Emily Neil has recently started with Tourism Whitsundays as a Marketing and Administration Assistant, where she supports the team across a mix of marketing and administrative tasks. Emily really enjoys learning the role and gaining a behind-the-scenes look at how Tourism Whitsundays bring the Whitsundays to life.

Having grown up in the Whitsundays and attending St Catherine’s Catholic College, Emily has been a local for over 10 years, so choosing to live and work here has always felt natural. It’s such a special place that combines a relaxed coastal lifestyle with incredible tourism opportunities, and she feels really lucky to call it home.

In her new role, Emily is most looking forward to building skills in marketing and helping promote the Whitsundays to a wider audience. She loves combining creativity with local knowledge to showcase what makes this region so unique.

One thing she thinks everyone should know about the Whitsundays is that it’s so much more than just a holiday destination. The Whitsundays is a vibrant, close-knit community full of hidden gems, and Emily loves sharing those local insights with new travelers.

Contributed with thanks Emily Neil, Marketing and Administration Assistant, Tourism Whitsundays.

Captions

Emily Neil

Photo supplied

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Cannonvale’s much-loved Easter Carnival is set to return in 2026, promising a vibrant afternoon of family fun, entertainment and community spirit.

The event will take place on Friday, 27 March from 5pm to 9pm at the Cannonvale State School oval, bringing together locals and visitors for an evening packed with activities for all ages.

This year’s carnival will feature a wide range of attractions, including rides, games, live entertainment, raffles and face painting, along with a special visit from the Easter Bunny. Families can enjoy interactive experiences such as the Cruise Whitsunday Treasure Hunt, while adults can unwind in the dedicated 18+ Pilchers bar area.

A variety of food stalls will also be on offer, including the popular cake stall and the Airlie Crane Hire food stall, serving up classic carnival favourites. Funds raised throughout the evening will go towards the installation of a new shade structure over the school playground, helping to keep students safe while they play year-round.

Entertainment will run throughout the evening, with live performers and an MC keeping the atmosphere lively. Visitors can also browse the craft stall, enjoy free professional face painting, and take part in raffles featuring prizes donated by local sponsors.

With free entry, attendees are encouraged to bring along their friends, family and festive spirit for what is shaping up to be a memorable community event.

Scan the bar code below to purchase your unlimited arm bands for the rides.  

For more information, contact Sabrina on 0401 959 572.

What: Cannonvale’s Easter Carnival

Where: Cannonvale State School Oval
When: Friday, 27 March, 5pm to 9pm

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To celebrate International Day of Storytelling, the Whitsundays Writers Festival is inviting writers of all levels to take part in a special Fast Fiction Competition — a creative challenge designed to spark imagination and celebrate the art of storytelling.

Writers are encouraged to craft an original story in 250 words or less, inspired by the prompt: Something unexpected washed ashore on Whitehaven Beach…

The competition is open now and closes at 11:59pm on Friday 3 April 2026, with entries submitted online via the festival website. Free to enter, participants can submit as many entries as they like, making it an accessible opportunity for both seasoned writers and newcomers to share their creativity.

The winning writer will receive a $100 cash prize, along with a free day pass to the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival — a chance to connect with fellow writers, readers, and literary voices from across the region.

Festival Director Richard Evans says the competition is designed to inspire and encourage storytelling in a fun, low-pressure way.

“This is about celebrating the power of stories in a place as inspiring as the Whitsundays,” he said. “We’re excited to see how writers interpret the prompt and bring the region to life in just 250 words.”

Aspiring entrants are encouraged to think creatively, embrace the spirit of the Whitsundays, and let their imagination lead the way.

When: 10:30am–4:30pm Sunday 13 September 2026
Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, 7 Altmann Ave, Airlie Beach

Captions

Photo source: Shutterstock

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Copper thieves who risk lives by cutting telecommunications and plunging deadly intersections into darkness could now face life in jail under proposed new legislation welcomed by Member for Burdekin Dale Last.

