Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OPINION PIECE from the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox There is no question that immigration into Australia is out of control. The government’s numbers are too high, and standards are too low. A sustainable migration program must consider our capacity to provide housing, healthcare, infrastructure and the essential services everyone relies on, and Australians must come first. But Labor’s decision to target Working Holiday Makers Visa holders is not the answer. These people filling vital gaps in our workforce are not the cause of Australia’s housing crisis. In many cases, they are living in accommodation provided by the very businesses that employ them. The National Farmers’ Federation has made the point that Working Holiday Makers generally stay in hostels, caravan parks or purpose-built on-farm accommodation. Resorts usually have on-site staff quarters. They are not the source of Australia’s housing shortage. So why is Labor making it harder for them to come here, when these workers fill genuine jobs that regional Australia holds? Working Holiday Makers fill approximately one in seven farm jobs nationally and are particularly important during peak agricultural periods, which for Dawson, it is right now! Farmers rely on these workers to plant, pick, pack and harvest the produce that ends up on Australian supermarket shelves. Having run one of Australia’s largest tomato farms, at times Working Holiday Makers made up more than 50 per cent of my workforce. Without them, much of our crop simply would not have been picked in time and rotted in the paddock. Some may say, why not employ the Australians who don’t have a job and are on “the dole”? Can I say, this does not work. Most farmers will employ Aussies over travelling backpackers, but many either don’t want to do the work or don’t turn up after the first day. Who picks the fruit or veggies then? Farmers are already warning that visa delays are leaving them without workers. The NFF says approvals that once took days are now facing processing times of up to three months, and this time frame can be the difference between harvesting a crop or losing it. That should concern every Australian already feeling the pressure at the supermarket checkout. The same problem is playing out in tourism. Across Dawson, Working Holiday Makers are an important part of the workforce supporting tourism and hospitality, particularly in the Whitsundays. They help fill shifts, work in hotels and restaurants, support tour operators and keep businesses running through their busiest periods. They also contribute to the local economy. They spend money on food, fuel, attractions and tours, supporting the small businesses that depend on a strong visitor economy. That is why tourism and business leaders across North Queensland are raising the alarm. They understand what happens when a regional business cannot get enough staff: opening hours are reduced, and services are cut, creating a downward spiral. We do need to reduce migration to sustainable levels. We need stronger integrity measures, and we need to crack down on rorts. But responsible migration policy means understanding which parts of the system are creating pressure and which parts are helping Australia function. Working Holiday Makers are not the problem. They are part of the workforce solution for regional. Australia. People have had a gutful of watching their standard of living go backwards. Groceries, fuel, housing and everyday expenses are already putting enormous pressure on families. The last thing Australians need is another reckless policy that makes it harder to produce food, harder to run regional businesses and harder for tourism operators to find the workers they need.
Read the full storySomeone sold a house in Sydney last week for $9 million less than they bought it for four or five years ago. The sellers had bought the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for $29 million and sold it for $20 million in a sale forced by their bank. I imagine the sellers are a little disappointed by the government’s decisions on negative gearing and capital gains tax and feeling pretty hurt by the increased interest rates. Australia’s interest rates are on the rise and are now sitting at levels not seen since 2011. Increased cost of living is hurting people around the country and interest rates are playing into that. But the impact of interest rates is not felt evenly around the country. The far-higher property prices mean people in the major cities suffer much more than regional areas with the rates increase. That is certainly not to say people in Mackay are unaffected by the cost of living; it’s just that the impact of interest rates increase on a $400,000 mortgage is much less than the impact on a $1m mortgage. There are other Mackay-specific factors that are in play when discussing the current housing market. The big factor is the role of coal in our economy. Most of the coal extracted and exported from our region is coking coal, which is used to make steel. The price of coking coal is around $280 a tonne, which is about 50 per cent up. Good activity in the coal market translates to good news for the Mackay economy, as it is an economic engine that other cities and regions just don’t have. Good activity in Bowen Basin flows throughout the Mackay economy; Paget workshops, transport, suppliers and related businesses all benefit. But so do other, non-mining-related businesses as they benefit from the general confidence and spending that goes on. The strong mining activity also means mines need to keep their staff levels up and that means more people moving to Mackay. Of course, Mackay is much more than a coal mining town but if the coal sector is going well those other areas definitely benefit. It is a confidence boost for Mackay people looking to get into the housing market and those wanting to upgrade or downsize. It also means continuing strong demand from people wanting to rent a property and it will be interesting to see what sort of activity that creates from investors. Investors have walked away from the big-city markets because they can no longer use negative gearing on established properties that do not have a sufficient yield to be positively geared. Negative gearing has never been a big thing in Mackay because our prices are lower and rental returns continue to be strong so many investors have a positively geared property. Around the country everyone is nervous about the state of play and the probability of more interest rate rises. But strong coal prices and an economy that is performing well mean Mackay might just be presenting an opportunity for buyers and sellers that doesn’t exist in other parts. I remember when national confidence was flying high and Mackay prices were going up significantly that many buyers were saying “I wish we had bought a while ago when the market wasn’t so hot”. I’m not armed with a crystal ball so I’m not here to tell you what is going to happen but I suspect there is a very good buying window right now for those looking for an opportunity.
