Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Whitsunday Anglican School has celebrated a successful year of student sport, recognising the tremendous talent and achievements of its athletes at its 2026 Sports Awards. Among the major honours, the Bill Turner Cup Under-15 Soccer Team and Vicki Wilson Cup Year 7–9 Netball Team were named Sports Teams of the Year after winning their respective Mackay competitions and progressing to represent the Mackay Region at state competitions. Harriet received Sports Official of the Year for her commitment to netball umpiring, including her selection to officiate at Queensland Representative School Sport level, while Maverick and Chelsea were named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year for their sporting excellence, integrity and contributions to the school. The school also recognised Mr Jim Fredericksen for 20 years of volunteer coaching with its Archery Programme. Mayor Greg Williamson attended the awards, alongside guest speaker Mrs Deanna Turner, who shared insights into the value of sport in education. A former Queensland Firebirds netball player, Australian rugby league player and Queensland Rugby League coach, Mrs Turner is also a current Queensland Representative School Sport coach. Her presentation explored how sport can help build resilience, teamwork and leadership. The school congratulated all award recipients and students who represented Whitsunday Anglican School throughout 2026. Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School
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It’s the story about 30,000 drowned pigs and how it applies to real estate, best business practices and life in general. In an earlier life I was the editor of the Daily Mercury newspaper, back when it was published and printed six days a week and over 20,000 copies were sold on a Saturday. Different times in the media world. Anyway, this one day we were following a story about flooding in Rockhampton. Some days earlier there had been a lot of rain and some flooding in the Mackay region and, as often happens, the river system’s flood waters then made their way towards Rockhampton. When there is a rain event upstream a lot of water from various rivers and tributaries runs into the low-lying Fitzroy River system and into Rockhampton. It is very predictable and Rocky authorities can often establish that when there is flooding further north in places like Mackay that in a week’s time the Rocky area will be flooded. So up in nearby Mackay we were following the approaching flood and in communication with our sister paper in Rocky who were giving it massive coverage. It wasn’t Mackay so it wasn’t going to be front page in our paper but we were planning on a significant coverage. In the late afternoon one of our reporters came into my office and said: “30,000 pigs have drowned in the Rocky floods. They were washed away from a farm.” I said: “Thirty thousand pigs!? That’s a lot of pigs. Can we check on that?” The reporter came back five minutes later and said: “The story’s right. The farmer told the Rocky journo thirty thousand pigs have drowned from his property upstream from Rocky. Rocky’s running the story.” I asked if we had photos and he said they didn’t but would let me know when they had some, although none arrived that evening. We went pretty big on the drowning, as the Page 3 or Page 5 lead story with the obvious headline of 30,000 pigs drowning in the Rocky floods. Early the next morning the young journalist who had told me about the thirty thousand pigs drowning approached my office and tentatively knocked on the door. In a stammering voice he said: “Ah, look … about that, um, story about the, ah, thirty thousand pigs drowning near Rocky ...” I had an uneasy feeling, bordering on dread. “Uh ha … what about the pig story?” I asked. He said: “It wasn’t thirty thousand pigs. It was 30 sows and pigs.” I’m no mathematician but even I could work out that our story and big headline was out by about 29,970 dead pigs. I knew immediately how the miss-communication would have happened. A young Rocky reporter busily covering the floods. On the phone talking to a distressed farmer or piggery owner who blurts out: “Mate it’s terribly out here. I’ve lost 30 sows and pigs, all drowned.” If someone, speaking quickly, blurts out “thirty-sows-and-pigs” you can understand how someone could hear “thirty thousand pigs”. Also, who says “sows and pigs”? A piggery owner, obviously, but probably no-one else. Certainly not a reporter in the city. Anyway, we ran a correction the next day. The story reminds me that in life, real estate and business, listen to your gut. I had questioned the story. I thought 30,000 pigs was extremely unlikely but accepted it when the young reporter confirmed it. I should have asked more questions. I should have listened to my gut. In real estate, owners sometimes get the facts wrong … how many kilowatts in the solar system, how many litres the bore produces, when the previous owner had renovated the house. You can’t just pass these things on to a buyer as facts if you don’t know them 100 per cent true. You’ve got to be cautious, listen to your gut and check the facts.
