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Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank believes commemorating ANZAC Day is an important way we can come together as a community. It’s a time to pause, reflect and honour the bravery and sacrifice of our servicemen and women. The Community Bank Sarina team and Board are deeply grateful to the many volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the ANZAC Day services across our region are delivered with dignity and respect. We commend all volunteers’ commitment to preserving tradition and ensuring that younger generations continue to understand the significance of ANZAC Day. One of these volunteer groups that we are proud to support is the 131 Army Cadet Unit Sarina and local students – whose involvement supports bringing these commemorations to life. Recognising the role of commemorations in the community, Community Bank Sarina has continued to support the Cadet’s participation through our community grant program. Community Bank Sarina has assisted the 131 Army Cadet Unit Sarina with training equipment, drones, cameras and accessories, alongside earlier contributions towards a training trailer and facilities used during field exercises. We look forward to seeing the 131 Army Cadet Unit Sarina, along with others in the community, at one of the services in our region. From the early morning reflection of dawn parades to the heartfelt tributes at regional services, our community gathers to pay their respects. Whether you’re laying a wreath, standing in quiet reflection or simply showing up, your presence matters. Sarina and district ANZAC Day service times – 2026 Sarina Dawn Parade and Service 4.15am – Parade assembly, Railway Square (Information Centre) 4.28am – Dawn Service at Cenotaph Hay Point Dawn Parade and Service 5.00am – Assembly at the footpath near ‘The Shack’ Half Tide Memorial Park 5.30am – Dawn Service at Memorial Koumala Parade and Service 6.20am – Free bus departs Sarina (Sarina Sports and Services Club) 7.00am – Parade & service at Cenotaph 9.45am – Bus returns to Sarina Sarina Main Parade and Service 9.35am – Parade assembly, Railway Square (Information Centre) car park 10.00am – Service at Cenotaph Lest we forget. 131 Army Cadets Unit Sarina paying respects at Sarina ANZAC commemorations 2025 L-R Deputy Chair Maree and Chair Karen May at Half Tide Dawn Service ANZAC Day 2025
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Six months after its release, the Government’s Energy Roadmap is beginning to deliver on its promise of more affordable, reliable and sustainable power across Queensland. The plan aims to put downward pressure on electricity prices while strengthening the state’s energy system through continued investment in coal, gas, renewables and storage. It also focuses on unlocking new supply, including exploring gas potential in the Taroom Trough and progressing key infrastructure projects. Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki said the roadmap was already achieving results. “The Roadmap is our plan to deliver new supply in the right places, at the right time, while keeping the lights on and putting downward pressure on prices,” Treasurer Janetzki said. “Power prices in Queensland are set to drop by about 10 per cent next financial year, in contrast with prices soaring under Labor by 19.9 per cent in a single year after the former Government failed to properly maintain power plants.” Since mid-2025, more than a gigawatt of new storage and renewable energy has become operational, with further developments underway. Market interest has also surged, with more than 50 parties engaging in proposals for new gas-fired generation projects. “There’s been overwhelming market interest with more than 50 parties engaged and over 10 gigawatts (GW) of prospective gas-fired generation identified across 17 projects, highlighting Queensland is open for business for new energy investment,” he said. The roadmap also includes initiatives such as the Investor Gateway and North West Energy Fund, designed to attract private investment and support long-term energy security across the state.