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A local Mackay and Sarina based model has created a dress out of newspapers, including Mackay Life, for her upcoming pageant, representing her region and hometown on the runway as she vies for Miss Diamond International in Brisbane. Zoe Place will be competing this weekend in the three-day event, beginning this Friday 2nd October and ending on Sunday 4th October. The young model spent around a month creating her eco-fashion outfit, using old newspapers as the main material and transforming them into a bodice, skirt and flowers. Red elements were also incorporated into the design to give the dress a bold and glamorous pageant feel. Zoe said, “The entire concept was really about taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something beautiful and meaningful.” Her eco-fashion creation will form part of a busy weekend in Brisbane, with the Miss Diamond International event including photo shoots, interviews, an eco-fashion show and the final pageant. Zoe has been preparing for the event by practising her strut and walking, preparing for interviews and getting comfortable in the different outfits she will wear throughout the weekend. Alongside her love of modelling, pageantry has also provided Zoe with a platform to raise awareness about causes close to her heart, including mental health, while fundraising for Beyond Blue. “Pageantry has given me more of a platform to combine my love for modelling with something that is really important to me.” “When I first started, I was more nervous about putting myself out there and worried about what others would think about me – but I’ve changed a lot through my journey in pageantry.” “Pageantry has also taught me that it’s not about how you look on stage. It’s about the person you are when you step off it.” “Every woman has their own unique journey and that journey is something we should all be really proud of.” “To me, it represents confidence, empowerment, kindness, and using your voice to make a difference.” Zoe said she was looking forward to meeting the other contestants, making new connections and creating memories. “I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all the new contestants and making new connections and creating memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” While Zoe hopes to eventually move to the city, her sights are set even further afield, with a dream of one day walking in New York Fashion Week. Mackay and Sarina local Zoe Place has created an eco-fashion dress from recycled newspapers, including Mackay Life, ahead of her Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane. Photos supplied
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Trends, reels and the endless cycle of always wanting more has quietly bombarded the minds of countless social media users of all ages, but one former Mackay local has made it her mission to help others understand the effects of social media and find practical ways to break free from online addiction. Alexis Zahner is in Mackay over the next week to teach upcoming generations about social media and the effects it can have on the mind, particularly on identity, self-discovery, as well as the marketing strategies that get viewers hooked and influence their decisions. It is something Alexis knows first-hand can be a useful tool, but also a great disruption to authenticity and the world as we see and experience it. Alexis will hold a free meet and greet and book launch today, Friday 2nd October, at 5.30pm at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, where she will give a talk and answer questions relating to her debut book, Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies. A former Mackay girl, Alexis spent the past 15 years working across business psychology, marketing and media, with her interest in social media influence beginning during her university studies at James Cook University in Townsville. Her own experience as a social media user, travel blogger and influencer eventually led her to question how much of her identity, decisions and values were being shaped by what she saw online. “The tipping point came for me about 3 years ago when I had this feeling that I couldn't separate influence from my own personal decision making,” she said. “I couldn't separate my own likes, dislikes, values, relationships from what I was being exposed to and being influenced by online.” “I found that I needed to take some time away from social media to recalibrate what was important to me and sort of reconnect and come back to myself.” Alexis said she understood the feeling of questioning who you are outside of social media. “I know what it feels like to live a life under the influence of social media and have that existential crisis of thinking to yourself, who am I? What do I like? What's the kind of life I want to live? and struggling to separate myself from influence.” Alexis is particularly passionate about reaching teenagers, who she says are in an important stage of identity