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Queensland Telestroke Service is saving lives one video call at a time, recently providing life saving consultation to 37-year-old Mackay mum Angelica Murray. Angelica suffered a stroke whilst out with a friend, and was rushed to Mackay Base Hospital. Within minutes of her arrival she was connected by video to a specialist stroke neurologist who prescribed life-saving medication. “I was in the car with my friend and suddenly I couldn’t concentrate or remember names,” Angelica said. As her condition deteriorated, her friend rushed her to hospital. At the emergency department, staff immediately recognised the signs of a stroke. “I remember all the nurses and doctors working together so quickly,” Angelica said. “They were explaining everything, even the stroke doctor on the screen.” From the advice of the Queensland Telestroke Service (QTS) neurologist, Angelica received the clot busting medication she needed. The speed of the service made a life changing difference. “I started feeling better after a couple of hours,” Angelica said. Mackay Base Hospital is now recording the fastest stroke treatment times in the state. QTS is operating live across ten Queensland sites ( Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Ipswich, Makay, Toowoomba, Kingaroy, Rockhampton, Bowen, Proserpine, and Gladstone hospitals) with more than 850 patients being treated so far. 12 Queensland hospitals are planned to be added to the list. The service aims to make sure that regional patients are receiving specialist stroke care just as efficiently as those in central areas. Local Stroke Nurse Helen Nengasha, who has spent more than a decade caring for stroke patients, said seeing outcomes like Angelica's was exactly why the team has embraced Queensland Telestroke Service. “The introduction of QTS has streamlined care for patients experiencing time-critical strokes,” Helen said. “Now, it doesn’t matter where you live, you can get that expert care straight away. “In one recent case, the team achieved treatment in just 42 minutes, well under the national 60-minute benchmark. That’s the fastest we’ve ever done.”
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From toilet training to prostate health, pregnancy to menopause — why pelvic health matters to us all. When you hear the words pelvic floor, what comes to mind? Pregnancy? Childbirth? Perhaps those exercises you were told to do but never quite remembered? For many years, pelvic health has been viewed as a women’s health issue. But here’s something that might surprise you: everyone has a pelvic floor, and everyone can experience pelvic health problems. Whether you’re a child struggling with constipation, a new mum recovering from childbirth, a man experiencing bladder changes after prostate surgery, or someone navigating menopause, pelvic health plays an important role in everyday life. Our pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of our pelvis. These muscles support our pelvic organs, help control our bladder and bowels, contribute to sexual function and work alongside our abdominal muscles during movement. When things aren’t working as they should, the impact can extend well beyond the bathroom. It might be the child who avoids school toilets because passing a bowel motion hurts. The mum who stops running because she leaks urine. The man who avoids social outings because he’s worried about finding a toilet. Or the woman who believes pelvic heaviness is simply another part of getting older. Different people. Different stages of life. But one common thread: pelvic health can influence our confidence, activity levels and quality of life. And importantly, many pelvic health concerns can improve with the right support. Pelvic health physiotherapy is about much more than strengthening muscles. Treatment might involve bladder retraining, bowel management, improving muscle coordination, addressing pain or helping someone return to activities they love. Sometimes the answer is strengthening. Sometimes it’s learning to relax. And sometimes it’s simply understanding what’s happening in your body. This broader understanding of pelvic health is also why our clinic has recently embraced a new name. After five wonderful years as Women’s Health Physio Mackay, we are now proudly Pelvic Health Mackay. Our new name reflects something we’ve always believed: pelvic health is for everyone. While our name has changed, our team, our care and our commitment to helping the Mackay community remain the same. So here’s my question to you. Have you stopped doing something you love because of your bladder, bowel or pelvic health? Perhaps you’ve given up running because of leakage, avoided social outings because of urgency, or accepted discomfort because you thought it was simply part of getting older. You don’t have to wait until symptoms become overwhelming to seek help. Many concerns can improve with appropriate assessment, education and individualised treatment. If something doesn’t feel right, start the conversation. Speak with your GP or a pelvic health physiotherapist and find out what support is available. Because pelvic health isn’t just about muscles, bladders or bowels. It’s about confidence, independence and enjoying life without unnecessary limitations. Pelvic health isn’t just women’s business. It’s everyone’s business. And your health deserves attention. Lauren Neill | APA Titled Women’s, Men’s & Pelvic Health Physiotherapist | Pelvic Health Mackay
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Everyone in the community is encouraged to shop local this Christmas and, if supporting local small business is not incentive enough, then the Local 4 Locals campaign will definitely get you excited!
