Dr William Bay brought his State Undemocracy Tour to Mackay last week calling for a “return to democracy and medical freedom”.

Dr Bay is a registered GP practicing in Brisbane and recently founded the Queensland People’s Protest, a Christianity-led organisation aiming to end the Queensland State of Emergency and related vaccine mandates.

“We’re here to stand for freedom, we’re here to stand for truth, we’re here to stand for justice,” Dr Bay said addressing a small group of supporters at the Mackay Council Chambers on Wednesday morning.

Dr Bay requested to speak to Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson and was told by a staff member that the mayor was unavailable.

The group then congregated at Bluewater Quay where they were joined by state member for Mirani Stephen Andrews.

“We need to have freedom of choice, we need to be able to understand what the situation is, of what we’re actually doing and what the government’s proposing,” Mr Andrews said.

“Everyone needs to understand what’s going on, we should’ve looked into this a little bit deeper.”

“The only mandate we need in this state and our country is freedom.”

“As a doctor, I was committed, and still am, to allowing my patients freedom of choice for any therapeutic or vaccine or anything they wanted to put in their own body,” added Dr Bay.

“It is your body, it is your choice, it is your right.”

The group took particular opposition to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022.

The bill, which was introduced on May 11, 2022 by Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath, implements a range of reforms that aim to update and improve the regulation of Australia’s health professions.

The Bill’s main objectives are to strengthen public safety and confidence in the provision of health services, improve the governance of the National Scheme, and enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the scheme.

“It’s a very confronting bill to think they may gag health practitioners going forward,” said Mr Andrews.

“Everyone should have the right to say whatever, doctors as with scientists.

“Humanity changes, diseases change, and doctors should be allowed to talk about this to get it out into the broader community to ensure that people can react quickly and safely to help their families, help their loved ones, help their friends.”

Dr William Bay led protests throughout the streets of Mackay last week

Protests took place outside the council chambers and the office of state member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert

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Our coastline communities need to be protected, so they can be enjoyed into the future.

Mackay Regional Council is seeking feedback on the draft Local Coastal Plan (LCP) for Sarina Beach, which has been developed in partnership with Reef Catchments.

This plan builds on the priorities and actions identified in the Sarina Beach Management Guidelines for Coastal Zones developed by Sarina Shire Council in 2006.

The revised LCP describes the environmental and social values of the Sarina Beach coastal unit. It recognises potential threats, management issues and opportunities that will support better recreational use of the beachfront.

The LCP contains recommended actions aimed at protecting the coastline so its significance and beauty can continue to be enjoyed into the future.

Residents are encouraged to learn more about the plan and provide their feedback at a community drop-in session. Two have already been held this week with the final opportunities this weekend at the Sarina Show.

> Session 3: Saturday and Sunday, July 30 to 31, at Sarina Show, Sarina.

Alternatively, you can view the LCP and have your say online by visiting connectingmackay.com.au/sarina-beach-draft-local-coastal-plan.

Consultation closes on Sunday, August 7, at 11.59pm.

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Vandals have damaged more than 500 metres of fencing along the East Point access detour forcing council to close the track until further notice.

Council voted on July 13 to maintain vehicle access to East Point via a track off Dunes Boulevard, past the first stage of The Dunes development, which would link up with the existing track to East Point.

The detour was established after an area immediately adjacent to the first stage of the development was closed to vehicular traffic to allow the developer to revegetate the foreshore reserve – a State Government condition.

The fencing has been needlessly pulled down onto the track and then driven over causing significant damage to the contractor’s property.

The closure, at the end of the constructed section of Dunes Boulevard, will be implemented immediately so the damaged fencing can be retrieved.

About 300 metres of fencing was damaged on the beach side of the track at the start of the road, and a further 200 metres was pushed over on the private land side at the end of the road.

In addition, there were two to three access points created by the vandals on each side of the road along the fence line.

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It’s the popular two-day celebration and showcase of all things agriculture across the regions of Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday.

