It’s been 27 months since the last cruise ship moored out in Pioneer Bay, bringing with it thousands of tourists who would enjoy activities, dining experiences and purchase souvenirs from local businesses.

It is estimated that the cruise ship industry delivered approximately $21 million into our local economy annually, with over 60 ships visiting our region each year.

The dedicated team of volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors met passengers at the dock this morning, welcoming in a new era for tourism in the Whitsundays.

Thousands Of Tourists Arrive By Cruise Ship

Over 2000 excited cruise ship passengers arrived at the Port of Airlie this morning, their vibrant energy a tonic for the local tourism industry and a welcome boost for our regional economy where one in three jobs are within the hospitality sector.

The first ship to arrive is P&O’s Pacific Explorer which is travelling from Sydney to Cairns, stopping at Airlie Beach today, June 17.

The Coral Princess will be next, making her maiden voyage to Airlie Beach on Tuesday, 28th June.

The Whitsundays was due to welcome 85 cruise ships in 2020 but this came to a dramatic standstill in the wake of COVID.

It is hoped the industry will now be revived, with an estimated 60 ships scheduled to come to the Whitsundays in the remainder of 2022.

P&O Cruises Australia President Marguerite Fitzgerald said that she is excitement for the resumption of cruising in Queensland and looks forward to Queensland once again becoming a key market for cruising in Australia after a two-year pause in operations.

“P&O Cruises arrival in Queensland heralds the resurgence of the cruise industry with its multitude of cruise destinations now set to benefit from the revitalisation of cruise tourism,” she said.

“Prior to the pandemic, cruising accounted for more than $1 billion annually in economic activity in Queensland with regional destinations from the Whitsundays to Cairns benefiting.”

Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton, said that the return of cruise ships is a huge win for the region.

“This is a significant piece of our tourism industry getting back to normalcy and from pre-COVID data, the cruise industry was set to have delivered approximately $21 million into the local economy.”

A sea of blue floral Hawaiian shirts greeted the first passengers this morning, the friendly faces of the volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors welcoming guests to our region and directing them into town and answering any other questions they may have.

Judy and Keith Dunn from the local Chamber of Commerce first started the Cruise Ship Ambassador program in 2004 when up to four ships a year would bring passengers to the Whitsundays.

At the time, there were only four volunteers but this has now grown to over 20.

Brian Richardson, current coordinator of the program said they are always looking for volunteers and it would suit semi-retired people who have some free time.

“Anybody is welcome to join us – it is good fun and you will meet a lovely bunch of people,” he said.

Cruise Ship Ambassadors Vicki Marks and Rob Vigors with Renee Branton-brown from Cruise Whitsundays

The P&O Pacific Explorer arrived from Sydney today carrying 2000 passengers

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Residents are reminded to take care driving around in golf buggies following a serious accident on Hamilton Island where a 30-year-old Townsville tourist fell from the moving vehicle, smashing his head against the bitumen.

The man received serious head injuries and required urgent medical evacuation to Townsville.

It took more than eight hours to complete the rescue, the RACQ CQ helicopter flying over 700km with a doctor and critical care paramedic on board.

The injured man arrived at Townsville University Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

This incident comes as a timely reminder to take care when driving golf buggies.

Even though they travel at relatively low speeds, an accident can still be life-threatening.

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Do you have what it takes to bend a digital world to your will and build something worthy of taking out the Queensland Minecraft Cup?

Mackay Regional Council Libraries are recruiting teams now to vie for the prestigious, LED-encrusted champion’s belt.

Community and Client Services acting director Stephen Bourke said eight teams were required and must have a minimum of two and maximum of four members aged 13 years or older.

“Teams must attend at least one practice session at the Gordon White Library Innovation Hub on Monday, June 27; Wednesday, June 29 or Friday, July 1, from 10am to noon or 2pm to 4pm,” Mr Bourke said.

“Then the competition will take place between Monday, July 4 and Wednesday, July 6,” he said. “With winners to be announced on Friday, July 8.  

“To compete, the team simply makes an appointment, comes into Gordon White Library and then has two hours to build a Minecraft creation worthy of taking out ‘the belt’.”

Mayor Greg Williamson congratulated the Libraries team on being at the forefront of technological innovation.

“Gordon White Library is constantly evolving,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The innovation hub is a flexible space in the library that provides access to some of the latest technological innovations,” he said.