With a total of $5000 worth of shopping vouchers to give away over the next three weeks, there will be a special draw each Friday in the run-up to Christmas.
For your chance to win, simply purchase an item from one of the 23 participating stores and your entry will be put into the draw.
The first draw will take place this evening in conjunction with the Christmas Street Fair and Markets during which many shops will be open for extended hours.
“On the night there will be a special appearance by Santa and Rudolf,” said organiser Wendy Bickhoff.
“Come down dressed in your best Christmas outfit and you may win a prize!’
For full details head to the Locals 4 Locals Bowen Facebook page.
A prize of $1000 will be drawn this evening, December 2, and a further $1000 will be drawn on the following two Fridays - December 9 and 16.
Each entry from previous weeks will then go into the final grand prize pool of $2000 which will be drawn on December 23.
The promotion itself begins at 8am today and all entries will be submitted for tonight’s draw.
If you are local business and would like to participate in the campaign, simply chat to Wendy at Coral City to Country for full details.
The first draw will take place at 8pm this evening and the winner does not need to be present in order to claim the prize.
WHAT: Local 4 Locals
WHERE: Participating shops in Bowen
WHEN: Friday, December 2 from 8am to 5pm on Friday, December 23
The warm glow of salt lamps, the sweet perfume of an aromatherapy diffuser, a mesmerising backflow waterfall burner or a glass vase moulded into timber – these are just some of the gift ideas that can transform homes into havens this festive season.
They adorn the shelves of Goodness Gracious at the Whitsunday Shopping Centre in Cannonvale and the stores new owner, Jacki Movigliatti, invites everyone to come and browse the wide selection of healthy, organic, and alternative items she has for sale.
“We have leather, timber and embroidered diaries which are very popular this time of year,” she said.
“We also stock a variety of candles, incense, bath salts, massage oils and an entire range of ‘Boody’ which is bamboo clothing – everything from sleepwear to active wear.”
Jacki has just taken over the reins of the longstanding health and organic produce business and said she is looking forward to continuing the good work of the previous owner while introducing some fresh ideas along the way.
“I’d like to bring some more wholefoods in, and I am looking at some pesticide free fruit and veg as well,” she said.
Originally from Townsville and having spent many years in the Atherton Tablelands, Jacki moved to the Whitsundays six years ago for a fresh start.
A yoga teacher for the past 20 years, she has also been an Ayurveda –a traditional medicine system native to India- practitioner for the last five.
Looking to get back into the health industry, she jumped at the opportunity to become the new owner of Goodness Gracious.
With a reputation for its diverse range of health produce, the store stocks everything from spices to vitamins, beauty products to cushions and mats.
Jacki is also ordering some Christmas themed health foods this year, including specialist tea, gherkins and organic olives.
Head into Goodness Gracious today and enjoy a wealth of health while supporting local this festive season.
Goodness Gracious owner, Jacki Movigliatti, holding a glass vase moulded into timber
Back by popular demand, the Proserpine Community Markets are hosting their annual Christmas Fair and everyone is welcome to come down for a morning of lively music, fun activities, delicious food and of course Christmas Shopping.
With an abundance of store holders, this years’ Christmas markets have seen a record number of businesses apply for a spot, and organiser Tarnia Patton said she is trying to find extra space at the site so she can cater for the additional enquires.
From home-made trinkets to unique health products, plants and succulents, clothing and many other creative gift ideas, there is plenty to choose from if you are looking for a present that will make someone feel truly special on Christmas Day.
By purchasing your presents at the Proserpine Christmas Markets, you will also have the added satisfaction that you are supporting a local small business who, in turn, will be reinvesting the money back into our region.
This year, there will also be a special guest at the market, one that is sure to put a smile on every child’s face.
“The big man in red will be coming along this year,” said Tarnia.
“At 10.30am he will do walkthrough and then children will have the opportunity to sit down and tell Santa what they want for Christmas.”
The Joy Chimers will also be present on the day, performing with their chimes and offering a unique take on some of the most popular Christmas Carols.