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Mackay Base Hospital has become one of three sites across Australia recruiting patients for a clinical trial investigating a potential new drug treatment aimed at improving recovery time following concussion. The clinical trial will assess the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication designed to treat concussion and potentially support faster recovery for those affected. Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Senior Staff Specialist (Emergency) and Principal Investigator Dr Sunday Sofola-Orukotan said concussion was a very common condition which could happen to anyone, anywhere, but was more frequently associated with contact sports such as football. “It’s very common with sporting activities and the rate of presentations of head injuries increases during the rugby season,” Dr Sofola-Orukotan said. Trial sub-investigator and Mackay HHS senior medical officer (emergency) Dr Olurotimi Akinola said concussion presentations in the ED could also be the result of falls and trips. “We see it very often in elderly patients,” Dr Akinola said. “That’s why a study like this is important because it gives us the opportunity to investigate whether a new treatment may improve a patient’s recovery outcomes.” “Generally, most patients with concussion recovered within a few days, but some experienced persistent symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and concentration and memory issues,” he said. “We see people with post-concussive syndrome who have had ongoing symptoms for months and it's affecting their livelihood and day-to-day activities,” Dr Akinola said. There are currently no approved pharmaceutical treatments for concussion available in Australia with recovery focused on rest and symptom relief. This clinical trial would investigate the safety and efficacy of a new drug in the treatment of mild traumatic brain injury and trial participants would receive either the investigational drug or placebo alongside standard care. During his training in Nigeria, Dr Sofola-Orukotan had been involved in another clinical trial and collected data for a study into reducing bleeding in traumatic brain injuries. “This study is very similar to what I’ve done before so I see it as an opportunity to bring this type of research to the Mackay region to benefit our patients,” he said. Anyone interested in learning more about the clinical trial can contact the Clinical Trials Unit on 4951 7561 or email mackay-clinical-trials@health.qld.gov.au Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) trial sub-investigator and senior medical officer (emergency) Dr Olurotimi Akinola, clinical trials nurse Alta Neethling and senior staff specialist (emergency) and principal investigator Dr Sunday Sofola-Orukotan. Photo supplied
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A caesarean birth can be planned, unexpected, calm, chaotic, welcomed, or deeply emotional. For many women, it is all of those things at once. Yet while there is often plenty of discussion about the birth itself, far less attention is given to what comes next… recovery. April is C-Section Awareness Month, a timely reminder that caesarean birth is not the “easy option,” nor is recovery something women should simply be expected to push through in silence. A caesarean is major abdominal surgery, performed at the same time a woman becomes a mother or welcomes another child into her family. In the days and weeks afterwards, women are often navigating pain, fatigue, sleep deprivation, feeding demands, changing hormones, and the enormous responsibility of caring for a newborn, all while healing from surgery. Many mums are surprised by how vulnerable they feel. Tasks that once seemed simple, like getting out of bed, laughing, coughing, lifting the baby capsule, or walking through the supermarket, can suddenly feel challenging. Yet because caring for a baby doesn’t pause for recovery, many women push on long before their body feels ready. What often goes unspoken is that healing continues well beyond the first six weeks. While the skin may appear healed relatively quickly, deeper layers of tissue continue to recover for months. The abdominal wall, scar tissue, core muscles, breathing patterns, posture, and pelvic floor can all be affected. Some women notice numbness around the scar, tightness, pulling sensations, back pain, weakness, bladder symptoms, or discomfort when returning to exercise. Others simply feel disconnected from their body, particularly their scar, and unsure where to begin. Scar care is another area many women are never taught about. Once the wound is fully healed and your medical team has cleared you, gentle scar massage can help improve mobility, reduce sensitivity, soften tightness, and support comfort as the tissues recover. Silicone therapy is also widely regarded as a gold-standard treatment for scar management, helping optimise scar healing and appearance. Early guidance can make a significant difference, particularly if the scar feels raised, tethered, numb, sensitive, or uncomfortable. These experiences are common, but they are not something women need to “just put up with.” One of the biggest myths around caesarean recovery is that if the baby is healthy and the scar looks fine, everything must be okay. But recovery is about far more than appearance. It is about how a woman feels in her body, how she moves, how she functions, and how confidently she returns to daily life. This is where support can make a meaningful difference. Pelvic health physiotherapy can help women recover strength, confidence, and comfort after a caesarean birth. That may include gentle core rehabilitation, scar mobility work, breathing retraining, guidance for safe return to exercise, lifting strategies, and addressing pelvic floor symptoms such as leaking, heaviness, or pain. Just as importantly, it can provide reassurance. Many women feel relief simply hearing that what they are experiencing is valid, understandable, and treatable. As a women’s health physiotherapist, I often meet mothers months or even years after their caesarean who say, “I thought this was just how it would be now.” But it doesn’t have to be. If you’ve had a caesarean birth, recently or years ago, and something still doesn’t feel quite right, a check-in with a qualified health professional can be a helpful next step. Your body has been through something significant, and it deserves care. This C-Section Awareness Month, let’s broaden the conversation. A caesarean birth is still birth. Recovery still matters. And mothers deserve more than being told to bounce back. Because healing well isn’t a luxury after birth — it should be the expectation. Text Box 2, Textbox Women's Health Physio Mackay admin@whphysiomackay.com.au 0476 616 324
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Cannonvale is one step closer to gaining a new community heart, with plans now lodged for the highly anticipated Cannonvale Community Hub, a $29.8 million project supported by the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program.
