Bowen Orbital Spaceport was officially opened last week, with dignitaries gathered to mark this significant moment in space industry history.

With final approvals and permits pending, Gilmour Space Technologies are closer than ever to an official launch date which will see this Queensland-based company become the first in Australia to launch a locally made rocket into orbit.

Bowen is now one of only three dedicated launch sites globally, chosen for its precise location, 20 degrees south of the equator, ideal for quick efficient transport to space.

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Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor-elect Ry Collins, James and Adam Gilmour Directors of Gilmour Space Technologies, Deputy Premier Cameron Dick and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP. Photo supplied.

“The Sky Is No Longer The Limit!”

It’s been an incredible ride for the Gilmour brothers, James and Adam, who have, over the last 10 years propelled their grassroots Gold Coast based company into the largest space tech company in Australia, now valued at $605 million.

“It is a matter of great satisfaction that within a relatively short space of time, starting out with less than a dozen people, we have grown to be the largest space technology employer in Australia, devoted solely to the manufacturing of rockets and satellites.

“And at the present time employing approximately 194 full time employees,” said James Gilmour.

“We are on the eve of making Australian history at the Bowen Orbital Spaceport!”

Gilmour Space Technologies constructed its 23 metre long, 35 tonnes rocket named Eris in the Gold Coast and it has since been brought up to Bowen where it is being assembled.

From April 29, the Bowen site will be ready for the launch, pending final permits and last-minute testing.

The next significant milestone will be when the rocket is turned into a vertical position which is a symbolically exciting moment for the team.

“We have for so long asked people to imagine what it will look like, now they will actually be able to see it which will bring home the significance and importance if what we’re actually trying to do here,” said James Gilmour.

It is expected that Eris will be launched into low earth orbit within the next two months, its ‘payload’ a G-Sat satellite which will fast track enhanced technology road maps.

Gilmour Space Technologies is working with the Australian Defence Force for one of its early launches.

Considered to be the Fed-Ex of space transport, the rocket is designed to transport items into space and while it is only a one-way trip for Eris, there is already a second rocket in construction, serial number 002, which is expected to be completed in six to nine months.

Our Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, has been a huge supporter of this project since he first worked with the Gilmour brothers in the planning stages when he was Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council.

Since then, he has stayed connected and been a great advocate, eagerly awaiting the big day when Bowen will become the site of the first rocket launch in the country.

“This is good for my electorate and great for Australia!” said Mr Willcox.

“I’ve been down to their head office and witnessed their tech first-hand – it’s incredible! They’ve invented a propulsion system which is world leading and now there is a whole industry being created here that offers technical, higher paid jobs, which is a real boost for the community.”

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Dignitaries and stakeholders celebrating the official opening last week. Photo supplied
Bowen Orbital Spaceport. Photo supplied
Eris is 23 metres long and weighs 35 tonnes. Photo supplied

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Space Tech Company
Immersed In Region

Investing in both the community and the Whitsunday way of life, James Gilmour is in the process of moving to Bowen and looks forward to continuing to build his team in the region.

“At the moment we have between eight and 10 employees based locally and we are looking to increase that by the end of the year,” he explained.

“We are focussed on the intention to work with the community and want local businesses to grow with us. So far, we have injected well over $10 million into the community and have worked with many local manufacturers. We’ve also developed supply chains and have ongoing operations within the region.”

Another central part of the Gilmour brothers’ ethos is connecting the country with the sky and since the company’s inception they have worked closely with the local Juru Traditional Landowners.

“The site has its foundation on the land of the Juru people and acknowledging this has been fundamentally important since day one,” said Mr Gilmour.

“We don’t want to be remembered for our words but for our deeds.”

To reflect this, Juru Elder Trevor Prior conducted a smoking ceremony to welcome guests at the official opening of the Bowen Orbital Spaceport last week.

There is also a ‘mission patch’, which is a sign on the west side of the main building, which depicts the theme “from country to sky”, respectfully acknowledging the Juru.

With the launch set to take place within the coming months, community members will be able to witness the moment firsthand from several local vantage points.

These include Flagstaff Hill, Queens Beach and Greys Bay.

“Safety is a top priority during a launch campaign,” explained Mr Gilmour.

“We’re going to have safety zones in place during the launch and public information will soon be available on our website with viewing locations and safety guides.”

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Juru Elder Trevor Prior conducted the smoking ceremony at the official opening of the Bowen Orbital Spaceport last week. Photo supplied

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Hi Everyone!

