Christmas for many is a lovely time of year where families and friends gather to celebrate. For some however, Christmas can be extremely lonely.

Therefore, Tina Everett from the Whitsunday Social Craft Group is offering surprise homemade Christmas gifts to those spending Christmas alone.

Presents include something from the Whitsunday Social Craft Group, something handmade, a piece of jewellery, a t-shirt or even a personalised bauble.

This extremely kind gesture from Tina, will hopefully help to make some individuals in the community feel a little less lonely this Christmas.

Tina through her Facebook post asks people to reach out to her if they know someone in the Airlie Beach area who celebrates Christmas, is on their own on Christmas morning, or works during the day, who would appreciate a little surprise under their tree.

Send a message to Tina confirming the person's name, their gender, what type of item they might like, their favourite colour and where they work, for them to receive their special Christmas gift.

If you know someone who would be grateful to receive a very thoughtful gift from the real-life father Christmas that is Tina and the Whitsunday Social Craft Group Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/groups/whitsundaysocialcraftgroup

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Do you know someone deserving a gift this Christmas?

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As many Whitsunday residents are aware, Stinger Season is in full force, but one young boy who wasn't expecting a sting back in September, is 11-year-old Reef Brookes, whose experience has prompted action from his mother.

The school holidays had just started and the Brookes Family, like many other families on a nice day, headed down to the beach. While this was a typical activity for the water-loving family, they were not prepared for what was about to happen.

Mel Brookes, Reef’s mum said they had gone to the beach with friends, when Reef came running out of the water exclaiming that he had been bitten by what he thought was a crab.

As he rushed over to the group showing his ankle, Mel discovered it was not a crab bite, as the back of his ankle was covered in welts.

After pouring water on the wound, it started to spread, and Mel realised that it had to be serious due to the rate it was spreading.

Thinking on her feet, Mel quickly poured vinegar on it, however, the welts then morphed into one huge blister.

Alarm bells ringing, Mel called for an ambulance. In the meantime, Reef was screaming his head off in what Mel described as “excruciating pain.”

“When the ambulance arrived, they took one look at it and said it was a suspected Irukandji sting,” Mel explained.

Instantly the young boy was attached to an ECG machine to monitor his vital signs and transported to Proserpine Hospital where he was administered pain relief.

While Reef wasn't wearing a stinger suit as it was September, Mel says that she will now encourage her family to wear them all year round:

“We will definitely be wearing them all year round now as I don't think jellyfish know calendars!”

Reflecting on the situation Mel explained how hard it was to see her son in so much pain:

“It was pretty horrific, but he's been so brave since, and it definitely hasn't scared him off the water.”

Having gone through such an arduous ordeal trying to find items to relieve her son's pain, Mel has created marine stinger kits which provide everything needed in order to deal with a sting, that she wished she had that day on the beach:

“He wanted to go straight back in the next week, we just had to make sure that we had everything organised, and that's basically how we ended up creating these marine kits.”

The well thought out kits contain, electrolytes, ginger tablets, a vinegar bottle, Australian made sunscreen, aloe vera and insect repellant, a waterproof phone case and basic CPR and marine stinger cards made lovingly by the Brookes children.

Take care this stinger season, and be aware of the dangers of Irukandjis.

www.oceanictales.com.au

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Mel and Reef Brookes at the beach

Mel and Reef Brookes

Irukandji kits

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Last Thursday, expert in demographic trends Bernard Salt was in the region and presented his views on the region and its future demographics.

“The reality is that the Whitsunday Regional Council area, which extends and includes places like Airlie, Bowen, Proserpine and areas beyond, has about 40,000 people at the moment,” he shared.

“Its rate of growth has effectively doubled, in my opinion, from prior to the pandemic, maybe around 400, 500 people a year, to closer to 1000 people per year.

“So, every 10 years at this rate, we can expect another 10,000 people and then on top of that, you have what is called the functional population.

“These would be holiday makers and visitors and backpackers and people who are more transient.