The major development will deliver a modern library, customer service centre and a range of flexible community meeting spaces, all set within landscaped parkland. Together, these facilities will anchor Galbraith Park as the social and civic green heart of Cannonvale.
A Whitsunday Regional Council spokesperson says the project forms a key part of its long-term planning for the region’s growth, providing a central civic space that supports Cannonvale’s expanding coastal population. Over the past decade, strong population growth across Cannonvale and Cannon Valley has driven demand for community facilities in a central, mixed-use environment combining business, recreation and civic life.
The Hub will be located on the southern boundary of Galbraith Park. The site was chosen to avoid impacts on revegetation areas and flood zones while acting as the central civic anchor for Cannonvale’s evolving CBD and future town centre.
Once open, the Hub will replace Council’s existing Library and Customer Service Centre in Whitsunday Plaza, offering a larger, purpose-built facility with enhanced technology and programming.
It’s designed to complement not duplicate services already provided by other organisations such as the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, ensuring a balanced offering across the region’s community network.
Construction timing is being finalised through the design and tender process. Based on the current delivery schedule, Council expects to advertise tenders in early 2026, with clearer timeframes to be shared once a contractor is appointed.
Council is also developing a Galbraith Park Masterplan to ensure the new facilities integrate seamlessly into their surroundings and support long-term growth. Public consultation will open soon, with residents able to have their say through the Your Say Whitsunday online engagement portal, community information stalls, and at customer service centres.
Further details on how to get involved will be announced in the coming weeks.
Big news for the Whitsundays, Mayor Ry Collins has been appointed to the Host Mayors Advisory Group for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The advisory group plays a key role in shaping how the Games will benefit communities across Queensland, ensuring regional areas have a voice in planning and legacy outcomes. With the Whitsundays proudly set to host the Olympic sailing events, Mayor Collins’ appointment ensures the region is well represented as preparations for the world’s biggest sporting event continue to build momentum.
Mayor Collins said he was honoured to take on the role and to work alongside other Queensland mayors to help deliver meaningful, long-term benefits for communities outside the southeast corner.
“It was a great week of collaboration, innovation and inspiration, from shaping Olympic opportunities for the Whitsundays to championing local government issues that matter most to our communities,” Mayor Collins said.
Mayor Collins’ appointment was announced while he was on the Gold Coast attending the Annual Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) State Conference, alongside CEO Warren Bunker and Councillors Jan Clifford, Clay Bauman and John Finlay.
The conference provided an opportunity for councils across Queensland to debate key issues, share ideas, and strengthen local government collaboration across the state.
Mayor Collins said the event reinforced the importance of teamwork and innovation as councils prepare for the opportunities the Brisbane 2032 Games will bring to regions like the Whitsundays.
With storm season now upon us (November to April), residents are urged to stay alert and prepare for cyclones and severe storms, which can bring destructive winds over 200km/h, heavy rain, flooding, lightning, hail, and storm surges.
Preparation is key. Secure outdoor furniture, wheelie bins, and loose items that could become dangerous in high winds. If you have a pool, submerge plastic furniture to prevent it flying around. Park vehicles under shelter, unplug electrical appliances, and ensure your emergency kit includes a battery-powered radio, clean water, and essential supplies.
