This October, Walk For A Kinder World is back and the community are invited to join in the fundraising initiative to promote kindness while raising money for innovative school programs.

The charity flyhighbillie is organising the second ever iteration of the event, which hopes to connect people around the globe, one kind step at a time.

Its participants will decide their walking distances, source sponsorship from friends, family and other community members, and get going.

Once they reach their pledged number of steps, they send in their sponsorship to be given to the charity and used to pay for b kinder workbooks.

These workbooks cost $20 each and are used for teaching a curriculum in kindness at schools all over the country.

The inspiration for this came from 12-year-old Billie Kinder, who tragically lost her life in a horse riding accident.

After her passing, Billie’s mum, Danny, created b kinder day which is held on June 22 each year. The event was inspired by a book created from her daughter’s work, bringing together her poems, stories and artworks.  

“The feedback we got from Billie’s book ‘hope’ was incredible,” said Danny.

“Billie’s words were instigating conversations with children on deeper issues and creating a huge impact.”

Over 60,000 b kinder day cards have since been sent to countries all over the world and the movement continues to spread love, kindness, and compassion to reduce mental health issues, bullying, and suicide.

By joining forces and walking together to raise money for this worthy cause, participants can all contribute to improving the mental wellbeing of school children and overall kindness in communities.

To take part in the event go to fundraise.flyhighbillie.org.

Here are some ideas of how you can spread kindness today:

• Dropping a kindness message in someone's letterbox

• Walking someone's dog

• Picking up litter along the way

• Offering to collect groceries for someone

• Helping an elderly person go for a short walk

• Make a phone call and connect to someone that you haven't spoken to in a while

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The team from Proserpine State High School participating in Walk for a Kinder World event last year

Billie Kinder who inspires the event with her kindness

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A brave band of family and friends who have lost loved ones to suicide came together for a special memorial service at the Volunteer Marine Rescue Building (VMR) in Cannonvale on Saturday morning.

While the mood was sombre, a shared sentiment of hope and healing created solace and comfort for those grieving.

Pastor Olwyn Harris from Proserpine Liberty Church officiated the service, which was emceed by Megan Mattingley, a counsellor from Bowen.

Both women offered a powerful message that reassured loved ones that all emotions are valid and acceptable, that this is a unique type of grief that often invokes feelings of anger and pain.

During the ceremony Brendon and Jess from YWAM played a beautiful accompaniment to some poignant moments, giving attendees the opportunity to sit and reflect.

Afterwards, sunflowers, which are a symbol of hope, were given to everyone and a special moment took place at the water’s edge where everyone let go of their sunflower and watched as it drifted away.

“In no way is this letting your loved one go,” said Pastor Harris.

“This is a symbol of letting go of the pain and the anger while still holding close memories of your loved one.”

A light morning tea was then served inside and everyone had the opportunity to chat with others who had a shared experience.

There were also two counsellors present who were available to talk to anyone and help where needed.

“It’s about supporting the community and providing a way for people who have lost a loved one to suicide to honour and remember them,” said Mel Turner from Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN).

“It’s a way to connect and express loss in some way.”

The community memorial service was an initiative of WSPN who actively help those effected by suicide here in the region.

WSPN offer free counselling to anyone impacted by suicide. If you would like to reach out you can call 07 4945 2858.

If you are worried about a loved one or this article has raised any issues for you, then reach out to one of the support services below.

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

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Matt Stokes and Mel Turner from WSPN, Olwyn Harris from Liberty Church in Proserpine and Counsellor Megan Mattingley

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A meaningful and meditative occasion, the Proserpine Health Festival, returned to town this year and organisers said they were excited to see so many people from the community attend and support the event.

“It exceeded our expectations and it was such a great turn out,” said organiser Selena Daly.

“It shows there is a need for this sort of event and the whole weekend felt like a very supportive, inclusive environment – it’s been relaxed but was also nourished by a wealth of knowledge and wisdom from our local health practitioners.”