In its fourth year, the Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo was unfortunately postponed due to heavy rain earlier this year, but organisers are optimistic that the rescheduled August date will plough ahead.

Not only will the show shine alongside what is hoped will be great weather, but organisers are saying it’s bigger and better than ever, with even more exhibitors coming onboard for the rescheduled event.

The family friendly event will include live music by singing sister duo “Gottani Sisters”, cooking demonstrations and exhibitor demonstrations on both days and a kidszone on the Saturday with amusement rides including a jumbo slide and jumping castle. There will be a gate prize and a raffle.

Entry is only $5 for adults and children under 16 are free.

Head along to Wests Leagues Club in Walkerston on Friday 12th August, 8:30am - 5pm and again on Saturday the 13th of August between 8:30am and 3pm, for days of family fun.

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Fourteen drivers were caught by police for drug driving across the Mackay police district on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July, with police warning that drivers impeded by drugs are a risk to the community.

Police are reminding all motorists that you could be tested for illegal drugs on the roadside at any time of the day, any day of the week, anywhere.

The drug drivers were caught in Andergrove, Cremorne, South Mackay, Mackay city, Proserpine, Kuttabul and Bowen.

"Police are not planning to change our drug driving enforcement activities in any way," Sergeant Nigel Dalton from the Crime Prevention Unit said.

"Any driver who is impeded by illegal drugs creates a risk for the community" Sergeant Dalton added.

HIGH SPEED INCIDENT, OORALEA

Police from Mackay's Highway Patrol Group were performing static speed enforcement on Broadsound Road in Ooralea on 21 July.

It's alleged that officers have stopped a Ktm 500 Exc motorcycle rider for travelling at 126 kilometres an hour in an 80 kilometre an hour speed zone.

The rider at the time was a 26-year-old man from North Mackay.

After being spoken to by police he was issued with an on the spot fine of $1653, which results in the loss of 8 demerit points and a 6-month licence suspension period.

Senior Constable Steve Smith from the Mackay crime prevention unit said, "Being stopped by police, being fined, losing your drivers licence - these are not pleasant experiences.

“But, when you are speeding, far worse and totally different outcomes are also possible.

“Drive with common sense - obey the speed limits" Senior Constable Smith added.

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A clash of forces will occur this weekend when five Units of the Australian Defence Force Cadets come together on Sunday for the Mackay Region’s annual Tri Service Challenge.

With last year’s event being such a success, the Navy, Army and Air Force Cadets are going all out to win the Champion’s Trophy for their Unit in 2022.

Competitions include Drill routines, First Aid Skills, Relays and Tug-of-War which will all be hotly contested.

Co-ordinating Officer for this year’s event, Major AAC John Zimmermann OAM, says the Cadets enjoy the opportunity to come together to contest in events to continue the friendly rivalry between each of the Units.

“The Jubilee Year Games continues the spirit of teamwork from formal events such as ANZAC Day to enable the Cadets to compete together in rivalry while participating in a variety of fun activities,” he said.

Mayor of Mackay Region, Councillor Greg Williamson will visit the Cadets during the day together with the Brigade Commander and Regimental Sergeant Major of the North Queensland Australian Army Cadet Brigade.

The Challenge will take place at Queens Park on Sunday where families and Support Groups will cheer on their Teams.

The Australian Defence Force Cadets is comprised of the Australian Navy Cadets, Australian Army Cadets and Australian Air Force Cadets for teenagers aged 13 to 18 years.

WHAT: Australian Defence Force Cadets Mackay Region Tri Service Challenge

WHEN: Saturday, July 24 from 9:00am to 4:00pm

WHERE: Queens Park

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Image 1: Cadets from 5 Navy Army & Air Force Units

Image 2: The Mackay Army Cadets contest the Tug of War. Photos supplied: John Zimmermann

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A line dancing group in Proserpine have thanked both the venue that hosted them and a national charity this week with two separate donations.

