engagement with residents in the Whitsunday region.

“The vision of the Community Catch-ups are to provide an informal setting to discuss topics important to the local community,” she said.

“These catch-ups provide Councillors the opportunity to better connect with our smaller communities, build relationships, share information, and gather feedback on local issues.

“Face-to-face catch-ups allow us to facilitate a two-way flow of information, updating residents on Council projects relevant to them and listen to issues affecting the local community.”

After each event Council will provide participants with a detailed report of the discussion, key outcomes, and future actions from the meeting via email.

All catch-up reports will be posted on the Online Engagement Portal Catch-ups project page for interested residents that were unable to attend.

Other upcoming catch-up locations for 2023 include Collinsville, Mt Coolon, Conway and Wilson Beach, Proserpine, Bowen, Scottsville, Shute Harbour and Gumlu and Cape Upstart.

Dates and locations for the next three months of catch-ups will be announced soon.

WHAT: Community Catch-Up With Council

WHEN: Wednesday, March 29 from 9am-11am

WHERE: Cannonvale TAFE

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Mayor Hall engages with the Dingo Beach community at the first in a series of Council catch-ups. Photo supplied

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The superyacht community and Coral Sea Marina are joining forces to help communities in Fiji and Vanuatu that are recovering from two recent cyclones which have caused a significant impact.

Hearing of their hardships the yachting community decided to utilise their vessels to transport useful items to the worst-hit areas at the end of this month.

What started as one superyacht soon increased to four and the crew are ready to transport any donations where needed.

Coral Sea Marina has been working with the local community and so far, they have been overwhelmed by the positive response of many.

Local junior sporting clubs have donated boots, balls and shirts, and many others in the community have contributed bags of clothes.

They are now hoping for other essential items such as nails, tarpaulins, hand tools, large cooking pots, laundry soap for cold water hand washing, female hygiene products, plastic bins with lids and first aid items.

Donations can be received at the Coral Sea Marina Office located above the Garden Bar Bistro.

All items must be clean and in good working order.

The deadline for all donations is March 31.

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Whitsunday Regional Councillor Mike Brunker was fined $500 at last Wednesday’s ordinary meeting for the “misuse of Council resources” during the previous Mayoral Election.

Mr Brunker was found to have breached Council Policy by listing his Council email address on his mayoral candidacy Facebook page during the by-election of July – August 2022, equating to an “unauthorised use of Council resources”.

Councillor Brunker sincerely apologised for the actions that were brought to Council, “unbelievable as they are”.

“People would come up to me and say, what have you done? I’d say, I expect to do five years in Etna Creek [Referencing the Capricornia Correctional Centre on Etna Creek Road] for what I’ve done,” Mr Brunker said.

“I tell them I had a Facebook page titled Mayoral Candidate and I had a Council email address on that Facebook page and they start laughing.

“They say, are you joking? I should have done something about it [the email address], and for that I’m very apologetic. But this accusation, although technically right, is absolutely laughable.”

Mr Brunker said he was “embarrassed for the failed mayoral candidate who has lodged this complaint.”

“To think that the only thing you can do through the whole Mayoral race is look around and sling some mud on someone,” he said.

“To think this is Watergate and you’re going to bring down the entire Council and the State Government.

“I hope the next time something as simplistic as this comes up, that we don’t spend ten-thousand dollars on such an investigation.”

Mr Brunker was referring to the initial complaint launched by then mayoral candidate Phillip Batty, who said he was “neither embarrassed nor ashamed”, having lodged the issue against each of the three Councillors running for the position and had simply hoped to “level the playing field” and follow legislation.

Mr Batty said discussions began in July 2022 when he emailed previous Whitsunday Regional Council CEO Rod Ferguson about the issue, hoping Council would raise it with the Councillors – which they did.

Mr Ferguson then deferred the complaint to the Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA).

“I did not make a complaint at the outset,” Mr Batty said.

“[Council] advised Councillor Brunker on two occasions in writing in July 2022 of his obligations under the act [to not utilise Local Government assets during an election]. Whitsunday Regional Council elected to have the complaint heard by the OIA.”

Independent assessors PFK Integrity, contracted by the local Council, then substantiated the claims that Councillor Brunker’s Council email address appeared on his Facebook page titled ‘Michael Brunker – Mayoral Candidate for Whitsundays’ during the election campaign.