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP opened the festival and during her speech commented that it was wonderful to see so many Proserpine-based health related businesses that were creating this vibrant wellness culture.

Over the weekend between 40 and 50 people attended a range of seminars, workshops and interactive events.

Topics included naturopathy, nutrition, fitness, colonics, breathwork, yoga and more.  

There was also opportunity for people to interact and network, eat delicious food and spend time learning more about empowering choices around healthy living.

The biggest year so far, organisers are looking forward to growing the event next year and welcoming more guests to what is becoming a thriving local festival.

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Camille Rains from Novella Health and Selena Daly from Bottoms Up Colonics

Delicious foods and inspiring talks motivated minds and nourished the body

Organisers Melissa Jong from the Wellness Centre and Selena Daly

The region’s toughest trail running event saw over 100 participants race across the Conway National Park in a variety of distances last weekend.

Whitsunday Running Club hosted The Whitsunday Trail Fest last Sunday in another successful outing of the club’s largescale race through a Whitsundays’ national park.

The longstanding event has a 17 -year history in the region, originally beginning with a concept by the Mackay Road Runners and eventually becoming the event its known as today with the Ultru 58 kilometre, Honeyeater Challenge, and the more recent Kids Beach run.

For 2022 the race precinct transformed the Airlie Beach foreshore into a running station as competitors kicked into gear as early as 5:30am.

Sixteen children competed in the event’s second ever Trail Fest beach run, while 17 took on the Honey Eater 10.5km. The Trail Fest’s most popular event hosted 56 competitors taking on the 28-kilometre track, and 14 racers smashed out the 58 kilometre trail run to end the weekend’s festivities.

Over the Whitsunday Trail Fest 28-kilometre, local Airlie Beach racer Roland Henderson broke away as the overall winner with a great time of 2:34:07.3.

For the female category, Montana Mcavoy claimed the overall win with a time of 2:37:06.2. An exceptional and honourable mention to competitor Geoff Stanton who ran as the only 60 to 69 competitor, finishing with a time of 4:26:24.3.

Of the 14 racers who dared to crack the 58-kilometre trail run, Dale Cameron was crowned the overall top finisher with a 5:52:16.8, followed closely by Sonja Schonfeldt-Roy – last year’s overall female winner who held onto her top spot with a 6:34:59.0 and the overall second place finish.

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Whitsunday Trail Fest racers trekked across the Conway National Park last weekend in the event’s 17th year

Competitors from as young as three and up to 60 took part in the variety of distances in the Trail Fest

The successful outing saw locals and out of state racers smash personal records and claim top prizes

14 racers took on the elite distance of 58-kilometres

A combination of three motives will lead Jessica Aldred’s SsangYong Chairman to the summer Shitbox Rally travelling from Rockhampton to Hobart next year.

Two of those reasons are deeply personal, and the third is sentimental.

For Jessica - who lives between Airlie Beach and Proserpine - the strange, Korean “luxury” car has been a companion deserving of a unique send off. And there was no better than the Shitbox Rally in March 2023 – which matches with her first personal cause: cancer research.

“We lost [my partner] Alastair’s dad to cancer about a year ago. There are not many better ways to raise funds for cancer research than the Rally,” Jessica said.

“That was the first reason to take part.”

Shitbox Rally’s, which run twice per year, sees cars worth roughly $1000 dollars head across Australia, driving through dirt road and rough terrain to raise funds for The Australian Cancer Council.

The second motivation is spending time with her co-driver, her dad, Tony Aldred, who lives in Kangaroo Valley south of Sydney, and is due to retire in the next two years.

“I had said, before he’s too old, we need to do something; one last big adventure. He lost his best mate to an aggressive brain cancer five years ago. It was something for us to do together for an issue close to our hearts,” Jessica said.

“And then with the car – it’s a weird, old car. It just made sense to use the Chairman – I really love it; it has a special place in my heart. Dad and I had a bit of a chuckle and thought naming it Chairman Meow would be fitting, especially as we’ll deck it out in the Rally.”