“You're looking at a population of maybe 50,000 at the moment, including the functional population rising to maybe 60 or 70,000 within 10 or 15 years.

“This is a significant increase. It's not completely expected, but this is something that requires visioning and planning, and that is the role, effectively, of a council like the Whitsunday Regional Council.”

Bernard also recognises that in communities that are rapidly growing, the community itself needs to have a vision of what they want in the future.

“In my experience I know what Australians generally want is a good quality of life. They want a place where they can move to, get a job, have a number of job options, buy a home that's affordable, raise a family and have their kids actually choose a career within the local area, if that suits them.

“In my perfect world, those kinds of aspirations would be present in any future strategic visioning of this region.”

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Bernard Salt. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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As one of the region’s longest-running local charitable events, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort’s 20th annual Camp and sCare didn’t disappoint.

The Halloween family minibreak at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort was a sell-out once again, with excited children and parents enjoying spooky fun for a good cause. Camp and sCare, raised an impressive $15,008.87 for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia.

This annual charity weekend combines outdoor adventure with family fun, offering camping under the stars or cabin stays. All funds raised from Friday night campsite bookings and gold coin donations go to local charities.

Families kicked off the weekend with Halloween-themed fun, including a monster pancake breakfast, eerie outdoor disco, scary sausage sizzle, witches brew slushies, spooky sand art, freaky biscuit decorating, crazy hair braiding, and, of course, Trick or Treating, plus loads of other activities!  

On Monday morning, the team at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort presented Samantha Baker, the Community Engagement Executive for the Mackay & Whitsundays Region at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia, with a charity cheque for $15,008.87.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort CEO, Phil Casey, said the resort’s annual charitable activities are well ingrained and align with the long-term ethos of the resort’s owners, the McKinnon family.

“This is the 20th year that we have held Camp and sCare, with this particular event now being a key component in our annual community charity program.

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Last Thursday the Whitsunday Cruisin Car Club donated a cheque of $2000 to the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN).

During Whitsunday Cruisin Car Club’s annual Show and Shine car show they raised money for both the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network and Jure Portelli a local girl involved in motor sport.

President of Whitsunday Cruisin Car Club Sebastian Foti says it’s important to support worthwhile causes in our community, especially through these tough times.

“Anything that we can do to help others is part of our club’s way of giving back to the community that supports us with the car show that we had running at the end of May,” said Sebastian.

Money was raised through raffle tickets for prizes and gold coin donations.

WSPN President Matt Stokes said he is thrilled with the donation.

“It is so refreshing when the community supports us, because then we can re-support the community, it is a circle, and for them to proactively approach us means a lot too,” said Matt.

“We work really hard ourselves to raise money for what we need to do within the community, but these guys are basically another set of arms and legs, and I hope they understand just how much the finances do mean.”

Going forward Matt and the rest of WSPN have a goal of creating a community hub where people can receive contact information, meet a friendly face and more.

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WSPN Mel Turner, President of Whitsunday Cruisin Car Club Sebastian Foti, WSPN Brian Skead, WSPN President Matt Stokes, Secretary of Whitsunday Cruisin Car Club Kerri Southee. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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The cruise season is in full swing and for the 2024/25 season, Shute Harbour will host 25 cruise ship visits, a significant increase from the 19 visits we welcomed in the 2023/24 season.

This year’s total combined guest capacity for vessels visiting Shute Harbour will be an impressive 66,834 passengers and when you add in the numbers of dedicated crew members then it is over 100,000.

Port of Airlie are also thriving and between the two ports the total number cruise ships visits for the Whitsundays is expected to exceed 100.

It also exciting that not only are we welcoming back Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Lines to Shute Harbour and the Whitsundays expanding our cruise line reach to new and prestigious cruise lines, including Silverseas, Viking, and Norwegian. This diversification underscores Shute Harbour’s growing status as a premier destination within the cruise tourism circuit and reflects the allure of our beautiful region.

