Community News

Heartfelt Plea Leads To Joyful Reunion With Missing Bunny

Heartfelt Plea Leads To Joyful Reunion With Missing Bunny

In a frantic search for her daughter’s beloved bunny, a Mackay mother turned to a local mums and bubs Facebook page, hoping the power of community could help return her little girl’s most cherished companion. “Long shot, but us mummabears will do anything for our munchkins,” she wrote. “Andergrove State School mums and parents, my daughter has misplaced or lost her purple plush bunny at school… She is absolutely devastated.” The treasured toy – a Frankie & Friends plush bunny – carried

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Woollam Art On Show Awards Draw National Attention As Entry Deadline Approaches

Woollam Art On Show Awards Draw National Attention As Entry Deadline Approaches

The 2025 Woollam Art on Show Awards & Exhibition is already generating strong national interest, with entries coming in from across Australia and growing support from art societies, artist groups, and regional advocates. Now in its 19th year, the exhibition has become a key fixture in Mackay’s cultural calendar and a recognised highlight of the Mackay Festival of Arts. The $10,000 prize pool and the high standard of presentation continue to attract both emerging and well-established artists fro

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Celebrating 20 Years Of Trusted Building And Pest Inspections In Mackay

Celebrating 20 Years Of Trusted Building And Pest Inspections In Mackay

Local business Professional Inspectors is proudly celebrating 20 years of service to the Mackay region, offering trusted building and pest inspections backed by decades of experience and deep local knowledge. At the heart of the business is Jeff Keioskie, a well-known and highly respected figure in Mackay’s building industry. With over 45 years of experience, Jeff brings an exceptional level of expertise to every inspection. His background spans housing, group title units, commercial and indust

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Stan Camm Park Reopens With A Fresh New Look

Stan Camm Park Reopens With A Fresh New Look

Stan Camm Park in Midge Point has officially reopened following the completion of significant upgrade works. Mayor Greg Williamson said the revitalised park was a great example of council’s commitment to improving liveability across the region. “Creating high-quality public spaces like this is all part of council’s broader vision to enhance liveability for our residents,” Mayor Williamson said. “Stan Camm Park has always been a much-loved space and these upgrades make it more accessible, func

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Mackay Christian College

Maximising Your Home’s Storage Space-Saving Tips and Tricks

January 16, 2025

With living spaces becoming increasingly compact, finding smart ways to maximise storage is crucial for maintaining an organised and clutter-free home. Whether you're in a small apartment or a spacious house, there are numerous strategies you can use to make the most of your available space.

Here are some top space-saving tips and tricks for maximising storage in your home:

1. Utilise Vertical Space
One of the most effective ways to save space is by thinking vertically. Install shelves on walls to store books, decor, or even kitchen essentials. Vertical storage units, such as tall cabinets or narrow bookcases, can make a significant difference without occupying much floor space. Hanging hooks or racks on walls or doors also offers an efficient way to store coats, bags, or kitchen utensils.

2. Under-Bed Storage
The area under your bed is prime real estate for storing items you don’t use daily. Consider investing in under-bed storage bins, drawers, or boxes. These are perfect for seasonal clothing, shoes, or extra bedding.

3. Multifunctional Furniture
Furniture that serves multiple purposes is essential in maximising space. Consider using ottomans with hidden storage, sofa beds, or dining tables with built-in storage. Foldable furniture, like wall-mounted desks or chairs, can also help save space in smaller rooms without sacrificing functionality.

4. Maximise Closet Space
Closets often become cluttered with items that don't have an organised spot. Install adjustable shelving, hanging organisers, or over-the-door racks to optimise closet space. For shoes, utilise vertical storage solutions like shoe racks or stackable bins.

5. Declutter Regularly
Clutter is one of the main culprits of lost storage space. Regularly go through your belongings and donate or sell items that no longer serve a purpose. This will free up valuable space and help you maintain an organised home.

6. Use Hidden Storage
Incorporate hidden storage solutions wherever possible. For example, furniture like coffee tables, side tables, or even staircases can have built-in compartments for storing small items. Wall-mounted storage can also help conceal storage areas without compromising on design.

By utilising vertical space, incorporating multifunctional furniture, and taking advantage of hidden storage options, you can create a more organised and spacious home without the need for a major overhaul. Maximising storage is all about being creative with the space you have and making every inch count.