Tony and Jessica will fit the car out in large floppy cats’ ears, pin a tail in its boot, and have already started covering it in paw print stickers, which each denote a donation.

The paw prints vary in size depending on the amount submitted by the donor, and each has a name written on it. They hope to cover the whole car.

“I find it poignant to look at sometimes; some of those names are of people who’ve died. Some are of survivors; some are in hospital currently. It’s a nice way to take those people with us on the road,” Jessica said.

The pair have already raised $5600 dollars for cancer, and with six months left to fundraise, they hope to continue to add to their tally.

Over six days, the Chairman Meow car – which only sold around 100 models Australia-wide – will cruise across the Silverton Outback Track in March 2023, driven by the dad and daughter duo.

You can donate to the Chairman Meow team directly via the link: https://summer2023.shitboxrally.com.au/chairman-meow

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Jessica Aldred with “Chairman Meow”, a SsangYong Chairman which will take her and her dad, Tony, across the country next year in the Shitbox Rally

Airlie Beach residents watched from balconies and beachfronts as a 42-foot yacht, which was anchored 200 metres offshore, erupted into flames on Friday evening.

Police received a call-out at 5.40pm and when they attended the scene shortly afterwards, they found the sole occupant, a 54-year-old New Zealand woman, had jumped into the water as flames engulfed the vessel.

Police scooped her out of the ocean and Queensland Ambulance Service took her to Proserpine Hospital in a stable condition with serious burns to her legs.

At about 7pm, a large boom was heard ricocheting around the bay, with locals reporting it was felt as far afield as Jubilee Pocket.

It is understood this could have been a gas bottle onboard.

Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) were tasked by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) to transport auxiliary fire fighters to the scene at 7.35pm.

Rescue vessel, Coral Sea Marina Resort (VMR1) was deployed, and the teams attended with two portable pumps.

When they arrived, they identified a fully involved yacht fire and assessed whether to let the ocean extinguish the fire over time or use the hoses.

Due to smoke and swing of the vessel, it was decided to extinguish the fire, a job that took close to an hour.

By 9pm, VMR and QFES returned to the marina.

It is understood that the timber vessel was built by its 64-year-old owner who was watching the fire from the balcony of the Whitsunday Sailing Cub, powerless to do anything.

Police have arrested the woman on board and charged her with arson.

Earlier that day, in a separate incident, the man received minor injuries believed to be from the woman.

She has been denied police bail and charged with one count each of arson, assault and contravene a police protection notice (domestic violence), as well as two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm relating to earlier alleged incidents.

The woman appeared in court on September 12 and will remain in custody until her next appearance on October 10.

Maritime Safety Queensland have placed a marker buoy at the site of the vessel which still protrudes above sea level.

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The 40-foot timber yacht up in flames on Friday evening

Parts of the vessel were still protruding above sea level on Sunday morning

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When little Brutus meandered out of the open gates of the home where he was staying, he never expected his day to take such an adventurous turn.

The 12-year-old pug had been staying at the son and daughter-in-law’s house while his parents took their new caravan on holiday.

The gate had accidentally been left open and soon Brutus had wondered on the highway - lost, scared and in a dangerous situation navigating the busy school-run peak-hour traffic on Shute Harbour Road near Mount Julian.

Fortunately, local dog-lover and owner of this newspaper, Bec Douthwaite saw him and immediately stopped her vehicle.

Racing out on foot, she chased the old pup around, but he kept darting away in the opposite direction.

Seeing her plight and watching other drivers pass on by, Whitsunday Transit bus driver Edward Deakes and his co-worker Craig Toole decided to pull the bus over and Craig jumped out to help.

With two people coming from either direction, it was easy to wrangle little Brutus and he was soon safely ensconced in the back of Bec’s vehicle.

Not knowing who he belonged to, the little pug made a trip to the Whitsunday Life office where he was fed treats and water then promptly fell asleep, snoring loudly.

Meanwhile, his parents, who were holidaying in Rollingstone, saw a post saying he was missing on Facebook and started panicking.

