
A major housing boost will see 131 social and affordable homes delivered or underway across the Mackay-Whitsunday region. Photo credit: Hannah McNamaraMackay's ongoing housing shortage has been targeted with a major social housing announcement, with the Queensland Government confirming 131 social and affordable homes are now underway across the Mackay-Whitsunday region, alongside an $8.6 million boost for housing and homelessness services. During a visit to Mackay on Wednesday, Housing Minister Sam O'Connor said the investment would help increase housing supply and support vulnerable Queenslanders. “We have 20 more homes delivered or underway in the last 20 months than the entire decade preceding our time in government,” Mr O'Connor said. Local Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the work was an important step in addressing Mackay’s housing pressures. “We need to make sure that we keep on building... so that people can say, 'This is my home,'” he said. Social Housing Boost Targets Ongoing Regional Shortage By Hannah McNamara Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O'Connor was on the ground in Mackay on Wednesday, 15 July, to announce 131 social and affordable homes are now underway across the Mackay-Whitsunday region, alongside an $8.6 million investment in frontline housing and homelessness services, with the Queensland Government saying the measures will help alleviate the region's housing pressures. The announcement is said to be part of the Queensland Government's $5.7 billion statewide investment in social and community housing. Mr O'Connor said more than 130 homes were currently underway, building on the 79 social and affordable homes delivered in the region since the Government was elected. He said the funding would support specialist homelessness services and crisis support, helping vulnerable Queenslanders access housing sooner. “We have 20 more homes delivered or underway in the last 20 months than the entire decade preceding our time in government.” Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the announcement would help address housing pressures facing vulnerable residents in Mackay. “I think it's going a long way. We need to make sure that we keep on building and we keep on constructing this type of housing so that people can say, 'This is my home.' That's our intention, and we're working towards it all the time. This is a prime example of that.” The pair toured the construction site, where 18 social homes are being built in Mackay's CBD. “It is so sad to see people who are vulnerable and homeless, and these units are going to be able to house them into the future. It's so exciting because we've got a great location in the city, close to schools, shops and services. It's exactly the right place,” Mr Dalton said. Mr O'Connor also announced an additional investment in local housing support. “I can also announce today that, as part of our budget delivered just a few weeks ago, we will be investing a boost of $8.6 million into housing and homelessness services in this region. “It's really important we have the services available to help people get on a housing pathway and ultimately into homes just like these ones we're building right here.” Mr O'Connor said the development would provide social housing for eligible applicants on the housing register. “They'll be for people on the register, and by definition, people who are eligible to enter social housing are the most vulnerable in our community.” He added that “The rent is capped at 25% of the residents' income.” Mackay’s housing shortage is being targeted with 131 new social and affordable homes and an $8.6 million support package. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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Four years ago, Hannah Kimber arrived in Australia on a working holiday visa with no plans of staying in the Whitsundays. Today, she's helping others find their home in the region. Originally from the UK, Hannah arrived in Australia on a working holiday visa and spent nine months in Sydney before heading north to complete her regional work. Although she planned on seeing more of Australia, the Whitsundays said otherwise. "I kept on making plans to leave or go and do something else, and the area just kept bringing me back," Hannah said. "I just fell in love with the area." After deciding to officially just stay, Hannah was ready to take the next step professionally. That's when Hannah found Taylors Property Specialists. Through the agency's cadetship program, she was able to learn from experienced agents while laying the foundations for a career in real estate. “It's definitely a career, not a short term job,” Hannah said. Working across the local market has also given Hannah a new appreciation and passion for the homes that make the Whitsundays such a sought-after place to live. “Most properties in the area are very unique and different from one another,” Hannah said. “I think that's really nice to go in and see the individuality of each property.” Hannah believes the same individuality found in the region's homes should be reflected in the way buyers are treated, taking the time to understand exactly what they're looking for before matching them with the right property. "You can't force someone to buy a house, but you can get to know them and understand what they're after," Hannah said. To get in touch with Hannah Kimber at Taylor's Property Specialists, call 0411 599 126 or email hannah@tpsre.com.au. Photo caption: Hannah Kimber
