This week’s winner is Corrine Hendrikse with this stunning peacock photo. The theme was “Blue”.

Next week’s theme is ‘Glass’, and members are welcome to join the Whitsundays Amateur Photographer’s Facebook group.

These photographs are contributed by the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Group.

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Proserpine’s Main Street today bears little resemblance to what it looked like in the early to mid 1900s. Most of the original buildings have long gone, however, the facades of several of these early establishments can still be seen as one drives down the main street. The Hewitt Building is one of these reminders of the past.

Throughout its existence, it was the location of a variety of businesses, the first being the premises of Alfred Harvey Hewitt who operated a saddlery/harness business.  It was a two-storey building and he moved into it in December 1903. In about 1910, the Hewitts left the area for Sarina.

J A Behrens, who was also a photographer, ran refreshment rooms called The New York Café from this building. In August 1913, he sold to Mrs. William (Mary Ann) Compton (nee Jenkins) who lived with her family in the rooms above the shop. There were steps at the back and then they had to walk across the roof to access the rooms.

In 1914, after Alfred Hewitt died, aged only 37 years, his widow, Margaret and young family returned to Proserpine where she operated a tearoom from the shop. In 1918, she married Mr John James O’Hara. They left the area for a short time, returning in 1921 and bought a farm. For a short time in the 1920s, these rooms were taken over by single ladies, the Clifford sisters.

May 1925 saw a change of business when Mr J M Harkness, Chemist, took over the shop which had been thoroughly renovated. He had arrived in the area in 1924 originally operating his business in Mrs Beame’s premises next to Kelly’s Hotel (now the Grand Central).  Following the death of Mr Harkness, Philip Sydney Reid acquired the pharmacy in 1928.  

Mrs. O’Hara, wife of the late Mr. Hewitt, still owned the building and decided to rebuild, this time to a single-storey building. Mr. Bob Shaw was the builder. The “Proserpine Guardian” (June 17, 1939) reported, “With its demolishment will go an old landmark of the town” … “probably one of the oldest buildings”.  Timber from the old Hewitt building was transported to Dent Island where it was used to build a home for Jack and Margaret O’Hara when they retired from mainland farming in 1941.

Christopher John Monkhouse assumed control of Reid’s Pharmacy in April, 1948 and the Hewitt Building remained the location for a pharmacy for almost another fifty years. When C J Monkhouse died suddenly in January 1960, the freehold was passed to Mrs Monkhouse. W N Gillies managed the business until Mr. Campbell Hill took the reins in 1961.  He sold to Mr. Graham Chandler on October 1, 1962. Graham carried on the business on his own until Paul and Gloria Gluske became partners c1993.  The Chandlers eventually moved away from Proserpine and the business was bought by Robert and Megan McKay in 1996. They closed this shop in 1997 taking the stock a few doors up to an existing chemist shop, Proserpine Pharmacy. So ended the Hewitt Building’s association with chemists.

Since then, a diverse range of businesses has operated from the Hewitt Building. A music shop called In the Hearing of Audioworx relocated from 140 Main Street. It was owned by Don Hope from 1997 to 1999. After this closed, Harvey World Travel shifted to the building until October 2009.  Around May 2010, Anita and Steve opened their business, Tropical Beach Hut. They were followed by an acupuncturist. From about 2016, Peak Body Mechanics, a complementary health and wellness clinic, began operating until eventually closing and putting the business up for sale in 2022.

In 2024, a new owner/tenant started a home brew shop, cleverly named Home Brewitt – a nod to the original owners of the building.

Stay tuned for more stories about the history of some of Proserpine’s early establishments.  

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

1. Hewitt building today
2. Hewitt building in 1999

Late in the night of Tuesday 10^th February, BMA Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue was tasked to Haslewood Island to assist a man suffering from a marine envenomation. The patient was on board a marine vessel and experiencing significant pain, respiratory distress and intermittent loss of consciousness, prompting urgent medical intervention.

In a challenging operation, BMA CQ Rescue’s medical team, comprising an onboard Paramedic and Doctor, were winched to a nearby beach before making their way to the patient by vessel. The crew stabilised the man before transferring him to land, where he was carefully winched into the helicopter and transported to Mackay for further medical treatment.