Lucy Sherrington and Noah Robinson will also be playing some of their popular music as shoppers soak up the vibrant Christmas Market atmosphere.
A host of food vans will be on-site throughout the morning, and when weary legs need a break, you can relax on the lawn and sample home-made cakes, freshly brewed coffee and other delicious treats.
WHAT: Proserpine Community Christmas Markets
WHERE: 69 Marathon Street, Proserpine
WHEN: Sunday, December 11 – 8.30am to 12.30pm
SANTA: Arrives at 10.30am
The whole community are invited to the Proserpine Community Christmas Markets next Sunday. Photo credit: Declan Durrant
Santa will be making an appearance at 10.30am. Photo credit: Declan Durrant
For the first time since Proserpine’s El Dorado Picture Theatre played its final reel on December 7, 1984, the Whitsundays’ sugarcane town will be host to regular movie screenings of new releases.
The reconstructed Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) will officially launch its cinema on December 12, heralding in a new age of “the pictures” in Proserpine.
Although the previous iteration of the Proserpine Entertainment Centre held movie screenings for special events only, this will be the first time a new release has been shown in the town for almost four decades.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will be the first to grace the screen at the PEC, and Manager at Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Kate Boyd said the cinema schedules will be posted on the PEC website.
“Two sessions will be held daily during school holiday periods. Outside of this time, Cinema screenings will be held on a Sunday and Monday for a trial period, with a few interruptions for live events which have already been scheduled,” she said.
Ms Boyd said most movies held at the PEC will be recent releases, with something to suit all age ranges, with older films and nostalgia films playing on special occasions.
“The more people come to see films at the PEC, the newer releases we will receive from the distributors!” she said.
All prices can be found at the Entertainment Centre’s online box office and a Facebook page competition is running until December 9, where locals can win one of three double cinema passes to the first screening.
One way for sugarcane growers to reduce business costs is through practices such as planting legumes and the precision application of pesticides. These practices provide cost benefits to the grower as well as improving the quality of water which flows to the Reef.
In the Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program (MWWQP), there are nine delivery provider run projects that address nutrient and pesticide practices to minimise run-off, particularly during the wet season when the rainfall intensity flushes the catchment.
Development of these practices requires financing and extensive research to understand what impact the new management practices have on yield, and what water quality risk there is.
One of the projects being run under the MWWQP by Sugar Research Australia (SRA) seeks to validate improved practices and identify which of those result in less runoff of nutrient and pesticides while not impacting negatively on the crop.
To achieve this, SRA has trial sites set up with participating growers that collect water runoff from a paddock. This runoff is then analysed for nutrient and chemical content, which is then communicated to growers to inform future management decisions.
This wet season, SRA is looking into run-off water quality profiles of enhanced efficiency fertilisers compared to traditional fertilisers. Enhanced efficiency fertilisers are relatively new products designed to improve nutrient use efficiency by minimising nutrient losses.
SRA are now trying to understand the water quality risk for these new products.
Other trials underway this wet season include looking into management practices relating to cane grub control, and the use of mill by-products to assess what impact these practices have on water quality.
Through research and effective communication, growers are provided with the evidence that they need to maintain a viable business and adopt new practices which will ultimately improve their business and water quality.
The Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Project is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation with support from Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland Government.
For more information on any of the projects involved in the MWWQP please visit reefcatchments.com.au.
Contributed with thanks to Chris Dench.
Research into farming practices paves the way for adoption of new practices and improved water quality
Chris Dench from Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program
As you drive into Airlie Beach town centre you may notice a small but important local landmark is now missing – the large Blue Gum Tree at the entrance way.
Two weeks ago, it was chopped down to make way for a new development on the site and local climate action group, Whitsunday Conservation Council (WCC), say they are concerned that our urban canopy is being slowly destroyed by this process.
While this is just one tree, they believe it is representative of a bigger picture, stating that “Airlie Beach is already noticeably hotter than Cannonvale due to the predominance of dark-coloured hard surfaces and the loss of tree cover, which is ongoing and unregulated.”
“From all directions this tree is an imposing factor of the entrance statement to Airlie Main Street, more importantly provides habitat and food for local fauna,” said Jacquie Sheils, President of WCC, in a letter of appeal sent to Council.
“So many large mature trees have been lost to development in recent years and a dominant beautiful tree such as this deserves our protection and care to thrive and provide shade, shelter and habitat.”