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By Richard Evans, Festival Director and President Whitsundays Writers Festival How many times have you said it? One day I'll write a book. One day, when the kids are grown, when work settles down, when you finally feel ready. But here's the truth nobody mentions: that day doesn't arrive on its own. Fear keeps it at bay. Fear of grammar, of not having enough time, of not being "good enough." The good news? None of those barriers are as solid as they seem. Today, more than ever, the page is waiting for you. And while tools like AI can polish your language, they cannot replicate what only you possess: a life fully, specifically, irreplaceably lived. Let's bust a few myths first. You need perfect English. No: clarity matters far more than correctness, and editing comes later. You need a big, dramatic idea. Wrong again: everyday stories resonate most deeply with readers. You must write an entire book immediately. Absolutely not: start with moments, memories, and fragments. Publishing is impossible. There are more pathways than ever: local print runs, self-publishing platforms, online communities. The gates are open. Walk through them. So where do you actually begin? Start small. Start a daily journal. Just five to ten minutes, one memory, one observation can build writing habits without the pressure. Journaling is not about diarising events or activities, rather it is about observation and thoughts. Personal experiences translate beautifully into short stories; rename the people, shape the narrative, and suddenly you have fiction story rooted in truth. If the blank page feels daunting, record voice notes on your phone and use AI to transcribe them. This is how Barbara Cartland worked. She strolled the beach and recorded her romance stories transcribing them later. A retiree writing about their first job, a cyclone season, or raising a family in the Whitsundays can create vivid, locally meaningful stories that no bestseller list could replicate. You're not too late. You never were. If not now, when? 4 Ways to Start Today Write one memory. Describe one place from your past. Capture one conversation you'll never forget. Reflect on your photos and use the memory as a prompt.
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Coco may be small in stature, but she has a heart big enough to fill an entire home. Now, all this gentle seven-year-old Foxy cross needs is someone to share her loving nature with. Loyal, affectionate and wonderful with children, Coco has also been very popular with every dog she’s called a friend. While she can be a tad anxious at times, it’s mainly because she’s looking for a calm and patient family who will let her settle in at her own pace, giving her the love and assurance she needs to relax. Coco would be best suited to a home with secure fencing and no chooks or livestock to annoy her, where she can enjoy a quiet environment, with plenty of companionship. If you think Coco could be the perfect addition to your family, contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue by direct messaging your name, phone number and "Coco" to begin the adoption process. Photo caption: Sweet Foxy cross Coco just wants her forever family. Photo sourced: Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue
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A world-first mobile health unit that will help with the early detection of lung diseases visited Mackay last Friday after departing Brisbane earlier that week.
The state-of-the-art Queensland-built HEART 5 vehicle was developed between the State Government and Heart of Australia and will assist in the early detection of mine dust lung diseases in regional Queensland workers.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart farewelled the vehicle from Brisbane last week.
“HEART 5 is a revolutionary piece of technology that will bring high-quality respiratory health screenings to mine and quarry workers in regional and remote parts of the state,” Mr Stewart said.
“This means workers won’t have to travel as far to access highly specialised services, ensuring earlier detection and intervention in cases of mine dust lung diseases like black lung and silicosis.”
The facility contains an x-ray machine and a world-first battery-powered high-resolution computerised tomography (CT) scanner.
Mr Stewart said HEART 5 has been built by Queenslanders, for Queenslanders.
“The robust vehicle was constructed in Narangba to the highest standards, in order to withstand the wear and tear of travelling through rural Queensland,” Mr Stewart said.
Heart of Australia founder Dr Rolf Gomes said that HEART 5 can do a CT parked on a mine site, and this is a world first.
“HEART 5 breaks down the tyranny of distance, so if you do have a lung disease, we can find it early and quickly,” Dr Gomes said.