development, and will share this message with Mackay high school students during her upcoming school talks. “Teenagers are really easily influenced by social media. So it's a really important age where we start educating them – not just on the mental health repercussions of things like social media and how it shortens their attention span, but how it actually influences who they become.” “If you're asking yourself these questions, it's not your fault. Social media is actually geared to create this impact on you.” Alexis encourages people of all ages to “start expanding beyond what you see on the platform.” “Dare to indulge in the things that you've always been curious about or things you used to love,” she said. “Don't be afraid to put the phone down to let yourself be curious and have fun.” What: Alexis Zahner's 'Real' Book launch When: 5.30pm Friday 2nd October 2026 Where: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Former Mackay local and author Alexis Zahner is returning home to share her experiences with social media and her debut book, Real. Photo supplied
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On Monday 9th February Bowen State High School’s Senior Leaders were inducted into their leadership roles in front of students, staff, family and community members. The Year 11 and 12 student leaders were elected by their peers and teachers at the end of 2025 and take on these positions with pride.
During his Principal Address, Mr Harris spoke about how “Leadership isn't a position; it’s a choice. It’s the choice to be kind when it’s easier to be indifferent. It’s the choice to look out for the people around you, even when no one is watching and there’s no reward to be given at the end of the term."
He shared this challenge for the school community, "So, my challenge to you today is this: Don't wait for a badge to start leading. Don't wait for permission to be kind.”
“The greatest leaders this school will ever see are the ones sitting in those chairs in front and beside me right now—the ones who decide, starting today, that they will leave this place a little better, a little warmer, and a little kinder than they found it. You don't need a title to be a hero in someone else's day.”
Student leaders each invited a loved one to issue them their badge. Mayor Ry Collins commented, “It was a really nice touch to see student leaders presented with their badges by family and friends in attendance- a proud moment for everyone involved.”
The student leaders hit the ground running by attending a GRIP leadership conference later in the week and selling roses and chocolates for Valentines Day. We wish them all the best for their leadership journey.
1 – Proud students leaders, ready to make a difference.
St Catherine’s Catholic College has commenced this school year with purpose, community and faith, marked by a meaningful Opening Liturgy and Leader Commissioning Ceremony held earlier this month.
Students, staff and families gathered to bless the new school year and commission student leaders, formally acknowledging the responsibilities entrusted to them, and inviting reflection on the college’s mission.
Principal Katherine Nelson said the event set a positive and unified tone for the year ahead.
“The ceremony was a beautiful way to begin the school year,” Ms Nelson said.
“It allowed us to come together in faith, to acknowledge the important role of our student leaders, and remind ourselves that leadership at St Catherine’s leadership is grounded in service, compassion and example.”
This week, the community also entered the season of Lent - a 40-day period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, inviting Catholics to reflect, grow in faith and prepare for Easter. It is a time for strengthening our relationship with God and supporting those in need.
The College marked Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) by raising funds for Caritas Australia through Project Compassion. Students enjoyed pancakes while contributing to initiatives that support vulnerable communities locally and globally.
On Wednesday, an Ash Wednesday liturgy was held, with participants receiving ashes as a symbol of reflection, renewal and commitment to the Lenten journey.
“During Lent, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, generosity and service to others,” Ms Nelson said.
“Our students have embraced these opportunities, demonstrating that faith is not only something we celebrate, but something we live out each day.”
1- Proud student leaders ready to make change. Photo supplied.
Student Isaiah Howell reflects on his academic journey.
Bowen State High School gives so many opportunities to students to excel in many different fields.
For me, participating in Tournament of Minds since 2023 has been a highlight. Bowen State teams progressed to the state finals in 2024 and 2025, and last year we represented Queensland at the International finals. Our STEM Racing team (formally F1 in Schools) will soon progress to the National finals, competing in coming weeks.