Out Of The Blue Line Dancers handed over $500 dollars each to Bloomsbury’s Soldiers Memorial Hall and the Cancer Council Australia on Tuesday.

The Proserpine-based group held a line-dancing get together at the Bloomsbury Hall in June in what was originally a celebration of one of its members moving house.

At the last minute, the idea came to the organisers that funds from the day should be given to Cancer Council Australia, as well as to the hosts for their hospitality.

“We thought, so many people here have been touched by cancer in this group, so why not give back to the organisations that do such brilliant work in relation to that disease,” organiser Debby Shannon said.

“Everybody knows someone who has had cancer, so it made sense to give back, and the hall has hosted so much for us that we just wanted to give them something back, too.”

The local hall runs almost entirely on donation, and Gina Passfield from the Soldier’s Memorial Hall said it had been a true honour to host the group.

“They were so wonderful, and for them to then turn around and donate these funds has truly been a blessing,” she said.

“We’ll have them back anytime!”

The event was sponsored by a number of local businesses, including Dittmann Bulls, as well as Gary Poole.

Cancer Council Representative Edith Force thanked the group on behalf of the organisation.

“You’ve done a fantastic job, thank you girls. I’ve only heard good things about the event – I’ll have to come next time!” she said.

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Out of The Blue Line Dancers Proserpine donated $500 dollars to Bloomsbury Hall and the Cancer Council this week

You may have heard of bodybuilders and dieters counting their macronutrients, but what does that mean and should you be doing it, too?

Macronutrients, often shortened to macros, are the nutrients that your body requires in large amounts.

You’re almost definitely already familiar with the three macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein and fat.

Other familiar nutrients include fibre, vitamins or minerals such as potassium and calcium. These are considered micronutrients that your body still needs but in smaller doses.  

The amount of protein, carbohydrates and fat you should eat every day varies from person to person.

Factors like gender, body size, body weight and fitness or weight goals all influence how much of each macro you should aim to eat, but here’s a rough guide.

Keep in mind, each macronutrient is measured in grams but the calories per gram of each macronutrient aren’t the same: protein and carbohydrates have four calories for every gram while fat has nine calories for every gram.

Protein

Aim for 10% to 35% of calories from protein each day.

That's 200 to 700 calories or 50 to 175 grams per day for a 2,000-calorie diet.

Protein is important because it's the main structural component of all of the cells in your body and is needed to build cells and repair them, among other key body processes.

Carbohydrate

The largest portion of your diet is dedicated to carbs.

The recommendation is to get 45% to 65% of daily calories from carbs.

That's 900 to 1300 calories or 225 to 325 grams per day for a 2,000-calorie diet.

Your body prefers carbohydrates and likes to use them as a primary energy source - especially your brain.

Fat

20% to 35% of your calories should come from fat each day.

That's 400 to 700 calories or 44 to 78 grams per day for a 2,000-calorie diet.

Saturated fats (the less healthy fat found mostly in animal meats and full-fat dairy), however, should be limited to less than 10% of calories

So where does one find these macros in the grocery store?

Meat, eggs, fish and seafood, dairy, legumes such as lentils and beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds are all high in protein.

You’ll find carbs in grains, fruits, dairy, legumes and starchy vegetables.

Foods high in fat include oils, butter, nuts, avocado and fatty fish like salmon and tuna.

Counting macros can be a more flexible and healthy way of eating and a sure-fire way to get your essential nutrients.

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This week in our nutrition feature, we take a look at what macronutrients are

There is nothing better than freshly picked herbs from your garden added to your meal.

Not only do they enhance the flavour of your meal, it is very rewarding picking them out of your vegie garden / pot and grabbing only what you need (have you ever thrown out the wilting remains of the bunch of herbs you “paid for” last week) and not having to run down the street and pull out the credit card. Actually, if I had to do that, I wouldn’t bother and the meal would suffer for it! And… so would the experience of preparing food for the people I care about (and myself!).