Speaking in Mackay, Heart of Australia’s Head of Operations and Business Development Ewan Wylie said HEART 5 is a project of passion as a former respiratory scientist.
“I’ve sadly now met over 100 people affected by these preventable diseases,” he said.
“We can set up on a mine site, in a worker’s club car park or in a cane field and do a CT anytime, anywhere.
“We’ll be able to diagnose conditions earlier and support more informed treatment keeping miners and their communities healthier and improving their quality of life.”
HEART 5 journeyed to coal mining community Collinsville to begin vital work screening workers and former workers of mines and quarries.
“On our maiden journey over the last four days we have screened 74 retired miners from the Bowen Basin,” Mr Wylie said.
“We have already found on initial review a number of abnormal findings and have actioned some further investigations for some.
“We will be returning to Collinsville soon to complete all the required investigations once we have put all those screenings through all our specialists. “
CFMEU Queensland’s District President Steven Smyth said it doesn’t end there.
“The next step is taking this out to the regions, further providing the service that needs to be done, and then providing the backup services these mineworkers, their families and the community will need,” Mt Smyth said.
L-R Heart of Australia’s Corporate Health Initiative Program Lead Andrew Bailey, Heart of Australia’s Head of Operations and Business Development Ewan Wylie, CFMEU District President Stephen Smyth, Resources Minister Scott Stewart, Labor Candidate for Dawson Shane Hamilton, and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert. Photo: Amanda Wright
Heart of Australia’s Corporate Health Initiative Program Lead Andrew Bailey addresses an impressive crowd welcoming HEART 5 to the Resources Centre of Excellence.
A MRI scanner is part of the impressive equipment onboard the mobile health unit
The Whitsundays is currently experiencing a problem with homeless cats who have either been deliberately dumped or handed over because their owners are no longer able to look after them.
Last year a box containing approximately three litters (16 kittens) was found behind the Reef Gateway Hotel in Cannonvale – the unfortunate felines were abandoned without a thought to their welfare and one of these cats remains traumatised to this day.
Another incident occurred when a pensioner was forced to move out of the rental property she had been residing in for 20 years and the new motel-style accommodation, which was her only option, did not take cats so she had to hand over her 10 year old companion.
These are just some of the experiences that 81-year-old Christina Della Valle has witnessed in the three years since she opened the doors and her heart to the abandoned animals of the Whitsundays.
This inspiring lady is currently housing five rescue dogs, which will remain hers, almost 20 cats and two horses which she hopes to re-home, as well as various other farm animals on her 260-acre property in Preston, near Proserpine.
Animal Rescue Whitsunday operates independently and relies entirely on GoFundMe donations.
“What I don’t get donated, I pay for myself,” said Ms Della Valle.
“This is something I always wanted to do, so I just did!”
Increasingly, anyone who finds an abandoned pet in the area calls her directly and without the red tape of registered charities, Ms Della Valle is able to focus on the important job of rehousing and caring for animals.
“My only agenda is looking after the animals,” she said.
This also makes the adoption process a lot simpler for a genuine animal lover – Ms Della Valle says she prefers to go with her gut instinct when determining each applicant’s ability to look after an animal long-term.
At the moment she has nine three-week-old kittens, four eight-week-old kittens, two that are three months old and two adult cats – all of them are looking for the right home.
For $180, which in fact does not quite cover the costs, you will receive a de-sexed and vaccinated cat.
You can also donate to Animal Rescue Whitsundays by going onto their Facebook page and following the link to the GoFundMe site which is pinned to the top.
Christina Della Valle holding one of the kittens
The kittens are well looked after at the rescue centre but would love to move into a forever home

After months of planning and community consultation the draft designs were approved in a January council meeting, with stage one of the Cannonvale Skate Park redevelopment due to get underway this year.
The Whitsunday Regional Council owned facility had been showing signs of wear for years and the older design no longer met current skating trends so it was decided to demolish the park and replace it with a more modern, user-friendly facility.