The findings from the independent assessors – which cost $11,500 to ratepayers - were presented for decision to Whitsunday Regional Councillors at the Wednesday, March 8, Ordinary Council Meeting.

Whitsunday Mayor Julie Hall said, although the misconduct was administrative in nature, it was still a breaking of the Local Government Act.

“Unfortunately, it is the rules,” Mayor Hall said.

“The Local Government Act, whether we agree with it or not, that is the legislation and the Act. If we go against it, are we setting a precedent to say we will not abide by legislation and the act?

“Councillor Brunker is one of our longest serving members of Council and therefore I feel that he possibly should have known better. He was also warned.”

Councillor Clay Bauman agreed: “We’re here to cross the t-s and dot the i-s according to legislation. I’m not happy with the expense but I’m happy with the report on the investigation.”

Councillors, aside from Michelle Wright and John Collins – with Councillor Collins calling the entire misconduct claim “Bulls**t” - agreed to fine Mr Brunker $500 and that he attends training related to his misconduct.

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The women of Bowen were celebrated at the local Zonta Club’s International Women’s Day celebrations last week, with over 100 guests attending a lively and entertaining evening held at the Grand View Hotel.

The President of the Zonta Club of Bowen, Hortense Ingram, said it was a fantastic evening that concentrated on women in business, specifically in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields.

“It was a really inspirational evening, and it was great to see a lot of young people attending,” she said.

Abbott Point sponsored 20 tickets which were given to school students and girl guides.

Guest speakers on the evening were three young achievers who shared their stories and Mayor Julie Hall sent a personal video message.

The keynote speaker was Keziah Furnell, a 20-year-old university student, Ninja Warrior and owner and founder of STEM Sisterhood.

Keziah is in her third year of a double degree studying Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours)/ Bachelor of Information Technology at James Cook University.

In 2022 she was the recipient of the Phillip Leong Bursary which enabled her to start her business, STEM Sisterhood, which aims to help reduce gender inequality in STEM fields through the provision of female-centric workshops.

She is also the second-ranked female Ninja Warrior in Australia and will head to compete in the World Titles in America in July.

Doctor Arania Sivasubramaniam also spoke at the event.

She is a local girl who recently returned to Bowen and now works as a GP at the Queens Beach Medical Centre and the Bowen Hospital.

She has a strong passion for women’s health, with a hope to provide these services to rural communities and developing nations.

Bowen local Shannon Willcox spoke on the evening as well.

Shannon was awarded a Zonta Club of Bowen bursary and went on to complete a degree in Business, majoring in Marketing in Townsville.

She now works as a Property Sales Agent who specialises in supporting families on their property journey.

During the festivities, eight local women were recognised for their contribution to the community.

These included Angela Stevens who is a District Girl Guide leader and Newsagent Manager, Gayle O’Keefe who is a Teacher’s Aide at Queens Beach School,  Angela Arbury who is the first female tugboat deckhand in Cairns and Bowen, Horticulturalist Sue Heisswolf and Kate Mee from Abbot Point.

Project Manager of Hillery Group Melissa Simpson was also recognised, along with Stephanie Cora from Bowen Community Centre and Verni Sivasubramaniam who works as an Agricultural Scientist for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

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International Women’s Day speakers: Shannon Wilcox, Keziah Furrnell and Arania Sivasubramaniam

Left to right: Jacinta Bezgovsek (Zonta Vice President), Stephanie Cora, Kate Mee, Angela Arbury, Melissa Simpson, Sue Heisswolf, Verni Sivasubramaniam, Angela Stevens, Hortense Ingram (Zonta President), Gayle O’Keefe. Photos supplied

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Parents are invited to the Get Set for Work information night next week to learn more about the upcoming intensive employment and training assistance program for 15- to 19-year-olds commencing in April.

The initiative is aimed at youth who may no longer be enrolled in schooling and are struggling to find employment and was run successfully in November 2022 with four graduates achieving certifications.

Whitsunday PCYC will again facilitate the skills program to continue assisting in the development of “disengaged teenagers struggling for employment” in the Whitsundays.

Get Set for Work staff will be on hand at the information night on Thursday, March 23, to speak with parents about the program in a Q&A-style presentation, as well as provide local employer engagement opportunities.

The state government project runs for 10 weeks, allowing participants to gain valuable skills and work experience.