This mission underscores the critical role BMA CQ Rescue plays in delivering life-saving care to those in remote and regional locations, often when time and distance are against them.

Complex rescues such as this rely on the precision and expertise of highly trained Rescue Crew Officers, the calm judgement and skill of dedicated Pilots and Air Crew Officers, and an advanced medical team prepared to deliver critical care wherever it is needed most.

Contributed with thanks to BMA CQ Rescue

The rescuers that keep watch over our shores

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We are excited to introduce a new column ‘The Poet’s Corner’, a section dedicated to showcasing local poetry across the region.

The first poem is from Suzy Gordon entitled, ‘Thunderstorm’. Suzy Gordon has lived in the Whitsundays for 16 years. She teaches and mentors young writers, runs an online magazine for them, and is working on two poetry collections and a book about creativity and writing.

If you are interested in submitting your own poetry don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing sebastian@lifepublishinggroup.com.

Thunderstorm

We sit on the front deck when the rains come
All a slather;
A watery frame in which we wash

– arms, brows, backs –

It reminds me of the clamour & hush
when snowdrops crown
& I hold my hand up
trace the condensation

hoping this glassy relief
will vanquish the cold

once and for all.

It is the end of a long winter in the north.

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Hailing all the way from Leeds in the UK, Suzanna McLoughlin has joined the Life Publishing team as the newest Cadet Journalist. Suz initially studied English Literature and French at the University of Manchester, spending a year in France where she taught kids English.

After university, she embarked on a grand trip to New Zealand, working and travelling there for two and a half years, deciding to stop in Australia on the way home. Whilst in Australia, she did seasonal work on Fraser Island and around the Great Ocean Road, falling in love with the country.

Upon returning to the UK, Suz worked in audio and podcasting, writing material for mental health and sleep podcasts, whilst dabbling in children’s fiction as a side hustle. Having gained valuable skills, Suz – reminiscing on her time in Australia – decided to return to become a journalist.

“I love storytelling. Throughout the years I got more passionate about honest and ethical journalism. I want to tell stories in ways that honour people’s experience and serve a purpose”, Suz said.

In her spare time, Suz pursues physical activity such as yoga, having recently become a qualified yoga teacher. She loves camping and hiking and is excited to explore the beautiful environment.

“It’s been amazing meeting everyone. All the people I’ve met are so kind and it’s really nice to see a tight knight community that welcomes others so readily.”

If you see Suz around, don’t hesitate to say hello. The team readily welcome her and are excited to see what she will accomplish.

Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

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Reef Authority experts are calling on citizen scientists to help unlock the mystery of the whale sharks of the Coral Sea.

Little is known about the star-speckled giants of the sea or where whale shark aggregations can be found on the Great Barrier Reef.

But latest findings from the Eye on the Reef program reveal a surge in whale shark activity, with reefs off Townsville and the Far North becoming key areas of interest.

In the last four months alone, eight sightings have been recorded – an unusually high frequency for this period.

Reef Authority’s Eye on the Reef Program Manager Chris Jones said the Townsville data stands out due to the high frequency of sightings despite lower boat traffic compared to other hubs.

"While places like Cairns see a high volume of sightings, they also have significantly more tourism vessels on the water," he said.

"The fact that we are seeing this cluster of sightings off the Townsville region with fewer boats suggests there is something truly special happening here.

“However, we need more sightings to identify any patterns.”

Reef Authority Field Management Director Dr Mark Read said this localised activity may be linked to broader biological events occurring across the Marine Park.

“Just like the famous aggregations at Ningaloo Reef, whale sharks on the east coast appear to gather around coral and fish spawning seasons,” he said.

“While we have long known they visit the Reef, the latest data logged by citizen scientists is helping us better understand their movements and identify potential areas of interest.”

The Reef Authority is calling on all reef-goers – from commercial operators to recreational divers – to help solve the mystery.

“If you have seen a whale shark on the Reef – even if it was 10 or 15 years ago – you can still enter them in Eye on the Reef app,” Dr Read said.

“Every entry helps us identify long-term patterns and contributes to the global knowledge of where these sharks are going not just across the Reef, but around the planet.”

