One of the region’s great natural phenomena began to unfold this week as the annual coral spawning cycle commenced.

The yearly reproduction event began on Monday, November 14, with coral across the Great Barrier Reef synchronising its breeding by releasing millions of tiny egg and sperm bundles into the water.

The bundles containing the elements for life erupt from coral across the reef in unison, covering the sea in colourful clouds which rise slowly to the surface where fertilisation begins before settling to the ocean floor to develop into coral.

In the Reef’s outer stretches, coral spawning occurs during November after a full moon, normally lasting from a few days to a week.

Master Reef Guide and skipper of Kiana Sail and Dive, Brent Chatterton experienced this year’s spawning event firsthand on a five-day four-night trip to the Reef.

“We had the pleasure of seeing the coral spawning; it was amazing. Sunday night we saw the initial evidence of the spawning where they began to release the sperm and the egg,” Mr Chatterton said.

“[On Monday night] it was incredible when at around eight o’clock, the coral spawned before our eyes. It’s like an amazing snowstorm of baby corals under the water.”

Mr Chatteron said he saw different species of coral spawn over a period of days, with his tour witnessing the ‘bushies’ and Acropora corals spawning first.

“It is such a critical event, not only for coral but for fish species. It provides a tremendous amount of nutrients for small and big fishes to eat,” he said.

“The quantities are so vast to allow for it to be eaten, as well as migrate in the ocean currents to settle in other reefs as well, giving the chance for biodiversity to spread through the coral reef system.”

The Master Reef Guide said it signified a few things: “That the lifecycle of the coral is rejuvenating, ready to resettle on systems damaged by cyclones and storms.”

“Storms and cyclones are part of the coral lifecycle, the break and build. From an operator’s point of view, it’s refreshing to take tourists from all over the planet to see the health of the reef in an exciting time where the coral can be reborn and grow,” he said.

Coral Spawning is being utilised by Australian Institute of Marine Science for a project in the Whitsundays known as The Boats4Corals Program which collects spawn for resettling on places where reefs have become denuded.

In 2022, Boats4Corals will commence during this week’s spawn.

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Coral spawning began across the fringes of the Great Barrier Reef on Monday, November 14

Images: Maddie Gablehouse aboard Kiana Sail and Dive

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.
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On November 11, 1919, King George V inaugurated the first Remembrance Day, marking the end of, what was at the time, the worst conflict in human history: “The war to end all wars”.

To mark those who did not return – “The Fallen” - The Great War’s end on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month became a commemoration for soldiers and service personnel who lost their lives.

Now each year, to commemorate all who died while serving in conflicts and peace-keeping operations in conflicts since World War One, people across the globe observe Remembrance Day through a minute’s silence and a sounding of the Last Post.

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Proserpine

Proserpine’s Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) Sub-branch hosted a Remembrance Day Ceremony, honouring all who were lost, including Proserpine Servicemen who were killed during World War One, World War Two, Korea, and Vietnam.

Proserpine RSL Sub-branch President Jason Raiteri led the proceedings, making special note of the Australian participation in ending The Great War.

“From the summer of 1918, the five divisions of the Australian Core were at the forefront of the Allied advance to victory,” Mr Raiteri said.

“Victory for the Australians had come at a heavy cost: They suffered almost 48,000 casualties in 1918 alone. The four years of World War One 330,000 Australians served overseas, and 60,000 died.

“Today, we remember the over 100,000 Australians who did not come home over all wars. From World War One, World War Two, Malaya, Korea, Vietnam, Rwanda, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and all the other operations Australians have been involved in across the globe.”

Wreaths were lain at the foot of the Proserpine Cenotaph by representatives from Proserpine RSL, Whitsunday Regional Councillor Gary Simpson, ex-military servicemen, and local schools, before a minute’s silence was observed.
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The well-attended ceremony ended with a playing of ‘The Last Post’ before local’s travelled to the Proserpine RSL to continue a day of remembrance.