How cool is it that a rocket ship is about to blast off into space from our region?

I am so excited to see this incredible project finally take-off (literally!) and I think it will be a game changer for not only Bowen, but our entire region.

It will invigorate a new stream of tourism, create a bunch of highly-skilled jobs and put Bowen on the map both nationally and globally.

I was chatting with our Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, earlier this week and he is absolutely pumped to see a project that he first supported when he was Whitsunday Mayor, finally come to fruition.

I also had the opportunity to talk to the Director and Founder of Gilmour Space Technologies, James Gilmour, this week and it was great to hear that he loves the region as much as we do – in fact he is in the process of moving to Bowen!

For somebody so incredibly intelligent and innovative, a leader of the biggest space tech company in Australia, James is a really down to earth guy and easy to talk with.

10 years ago, he started the company with just 12 staff and it now employs almost 200 people and is worth $605 million – what a ride it must have all been for him and his brother Adam!

What I really liked about James when I spoke to him is that Bowen is not just somewhere with the right geography for his Orbital Spaceport, it is also somewhere he loves and a place he wants to immerse himself.

Wherever possible he uses local suppliers, he has already invested more than $10 million in the town and works closely with the Juru Traditional Landowners.

For him, doing business is more than just numbers, ambition and results – it’s about a deeper meaning, creating a legacy and bringing everyone along for the ride!

Rach

Quote of the Week: “We’re here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise, why else even be here?” (Steve Jobs)

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Having always seen other people post about their experiences of random acts of kindness on our local community chat sites, Madeline Mullet was thrilled to finally make a post of her own this week.

The last thing Madeline Mullet expected during her Bunnings shop was a heart-warming gesture, which left her with a desire to express her gratitude.

Whilst at the Bunnings register with her young boy, Haines, the Bunnings worker handed Haines a stuffed toy ‘just because she felt like it’.

“I’m really unsure of her name. I was so caught-up in the moment and overwhelmed with her kindness that I really didn’t take note,” said Madeline.

“Not only have you made his day, but you’ve made ours!

“Kindness is absolutely free, it’s the small things that really make a difference, we are so grateful to be a part of such a kind community.”

Madeleine also expressed that kindness does not just affect the two involved.

“It benefits, the person who’s giving it, the receiver and also the observer because I know if I saw someone do something like that it would have just as much an impact on me as it would if I was the one receiving it,” she added.

Madeline expressed her thanks on a Facebook post made to the Whitsundays Chat group, the post has now reached over 350 likes.

She hopes the Bunnings worker sees it and knows how much her and her child are grateful.

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Haines and his new stuffed toy. Photo supplied

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Everyone fears waking up in the middle of the night to a creature crawling across your body, or the feeling of it creeping its way across the back of your neck.

For unlucky resident, Zack Hinschen, that’s exactly what happened, but it wasn’t a spider like many my think.

“I awoke to something landing on the back of my shirt collar, on my neck,” Zack said.

“I went to grab it and felt a hard insect of some sort, had a little panic, slipped off my shirt and then reached for my phone to get some light.

“My initial thought was a leaf insect or grasshopper, but I was a bit shocked to see a scorpion.”

After putting it in a container, Zack spent the next hour checking to guarantee it was still inside.

In the morning, and after seeing it in the daylight he was no longer scared and infact, began to pity the insect.

“I felt bad for it and let it go in the bush, beside the yard,” he explained.

The scorpion found was likely a Rainforest Scorpion which are commonly found in Queensland rainforests.

The scorpion is venomous and, if a human gets stung they can expect to be in some pain for a few hours, but it is not fatal.

Zack was lucky not to be stung that fateful night.

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Scorpion captured by Zack Hinschen. Photo supplied

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In line with the Easter holidays Council is working on upgrading 655 meters of sewerage system running underground near Proserpine State High School

Smart planning from Council allows them to work in the school grounds during the Easter break.

The project kicked off last week with the underbore under Renwick Road.

This project has several critical time components to ensure minimal disruption to the two school properties and to the Renwick Road drainage works being undertaken by the internal roads and drainage delivery team.

Early and consistent stakeholder engagement has been a crucial aspect of this project and will continue to be a major focus as work continues through the school grounds over the Easter Break.

Upgrading the existing sewer rising main will eliminate the capacity constraint at this pump station to minimise the risk of sewage overflow and support the future growth of the area.