Luckily, Brutus had been reported safe to the daughter-in-law, Nicole Camm, who informed them he had been returned home.

“The in-laws said we’re not allowed to look after him ever again!” she said.

“But we are all glad he is home safe – thank you to everyone who stopped.”

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Crissy Bottrell, Bec Douthwaite and Taylor Trewartha with Brutus the pug

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Hi Everyone,

Well spring has certainly ‘sprung’ and the warm weather feels delicious, doesn’t it?!

This week also marks the beginning of the school holidays so many families will be enjoying some time together.

For those of us who have to work, we begin the two-week ‘struggle of the juggle’, organising play dates and day care and home offices to keep our little ones looked after.

I always find this time of year full of promise and hope, the start of the warm weather where bathers are constantly drying on verandas, and everyone arranges to meet at the nearest watering hole.

Inside this issue, we celebrate another exciting beginning full of promise and hope – our new mayor Julie Hall took the lead in her first formal Council meeting at the Proserpine Chambers on Wednesday morning.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Julie on her first week in office and you can read the article in the latest issue of Core Magazine when it comes out next week.

During our interview, I found her to be a warm and open person who was happy to share stories of her life.

A country girl at heart, she grew up in rural South Australia and has worked in many industries over the years, from hosting whale watching tours to running her own personal development business for the past 16 years.

Expressing gratitude and humility at being elected to a role where she had no former experience, Mayor Julie embodies a calm confidence in being able to lead the region.

With an unrelentingly positive attitude and enthusiasm for helping the community connect with Council, some may see her ambitions as lofty, but others admire her determination to create change.

We wish her luck with her new role and look forward to helping connect the community with Council through regular news coverage.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “In a world where you can be anything, be yourself” (Albert Einstein)

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Whitsunday Regional Council’s newly elected mayor, Julie Hall, oversaw her first Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday at the Proserpine Council Chambers, which involved the induction of a new Deputy Mayor, Councillor Gary Simpson.

Mayor Hall led her first foray into local government operations under the supervision and guidance of fellow councillors, as well as Council Chief Executive Officer Rod Ferguson.

Although there were a few fumbling moments and slips of the tongue at the beginning, Mayor Hall worked her way through the first-day jitters and officiated a successful and straightforward meeting for the local council.

After a minute of silence in respect for the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Ms Hall began with her role’s customary Mayoral Minute – an opportunity to update constituents and councillors on the mayor’s movements during the time between meetings.

Mayor Hall said she would like to utilise her privilege of a Mayoral Minute to act with “dignity and grace” and start today “with a clean slate.”

“I feel it is appropriate to offer a public apology to any councillors, directors, or staff who I may have inadvertently offended during my election campaign,” Ms Hall said.

“We can now put the election behind us and instead work for the community we serve, and the Whitsunday region.”

Mayor Hall was greeted afterwards with questions from the public gallery – highlighting the scrutiny she will now be under from her constituents during her term - the most notable of which came from one of her ex-Mayoral candidate rivals, Phillip Batty.

The Questions each held an underlying theme of council accountability, markedly in reference to the Port Of Airlie Development and its much-publicised critics – Save Our Foreshore Inc.

The meeting also saw the nomination and subsequent confirmation of a new Whitsunday Regional Council Deputy Mayor, Councillor Gary Simpson.

Councillor Simpson claimed the role after a 5-2 vote in his favour. The born and raised Proserpine Local, who runs a cane farm in Strathdickie and has previously directed the Proserpine District Canegrowers Cooperative over a period of nine years, said it was an “honour and a privilege” to be elected Deputy.

“I look forward to the next 12 months,” Mr Simpson said.

He was elected after a prior nomination for Councillor Mike Brunker failed.

Councillor John Collins, in an impassioned speech on the difficulties council will face “for the next eight years”, nominated Mr Brunker for the job, but it was shot down by other councillors on a 4-3 vote – Ms Hall, Councillor’s Al Grundy, Jan Clifford, and Gary Simpson each voting against.