The Proserpine Cenotaph was the scene of a touching Remembrance Day ceremony

The event was well-attended by veterans, to whom it means so much

Proserpine Returned and Services League (RSL) Sub-branch organised the day and saw many of its members observe the ceremony

Members from various ex-service groups took part in the RSL-led service

Proserpine RSL Sub-branch President Jason Raiteri conducted the rites of the day

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Bowen

Over 80 people attended the indoor service at the Bowen RSL last Friday, including Mayor Julie Hall who stayed to speak with war widows and other guests after the ceremony.

“It was a lovely turn out,” said Bowen RSL President John Eyles.

“We had a very good day as a club.”

The attendees comprised ex-servicemen, families, guests, and friends of the RSL, with the Country Women’s Association putting on a delicious afternoon tea for all to enjoy.
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Wreaths laid to remember those that served

Volunteers Rob Byles, Faileen James, Robyn Burrell

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Cannonvale

There were roughly 50 attendees at the Cannonvale Cenotaph to commemorate Remembrance Day this year and Airlie Beach Whitsunday RSL Vice President Carl Brown led the service.

Father Jose gave a shirt address and requiem which was followed by the prayer of Remembrance.

President of Airlie Beach Whitsunday RSL Dianne Trueman laid the first wreath followed by Amanda Camm MP’s representative Jacqueline Spruce and Councillor Jan Clifford.

They were followed by ex-service men, local police officers and students from nearby Cannonvale State School.

Jenni Borellini sung the New Zealand National Anthem and Airlie Norton sung the Australian National Anthem.

The flag was lowered and a minute’s silence observed to the emotive sounds of ‘Last Post’ played by Bryce Fraser.
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Service concludes with wreaths laid and flag at full mast

Councillor Jan Clifford, President of Airlie Beach Whitsunday RSL Dianne Trueman, Amanda Camm MP’s representative Jacqueline Spruce and RSL Vice President Carl Brown

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The Hamilton Island luxury yacht fire in late October is still being dealt with by insurance companies.

A stunning Sunseeker 82 motor yacht known as Time Out caught alight on the morning of October 24 this year, before emergency services attended the scene at Hamilton Island Marina which lasted approximately 10 to 12 hours before sinking.

The fire onboard caused the yacht to sink to the seabed which indicates its intensity, as well as the severity of damage the fire incurred to the hull.

Marina staff were integral in efficiently and effectively working with firefighters to contain the flames, with crew from the yacht having provided critical first response.

In days after Time Out’s eventual total submergence, the vessel’s owners were approved with an insurance claim sum in excess of $1,500,000.

A Loss Adjustor and Marine Surveyor, Michael Lieberman, from Nautilus Marine Insurance has been attending the marina to manage the post-incident site and minimise any environmental impact.

Within such a pristine environment this was of immediate concern to the insurance team who had immediately organised professional divers to secure any potential for pollution damage.

Assisted by a range of photos provided by the yacht mechanic, the diver operation was “very successful with the required lines being blocked and the fuel contained.”

The site is still being monitored with additional resources being utilised as soon as required.

“As a professional I have attended many salvages and none of them are ever the same, Mr Lieberman said.

“Being a large vessel resting on the seabed the issues with this salvage are manifold and, like all incidents in marine locations, must be carried out with an abundance of caution and consideration for the environment and local community.”

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A vessel named Time Out caught fire in late October

The emergency event at Hamilton Island Marina saw insurance claims awarded of $1.5 million

Three people were injured in a truck rollover on the Gregory Development Road earlier this week on Monday, 7 November.

The accident occurred at 9am and RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked by Queensland Health to fly direct to the scene near Belyando and land on the road to transport an injured passenger to Mackay Base hospital.

Two others were also transported to Townsville hospital with serious injuries.

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A trip to a tip store inspired a series of events, which led to a decorated piano being donated to the city for the love of music.

Whitsunday Anglican Year-11 student Clancy Morgan found a disused piano at the IncredableTip Shop at Paget. She started to play the instrument and noticed people gathering to have a listen, and thought it was wonderful to see people come together over a tune.