Public consultation has now opened as the Crisafulli Government works to tackle rising metal thefts, including copper wire, which have seen criminals not only endanger their lives, but the lives of others in the community.

Mr Last said the proposed legislation demonstrated how seriously the Crisafulli Government was taking the theft of copper wire.

“We’ve seen drivers forced to navigate pitch black intersections on some of the deadliest intersections of our highway while copper cabling has also been cut from emergency generators and telecommunications infrastructure in these despicable acts,” Mr Last said.

“Under the proposed legislation criminals who target essential key infrastructure where the life or health of a person is endangered or the conduct occurs during or in the lead-up to a natural disaster will face up to 25 years imprisonment.”

“As the Premier said earlier this year these are the lowest of acts and our government is taking action with penalties to reflect the seriousness of these crimes and the cost they impose to taxpayers to undertake repairs.”

Mr Last said following the introduction into parliament the proposed legislation was now up for consultation and encouraged anyone affected by these crimes to make their voices heard.

“As with any new legislation it’s important the mechanisms and outcomes achieve what our communities expect which is why we encourage anyone affected by these sorts of crimes to make their voices heard during the public consultation process.”

Captions

Photo source: Facebook

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At Collinsville State High School, students are proving that when it comes to education, bigger isn’t always better.

As the 2026 Student Council school president, Kodi Mackie says they are often asked whether attending a school with fewer than 150 students feels limiting. The answer is simple: the school’s size is not a barrier, but a launchpad.

Reflecting on her final year, Kodi offers one key piece of advice to fellow students—carpe diem, seize every opportunity. In larger schools, it can be easy to blend into the background, but in a smaller environment, students are encouraged to step forward and make the most of every chance presented to them.

From being named Best Public Speaker at the Lions Youth of the Year Zone Finals to earning a place on the QCE Student Reference Group, these achievements highlight how initiative and willingness can open doors, regardless of location.

Collinsville State High is also embracing innovation, with students participating in the Hydrogen

Horizon (H2GP) racing team, gaining hands-on experience with renewable energy technology while

competing against schools across Queensland.

Beyond the classroom, students are supported to explore a wide range of opportunities, including Student Council, the Noosa Film Academy, STEM Girls Camp, QMEA programs and International Women’s Day initiatives.

One standout achievement for Kodi is being selected for the 2026 Queensland Youth Parliament,

offering the chance to travel to Brisbane, develop leadership skills and debate legislation in a real

parliamentary setting.

As graduation approaches, Kodi's message is clear: geography does not define potential. At Collinsville State High, students aren’t just looking to the horizon—they’re already owning it.

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Founded in December 2024, Clean Sunnie is a Whitsundays-based cleaning and property care business built on a simple but powerful belief: premium results don’t require toxic shortcuts. Specialising in short-stay and Airbnb turnover cleans, residential cleaning, and commercial and workspace services, Clean Sunnie delivers high-end outcomes while prioritising people’s health and the environment.

Central to the business is the Five-Star Reset service — a premium short-stay clean that prepares properties to a hotel-level standard using eco-safe, non-toxic systems. Beyond cleaning, Clean Sunnie supports hosts with linen coordination, eco-conscious restocking, and an online retail range of sustainable products, with free local delivery across the Whitsundays for essential items.

Clean Sunnie was founded by Nadine Brown in response to a clear gap in the local market. Despite the Whitsundays’ global environmental significance, many cleaning practices still rely on harsh chemicals and single-use waste. With a background in health and environmental science, Nadine recognised an opportunity to challenge industry norms and demonstrate that sustainability and exceptional presentation can go hand in hand.

As expectations across tourism and accommodation continue to rise, guests and property owners are increasingly focused on indoor air quality, chemical exposure, waste reduction, and authenticity over greenwashing. This shift has driven strong demand for Clean Sunnie’s approach, where sustainability is embedded into systems, training, pricing, and service design — not added on as a marketing label.

Responding to this demand, Clean Sunnie is preparing to launch Sunnie Eco-Stays, an eco-focused co-hosting and short-stay management service designed to help owners operate high-performing, low-waste, non-toxic properties.