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Newly elected Mayor Julie Hall oversaw her first Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday, September 14

The meeting was a straightforward affair other than the instalment of Councillor Gary Simspon as new Deputy Mayor

These were the last words the alleged arsonist said to her ‘on again – off again’ partner, Michael George, as he left the vessel a short time before it was set alight.

The couple, who had been dating for 18 months, arrived in Airlie Beach a week before the alleged incident.

They had been sailing up the coast from Rockhampton and before that from the Bay of Islands area on the North Island of New Zealand where Michael lived.

Having built the boat by hand, spending four years (8000 hours) full-time, crafting every inch from solid timber, Michael is understandably devastated that his 42-foot yacht Lusi has now met such a sad end.

Launching her in 2015, Michael spent some years sailing all around the world and clocked-up an impressive 47,000 nautical miles on the vessel.

When he met his now ex-partner, the pair planned more adventures which brought them to anchor at Airlie Beach last week.

Michael said that unfortunately the relationship had become strained following a series of “outbursts” and destructive episodes that had seen his ex-partner visit Proserpine Hospital overnight with self-inflicted injuries on Wednesday evening.

Michael also sustained injuries following an assault which caused him to file a domestic violence order.

After this, he asked his ex-partner to move out of the vessel and had secured temporary accommodation in town for her.

On the day of the incident, Michael said he had taken her back to the vessel so she could gather her belongings and it is alleged that she started a number of small fires on the vessel which he was able to extinguish.

“She said ‘if you call the police, I’ll set it on fire’, but I had already called the police and knew they were on their way,” Michael explained.

He then left the vessel and decided to return to shore, believing the police would handle it.

Michael saw the water police drive towards the vessel, but at that moment flames started to erupt from inside.

“Then she just went up!” he said.

“I saw it on fire but there was nothing I could do.”

Michael gave all the information to the police and was given accommodation at a local hotel overnight.

Earlier this Thursday he flew to the Gold Coast to stay with friends and will then spend two weeks with his daughter in Perth while he waits for a new passport to come through.

“I’d like to say thank you to all the authorities, they’ve been brilliant.” he said.

“Ideally I’d like to see her pay me back for the vessel, but I don’t see how that’s going to happen!”

Michael lost all his possessions in the fire and the boat has since been valued at over $1 million.

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Michael George at his AirBNB before he flew out on Thursday

The 42-foot classic timber cutter that has been valued at $1 million

Colourful blooms, bountiful vegetables and earthy plants decorated the huge school hall for the 80th annual Proserpine and Uniting Church Flower Show and Fete last Saturday.

Hundreds of people attended the event that was steeped in history and community sentiment – many people coming year after year to celebrate the labours of garden love which are exhibited with pride at the event.

While guests browsed the rows of carefully displayed flowers and plants, others sat and enjoyed the entertainment and refreshments.

A constant flow of local performers came to the stage, two school choirs joined forces to sing ‘Proserpine Shine’ written by Sarah Mead and residents from the local nursing home demonstrated a fine Zumba display.

The Senior Folk Group sung ‘Flowers of Scotland’, Out of the Blue Line Dancers entertained, Bob Barford sung with his guitar and the Proserpine Citizen’s Band added to the lively atmosphere.

Organisers Julianne O’Brien and secretary Bernardine Stevens thanked all those who helped in any way.

“Thank you to those who donated trophies and especially those who took the trouble to bring in their flowers, orchids, pot plants or fruit and vegetables,” said Ms Stevens.

“Also, thanks to the entertainers and especially all those who attended and made the day so special.”

The 80th year was marked with some delicious cupcakes laid out in the shape of 80 and all the children enjoyed eating them.

There was also face painting, crafts, mystery gift stall, a white elephant stall and a popular sandwich bar that sold out of bread, causing volunteers to race to the shops for more supplies.

All proceeds from this years’ event went to assist with the operations of the Uniting Church and organisers said they are overwhelmed with the kindness and level of support from the broader community.