Clancy’s vision was born to restore the old beauty back to its former glory, with some colourful artistic additions. With the help of a $1990 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant and teachers at Whitsunday Anglican School, the piano underwent a transformation and many tune-ups to play sweet music once again.

As part of the City Heart Friday evening’s event, ‘Keys of Mackay’ was officially launched in front of an enthusiastic crowd on Wood Street who had gathered to listen to Whitsunday Anglican pianists perform.

Now based in the heart of Mackay, with the ability to be moved to other locations throughout the region, the old piano has a new lease on life, bringing joy to a wider audience.

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When the worst happens, you can only hope that Good Samaritans will run to your aid and make a traumatic experience better in some small way.

This was the case for Gail Swanerton when tragedy struck her family at the Aquatic Recreation Complex (ARC) earlier this month.

Enjoying a visit to the swimming-pool with her partner’s uncle and his wife, who both suffer from disabilities, an incident occurred where the uncle unfortunately passed away.

While medical teams arrived and handled the situation, Gail remembers two kind police constables who spent over four-hours by their side.

“The police often get a bad rap,” said Gail.

“But these two constables stayed with us and were so lovely.

“It was a dreadful thing for all the staff to go through too, but they were all so caring and respectful.”

Comforting the gentleman’s wife and bringing free bottles of water to the family, were just some of the acts of kindness from staff during the incident.

From the Police to the Paramedics, ARC staff and Southern Cross Carers staff – everyone jumped in to help and make a terrible situation better in some small way.

Gail would like to publicly thank everyone who assisted that day and let them know that every word, thought and deed meant so much to her family, bringing a ray of light to what was such a sad day.

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I couldn’t tell you when I heard my first Ben Lee song.

His music has been omnipresent in my life, and I feel like this is how most Australians experience Ben Lee.

‘Cigarettes Will Kill You’, ‘Catch My Disease’ and ‘We’re All In This Together’ were heard regularly on Rage, TV ads and in movies and shows; he was a part of growing up in Australia in the ‘90s and ‘00s.

He’s an icon who has been making waves internationally for decades, so I was elated when I got the chance to see him perform at Airlie Beach Festival of Music on the weekend.

I was even more elated when I got the phone call with the opportunity to head backstage and have a quick chat with him.

I was so excited and had plenty of questions ready to go: I wanted to know about his childhood band Noise Addict, what international stardom was like for him, how he met and started a band with ‘How I Met Your Mother’ actor Josh Radnor.

I got to ask him all this and more, and you can read my chat on page 23 of Whitsunday Life and online at mackayandwhitsundaylife.com.

It was one of my first “backstage media” type experiences and it was extremely cool to get that glimpse of the industry.

It was one of those moments where I thought, “How cool is my job?”

My Saturday at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music also included sets from Weathered, Allison Forbes, Ben Ransom, The Badloves and Salt & Steel, all of which were terrific.

It was headlined by an excellent set of rhythm and blues from British icons The Animals.

I sent some videos of The Animals to my dad, to which he replied, “Glad you enjoyed some 60's classics,” and I sure did.

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Sarina Sugar Shed has officially produced one of the best rums in the country.

The signature Sugar Shed Rum was awarded silver in the two-to-four-year rum category at the inaugural Australian Rum Awards last Friday, November 4, in Brisbane.

An esteemed panel of rum and spirit experts rated the Sugar Shed Rum highly, with a score of 86 points, ranking it among the finest rums in Australia.

Deputy Mayor Karen May hailed the achievement and congratulated distiller, Sarah Parrott.

“This is an outstanding result, not just for Sarina Sugar Shed but also for the Mackay region and for Sarah herself,” Cr May said.

“On behalf of council and the community, I want to add my well-deserved congratulations to Sarah for her excellent skills as a distiller.

“This award demonstrates the standard of local producers in our region, and council is pleased to support agri-tourism and food tourism experiences through its flagship attraction, Sarina Sugar Shed, which continues to garner attention on the state and national stage,” she said

Sarina Sugar Shed coordinator Ian Mason said the whole team was very proud of the result and particularly proud of Sarah.