If a cyclone warning is issued, stay tuned to local updates, contact family and neighbours, and follow all instructions from authorities. Those living in storm tide evacuation zones should plan to stay with friends or family on higher ground. Cyclone shelters are available only as a last resort, with your local council announcing openings via ABC Radio and other media.
If you remain at home during a storm, shelter well clear of windows and doors, and if the structure begins to give way, take cover in the strongest part of your house, such as a hallway or internal room.
After the storm passes, remain cautious—fallen trees, powerlines, and floodwaters pose serious risks. Boil water until declared safe, and avoid sightseeing or driving through affected areas.
For more information on emergency kits, evacuation plans, and weather warnings, visit your local council’s website, www.getready.qld.gov.au/getting-ready/protect-your-home or www.qld.gov.au/emergency/dealing-disasters/disaster-types/cyclone-severe-storm.
January's rainfall saw floodwaters cut across the highway near Proserpine (Photo Credit: Mayor Ry Collins)
Last Thursday evening Bowen State High School celebrated their 65th Academic Awards Ceremony.
Held at McKenna Hall infront of a full audience students from the school were congratualted for thier remarkable achievements.
On the night Principal Rob Harris said although a select group of students were recognised for their outstanding achievements, it is imporatnt to also acknowledge the collective contributions of the entire school community.
"Each student and staff member has played a vital role in our success, growing, and learning together throughout the year," Principal Harris said.
"Our awards evening was not just a celebration of educational achievements; but it was an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work, determination, and sacrifices made throughout the year by students and staff."
Princiapl Rob Harris noted that Bowen State High School recorded a strong year of improvement, focusing on strengthening academic support, behaviour expectations, and social-emotional learning to boost student outcomes.
In 2025, overall attendance remained above the regional benchmark of 85%, with First Nations students exceeding state targets. Academic performance across the junior years was also above expectations, with more than half of students in Years 7 to 9 earning A or B grades in English and Mathematics. Over 90% of junior students achieved a C or higher in Mathematics, and 87% did so in English.
Senior students are continuing that success, with more than 85% achieving a C or higher in core subjects—again outperforming state averages. Among Year 12s, over 98% are on track to receive a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA), or vocational qualification.
Whitsunday Coast Airport (WCA) continues to soar as Australia’s fastest-growing regional airport, with Jetstar introducing its new Airbus A321 aircraft on selected routes.
The upgraded aircraft started last Sunday and offers 230 seats, up from 186, and, combined with ten additional weekly services, will deliver a 30 per cent boost in total capacity for the Whitsundays. It creates an extra 117,000 seats annually, creating more opportunities for visitors to experience the region and supporting the growth of one of Australia’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.
Mayor Ry Collins said the investment reflects Jetstar’s strong confidence in the Whitsundays as a leading tourism and lifestyle destination.
“This is a fantastic vote of confidence in our region and a clear sign that demand for Whitsunday travel continues to grow,” Mayor Collins said.
“More seats mean more visitors, more opportunities for local businesses, and more reasons for Australians to choose the Whitsundays as their next getaway.”
Council’s Director of Commercial Businesses, Craig Turner, said the upgrade highlights both the strength of WCA’s core markets and the airport’s strategic focus on sustainable expansion.
“Jetstar’s decision to deploy the A321s to the Whitsundays demonstrates their long-term commitment to our destination,” he said.
“While the Whitsundays–Adelaide service will wind down early next year as part of Jetstar’s wider network optimisation, this capacity boost across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne more than offsets that change.”
Mr Turner added that discussions are already underway with airlines for potential new domestic routes, with announcements expected in 2026.
With passenger numbers continuing to climb, the WCA now offers over half a million low-fare seats annually and is cementing its reputation as Australia’s fastest-growing regional airport by capacity.
Jetstar's new Airbus A321 aircraft started operations at the Whitsunday Coast Airport last Sunday. Stock image
The Proserpine PCYC was buzzing with activity over the weekend as more than 600 people turned out for this year’s Haunted House event.
