For Christmas, Cheeky Little Monkeys kindly donated gifts to the Mackay Hospital Foundation, surprising young patients with toys as well as a visit from Santa. The joyful event brought smiles to many children throughout the hospital.

Thanks to generous donations, the gifts were truly appreciated, spreading immense joy to all involved. Cheeky Little Monkeys expressed their gratitude to the Mackay Hospital Foundation for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful experience.

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Cheeky Little Monkeys staff. Photo source: Cheeky Little Monkeys Play Centre Mackay

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Mackay West State School hosted a successful Disability Action Day, engaging students in a range of awareness activities. Students participated in Auslan lessons, sensory exercises, and used aided language boards to better understand the challenges faced by those with physical disabilities. A highlight of the day was said to be the scooterboard basketball event during first break, with Rob Kidd from 4MK joining the fun.

The school also welcomed special guests, including Mayor Greg Williamson, Alex Dalbo, and Cath Lalor, School Supervisor for Mackay. A heartfelt thank you was extended to Anna Duncan, Kylie Moore, Vicki Hatfield, and the Auslan teachers who led the lessons, as well as to Mrs. Dolzan and the Diverse Learning team for their tireless efforts in organising the event. Their dedication and teamwork made the Disability Action Day a memorable and impactful experience for everyone involved.

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Mackay West State School students participated in a successful Disability Action Day. Photo source: West Mackay State School

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Mackay Central State School captains Isabelle and Kieran had the honour of judging the best Christmas decorations at the Mackay Regional Office. Assisting School Supervisor Cath Lalor, they thoughtfully assessed each display, showcasing exceptional leadership and decision-making skills. Their efforts received high praise from staff, and the students thoroughly enjoyed the festive experience. This opportunity highlighted the captains’ dedication and enthusiasm, reflecting the values of Mackay Central State School during the holiday season.

Mackay Central Students got to judge the best Christmas decorations at the Mackay Regional Office. Photo source: Mackay Central State School

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Last year, Joseph Richardson and CJ had the unique opportunity to participate in Exercise First Look: Indigenous Youth Placement at Simpson Barracks in Melbourne.
This flagship program, run by the Army, provided Indigenous students from across Australia a firsthand glimpse into the life of a soldier. Over five days, participants aged 15 to 18 immersed themselves in Army routines and activities, offering a comprehensive introduction to military life.
Designed to inspire and inform, Exercise First Look allowed students to experience the camaraderie, discipline, and skills that come with being part of the Army. It was more than just a work experience—it was a chance to explore future possibilities in a supportive and structured environment.
Congratulations to Joseph and CJ for embracing this incredible opportunity and representing their community with pride!

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Joseph Richardson and CJ ready to embark on their journey, heading to Melbourne for Exercise First Look: Indigenous Youth Placement last year. Photo source: Pioneer SHS

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Mackay State High School students Adison Byrd and Oren Byrd recently represented their school and community with distinction at the Australian All Schools Championships in Brisbane.

Adison, a Year 9 student, achieved an impressive personal best of 20cm in the Triple Jump, securing 6th place, while his brother Oren, also in Year 9, earned 8th place in Long Jump with a commendable performance.

The talented siblings made both their school and peers incredibly proud at the 2024 Australian All Schools Championships.

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Adison Byrd and Oren Byrd. Photo source: Mackay SHS

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Whitsunday Anglican School congratulated its 2024 school dux, Dylan Itzstein, who has excelled from kindergarten through to year 12.

Dylan achieved an outstanding 99.85 ATAR and a QCAA Certificate of Academic Commendation for attaining ‘As’ in all six subjects (Specialist Mathematics, Physics, Mathematical Methods, Literature, Engineering, and Chemistry).

Dylan has an impressive background in many cocurricular pursuits outside of school in The Arts including dance: ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, acro and musical theatre, and drama and performance speaking.

Practicing ballet since he was just 4 years of age, Dylan has achieved astonishing results in theatrical performance, drama, speech and drama, and dance. His recent achievements include the Theatrical Performing Arts Shield (Public Performance Exam), for receiving the highest mark in the music theatre exam nationwide, whilst also clinching an Award for Most Entertaining Performer.

In 2024, he received major awards at every dance competition he attended, including Beyond The Encore, Bundaberg Festival of Dance, Follow Your Dreams, Gladstone Eisteddfod, Mackay Festival of Dance and Mackay Eisteddfod.  At the regional Mackay Eisteddfod 2024, Dylan impressed adjudicators, receiving five major awards for Dance and three major awards for Speech and Drama.