The school has also made me aware of Global engagement opportunities. Last year I applied for the QLD Premiers ANZAC Prize, and I’m honoured to be chosen as one of 8 QLD students as a recipient of the Prize. This has given me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of the profound significance of the ANZAC Legacy. Participating in the Young Historians Workshop earlier this year has taught me a variety of research skills in preparation for our tour of the Western Front in April. This opportunity could not have been done without the support of the school.
The Premier's Anzac Prize is a unique, life-changing opportunity for all Queensland high school students to engage with the Anzac tradition first-hand and explore how the Anzac Legacy relates to modern Australian life. In preparation for the overseas trip, recipients are supported in the development of research skills and preparation of commemorations of their chosen service people. All their research comes to life over the 2-week tour to Europe.
As part of the prize, I’m raising money for Mates4Mates, an organisation that partners with the RSL to support veterans and Australian Defence Force Personnel’s mental and Physical health. I have set a goal of $2000. Part of the fundraising includes planning events that will be advertised in the near future. Later this term I will also visit local primary schools to share with them the importance of the ANZAC Legacy.
These experiences have taught me that when an opportunity presents itself, it should be embraced. Bowen State High School has shown me a wide range of opportunities through classes, such as Tournament of Minds and STEM Racing, which are units we undertake as a part of the Academy Program. School notices also promote additional opportunities, including the Premier's ANZAC Prize. Without the ongoing support of teachers and administrators, I would not be where I am today.
Photos supplied
Queensland’s special schools are set to receive an increase in workplace health and safety support, with the state government announcing 30 full time Health and Safety Coordinators to be placed across the state’s 46 special schools. The move is part of a broader investment in school safety and comes as enrolments in special schools have risen by more than 38 percent since 2019.
According to the government, the additional coordinators are intended to increase support for teachers and school leaders, reduce administrative workloads and strengthen responses to occupational health and safety concerns. The positions will work directly with principals and leadership teams to improve safety processes, manage risk assessments and oversee reporting requirements. The initiative follows a previous commitment to fund an additional 140 Workplace Health and Safety Officers for state schools over four years.
Education remains one of the largest areas of state expenditure, with this year’s $21.9 billion Education Budget also funding a $45 million Behaviour Boost program, a $33 million anti bullying plan and six new special schools to address growing demand. The new health and safety roles in special schools are being funded through the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, which the government says fully funds state schools for the first time in Queensland’s history.
Minister for Education John Paul Langbroek said recruitment is already underway.
“Every teacher, staff member and student deserves to feel safe in our schools and we’re boosting support with more boots on the ground,” he said.
“We are committed to improving workplace conditions and cutting red tape for teachers and there will be more to come in both of these areas this year.”
The announcement has also drawn attention to broader concerns about teacher workload and workplace safety. In recent years, teacher unions and education stakeholders have highlighted rising administrative demands and increasing complexity in classrooms, particularly in special education settings. Data released by the government notes that teacher WorkCover claims reached more than $80 million in the 2023 to 2024 financial year, underscoring the pressures faced by school staff.
At the school level, leaders say additional support could make a meaningful difference. Aspley Special School Principal Kath McDonald welcomed the initiative.
“We will be able to implement a more proactive and consistent approach to managing risks which are complex and ongoing in a special school setting,” she said.
As enrolments continue to grow and expectations on schools evolve, ensuring safe and supportive learning environments remains a shared priority across the political spectrum. The effectiveness of these new roles will likely be closely watched by educators, families and policymakers alike as Queensland works to meet the needs of its most vulnerable students.
Photo source: Shutterstock
Families across the Whitsundays now have another reason to look forward to the weekend, with Playtime sessions officially launching on Saturday mornings at PCYC Whitsundays.
Designed especially for children aged 0–4 years, the new Saturday session will run every week from 8:30am to 9:15am, offering young families a welcoming and active way to start their day.
The initiative expands PCYC Whitsundays’ growing weekly timetable and provides even more opportunities for toddlers to engage in active, social play within a safe and supportive environment. The early morning timeslot is ideal for families looking to get little ones out of the house before nap time, while also helping children burn energy, build confidence and develop social skills.