“They’ve got a gaming pod, a podcast studio with sound booth, a suite of robots and, importantly, they can provide coaches and equipment to help teams to take part in this Queensland-wide tournament.

“The days of libraries being just a place to borrow books are long gone!”

Gordon White Library can provide two laptops per team complete with Minecraft accounts.  Teams are welcome to bring their own devices, but they must have their own Minecraft account for these devices.

To register your interest, head to mackay.qld.gov.au/minecraftclub. Once registered, teams will be contacted to arrange the booking of their practise and tournaments sessions.

Digital Literacy and Young Adult library assistant Eli Marcum (pictured) is one of the Minecraft coaches who will be helping teams to become “tournament ready”

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Cracks showed in a seemingly splintered Council at this week’s Mackay Regional Council Ordinary Meeting when Councillor Martin Bella put forward a motion to declare the position of Deputy Mayor as vacant.

Councillor Karen May has been voted into the position by the councillors as the Deputy Mayor in both 2016 and 2020 following local government elections.

Cr Bella in support of his motion cited the rotation of the role provides a professional development opportunity for councillors as well as allowing different councillors to bring varied experiences to the role. Also, being the halfway point of the Council term, this is the appropriate time to consider rotation of the role.

The resulting discussion during the June 8 meeting was robust yet fair, as councillors spoke in favour or against the motion.

Councillor Laurence Bonaventura spoke in favour of the motion.

“We’re just over two years into this term and in some ways we’re no closer to having focus points to concentrate on as councillors,” Cr Bonaventura said.

“We’re elected to represent the region. We are a diverse group with a skilled base that covers many areas, councillors need the ability to use those skills to enhance this Council.

“We have less than two years left to achieve a good working relationship with each other. We don’t need to be in a position that leaves any of us behind, without a role, or feeling like we’re not being treated as equals,” he said.

Cr May addressed the Council by saying she takes the role seriously and that it had been a privilege to serve in it for the past two years.

“I have given it my all to undertake this role,” Cr May said.

Cr May also said when she was appointed as Deputy Mayor in 2020, she had thought it was for the whole term of Council.

“As has been the case in previous Council’s since the amalgamation in 2008,” she noted.

“I don’t consider this role to be a professional development opportunity as you need to be able to perform the role immediately.”

Councillor Michelle Green spoke via video link against the motion.

“I think it would be in the best interest of the 1,100 employees, stakeholders local, state and national of this $350 million organisation, and importantly the residents of the Mackay Region, to (not) rotate the role of Deputy Mayor for the sake of the personal development of one councillor,” Cr Green said.

“Councillor Karen May was the clear, number one vote holder, in both the 2016 and 2020 elections. She clearly has overwhelming support of this community, she’s the most experienced councillor at this table, in my opinion she has proven her value time and again both in Chambers and out in the community as Deputy Mayor,” Cr Green added.

“This is not a training role, it’s not a step-up role, it’s a very important role that supports the Mayor and the community, therefore she has my full support to continue.”

Council then voted, with four votes supporting the motion and seven against. The Deputy Mayor position was not declared as vacated and Cr May retains the position.

Deputy Mayor Karen May addressed Council at the Ordinary Meeting on June 8. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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A new carbon-neutral, affordable and fun form of transportation for both visitors and locals alike hit the city streets earlier this week, with Global micromobility company Beam commencing a one-year trial in Mackay.

The launch took place at the Bluewater Quay on Tuesday 7 June with Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson the first to try the electronic scooter. 300 e-scooters will be introduced to Mackay and riders can scoot within designated boundaries. Beam’s operating area will include the suburbs of Central Mackay, North Mackay, East Mackay, West Mackay, South Mackay and parts of Ooralea, Mount Pleasant and Mackay Harbour. Riders will be able to see the full riding area within the app.

The e-scooters will be available for use 7 days a week and 24-hours a day, within the local government area, improving transport options and connections for both leisure and commuting. The app-based service will feature affordable pay-as-you-go rates, with a $1 unlock fee and $0.45 per minute.

Beam’s General Manager (ANZ) Tom Cooper said safety for both riders and pedestrians is Beam’s biggest priority.

“Our industry-leading e-scooters feature tip-resistant kickstands, a helmet with every ride, and an in-app Safety Quiz to educate riders on how to ride safely,” Mr Cooper said.