Cementing his status as a rising star on the stage, Dylan has also achieved an Honours Plus (scores greater than 95%) on the CSTD Grade 8 Modern Jazz Exam and Grade 9 in Jazz. He is a finalist and recipient of a Senior Encouragement Award – Asian Classical Ballet Grand Prix in 2024.

His recent on-stage performances include the lead role of ‘Kai’ in BCYB’s ballet production “The Snow Queen” in Brisbane, a lead role in RB Corp’s contemporary dance production of “Shadow Works”, a lead in Contemporary Company Z’s production of “Unearthed” and many other local and State productions.

The 2023 Whitsunday Anglican School “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” saw Dylan take on the role of Lysander and his overall performance was spectacular, earning him accolades from his wider school community.

Dylan’s next adventure is to embark on a Gap year, working on cruise ships and performing. He has been accepted into a dual degree Bachelor of Engineering and Computer Science at University of Queensland.

A representative from Whitsunday Anglican School said “Congratulations Dylan, the world is your stage!”

Dylan’s achievements include:
   • Prize for Engineering, awarded to the top student within the subject area
   • Prize for Specialist Mathematics, awarded to the top student within the subject area
   • Full Colours Academic, for his outstanding success and participation in academic performance
   • Honorary Colours Cultural, for his outstanding success and participation in cultural performance
   • Maxima Cum Laude Award – achieving a Cum Laude Award for every semester since Year 7.
   • Service Award, for his significant service to the School and wider community.

Contributed by Lauren Brooks

Whitsunday Anglican School’s 2024 school dux, Dylan Itzstein, achieved a 99.85 ATAR, excelled in academics, arts, and service, and is set to embark on a performing arts gap year before pursuing a dual degree at UQ. Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School

At the heart of sport is the community, and at the heart of the community is now Club Whitsunday. Club Whitsunday, a brand-new sporting facility, bar and restaurant is set to change the whole experience of sport in the region.
As Queensland's first true greenfield club in 25 years, Club Whitsundays will serve as a vibrant hub for the sporting community and beyond. It will offer a welcoming space for families and locals to come together, enjoy delicious meals, drinks, and entertainment, including pokies, TAB and a dedicated kids' club. In addition, all proceeds from the club will be reinvested into the community, helping sports and recreation grow.
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Representatives coming together from different codes to celebrate the upcoming opening of Club Whitsunday. Photo credit: Rachael Smith and Ruth Puddefoot

New Sports Club Opening Soon For Community

After 10 years of planning and development, Club Whitsunday is set to open its doors on January 20, with memberships available from January 13.
The club will offer a full hospitality experience, including a vibrant sports bar, a bistro focused on high-quality steak and seafood, regional specialties, and a commitment to a farm-to-table approach.
Additional amenities include a kids' club and live music, creating a welcoming environment for all ages.
The venue will officially launch with a soft opening on Monday 20th January, followed by a major Australia Day weekend celebration that will feature live music and a variety of sports and activities.
Club Whitsunday is backed by five founding members—AFL, Touch Football, Netball, Soccer, and Rugby Union—along with a new affiliate member, Cricket, adding to its diverse sporting offerings.
Justin Butler, President of Club Whitsunday, discussed how the club’s broad range of activities will appeal to a variety of visitors:
“All year round, the sports venue will be full of people and different games going on, including hosting visiting clubs.”
“It’s a full hospitality offering and open seven days a week!
“Whether you’re down here because your kids are playing sport or not, everyone is welcome.”
The club's facilities are also designed to host more events and activities, such as supervised movie nights for kids and additional kids' club programming, ensuring there's something for the whole family to enjoy.
The original vision for Club Whitsunday was to attract major sporting events, and today, the club’s upgraded facilities reflect that goal. With state-of-the-art amenities, the venue is now capable of hosting larger games and bringing bigger teams to the region, making it the first of its kind in the State in 25 years.
Tim Oberg, President of the Whitsunday Sportspark, explained how Club Whitsunday’s introduction is a game-changer for the entire location:
“I can tell you from traveling around and going to different carnivals and different sports all over Central North Queensland, that this would be the number one venue for junior sport, particularly Junior rugby, outside of Southeast Queensland.”
“To have a venue, a brand-new venue, right on the doorstep of all the sports, is going to be amazing.”
“The sport will promote the venue, and the venue will promote the sports alongside supporting the sports financially and this should be a game changer for everything, and it will completely change the way that we finance the sports and fundraise.”
“To have the resources to create more opportunities for the kids is amazing, that’s what it’s all about.”
The venue is expected to benefit thousands of players and their families across multiple sports. The new facility is seen as a game-changer for local sports funding and development. Congratulations to all involved.