Crowds lined up from start to finish to experience the spooky attraction, which featured a redesigned layout allowing visitors to queue in air-conditioned comfort.
Sergeant Billy Li from PCYC Whitsunday emphasized how great the event went, and can't wait for next year.
Alongside the Haunted House, an escape room run by St Catherine’s Catholic College students proved equally popular, with every session booked out. The students took part through the Duke of Edinburgh program, raising funds for their upcoming Adventurous Journey, while the event also supported PCYC programs including gymnastics.
PCYC’s gymnastics program continues to grow, running five days a week and catering to everyone from toddlers in Kindy Gym through to teenagers.
The Haunted House provided a fun and safe Halloween activity for local families, while also helping to raise funds for youth programs across the community.
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In 2024, Beachfront Collaborative officially launched as the Whitsundays’ answer to flexible, high-quality workspaces. The idea was sparked by the team at PD Law, who often use the space themselves. Today, it offers a calm, professional environment designed for the wider community.
The coworking hub offers everything from hot desks and a WiFi lounge to a soundproof pod for private calls and a sophisticated boardroom perfect for training or presentations – all available to book by the hour, seven days a week.
The motivation was clear: locals, business travellers, and corporates needed an alternative to cafés, hotel lobbies, or makeshift home offices. Beachfront Collaborative is that solution, bringing professionalism and productivity together in a relaxed, lifestyle-driven setting.
Remote work culture, the rise of digital nomads, and the growing demand for flexible ‘on-the-go’ professional spaces are shaping the way we work — and industry trends are firmly on their side. To meet these needs, Beachfront Collaborative offers a seamless online booking system, open 6am–9pm daily, with no membership required, a rare innovation in regional Queensland.
Introducing coworking to the Whitsundays came with its own challenges. Often seen as something tied to big-city start-up hubs, the team shaped it to reflect calm Whitsunday vibes — professional yet relaxed. Clear signage, a two-minute booking process, and partnerships with local favourites like Fat Frog Café have made it simple and inviting for the community.
Their advice for other business owners?
Meet your clients where they are: Understand what they’re really struggling with, and design solutions that make life easier, not harder.
Keep it simple: From pricing to booking, make every touchpoint seamless. People appreciate clarity and ease.
Build local connections: Strong partnerships with local cafés, accommodation providers, and tourism organisations have been instrumental to our success.
For Beachfront Collaborative, Chamber membership has amplified opportunities, providing valuable connections, collaborations, and a platform to showcase how regional business can be both innovative and lifestyle-aligned. Now, they’re inviting locals and visitors alike to experience it first-hand. With hot desks starting from just $11 an hour, it’s the perfect way to discover a focused, calm workspace that blends productivity with Whitsunday lifestyle.
Learn more about Beachfront Collaborative: https://beachfrontcollaborative.com.au/
Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry
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It has been an exciting few weeks for our region, and I am honoured to represent the Whitsundays on the Host Mayors Advisory Group for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
With the Whitsundays confirmed as the host for Olympic sailing, this appointment gives our community a seat at the table as Queensland prepares to welcome the world. It means we can help shape the planning and delivery of an event that will bring long-term benefits for regional Queensland, not just for the southeast corner.
The Advisory Group is chaired by Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and includes Mayors from across the state who will work together to make sure the Games deliver real value for our communities. It is about more than sport. It is about building stronger regional connections, creating economic opportunities, and leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations.
For the Whitsundays, the 2032 Games are a once-in-a-lifetime chance to showcase our region on the global stage. We will see investment in transport, tourism and community infrastructure, but just as importantly, it will highlight our incredible natural setting and the spirit of the people who live here.
Last week I also joined Councillors Jan Clifford, Clay Bauman and John Finlay, along with our CEO Warren Bunker, at the annual Local Government Association of Queensland Conference on the Gold Coast. It is always a valuable opportunity for councils to come together, share ideas and tackle the issues that affect us all.
We took part in discussions on service delivery, housing, technology, and the challenges of cost shifting from other levels of government. Councils also debated and voted on more than one hundred motions aimed at improving how we serve our communities.