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Skip Moody, Daydream Island And The MV “Jane”

January 16, 2025

In the Proserpine Guardian, June 30 1972, it was reported that a visiting Sydney journalist had observed that “far too many details of the bygone days have faded in the mists of memories of the oldtimers … and many of these (oldtimers) have faded into the mists of mortality.”

In an effort to preserve the narratives of people from the past who helped shape the future, today the story of yet another of the Whitsundays’ colourful characters is shared – Phillip “Skip” Moody, who held the lease on Daydream Island from 1941 to 1948.
 
A pioneer of Australian aviation.

Phillip “Skip” Moody was one of 250 Australians who trained to fly and became a test pilot in England for the Royal Flying Corps. After serving in World War One, he returned to Australia where, in 1924, he joined Qantas as a pilot along with Reg Ansett and flew Western Queensland services out of Charleville.

Skip was one of the first Australians to be engaged in commercial aviation. He quickly acquired a reputation as a daredevil through the stunts he performed. In 1927, he flew under the Victoria Bridge in Brisbane. Civil aviation authorities were not amused.  
 
In 1928, Skip and friend, Howard Jolly, planned to fly across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand but the government banned the flight. Instead, Skip took his plane to New Guinea to go commercial flying between Lae and Wau, but that came to a sudden halt when he developed engine failure which forced him to ditch his plane near Lae.
 
Previously, in 1926, he had drawn a sheep property south of Charleville in a ballot and after his New Guinea adventures he returned to the property. This turned out to be a struggle, so he rejoined Qantas until 1930 when he returned to his land for ten years. At this point, wool prices had dived so he sold out and went to Rockhampton where he ran an aerial taxi service.

A pioneer of tourism

When World War Two broke out, the military service took over the aerodrome so Skip decided to try island life and purchased the lease of West Molle Island. Due to the war and subsequent lack of tourists, he closed the resort, leaving it in the hands of a caretaker, Sam White, before joining the RAAF in Townsville. When the war was almost over his wife, Helen, returned to the island and was joined by Skip on his discharge from the RAAF. They reopened the resort in April 1946. At this time, Skip unsuccessfully tried to have the island, West Molle, renamed as Daydream.

The Moody’s had purchased the 15 metre ex-navy work boat MV “Jane”, reputed to have been General Douglas MacArthur’s boat. Rupe Wilson, the owner of a baker’s shop in Proserpine, skippered the boat and Jack Stewart, who was the underground manager of the then flourishing Dittmer Mine, used to take tourists out in “Jane”. Because Jack had no ticket to drive the boat, Skip was forced to accompany the trips. (“Jane” served as a cruise boat until it was wrecked at Stonehaven in Cyclone Ada.)
 
In early 1948, the Moody’s sold to Barrier Reef Islands Pty Ltd, an Ansett subsidiary, and moved to Brisbane. The island had various openings and closures before June 1963 when Orm Foxlee together with local cane farmer, Daly Thomas, and policeman, Doug Virtue, were given a special lease for Daydream Island.
 
The Moody’s did return in 1950 to start a tourist resort on Hamilton Island but were unsuccessful. Skip and Helen’s era on what is now called Daydream Island, was an exciting time.

Phillip “Skip” Moody died in Sydney in 1978, aged 85 years.
 
Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum. Information also sourced from Orme Foxlee and ‘The Whitsunday Islands’ by Ray Blackwood. Photo sourced from Murray Views.

Skip Moody
MV Jane Murray Views

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Priority Sections For Bruce Highway Funding

January 16, 2025

In a recent meeting between Senator Nita Green and Mayor Ry Collins, discussions centred on two new $30 million projects in Cannonvale and the allocation of $7.2 billion in funding for the Bruce Highway.
One key issue raised was the prioritisation of sections along the Bruce Highway, especially given that the Whitsundays region has been identified as the most hazardous area in the recent Bruce Highway safety survey.
This funding represents the single largest investment in the highway’s history, bringing the Australian Government’s total contribution to over $17 billion for the 1,673 km route.
The Bruce Highway is crucial to Queensland's infrastructure, with an average Fatal and Serious Injury (FSI) crash rate three to five times higher than major highways in New South Wales and Victoria. It serves as a vital transport link, supporting 62 per cent of the state's population.
Concerns were expressed that most of the priority sections were named south of Rockhampton, with the Bowen to Mackay area not being named a priority just yet despite being among the worst-rated.