Playtime sessions encourage children to climb, explore, move and interact, all while becoming familiar with the club environment. The program also offers parents and carers a chance to connect with other local families and strengthen community ties.
Casual visits are available for $12 per session, while a direct debit option of $11.95 per week allows families to attend as many Playtime sessions throughout the week as they wish. With the addition of the Saturday program, this option provides even greater value for regular attendees.
PCYC Whitsundays looks forward to welcoming families to the club each Saturday morning as it continues to provide inclusive and accessible activities that support young children and the wider community.
Photo source: Facebook
Batman is a striking Staffy x Great Dane with distinctive black-and-white markings and a big, lovable personality to match. This happy, people-focused boy genuinely enjoys human company and is always keen to learn, making him a wonderful companion for the right home.
Responsive and intelligent, Batman is eager to please and thrives when given guidance and engagement. He enjoys regular exercise and would do best in a household that can provide structure, routine, and ongoing training to help him reach his full potential. With the right investment, Batman is sure to grow into a loyal and well-rounded companion.
About Batman
Ideal Home
Batman would thrive in:
Health and Veterinary Care
Details regarding Batman’s vet care are available upon enquiry.
Adoption Details
Adoption Fee: $400
Adoption fees go directly back into veterinary care and rescuing more animals. Bowen & Collinsville Pet Rescue is a non-profit, no-kill rescue dedicated to giving animals like Batman a second chance at life.
Batman is ready for a home that will invest in him and enjoy watching him flourish. To learn more or arrange a meet-and-greet, please get in touch. Sharing his story could help him find the loving forever home he deserves.
Photo supplied
Across the Whitsunday Regional Libraries in Bowen, Proserpine, Cannonvale and Collinsville, something special is taking shape - one memory, one stitch at a time.
The Textile Memory Book Project is giving seniors the chance to connect, reflect and create together. We spoke with Sue, Social Seniors Isolation Project Officer, about the initiative.
Q: What is the Textile Memory Book Project?
Sue: It’s a series of free creative workshops funded by the State Government’s Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, and delivered through our regional libraries. With guidance from a local artist, participants turn a personal memory or story into a textile artwork.
At the end of the program, the artworks will be showcased at a free community expo at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.
Q: When are the workshops happening?
Sue: Bowen has already hosted its session, with participants embracing the chance to share stories and learn new skills.
Cannonvale begins at the end of February, followed by Proserpine and Collinsville in March and April.
Q: What happens in a workshop?
Sue: Participants learn techniques such as wet felting, fabric layering and hand stitching.
They then reflect on a meaningful memory, perhaps a special place, family tradition or milestone, and bring it to life through fabric and thread.
No artistic experience is required. The focus is on storytelling and connection, not perfection.
Q: Why focus on seniors?
Sue: The workshops are part of the Social Seniors Isolation Project, which aims to reduce isolation by encouraging older residents to engage in new activities and build connections.
For many seniors, opportunities to meet new people can become limited. These sessions provide a relaxed, welcoming space where conversation flows naturally and friendships begin.
Whilst the workshops are designed with seniors in mind, the final community expo will be open for the broader community to attend.
Q: What has the response been like?
Sue: The Bowen workshop showed just how powerful creativity can be. Alongside beautiful textile pieces came laughter, stories and new connections.
For information about upcoming sessions, contact your local library branch or visit www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au
Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Regional Libraries.
1- Pam Finlay’s beautiful textile book inspired by Monet’s garden
2 – Seniors are invited to create textile art under a local artist’s guidance. Photos supplied.
At Whitsunday Green Club, Jon Miller brings both impressive playing credentials and a strong passion for community golf to his role as Golf Manager. A long-time local, Jon is responsible for all things golf at the club, combining high-level competitive experience with a welcoming approach that reflects the spirit of the region.
Jon’s journey in the game began at just 10 years old. By 13, he had reached a single-figure handicap, a sign of the talent and dedication that would shape his golfing career. Today, he plays off a scratch handicap and has competed at the highest levels of amateur golf, representing himself in numerous state and national championships. His pursuit of excellence saw him compete at the PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School, further sharpening his competitive edge. Along the way, he has claimed Club Champion titles at two separate clubs, reinforcing his standing as a proven performer.