Operations Manager Pieter van Heerden said that Beam currently don’t have any plans to bring their e-bikes to Mackay in the near future.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said that the e-scooters will provide a fantastic transport option for residents and tourists to get out and about.

“For visitors staying in the Mackay CBD without a car, or locals simply wanting to explore as much of the city as they can in a short period of time, an e-scooter is going to be a tremendous option,” Mayor Williamson said.

“With the Mackay Festival of Arts just around the corner, we think event experiences like this will be enhanced with e-scooters and will continue to promote Mackay as a vibrant, fun event destination.”

Deputy Mayor Karen May, Mackay Regional Council Councillors Fran Mann, Pauline Townsend and Belinda Hassan, and Mayor Greg Williamson were joined by Beam’s Operations Manager Pieter van Heerden, Operations Associate Hamish McHardy and Lead Product Manager Oliver Nugent at the Bluewater Quay to launch e-scooters in Mackay. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Beam’s Operations Manager Pieter van Heerden explains the safety features of the e-scooters to Mayor Greg Williamson

Mackay Life Editor Amanda Wright and Councillor Laurence Bonaventura trialled Beam’s e-scooters during the launch at the Bluewater Quay

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Premier Palaszczuk and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert visited the Port of Mackay last week to announce $4M in funding to upgrade Wharf Five

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk visited the Port of Mackay last week, as the Port rockets towards a record-equalling year of trade, the best in 10 years.

Premier Palaszczuk and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert visited the critical supply link for the local and state economy.

“The Port of Mackay has clocked up more than three million tonnes of cargo so far this financial year which - 24 per cent growth on the same time as last year,” the Premier said.

“It’s on track to reach more than 3.3 million tonnes by the end of June which would equal its record trade and be the most in the last decade.

“The Port of Mackay is an essential gateway linking Central Queensland to the world, servicing mining and agricultural industries and a critical supply link for the economic powerhouse of the Bowen Basin.

“A strong port means jobs and a strong economy for the region. It supports 2,100 trade jobs and pumps $3.5 billion into the economy.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the great result at the Port of Mackay was underpinned by strong mining and agricultural industries in the region.

“The Port’s top three traded commodities are fuel, sugar, and breakbulk,” Ms Gilbert said.

“Breakbulk cargo volumes in the year to date are also 25 per cent higher than the same period last year.

“In April alone, we saw more than 250,000 tonnes of cargo go through the Port – going from strength to strength at every step.”

The Premier also announced that Queensland-based V2R Projects has been awarded a $4 million contract to upgrade one of the Ports wharves.

“This $4 million upgrade will see the western approach deck to Wharf Five removed and replaced – building better infrastructure for the port,” the Premier said.

“This project will be directly supporting 30 local jobs and create a pipeline of work across regional Queensland.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said having strong, state-owned assets doing so well, year on year, despite the global disruptions is fantastic to see.

“While we expect to see some impacts due to global supply chain disruptions, the central drivers supporting trade in the region surrounding the Port of Mackay remain strong.”

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Over the past two weeks Eco Barge Clean Seas (EBCS) Inc. have put in extraordinary efforts leading up to World Environment Day, collecting over 700 kilograms of rubbish with just 80 volunteers.

In the past month, the group has celebrated a mammoth milestone: a total of 400 trips out to Whitsunday Islands to clean the seas.

The local conservation organisation spoke with Mackay and Whitsunday Life ahead of their planned island clean up on the internationally recognised day celebrating environmental protection.

EBCS Founding Chair Libby Edge said the 400th trip, alongside the group’s astounding collection of over 237,449 kilograms since July 2009, really put things in perspective.

“We’ve removed that much from the ocean, and that’s pretty fantastic,” Ms Edge said.

“But what that statistic doesn’t show is the awareness raising; I think seeing that marine debris on the beaches changes your life forever. People who come out on the barges with us, they’re never the same.

“On shore, you’ll dispose of your litter correctly because you can see what it does out there.”

Ms Edge started Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. over a 12 years ago, and on average the group has taken out roughly seven thousand kilograms of marine debris from the oceans per year.

During the winter months, Ms Edge said it was all action for Eco Barge as their activities are usually dictated by the weather.