But herbs offer a whole lot more then just flavour (although that would have been enough for me).  There are over 40,000 plant species used in traditional medicine today!   From anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory to relief from sunburn.  Have you ever seen an English tourist (before Covid) white as a ghost, lying half naked on Airlie Beach foreshore and been tempted to put a pot of Aloe Vera beside them, knowing that they are really going to appreciate it at about 6pm that night!

NOTE: To treat sunburn, spread a layer of pure gel extracted from the inside of an aloe vera leaf over sun burnt skin.

Herbs you can grow in your garden in the Whitsundays for medicinal purposes include:

Dill – Great for abdominal discomfort (I eat this every morning as I water)

Eucalyptus – For infections

Ginger – If you are a boatie you already know this one! – “nausea”

Rosemary – Memory (I need to eat more of this) & circulation

MUST GROW HERBS IN THE WHITSUNDAYS:

Basil, Chillies, Chives, Coriander, Parsley, Ginger, Lemon Grass, Turmeric and Mint just to name a few.

Indigenous Australians use Myrtles for healing and wellbeing.  Plant a Lemon Myrtle today!

If you have the space, then planting herbs in the garden is a great option but be mindful, in the Whitsundays we have hot, wet & humid conditions in the summer, so plant in raised beds for drainage and we have frost free conditions in the dry season, so read your seed packet and know what to plant in which months in the tropics and water regularly in the dry season (which is now – even if it is a little wetter then usual).

If you don’t have the space or don’t have a garden at all! Then herbs are a fantastic pot option either on a veranda or a windowsill.  Plants indoors are not subjected to the same bugs and natural climate changes as plants in a garden BUT they also don’t have than advantage of a deep soil reservoir (nutrients/water).   They are totally dependent on you.

What does that mean? Three things: Water / Food / Light

Water regularly and feed often (liquid fertilise with Seasol), and make sure they get enough light by a windowsill.  Herbs give back 10 fold.   They give you flavour, good health and a daily ritual that is good for everyone’s wellbeing.

Gardens heal. Coriander anyone?

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It was a bit daunting going for a first colonic, considering that – for the entirety of my life – my bowels have been a one-way street.

For those not in the know, a colonic is a procedure where water is infused into the colon to flush out toxins and built-up collected plaque.

Bottoms Up Whitsundays owner Selena Daly explained to me that a colonic was akin to teeth cleaning, but for your colon.

“Colon cleansing can have widespread health benefits. The toxins that gather in your colon can cause a variety of health problems.”

Although not major issues, I ticked the boxes of bloating and irregular bowel movements on the New Client form. Upon discussion of these symptoms with Selena my mind was put at ease as she explained, these are extremely common with certain dietary patterns (thanks, coffee).

The Colonic

Selena talked me through the process and eased my anxiety about the procedure: a roughly one-hour session, beginning with the speculum being inserted into where the sun don’t shine. Albeit not that far up the track, I got over the initial discomfort after we repositioned onto my back where I relaxed and let the good times flow.

The colon hydrotherapy unit was turned on and warm, filtered water flowed and filled the different parts of my colon. I viewed it on the screen in front of me and it proved a better watch than New South Wales’ performance in the Origin decider.

I watched as toxins and faecal matter, which had built up, flushed away. As the saying goes: better out than in.

Once you get over the idea, you really do feel a sense of a deep clean taking place.

The Results

Over the first few days, physically, I felt lighter, more mobile. Selena told me that colonics can increase your overall energy levels. I had ticked off my gym work and soccer training without a second thought.

A colon working inefficiently, blocked by excess waste, can make you feel tired and sluggish – feelings that dissipate after you participate in a colonic. This was true for me – I felt as though I was working at a higher capacity; like I was less full of sh*t than normal.

I can tell multiple colonics would improve other facets of my life. Although I underwent this process with no major symptoms, I would highly recommend it for anyone wanting to freshen up, increase energy levels or looking for new ways to clear your headspace.