The gentle giants being spied increasingly in our waters. Photo supplied

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The Great Barrier Reef — the jewel in the crown of coral reefs worldwide — is facing an uncertain future.

The greatest threat to the Reef is climate change. Rising ocean temperatures are driving mass coral bleaching events, while ocean acidification weakens the calcium carbonate skeletons corals rely on to grow. Combating climate change requires a coordinated global response, and while action is underway, it is happening far too slowly. Time, unfortunately, is not on the Reef’s side.

Yet all is not lost. While the Reef cannot be saved by local action alone, there is much Australia can do right now to buy it time. The key lies in building reef resilience.

What Is Reef Resilience?

Reef resilience refers to a coral reef’s capacity to resist damage and bounce back after stress events such as bleaching, cyclones, or disease outbreaks. A healthy, resilient reef is far more likely to survive climate impacts than one already weakened by pollution, overfishing, or poor water quality.

The good news is that building reef resilience does not require international agreements or global consensus. It can be — and already is being — done at home through two complementary strategies: reducing local pressures on the Reef and actively restoring and adapting reef ecosystems.

Reducing Local Impacts

Local stressors have long undermined the health of the Great Barrier Reef, increasing its vulnerability to climate change.

One of the most damaging is poor water quality. Runoff from the land carries excess nutrients, pesticides and fine sediments into coastal waters, largely from agriculture, land clearing and coastal development. These pollutants promote algal blooms, reduce light availability, and increase coral disease.

Australia’s recently released Nature Laws have the potential to significantly reduce this decades-old problem — but only if they are properly enforced and adequately funded.

Another major threat comes from crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS). These coral-eating predators can devastate reefs, consuming vast areas of coral in a matter of weeks. Outbreaks have plagued the Reef for decades, with poor water quality believed to contribute to population explosions.

Today, trained dive teams actively control outbreaks by injecting starfish with reef-safe substances such as vinegar or cattle bile. While labour-intensive, this approach has proven highly effective in protecting high-value reefs.

Fishing practices also play a critical role. Overfishing and destructive fishing methods disrupt reef ecosystems and is harmful to reef building corals.

On the Great Barrier Reef, fishing is managed through zoning, quotas, gear restrictions and enforcement — all designed to maintain ecological balance and long-term sustainability.

Restoration and Adaptation

Alongside reducing local impacts, scientists are actively restoring and adapting the Reef to a warming world.

Reef restoration and adaptation involve large-scale, science-driven initiatives aimed at improving coral heat tolerance, accelerating recovery, and enhancing long-term survival. Approaches include growing heat-tolerant corals in nurseries, boosting resilience using beneficial microbes, and using robotic systems to distribute coral larvae and stabilise damaged reef structures.

It may sound like science fiction, but these projects are already underway on the Great Barrier Reef.

Buying Time

Despite these efforts, climate change remains the Reef’s greatest existential threat. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to limiting warming to 1.5°C — a threshold widely regarded as critical for coral survival.

Local action alone cannot save the Reef. But by reducing pollution, managing fisheries, controlling outbreaks and restoring damaged reefs, we can strengthen resilience and buy time.

For the Great Barrier Reef, time may be the most valuable resource we have.

Contributed with thanks to Tony Fontes

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Last week, more than 13,000 cruise passengers passed through Shute Harbour Marine Terminal across three consecutive days, delivering a significant boost to local businesses and tourism operators across the Whitsundays.

As a Council-owned facility, Shute Harbour Marine Terminal plays a critical role as a key gateway

to the Whitsundays.

“Shute Harbour is a Council-owned asset that delivers real economic returns for our community,” said Mayor Ry Collins.

“When cruise ships arrive, visitors flow straight into local tours, transport, shops and hospitality venues, providing a direct boost to local businesses and jobs. Combined with the continued record-breaking performance at Whitsunday Coast Airport, it shows how our sea and air gateways are working together to strengthen visitor connectivity and keep our regional economy moving.”

Director of Commercial Businesses Craig Turner said the scale and success of the cruise operations

reflect careful planning and strong coordination across Council’s commercial facilities.

“Managing cruise operations of this size over consecutive days is a complex task, and the results

reflect the professionalism of our teams and partners across the terminal,” Mr Turner said.