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Representatives enjoying a beer at the brand-new Club Whitsunday
Three Directors of Club Whitsunday, Justin Butler, Tim Langford and Craig Spence
Photo credit: Rachael Smith and Ruth Puddefoot

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Hi Everyone and welcome to 2025!

I am actually writing this on New Year’s Eve but by the time you read this note it will already be 2025.

The fireworks will have zipped into the sky casting their glittery glow to the delight of every audience across the world. Millions of champagne corks will have been popped, warm embraces shared and the jubilance of a saying a fond farewell to 2024 will be complete.

In fact, by now, the hangovers will likely have subsided, the party poppers cleared away and a fresh New Year will have emerged, one full of hope, promise and of course . . . expectation.

I’m not sure about the rest of you but my 2024 was fabulous – probably one of the best years of my life actually.

I got married and had all my family together for the first time in years.

Professionally, it was an amazing year too. We launched a new newspaper, hosted a night with the Premier and I even said goodbye to my fear of public speaking!

But now that it is 2025 (well almost!), I have to confess I feel a bit nervous.

What if this year is not as good as the last? What if my life suddenly crumbles? What if . . .?

But today I have decided to let that trickle of doubt and the worry subside.

Instead, I am focused on being fulfilled on the inside, even without the glamour and allure of external happiness.

I will concentrate on nurturing that safe, stable and unshakable happiness within, and let the rest unfold as it will.

As we head into a brand-new year, I wish you and your family a positive, fulfilling and healthy 2025, a year that brings you joy both inside and out.

Rach

“Feel the fear and do it anyway” (Susan Jeffers)

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The Whitsundays has been hit hard by major flooding caused by three converging weather systems over the Christmas period, with heavy rainfall causing widespread disruption. Road closures and the shutdown of Proserpine Airport, which cancelled all flights for 24 hours, caused hundreds of people to be stranded and ruined many Christmas travel plans.
Motorists also found themselves cut-off as floodwaters inundated the Bruce Highway, the primary route linking Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen, and Townsville. Although the Department of Main Roads reopened the highway after 48 hours, local leaders warn that any long-term repairs may not address the underlying issues.
“The Bruce Highway was already riddled with potholes and I am very concerned what long term effect this flood will have on the key route to North Queensland,” Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said.
“This just highlights what I’ve been banging on about for quite some time. Funding from the Federal Government needs to be restored to 80:20 arrangement and injected into areas of the Bruce such as Mackay through to Townsville, to lift the safety standard plus flood mitigate known sections that cut with any sort of rainfall.”
Mayor Ry Collins also emphasised the critical need for infrastructure investment, pointing out that the region is essentially an island, with both the southern and northern parts of the Bruce Highway cut off.
He also flagged concerns about reckless driving through floodwaters that puts others at risk.
“Emergency services were putting their lives on the line trying to save drivers that have been swept off the road at Lethebrook.” he said.
Mayor Ry Collins also criticised the disparity in infrastructure development between regional areas and major cities.
“It is beggars belief that we can devise and build multibillion dollar tunnels and transit systems in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne in a couple of years, start work on a duplicated pacific highway all in much quicker timeframes than the 10+ years we’ve been advocating to fix and flood proof this road,” he asserted.
The flooding has also devastated the local cane industry, with Canegrowers still assessing the damage. Some expect the impact to stretch into the 2025 season.
In response, both state and federal representatives are pushing for greater support. Mr Willcox has launched a petition, Back Our Bruce, Back Our People, calling for increased investment in the highway. Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm has voiced her support, urging residents to back the initiative.
"We need to Back the Bruce and a government that values our region!" she wrote on social media.
As floodwaters recede for now, authorities are urging residents to stay cautious. Mayor Collins reminded the public, “Please take care on the roads, and remember: if it’s flooded, forget it. It's not worth the risk. Stay informed through the council’s disaster dashboard for updates.”