During the community consultation period, however, many residents took to the public platform to raise concerns about the proposed design, stating that it seemed to replace not improve the previous park offering.
Theo George from the Australian Skateboarding Community Initiative said that a more progressive park could attract more visitors and possibly some competitions to the area.
“The new design is very entry level in the difficulty of elements,” he said.
“A park this size is not suitable for regional competitions. Investing more into a skatepark can bring large returns to your community via skatepark activation.
“It would be a shame to finally demolish and build a new park, only to realise it is unable to facilitate any events to showcase your region or talented skaters.”
All feedback was considered prior to the final draft and an updated concept was presented to the Council last month which included a competition skatebowl suitable for intermediate and advanced skaters to be added to the design as Stage Two of the project.

A total of 41 newly qualified doctors are now completing their internships at our rural hospitals and one of them is Proserpine local Dr Alex Moore who graduated last year.
Moving to Townsville after high school to study medicine at the James Cook University, Dr Moore said that diverse learning opportunities and welcoming team environment are just two of the many reasons he decided to complete his internships in the Mackay and Whitsunday region.
"Growing up in a rural area you definitely have an appreciation of health care workers and how much they're needed in those smaller towns," he said.
Developing an early interest in science inspired Dr Moore to pursue a career that combined this discipline with a passion for helping people.
"The way the human body works has always fascinated me and being in a position to make a positive difference to the health outcomes of people is hugely rewarding," he said.
"My first core rotation is emergency medicine and I'm learning a lot through the variety of presentations and team of clinicians who work in the department."
Dr Moore will be heading to Bowen Hospital in October where he hopes to expand his experience and embrace a diverse scope of practice.
Proserpine local Dr Alex Moore

Young Whitsunday residents from 8 to 21 are eligible for free support to help them access a variety of resources practical tools and professional advice thanks to not-for-profit community organisation, MADEC Ltd and their Youth Empowerment and Support Service. (YESS)
The friendly and dedicated local youth support workers can assist any young person through challenging processes by dismantling barriers that would otherwise prevent doors from opening and quality of life improving.
Whether it be helping you get access to mental health services, applying for financial assistance payments, enrolling into education or assisting with writing a resume to secure your dream job, the team can show you how.
YESS Youth Support Worker, Torii Kelly, said that anyone who lives in the Whitsundays, from Bloomsbury to Bowen and out to Collinsville between the ages of 8 to 21 can be eligible to access the service.
“If you have any questions about our services or if you believe you or someone you know may benefit from our support service, please contact us. We are available Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm to answer any questions you may have” she said.
“We will help you work through your list of goals – and help you achieve them by supporting you in any way we can.”
Generally, in the Whitsundays most young people are seeking pathways to link in with mental health services, alternative forms of education as well as assistance to access safe housing options.
By working with the individual young person to create an individual support plan, each Support Worker can keep connected to ensure every young person has the tools and support they need for a successful life.
YESS Youth Workers Rachel Miller who services Bowen and Collinsville, Natasha Reid who services Bowen and Proserpine and Torii Kelly who services Proserpine, Airlie Beach and Cannonvale area

For the past 54 years, the Proserpine Lions Club has been quietly working away with a sea of dedicated volunteers who offer their time to raise money for necessary items in support of local causes.
Simply looking to serve the community and not for recognition, the group of 27 local Lions are often the friendly faces that man the sausage sizzles at various events.
From the Paul Bowman Cup to the Proserpine Show – they will be there!
Every dollar donated with the purchase of a delicious snag or cold drink is put straight back into the community and given to a local organisation that needs assistance. Lions members pay their own administration expenses.
A total of $30,000 was donated to the Proserpine Hospital by the Proserpine Lions and this money was used to fund seven machines that monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature for patients.
In addition, the club donated funds to pay for vital machines at the Proserpine Nursing Home and are regularly approached by a range of local organisations who need help with equipment or resources.
With some of the local Lions reaching an age where they wish to wind down their active years of contribution, the club is currently looking for new members to reactivate the group.