They’ve doubled their efforts in the past month, having come off the back of a particularly wet March and May. It’s seen them take part in two major cleaning operations, the first of which was a remarkable effort.

54 volunteers helped remove 578 kilos from the Whitsunday Islands, counting and sorting over 40,000 items in the first operation.

That trip was a part of the ReefClean project which is funded by the Australian Government's Reef Trust and delivered by Tangaroa Blue Foundation in partnership with Eco Barge Clean Seas.

In the second, the group collected 155 kilograms, but this time on land in Airlie Beach – with those primarily cigarette butts. Ms Edge said the on-land missions hold their own importance.

“When you think about cigarette butts and how little they weigh, then you think 155 kilograms, it really speaks for itself how much is out there,” Ms Edge said.

“60 to 80 per cent of marine debris is coming from land-based sources, and that’s why preventative action is just as important if not more so for us as an organisation.”

To volunteer with Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. head to their website ecobargecleanseas.org.au

Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. Founding Chair Libby Edge with just some of the rubbish collected by Eco Barge over the past few weeks

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When it comes to healthy, productive vegetables beds, sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind and this involves my least favourite task – thinning.  

I find it very difficult pulling out healthy little seedlings that have just burst into life but it is a must!  

Overcrowding leads to competition for light, nutrients and growing space. So be cruel (pluck out) to be kind (allow a healthy growing environment that will repay you with an abundance of food) and make sure that you leave only the healthiest of your seedlings.

Overcrowding can also lead to issues with airflow, resulting in fungus problems, disease and a place for pests to hide and multiply.

So, if you have not done it already, start today - as soon as the second set of leaves appear, you are right to pluck away.

While thinning out excess seedlings, kill two birds with one stone and pull out any weeds that may also add competition for nutrients. Hopefully you have used sugarcane mulch at the time of seeding and weeds are few and far between.  

Now is also time to water regularly, keeping your soil moist (not sodden) and don’t let the deeper soil dry out (just stick your finger in it to test).  

As mentioned in previous columns, watering in the morning is the best time for your vegetable garden beds in the Whitsundays.

Remember to regularly liquid feed your vegetable plants too. I use Seasol every 2-3 weeks.  

If you have a habit of forgetting when you last fed your garden, at the very least go for the first week of every month. That’s a good start to each month for your vegetable plants.  

Remember to follow the instructions - a stronger concentrate does not mean a better feed, nor does it make up for a missed feed!

This time of year, is still great for seeding. I’ve just harvested my radish, and I am planting lettuce and spinach out at different time intervals, so they are right for picking for a never ending supply of leafy greens.  

PLANT RIGHT NOW

Zucchini, corn, carrots, radish, kale, eggplant, capsicums and chilli and herbs. This is a great time to grow your own basil, coriander and my favourite – Dill.

TOP TIP

I’ve had a few people talk to me about bugs eating the leaves of their greens and leaves.  

This year I have invested in fine woven vegetable pest nets (light weight 45gsm) and they are fantastic! Not only do they keep out all the pests, they are also UV stabilised with a 20 per cent shade factor which is perfect for our environment. Best of all, they are easy to use!

My greens have never looked better!

FUN FACT

Yes, humans eat seeds – try poppy seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and chia seeds. It is important not to eat apple seeds, lychee seeds, plums and cherries - as well as being toxic to humans, they taste awful!

Be cruel to be kind and thin your seedlings

Radish are great to plant right now

Use a woven pest net to protect your veggies from bugs

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In an emergency it is usually the police who are the first to arrive at the scene, they are also often the last to leave, spending hours ensuring the public are safe and that the situation is under control.

This was the case in May when a major operation took place in Jubilee Pocket causing police officers to be on patrol for long periods of time.

Two young boys witnessed these tough conditions and demonstrated empathy for the officers on duty by bringing them each a bar of chocolate.

Year 5 student Kodi Micallef from Cannonvale State High School and his friend Jasper Fox approached the officers and handed over the goods.

“They were just having a hard time catching the bad guy and we thought maybe they wanted something sweet to eat,” said Kodi.

A few weeks later, Whitsunday Police thanked Kodi in person by attending a whole-school assembly and presenting him with a certificate of appreciation, as well as meeting with Jasper at Proserpine State High School to do the same.

Senior Constable, Tony Parkinson, said that chatting with children is always a nice part of their day, especially due to the serious nature involved with other parts of their job.