Nita Green and Mayor Ry Collins revealing funding plans. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton.

The Albanese government recently revealed plans to invest in the Whitsundays with two brand new developments including a $15 million Cannon Valley Sports Park and a $14.9 million Cannonvale Community Facility, which the Whitsunday Regional Council successfully applied for funding under Round 2 of the Growing Regions Program.
In addition to the two new investments into the Whitsundays, the Bruce Highway is also getting a $7.1 billion investment. Concerns were raised over the priority sections of the Bruce and if the Whitsundays to Mackay region would be getting the much-needed work done on the Bruce.
This issue was discussed in a meeting between Senator Nita Green and Mayor Ry Collins. Senator Nita Green explained that she was proud of the Bruce Highway announcement.
“It is going to make a huge difference to the people in North Queensland,” Senator Nita Green explained.
“Making the Bruce Highway safer with $7.2 billion will save lives here in North Queensland, and I'm so proud that we've managed to deliver that announcement and work with the state government on where that money will go.”
“The state government, I don't mean to speak for them, but they have said that they are now going to have a look at where that money needs to go. So, the priority areas will be decided by the state government. They've set up an Independent Assessment Panel. I think that's a good thing.
“We know after 10 years of the coalition government, we didn't see the investment in the Bruce Highway that we needed to and so I think priority areas like this in North Queensland are crying out for funding, and the state government should listen and should get that funding out as soon as possible.”
“If North Queensland misses out, you'll be hearing from me, and you'll be hearing from Ry and you'll be hearing from local members.
“We want to make sure that these parts of the roads that we know get flooded easily, have become the scene of serious accidents, and are used by tourists, are looked at. Quite often.
Speaking about the recent flooding over the past few months, Mayor Ry Collins highlighted the severe impact of inadequate road infrastructure along the Bruce Highway.
“It's not just about the tourism industry; it stopped families from communing,” he said.
“Pre-Christmas, our airport, which is in the top 20 commercial airports in the country, was shut down for two days.
“We had people that couldn't get to the hospital, so they're real concerns for communities.
“I think, the win for us here is now we've got that 80/20 commitment reinstated.
“So, as Senator Green said, really the opportunity now is for us to highlight the priorities we know in the Whitsundays.
“Here we've got two of the eight two-star sections that remain on the Bruce Highway, so I'd say we have got more than our fair share of substandard Bruce Highway in our local government area.
“I really look forward to working closely with the state government to make sure that our needs are prioritised and that we get those sections of road delivered as soon as we can.”

Senator Nita Green and Mayor Ry Collins discussing the new investments into the Whitsundays. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton
Senator Nita Green and Mayor Ry Collins speak about Bruce Highway. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton

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Ruth’s Round-Up

January 24, 2025

Hi Everyone,
Rach is away for the next two weeks, so I will be taking over editorial duties until her return.
The weather has been crazy recently, and as a Brit, I'm no stranger to the rain, but the tropical storms are still something I am getting used to.
That said, there is something incredibly calming about sitting indoors, listening to the rain, and watching the lightning. It's a simple pleasure that helps me slow down, stay in the present moment and make time for my housemates. At the same time, it gives me a chance to be productive on tasks that I have been putting off.
I believe the art of slowing down is essential in a world that’s constantly moving at a fast pace. Taking the time to slow down allows me to clear my mind, find clarity, and make more thoughtful decisions.
Lately, I’ve really been appreciating my time at the gym and in yoga, especially Yin Yoga. Yin encourages you to slow down intentionally, as the practice is extremely slow-paced.
Each session leaves me feeling lighter, and deeply grateful for where I am, and for the people around me. It's become a reminder of the importance of pausing, reflecting, and embracing gratitude.
This week, I’ve realised how much I appreciate sitting with my housemates, Ricki and Eleanor, on our balcony, watching the storms.
I truly think that you can never be too grateful, even for the little things.
Ruth
“The secret of happiness is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less” -  Dan Millman, Way of the Peaceful Warrior

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STELLAR BUS DRIVER SAVES SCRUFFY BEAR

January 16, 2025

Lost but not forgotten, a little boy’s treasured bear was accidentally left on the bus. The scruffy but much-loved bear named Teddy spent the day on the shuttle going back and forth between Proserpine and Shute Harbour when little Liam accidentally left him behind after riding the bus with his family.  