Doug Winterflood who has been with the Lions for 20 years and used to be the District Governor for North Queensland, overseeing 69 different clubs, said that they would also be interested in helping a new sub-branch start-up.
“We’re aiming to get younger members involved,” he said.
“They can form a branch club and have their own club if they like – we can simply guide and mentor them as much as they want, then leave them to their own resources.”
For anyone looking to join the Proserpine Lions, simply call Tim on 0407 961 379 and come along to one of their twice monthly meetings at the Grand Central Hotel in Proserpine.
The Australian Lions Club has been operating for 75 years and now has 1,200 clubs with 25,000 registered members.
Lions are involved universally with a wide range of projects, Youth Opportunities, Sight, Emergency response, Medical Research, Health, Humanitarian issues and the Environment – so if you want more than just a good sausage - join the Lions!
Members of the Proserpine Lions Club
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The Whitsundays community was deeply saddened by news of the sudden passing of Stephen Jennings in early February.
The much-loved 64-year-old paramedic retired last year after 42 years’ service and had been looking forward to travelling around Asia with his wife.
A farm boy born from south Gippsland, Mr Jennings went on to spend four decades saving lives across Australia.
He took up the role of ambulance officer first in his home state of Victoria before settling in Airlie Beach and finally retiring in December of last year.
The well-loved paramedic retired to the applause of colleagues, as well as Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), who awarded him a certificate of appreciation for 25 years of service with the QAS, on top of his already astounding 17 years with the Victoria Ambulance Service (VAS).
Seven of those years were working on helicopter rescue in Victoria as a paramedic before transferring to Proserpine and then the Whitsunday Station, where he stayed for the rest of his career.
Officer in Charge of Whitsunday Ambulance Station Steve Thurtell worked with Mr Jennings for 25 years until his retirement.
“It was a shock, and a terribly sad loss, that someone who devotes 40 years of his career doesn’t get to enjoy the fruits of his labour in retirement,” Mr Thurtell said.
“We formed a good partnership over the years and he was a very solid paramedic over that time.”
Mr Thurtell said that the favourite opening line for Mr Jennings was “Hi, I’m Steve and we’re going to get you sorted.”
Mackay and Whitsunday Life spoke with Mr Jennings on the day of his retirement, and he was extremely proud of his profession.
“From death to walking out of the hospital later on, that’s a good feeling – actually getting someone back, and we’re quite capable of doing that,” Mr Jennings said.
“Saving someone’s life is pure elation; there is no feeling that comes close.”
Mr Jennings passed away surrounded by friends and family on February 8.
Stephen Jennings surrounded by colleagues

The gloves are off and the campaign fight is heating up as both LNP candidate Andrew Willcox and Labor candidate Shane Hamilton begin the battle for the seat of Dawson which will be decided in the Federal election due to take place at the beginning of May.
Mr Willcox voiced his concerns about what would happen if the Labor Party was voted in and made an alliance with the Greens, speculating that this would cost billions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs in the local resource industry.
“The potential consequences of a Labor Greens Alliance could cost Queensland $85 billion in investment and 52,000 jobs as soon as the deal is signed,” Mr Willcox said.
“As the Minister for Resources Keith Pitt has said - this is the true cost of a Labor Greens alliance - which would be based on the Greens demand to immediately stop more than 100 major resources projects, including coal and gas developments in our region.”
Mr Hamilton, refuted this idea, saying that there would be no such alliance and that under the previous Labor Government many resource projects and employment were in fact created.
“Labor will only govern on its own standing, and I strongly believe that's what we'll achieve at the next election,” he said.
“The Labor state government has approved several new mining projects in recent years and with two levels of government aligned and focused on delivering good secure jobs, the people of Dawson will be the beneficiaries.”
“I currently work in mining projects, so you won’t get a person with more frontline experience or a better advocate than me.”
Mr Willcox is also well-informed about the needs of the mining industry having been Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council for the past six years.
Only time will tell which candidate is best for the seat of Dawson.