“Shute Harbour and Whitsunday Coast Airport are Council-owned gateways that complement each other. Together, they allow us to efficiently move visitors into the region by sea and air, connect

them with local operators, and support a strong and growing visitor economy.”

Mr Turner said strong collaboration between terminal staff, tenants, transport providers and tour

operators was critical to ensuring safe, efficient passenger movement and a positive experience

for cruise lines and visitors alike.

Positive feedback was received from visiting cruise operators, highlighting the success of the operations and the professionalism of the Whitsundays’ tourism network.

1 – It’s always smooth sailing through the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal
2 – One of many cruise ships bringing custom to our shores

The key to a gorgeous, liveable backyard often begins with nailing the aesthetic elements. But the real secret to unlocking its full potential lies in creating zones, layers, and experiences that invite you to relax, reconnect with nature, and make the most of every square metre.

Zone Your Space for Purpose & Flow

Rather than having one big, undefined plot, divide your backyard into distinct areas; lounge, dining, play, garden nook, etc. Use changes in flooring (decking, gravel, grass), planters, or pergolas to visually separate zones without building walls, adding function while also making your backyard feel larger and smarter.

Incorporate Water Features

A small fountain, bubbling pot, or pond serves as a background soundtrack, visual element, and stress reliever all rolled into one, setting a relaxing undertone to any gathering.

Embrace Sustainable & Natural Elements

Use drought-tolerant natives, recycled materials, and permeable pavers to support sustainability without sacrificing design. Loosen the reins on structure to create a more biodiverse, lively space.

Comfortable Outdoor Living

Think of your backyard as an extension of your home. Add comfy loungers, a fire pit gathering area, or a dining nook under shade sails or a pergola. Mix furniture materials for visual depth, and include soft textiles that withstand the weather.

Vertical Greenery

Use walls, trellises, or hanging planters to maximise green without eating up floor space—great for smaller yards or creating privacy screens.

Incorporate these tips to stay ahead of the curve, with a backyard that not only appears stunning and organised, but genuinely is.

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Indoor-outdoor living is especially popular in the tropics for a variety of reasons.

Natural Ventilation and Cooling:  Tropical climates are characterised by high temperatures and humidity. Seamless transitions, using features like large windows, sliding doors, and open floor plans, allow for maximum cross-ventilation and air flow, which naturally cools interior spaces and reduces reliance on energy-intensive mechanical cooling systems (like air conditioning).

Thermal Comfort and Shading: Covered terraces, verandas, and pergolas act as transitional semi-outdoor spaces, filtering UV rays and providing essential shade from the intense sun while still allowing air movement. These areas create comfortable temperatures whilst offering protection from sun and rain while maintaining an open-air ambiance.

Lifestyle and Well-being:  The mild year-round temperatures in tropical regions encourage an outdoor lifestyle. Blurring the boundaries between inside and outside promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being by providing constant access to natural light, greenery, and fresh air.

Expanded Living Space:  These transitions effectively extend the functional living areas of a home. A covered patio or deck becomes an outdoor living room, dining area, or kitchen, offering flexible and adaptable spaces for social interaction and everyday activities.

Aesthetic and Cultural Appeal:  This design philosophy connects you with the lush surrounding landscape and natural beauty, which is a significant part of the region's appeal.

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ehind every successful creative agency are businesses willing to take a leap, back a vision, and commit to building something meaningful. Real Conversations puts the spotlight on those businesses sharing, in their own words, how strategic branding and marketing have shaped their growth.

Get Real Workwear & Safety is a well-known local brand, supplying industry trades with reliable gear for more than a decade. Redhotblue has worked alongside Get Real to deliver cut-through campaigns for key product sales and promotions, where visibility drives results. We spoke with owner Nathan Price about the value of professional marketing and what it takes to stand out in a competitive retail market.

Why do you continue to invest in marketing rather than relying on familiarity alone?

Describe your favourite Get Real marketing campaign?

Our favourite Get Real marketing campaign would have to be the “Win $10,000 Can Crush Competition”, which we ran as part of our 10th Birthday Celebration.

