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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Queensland Weekender visited the Whitsundays last week to film segments showcasing the region and promoting our destination.

Organised by Tourism Whitsundays in conjunction with Bowen Tourism and Business, our local ambassadors hosted the film crew, giving them a diverse range of experiences.

From watching fresh seafood arrive on a trawler in Bowen, to filming a group of young children learning about bees at Stackelroth Farm, to a coal face experience in Collinsville and a trip out to the Whitsunday Islands – every element of our unique tourist offering was explored.

Many local tour operators were involved in showcasing the region and sales and marketing manager from Bowen Tourism, Leanne Abernethy, said she enjoyed hosting presenter Chris Parsons for a walk to the lookout point in Bowen.

“It was wonderful to host Weekender and we are looking forward to seeing the segment that features Bowen and Collinsville,” she said.

“Our secluded beaches, fringing reefs, farming and Collinsville are our main attractions and we are looking forward to them being showcased to Weekender viewers.”

Tourism Whitsunday Chief Operating Officer, Rick Hamilton, said that he was pleased to welcome the production crew from Weekender back to the region to showcase our unique backyard and engage with local operators and products to highlight our world-class destination.

“The Whitsundays is one of the most appealing destinations for domestic holidaymakers who are wanting that international flavour and this programme only enhances that,” he said.

Do you have some spare time on your hands and love showing off your region? If so, Bowen Tourism are currently looking for volunteers at the Big Mango Visitor Information Centre - call 47864222 for full details.

The Queensland Weekender film crew with a magic Whitsunday backdrop

resenter Chris Parsons looking out on Rose Bay

Filming young children learning about bees

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The Braking The Cycle program put pedal (safely) to the metal on Tuesday morning with its first learner driver heading out on the roads.

The Whitsunday PCYC led program is aimed at helping young people achieve their mandatory 100 hours of supervised driving to obtain a license.

The very first lesson at the local PCYC branch paired volunteer Steve Fraser with Kayla Glossop, a 16-year-old learner driver who did not have the resources available to learn the valuable skill.

Mr Fraser signed up for Braking the Cycle after retiring from a career in employment services, where he had been “barracking for programs just like it.”

“I thought, having retired now, I would be a bit of a numbskull to not volunteer for a program like this,” Mr Fraser laughed.

“I’m excited. What it’s all about is 70 per cent driving and getting these kids independent, and 30 per cent getting to know the learner, just talking to them about whatever they have going on in their lives.”

The program has run across PCYC branches Queensland wide and was designed for instances where a family may just have one car, both parents work full-time, or a slew of other reasons, which is where the volunteers – usually retirees with life experience, who often become role models – drop in.

Ms Glossop said she was excited to be the first participant in the Whitsunday PCYCs iteration of Braking the Cycle.

“It will give me independence and not having to rely on my parents to go places, a lot of freedom,” she said.

Interested volunteers or participants can contact the Whitsunday PCYC  to ‘Brake the Cycle’ on (07) 4948 1144.Police Sergeant Billy Li, learner driver Kayla Glossop.

‍Braking the Cycle volunteer Steve Fraser, and PCYC Braking the Cycle Program Coordinator Declan Coull before Kayla’s first driving lesson

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The first humpback whales on their migratory journey north were spotted by passengers on a Red Cat Adventures tour last weekend.

The tour group were treated to the waving whale flukes as they cruised through Whitsunday Passage onboard Thundercat on Saturday, June 4.

Humpback whales annually travel from the frigid Antarctic waters to the warm, sub-tropical seas of the northeast Australian coast from July to September.

Each year, they give birth and rear their young in the Coral Sea, and this year, the massive mammals scheduled their Airlie Beach visit a month early.

It’s commonly known that local tourism operators eagerly anticipate the first baleen behemoths of the season in a friendly competition to see who can catch the first glimpse.