“It’s really good to have the kids acknowledge us and talk to us,” he said.

“We are the people you run to - if you’re in trouble you come and see us.

“We’re here to help you and that’s the biggest message we want to get across – we want kids to approach us and talk to us and we will always stop for a chat to them.”

Caption: Constable Mohamad Saleh (left) and Senior Constable Tony Parkinson (right) presenting Kodi Micallef with his certificate

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Singer-songwriter and ‘voice in a billion devices’, Karen Jacobsen, released her latest album last week and the local creative is using her international platform to promote the Whitsundays.

Filmed here in the region and with lyrics inspired by local life, her new single which is the title-track to her new album ‘The Slipstream’ is an inspiring, uplifting song which Karen says is the “musical hug that the world needs right now”.

Originally from Mackay, Karen moved to New York City as a young-adult and has since become an award-winning Singer and Songwriter.

In 2020, with the onset of COVID, Karen and her husband moved back to the Whitsundays with their son while the pandemic ‘blew over’ but loved the region so much they decided to stay.

Since then, Karen, who is the Australian Siri, has become the official Whitsundays Destination Ambassador, using her voice to promote the region in a series of wildly successful campaigns.

The new single and music video, which was released on June 4, was filmed in Proserpine, Airlie Beach and Cape Hillsborough.

Karen used an entirely local creative team to shoot the music video which was then edited by three-time Emmy Award winning editor Chris Orwat of Pure Cinematography and produced by Matt Anthony in New York.

A motivational public speaker and author, Karen says moving to the Whitsundays has been a miracle for her family.

“The beauty of nature is healing, and we feel very fortunate to have been able to choose this option at a time that has been devastating for many,” she said.

Karen Jacobsen at Coral Sea Resort

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Nigel Martin

Tattoo Artists from Proserpine

I know who I don’t want it to be and that’s Peter Hood – I just don’t like him personally – the way he talks to people on the street. He’s against smoking and he’s called the health department on us a couple of times. To be honest I don’t really know any of the others and what they have to offer.

Sue Huskinson

Picture framer from Proserpine

Peter Hood would get my vote, he’s the only one who has a business background and he’s the only candidate who seems to be getting round or that has taken the time to come and see me. He deplores waste, he’s totally committed to the community and he’s going to give 50 per cent of his salary back to the community.

Marsha Woods

Retired from Cannonvale

I would go for Jan – let’s give the lady a go! She always does good for the community and is active on social media, getting behind things. Mike Brunker sounds good too, he knows what he’s doing and I like anyone who can get the job done. With Andrew willcox, you really didn’t see him that much, when I did see him once he was quite blunt, maybe he was having a bad day, I don’t know.

Susan Marks and Liz Mumford

Newsagents in Cannonvale

Liz: I don’t really follow politics but I know Jan Clifford through her social media – she seems very community minded. It’s important in any community to have a good leader so I hope we pick someone with passion and community spirit.

Susan: The more females the better! Jan always seems to be there, commenting on posts, helping in any way she can. I also like the sound of Al Grundy – the Whitsundays is all about tourism and we need to get back after COVID.

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Al Grundy

A strategic thinker who is at the forefront of finding solutions and considering the big picture to create best possible outcomes, Al Grundy has carved out a reputation for his fair, honest and impartial attitude to business.

Stemming from the tourism industry, Grundy owned Whitsunday Sailing Company and for around 10 years, travelled internationally promoting the business and writing contracts.

In 2006 he was appointed to the board of Tourism Whitsundays and in 2016 appointed as Chairman where he advocated to all levels of government, securing additional funding for the area and achieving positive legislative change.

Originally from NSW and Victoria, Grundy has been living in the Whitsundays since 1997.

He has been married for 20 years and has two children at high school.

In his spare time he is an NRL Junior League Coach and likes to volunteer at the club, preparing fields and assisting around the grounds.

When time allows, he also likes to catch up with friends and occasionally goes boating.

Quick Quiz:

Describe your leadership style in three words: Participative, strategic, honest

Childhood nickname: Reg

What do you eat for brekky: Coffee

Starsign: Capricorn

Fav movie star: Adam Sandler

Fav Colour: Blue

Fav quote: “Dream big”

Mike Brunker

In 1997 Mike Brunker became the youngest Mayor elected in Queensland holding this position in Bowen and subsequently becoming the first Mayor of the amalgamated Whitsunday region, a position he held until 2012.