Tony Snape, an outstanding member of the Whitsundays community was the driver that day and noticed the lost bear. Tony returned the bear to the Jubilee Tavern where the family could pick Teddy up after his ‘little unplanned day of work experience’ as Liam’s mum, Shauna, states.
Avoiding a tearful disaster, Tony saves the day saying thankfully to the kind words from the family he was ‘just doing his job.’

Proving that Whitsunday Transit has some of the nicest bus drivers around to keep this well-travelled little bear safe until he could be reunited with his boy.

The Munro family thanks Tony again for returning their son’s bear and treated him to a tipple of his favourite pint at the Jubilee Tavern. Liam’s now keeping a tighter hold on Teddy, and they plan on having many more fun bus trips together in the future.

Liam ecstatically reunited with his Teddy. Photo source: Shauna Munro on Facebook

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NO-BALL! THIEF'S OBSTRUCTION OF JUNIOR CLUB’S FIELDS

January 16, 2025

The Proserpine Junior Cricket Club was thrown a hard ball late in December, an attacking shot that resulted in the loss of the club’s groundskeeping equipment. The thief delt a heavy blow to the community and the club is shaken but club members are trying to move forward.

On the 23rd of December, an eyewitness reported that they saw a person driving the club's ride-on mower across the greens with a brush cutter on their lap. This was at 2:30pm, so at the time, they thought it was one of the groundskeepers. Only later did they realise this was the culprit in the theft.

It was discovered that the equipment was removed from the shed and stashed behind it the night before. The perpetrator took everything that afternoon from toolbox full of socket sets to three different lawnmowers and brand-new handheld power tools.  

Michael Hope, president of the club says that they were angry at the start that someone would target a non-for-profit club for children, but that the club is receiving a lot of support from the community. They have received support from the Queensland Cricket Association along with offers to loan equipment from kind-hearted locals.

“It’s sad it’s been taken, as a lot of work went into getting the equipment.”

The club has partnered with Toyota for the Good for Cricket Raffle, where you can buy a ticket to support the club and have the chance to win a brand-new Toyota! All proceeds from the purchasing of raffle tickets goes straight back to the club so they can buy new equipment.

Get your raffle tickets here: toyotagoodforcricket.raffletix.com.au/proserpinejca and support your Junior Pitbulls through this tough time.

2023 Junior Pitbull team on the field. Photo sourced: Proserpine Junior Cricket Association Facebook

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Nature Strip Residents Express Concerns To Council Officials

January 16, 2025

Amid growing concerns, a group of residents came together on Wednesday, 8th January, to confront the council over the recent clearing of land around their properties. The residents say that the work was carried out without sufficient consultation, sparking frustration and a call for greater transparency in the decision-making process.

Residents claimed that site inspections and a meeting with Council planners offered no reassurance. They said they were severely impacted by runoff, noise, dust, and heightened distress after the land they believed was zoned for 'green' protection was bulldozed, disturbing their boundaries.

Amy Young Smith, a concerned resident, described the Christmas-period work as causing significant stress for her and others. She suggested the situation could have been better managed with more effective communication and advance notice.

“Everybody that I've spoken to have bought their property because they enjoyed the privacy and the nature that was offered here,” Amy explained.

“We understand there's a housing crisis, and we need to build houses, but let's do that in a sensible manner.”

Council was closed for 10 days during the Christmas holidays, and residents alleged they closed just as the works started, with their calls to the after-hours number unanswered.  

The Whitsunday Conservation Council (WCC) claimed that Council's planning maps show most of the site is covered by MSES Category B vegetation, offering no protection as local councils can approve large-scale clearing despite significant vegetation and wildlife.

WCC spokesperson Suzette Pelt says, “Under no circumstances can what has happened on this site be considered best practice.  

“In a region where the environment is everyone’s business, this Council’s planning is woefully out of date.

Councilor Clay Bauman, who also attended the meeting, stated he understands citizens' concerns:

“This is something that I have been working for within Council, to find better ways to balance between our natural environment and our urban environment.