This year Cruise Whitsundays was just pipped in the tight race to lock eyes on one of these massive creatures, spotting the second whale just an hour later and leaving Red Cat Adventures with the whale watching crown for the third year running.

The Thundercat crew who spotted the first stately seafarers were John, Penny, and Kory, as well as skipper Matty Cale.

“I had no idea we were the first to spot the whales this season until it got onto our social media page, but apparently, we were the first!” Mr Cale laughed.

“I saw a splash out of the corner of my eye and we saw a mother break the surface and a calf breached fully out of the water.

“It’s always amazing watching the enjoyment on all the guest’s faces because it might be a once in a lifetime thing for them.

“I’ve been a skipper on and off for 22 years, so I’ve seen my fair share of whales out on the waters, but it still has the wow factor - you’d have to be abnormal to get some joy out of it!”

A humpback whale breaching at sunset

A frolicking pod of Whales warming up in Whitsunday waters

Catching a wave

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One of Proserpine’s biggest events of the year is back, kicking off with a Friday public holiday. There’s plenty of new attractions to look out for in the all-day extravaganza, including motocross death-defying stunts, water jet pack trickery, and show jumping.

Do not miss any of the action starting Friday morning, culminating in an enormous fireworks display Friday night before turning it all back on again on Saturday.

Show attendees enjoying the iconic ‘Freak Out’ ride last year

What’s New At The Show?

Fundraising Dinner Supports Local Family

Go Wild At Festival’s 10th Year

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The Whitsunday Cruisin’ Car Club Inc.’s Show and Shine on May 28 was a roaring success not only for the non-for-profit, but also for a local support provider who benefited from a charitable donation yesterday.

Cruisin’ Car Club Event Coordinator Chris Coyte donated $1000 dollars – the entirety of the event’s excess revenue - to Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre on Monday, June 6.

This was the first time that the annual event has had left over funds to give away.

“The money came from locals, so we decided we wanted to keep it in the local community, so the neighbourhood centre was a no-brainer,” Mr Coyte said.

“We really hope that it will help, and you can’t get more local than this.”

The money primarily came from the gold coin donations, but an improvised auction – led by stallholders, vendors, and sponsors on the day – broke out and added to the funds.

Items like a voucher from local business Jorson Technologies and a brisket from a Bowen Meat vendor were sold, with those funds adding around $300 to the total.

Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre’s Tara Tissington said the centre was grateful to receive the funds.

Mr Coyte said the group plans to do similar next year for a different local group.

“The auction really went well, and a few of our vendors and sponsors were saying they’d be willing to put in more next year,” he said.

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Image: Tara Tissington accepted the Whitsunday Cruisin’ Car Club donation from Chris Coyte on behalf of the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre

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Back by popular demand, the small but dedicated fundraising team behind last year’s 60’s night held at the Hangar Bar, are hosting their next instalment this July.

The whole community is invited to boogie on down to the sounds of the 70’s in a night where platform shoes, psychedelic outfits, flared jeans and big hair will reign supreme.

Live entertainment from JJ Rox and Sweetalibis will have guests dancing the night away with other like-minded people to songs that take you back to a time where disco music was just beginning.

Last year the event was fully booked and this year organisers are expecting the same so make sure you get in quick to book your spot.

All proceeds go directly to Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) and will then contribute towards a programme that is working with The Cowboys to improve mental health strategies for children within the schools and childcare centres.

Last year the event raised $15,000 and this year they are hoping to beat that amount.

Tickets are $80 per person and include a hot buffet and drink on arrival.

Happy hour prices will run throughout the evening and a free shuttle will operate from 5.45pm between Whitsunday Plaza and the Hangar Bar in Flametree.

Raffles and silent auctions will be held in the run-up and also on the night.

The event takes place on Saturday, July 16 from 6.30pm to 12pm.

Tickets can be purchased by emailing Gill.Graham65@outlook.com.

Great fun at last year’s 60’s party

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