The broader economic context for cruise tourism in Australia is more promising than ever. The latest economic impact assessment reveals that cruise tourism generated a record A$8.43 billion for the national economy during the 2023-24 financial year. This represents an impressive 49.7% increase from the previous year and is the highest level of economic output ever recorded for the industry.

These numbers are not just figures; they reflect real opportunities and growth for the Whitsundays. The cruise industry’s contribution to Australia’s economy supports over 26,000 full-time equivalent jobs and has provided A$2.83 billion in wages to Australian workers—an increase of 55.8% from the previous year. These statistics highlight the tangible benefits that cruise tourism brings, not just nationally but locally to regions like ours.

However, we must also recognise the challenges that come with these opportunities. The value of cruise tourism to our local economy is undeniable, but sustaining this growth is essential.

The deployment of cruise ships to our region is at risk while Australia remains one of the most expensive destinations for cruise lines. It is vital that we work together—government, industry stakeholders, and local communities—to maintain our competitive edge and ensure that the Whitsundays continues to be a sought-after destination.

Recently I was honoured to attend a special birthday for the 20th Anniversary of the Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors - Airlie Beach in an event held at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal.

It was a great turnout as volunteers from 2004-2024 have provided over 1 million cruise visitors with their warmth and friendly guidance came together to reconnect, celebrate their achievements, and share memories.

Hats off to the leadership and coordination of Ambassadors Keith, Brian and Lyn who spoke and have led the charge of our ambassadors’ service over the years as well as Dea from Tourism Whitsundays for coordinating the current program.

Thank you to every volunteer, past and present, for your tireless dedication. You are true ambassadors of the Whitsundays, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a story to tell and a reason to return. Here’s to continued success and many more years of extraordinary service.

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If you think you’ve explored all that The Whitsundays has to offer, think again! Just a short drive from Airlie Beach, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a relaxing day out, here are some fantastic day trips around the region.

Proserpine

A quick drive from Airlie Beach, Proserpine has plenty of treasures worth exploring. Don’t miss the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari, where you can jump on a tractor-drawn wagon for an unforgettable tour to see crocodiles in their natural habitat—a must for nature lovers. For a peaceful escape, head to Lake Proserpine, just 30 minutes away. It’s an ideal spot for camping, fishing, or simply enjoying a picnic while soaking in the stunning views.

Bowen

Just 45 minutes north, Bowen is home to some of the region’s best-kept secrets. Horseshoe Bay is a quiet beach with a vibrant underwater world, perfect for a snorkelling adventure. Afterwards, treat yourself to fresh, local seafood at Bird’s Fish Bar. And no trip to Bowen is complete without a visit to the Big Mango—don’t forget to try their famous mango sorbet!

Collinsville

For a dose of local history, head out to Collinsville. The No. 1 Mine Site offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s mining past. Then, stop by the historic Bowen River Hotel, a charming pub that’s been serving since 1861.

These short drives are the perfect way for locals to rediscover the hidden gems on our doorstep—whether you’re after an adventure or a relaxing day out.

‍Contributed by Tourism Whitsundays

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A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Parc Exclusif, the newest addition to the Whitsundays' accommodation offerings. Perched on a hill with panoramic 360-degree views of Airlie Beach and the surrounding Whitsunday Islands, this property is a hidden gem. Recently renovated by the Galloway family, Parc Exclusif now offers a unique setting for short stays, events, and weddings, combining tranquillity with breathtaking scenery.

On Saturday, November 30th, the property will host a launch event where guests can explore the space and experience its charm firsthand. The evening will feature catering by Coastal Food Design, premium drinks, and the chance to mingle while enjoying the stunning sunset views.

The event is a wonderful opportunity to see the property in person, learn more about its offerings, and connect with others in the community—all while supporting a great cause. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit CQ Rescue.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, November 30th

• Time: 4pm - 7pm

• Location: Parc Exclusif, Airlie Beach

• Ticket Price: $199 per person

• Charity: Proceeds will support CQ Rescue

• Tickets: Limited availability – secure yours through Airlie Events.