Events like this remind me how much energy and innovation exists within local government. It is often said we are the level of government closest to the community, and that is true. Every decision we make has a direct impact on the people who live, work and raise families in our Whitsundays.
I left the conference confident that, together, we are helping to shape a bright future for the Whitsundays and for regional Queensland.
The Aged Care Reform Info Hub is now open at Proserpine Library! As part of the hub, we’re hosting a special one-hour information session at 10am on Thursday 6 November at the library.
The session will feature guest speakers from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, along with Aged Care Specialist Officers from Services Australia.
This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest aged care reforms, receive guidance on the My Aged Care platform and access expert advice and resources to support yourself or your loved ones.
For more information, contact Proserpine Library on 4945 0275.
Fifty years ago, on Monday, November 3 1975, just after 3 pm, word raced through the town that the ninety foot, 3000 ton sugar bin at the Proserpine Sugar Mill (PSM) had collapsed. This shocking news was followed quickly by a wave of relief when residents learned that no one was injured in this disaster. By nightfall, thousands of sightseers, most armed with cameras, had inspected the damage. The disaster attracted media attention nationwide.
The sugar bin was the largest sugar storage container in the Australian industry apart from bulk terminals and represented an important step forward for the mill which was the most isolated of all mills in terms of proximity to bulk terminals. Designed and constructed by NQEA, it was commissioned for use at the start of the 1975 crushing, but until that fateful day had not been filled to anywhere near its capacity.
To make up for previous lost crushing time, the mill had continued through the weekend and by Monday morning the bin was nearing capacity for the first time. After lunch, Queensland Government Railway (QGR) sugar wagons were shunted into the rail sidings under the bin. Loading had just commenced when some startling noises were heard from the structure. Workmen loading sugar from the huge hopper received a warning when bolts began to fly apart like pistol shots. They immediately fled from the site and the area was evacuated as the gigantic bin began to buckle and crumple downwards. It was estimated that from the first snapping of the bolts and buckling, ten minutes elapsed before the collapse was complete. Fortunately, the bin fell towards the river otherwise it would have been extremely difficult to construct the temporary facilities which allowed crushing to recommence the very next day.
What followed was a marathon effort by all. Within an hour, salvage work had commenced. Mill employees worked throughout the night construct facilities to load sugar to rail - some being on duty for more than 24 hours. The tramway department laid rails around the collapse to rejoin the existing siding. Fitters, boilermakers, electricians, and trades assistants built a ramp and small hopper to load the rail wagons and diverted and constructed belt conveyors and bunkers within the mill. The two mobile cranes were unable to keep pace with requirements and as a result, a lot of the material had to be moved by hand – even large heavy steel girders some fifteen metres long were man handled from the backyard into the mill. These were placed on their side and supported to allow end loaders carrying sugar from a bunker inside the mill to be driven up to a small loading hopper erected over the boxes on QGR sugar wagons.
Plant operators from the mill and the Proserpine Shire Council performed this non-stop and extremely arduous task for several weeks until a vessel intended to be the new mud and fly ash bin was erected with its own conveyor system. Thanks to the steady and capable action of mill officials and workers, almost all of the sugar from the collapsed bin was reclaimed. Thankfully, too, the weather remained fine. The spilt sugar was open to the elements and rain would have been a calamity.
A new bin was commissioned and built. None of the steel work from the original structure could be used in this new bin as every component was distorted. The new bin was put into service twelve months later in November 1976 and is still in use today.
Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum. Information also sourced from Frank Doolan (PSM Engineer 1978 - 1990) and “Proserpine Guardian”.
A collapsed sugar bin engulfed two rakes of rail wagons. Photo supplied.
If you’re searching for a gentle, affectionate and loyal companion, look no further, Narlyn is your girl!
This beautiful rescue sweetheart was saved and is now thriving in foster care, where she’s learning just how wonderful life can be. Narlyn is soft-natured, loving, and ready to find her forever family who’ll show her the same kindness she gives in return.