Born in Collinsville, Brunker lived there for 30 years, elected as Councillor in 1994. Now residing in Bowen with his wife, the couple support Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue with adoption of dogs who need a forever home.

A keen golfer, he has just taken up golfing after a five-year sabbatical, and now likes to play at least once a week.

In 2012, Brunker was defeated and stepped out of the public eye until he was re-elected to Councillor of Division 6 (Bowen) in 2016 and is currently Acting Mayor, stepping up from Deputy Mayor when Andrew Willcox became the new Federal Member for Dawson.

Quick Quiz

Describe your leadership style in three words: I lead from the front

Childhood nickname: Moscow

What you eat for brekky: Cereal or Avo toast

Starsign: Aries

Fav Colour: Yellow

Fav Music: Disco

Fav Movie Star: Morgan Freeman

Fav Quote:

“You always get what you always got if you always do what you’ve always done”

Jan Clifford

A proud advocate for our region, Jan Clifford has been a Councillor since 2008 and has never missed a Council meeting.

Originally from Melbourne, Clifford was educated in WA and moved back to Melbourne before finding her forever home here in the Whitsundays.

With an impressive career that spans sales and marketing, retail fashion, manufacturing and fleet car sales, Clifford understands how to work with people from all spectrums of life.

Starting her own business and winning an AFTA for marketing, Clifford decided to give her full attention to the residents and ratepayers when elected.

She now lives with one of her brothers and their two rescued fur kids Dexter and Morgan.  

A keen scuba diver when possible, she also loves spending time with friends, reading or watching a movie.

Sitting on numerous boards Clifford is an active player in the community.

Quick Quiz:

Describe your leadership style in three words: Inclusive, committed, compassionate

Childhood nickname: JannyLou or Jelly Bean

What you eat for brekky: Usually just coffee but I do indulge in the odd McMuffin

Starsign: Libra

Fav Movie: ET and most of the Star Trek movies

Fav Colour: Pink

Fav Quote: “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t support other women”

Julie Hall

A respected businesswoman and well-known face in the community, Julie Hall is a self-confessed workaholic who relishes a challenge, putting her hat in the ring as One Nation candidate for Dawson in the recent election.

Motivated by her recent experience she decided to run for Mayor so she can bring new life and new initiatives to old ways, especially those that are not serving the community.

Originally from country South Australia, Hall has been a Queenslander for 17 years and says her family is the reason she reaches for the stars.

With three adult children and three grandchildren, she now lives with her fur baby, Faith, and loves hanging out with family and friends.

From sales and marketing to building and construction, education, and training – Hall has a wealth of experience that brings both understanding and versatility to her skillset.

“I am a quick learner who sees challenges as opportunities, and I have great skills in a dealing with pressurised environments.”

Quick Quiz:

Describe your leadership style in three words: Democratic, directive, supportive

Childhood nickname: Juju

What you eat for brekky: Green Smoothie

Starsign: Gemini

Fav Movie: The Sapphires

Fav Colour: Pink

Fav Quote: “It always seems impossible until it is done!” Author unknown

Peter Hood

An accountant by profession and an avid supporter of key issues such as forensic audit investigations into corporate wastage and mismanagement of working assets and infrastructures, Peter is passionate about doing the right thing for the local communities.

A Principal of his Whitsundays Accounting Practice for 27 years, Peter has been dealing with matters involving local, state and commonwealth governments throughout his 43 year career.

Originally from the Central Coast of NSW, in his spare time Peter likes to go camping, ride-on lawn mower racing and can often be found observing goings-on the Bowen Races.

Peter was a Director of Whitsundays International Airport Corporation Pty Ltd until March 2022. Peter also liaised extensively with Sunwater QLD to see the Lake Proserpine Recreational Project secured.

“This is a project particularly supported by the Residents of Bowen, Collinsville & Airlie,” he said.

“I continue to push on matters for opening-up the Road from Lake Proserpine to Collinsville secured via Farmer Support.”

Quick Quiz:

Describe your leadership style in three words: Communities Come First

Childhood nickname: Puddly

What do you eat for brekky: Muesli

Starsign: Libra

Fav Movie: Casablanca

Fav Colour: Green

Fav Quote: “Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose” (Yoda – Star Wars)

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The latest news that the only doctor’s surgery in Collinsville will be ‘closed until further notice’ came as little surprise to many residents who have been living with limited access to a regular GP for several months.