“That's something that I hope is coming across in our current draft corporate plan.
“I'm going to present the petition at the next meeting on the 29th and then I think some of the residents are going to come up and ask questions from the public gallery.  

“I am also working with the planning department, just going through the operational works approvals and how this process was dealt with council, and how we can look at that in future circumstances as well.

“Within the recent boom and seeking more land, we have had a number of these historic developments that have had stages moving forward, and it has assisted me to see that when I look back at these 2005 and 2007 approvals, there were mentions for protection of vegetation that is not within the current scheme, and that's something that I think we could look at.”

At an onsite meeting, residents and the Whitsunday Conservation Council raised concerns about potential breaches of approval conditions. While the developer submitted an environmental management plan, residents argued it wasn’t fully integrated into the Council’s approval.

The Whitsunday Conservation Council called for a cultural shift in the Regional Council to prioritise environmental considerations in planning decisions.

In response, Director Neil McGaffin stated the land was residentially zoned, not a “nature strip,” and owned by a developer with long-standing housing lot approvals.

“The subdivision is surrounded by residential housing, and this next stage was recently released by the developer, so that is why the clearing has only recently happened.
 
“Final number of lots in the subdivision are less than what was originally expected.
 
“We have received a submission from residents, and a response is being prepared by officers responding to their concerns.”

Alexander and Amy Young Smith, Signe Poulsen, Kevin Grose and Aria Grose-Poulsen, John Young Smith, Vivian Young Smith, Carolyn, Mark and Debbie Van Tricht, Fiona Young Smith, Eleanor Biro, Jen Walters and Suzette Pelt

Hook Place where the land has been cleared

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BUSINESS AND BREAKFAST FOR LOCAL ECONOMIC MINDS

January 16, 2025

The Bowen Collinsville Enterprises are hosting a breakfast forum for all who are interested in the region's economic priorities. Three guest speakers will come from all levels of business backgrounds to help attendees get informed and learn about certain points of local business economics.

The communities in Bowen and Collinsville have achieved mutually beneficial outcomes by working together with large-scale companies and investors to improve the region. This forum will follow a select few projects that hold community interest and will encourage attendees to engage and network with the presenters and the other guests.

The presenters are Andrew Wilcox, the Federal member for Dawson; Dale Last, the State member for Burdekin; and Ry Collins, the Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council. This forum is centred around speakers from varying government positions who bring a different perspective to the developing economic prospects of Bowen and Collinsville.

The forum will be hosted on 31st of January at Castle Motel with breakfast included. Tickets are $30 per person and seating is limited so book online soon at whitsundaytickets.com.au to join other corporate minds in discussing furthering local economic projects together.

WHAT: BCE Breakfast forum
WHEN: 31st January, 6:30am-8:30am
WHERE: Castle Motel, Bowen
COST: $30 per person.

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Did you know?

January 16, 2025

This year, Council will be hosting Australia Day with a special event at the Airlie Beach Foreshore.

Join us from 4pm as we celebrate Australia Day Our Whitsunday Way, with live music, food stalls and family fun. The event will also include the prestigious Australia Day Awards Ceremony and conclude with a spectacular fireworks display at 8pm.

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A Minute With The Mayor Ry Collins Collaborating for a Stronger Whitsunday Region

January 24, 2025

Collaborating for a Stronger Whitsunday Region

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of hosting Federal Senator for Queensland and Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef Nita Green to tour our region and witness firsthand some of the transformative projects underway in the Whitsundays.

Senator Green is a tremendous advocate for North Queensland, and visits like this highlight the importance of collaboration between local government and other tiers of government to ensure our region gets its fair share of funding and support.

During her visit, we toured two exciting projects that have recently secured significant federal funding under the Growing Regions Program:

Cannonvale Community Hub – This state-of-the-art facility received $14.8 million in funding and will provide much-needed infrastructure for our growing community. It will feature a modern library, meeting rooms, and spaces designed to foster education, business, and social initiatives while enhancing disaster resilience.

Whitsunday Regional Sports Precinct – Also receiving $15 million in funding, this project will create a premier sports and recreation destination for our region. The precinct will offer multi-purpose fields, courts, and facilities that cater to both local sports teams and community events, promoting active living and sports tourism.

These projects are game changers for our community, delivering social, economic, and cultural benefits while supporting job creation and regional growth.

