As the 2022 crushing season gets underway, cane harvesters will become a prevalent sight in the district. As you watch these technologically sophisticated cane harvesters with air-conditioned cabs move up and down the paddocks, spare a thought for the cane cutters of the past when harvesting the crop was a vastly different process.

In 1897, the first year of production at the Proserpine Central Mill, kanakas from the Pacific Islands did most of the cane cutting as it was thought “too hard a task for the Europeans to endure”. They also worked alongside the Chinese and these men were paid 2/6d per ton to cut the cane. In 1898, William Chung Do of Ayr and his entire team of Chinese from the lower Burdekin cut the Proserpine crop.

But attitudes changed, and future seasons would see gangs of European canecutters arriving in the district to join locals in cutting the season’s crop.

Hand cane cutting was an arduous, back-breaking task and even experienced men felt real discomfort at the beginning of each season. It was a young man’s job but despite this many managed to keep on until well into their 40s and some even into their 50s. Cutters were required to not only cut the cane which had to be level with the ground and cleared of tops, leaves, roots and shoots but also to load it by hand then chain it down ready for transport to the mill.

Early photos show these men dressed in long sleeved flannels which were worn to protect from hairy mary, a prickle which was prevalent in certain varieties of cane. But this was only minor compared to other hazards such as snake bite or Weils disease (contracted from rat’s urine on the cane leaves) which were serious possibilities before burning cane became common. And then there was also the very real risk of losing a finger.

Over the years, there was very little improvement in the process. About the only technological development that ever came with their craft, was the change from straight to curved blades in the 50s.

But the second world war signalled the beginning of the end for cutters. Many abandoned the cane field for less demanding occupations. Changing times necessitated changing methods. Continual labour shortages forced farmers to investigate new machinery however many growers in Proserpine had such small holdings that they could not afford to hire even cane cutters, let alone a machine. They cut the cane themselves and taught their sons to do likewise.

The year 1951 saw the first mechanical harvesting of cane in the district and the first chopper harvest occurred in 1961. At the time the first mechanical harvesters appeared, there were 235 cutters in the area. In 1968, the year that Proserpine hosted the World Cane Cutting championships, “The Proserpine Guardian” reported, “Manual canecutters continue to disappear … last Friday’s signing seeing only 59 engaged for 1968, compared with 102 last year and 131 in 1966. A further 39 growers will harvest by mechanical means this crushing.”

When the last Proserpine canecutter put down his knife in 1970, it heralded the end of an era.  

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

The last hand cane cutter put down his knife in 1970

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The Eden Lassie station agave farm south of Bowen has welcomed local government’s tick of approval to move forward with its $25 million planned distillery.

The Top Shelf International farm, located on former grazing land received unanimous approval from Whitsunday Regional Council to construct a distillery, production facility, and visitor centre on site.

Agave is one of the primary components in the distillation process of tequila and mezcal spirits – which Australia is the third biggest consumer of in the world behind the United States and Mexico.

Whitsunday Acting Mayor Mike Brunker said Top Shelf had been planting at the farm for the past 12 months and were “good to go” for their next step.

“It will be unbelievable,” Mayor Brunker said.

“With this and the cruise ship industry’s return, it could potentially bring in tours of people eager to taste our Whitsunday spirit.”

Councillor John Collins was more attuned to the alcoholic incentives, rather than the economic.

“Give them a ring and ask if they have enough salt and lime for us up there,” he said.

Purchased in December 2020 by the Melbourne-based vodka and whiskey distiller, the Australian Agave Spirit Farm lauds a potential $100 million turnover export business according to its advocates.

Due to laws like those around champagne, the Whitsunday spirit produced at the Bowen farm legally cannot be called tequila but instead will be agave spirit – and brand naming has yet to be decided, with the first bottles potentially arriving in the Aussie market in September.

Currently, the farm houses roughly 538,000 agave plants, making it the largest in the country.

Director Commercial and Agave at Top Shelf International, Michael Hennessy said the farm was looking to begin construction as soon as possible within the next few months.

“It’s great to show the people of the Whitsundays the progress that we’ve been talking about for the last couple of years. This is another step forward to starting construction and moving forward,” Mr Hennessy said.

“We’d like to start as soon as possible, and we’re looking to be in production of the spirit by mid-2023.”

Mr Hennessy said they were looking for local contractors to complete the build and that, once complete, the distillery would support up to 20 jobs with more for the visitor experience.

“We’ve been blown away by the support we’ve had from the local community, local council and local groups and we’re looking forward to repaying that faith,” he said.

Aside from its “tequila” venture, the farm has also expressed interest in hydrogen technology, with a potential resource recovery through agave biomass, and hopes to run the farm at carbon neutral.

The “Eden Lassie distillery” could be a major boon to the region’s agriculture output, with the plan to have one million plants by 2024.

With that number the company could rocket to the top 25 producers in the world of agave spirit, cultivating three million litres annually – one and a half million bottles.

“We’ve had very positive response to our trial batches,” Mr Hennessy said.