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Mayor Ry Collins captured this incredible image of the floodwaters beginning to come across the highway near Proserpine
Underlying damage: The potholes will impact the quality of the road network for some time
Farmers are only just starting to evaluate crop damage and the flooding could impact the 2025 season

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Jamie Otene continued to honour her family’s wonderful and heartwarming tradition of supporting those in need during the festive season each year through the establishment of her own Christmas appeal.
“My family has always donated to giving trees growing up, and I wanted to try and reach more people and make sure the people in our community were looked after,” Jamie explained.
Jamie reached out to one of her managers at Red Cat Adventures and proposed the idea of introducing a toy drive based within the Whitsunday region.
“Jules was very excited and encouraging so I called up the Neighbourhood Centre to find out what they needed and when, and we are so happy with how it turned out we are hoping to make it an annual event,” added Jamie.
With the hope of spreading joy and Christmas cheer across the region, Jamie’s initiative has raised more than $400 to purchase gifts for families who often go without the community.

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A wonderful selection of toys were dropped off to the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre just before Christmas

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A group of concerned residents from Hamilton Avenue and Scarlet Gum Crescent in Cannonvale have expressed outrage over the recent removal of a 1.46-hectare old forest nature strip. The land was allegedly cleared without adequate consultation, leaving residents frustrated and worried about the environmental and social consequences.
Actioned prior to the recent rainfall season in December of 2024, some residents are concerned the removal of the trees and vegetation will cause environmental damage, including potential silting and eutrophication of sea grass and mangrove ecosystems in the surrounding marine park.
They assert that the old forest had been scientifically established to hold nearly double the amount of carbon compared to the regenerated forest, further raising concerns about the loss of this vital carbon sink. Additionally, the land had also been home to a variety of local fauna, including goannas, koalas, bandicoots, and various bird species.
Residents of adjacent properties claim they were not notified about the land's sale or the planned removal of the nature strip. Many were under the impression that the area was designated as a wildlife reserve in previous town plans, and they purchased their homes for the privacy and tranquillity the forest provided.
Adding to the concerns, several residents have noted issues with erosion, stormwater runoff, and potential flooding caused by the land clearing. Stormwater drains from Hamilton Avenue flow directly into the newly cleared lots, which could lead to future drainage and erosion problems for both the new lot owners and surrounding properties. Residents on Scarlet Gum Crescent have reported soil accumulating on the roads since the works began, with no visible efforts to manage erosion or mitigate runoff.
Residents are calling on the Whitsunday Regional Council for answers - requesting clarification on the sale price, who approved the sale, and how many lots are set to be developed.
In response to the matter, Neil McGaffin, Director Regional Strategy and Planning for Whitsunday Regional Council stated the site was in fact residential zoned land and development had been approved over 10 years ago. 
“The subdivision was recently released by the developer so that is why the clearing has only recently happened,” he said.
“Final number of lots in the subdivision are less than what was originally expected.”

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The beautiful nature strip before it was developed
The nature strip as it looks now
Photos supplied

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The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is urging parents to take extra caution if they have gifted e-scooters this Christmas, as the number of lives lost involving these devices has more than doubled in the last year.
As of 18 December 2024, eight lives have been lost on Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs), such as e-scooters and e-skateboards, compared to two lives lost in 2023.
The growing use of PMDs, especially in regional areas like the Whitsundays where they are relied on as a mode of transport, has caused community concern due to dangerous operation which can result in serious injuries and sometimes, tragically, death.
Police are committed to enforcement and engagement activities to ensure the safe use of these devices, with more than 1,700 infringements issued to date this year for failing to wear a helmet whilst riding a PMD and over 183 infringements for speeding.
QPS Road Policing Group Acting Inspector Gareth Bosley said that police are noticing the increase of devastating incidents involving PMDs.
“E-scooters may seem like a great gift to put under the Christmas tree, but they come with significant risks, especially for younger and less experienced users,” Acting Inspector Bosley said.
“It’s essential parents and carers consider the legalities of e-scooters, as these cannot be operated by a person under 16 years-of-age without adult supervision, while those under 12 years of age are not legally allowed to operate them at all”.
“If you are gifted a PMD this Christmas, make sure the receiver understands the rules they have to adhere to, otherwise they’ll be seeing police this summer”.
“Safety must always come first.”
For those who do choose to ride PMDs, police stress the importance of: – Wearing appropriate safety gear, including helmets. – Riding responsibly and operating within the road rules. – Being vigilant and cautious, particularly around roads and pedestrians.