In addition to these visits, I took Senator Green to inspect Goorganga Plains on the much talked about Bruce Highway, an area that once again experienced severe flooding just before Christmas. This flooding caused chaos for our community, cutting off access to our airport during the busiest week of the year. The disruption underscores the urgent need for targeted infrastructure investment in flood-prone areas.

The Prime Minister’s recent announcement of $7.1 billion allocated to upgrades along the Bruce Highway presents a critical opportunity. As Mayor, I will continue to advocate to ensure that these funds are spent on priority areas within our region, like Goorganga Plains and Bowen to Ayr, to improve flood resilience and maintain connectivity for residents and visitors alike.

Collaboration is key to achieving these goals. By working closely with leaders like Senator Green, we can deliver the projects and improvements our community needs to thrive. The Whitsundays deserves the best, and I am committed to ensuring we continue to build a brighter future for our region.

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Back-to-School Essentials Tips for a Smooth Transition

January 16, 2025

Heading back to school is an exciting milestone, but it can also bring its share of stress. To help your child start the year off on the right foot, here are some essential items and tips to ease the back-to-school jitters:
1. Invest in a High-Quality Backpack
A good backpack is a must-have for students who carry a variety of items, from lunch boxes and water bottles to books and stationery. Look for a comfortable, durable rucksack with adjustable straps and multiple compartments to help organise everything. A well-designed backpack can make all the difference in your child’s day!
2. Essential Stationery Supplies
A complete stationery set is key for primary school students. Make sure to stock up on these basics:
   • Pencils
   • Highlighters
   • Pens
   • Folders with pockets
   • Three-ring binders
   • Lined notebooks
   • Ruler
   • Calculator
   • Index cards
   • Stretchable book covers
   • Sticky notes
These items will not only help with everyday learning but also keep things organized for easy access.
3. Lunch Boxes and Water Bottles
Healthy eating habits start with good planning. A sturdy, reliable lunchbox ensures your child can enjoy fresh, nutritious meals at school. Don't forget a reusable water bottle to keep your child hydrated throughout the day!
4. Educational Games and Toys
Learning can be fun! Educational games help promote creativity, problem-solving, and social skills. Choose toys that foster interactive learning and encourage your child’s curiosity. These can be a great addition to their at-home study routine.
5. Scientific and Graphing Calculators (for High Schoolers)
For high school students diving into advanced math or science courses, a scientific or graphing calculator is essential. Make sure it meets the school's requirements and is appropriate for your child’s course load. Brilliant Minds offers a range of Sharp calculators at competitive prices in Australia.
6. Planners and Organisers
High school brings a surge of responsibilities, from homework assignments to extracurricular activities. A well-organised planner can help your child stay on top of deadlines and improve time management skills. The 2024 Student Diary, available at Brilliant Minds, is a fantastic tool to keep everything in order.
By preparing with these essentials, your child will feel more confident and organised as they embark on the school year. Let the learning and growth begin!

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FLORALS FOR YOUR GARDEN’S SEASONAL TRANSITION

January 16, 2025

As the seasons transition from summer to autumn and you have no idea what to plant, here’s a helpful planting guide with some growers that do well in both seasons. The Whitsundays is located in the Wet & Dry Tropical zones of north Queensland and the plants below can handle the weather and the heat.
Starting small with some ground cover, the native coleus is great for damp soil, sun or part shade and naturally thrives in eucalypt forests and rainforests. They are hardy, tough little plans that can be pruned into shape and are suitable for hedging and bordering gardens. Their little purple flowers attract bees, and when rubbed the leaves produce a mild lemon scent.
Marigolds and sunflowers, though not native, have been a staple in Australian gardens for years. They are also productive plants for those who like growing edible flora. From collecting your own sunflower seeds or putting marigold petals in your salads, to insect attraction for those wanting help with crop pollination and honey production. Having both of these in your gardens will help them thrive as marigolds also repel harmful pests, and both flowers come in varying sunny colours, so you can mix and match them.
For a hardy-medium-sized plant, kangaroo paw is a great choice to give levels to your garden. With cute little flowers, from where it takes its name and native to Western Australia means it can definitely survive in your garden. It’s a big attractor of native birds and very low effort to care for, plant it in large groups for the best flowering results.
Get gardening and show off your green thumbs, your native fauna with thank you!