In the last Get Set for Work program, Program Coordinator Scott Lynch said his graduates undertook several work placements at businesses across the Whitsundays, including on Hamilton Island and Bredl’s Wild Farm, Woolworths, volunteering at Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, Master Butchers Whitsunday, and more.

Mr Lynch said the course is already open for its next intake - planned to begin on April 17 - and is hoping to field an even larger group, including from Proserpine with conversations for transport undergoing.

Parents seeking more information are invited to attend the Get Set for Work Information Night on March 23, starting at 6.15 pm.

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The Council owned Whitsunday Coast Airport services five different airlines which offer direct flights to seven destinations across the country: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Newcastle, with our brilliant airport team currently negotiating for a further three new routes.

As a gateway to the Whitsundays, the airport is set to hit a new record with 550,000 passengers expected travel to the region from all over the world this year. Pre-Covid, Whitsunday Regional Airport welcomed on average 32 flights per week, we now receive up to 65 flights per week during our peak periods!

The Whitsunday Coast Airport not only transports excited holiday makers, it will soon be home to a freight distribution centre which will deliver perishable and non-perishable items to each of its serviced destinations. This is a win, win situation for the region, allowing our agricultural sector to easily export their produce whilst also facilitating the importation of essential goods to the region.

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Quiet season – what quiet season?

Visitation to the region is booming and businesses are reaping the benefits. Whilst increasing full and more frequent flights are bringing a steady stream of longer term visitors, 17 cruise ships in the last few weeks have inundated Airlie Beach with day trippers coming ashore and spending up big. The combination has resulted in a fantastic February trade for the many small businesses in Airlie who traditionally suffer a significant downturn at this time of year.

Red tape is something that smothers all businesses great and small and for more than a decade CCIQ has been gathering data to better understand the impacts of regulatory burden. The majority of businesses want to see red tape reduction as a priority across all levels of government.

Chambers across Queensland are encouraging businesses to complete CCIQ’s survey in order to produce representative data for their Red Tape report 2023. This report is presented to key government departments to influence change. Don’t just complain about red tape, google CCIQ red tape survey and complete the survey.

The chamber will hold an informal networking breakfast on Thursday, April 20 with a well-known business wellness coach invited and a couple of big announcements to make. In addition, we will be holding a significant panel event as part of small business month in May  – keep an eye out for more details, be great to see you there.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic from Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce.

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It has been a fabulous start to the year in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays as we welcomed 21 Cruise Ships and over 33,800 passengers and crew ashore across the region.

Not only did these visitors come into our towns and spend money with our local shops and restaurants, but many also took the opportunity to visit some of our wonderful natural attractions such as Whitehaven Beach, the Conway Ranges and the Proserpine River with our local tour operators.

Each passenger and crew member that enjoys a positive experience in our region has the potential to come back again in the future, bringing their friends and family with them. I would like to say a massive thank you to those of you who work tirelessly to make sure their stay with us is as enjoyable as possible and that they leave the Whitsundays with fond memories.  

In other news, upgrades are scheduled to commence on the Bicentennial boardwalk between Coral Sea Marina and Coral Sea Resort from 24 April – June 9 (approx. 6 weeks, subject to weather), resulting in the temporary closure of this section. The work will see the Boardwalk widened by approximately 1 metre, increasing its capacity for future growth and improving safety for users. The project will also see the current natural timber replaced with timber composite material to significantly reduce maintenance costs and prolong the life of the asset.  

This upgrade is essential to renew the asset, plan for our future growth and will greatly enhance access for all in the long term. The Bicentennial boardwalk is an important structure and a great asset to our community. It is imperative that we maintain the safety of the boardwalk so that we can continue to enjoy it for years to come. We hope to undertake similar upgrades to remaining sections of the Boardwalk as grant funding comes available in the future.

I understand that these works may be inconvenient for some people in the short-term, but the end result will be worth it. We will provide appropriate wayfinding signage for users to utilise a detour via Shute Harbour Road and are investigating opportunities with Whitsunday Transit to secure services to the bus stop at Coral Sea Marina. Please check out our Online Engagement Portal project page, Your Say Whitsunday for more information. I appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

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Reef Catchments Youth Ambassador Program allows local students with a passion for conservation a chance to design and deliver their own projects.