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In recent weeks, local Facebook pages have become an increasingly popular tool for reporting crimes, sharing information, and seeking assistance from the Whitsunday community.
Platforms like Whitsunday Noticeboard and Whitsundays Chat are being used by residents not only to expose criminal activity but also to encourage people with information to come forward, helping to enhance community safety and aid investigations.
One notable example involved a reckless driver on Beach Road, Cannonvale. A black ute with purple flecks was reportedly seen performing dangerous burnouts and driving erratically before crashing into a parked boat owned by a local resident.
The crash allegedly caused significant damage to the boat, leaving debris and pieces of the vehicle at the scene, along with tyre marks on the road.
This prompted the local resident to turn to social media, where they posted details of the incident and appealed to anyone who might have seen the vehicle or has information to come forward. The post quickly garnered attention, with community members offering support and helping to spread the word.
Another similar instance occurred over the Christmas period, when a resident shared a concerning photo on social media showing a car driving onto a property in Preston and filming the sheds near Orchid Creek.
While no crime was committed at the scene, the resident considered the behaviour to be suspicious, and posted the image of the vehicle on social media to raise awareness, advising others to lock up their properties securely and remain alert to potential threats.
The post generated numerous comments from community members, who shared similar experiences and emphasised the need for everyone to take extra precautions during the holiday season.
In a separate incident, a break-in occurred on Myer Lasky Drive between 6.30pm and 7am on Saturday, December 28.
While nothing was stolen, the perpetrators caused damage to the property, breaking windows and leaving the premises in disarray.
The resident, who posted about the incident on Whitsunday Noticeboard, confirmed that they had reported the break-in to the police but also encouraged the community to share any information that might help identify the culprits.
The post prompted a wave of support, with several residents offering tips or recalling similar incidents in the area.
These incidents highlight how social media has become a popular platform for Whitsunday residents to communicate and collaborate on issues of safety and security. By quickly sharing details of suspicious behaviour or criminal activity, community members can alert others, raise awareness, and help law enforcement gather information.
Residents are reminded, however, that calling the police should be the first action when a crime is witnessed.

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A live camera feed at a property in Preston where a motorist was allegedly spotted filming some sheds. Image sourced: Facebook
The damage to a boat on Beach Road in Cannonvale, tyre marks can be seen swerving towards the parked vessel. Image sourced: Facebook
Damage to the boat on Beach Road. Image sourced: Facebook

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In today's digital world, online security is more important than ever. We all love the convenience of online banking, but it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect ourselves.
Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine is committed to keeping your money and information safe. We are focused on helping you bank online safely and have 24/7 fraud monitoring and multi-factor authentication, secure pay online and payee check in place. But there are also things you can do to boost your online security.
Here are some top tips to keep those cyber crooks at bay:
   • Strong Passwords: Make sure your Bendigo Bank password is a tough one to crack! Use a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. And don't use the same password for multiple accounts.
   • Beware of Phishing: Scammers often try to trick people into giving away personal information through fake emails or websites. Remember, Bendigo Community Bank will never ask for your banking details via email or text. If you receive a suspicious message, report it immediately.
   • Keep Your Devices Secure: Make sure your computer and mobile devices are protected with up-to-date antivirus software. This will help to prevent malware and other nasty stuff from infecting your devices and stealing your information.
   • Use Bendigo Bank's Security Features: Take advantage of the security features that Bendigo Bank offers, like the Payee Check feature. This handy tool double-checks account details when you're making a first-time payment, adding an extra layer of protection.
   • Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest online security threats and scams. Bendigo Bank's website has a wealth of information on how to stay safe online.
Remember, online security is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can all help to create a safer online environment. If you ever have any questions or concerns about online security, don't hesitate to call or visit us in the branch.

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Schools, businesses, organisations and community groups across the Whitsundays will soon begin gearing up for Clean Up Australia Day, with many calling for locals to get involved in the fantastic initiative. Scheduled for Sunday the 2nd of March, this year will mark the 35th anniversary of the vital environmental event, which has been making a positive impact on Australia’s environment, one piece of litter at a time.
What began 35 years ago as a simple idea from Ian Kiernan who wanted to clean up his own backyard – has since grown into the country’s largest community-based environmental event. Held annually on the first Sunday in March, Clean Up Australia Day has seen over 22 million Australians volunteer their time to help reduce waste and conserve natural spaces across the nation.
In the Whitsundays, Clean Up Australia Day provides a unique opportunity for the community to come together and make a real difference. Whether you’re a local school, business, or community group, your participation is vital to ensuring the region remains clean and beautiful for future generations with registration forms available online at www.cleanup.org.au

What: Clean Up Australia Day 2025
When: Sunday 2 March
Where: Australia Wide
More Information: visit www.cleanup.org.au

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