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Trophy winners in 2022

Aggregate points in the Flower section and Champion Pansy: Pat Gillen

Aggregate points in Orchid Section and Champion Orchid: Eileen Cameron

Vegetables: Kathy Bernett

Champion Pot Plant: Carmel Lee

Champion Gerbera: Robert Angelino

Champion Rose: Christine Amos

Champion Cut Bloom: Lee Bettridge

Most Entries: Merv Fuller

Butterfly Knick knack won by the Nursing Home
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Committee members and volunteers who gave their time to help organise the 80th annual Proserpine Flower Show

Everyone enjoyed browsing the colourful blooms

Children’s face painting was popular

Garden lovers celebrated the impressive creations

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On Saturday morning a crowd gathered at the Proserpine Cemetary to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of the first interned local soldier.

While this momentous occasion was being observed, 14 other servicemen were also acknowledged for their sacrifice.

Before this day, 10 soldiers from World War I, and four from World War II, had no headstones commemorating their lives and nowhere for their families to pay their respects.

Thanks to the efforts of the broader community and the dedicated volunteers, however, these soldiers were finally given a symbolic resting place with simple yet meaningful white crosses now marking their lives.

Bunnings donated the wood and the Proserpine Community Centre Men’s Group built the 13 wooden crosses which were then painted white.

Dennis Feijo from Jades Temple Tattoo engraved the names of each fallen soldier onto the crosses which were then placed in the cemetery by dignitaries, family members and RSL representatives on the day.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP helped local resident Anne Gardel place a white cross in the ground for her Great Uncle David Fraser.

“It’s on these men’s shoulders that the defence force is now built upon,” said Ms Camm.

“This show of community pride pays testament to how they sacrificed their youth to go and serve and to see a local connection here today, a family member being recognised, well, I feel really proud to be part of this important moment.”

Organiser Lyn Burke said that every man played an important role in the war and deserved to be acknowledged.

“They’re all diverse - from World War I to the Boar War, the shores of Gallipoli to the trenches of France – we’ve even got an airman here today that we are going to honour who was a radio operator who died at Evans Head in NSW,” she said.

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Councillor Al Grundy, Councillor Jan Clifford, Mayor Julie Hall, Luke Burgess, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP, Lyn Burke, Dave Silverstone, Councillor Gary Simpson

Anne Gardel places a cross for her Great Uncle David Fraser alongside Amanda Camm MP

Councillor Al Grundy with representatives from the local RSL

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A decadent long white table, a stunning silica sand beach, the rich tones of a lively marching band and cool water beneath your feet as you disembark the vessel and are instantly handed a glass of chilled French Champagne.

This was the scene presented to over 500 people on the three-day White On Whitehaven Long Table Lunch held over the weekend – a pop-up restaurant set on one of the world’s best beaches, two hours from civilisation.

Arriving on a three-level air-conditioned SeaLink ferry, guests are treated with five-star comfort from the moment the day begins.

With a dress-theme of elegant white – ivory dresses flowed, hats were wide-brimmed, and feet were bare to create a striking luncheon that embodied luxury yet was deliciously casual in approach.

Chef, event organiser and co-owner of Fish D’vine, Kev Collins, said that long-term he wanted the White on Whitehaven to become the Whitsunday’s iconic food and beverage event.

“We’re a company that’s run by the motto of – loving making people happy!” he said.

“We’ve knocked the house down this year, it’s been absolutely fabulous, and people have loved it! I wouldn’t want to change a thing!”

Guests were treated to welcome canapes of salmon sashimi and freshly shucked oysters, followed by a buffet of the finest local cuisine, including prawns, Morton Bay Bugs and local barramundi fillets accompanied by tender meats and tangy salads.

This years’ event was moved from May to September, which Mr Collins said certainly showcased the best the Whitsundays had to offer and numbers were capped at 200 per sitting to create a more intimate feel.

Aided by the weather, Mr Collins coined this year ‘the redemption lunch’ following a rainy, windy and chilly Sunday last year that unfortunately made the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

“We were heartbroken – but you can’t help the weather,” said co-organiser Katelyn Aslett.