The upgrade spans from the Renwick Road Sewage Pump Station on Chapman Street to Marathon Street in Proserpine.

The project has an estimated total cost of $885,000 and is expected to be completed in May 2024.

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Sewage work being completed in Proserpine: Image supplied

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Hamilton Island announced this week that it will no longer accept cash, a controversial  move that has seen many customers reeling at the thought of extra fees and charges while on holiday.

The issue made national news, with some holiday makers saying they will boycott the island and vowing never to visit again.

One social media post said, “Everybody should boycott it, nobody go there and see how long it lasts”.

Another said, “Goodbye Hamilton Island! Never again!”

“Sorry Hamilton Island, have had to cancel my trip as I can't stand for a cashless society,” said another.

Hamilton Island released a statement earlier this week saying that while it operates a cashless environment, it also remains committed to providing convenient and secure payment options for their guests while ensuring operational efficiency within the constraints of the island.

The new cashless policy was communicated through the Island’s website and pre-arrival communications.

For guests preferring cash transactions, deposits and withdrawals can be made using the Bank@Post service at the Australia Post office on Front Street, where cash can be exchanged for pre-paid or top-up Mastercards.

Fee-free card payments can be made via EFTPOS, a 1.25% surcharge only applies to credit and 'tap and go' transactions.

The closure of the bank branch on Hamilton Island in 2021 prompted the transition to a cashless environment, despite efforts to find an alternative banking solution, none were viable.

The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this transition, as concerns arose about the potential transmission of the coronavirus via banknotes.

Following the relaxation of pandemic restrictions, Hamilton Island opted to continue this approach for the following reasons: Health and wellbeing, convenience, and security.

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Photo supplied ; shutterstock

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Significant redevelopment of Lindeman Island is now underway with the announcement last week that a range of trades people are now being employed to work on the island.

The job description called for both skilled and general labourers, carpenters, plasters, painters et cetera.

Applications are open now.

Food, accommodation, and transport to the island are all provided.

The first team on site will be restoring the staff accommodation.

This comes after Singaporean based business, Well Smart, bought the island last year for $10 million.

Well Smart are planning to redevelop the island resort and add a new visitor jetty that is
scheduled to be completed by 2025.

Redevelopment of the resort includes the refurbishment of 210 rooms, restaurant, bar, pool, spa and gym, an event space, the provision of two 19-metre catamarans that will act as ferries, a solar farm, nine-hole golf course and accommodation for 200 staff.

Originally closing in 2012, after receiving significant damage from Cyclone Yasi in 2011, the new owners are now looking to return Lindeman Island to its former glory.

As the most southern of the Whitsunday Islands, Lindeman is a tropical paradise.

Lindeman Island also has many beaches, perfect for snorkelling or relaxing and the surrounding uninhabited islands can be accessed when seeking more privacy.

Humpback whales can be seen from shore and dolphins are frequently found playing near the shore.

The resort takes up a small part of the island, the surrounding land provides 19 kilometres of walking trails to be explored.

With several Whitsunday resort islands having closed in recent years, this reopening is a promising sight and it is expected to increase tourism to the Whitsunday region.

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An aerial view of Lindeman Island: Photo supplied

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The Queensland Police Service has announced new police officer growth allocations for the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Region.

A total of 20 extra police positions have been allocated to the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Region this financial year with academy training and recruitment efforts at record levels.

With over 500 police recruits currently at the Queensland’s Police Academies and almost 2,000 applicants in the police recruit pipeline, the Queensland Police Service is seeing its largest training and recruitment program in its history.

It is expected that over 350 new police constables will be sworn into the Queensland Police Service over the next three months.

In addition, 28 new police vehicles have been allocated to Central Region, 17 of which have been allocated to Mackay Whitsunday District (vehicle allocation includes Bowen, Clermont, Mackay, Moranbah, Sarina, and Whitsunday).

Premier Steven Miles said “With this uplift, an extra 20 police will be recruited to the Mackay and Whitsunday region by mid-next year as part of our record boost to the frontline”.

“Queenslanders tell me they want to see more police in their communities – my government is listening and delivering.”

Mackay and Whitsundays District Officer Superintendent Graeme Paine ensures that safety is of high importance.  

“Community safety is at the core of our values and these additional frontline and specialised officers combined with extra resources will bolster these efforts,” he said.