Michael McCann‍

The Bowen Historical Society has celebrated the Indigenous history of the Whitsundays northernmost point this week through the museum’s Aboriginal displays.

The year-round displays have themselves a long history at the museum, having been originally transferred from the Bowen School of Arts – they include historical artifacts such as weaponry like cudgels, reed bags, tools, and even metal medallions.

The section pays homage to the Juru, Bowen’s traditional owners who hold title for the land northwards from Bowen to the Burdekin River, near to Home Hill.

Much of the history at the museum focuses on the Juru people and their relationship to figures like Bowen’s early day pastoralists and colonialists like Captain Henry Daniel Sinclair.

Sinclair, along with George Elphinstone Dalrymple, are in the section adjacent to the Aboriginal one, and Bowen Museum’s Alan Jurgens said they would love to expand both sections.

“We have some good displays on Bowen’s Aboriginal past and some really thorough ones on the port of Bowen’s founders, but we’d love more,” he said.

“There’s much more history that the Indigenous lived before we arrived, and I think the museum would benefit, as well as Bowen, from learning more about it.”

The Bowen region was widely inhabited by the Juru at the time of Sinclair and Dalrymple – but the history of its pastoralists, like much of Australia, is unfortunately tethered with bigotry and genocide.

“It is a history we can’t hide from. It must be told, and to do so we need volunteers and donations,” Mr Jurgens said.

Bowen Museum is open 9.30am to 12.30pm, Monday to Friday.

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Bowen Museum volunteer Alan Jurgens in the museum’s aboriginal section

It was a very happy birthday for the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens thanks to a sizeable donation from the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Friends Association (MRBG Friends).

MRBG Friends President Maya Harrison presented the Gardens with a cheque for $10,000 to contribute to the purchase of database software.

Gardens Curator Lisa Kermode thanked MRBG Friends for their donation, saying IrisBG Software has been specifically designed for botanic gardens and is used all over the world.

“It’ll be a really great tool for us to manage and record all the plants in our living collection,” she said.

“It’ll record information like the species, where they’re located, the history and origin of that particular plant.

“We’ll also be able to display that information on some maps and that will be available to the public and also to botanic gardens across the world to find out about our collection.”

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the significant contribution brings the Gardens into the 21st century.

“Without interest by ‘friends’ groups in our community, we wouldn’t be a community,” he said.

“This database will certainly revolutionise the way we do business as the botanic gardens.”

The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens were opened on May 24, 2003 and celebrated their 19th birthday last week.

MRBG Friends President Maya Harrison says the association raises funds year-round through the garden shop, community events and fundraising to assist the Gardens and save for such donations.

“The friends of the gardens have been involved in the gardens since before they even opened,” she said.

“The garden friends have basically planted most of what you see here in the gardens as tubestock.

“The Botanic Gardens is really showcasing our regional plants.”

These days, MRGB Friends are involved in planting, weeding and feeding throughout the Gardens as well as leading guided tours and social events.

Last Saturday, MRGB Friends made their next significant contribution to the Gardens, planting 1000 Golden Everlasting Daisies (xerochrysum bracteatum) on the lagoon’s edge.

MRGB Friends have had to reschedule the annual planting twice this year but there was not a cloud in the sky this time around.

“It’s quite spectacular when they’re all flowering and hopefully they don’t get buffeted by wind and rain and stay upright,” said Ms Harrison.

Botanical Art Interest Group

Another branch of the MRGB Friends is the Botanical Gardens Interest Group which is currently running its latest exhibition ‘Where A Plant Begins’.

Similar to the old conundrum of ‘the chicken or the egg,’ the exhibition ponders whether seed or flower came first.

Botanical artists have focused on a particular aspect of the plant’s lifecycle – flowers, pollination, seeds, germination or seedlings using photosynthesis – or they have portrayed the entire lifecycle of a plant complete with flowers, seeds and features of their chosen plants.