“One of the best outcomes is that several people were here for the bad day last year and returned this year for one of the best days!

“The last three days have been the best you can ever get in the Whitsundays – the wind has been below five knots the whole time!”

“We’ve had fabulous weather, happy people - everything has just gone perfectly!” said event coordinator Stacy Harvey.

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Whitsunday Anglican School (WAS) held its Global Learning Day last Thursday with colourful displays of song and dance representing the different nationalities and cultures that make up the Junior School cohort.

Students from diverse backgrounds joined their classmates to share information and perform dances, stories, songs and poems from varying nations and cultures.

Now in its 14th year, each class represented a different nationality including Bangladesh, China, France, Germany, India, Jamaica, Ireland, Italy, Vietnam and more.

Gracie and Cruz are both in the year 3 class that prepared a song and a story to represent Zimbabwe.

They’ve been preparing their performance in class for about three weeks while learning about the country.

“It’s a landlocked country in Africa,” said Cruz.

“And there’s five national animals,” added Gracie.

“The buffalo, lion, elephant, leopard and rhino,” they listed together.

WAS Head of Junior School Mick Martin said Global Learning Day started out as a small event to recognise the school’s diversity and multiculturalism.

“It’s a great recognition of the growing cultural diversity at the school and Mackay too,” said Mr Martin.

“We’ve got about 52 different nationalities represented in the junior school along through the families and staff so it’s a great way to give those children and parents an opportunity to be involved as a community and show off their culture and nationality.”

“It’s very important that we are promoting tolerance, inclusion and really celebrating that diversity,” added WAS Principal Andrew Wheaton.

“It’s wonderful to see all the students that are here so proud of their backgrounds and their diverse cultures that we see represented here at Whitsunday Anglican School.”

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WAS Head of Junior School Mick Martin and Principal Andrew Wheaton with year 3 students Gracie and Cruz

Junior school students told the stories of different cultures through song and dance at WAS’s Global Learning Day last week. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

These days there are experts in virtually everything and those experts are always happy to voice their options, bestow their knowledge.

I am finding there has been a sudden increase in property market experts.

I was going to say the list of experts extends to Every Man and His Dog but that is a sexist exclusion of half the human population and does not take into account the feline opinion.

Everyone has an opinion about property markets generally and there is no lack of noise in the national media about “the market”. One of the things to consider is that the national media is pretty much focused on Sydney, Melbourne and the other state capitals.

But there is no lack of local opinion about the Mackay market. Some buyers will tell you it’s cooled off and they are hoping it has.

I have noticed that activity continues to be strong. Some people who were “doing research” and popping into open homes for a bit of a look this year have taken a “wait and see” approach.

There are some buyers who are being cautious, listening to the media reports and taking their time with their purchase.

But there are plenty of buyers out there and plenty of properties are being sold. And that’s because, in terms of the fundamentals, nothing has changed.

Unemployment is virtually non-existent in Mackay, rental vacancies remain under 1 per cent and our resource sector-driven economy is performing extremely well and helping power the state.

Renters who discover their rent has gone up again are deciding that buying is still the best option and people moving to town are still seeing that it is very difficult to find a rental and many of them are still buying.

The other group that continues to grow is the southern investor.

People in NSW and Victoria are very aware that their markets are falling and many have discovered a much more affordable option in Mackay with low rental vacancies and a far better rental yield than is available in their home states.

Those investors come from cities where prices are in the $800,000-$1.5m range and are picking up properties in Mackay in the far less-riskier $200,000-$450,000 price range. Importantly they are able to positively gear their investments because of the very good rental returns in Mackay.

I am not going to predict what will happen to the Mackay market but the fundamentals that have been driving our strong market have not changed and rising interest rates on our much smaller mortgages don’t have the impact that they are having in Sydney and Melbourne.

Plenty of people are seizing the opportunities and I am looking forward to a strong finish to the year.

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