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STORM SAFETY PREVENTS TOPPLING TREES

January 16, 2025

While we are in the thick of storm season, it's important to prepare your trees for the weather to prevent incidents that could put you or your property at risk. Here’s some helpful advice on how to prepare your trees and keep them safe during storms.
Assessing your trees is the best place to start. Consulting an arborist can be done if you are not familiar with your trees or if you need a professional, second opinion. All trees are different, and not every protective method is applicable to every tree on your property.
If your tree presents a storm risk, prevention is better than no action. Starting early in their growth to promote healthy roots and a strong trunk will not only reduce their risk but also improve the longevity and health of your trees. Try not to plan major earthworks around trees this season, as the rain can wash the soil away, causing the roots to loosen, thus uprooting the tree and causing it to topple.
Selected pruning can also strengthen branches. Cutting away dead or broken branches, along with any that are close to structures like hanging electrical wires or your roof, is another good preventative measure. This reduces the chances of branches snapping in the winds, and good pruning at a young age can also make your trees more resilient.
Other methods, like anchoring and tenting, can be used, but if done incorrectly, they can do more damage than good. So, make sure you do your research and look after your trees this storm season for their health, your safety, and your peace of mind.

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Meet Purrfect Pascal

January 16, 2025

Meet Pascal, who is still looking for his furever home! Pascal is the zaniest feline teenager around! He's got swag and isn't afraid to show it. This self-assured adolescent kitty is still learning the ropes of being a social butterfly, so be prepared for some playful mischief.

While still having some growing up to do, Pascal vacillates between caution and hyperactivity. If you have a feisty feline friend with comparable energy for him to play with, that'd be purrfect and would greatly enhance his socialisation.
While Pascal is a great companion, he requests a home with no children - Pascal needs grown-ups who can keep up with his antics. He requires patient owners with some cat experience and the willingness to invest time in his training.
To learn more about adopting Pascal, please contact:
Phone: 0459 757 455
Facebook: Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue
Email: bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com


Rehoming fee: $170
Age: 1 years old
Sex: Male
Other dogs: untested
Other Cats: Yes
Children: No
Vaccinated: Yes
Desexed: Yes
Microchipped: yes

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Accessible Tourism in The Whitsundays

January 16, 2025

To ensure everyone can enjoy their holidays in 2025, we’ve created a guide highlighting some of the accessible experiences available in the Whitsundays. Home to some of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, the Whitsundays ensures everyone can enjoy these bucket-list experiences safely, comfortably, and stress-free. 
Daydream Island
Great for: Travellers with Visual Impairments | Wheelchair Users
A sensory haven, Daydream Island offers tactile experiences like feeding rays at the Living Reef. Wheelchair-accessible rooms with thoughtful layouts provide a seamless stay.

Cruise Whitsundays
Great for: Semi-Mobile Wheelchair Users
Specialised beach wheelchairs make Whitehaven Beach accessible, with assistance for paddling and fish feeding.

Driftwood Tours
Great for: Travellers with Sensory Needs
Relaxed small-group tours explore tranquil spots like Hideaway Bay, perfect for a calm and immersive experience.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
Great for: Wheelchair Users | Vision Impairments | Deaf Guests | Children with Autism
This award-winning resort offers accessible rooms, Braille signage, hearing loops, and a sensory room designed for children with autism, ensuring an inclusive stay.

Whitsundays Prosocial Support Services
Great for: Travellers Needing Personalised Support
Provides support while you explore the region, with accessible tours and accommodation, ensuring you're fully supported throughout your entire holiday experience.
For the full guide, visit: https://bit.ly/AccessibleWhitsundays
Contributed by Tourism Whitsundays

Making the Whitsundays more accessible

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Your FREE Voice In Print

SARINA -  WALKERSTON – MIRANI – MARIAN – PAGET – OORALEA – MACKAY CITY – MACKAY NORTH – SLADE POINT – ANDERGROVE – BEACONSFIELD – NORTHERN BEACHES – FARLEIGH – MT OSSA – SEAFORTH – KUTTABUL - CALEN – BLOOMSBURY – PROSERPINE – CANNONVALE – AIRLIE BEACH – BOWEN – COLLINSVILLE – NEBO – MORANBAH

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