It’s a chance to experience something special in the Whitsundays—don’t miss it!

Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays

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Ten-year-old Reef Little, has been making waves on the ‘Fishing the Whitsundays’ Facebook page, where he has impressed with his marine life and sea creature inspired artwork.

Reef began drawing at the age of eight, and while he has always been a naturally creative individual, his artistic skills have reached new heights, particularly since he enrolled in Bridget Peel-Fine Art classes at the encouragement of his mother, Nadine Little.

90% of Reef’s fantastic drawings are inspired by marine life or sea creatures, due to his love for fishing and the ocean.

As he has always enjoyed fishing, he has been on the fishing page from a young age posting pictures of his recent catches.

His recent posts, however, have transitioned from fish pictures to promoting his art on there, where he sells framed copies and prints of his original art work.

While Reef is mainly selling prints of his work, he will also do custom pieces if asked, with businesses, including fishing charters even asking to have his drawings on their shirts.

Since he was eight years old Nadine has put Reef’s drawings on the fishing page and over the past two years his work has become increasingly popular with locals, there is 20,000 people on this specific Facebook page and Nadine explains how increasingly supportive the members on there are, with one guy from Sydney even buying three of reef’s drawings.

“He has now got a name for himself from posting his artwork on that page,” Nadine exclaimed.

The profits from the paintings go directly to Reef for pocket money, and Nadine is excited about the possibility of launching a clothing line featuring Reef's artwork in the near future:

“We’re likely to start with a market stall, and then expand to sell his prints alongside the shirts,” she says.

In addition to the clothing line, Nadine is planning to launch an Instagram page to showcase Reef's talent and reach a broader audience, helping to introduce his art to more people.

Besides being an upcoming artist and going to school, Reef is a very kind boy who loves fishing and the outdoors, and going to his art classes twice a week:

“He’s not a sit inside and be stuck on the iPad kid, he just constantly wants to go out fishing on the boat,” Nadine stated.

Reef has a dedicated wall in his home where he displays his framed artwork, and he is determined to fill it as he continues to create.

Although his art has garnered significant support from the local community, Reef remains incredibly modest. He humbly believes he’s "not that good" and would never claim to be better than anyone else.

Reef’s artistic journey took a notable step forward when he entered his first competition at the Reef Gateway Hotel during the Great Barrier Reef Festival, where he earned second place for his striking striped marlin drawing.

If you’re interested in acquiring one of Reef’s unique paintings, you can reach out to Nadine Little via Facebook.

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Reef with one of his framed prints

Reef drawing up a storm

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In last week’s edition, we honoured two of the three Debney brothers who served their country in World War Two - Corporal Harry Stanley Debney QX2390 and Private Douglas Ross Debney QX 2389, both in the 2/15th Battalion 9th Division. In this edition, we salute George Frederick Leonard Debney, Warrant Officer Class QX4606 of the Royal Australian Engineers.

The first of the Debney brothers to enlist, George was the eldest son, born 16/01/1910. He enlisted in the early days of the war on 03/11/1939 and was posted to 2/1st Field Workshop.

Initially serving in Tobruk, the workshop unit was divided into small sections and scattered about the waddies so that if one section was blown up the unit could still function. This was preferable to having the unit in one area and a target for the German planes to immobilise the much-needed equipment and skilled tradesmen to repair tanks, vehicles and guns. They had no planes and the German planes would dive out of the sun making them very hard to see. Tobruk was known for the daily bombing of the harbour, the Australian infantry grit, the British “bush” artillery and the tank workshops where holes were patched, blood was hosed out and the tank returned to service. George was instrumental in this tank work, no doubt due to his time served training in England on British tanks.