Approaching Whitsunday Regional Council to appeal, the environmental group were told that there is no tree policy protecting local land.
Less than a month after this appeal, concerns were realised when the tree was felled.
“Apparently the developer has contributed a handful of seedling Blue Gums to the revegetation project at Twin Creeks Cannonvale to ‘compensate’ for the destruction of this mature tree,” said WCC Secretary Faye Chapman.
“But this publicly funded revegetation project is already in place, so these trees would have been planted anyway.”
WCC are now asking why Council has no policy on local matters of environmental significance, including a ‘Significant Tree Register’ to provide protection for iconic trees like the one lost earlier this month.
“Other Councils in our region have tree protection and maintenance policies and do not allow mature trees to be removed without first making every effort to maintain and nurture these beneficial giants of nature,” said Faye.
“This tree was on the extreme corner of the development block, surely enlightened design and prudent trimming could have seen this tree safely incorporated into the plan for the new hotel.”
The old Blue Gum Tree acted as an entrance statement to Airlie Main Street
It was chopped down to make way for a new development at the site of the Colonial Motel
The iconic tree featured on postcards in the 1980s
The stump is now a memorial feature
The dedicated team at Whitsunday Coast Airport (WCA) is celebrating after being voted the “Best Large Regional Airport” at the Australian Airports Association Annual Award in Adelaide last Friday night.
Known as the fastest growing regional airport in Australia, the Whitsunday Regional Council owned and operated WCA won the same award back in 2018 and Mayor Julie Hall said this demonstrates the resilience of the team to “bounce back” after COVID.
“In April we smashed the highest monthly passenger record with 47,384 passengers transiting through the terminal,” she said.
“The previous highest monthly total pax for April was 37,486 in 2019, so to eclipse that by nearly 10,000 proves that WCA is probably the fastest growing regional airport in Australia.”
The airport’s Chief Operating Officer Aviation and Tourism, Craig Turner, attended the awards in person and said the win highlighted how critical WCA is to the success of the Whitsunday region for our industry and business stakeholders.
“A major focus for my team has been business development to attract new carriers and new destinations to increase passenger and air movement, plus the introduction of freight operations,” he said.
“Adding freight to our business plan was a strategic move aimed at maximising the capacity of aircraft to drive additional revenue and provide more reliable and efficient supply of fresh produce for tourism operators.
“We have hit over 220 flights monthly which means more bums on seats, bodies in beds and visitors exploring our region and a major reason the Whitsundays is one of Australia’s most popular tourism destinations.”
Craig Turner, Chief Operating Officer Aviation & Tourism, receiving the “Best Large Regional Airport” award at the Australian Airports Association Awards night. Photo supplied: Whitsunday Regional Council
Hi Everyone,
This week I took a trip down to Mackay and went on a tour of our recycling plant so I could see firsthand where all our recycling goes – it was informative, educational, and also fun!
For the past five years I have been living in an apartment in Cannonvale which is not able to be serviced by yellow bins as the complex does not have the additional space required for them.
There are many apartments like this is the Greater Airlie Beach area and unless the Body Corp pays to build suitable housing for the yellow bins, then residents either put recycling in general waste, or do what I do, and take it down to the local tip themselves.
This process is time consuming, and I imagine many households simply don’t bother which means so much recycling is becoming unnecessary landfill.
Fortunately, Council have assured me the new waste plan coming out next year will start addressing the shortfall in this service.
Anyway, back to the recycling plant – did you know that all our recycling is taken straight to Mackay for processing and then turned into a valuable commodity which is on-sold to markets?
Not only is recycling good for our environment it is also making us money because all the proceeds are returned to the Council and in-turn the community.
I think this is great and you can read the full story on page 21.
When we transform our mindset from seeing our household waste as rubbish, to seeing it as a valuable material that can generate money instead, then we can change the way we dispose of our waste.
Every item of general waste costs us money and every item recycled makes us money – you do the maths!
Rach
“We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly” (Anne Marie Bonneau)
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Last week in the Good Deed Feed we told the story of a kind stranger who paid someone’s $280 shopping bill at a local supermarket.
The other customer’s bank card was not working, and the good Samaritan simply reached forward and used his card to pay the enormous bill saying only: “I got you mate”.