While scaling without compromising standards has been a key challenge, Clean Sunnie has met it through strong systems, clear processes, and pricing that supports fair wages and ethical operations. As a Chamber member, the business values opportunities to connect, collaborate, and help shape a more sustainable future for Whitsundays business and tourism.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Captions

1. Nadine Brown
2. Clean Sunnie

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Grief is hard. Sorting the paperwork shouldn’t be.

When someone passes away, there are often legal and financial matters to manage: probate, transferring assets, dealing with the bank.

We’ll guide you through the process with care and clarity. We know you’ve got enough on your plate, so we focus on making things easier, not more complicated.

Whitsunday Law – Taking care of the legal, so you can take care of each other.

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Are you feeling stuck? Evert client’s situation is unique. That’s why we take the time to understand your goals and provide tailored solutions that work for you.

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Domenico (Bill) Fazio emigrated from Sicily in 1924 and settled in the North Queensland town of Silkwood where he had a blacksmith’s shop, before working for some time at the Ipswich Railway Department.  When Bill came to Proserpine, he farmed in the Preston district for three years before taking over Perry and Co's blacksmithing business.

Bill and his first wife, Minnie, rented a house in Blair Street. Initially, he leased and later bought a block in Main Street from Mrs Daisy Biggs (near the present-day location of Fraser Ford). Working with Bill was his father, Mr Fazio Snr, a wheelwright by trade and possibly the only one in town at the time. Old Mr Fazio would make or repair wheels for cane truck carriers. Chiselled wooden spokes were placed onto curved wooden blocks and then a steel rim, heated in an open wood fire, was placed over the perimeter and burnt onto the wooden wheel.  It was cooled with water as quickly as possible to shrink the steel and fix it tightly.  

It was in the late 1940s/50s that Bill Fazio made a big impact in his trade in Proserpine. “The Difficult we do immediately  The Impossible we take a little longer” said his advertisement but local farmers remember his humble comment when he finished a welding job ... "He no looka too good, but he plenty strong."  Apparently, Bill wasn't the neatest welder in the business, but his welds always held!  

His business went from strength to strength as reported by the “Guardian”: "Mr Fazio has made rapid advancement in his sphere of industry.  Apart from the usual repair jobs associated with blacksmithing, he has branched out into the production of farm implements of his own design which secured a ready market among the farming community of Proserpine and throughout a wide area of North Queensland."

Bill won first prize at the Mackay show for both his wheel grubber and a double mouldboard plough with attached rake. He took the Fazio Grubber and Cultivator as far north as Ingham for demonstration purposes. Orders rolled in  the only holdup being the shortage of steel at the time.

The “Proserpine Guardian” June 18, 1948 cited this letter –

"Dear Sir, The grubber which you made for me has given me entire satisfaction, having been in use for some time now.  It is very strongly made and has stood all the tests that I have given it.  1 can strongly recommend it to anyone desirous of securing a good grubber.  Yours faithfully, J Biggs, Lethebrook, Proserpine.

In the early stages of development of mechanical cane harvesters, Bill was involved with the manufacture of the Rolleston harvester which he exhibited at the Proserpine Show in 1951. The Rolleston was invented by Mackay cane farming brothers.  A demonstration of Bill’s model was held on EO Dray's Waterson farm and generated a lot of interest but advancing technology soon surpassed it and expectations were left unfulfilled.

Bill’s wife Minnie had died in 1954 aged 55. He married a second time and had three children  Mario, Cristina and Agata. The Fazios would often visit the Vitanza family at their Myrtle Creek farm and when Vitanzas moved to town in 1952, their daughter, Lucy Zamparutti (Marano) would do the book-keeping for Bill. Such was their friendship that Antonio Vitanza and Bill bought a cane and dairy farm at Maryborough in the early sixties.

After many years in Proserpine, the Fazios left the area and settled on the farm in Maryborough. Their eldest child, Mario, still resides in the district. The Vitanza family remained in the district, farming in the Conway area though Antonio and son, Joe, often visited.  