This campaign stood out because it created huge excitement both in-store and online, and it was backed by strong, professional graphics and consistent branding that immediately grabbed attention. The campaign also generated strong customer engagement because it was fun, different, and gave people a reason to visit the store and be part of the celebration.

One of the biggest highlights was the outside broadcast on the day of the major can crush appointment, which created a real buzz in the community and helped turn the event into more than just a promotion — it became a memorable Get Real milestone.

Overall, it was a campaign that combined strong visuals, community engagement, and excitement, and it helped reinforce Get Real’s brand as bold, energetic, and locally connected.

What are the benefits of hiring a professional agency to do your marketing rather than in-house?

Hiring a professional marketing agency gives us access to a wider skill set than we can realistically maintain in-house. Agencies bring strategic planning, creative direction, high-level design, copywriting expertise, and data-driven campaign management, all under one roof.

It also saves time internally — instead of our team juggling marketing on top of daily operations, an agency can deliver consistent content, professional branding, and structured campaigns that align with business goals.

Most importantly, agencies provide an outside perspective and keep us accountable to growth. They help ensure our marketing remains modern, competitive, and aligned with trends in digital advertising and customer behaviour.

How have campaigns helped influence customer behaviour?

Our campaigns have strongly influenced customer behaviour by increasing both brand awareness and customer confidence.

We’ve seen campaigns drive behaviour in practical ways, such as:

• increased enquiries from mining and industrial clients
• higher engagement and repeat visits to our website
• customers coming in-store asking for products they saw promoted online
• improved uptake in specific product categories (boots, PPE bundles, new releases)

Overall, our campaigns have helped shift customer behaviour from simply “shopping” to actively trusting Get Real as their go-to safety supplier, which builds long-term loyalty and repeat business.

JODY EULER : redhotblue and

NATHAN PRICE: Getreal Workwear

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A Mackay woman has made her way from silent battles to the international stage, transforming pain into purpose and self-doubt into a platform that now inspires women across the region and beyond.

Recently appointed National United Miss – Ms Queensland 25/26, Jenna will represent Australia at International United Miss in America this July, which she says is, “a dream come true.”

In October, she was crowned after applying online for a system that resonates with her mission, made up of “a strong sense of sisterhood.”

She kept the news private until receiving her sash and crown just four weeks ago, officially beginning her journey to the international stage.

“It’s so amazing that I get to do what I love – only now I get to do it on a bigger scale and make more of a global impact,” she said.

As the only Mackay entrant in her system heading to Florida, Jenna admits the honour is significant — but she is far from alone.

“The support is so, so tight — you would think that we were all sisters.”

Her rise has not come without hardship. From a young age, Jenna experienced bullying that deeply affected her confidence, self-love and sense of self-worth. She has faced both online and in-person bullying, even in recent times, but she refuses to let those voices define her.

“What defines me is how I choose to rise with heart, honesty, and a desire to help others do the same,” she said.

Through modelling and pageantry, Jenna rebuilt her confidence and learned to believe in herself again. That healing journey sparked her advocacy platform, Freedom to Flourish — a movement grounded in mindset, healing and permission to grow. It is a message for those carrying silent battles and anyone learning to love themselves again.

“Pageants and modelling really changed my life,” she said. “It’s life changing.”

Determined to create that same transformation for others, Jenna founded Beeyoutiful Charity Pageants, combining empowerment with purpose. The next event will be held on June 27, and will raise funds for HeartKids, supporting children and families impacted by childhood-onset heart disease. Entries are now open.

Through her platform, business and volunteer work, Jenna regularly connects with women navigating confidence struggles and self-doubt. By sharing her story openly, she hopes others feel seen, and brave enough to step forward.

Preparation for Florida is already underway, with a routine in place, public speaking training and a full-time coach.

But beyond crowns and competition, her mission is focused on reminding women they are worthy of space, healing and growth.

“Through this title and once in a lifetime opportunity, I hope to continue inspiring others who may be struggling with fear or the weight of others’ opinions, and remind them that they deserve the freedom to flourish.”

Businesses interested in sponsoring her international journey or supporting the June charity event can connect via Instagram at @nummsqueensland.