Combining detail, accuracy and artistry, the botanical artists have committed many hours to each graphite drawing, pastel drawing, watercolour or acrylic painting.

Each piece showcases how the artists take live specimens and create a living piece of botanical art via their sketch books, photos and art materials.

‘Where a Plant Begins’ is available for viewing at the Lagoons Gallery within the Botanic Gardens Café and is open 9:00am to 2:00pm Wednesday to Friday and 11:00am to 1:00pm on weekends until Sunday, June 26.

For more information on the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Friends Association, the exhibition or any other initiatives, contact Maya Harrison on 0436 331 009 or email mackayrbgfriends@gmail.com.

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Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, MRGB Curator Lisa Kermode, Mackay Regional Council Regional Services Coordinator Ross Willis, MRGB Friends President Maya Harrison, and MRGB Friends Penny McMahon, Kevin Jackson, Julie Inkson, Meryl Ritchie and Carolyn Atkinson. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

MRBG Friends planted 1000 Golden Everlasting Daisies on the banks of the lagoon last Saturday

‘Where a Plant Begins’ is available for viewing at the Lagoons Gallery within the Botanic Gardens Café

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The Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival kicks off its 18th year today after launching at Whitsunday Anglican School last night.

Presenters at the festival, including authors, artists, storytellers, screenwriters, slam poets, musicians and scientists, as well as students, sponsors and organisers gathered to officially launch the festival.

Over the next two days, more than 5000 students from the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions and 500 students from 21 schools in rural and remote regions thanks to the Winchester Foundation will be immersed in all things literature.

“The great part of why I love this festival is that it provides an opportunity for regional and rural students to experience a world-class literature festival that they normally wouldn’t get a chance to outside major capital cities,” said Whitsunday Anglican School Principal Andrew Wheaton.

“The students walk away tremendously invigorated and excited with a love of literature.

“You start to see students walking with piles of books and they literally can’t wait to turn the physical page of a book and get immersed in the wonderful world of what literature can provide and that’s incredibly powerful in an age which is so dominated by social media and technology.”

Mr Wheaton says the festival has come together thanks to incredible preparation from Festival Manager Tracey Gurdler and Coordinator Liz Russel.

Ms Gurdler says seeing the authors arrive and interact with students and stakeholders makes it all worthwhile.

“Liz and I have been working hard to deliver a festival to excite and encourage the students of Mackay into the world of literature and with this stellar line-up of presenters before us, I feel we have certainly delivered on that,” she said.

“To see children immerse themselves in the joy of literature, reading and writing is incredibly meaningful.

“For me, this is what the festival is truly about.”

Two presenters at the festival include Sydney-based writer and kidlit podcast host Nat Amoore and Queensland author, illustrator and ‘Story Doctor’ Dr Cameron Stelzer.

Ms Amoore says as well as writing and illustrating, festivals are a big part of the job.

“Getting in front of the kids, they’re your audience, they’re your readers so you want to go out and see them,” she said.

“It’s as much about interacting with your audience and getting face-to-face time with the kids that are reading your books as well as keeping them inspired and excited about reading so there’s another generation of writers but also a generation that wants to read.”

“It’s where you get your ideas from as well,” added Dr Stelzer.

“If you’re sitting in a room not interacting, you don’t get the feel of what’s going to work and what the kids want to see.”

After a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country led by local Yuwi people, the festival was declared open by Principal Wheaton.

An insightful Writer’s Panel followed featuring presenters Melina Marchetta, Jack Heath, Cath Moore and Oliver Phommavanh, hosted by Nat Amoore.

The festival kicks off today with presentations, workshops, competitions and book signings.

Key highlights of the program include the Litchat Educators’ Event presented by Tomorrow, When the War Began author John Marsden tonight and the Flor-Hanly Literary Dinner featuring keynote speaker Dr Richard Harris tomorrow night.

For more information on the festival, the program and the presenters, visit www.whitsundayvoices.com.au.