“Local residents can rest assured these officers will work hard to support and protect their community with a focus on preventing, disrupting and investigating crime.”

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This week, the Whitsunday Healthy Heart (WHH) project continued its good work with a new online workshop that inspired attendees to reduce the carbon footprint of their businesses.

Participants were taught how to implement sustainability principles into their
business, manage risks and get recognised for their efforts through innovative marketing tips.

The WHH Project is part of the Reef Islands Initiative, the largest reef habitat rehabilitation project of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

One of the key project activities is to assist the tourism sector to identify and measure their greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting activities within their operations.

Since 2021, 29 tourism businesses have completed measuring their GHG emissions and received their baseline GHG emissions footprint.

Climate Change Resilience Officer at Whitsunday Regional Council, Lee Hawkins said, “It is crucial that operators measure their business’s footprint.”

“What is measured can be managed. It allows targeted reductions in emissions and helps identify the source of emissions in each business operation,” she said.

At the end of March 2024, a total of 30,216 tonnes of CO2-e (carbon dioxide equivalents) emissions had been measured by tourism businesses, including Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions (waste only).

Scope 1 emissions are direct GHG from sources such as fuel combustion, in ships, cars and gas appliances.

Scope 2 emissions are indirect GHG emissions such as those associated with the purchase of electricity.

The project provides an opportunity for engaged partners within the local tourism sector to set higher and more ambitious targets for climate change mitigation, therefore
improving the health of our reef and leading the region in achieving a zero net emissions target by 2050.

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Great Barrier Reef. Photo supplied

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The notoriously treacherous stretch of road which floods quickly whenever there is significant rainfall, is now open to a community petition which is set to appeal for works to urgently commence after another lengthy wet season.

Hamilton Plains is the main arterial road which connects the townships of Airlie Beach and Proserpine, cutting the entire population of the Greater Airlie Beach off from both the local hospital and airport whenever it floods, which is several times a year.

In 2019 a total of $21 million, jointly funded by the Federal and State Government, was allocated to establish flood immunity For Hamilton Plains.

Transport and Main Roads approved the design phase of the project in June last year, with plans to raise the road levels and increase culvert capacity to enable flood waters to drain away more easily and quickly.

Despite the plans and funding in-place, there has been no movement on the upgrades, a hold-up that infuriates local Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP.

“We’ve had another wet season whereby the residents of the Whitsundays have once again felt the impacts of Hamilton Plains flooding, delaying emergency services, families, students and tourists from their daily activities,” Ms Camm stated.

“Every day that passes with the delay of this project delivers nothing but inconvenience, economic loss and puts our community at risk.

“I am calling on the Whitsunday community to send the Government a message because regional roads matter and deserve to be a priority.”

Ms Camm asks residents to sign a petition to show their support for upgrades and express their main concerns.

Residents are encouraged to visit nodelays.com.au to complete a short online form.

Alternatively, Ms Camm is now holding mobile offices across the electorate so the community can have their say on Hamilton Plains and other issues important to them.

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Mobile Offices

Lumos Café
Friday April 12
11am -12pm

Centro (Whit Plaza)
Saturday April 13
9am – 1pm

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP is calling for upgrades to begin on Hamilton Plains flood immunity. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Curtains are about to open for the much-anticipated Proserpine State High School ‘rock opera’, ‘Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’.
 
The big event includes four shows from April 18-20 at the school’s impressive Performing Arts Centre, with catering of delicious food and chilled beverages at all shows.
 
This entirely student-run production is led by the school’s Seagrass Theatre and Music Company, which is comprised of students from Year 7-12 who do everything from performing on stage to behind-the-scenes directing, producing, designing, technical and playing the music. 
 
This year’s production also comprises a 26-piece orchestra who are sure to ignite audiences with their performances of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice classic songs such as “Any Dream Will Do” and “Song of the King”. 
 
Student Producer and Head of Promotions, Allegra Bradley, said the entire cast and crew are excited to share their hard work with audiences.
 
“We’re less than two weeks away and you can feel the excitement is building amongst us all to perform,” Allegra said.
 
“It’s going to be humorous - colourful, bright, and light-hearted.”
 
With preparations beginning in October last year, the cast and orchestra have been diligent with rehearsals and honing their staging, sound, lighting and scenography skills. 
 
Following a hugely successful production of last year’s musical, ‘Sweet Charity’, which was sold-out every night, Allegra is hoping this years’ response will be the same as it is a show audiences will really enjoy.