She enjoys the simple things, a comfy spot by your side, a gentle walk, and the company of other dogs. With her sweet temperament and friendly nature, Narlyn would make a perfect addition to a loving home ready to offer her patience, cuddles and care.
About Narlyn
• Sweet-natured and friendly with people
• Dog-friendly and enjoys the company of other pups
• Medium energy – loves her walks and playtime
• Affectionate and adores being close to her humans
Health
• Vaccinated
• Desexed
• Microchipped
• Flea, tick and worm treated
Narlyn has come such a long way in foster care, showing just how resilient and loving she truly is. She’s ready to bring joy, comfort and unconditional love to her forever home.
If you’d like to meet Narlyn and see if she’s the perfect fit for your family, email Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue at bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com today!
Hi Everyone,
It's definitely heating up at the moment, and that means one thing... stingers are back!
Fun fact about stingers, or more formally known as 'Irukanji's,' is that they have lots of eyes, with some having up to 24! Some are just sensitive to light and others help form actual images, although not to the level of detail our human eyes can.
In this weeks Ruth2Reef, we cover what to do if you come into contact with a stinger as well as information on sharks and their six senses.
Additionally, there has been some exciting news in the turtle world, as experts have announced that the Green Sea Turtle is no longer classified as endangered thanks to decades of conservation.
What a win for nature!
Happy reading,
Ruth
By Ruth Puddefoot
What is a stinger or Irukanji? Irukanji refers to tiny, highly venomous box jellyfish found in northern Australia. The Irukanji gives a nasty sting which can cause the severe medical condition, Irukanji Syndrome. The Irukanji was named after the Yirrganydji Aboriginal people who are native to the coastal region near Cairns.
Irukandji Syndrome often causes mild symptoms, but in very rare cases, it can be life-threatening.
While stinger season is a regular occurance here in the Whitsundays, here is some things you can do to prevent getting a nasty surprise if you choose to swim in the turquoise waters of queensland.
1. Wear Protective Clothing
Many boat operators in the Whitsundays will provide you with a 'stinger suit,' this can come in the form of a full body lycra or neoprene suit, and they do this for good reason. This is the number one way of preventing stings, as suits protect up to 75% of the body and cover areas where stings more commonly occur.
While not all suits offer equal protection - lycra or neoprene offer the greatest protection.
Its important to note that you should also wear protective clothing when wading, there were several reports last year of stings from wading alone.
2. Swim in stinger nets or between Life guard flags at beaches
Ensure if you are going for a swim you opt for a dip in the stinger nets or swim between the flags and follow Life Saver’s advice if swimming at patrolled beaches.
Stinger nets are effective at keeping out dangerous Box Jellyfish, and stings have significantly decreased since their introduction. However, they cannot block the much smaller Irukandji, as smaller mesh would clog too quickly. For your safety, exercise caution when swimming in stinger enclosures and avoid interfering with the net or pontoon.
3. Be aware of weather conditions
There are several high-risk conditions that indicate Irukandji such as sustained NE winds, flat or calm weather, sea lice felt in the water and/or salps/plankton present, make sure you check the conditions before entering the water.
4. Vinegar
Make sure to always carry vinegar when going boating or undertaking other marine activities. Vinegar inactivates the stinging cells, so is a great preventative method to stop them injecting more venom.
Irukanji Jellyfish. Photo sourced.
Bowen Tourism and Business is calling for nominations to join the committee and has set the date and venue for the Annual General Meeting.
The not-for-profit Local Tourism Organisation has about 200 members, comprising tourism and non-tourism businesses.
The organisation is responsible for operating the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango and the Information Booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.
The centres are run by a small but dedicated team of dedicated staff and volunteers
Any profits made are used to promote and market Bowen, Collinsville, and greater Whitsunday region.
The strategic direction of Bowen Tourism and Business is set by a volunteer committee.
Jenn Honnery has been the Chair of the committee for seven years and is proud of the growth of the business and achievements of the organisation.