These projects provide the ambassadors with experience in project management and leadership while increasing awareness around common threats to islands in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA).

The program also allows the students to engage and empower our local community to make a difference.

Since its beginning in 2018, students from around the region have created and designed their own projects relating to the conservation of our marine and coastal environments.

Projects have included the production of educational biosecurity videos, creation of community surveys and hands-on projects to assist coral reef restoration.

Now in its fifth and final year, the Youth Ambassadors from Proserpine State High School are working on a sea turtle conservation project in the Whitsunday area.

The project will centre around the protection of turtle habitat, with the details of the project still in the design phase.

The ambassadors also hope to produce a community awareness video based on the threats faced by sea turtles and what the community can do to help.

Indus Fisher, a Youth Ambassador from 2020-2021 alumni says the program was a fantastic experience that has given him skills that he will use for life.

“I have always had a passion for conservation but found it difficult to find opportunities to further my knowledge and skills,” he said.

“The Youth Ambassador Program helped me to achieve this and I’m now using the experience I gained to help me in my Marine Science degree at JCU.

“It was great to meet the current ambassadors and see how passionate they are about their project, and to be able to show them how following the program can lead to plenty of avenues to pursue conservation as a career choice.”

For more information on the Youth Ambassador Program, visit www.reefcatchments.com.au or watch past youth ambassador videos on Reef catchment’s Youtube channel.

Indus Fisher, a Youth Ambassador from Proserpine State High School. Photo supplied

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A First Nations commemorative fabricated tree and plaque are planned for installation at Bowen’s Front Beach after receiving Whitsunday Regional Council approvals.

Aged care and disability service provider Feros Care, an Australian not-for-profit with operations in Bowen, plans to install the 'Sorry Tree' for National Sorry Day on May 26 in a three-stage project.

First Nation Community Development Coordinator at Feros Care Bowen, Jean Andersen said the project is centred around the mental health and well-being of the Whitsundays’ indigenous community, particularly the families of the Stolen Generation.

“Trees are a symbol to stand strong and branch or reach out to someone you trust for help, the roots symbolise connection and belonging to country,” Ms Andersen said.

“With the approval of the project, Council will be supporting the First Nations People of the Whitsunday Region and demonstrate to the community that Council has an understanding of the history along with remembering those past and present survivors of the stolen generation.”

The fabricated tree is planned for installation at a site on the lawns of the Bowen Soundshell, pending construction of the tree by engineering firms.

Whitsunday Regional Councillor Michelle Wright said the large, fabricated tree will serve as a place for the First Nations People of the Whitsundays to have commemorative services ceremonies for years to come.

The three-stage project is anticipating a start date of March 30 when it is proposed that Stage One will consist of a Cross-Cultural Awareness Training Workshop open to the community held at Bowen PCYC.

The workshop will be held with the intent to improve knowledge of community and mainstream organisations around the importance of understanding the Educational and Cultural Experience of First Nations People through their stories, histories, struggles and triumphs.”

Stage Two will consist of integrating knowledge and understandings into workplace policies and procedures through a workshop open to businesses, organisations, schools, allied health services and providers, other mainstream services and the general community.

Ms Andersen said this workshop - to be held at Bowen PCYC as well – is “intended to provide an increased understanding of how to integrate knowledge into the policies, procedures and practices of organisations, schools and businesses.”

“Stage Three will consist of the Ceremonial Opening of the Tree with Traditional Owners, Mayor, Councillors, and attending Members of Parliament.

“There will be traditional dancers performing, live entertainment, kids’ amusement and a sausage sizzle.

“The intent of the Community Day will include all other services and providers to promote their services in the region. This will allow the community to have an insight into how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders manage social and emotional wellbeing through different forms of healing practices.”

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A fabricated Sorry Tree will be planted at the Bowen Soundshell to commigrate National Sorry Day and the First Nations people of the Stolen Generation

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Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox grilled the Federal Government in last week’s Question Time for “grossly misunderstanding their own policy” in its inadvertent targeting of farmers.

Mr Willcox is hitting back at suggestions that only “fat cats” would be affected by the Federal Government’s decision to double the tax rate from 15 to 30 per cent for earnings in $3 million-plus super funds and warned that “the small end of town” would suffer because of good faith decisions to put their farms and businesses premises in their super funds.