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Nat Amoore and Dr Cameron Stelzer are among the many talented writers presenting at this year’s Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival

Last night’s launch concluded with an insightful Writer’s Panel featuring Melina Marchetta, Jack Heath, Cath Moore and Oliver Phommavanh, hosted by Nat Amoore

A Bowen-based group of art enthusiasts are eagerly preparing for their next exhibition at the Community Hall on the corner of William and Leichardt Streets next weekend.

The Bowen Art society has been collating its collection of local paintings for the last year, much of which was painted at their studio in Archer Street.

This year will be the society’s 61st exhibition.

Over three days from July 31 to August 2, the exhibition will be judged by artist Rosemary Payne, a local who studied at the Birmingham College of Art and the Southampton University in the U.K.

Ms Payne has taught at Mackay Tafe, and is currently teaching at Art Space Mackay. She has won numerous awards and prizes for her painting and teaching skills.

President of Bowen Art Society, Margaret Gaul, said the group has been steadily planning the event for the past month, as well as creating the artwork for display.

“The studio is always packed this time of year with our southern members coming up; it’s such a beautiful place to paint,” Ms Gaul said.

“We’re quite spoilt for wonderful artists here in Bowen and the exhibition reflects that. We’ve been dithering away getting it all prepared and we’re quite excited – this will be my first exhibition as President.”

Ms Gaul said the Society’s Secretary, Judith Potts, was in charge of the exhibition this year, and that there was an excellent range of water colours, pastels, oils and acrylics being displayed at the event.

“It will be quite the show,” she said.

The Society meets every Wednesday at their studio on Archer Street, a building that has almost as much of a storied history as the group itself.

Once the first Queens Beech State School, the old, wooden building has now become home to Bowen artists.

“We’re very lucky to have a building like this, and I think all of the Society’s members know that,” Ms Gaul said.

“That, combined with our artists, is why this group produces some incredible work. To watch them progress during the year is something very magical.”

At the Society’s exhibition in late July, artwork will be sold, as well as prizes and awards distributed to some of Bowen’s creative crop.

Ms Gaul said if anyone would like to join the Bowen Art Society, they should enquire at their premises at 18 Archer Street on Wednesdays when they host studio sessions.

When: Saturday, July 30 3.00pm to Tuesday, August 2 9.00am to 4.00pm

What: Bowen Art Society Annual Exhibition

Where: Community Hall,

Tickets: $10 on Saturday, Free on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday

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Bowen Art Society President Margaret Gaul and Secretary Judith Potts at the society’s studio in Archer Street. Images: Declan Durrant

The society will be displaying work from artists based in Bowen as well as interstate

With the price of fuel on a seemingly unending uptick, there’s not been a better time to put on a helmet and re-kindle a favourite pastime than now.

Scott Raisbeck at Bowen Small Motors and Cycles said his store on Williams Street, Bowen – a mechanical-haven for all things garden equipment – is seeing a corresponding uptick in bike sales.

A spike that’s helped by being the only bicycle shop in town.

“It’s becoming very popular again with the price of fuel, and with Bowen such an accessible place for biking it’s really a great time to start riding again,” Scott said.

In what was originally an auxiliary part of the business, the cycle portion of Bowen Small Motors has become a favourite amongst Bowen locals.

Both offering bike repairs and bike sales, they have a range of push and battery bikes: children’s bikes, mountain bikes, racing bikes, and folding bikes – as well as tubes, tyres, and more.

They also have electric bikes which can travel up to 25 kilometres per hour or more, getting around 50 kilometres distance before a recharge.

And, anything they don’t have, they can get specially ordered in.

“We can get anything they want; we have lots of bike fanatics now and we’re really welcoming them at the store,” Scott said.

“It’s nice and flat, the roads are so wide, and it’s great for families – you can buy yourself one and get the kids into it as well.

“Come in and take a look, have a chat, and maybe you’ll end up riding home!”

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