While his playing résumé is impressive, Jon’s focus at Whitsunday Green is firmly on growing the game and creating an inclusive social culture. He is committed to making the course a fun, social and “all welcome” destination for visitors and members alike. Known for his friendly and approachable manner, Jon encourages participation from golfers of all ages and skill levels, from seasoned players to juniors, beginners and first-timers. He is always willing to offer practical advice and handy tips, particularly around the greens, helping players build confidence and enjoyment in their game.
Innovation has also become a hallmark of his management style. Jon has introduced new and engaging competition formats designed to attract a broad range of participants and keep members excited about their involvement. He recognises the significant global growth in golf participation since 2020 and sees particular opportunity in shorter formats of the game. These condensed versions appeal to modern lifestyles, offering quicker rounds that suit young players, newcomers and those short on time while maintaining the social and competitive elements that make golf so compelling.
Collaboration is central to Jon’s vision for the club. Working closely with the lead Superintendent and the Clubhouse Café Manager, he is focused on delivering a seamless and enjoyable experience. The goal is to create an environment where quality course presentation, friendly service and strong community engagement come together to form an ongoing destination for locals and visitors.
With construction of the future nine holes currently underway, there is a growing sense of anticipation across the club. Jon and the wider team are enthusiastic about the expansion and the opportunities it will bring to enhance play, attract new members and further establish Whitsunday Green as a vibrant hub for golf in the region.
Captions
Photos supplied
On This Day 20th February 1986
High School Captains For 1986.
School captains Lisa Linneweber and Mervyn Dries were presented with their badges by state member Geoff Muntz along with senior Mill Bursary Winner Michael Braby and juniors Rosanne Doolan, Amanda Raleigh and Andrew Vonhoff.
Highway Bypass $1 Million.
The highway will be reconstructed from Fuljames Street through to the tramway North of Taylor Street with work on side roads and intersections.
Cannonvale – Pierless.
Council labour gangs have removed the old stone jetty as part of renovations to the old swimming enclosure at Cannonvale Beach.
Cannonvale School Enrolments.
246 children enrolled at the opening of 1986 school year, 13 more than last year despite 20 children going to the new school at Hamilton Island. New buildings have been approved for a tuckshop, amenities block, and admin area.
High School Is Buzzing.
Formation of a school choir, tutorials for maths, and a gym club is being planned. The Student Council is organising the first school dance of the year under C Block.
Collinsville Footballer Appeal.
A mother has appealed a sentence for her son who received serious injuries in the 1984 Under 18 Semi Final against Proserpine when a kick in the head led to a black out of senses.
$8 Million Planning Proposal For Airlie Beach Rejected.
Developer Chris Dorrough’s plans to build a town square, a shopping complex and a beach were rejected on several counts by Council.
Bloods Advance.
Airlie Bloods moved into the Mackay ‘A’ Grade Division and will also form a ‘B’ grade team. Several new players have been signed up by coach Doug Murray and training will commence at Cannonvale School Grounds in March.
Proserpine Historical Society adopts a constitution.
Jan Maltby and Don Dinnie were carrying out research and Secretary Alan Dufty was seeking support from local clubs.
Happy Bay Changes Over 50 Years.
Nancy Allan formerly Thorogood of Kelsey Creek described life on Long Island in the late 1930s. It was aimed at tourism rather than grazing like on other islands. Transport to the island was by boat called “Ventura” which departed from the old stone jetty at Cannonvale. Shute Harbour had no facilities in those days.
Respite Care in Mackay for Proserpine.
Care and counselling for handicapped people was described by the state coordinator to Proserpine Blue Nurse representative Lillian Orr.
Cricket Results
Magpies 187 [ A.Pini 71n.o.] beat Norths 81 [S.Rock 3/20]
Colts 158 [ G.Mitten 43, W.Woods 3/65] beat Centrals 129[ R. Donnelly 3/22
Valleys 160 [ L.Churchward 60, R.Magee 4/44] beat Souths 57 [W. Borellini 5/20]
This week’s winner is Corrine Hendrikse with this stunning peacock photo. The theme was “Blue”.