“Sarah has been consistently producing high-quality rums and this national silver award is due recognition for her dedication to her craft,” Mr Mason said.

The silver award at the Australian Rum Awards adds to the gold award won by Sarina Sugar Shed at the Australian Distilled Spirit Awards in December last year for its Sugar Shed Classic, as well as numerous silver and bronze medals in previous years.

The Sarina Sugar Shed provides guided tours of the sugar cane crushing process, featuring a miniature mill and product tastings. It is open seven days (except selected public holidays) from 9am to 4pm. Advance tour bookings (9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm) are highly recommended.

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While Sebastian Padget might be focussing on his year 12 exams, his role as the Youth Member for Whitsunday has other things on his mind, including the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project proposed by the Queensland Government in September.

The outgoing Mackay Northern Beaches State High School Captain has filled the role of Youth Member for Whitsunday throughout the year and is passionate about young people having their voices heard.

“I’ve been watching it (the pumped hydro announcement) with a bit of interest, and I think that, as a young person, it’s so important that we get our voice out there,” Sebastian said.

“A big issue surrounding this project is the amount of voices that are being heard.

“I know that there’s been certain consultation periods that have been allowed for our community, however I think a lot of it is insufficient.

“I think the community of Netherdale deserves more consultation, I think the wider Mackay region deserves more consultation to ensure that $65 billion is being well spent.”

Sebastian said he is not inherently against pumped hydro but believes that the proposed investment in the project could be better directed elsewhere, including into the housing crisis, the healthcare system and roads.

“I think it’s important that we are looking at all energy streams, however, I think that when they are proposing $65 billion, that can go a long way in a lot of areas,” he said.

“We’ve had projects that we’ve wanted here in the northern Beaches such as duplicating the Mackay-Bucasia Road.

“There’s been a lot of projects like that where we’ve needed infrastructure and I think now, communities across Queensland, can be certain that if they ever hear that there’s not enough money for a certain project, there is.”

Upon graduating high school, Sebastian aims to visit the residents of the Netherdale region to hear how they’ll be affected by the proposed hydro project.

“They’ve been quite vocal up in Netherdale, which is awesome, and they have a right to be frustrated,” he said.

“Across the region, there’s a very tough debate going on.

“I think it’s really important that, especially young people, we should get a voice in this, as should everyone.

“At the end of the day, they are proposing a $65 billion project which, if it goes ahead, will impact generations to come.

“As much as I can as the Youth Member of Whitsunday, I’ll make sure that young people do get a voice in this.”

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Tom Barry has a remarkable story and the RSL Mackay Sub Branch thinks it should be heard by all.

The RSL Mackay Sub Branch has thrown its support behind Tom, a local author and fellow veteran, by assisting in the distribution of his book throughout the community.

Tom celebrated his 100th birthday in August with the launch of his memoir ‘A Prodigious Leap’.

“The book, in one word, is about me,” Tom said.

“I can remember things from young enough to say I was still a baby.

“In essence, I was born and the people around me materialised and from then on it was all systems go.”

The book goes on to tell of Tom’s poor upbringing in Sunderland, England, his service in the British Army and his ‘prodigious leap’ into the Italian Alps that would change his life forever.

RSL Mackay Sub Branch President Ken Higgins said Tom’s story is a miraculous one.

“The Mackay RSL Sub Branch is honoured to support Tom and all veterans throughout the community,” he said.

“Tom has lived a miraculous life and it’s an important story that needs to be heard.”

The RSL Mackay Sub Branch purchased a box of 20 books to be donated throughout the community including to schools, aged care facilities, libraries and individual veterans over the next six months.

“We’ll make sure the books get in front of the most appropriate people,” Ken said.

‘A Prodigious Leap’ by Tom Barry is also available to purchase on Amazon.

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A multi-million infrastructure project to provide better access to Mackay’s north has now been completed.

The $144.55 million Mackay Northern Access Upgrade project was delivered to improve safety, reduce congestion and boost traffic flow at critical locations on the Bruce Highway and major intersections north of Mackay.