Not long after Tobruk, George suffered from meningitis and was isolated in a British hospital. George was paralysed down the right side and was told that he would never walk again - but he defied these predictions thanks to his fighting spirit and a Polish masseuse who did a marvellous job getting his strength and mobility back again. Such was George’s skill, when the infection had passed, a fellow soldier would visit and sit at his bedside taking notes on repairing and maintenance of the Rolls Royce Merlin tank engines.

When George returned to his unit, forces were under General Montgomery for the big push west against General Rommel and the AIF convoy drove west to El Alamein. The men of 2/1st Workshop were responsible for keeping the vehicles moving. The three brothers – George, Harry and Douglas – were together again.

By this time, the Japanese were in the war so eventually the 9th Division was brought back to Australia. The war in the Pacific was different from fighting in the desert and the 2/1st Field Workshop was divided up into smaller units with George being transferred to the 2/118 Australian Brigade Workshop. George served in Milne Bay, Port Moresby and Finschhaffen. He was involved with the 9th Division landings at Scarlett Beach in New Guinea; in the 2nd wave.

The 9th division returned to Queensland’s tableland area and were regrouping for the landing in Borneo and many older troops were downgraded medically. George was one of these. He was discharged on 18/11/1944.

Upon his return to Australia, he married Dulcie Jean Olsen and they had four children. George had returned with malaria, and this troubled him for many years after the war. Jungle warfare and the climate in New Guinea were detrimental to his health, especially the muscles which had been damaged by the paralysis with meningitis.

George Debney died in Nambour on 20/07/1963. As was the case with many World War Two veterans, he died young.

Postcript: On 17/04/1942, the father of George, Douglas and Harry, Lieutenant Douglas Debney Q224671 enlisted in the Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) as a way of “doing his bit” at home.

Lest we Forget

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On November 11th we remembered those who lost their lives in wars.

Remembrance Day services took place in many places in the region, including Cannonvale, Bowen and Proserpine.

At the Cannonvale Remembrance Day service almost 50 were in attendance including Mayor Ry Collins, Councillor Clay Bauman, and Councillor Jan Clifford.

Treasurer of Airlie Beach – Whitsunday Sub Branch John Schweitzer spoke on half of the president.

“Today was originally attempted to mark the ending of World War One, the war to end all wars,” he said.

“However, our history has shown World War One was not the war to end all wars.

“Today, we remember not only those during World War One, but all the servicemen and servicewomen we lost and were injured during all wars.

“When you remember those no longer with us don't remember them as older veterans with a bunch of medals, remember them as young soldiers, airmen and sailors full of life with a smile on their face.

“We also ask you to spare a thought to all families left at home while their loved ones are serving in some country on the other side of the world.”

Social Pics
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Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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There are four new faces on the Bowen Tourism and Business (BTB) committee. Erika Schmid, Bernie Mackie, Jilly Paddon and Amanda Brockbank joined the committee at last week’s Annual General Meeting held at the Big Mango. The other committee members are Jenn Honnery, Chloe Bauer, Michelle O’Regan and Natalie Lydom.

Jenn Honnery will remain as chair of the organisation.

In her report, Jenn thanked the staff and the volunteers for their dedication, hard work and passion and she thanked the outgoing committee members.

She said BTB was in a very strong financial position and that the team had welcomed a record number of visitors in the past financial year.

More than 56,000 visitors were welcomed at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre on the Bruce Highway and the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach – representing more than 150 people every day.

“The revenue we raise through selling merchandise at the Visitor Information Centre, membership, and the funding from Whitsunday Regional Council is invested directly back into the community through our ongoing marketing efforts,” she said.

“In June 2024, we sponsored a full 30-minute episode of Queensland Weekender, taking viewers on a journey through Bowen and Collinsville.

“We are proud to continue to promote Bowen as a holiday destination through television, radio, print and digital channel.”

More than 60 people attended the AGM and this was followed by a night of networking with music provided by Kim-Maree.