“It’s been a privilege to support the team of staff and volunteers at Bowen Tourism and Business and witness the evolution of the organisation and the services provided to visitors.
“The Visitor Information Centre at the Big Mango is certainly one of the most successful in Queensland and is a true credit to the dedicated and innovative team and management committee.”
So far, 2025 has been a great year for the organisation with Bowen being named the Top Tourism Town in Queensland, the Big Mango being named the “Best Big Thing” in Queensland and the Big Mango taking out the bronze award for Tourist Attractions at the recent Tourism Whitsundays awards.
Being named the Visitor Information Centre of the Year at the annual Queensland Information Centre’s Association (QICA) conference was another highlight.
The organisation’s AGM will be held at “360 on the Hill” at Flagstaff Hill in Bowen on Thursday, November 27.
All members are invited to attend and are also invited to nominate for the committee.
The nomination close on November 12.
Contributed with thanks to Manager of Bowen Tourism & Business Leanne Abernethy
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy and Chair of the committee, Jenn Honnery with the Bronze award for the Big Mango at the recent Tourism Whitsundays awards.
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Sharks are among the most efficient predators on Earth—and for good reason! They have six powerful senses that help them hunt, survive, and thrive in the ocean. While humans only have five senses—sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch—sharks have all of these, plus an incredible sixth sense called electroreception.
Let’s explore how each of these senses works and why they make sharks such amazing hunters.
Sharks can hear sounds from up to a kilometre away. Their hearing is especially sensitive to low-frequency, irregular sounds, such as the noises made by injured or struggling fish. These sounds act like dinner bells, helping sharks locate easy prey.
Interestingly, sharks hear best in front of and above them—exactly where their food usually is!
A shark’s sense of smell is legendary. Some species can detect a single drop of blood in an Olympic-sized swimming pool! Most of a shark’s brain is devoted to processing smells.
Unlike humans, sharks don’t use their noses to breathe. Instead, they have two external nostrils, each with an incurrent and excurrent opening leading to sensory sacs. As water flows through these sacs, special cells detect tiny traces of chemicals in the water. That’s how sharks “smell” their surroundings—through water, not air.
Touch
Sharks can feel movement in the water even without touching anything directly. This is thanks to a special structure called the lateral line, which runs along each side of a shark’s body.
The lateral line contains millions of tiny, jelly-filled cells that sense vibrations. When a fish swims nearby, the movement of the water causes these cells to move, sending messages to the shark’s brain. This distant sense of touch can detect movement more than 100 metres away—allowing sharks to sense prey even in dark or murky waters.
Sight
In dim light or deep water, sharks can see about ten times better than humans. This is because they have a special reflective layer at the back of their eyes called the tapetum lucidum, made up of silvery, mirror-like plates. These plates reflect light back through the retina, giving the shark a second chance to use it—similar to how a cat’s eyes glow in the dark.
Sharks only see in black and white, but they detect movement about twice as fast as humans. This quick reaction time gives them a big advantage when chasing prey.
Taste
Scientists are still learning about a shark’s sense of taste. Sharks have taste buds inside their mouths, but their role isn’t fully understood. It’s believed that taste helps sharks decide whether to eat or spit out what they bite.
In fact, sharks are known to sample unfamiliar objects—sometimes taking a “test bite”—and then spit them out if they’re not appealing.
Electroreception – The Sixth Sense
Now for the most fascinating sense of all—electroreception.
Every living creature produces tiny electrical signals when their muscles move or their heart beats. Sharks can detect these signals using a network of special, gel-filled pores around their nose and mouth called the ampullae of Lorenzini.
This means sharks can sense the electric fields made by other animals, even if they’re hiding under sand or swimming in total darkness. It’s an extraordinary ability that makes sharks the most electrically sensitive animals on Earth.
As you can see, sharks are not mindless predators—they are highly tuned creatures with an incredible set of senses that help them survive in their underwater world. From detecting faint sounds and smells to sensing the tiniest electrical pulses, these six senses make sharks some of the ocean’s most remarkable hunters.
Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council.
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