Mr Willcox asked the Assistant Treasurer whether the Superannuation changes would be just “another unfair new tax on family farms and family businesses” -- the Assistant Minister was unable to answer the question directly.

“Unfortunately, this is what we are seeing under this new Government […] weaselling out of questions so they don’t have to front up to ordinary Australians,” Mr Willcox said.

Peak farming bodies have raised similar concerns, such as the National Farmers Federation, who explained how the announcement “throws up significant uncertainty for family farms -- with scant detail on things like grandfathering, treatment of revaluations, or how this might impact lending in a climate of rising costs and interest rates.”

The Dawson MP, once a tomato farmer himself in the Whitsunday town of Bowen, made it clear last week that he will keep shining a light on this “poor policymaking” and “city-centric approach” to government.

“I’m just appalled,” Mr Willcox said.

“Time and time again we are seeing that the Albanese Government do not consider Rural and Regional Australians when making their policy decisions.”

“I will keep listening to our hard working rural and regional men and women that keep this country moving.

“Labor need to be held accountable for hurting those who feed our country.”

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Taking to the skies with their sights set on delivering superior performance and unmatched safety, RACQ CQ Rescue has signed a $45 million contract with Leonardo to acquire two AW139 rescue helicopters, which are set to revolutionise emergency response operations in the greater Mackay region.

The announcement was made amid the glitz and glamour of the Avalon Air Show in Melbourne, leaving aviation enthusiasts and rescue service aficionados alike buzzing with excitement.

The AW139s are expected to significantly enhance the rescue helicopter service's capabilities, enabling it to cover longer distances at greater speeds to reach patients in remote and rural communities, thanks to its superior avionics, cutting-edge technology and exceptional safety features.

Locally, the special announcement was made to sponsors, supporters and community delegates at the RACQ CQ Rescue hangar at the Mackay Airport last week, where it was revealed that the crew are ecstatic that the new choppers will include air-conditioning.

RACQ CQ Rescue Set To Soar To New Heights

The two state-of-the-art modern helicopters, which set the benchmark in performance, safety and innovation, will replace the workhorse Bell 412 models currently in use and enable CQ Rescue to reach patients in remote and rural communities faster than ever before.

CEO Tim Healee said the AW139s would hugely increase the speed, range and capabilities of our region's rescue helicopter service, which is partly funded by the community.

“The aeromedical service we deliver and the type of missions we complete are unique, being very time consuming and over long distances,” he said.

“The AW139s will deliver enormous benefits to our service including state-of-the-art avionics, superior performance, proven technology and exceptional safety features.”

Mr Healee said the AW139 was one of the most reliable platforms in the industry. The two aircraft would be configured jointly for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions.

“These new aircraft will enable our crew to fly twice as far and about 30% faster to reach patients in dire need in remote and rural locations, so it’s an enormous coup for our community."

The two new aircraft are now in production in Italy and are expected to arrive in Mackay in mid-2024.

Mr Healee said the purchase would assure the longevity of the rescue service in Central Queensland and was testament to sound long-term financial management and investment by the board of directors and ongoing community support in the service.

"The plan is to finance these helicopters over the next 10 years, which means we will be more reliant on our community support than ever before," he said.

"But we are also giving back to our supporters and this community by providing the best technology there is in the aeromedical industry."

RACQ Head of Advocacy Joshua Cooney said two AW139s for the Mackay-based rescue helicopter service would strengthen the lifesaving care provided to communities across Central and North Queensland.

“Having access to faster, more advanced and reliable aeromedical aircraft is crucial when every minute counts,” Mr Cooney said.

“RACQ has proudly supported CQ Rescue as a naming rights sponsor since 2001 and there’s never been a time when this service is more needed. We thank our RACQ members for helping us to ensure CQ Rescue’s emergency medical care is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

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The $45 million contract for two AW139s was announced at the Avalon Air Show last week, Pictured are Leonardo representatives from left Paolo Alzetta, Roberto Macchiavello and John Skeen, RACQ CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee, board member Bert Sadleir and Diego Di Sabatino. Seated from left is Vincenzo Alaimo and CQ Rescue board chairman Chris Wright. Photo Supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

RACQ CQ Rescue held a special function at its operational headquarters at the Mackay Airport last week to announce the arrival of two new helicopters to the rescue service, in 2024. Photos supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

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