Mackay’s Jenna Kerschbaumer has been named National United Miss – Ms Queensland 25/26 and will represent Australia at International United Miss in America this July, using her platform Freedom to Flourish to inspire women to rise above bullying and self-doubt. Photos supplied

Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) has kicked off 2026 by welcoming a vibrant new cohort of graduate nurses, ready to begin their healthcare careers across Mackay Base Hospital and regional facilities.

Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery James Williams Jenkins said 67 newly qualified nurses have been recruited to the 2026 Mackay HHS Nursing and Midwifery Graduate Program.

The two cohorts are comprised of 36 new nurses in February and 26 graduates welcomed to the Mackay HHS in March.

“We are delighted to welcome our large annual cohort of graduate nurses to the health service where they will consolidate and further develop the clinical skills they learned at university,” Mr Jenkins said.

The Mackay HHS Nursing and Midwifery Graduate Program is twelve months in duration across Mackay Base Hospital and rural hospitals.

“Graduate nurses undertake placements across any of the 25 clinical areas in the Base Hospital including mental health, emergency, renal, medical, cardiac, surgical, oncology and theatres, as well as across our rural facilities,” Mr Jenkins said.

Fifteen nurse graduates are undertaking rural placement across the Mackay HHS at facilities including Proserpine, Clermont, Bowen, Sarina and Dysart and there are two midwifery graduates in the program in 2026.

“They will be supported with mentoring, theoretical and clinical guidance to ensure we build safe, confident and competent nurses,” Mr Jenkins said.

“Most graduates studied at CQUniversity and James Cook University and many are from the Mackay region.

“We are also pleased to welcome nursing graduates from other parts of Queensland and New South Wales as well as New Zealand.”

Mackay HHS continues to support graduate registered nurses after their first year of professional practise with excellent retention rates, Mr Jenkins said.

Hayley Borg, Jessica Treyvaud and Alex Robinson

Group pic - Mackay Hospital and Health Service has welcomed 67 new graduate nurses to its 2026 Nursing and Midwifery Graduate Program, providing placements across Mackay Base Hospital and rural facilities to build skills, confidence, and support local and regional healthcare. Photos supplied

Do you have someone in your neighbourhood who is a bit of a legend?

Maybe they bring in your bins when you’re away, collect your parcels to keep them safe from porch pirates, or maybe offer an ear and a chat over the fence?

As part of Neighbour Day, Mackay Regional Council is looking for those people in our region who really make our neighbourhoods feel safe, connected and supportive.

My Legendary Neighbour, will run again throughout March, with residents urged to nominate someone they think is a true legend.

Mayor Greg Williamson said previous Neighbour Day events have led to lasting and meaningful relationships.

“One of last year’s winners, Rebecca, hosted a street gathering as a way to bring together older and younger residents and bridge the gap over the generations,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Their neighbour, who is in his 90s, attended and had a wonderful time connecting with others and her young children now make a point of going and checking on him and spending time with him.

“These sort of connections are what makes our community great and also provide people with a sense of belonging, connection and security.”

This year, residents are being encouraged to nominate their legendary neighbour to be in the running for a prize that they can share.

Nominations can be made at mackay.qld.gov.au/neighbour and close on March 20, 2026.

Council is also running several ‘Cuppa with a Neighbour’ events throughout March.  These free events will be held at Armstrongs Beach, Mount Ossa, Marian, Walkerston and the Northern Beaches.

These events will allow people to meet and socialise in a relaxed environment.

Full details of these events can be found at mackay.qld.gov.au/neighbour

Mackay marked International Men’s Day on Wednesday 13 February 2026 at Souths Leagues Club, celebrating the sixth year of the event organised by Mackay Shed Happens.

Proudly sponsored by DGH Engineering and supported by Daly Bay Coal Terminal, the morning recognised the positive impact men make in the community as fathers, colleagues, mates, and role models.

Attendees enjoyed good food, engaging conversation, and guided table discussions on discrimination against men in social services, societal expectations, and the law, while highlighting men’s health, wellbeing, and meaningful connections.

A special congratulations went to Charlie Jones (DBCT), who received a Weber BBQ after winning the door prize at the celebratory breakfast.

Organisers also thanked Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton, for donating the BBQ, as well as everyone who bought tickets and supported the event.

Photo source: Real Mates Talk & SHED Happens Mackay