Next week’s theme is ‘Glass’, and members are welcome to join the Whitsundays Amateur Photographer’s Facebook group.
These photographs are contributed by the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Group.
Proserpine’s Main Street today bears little resemblance to what it looked like in the early to mid 1900s. Most of the original buildings have long gone, however, the facades of several of these early establishments can still be seen as one drives down the main street. The Hewitt Building is one of these reminders of the past.
Throughout its existence, it was the location of a variety of businesses, the first being the premises of Alfred Harvey Hewitt who operated a saddlery/harness business. It was a two-storey building and he moved into it in December 1903. In about 1910, the Hewitts left the area for Sarina.
J A Behrens, who was also a photographer, ran refreshment rooms called The New York Café from this building. In August 1913, he sold to Mrs. William (Mary Ann) Compton (nee Jenkins) who lived with her family in the rooms above the shop. There were steps at the back and then they had to walk across the roof to access the rooms.
In 1914, after Alfred Hewitt died, aged only 37 years, his widow, Margaret and young family returned to Proserpine where she operated a tearoom from the shop. In 1918, she married Mr John James O’Hara. They left the area for a short time, returning in 1921 and bought a farm. For a short time in the 1920s, these rooms were taken over by single ladies, the Clifford sisters.
May 1925 saw a change of business when Mr J M Harkness, Chemist, took over the shop which had been thoroughly renovated. He had arrived in the area in 1924 originally operating his business in Mrs Beame’s premises next to Kelly’s Hotel (now the Grand Central). Following the death of Mr Harkness, Philip Sydney Reid acquired the pharmacy in 1928.
Mrs. O’Hara, wife of the late Mr. Hewitt, still owned the building and decided to rebuild, this time to a single-storey building. Mr. Bob Shaw was the builder. The “Proserpine Guardian” (June 17, 1939) reported, “With its demolishment will go an old landmark of the town” … “probably one of the oldest buildings”. Timber from the old Hewitt building was transported to Dent Island where it was used to build a home for Jack and Margaret O’Hara when they retired from mainland farming in 1941.
Christopher John Monkhouse assumed control of Reid’s Pharmacy in April, 1948 and the Hewitt Building remained the location for a pharmacy for almost another fifty years. When C J Monkhouse died suddenly in January 1960, the freehold was passed to Mrs Monkhouse. W N Gillies managed the business until Mr. Campbell Hill took the reins in 1961. He sold to Mr. Graham Chandler on October 1, 1962. Graham carried on the business on his own until Paul and Gloria Gluske became partners c1993. The Chandlers eventually moved away from Proserpine and the business was bought by Robert and Megan McKay in 1996. They closed this shop in 1997 taking the stock a few doors up to an existing chemist shop, Proserpine Pharmacy. So ended the Hewitt Building’s association with chemists.
Since then, a diverse range of businesses has operated from the Hewitt Building. A music shop called In the Hearing of Audioworx relocated from 140 Main Street. It was owned by Don Hope from 1997 to 1999. After this closed, Harvey World Travel shifted to the building until October 2009. Around May 2010, Anita and Steve opened their business, Tropical Beach Hut. They were followed by an acupuncturist. From about 2016, Peak Body Mechanics, a complementary health and wellness clinic, began operating until eventually closing and putting the business up for sale in 2022.
In 2024, a new owner/tenant started a home brew shop, cleverly named Home Brewitt – a nod to the original owners of the building.
Stay tuned for more stories about the history of some of Proserpine’s early establishments.
Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum
Late in the night of Tuesday 10th February, BMA Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue was tasked to Haslewood Island to assist a man suffering from a marine envenomation. The patient was on board a marine vessel and experiencing significant pain, respiratory distress and intermittent loss of consciousness, prompting urgent medical intervention.
In a challenging operation, BMA CQ Rescue’s medical team, comprising an onboard Paramedic and Doctor, were winched to a nearby beach before making their way to the patient by vessel. The crew stabilised the man before transferring him to land, where he was carefully winched into the helicopter and transported to Mackay for further medical treatment.