Labor Candidate for Dawson, Shane Hamilton
LNP Candidate for Dawson, Andrew Willcox

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the major easing of COVID restrictions last week, including the state-wide mask mandate which will no longer be required in most indoor settings.
Many workplaces, schools, shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs were thrilled with the news last week that mask mandates were being removed and people could enter their establishments mask-free from 6pm on Friday March 4.
Masks will still be required on public transport and rideshares, as well as airports, prisons, and disability and aged care settings.
Ms Palaszczuk said she was making the announcement with “cautious optimism” with the Queensland government believing that the number of hospitalisations and infections has now peaked.
"These numbers are coming down as we come off the wave, " Ms Palaszczuk told parliament.
Both Ms Palaszczuk and Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said that the vulnerable members of the community should continue wearing masks, and everyone should carry a mask in places where they cannot socially distance.
The Premier also announced that density limits would be scrapped for weddings, funerals, homes, food courts, hairdressers, gyms, and universities.
The Premier’s daily COVID press conferences will also end from the first week of March.
"This is all about getting our lives back to a new normal,” she said.

With just a few months until new low-cost airline, Bonza, starts bringing an additional seven weekly flights to the Whitsundays, the aviation company’s Chief Commercial Operator Carly Povey met with over 100 tourism operators at a celebratory networking evening hosted by Tourism Whitsundays and Shute Harbour Marine Terminal on Tuesday.
The Sunshine Coast based airline will be launching eight aircraft by the middle of the year and servicing 25 new routes to 16 destinations across the country.
Determined to link previously unserviced regional areas, Ms Povey said they are looking forward to connecting Australia like never before.
“Of the 15 largest global airline markets, Australia was the only one with only one low-cost airline,” she said.
“This showed there was a lack of choice and a pent-up demand - Australia is not well connected and we see huge opportunity in linking region to region or major city to region.”
Ms Povey went on to add that in 2010 there were 58 low-cost routes in Australia and although some of the destinations have changed in the past decade, there are still only 58 routes – this shows zero per cent growth, compared to 258 per cent growth in the United States.
Bonza is a Sunshine Coast based company and has Miami-based investors called 777 Partners who hold a diverse portfolio of 55 other companies, one of which includes a low-cost airline in Canada.
With this backing, Bonza has the flexibility to grow easily within the market.
“They want to democratise air travel for all Australians,” said Ms Povey.
While focusing on a low-cost business model with the average one-hour flight just $50, Bonza will also be introducing brand-new 186-seater planes that are fitted with leather seats.
“We offer low fares but great value and genuine care,” said Ms Povey
“We are an app only airline, totally paperless which is a win for sustainability and operate the newest, most fuel-efficient aircraft.”
Bonza will soon provide weekly connections to Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Newcastle with increased destinations expected to be announced over the next few years.
Mayor Andrew Willcox with Bonza Chief Commercial Operator Carly Povey at Tourism Whitsundays networking night on Tuesday

Fresh off the back of last week’s announcement that affordable airline, Bonza, will be connecting the Whitsundays to new markets, there are plans for an expansion at our local airport so that our regional runway can keep up with demand and growth.
The $10 million project will increase aircraft parking bays from four to seven which will allow for additional taxi ways plus two standover bays for overnight stays.
Whitsunday Regional Council (WRC) are currently seeking funding for a feasibility study and detailed design costs so that they can move forward with the project and advocate for further funding from the government.
A total of $250,000 has been requested through the 22-24 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program, with WRC contributing an additional $100,000.
Notification of the grant application outcome is expected late April 2022.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox said that planning for future increased flight capacity was key for Australia’s fastest growing regional airport.
“As Australia and the world starts to reopen, we are positioning the Whitsundays as the best place in the world to visit and increasing flights and adding new routes,” he said.
“This means we need to plan well ahead to ensure our infrastructure can keep pace with our growth.