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum. Thanks also to Tony Vitanza for his recollections.

Captions

1. First Stick Planter built by Fazios, 1950s
2. Bill Fazio (2^nd left) Myrtle Creek Farm of Vitanza & Silvano. Note shower which had a built-in chip heater

Golda is a beautiful ginger and white Domestic Medium Hair with a calm, gentle presence and a quiet confidence that grows once she feels safe.

She is affectionate in her own way, preferring a peaceful home where she can enjoy companionship without being overwhelmed. Golda isn’t a high-energy or demanding cat — she’s more of a relaxed observer who enjoys routine, calm voices, and a settled environment.

About Golda:

• Female
• Adult (exact age unknown)
• Domestic Medium Hair
• Ginger and white
• Calm, shy, and quietly affectionate
• Low energy
• Independent and settles well
• Good with people and older children (12+)
• Good with other cats
• Not tested with dogs

Ideal Home:
Golda would suit a quiet household with a single person, couple, or calm family. She is well-suited to apartment living and would thrive as an indoor-only cat. Her ideal owner will respect her need for space and minimal handling while allowing her confidence to grow at her own pace.

Habits and Routine:
Golda is currently progressing with litter training and learning appropriate scratching behaviours. She sleeps through the night and is sensitive to loud noises, reinforcing her need for a calm, predictable home environment.

Health and Vet Care:
Golda is vaccinated (next due 28 February 2026), microchipped, and up to date with flea, tick, and worm treatments. Desexing will be arranged, and she has no known medical issues.

Adoption Fee: $190
Adoption fees help cover veterinary care and allow Bowen & Collinsville Pet Rescue to continue their work as a non-profit, no-kill organisation.

Golda would make a wonderful companion for someone seeking a calm, independent cat who enjoys quiet company and a peaceful home.

To learn more or register your interest in adopting Golda, please contact Bowen & Collinsville Pet Rescue. Sharing her story will help her find the loving home she deserves.

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On Thursday March 19^th, the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry brought together 70 local businesses to their March Business Breakfast Briefing at Club Whitsunday with Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and State Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm. Both Willcox and Camm helped to deliver wide-ranging updates on policy, infrastructure and investment affecting the region.

The event facilitated a direct line of communication between elected representatives and the business community, covering a wide range of relevant topics.

Mr Willcox outlined a federal agenda with the goal of reducing business costs and addressing workforce shortages that affect the region.

“In my role as Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing, my priority is ensuring that Australia returns to being a self-reliant nation,” said Mr Willcox.

“In these volatile economic times, being a member of Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce is more important than ever. It serves as a vital bridge between local business owners and decision makers, offering the advocacy and support needed to navigate rising costs and supply chain instability.”

Meanwhile, Ms Camm highlighted recent progress across community safety, health, housing, infrastructure and regional development in the Whitsundays.

Crime rates have dropped by 7 per cent, which she attributes to increased police presence. A new police station in Proserpine has officially begun construction and will feature a trauma-informed design to better support responses to domestic and family violence. Additional investment in the local ambulance station has also been confirmed.

Healthcare remains a priority, with planning underway for upgrades to Proserpine Hospital and redevelopment works continuing at Mackay Base Hospital.

On housing, Ms Camm said she is working with all levels of government to boost regional housing supply through the Regional Housing Fund.

“It was wonderful to join our local business community at the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce breakfast alongside Andrew Willcox and have some really constructive conversations about the future of our region,” she said.

“These events are so important - they give our business community a real voice and ensure we’re hearing firsthand about the challenges and opportunities across the Whitsundays. From infrastructure and housing to workforce and community safety, my focus remains on delivering practical outcomes that support local businesses and strengthen our region’s future."

The Chamber welcomed the strong turnout and engagement from local business.

“This is exactly what Chamber is here to do,” said Chamber President Allan Milostic.

“To bring business and decision-makers into the same room, have real conversations about the issues that matter and make sure the voice of our business community is heard loud and clear.”