It has increased highway capacity with extra traffic lanes extending from Ron Camm Bridge to south of Bald Hill Road, and intersection upgrades along the route.

Construction also included widening the Goosepond Creek bridges, new bridge overpasses at Davey Street, and a new bridge and widening the existing structure at Janes Creek.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade is officially complete, to the benefit of locals, tourists and heavy vehicles who travel the Bruce Highway into and through Mackay.

"By improving access and the safety of intersections along this section of the Bruce, we're helping locals get home to their families sooner and safer,” Minister Bailey said.

The project created a consistent six lanes on the Bruce Highway between Sams Road and Mackay-Bucasia Road, and an additional two lanes for through-vehicles north to the Davey Street overpass.

Highway duplication on the northern side between Janes Creek and Blue Gum required a partial realignment of Janes Creek.

The realigned Janes Creek promotes natural flow conditions and retains channel capacity, with local plant species used to revegetate the watercourse's environment.

Major construction started in April 2020 and was undertaken by CPB Contractors, with more than 70 per cent of workers living in the Mackay local government area.

State Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said she is incredibly proud of the work done to transform the Bruce through Mackay.

“Incredibly, more than 624,000 work hours went into delivering this upgrade so I thank each and every worker for their time and effort,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“The realigned section of Janes Creek is also 'fish friendly' with the inclusion of fish-accessible structures and the placements of logs and rocks at random locations to provide habitat for fish and other aquatic wildlife.

"It’s great that we can deliver sustainable and environmentally friendly structures while building major road projects.”

Project Facts:

● Road embankment – 66,533m3

● 50,500m3 of excavation has occurred

● 8052m of electrical conduits have been laid

● 53,000t of asphalt has been laid (equivalent depth of nine Olympic swimming pools).

● 624,000+ hours have been worked on site

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Two men have been charged with 16 offences, following the alleged theft of 7,500 litres of fuel at Moranbah.

On November 7, a Moranbah mine site reported thousands of litres of diesel fuel had been stolen.

Investigations led detectives to attend a Moranbah paddock, where it is alleged police located two men pumping fuel from a vehicle into a shed.

A crime scene was declared and police located 7,500 litres of diesel fuel, stored in fuel pods, along with $7,000 in cash.

It is alleged the fuel had been stolen between approximately October 3 and November 7.

Two cameras and two phones were also seized, in which it is alleged evidence was located that indicated the pair were attempting to onsell the fuel.

A 40-year-old Proserpine man and 48-year-old Moranbah man were taken into custody at the scene.

The 40-year-old man has been charged with seven counts of stealing and one count of possessing tainted property.

The 48-year-old man has been charged with six counts of stealing and one count each of receiving tainted property and possessing explosives (fireworks).

Both men are expected to appear before Moranbah Magistrates Court on December 8.

Investigations are ongoing. Detectives are appealing for anyone with information or relevant dashcam and CCTV footage to come forward. Quote this reference number: QP2201919906

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A Mackay-born Civil Engineer recently returned to North Queensland to revisit some of his handiwork.

Dan Higgins was born in Mackay in 1932.

Now living in Brisbane, Dan returned to his birth town in October to visit the Holy Cross Church at Eton which he designed in 1962.

He was joined by two of his sons, who took him on the trip for his 90th birthday, as well as his sister Mary, who still lives locally.

“It was wonderful that he was able to come up and see what he designed,” said Mary.

“As we were driving up, we could see it amongst the trees and it was really touching, really emotional.

“We are all so proud of him.”

The family obtained keys to the church, Dan exploring the inside of the church for the first time.

An article printed in the Daily Mercury on Saturday, January 13, 1962, reads: “Plans and specifications for the church had been drawn up by a former Walkerston parishioner, Mr D Higgins, who was now employed by an American engineering and architects’ firm in Brisbane.”

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Half a century of servicing the community was celebrated by JT & PA Croyden Pty Ltd with a gala dinner for 150 attendees in Sarina recently.