The new committee also met after the AGM and elected the executive for 2024/25.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Michelle Wright is pictured with the Bowen Tourism and Business committee for 2024/25 - Jenn Honnery (Chair), Erika Schmid, Bernie Mackie, Jilly Paddon, Leanne Abernethy (Manager and secretary), Chloe Bauer (Treasurer), Natalie Lydom (Deputy Chair), Michelle O'Regan and Amanda Brockbank. Photo supplied

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Long-awaited works have finally begun at Hamilton Plains, located between Proserpine and Strathdickie Road.

Shute Harbour Road is the only major route connecting the Bruce Highway and Proserpine to the Whitsunday townships of Cannonvale, Airlie Beach, Jubilee Pocket, and the port of Shute Harbour. This key road runs through Hamilton Plains, a flood-prone, low-lying area that frequently experiences closures following heavy rainfall.

The project aims to enhance the flood resilience of this section of road by raising its level and increasing the capacity of culverts. These improvements will help floodwaters drain more quickly and efficiently, reducing the likelihood of road closures during wet weather.

The project was secured through funding championed by Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox during his time as Mayor in 2019. However, until now, no work had been done, leaving residents of Cannonvale and Airlie Beach, for the most part, cut off whenever heavy rainfall impacted the area.

“The funding for this project, which I secured as Mayor from the Coalition federal government in 2019, has been sat on for too long by the State Labor government,” Mr Willcox stated in a Facebook post.

“Advice from Queensland Transport and Main Roads is pre construction was set to take place from 28th October to late December 2024, weather permitting,” he added.

Amanda Camm, MP also remains dedicated to ensuring the successful delivery of this project, after having advocatedfor it since 2019. She has emphasised its importance for the community's safety, especially with the wet and disaster season fast approaching:

“Once this project has been completed it will provide minimal disruption during wet season especially for school goers and commuters who travel for work between the towns preventing the roads being cut off.

“Just prior to the election it was announced that the Government advised they will start the flood immunity upgrade.”

As Amanda has only just been sworn in, she will be requesting a briefing on the project as to how it is progressing and to receive more details from the Department including a time frame on the project.

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Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox

Amanda Camm, MP

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Beautiful, affectionate and smoochy Tigger loves attention and cuddles. This bundle of joy came into the care of Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue after sadly being abandoned.

Whilst Tigger can be a little shy at first, once he is comfortable with you, he is the most loving boy and will want lots of your affection.

Tigger is great with children and is toilet trained, he also has been desexed, microchipped and vaccinated, so is ready to go to his loving home.

Do you think Tigger would be a great addition to your family? Email: bcpri_adoptions@outlook.com with your contact number and email address.

Sex: Male

Age: 12months

Breed: Ragdoll

Adoption fee: $170

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Can you give Tigger a loving home?

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For this year’s Breast and Prostate Cancer Awareness Day the Proserpine Golf Club have seen the wonderful community we have here in the Whitsundays come together and get behind the cause.

Event organiser Noelene Spurway said the community have come through with supporting the event, with many amazing raffle prizes.

“The community has been amazing,” she said.

“Filbys have donated a Cowboys jersey that is signed, I’m going to get it framed so it can be auctioned off, I’ve also had a Broncos jersey donated as well.

“Lots of people have promised me prizes and donations to the raffle, it's been really good.

“Our community rocks!”

The Proserpine Golf Club has held a Breast Cancer Awareness Day in the past but this is the first time the club has combined it with prostate cancer awareness too.

Noelene expresses that most people have been touched by either of these diseases and it’s important to make people aware of them.

One in six men and one in seven women are diagnosed with the diseases and Noelene also understands the importance of getting an early diagnosis.

“In the earlier stages, there is a much better chance of getting that full recovery as opposed to the late diagnosis. So early detection is best,” said Noelene.

With so much community support the Breast and Prostate Cancer Awareness Day is bound to be a great day out.

Best of all, you do not have to be a club member to join in on the fun, everyone is welcome.

What: Breast and Prostate Cancer Awareness Day

Where: Proserpine Golf Club

When: Sunday 24 November, 10am

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