Caption

Photo source: Facebook

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Whitsunday Regional Council is taking a strategic step to improve how specialised services are delivered at Whitsunday Coast Airport, endorsing a new procurement pilot aimed at boosting efficiency, transparency and value for money.

Adopted at a recent Ordinary Meeting in Bowen, the Strategic Procurement Pilot will operate within Council’s Aviation department and follows recommendations from the Audit and Risk Committee to strengthen procurement practices in complex, high-demand environments.

Mayor Ry Collins said the initiative reflects the unique challenges of airport operations.

“Airport operations are a highly specialised and time-critical environment where the ability to engage qualified suppliers quickly can be important to maintaining safe and reliable services,” Mayor Collins said.

“This pilot is about strengthening the way we approach procurement so we can be more strategic, efficient and ensure we continue delivering strong value for money for our community.

“It also responds directly to recommendations from our Audit and Risk Committee to continue improving Council’s procurement processes and ensuring we have the right frameworks in place for specialised operational environments.”

The pilot will explore procurement methods that better align with the realities of aviation, where technical expertise and limited supplier availability can complicate traditional processes.

Mayor Collins said the goal is simple: “At the end of the day, this is about making sure our airport continues to operate safely, efficiently and reliably for the people and businesses who rely on it every day.”

Outcomes from the pilot will be monitored and reported back to Council.

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On March 20, Whitsunday and Bowen SES celebrated 50 years of service, bringing recognition to decades of dedicated support for the community.

To mark the milestone, the SES flag has been travelling across Queensland since last year, visiting communities far and wide.

This month, the flag arrived in the Whitsundays, making stops at some of the region’s most iconic locations, including Peter Faust Dam in Proserpine.

Bowen SES were also pleased to have visited Gilmour Space and Abott Point with the flag.

This is a significant occasion that marks five decades of vital work ensuring the region stays protected during emergencies and natural disasters. A great thanks to all SES volunteers both past and present who have dedicated crucial time and immense effort to helping people across the region.

Captions

1. Whitsunday SES at Peter Faust Dam in Proserpine.
2. Bowen SES at Gilmour Space. Photo source: Facebook

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The Queensland Community Energy Forum in Proserpine drew a strong crowd last week, with around 130 residents, landholders, Traditional Owners, industry representatives and government officials coming together for an open and constructive conversation about the region’s energy and resources future.

Hosted by Coexistence Queensland in partnership with the Whitsunday Regional Council, Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC), and the Queensland Resources Council, the forum focused on practical and locally relevant information, highlighting the importance of landholder, neighbour and broader community engagement as part of project developments.

Mayor Ry Collins said the strong turnout reflects the community’s desire for clarity and meaningful input.

“The Whitsunday Region has a diverse mix of industries and a strong history of being a resources and energy producer,” Mayor Collins said.

“The conversations at the forum emphasised the importance of putting local voices at the centre of the conversation for new resources and energy development.

“It is vital that the community has access to clear, practical information and a genuine opportunity to ask questions and raise issues directly with industry and government.

“This forum brought those voices together in one room and was a critical component of the ongoing conversation around resources and energy projects in this region, ensuring developments deliver a lasting legacy for the community.”

Warwick Squire, CEO, Coexistence Queensland said that a strong focus on community engagement, open conversations, and collaborative partnerships was essential.

“The energy and resources conversation is important for many Queensland communities and a consistent message is that benefits and impacts of development need to be understood and managed appropriately,” Mr Squire said.

“The Queensland Community Energy Forum provided a place to bring everyone together to have those conversations.”

The forum brought together QREC members, including Powerlink Queensland, Alinta Energy, and GHD, to engage directly with community members and local businesses on proposed developments across the Whitsundays energy project pipeline.

A topic on the top of some attendees’ minds was a divisive Alinta proposal that seeks approval of 30 wind turbines near Proserpine.

CANEGROWERS reported growers were attending with questions surrounding the proposal. Proserpine Chairman for the company, Glenn Clarke, said while growers understood the need for renewable energy, they wanted to ensure their concerns were properly heard before any determination on planning approval.

“This isn’t about opposing renewable energy,” Mr Clarke said.