This week we’d like to share a different story which was posted on local community site, Whitsundays Chat.
It featured another local resident who had a similar experience, only this time it was with a bunch of bananas.
When this young lady was at the counter of the IGA in Proserpine, she realised she was $3 short and so put her bananas back on the shelf.
Leaving the store, she thought nothing else of it.
That was until a group of high school kids ran up to her as she was getting into her car.
“One of the kids ran up to me with the bananas in her hand and gave them to me - they had paid for them - the school kids paid for them!” read her post.
“I felt terrible but also I couldn’t be anymore thankful for this beautiful gesture.
“They did not need to do that at all for me, but they did! I’ll definitely return the favour when I see them again - how beautiful of them.
“Thank you again. I love the Whitsundays community.”
The post generated over one thousand likes and dozens of comments.
This story also shows us all that whether you donate a large sum of money, or something as simple as a bunch of bananas, it can have the same ripple effect to both the recipient and to the broader happiness level within our community.
Illegal Vapes Discovered At Jubilee Pocket Property
Police charged a 41-year-old man in relation to the alleged discovery of a large number of e-cigarettes/vapes at a property in Jubilee Pocket.
During the execution of a search warrant at a Jubilee Pocket Road address on November 18, Police allege the finding of a large quantity of the devices in the property’s garage.
Police will allege the e-cigarettes/vapes were for online sale.
The man has been issued with a notice to appear on one count of offence to buy or possess Schedule 4 or Schedule 8 medicines or hazardous poisons – prescription only or controlled drugs respectively.
The man is due to appear in the Proserpine Magistrates Court on January 16 next year.
Cannonvale Drug Charges
Police charged a 33-year-old woman with multiple drug related offences following the execution of a search warrant in Cannonvale on November 19.
Officers attended the Macarthur Drive address and allege a large number of dangerous drugs, drug utensils and just under $4000 cash were found at the property.
The charged woman was taken into custody at the property without incident.
She is expected to appear at Proserpine Magistrates Court on December 19.
She faces charges of one count each of possessing dangerous drugs (methylamphetamine), possessing anything used in the commission of crime (mobile phone), possess property suspected of having been acquired for the purpose of committing a drug offence (clip seal bags), possession of property suspected of being the proceeds of an offence (cash), and two counts of possession of drug utensil (glass pipe and scales).
At its peak, there were over 26,000 Flying Foxes roosting in trees throughout Collinsville and although this number has now dropped to as little as 3000, Collinsville resident Graham Buckley said the issue remains a big one.
“Council have been successful at moving them out of the yards, but on public land they are still a nuisance,” he said.
“Kids can’t use the play park and we are all still disturbed by the noise and the smell, having to wash everything.
“If they are going to come back again next year – what is Council going to do to help? – what they’ve done so far is just a temporary fix, we want to get rid of them permanently.”
Scott Hardy, Manager Natural Resource Management and Climate for Whitsunday Regional Council said that Flying Foxes are causing issues in towns along the Queensland coast.
In recent months, his team have been in contact with other Councils to share experiences in managing Flying fox roosts but, unfortunately, there does not seem to be an easy or quick answer to the problem.
“Pelican Park is a roost site,” he said.
“However, once the flying fox leave in the next few weeks, the council will put in place a number of actions for when they return to deter them.
“Once the first flying fox are sighted next year, Council will undertake smoking and install the inflatable wavy men to deter the Flying fox scouts from settling.”
Both these measures have proven successful this year and Council are hoping that implementing the measures prior to numbers soaring will mean Flying Foxes will move on and not settle for the season.
In the meantime, Mr Hardy said that Council staff have re-commenced the mowing and maintenance activities in the park.
“Council is also considering a smoking action in the park to move them out, however, the risk is that they will go into residential properties,” he said.
With Christmas inching forward every week, so are the community celebrations that we hold dear at this time of year.
Bringing us all together with song and sentiment are our annual Christmas Carols which are held in separate events across the region.
This year make sure you save the date for an event closest to you:
Bowen Soundshell – Saturday, November 26 from 6pm to 10pm
Proserpine State High School – Wednesday, November 30 from 5pm
Airlie Beach Foreshore – Sunday, December 4 from 4pm
Collinsville Lions Park - Sunday, December 4 from 6pm to 8pm
Major Bruce Highway upgrades that were abandoned in February have finally begun moving again as a new contractor is appointed and work commences after a nine-month delay.