“Having a shovel ready project will increase our chances of securing funding from Federal and State governments to partner and deliver the project which will cost in excess of $10 million.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic the Whitsunday Coast Airport goal was to reach 500,000 passengers annually - this has now been revised to a target of 750,000 annual passengers if the world opens up as expected in 2022.
New taxi ways set to expand capacity at Whitsunday Coast Airport

Bowen’s Pink Stumps Ladies Day hosted over 300 women at the Bowen Sporting Complex to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation, part of the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign to bring attention to the devastating disease.
Each year the Cricket Ground swaps stumps for frocks as part of the McGrath Foundation charity day, welcoming women to support breast cancer nurses nationwide, as well as here in the Whitsundays.
The McGrath Foundation funds McGrath Breast Care Nurses, who provide invaluable support and care to women and men experiencing breast cancer at no cost.
This week’s fundraiser took the shape of a seated lunch, with platters and drink stalls running alongside the marquee. Throughout the day the organisers ran auctions with the profits heading straight back to the McGrath foundation.
The items on auction ranged from a Cowboy’s jersey, two signed bats from the Australia-Sri Lankan team 2007, one from the Big Bash League, and another from the Glenn McGrath Foundation itself.
There was live cricket played on the field, although the ladies’ interest was chiefly on the food, drinks, and good company. Expert speakers took to the stage to highlight proper health checks and information on Breast Cancer.
Breast Care Mackay attended, as well as Sue Murray from the Coastal Radiology who gave talks on breast cancer. Sergeant Michelle O’Regan of the Bowen Police department emceed the entire event, “keeping it lively,” and Councillor Michelle Wright attended on the day as well.
Last year, the group raised $10,000 for the foundation with a crowd of 200. President of Bowen Cricket Incorporated, Seth Mcintosh, said that they were hoping to bring in even more this year.
The event has raised almost $40 thousand dollars over its time of operation in Bowen.
One of the pink-tastically decorated tables at Bowen’s Pink Stumps Day
Two internal cricket matches were played to raise funds alongside the sit-down lunch
Ladies enjoyed themselves at the sit-down lunch for Pink Stumps Ladies Day
Fast talking auctioneer Peter Lawton was a source of constant humour
Two of Mackay’s McGrath Foundation Nurses

Our region is about to become famous with reality TV fans from around the world when the new series of Below Deck is broadcast to millions of fans on the 18th March.
The entire series of the break-off show Below Deck: Down Under, was filmed right here in the Whitsundays in September 2021, with the super yacht, Thalassa, known to have docked at Coral Sea Marina for a number of weeks.
The party-loving crew were spotted having lively drinks at Magnums during filming and many whispers abounded from local operators whose services were sequestered by producers before they were sworn to silence.
The new series is expected to feature ‘Down Under’, not just in the sense of Australia being down under, but also in taking the audience on an underwater adventure with the guests enjoying diving, scuba diving, snorkelling and spearfishing with the cast.
While nothing has been formerly confirmed, many suspect that the crew will include some well-known faces.
Tumi Mhlongo, Benny Crawley and Magda Ziomek were thought to be onboard, however, an anonymous local source said Aesha Jean is the only returning crew member.
Speculators are also suggesting that Jimmy Threthewie from The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise will be a guest in one of the episodes.
Reports state that fan-favourite, Captain Lee, will unfortunately not be the skipper.
The vessel itself, however, comes from famous origins having been used in the 2008 film, Fool’s Gold, starring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson when it was named Keri Lee lll.
It houses a beauty salon, a massage room and a hot tub with a movie screen.
Many gossip sites who are following the story have heard rumours that the guests were offered highly discounted trips in order to get the spin-off series started.
A group of eight people shared the cost of $20,000 to participate.
In the American version the average Below Deck yacht costs $236,000 to hire per week.
Make sure you tune in on Friday 18th March on Bravo.