“What we’ve produced so far, we’ve been thrilled to bits with and we’re looking forward to improving on that recipe continually to achieve one of the world’s best agave spirits.”

The United States industry is worth $10 billion a year and agave spirit is being hailed as the “rising star of hard liquor”.

A render of the proposed Top Shelf International's agave farm distillery stage one south of Bowen

he Melbourne-based company have already made test batches of their new agave spirit

Contributed Top Shelf International

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The Mayoral candidates continue to trickle in with local businessman Phil Batty announcing his nomination, joining Councillor Al Grundy, Councillor Jan Clifford, Acting Mayor Mike Brunker, Peter J Hood and Julie Hall in the race to be the next Whitsunday Mayor.

Phil Batty has been a staunch opponent of unsuitable high-rise development in Airlie Beach and believes Council needs a shake-up.

“It’s high time for a review not just of the internal operation of the WRC, but also to examine the direction in which we should be headed,” he said.

“Looking across all council operations and issues that have come for it in recent times, it seems things have slid away from the core values of local government, including planning diligence, and consistency in planning decisions by elected councillors,” he said.

Mr Batty is known for negotiating the first inter-state flight to the Whitsunday Coast Airport and has been lobbying for this to extend to international services for some time.

He was also a driving force behind bringing the first cruise ships to Whitsunday shores and the creator of the Flash-Mob Wedding in 2020 which received over a million views around the world.

Mayoral candidate Phil Batty

8 Weeks Until We Have A New Mayor

With the Australian Electoral Commission declaring the seat of Dawson on Wednesday this week, the process can finally begin to elect a new Mayor.

From the moment that Andrew Willcox officially became the Federal Member for Dawson and sent his letter of resignation to Whitsunday Regional Council, the clock starting ticking and the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) have exactly eight weeks to complete the process.

A new mayor has to be announced by Wednesday, August 11.

The tight timeline includes a period to call for nominations, time for the mayoral candidates to run a campaign, set a date for the election and count the votes.

The ECQ will also need to decide whether we will be using the preferential or first across the line voting system to determine who will be the new Mayor.

For the next eight weeks the ECQ will oversee everything, and the Council will have nothing to do with the process.

All three councillors that have nominated for mayor will continue in their roles during this time, there will not be a caretaker mode in place.

The new mayor will enter the role mid-term and will serve until the next local government election in early 2024.

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It's been almost four weeks since the election and on Wednesday, June 15 at 1pm the seat of Dawson was finally declared and Andrew Willcox was officially offered the top job as our new Federal Member.

Anne Becker from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) officiated the ceremony at the central office in Sydney Street, Mackay and Willcox received all the relevant documents.

He will soon be heading to Canberra to be sworn into parliament and given the full responsibilities of his new role.

The past four weeks in limbo have been challenging for our new Federal Member, but in true Willcox-style that we remember from his time as our mayor, he has made the most every moment – heading out into the community, listening to the people in his electorate and attending as many events as possible.

“This day has been a long time coming but I have been travelling the length and breadth of Dawson during the interim,” he said.

“A lot of people have put their faith in me, so I want to make sure I work for the community.

“I have been humbled by the support I’ve received, and I am ready to go out and fight for our fair share for our region.”

Excited for his new role but also sad to be leaving the Whitsunday Regional Council, Willcox said it was a “bittersweet moment”.

“I’ve really enjoyed my role as mayor and I would like to thank all the people in the community for putting their faith in me,” he said.

“I would also like to thank all the Council staff who often go above and beyond, and my councillors – I wish my successor all the success.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Anne Becker from the AEC on Wednesday when the seat of Dawson was officially declared

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Airlie Beach has been recognised for its commitment to visitor excellence following the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) annual awards where it won the Top Small Tourism Town in Queensland 2022.

These awards are an opportunity for regional tourism organisations, local tourism organisations, and councils in conjunction with accredited visitor information centres to showcase their local towns as great visitor destinations and raise awareness of what’s special and unique about their part of Queensland.

Airlie Beach has now gained automatic entry to the national Top Tourism Town Awards which will be held later in the year.

If successful, it could be crowned one of the best holiday towns in Australia.

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton said the incredible win only highlights what we already know, that Airlie Beach is an iconic destination with world-class offerings for all to enjoy.

“The Whitsundays is the most tourism reliant region in Queensland with one in three jobs directly related to tourism, to have both Airlie Beach and Bowen as finalists in the Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards shows that the region punches well above its weight,” he said.

“Being recognised at a state level is a massive achievement for the region and our tourism operators. We look forward to representing Queensland and the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef later this year at the national Top Tourism Town Awards.”

Acting Mayor, Mike Brunker said this was fantastic news for Airlie Beach and the entire Whitsunday region.

“Thank you to Tourism Whitsundays, the tourism operators and the community for their support which has resulted in Airlie Beach being named the Top Small Tourism Town in Queensland in 2022,” he said.  

“We look forward to continuing to promote Airlie Beach as a top destination with magnificent visitor experiences.”

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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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