The $68.85 million worth of contract works across three sites between Ayr and Proserpine have recommenced this week as the Queensland Government replace previous contractor WBHO Infrastructure.
The South-African company entered voluntary administration in the early stages of 2022, downing tools on its Australian worksites and leaving the State Government holding the bag.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox announced the appointment by the government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads of a new contractor to complete the Emu Creek to Drays Road and Bowen Connection Road to Champion Street construction after “persistence and pressure” on his part.
Alongside State Member for Burdekin Dale Last, Mr Willcox campaigned on behalf of the region’s road users to see the Bruce Highway Upgrade continue.
Mr Willcox said a new contractor has begun the Emu Creek and Drays Road section as of November 21, with a separate contractor due to finish the Bowen portions of the upgrade.
“A second contactor will be coming on board to complete the Bowen Connection Road and Bowen Connection Road to Champion Street with construction expected to resume in early 2023,” Mr Willcox said.
“We are one tiny step closer to a road that we deserve, and I'll be watching this progress with interest.”
In comments earlier this year, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey apologised on behalf of the Queensland Government and said they “hoped” the work could be completed in 2023.
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said a new contractor will begin works on the Bruce Highway upgrades in Bowen in early 2023
A creation that was full of good sentiment and festive cheer has been vandalised just one week after it was placed outside a property on the Bruce Highway, 24 kilometres north of Proserpine.
A group of residents had spent weeks planning and crafting the Christmas display which includes a Christmas tree out of recycled timber and recycled decorations.
Much of the display is hand-painted, home-made and created with love.
Once complete, Santa took pride of place, sitting on a reclaimed chair at the centre of the display and bringing Christmas joy to hundreds of motorists who would pass by each day.
Unfortunately, just one week and a day after it was finished, the heart of the display was destroyed when vandals ripped poor Santa off at his torso and stole him.
One of the display’s creators, Zano Thorpe, said that she is disappointed that their festive cheer was destroyed by such a Grinch.
“We wanted to do something to make people smile, to make people happy as they travel up and down the road,” she said.
“It was just a simple gesture to make people smile, but now it is gone without a trace.”
Imploring the culprits to come forward, Zano said that if they bring Santa back, they will not be in any trouble.
“Leave him on the ground next to the chair with a note of apology – we don’t need to know your name – Christmas is still a while away – it’s never too late to bring Santa back.”
The Christmas display in its full glory before Santa got stolen
The display after it was destroyed by vandals
Santa has lost his head over this!
Photos supplied
Up to eight patients without their own transport need to travel from their homes in the Whitsundays to Mackay Base Hospital each day and a brand new mini-bus will allow them to travel with ease – it just needs a reliable driver.
Are you retired or can you spare some time to volunteer?
By simply holding a regular driver’s licence, you can sign-up to offer your services for as little time or as often as you want.
The new LDV mini bus has been purchased with funds provided by Whitsunday Regional Council with plans to operate the service on a daily basis commencing in January.
All fuel, maintenance, insurance and registration costs for the vehicle are covered by Mackay Hospital Foundation and generously supported with funds from Macrossan and Amiet Charitable Foundation.
There will be three central pick-up locations in Cannonvale, Proserpine and Bloomsbury commencing early morning with departure from Mackay Base Hospital by 3.30pm each day, making the final drop-off point at Cannonvale around 5.30pm daily.
All patients will be fit to travel and be able to board and exit the vehicle without assistance.
While in Mackay, drivers will have an area in the hospital to sit, relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, or they are free to visit family and friends or carry out errands while waiting for patients.
If you’re willing to donate some time for a good cause, have a current drivers’ licence, live in the Whitsundays, and are interested in being a Patient Transport driver, Mackay Hsopital Foundation would love to hear from you.
For all enquiries, please contact Brenda McFadzen at Mackay Hospital Foundation on 4885 5924 or 4885 5915. Email Brenda.McFadzen@health.qld.gov.au.
To find out more information about Mackay Hospital Foundation, visit
https://www.mackayhospitalfoundation.com.au/
The new LDV mini-bus has been purchased with funds provided by Whitsunday Regional Council
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