Season 6 Below Deck – the Tahiti crew
Super yacht, Thalassa, starred in the move Fool’s Good in 2008
The Below Deck Down Under crew spotted at Magnums in September. Photo Declan Durrant

67-Year-Old Local Represents Australia at World Championships
Fitter than most people could hope to be at the prime of their life, retired local Michael Kimpton, has qualified for the Ironman World Championships which are due to take place in the United States later this year.
Over 100,000 athletes from around the world vie for just 2000 places in the World Championships and Michael won his place to represent Team Australia by finishing 3rd place for the 65-69 age-group in an Ironman competition in Cairns last June.
Old Dog, New Tricks
Ice baths, ocean swims and a strict diet are just some of the daily practices that Michael Kimpton builds into his intensive routine which will see him fighting fit and ready to compete in the Ironman World Championships this year.
It was just six years ago that Mr Kimpton picked up running again after a 30-year hiatus, when he and wife of 41 years, Val, moved to Airlie Beach.
The couple were determined to keep active during their retirement and while Mrs Kimpton plays tennis, Mr Kimpton decided to enter a few local triathlons and quickly became an active member of the Whitsunday Triathlon Club.
To qualify for his age-group in the world championships is an incredible achievement for a man who, at the age of 22, survived a near-fatal motorbike accident when commuting home from work one rainy evening in Melbourne.
With a compound break in his femur, a large portion of his calf muscle missing and kidney failure, Mr Kimpton spent six months in hospital and had complete nerve damage to his left leg leaving him temporarily paralysed and unable to walk.
“After numerous operations and intensive rehabilitation, I was determined to regain my fitness to its fullest,” said Mr Kimpton.
Flash forward almost 46 years and not only has he led a fulfilling life with three children and two grandchildren, he is also living his best years now.
First representing Australia in France in 2019, Mr Kimpton is now looking forward to jetting off to Roth in Germany, where he will compete on the 3rd July, a day before his 68th birthday.
Also participating in this event will be another Airlie Beach local, Cassandra Carman.
Alongside his biggest supporter and wife, Mr Kimpton will then head to the World lronman Championships at Kailua Pier, Kona, Hawaii and race on October 6.
The mammoth event consists of a 3.8-kilometre swim, a 180-kilometre cycle, followed by a 42.2-kilometre marathon run.
The couple then head to St George in Utah where Mr Kimpton has also qualified to represent Australia in the World Half lronman Championships on October 29.
Using this impressive sporting achievement to raise funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer of Foundation Australia Mr Kimpton is hosting a fundraising page to support a cause which is close to his heart.
So far, he has raised $5000 and if you would like to donate, simply go to fundraise.pcfa.org.au.
Ironman World Championships qualifier, Michael Kimpton

Caneland Central is going to market as current owners Lendlease seek investors to acquire 100% interest in the Mackay region’s largest shopping centre.
Owned and managed by Lendlease’s APPF Retail fund since 2001, the centre underwent a major refurbishment in 2011 and has DA approved plans for a further expansion and development for a new cinema and food and beverage precinct.
Lendlease Investment Management’s Managing Director, Scott Mosley said, “Caneland Central is the premier shopping and lifestyle destination in the Mackay region and is positioned at the heart of its local community.
“The centre has been a strong performer for APPF Retail and is uniquely situated to continue servicing the local community and tourists with its mix of retail, lifestyle and dining.”
Caneland Central covers 65,964m2 and houses major retailers such as Myer, Coles, Woolworths, Target, and Big W as well as a large range of mini-majors and speciality tenants.
The centre services more than 175,000 people across the Mackay region and is the only regional shopping centre housing Myer within a 320 km radius.
JLL Retail Investments Senior Directors, Nick Willis and Sam Hatcher, have been exclusively appointed on behalf of Lendlease to bring APPF Retail’s 100% interest in Caneland Central to market.
Willis said, “The offering to acquire a 100% interest in an institutionally owned and managed asset like this is unique, with only eight regional assets being offered over the past 10 years and only two in Queensland, highlighting the rarity of the opportunity.”
Caneland Central will go to market via an Expressions of Interest campaign.