Residents are unable to book a medical appointment, instead they have to present at the hospital where they must wait to be seen.

If their health issue is not urgent some can wait for hours.

With a population of over 3000, the lack of regular medical care in Collinsville is putting extreme pressure on hospital staff who have been tasked with meeting the extra demand.

Denise Simmonds-Honnery is an ex-paramedic who has been waiting to see a doctor for the past three months.

She has made four appointments, waiting two weeks each time, only to be informed on the day of her appointment that it is cancelled.

“This has been an ongoing problem since I’ve been back in town, which has been over 12 months,” she said.

“We only have one ambo in a town where we have three schools and three mines – it’s simply not enough.”

Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) who operate Collinsville Hospital say that they are continually working ensure the Collinsville community has access to medical care.

“Both of the town’s permanent doctors are on leave at varying times this month and this is impacting on the availability of appointments at the privately-owned GP clinic,” said a spokesperson.

“The health service will be sourcing locum doctors and internal medical cover this month to fill this shortfall however, some of these doctors will be unable to work at the private GP clinic as they are not registered to bill with Medicare.”

This means that in many cases residents are unable to book an appointment and it seems the non-urgent, simple interactions that a GP would normally assist with are falling through the gaps and causing distress for many.

It has also been reported that when patients do attend the hospital, none of their medical records are available making it challenging to receive a repeat prescription.

“You can’t actually make an appointment, but if you just turn up you could be sitting there for hours,” said Ms Simmonds-Honnery.

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Bowen Hospital’s first CT scanner is now up and running as part of the health centre’s new $7 million medical imaging wing and expanded dialysis service.

The specialised medical imaging equipment uses x-rays to create detailed three-dimensional images of the inside of a person’s body.

The first patient to benefit from the new equipment was a Bowen bike rider hit by a car.

After an x-ray showed no signs of problems, the follow-up CT scan revealed the biker had suffered several small fractures.

The CT scanner allowed the bike rider to stay in Bowen when he would normally have to travel to Proserpine or Mackay for the same test. Patients had previously been, on average, transferred three times a day from the hospital for the service.

“He was incredibly grateful to have a firm diagnosis of his injuries and to be cared for in Bowen close to his family,” Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Lisa Davies Jones said.

Minister for Health Yvette D’Ath said this CT will further deliver timely diagnosis and treatment for patients in Bowen and surrounding regions.

“Providing urgent medical imaging locally will see reduced admissions overnight for those requiring transfers the next day,” The Minister said.

The imaging building project is jointly funded with $5 million from the Federal Government, $1 million from Mackay Hospital and Health Service and a $1 million bequest by the Cyril Isbell estate.

It includes rooms for CT imaging, general x-ray, ultrasound, orthopantomogram (OPG), and administrative facilities.

The building’s renal dialysis service will be ready for the commissioning of full services by the end of this month, including the transfer of renal dialysis chairs.

The new CT scanner is the first of its kind in Bowen Hospital and part of the centre’s new $7 million-dollar imaging wing

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The new Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP, spent last week familiarising himself with his new role, attending orientation and training in both Canberra and Brisbane.

Before he can officially start the job, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese must call parliament, at which time the seats will be declared, and writs issued.

Mr Willcox will then be given an official date for the first parliament sitting and sworn into office before he gives his maiden speech.

Last week, however, it was all about orientation in Canberra - learning new security procedures and finding his way around parliament.

With between four and five thousand people working at Parliament House each day, Mr Willcox said “it was like a small city in itself”.

“It was incredible to go into the National’s Party Room, looking at all the photos of the previous leaders,” said Mr Willcox.

“Just walking around Parliament House, seeing all the history – it was very impressive.”

For the new inductee, getting around took an innovative approach with the colour of the carpet dictating who went where.

Mr Willcox reported that the House of Representatives (which he is part of), follows the green carpet, the Senate navigates by using the red carpet and the Minister’s office with the blue.

At the time this was written, Mr Willcox was still waiting for his seat to be officially declared and says he has been checking the AEC website each day but has been assured he will receive a phone call when it is declared.

Did you know? - Willcox received 60.4% of the votes in last month’s election

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, outside Parliament House

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