Owners John and Patricia Croyden established the “Croydens” business in 1972 with the purchase of their first truck from a local business formerly Crokers Truck Centre, to service the Sarina community with landscaping and quarry supplies.

Since the heady days of employing more than 80 permanent staff, with a long list of casuals and approximately 150 pieces of equipment, the local Sarina company has built a reputation as being reliable and community-minded.

The company has held long-standing contracts with some of the region’s largest companies, including more than 45 years with BMA Hay Point Services and 30 years with Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd.

At the beginning of the business, John Croyden would go to the pub on a Friday night and locals would ask for a delivery, “knowing I had a truck and no matter how many beers I had, I never forgot an order.”

“One single axle truck turned into two, and then three, and then there was a need for a bigger truck and we purchased our first tandem tipper – which was a big thing at the time,” Mr Croyden said.

Pat Croyden believes that their success has come from “working hard, and we’ve also been fortunate and making the most of the opportunity to develop the business by responding to the community’s needs”.

“We really want to thank our present and past employees, customers and the community for their support and we will continue to focus on maintaining strong business and customer relationships,” Mrs Croyden said.

Croydens General Manager Stefan Tomerini stepped into the role in 2007 following John and Pat’s retirement to “help steer the transformation of Croydens”.

“John and Pat have supported the local community and been part of developing so many local charities and clubs financially, and it humbles me to manage the Croyden empire,” Mr Tomerini said.

“What makes you successful in business is dealing with the same people, and that’s why we’ve stayed with the same suppliers.

“You get to know your supplier and they get to know you. You also get to know the product inside out.”

Volvo Group Australia is one of those suppliers, and Regional Commercial Manager Iain Allison said that the whole group were “proud and humbled” to have had such a long-term, beneficial partnership with Croydens.

“Since their first purchase of an F86 in 1979, we have had a close and successful relationship with Croydens – it’s been an honour to work with the team for so long,” Mr Allison said.

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In my previous life working as a journalist, the days that had an impact and resonated most were those when there had been a tragedy when emotions were raw and real.

I covered Melbourne’s Queen Street massacre, when a deranged Frank Vitkovic entered the post office and shot and killed nine people.

Another day I sat in the lounge room of a father whose young police officer son had been executed as he sat in a police car with another constable while they were parked in an inner suburban street.

There is only pain and devastation and even though you have a job to do you can’t help but deeply feel the anguish of the people you speak to in those situations. You connect at a human level.

I went into real estate about 11 years ago and it is certainly a different gig … but the connection with humanity is, in many ways, equally as strong.

When you are selling someone’s house it is a big deal, an important responsibility. Naturally you make sure you have a strategy to get the best price and hope that the seller takes your advice in terms of preparing the property.

But the truth is that selling real estate is only partly about houses, bricks and mortar. It’s mainly about people.

Part of it is being able to connect with buyers and smooth the way to them buying a property.

One of the highlights of selling real estate is sharing the excitement of someone who has bought a property they love.  But often there is more to it, the effort and sacrifice to get to the point of being able to buy has sometimes been monumental and the result has been life-changing. You get to feel that.

And working for sellers often takes things to another level. They have trusted you to give advice, market the property, deal with buyers, get the best price.

The decision to sell often comes with significant emotional factors. There’s the emotion of having raised a family in the property. Maybe it was the house owned by someone’s late parents, a place where the seller grew up. Perhaps there are health or financial reasons for selling, something that has been forced on the vendor.

Some years ago, during an economic downturn, I sat in the lounge room of a burly, hard-working bloke who was thinking about selling because he was worried about losing his job, losing his house and letting down his wife and kids.

He was not a touchy-feely-sensitive sort of bloke but he was in tears, telling me how worried he was about losing everything and the impact that would have on his family.

Even though I was just a real estate agent, the feelings were raw, the connection was real and I knew we were talking about a lot more than me selling a parcel of land with a house on it.

When selling real estate you are connecting with people, helping them get the best result and getting an understanding of what matters to them.

We sold the big burly bloke’s house, he put the money away for a few years, made sure his job was secure when the economy picked up and he bought another house a few years later. Job done and connection made.

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