“But when a project of this scale is proposed in the middle of a productive farming district, growers have every right to understand what it means for their operations and their future.

“Construction traffic, access to haulage routes, aerial spraying, fire risk and the movement of large machinery are all real operational issues for farmers, and they need to be carefully worked through.”

The Proserpine Forum has indeed played an integral part in hosting crucial dialogue, as conversation continues to unfold surrounding energy development and innovation in and around our region.

CAPTIONS:

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1 - Jana Dore, Policy Director, External Affairs, Queensland Resources Council, Katie-Anne Mulder, CEO, Queensland Renewable Energy Council, Cr Ry Collins, Mayor, Whitsunday Regional Council, Warwick Squire, CEO, Coexistence Queensland, Glenn Clarke, Chair, Canegrowers Proserpine, and Stephanie McKechnie, Energy Engagement and Education Advisor, Queensland Farmers’ Federation.
2 – Discussion sessions highlighted the importance of landholder, neighbour and broader community engagement as part of project developments.
3-6 – 130 members of the community attended the forum on March 20th.

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Last week in Bowen, Elizabeth Myrtle Wilson celebrated her 100^th Birthday, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, Cunningham Villas staff, and—in true Betty-style—heaps of chocolate.

Elizabeth was born in 1926 in Singleton NSW, the second of six children to William Lucas Coffey and Delda Myrtle Coffey. Her father served as a Light Horseman in WW1, serving in Egypt and Palestine before being wounded in the Somme. Repatriated to Australia, he was given a small 1000 acre farm in Fernvale, where he raised his family.

It was a hard childhood for Elizabeth, but one full of love. The farmland was plagued with drought, and Elizabeth had to walk a mile a day to fetch buckets of water, working hard to farm sheep alongside her parents. She rode her pony to school on the days they weren’t taken by horse and buggy.

The family even had a pet pig – a gorgeous, clean animal that followed them like a dog. Unfortunately, when times were hard, the pet became a luxury they could no longer afford, and they had to eat him to make ends meet.

According to Elizabeth’s daughter, Kerrie, Elizabeth’s mother Delda was “a real pioneer, a remarkable woman in so many ways.” She raised six children in these unforgiving circumstances, keeping them fed and clothed against all odds.

Elizabeth met her future husband, Elton Wilson, at a dance during the second world war years.

“My father was very musical, and he was up playing the trumpet on stage.” Kerrie explained.

“And Dad's never danced in his life. He hated dancing, but he saw my mother there with with my aunt, and he jumped down from the stage and started dancing with mum. That was virtually love at first sight.”

The pair wed in 1946, and started a family in Singleton, having their first children, Susan and John. They built a home, and sadly, lost it, when floods took away everything they owned.

So, they moved, and began to rebuild. Elton’s work took them to Sydney, Gove, and Tumut, before they eventually settled in Collinsville, where Kerrie was born. Elton worked in mining and Elizabeth opened a dress shop that became hugely popular amongst locals.

She had always been a beautiful dresser and was very well known for her intricate crocheting and knitting- also renowned for her traditional Christmas cakes.

Otherwise, she dedicated her life to her family.

“She saved every cent they could so that we children would ultimately benefit in the end from their hard work.” Kerrie explains.

There were times when it didn’t seem Elizabeth would reach the century milestone.

“She is regarded as an incredible woman and nearly died on 3 occasions.” Kerrie says.

“One of those after contracting Human Metapneumovirus.  All of the Doctors and Nurses said she would not recover from this.

“But despite them calling a Priest to give her last rites, she defied us all.  She did this again and again.”

Now, Elizabeth has piles of cards congratulating her on her long life, from respected figures including the King of England, the Premier of Australia, and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox.

She spent her 100^th birthday surrounded by loved ones, doing her favourite activity – eating chocolate – which, Kerrie jokes, is perhaps the secret to her longevity.

1 – Elizabeth’s 100th birthday was celebrated in style.
2 – A beloved member of our community, Elizabeth has lived a long and fascinating life.