This mission underscores the critical role BMA CQ Rescue plays in delivering life-saving care to those in remote and regional locations, often when time and distance are against them.
Complex rescues such as this rely on the precision and expertise of highly trained Rescue Crew Officers, the calm judgement and skill of dedicated Pilots and Air Crew Officers, and an advanced medical team prepared to deliver critical care wherever it is needed most.
Contributed with thanks to BMA CQ Rescue
The rescuers that keep watch over our shores
We are excited to introduce a new column ‘The Poet’s Corner’, a section dedicated to showcasing local poetry across the region.
The first poem is from Suzy Gordon entitled, ‘Thunderstorm’. Suzy Gordon has lived in the Whitsundays for 16 years. She teaches and mentors young writers, runs an online magazine for them, and is working on two poetry collections and a book about creativity and writing.
If you are interested in submitting your own poetry don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing sebastian@lifepublishinggroup.com.
Thunderstorm
We sit on the front deck when the rains come
All a slather;
A watery frame in which we wash
– arms, brows, backs –
It reminds me of the clamour & hush
when snowdrops crown
& I hold my hand up
trace the condensation
hoping this glassy relief
will vanquish the cold
once and for all.
It is the end of a long winter in the north.
Hailing all the way from Leeds in the UK, Suzanna McLoughlin has joined the Life Publishing team as the newest Cadet Journalist. Suz initially studied English Literature and French at the University of Manchester, spending a year in France where she taught kids English.
After university, she embarked on a grand trip to New Zealand, working and travelling there for two and a half years, deciding to stop in Australia on the way home. Whilst in Australia, she did seasonal work on Fraser Island and around the Great Ocean Road, falling in love with the country.
Upon returning to the UK, Suz worked in audio and podcasting, writing material for mental health and sleep podcasts, whilst dabbling in children’s fiction as a side hustle. Having gained valuable skills, Suz – reminiscing on her time in Australia – decided to return to become a journalist.
“I love storytelling. Throughout the years I got more passionate about honest and ethical journalism. I want to tell stories in ways that honour people’s experience and serve a purpose”, Suz said.
In her spare time, Suz pursues physical activity such as yoga, having recently become a qualified yoga teacher. She loves camping and hiking and is excited to explore the beautiful environment.
“It’s been amazing meeting everyone. All the people I’ve met are so kind and it’s really nice to see a tight knight community that welcomes others so readily.”
If you see Suz around, don’t hesitate to say hello. The team readily welcome her and are excited to see what she will accomplish.
Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi
Reef Authority experts are calling on citizen scientists to help unlock the mystery of the whale sharks of the Coral Sea.
Little is known about the star-speckled giants of the sea or where whale shark aggregations can be found on the Great Barrier Reef.
But latest findings from the Eye on the Reef program reveal a surge in whale shark activity, with reefs off Townsville and the Far North becoming key areas of interest.
In the last four months alone, eight sightings have been recorded – an unusually high frequency for this period.
Reef Authority’s Eye on the Reef Program Manager Chris Jones said the Townsville data stands out due to the high frequency of sightings despite lower boat traffic compared to other hubs.
"While places like Cairns see a high volume of sightings, they also have significantly more tourism vessels on the water," he said.
"The fact that we are seeing this cluster of sightings off the Townsville region with fewer boats suggests there is something truly special happening here.
“However, we need more sightings to identify any patterns.”
Reef Authority Field Management Director Dr Mark Read said this localised activity may be linked to broader biological events occurring across the Marine Park.
“Just like the famous aggregations at Ningaloo Reef, whale sharks on the east coast appear to gather around coral and fish spawning seasons,” he said.
“While we have long known they visit the Reef, the latest data logged by citizen scientists is helping us better understand their movements and identify potential areas of interest.”
The Reef Authority is calling on all reef-goers – from commercial operators to recreational divers – to help solve the mystery.
“If you have seen a whale shark on the Reef – even if it was 10 or 15 years ago – you can still enter them in Eye on the Reef app,” Dr Read said.
“Every entry helps us identify long-term patterns and contributes to the global knowledge of where these sharks are going not just across the Reef, but around the planet.”
The gentle giants being spied increasingly in our waters. Photo supplied
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