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WHAT: Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
WHERE: Proserpine State High School Performing Arts Centre
WHEN: 18, 19, 20 April from 7:30pm & 20 April at 1:00pm
TICKETS: Adults $30, Concession $24

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The LNP has offered in-principle support for a range of projects crucial to Bowen ahead of the state election later this year.

Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie was in town earlier this month to outline the party’s stance on several projects at the Bowen Chamber of Commerce's monthly meeting.

Issues included Bowen Hospital, the jetty, harbour redevelopment, Whitsunday Shores estate, Abbott Point industrial estate and the Bowen Water Scheme project from Home Hill to Bowen.

These were all flagged by the LNP for action and given the party's in-principle support should it be returned to office at this year's state election.

Mr Bleijie said the party would focus on the town's housing crisis, crime, the cost of living, interest rates, grocery costs, fuel, and the costs of doing business.

"Absolutely, we support the jetty upgrade, and we will put pressure on the Government to get the $50 million promised" for that upgrade, though Mr Bleijie said it was still unclear whether that money was truly available.

He also backed a planned marina upgrade for the town, which he said was being delayed by Transport and Main Roads department, denying the town a facility "which will do us proud".

Mr Bleijie said the LNP was supportive of the proposed Home Hill to Bowen water scheme, a project he said could open up another 55,000ha of land to agriculture.

"We absolutely support it; water is life. It is an absolute necessity." However, he said the LNP had not seen the business case for the project.

Mr Bleijiie said the Whitsunday Paradise estate development, in court action going back to 2022, also needed certainty. He said the project was crucial to retaining people in the area and he claimed that a number of teachers had refused jobs in the town because of the lack of suitable accommodation.

He added that services for the planned estate were a subject of dispute and could be blamed on lack of communication between the State Government and councils leading to cost blowouts, and he said the question of a new funding agreement for local government "needs to be addressed".

During the Chamber of Commerce meeting, Mr Bleijiie was asked a question about the state LNP's  "revolving door" of leaders in recent years, to which he answered he would be proud to go to this year's poll with David Crisafulli as leader after the LNP's gains in the by-elections.

Mr Bleijie said voters were angered by a State Government that he said was no longer listening to them. "Being a leader is listening, and we are listening," he said.

"It is an election I believe will be the most important in the history of the state.

"The mood is changing in Queensland," he said. "We need 13 seats to win."

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State LNP Opposition leader Jarrod Bleijie (right) with (from left) Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor-elect Ry Collins, Bowen Chamber of Commerce chairman Bruce Hedditch, and state member for Burdekin, Dale Last.

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On Tuesday evening around 15 people attended a lively and informative ‘Insurance Explained’ event at The Reef Gateway Hotel in Cannonvale.

Attendees had the chance to listen to and interact with three industry experts from a range of fields - the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, Insurance Council Australia, and the Office of Queensland Small Business Commissioner.

Senior Ombudsman, Chris Liamos from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority gave people an understanding of what the Australian Financial Complaints Authority do, what type of complaints they deal with and how they go about resolving them.

General Manager, Regulatory and Consumer Policy of Insurance Council Australia, Alexandra Hordern, said “Insurance is often a critical precondition to doing business.”

“It is important that all business owners understand the risks facing their business and how to mitigate those to the best of their ability.

“It is also important to have good relationships with insurance brokers and insurers, so that business owners are able to clearly articulate their needs and risk management practices.”

Peter Maddock, Director Assistance for Office of Queensland Small Business Commissioner said that many small businesses rely on insurance claims to be finalised.

“We’re about helping small businesses gain access after disasters,” Peter added.

Peter also offered practical tips to people in attendance about this, he said he understands how to help others from his prior experience.

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Guest speakers Chris Liamos, Alexandra Hordern and Peter Maddock.  Photo credit Daniel Heggie

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The latest Get Set For Work Program drew to a close last month with five out of the nine participants graduating from the 10 week program.

Program Coordinator Scott Lynch said, although this is not the highest number of graduates to date, he is proud of each individual and positive about all their futures.

He added the three that did not graduate left the program early due to personal reasons or they found a job.

Standout graduate was a young man that secured a butcher’s apprenticeship and Scott said “Anytime somebody gets an apprenticeship that’s a huge outcome.”

The next intake, starting on April 15, will be the sixth intake since the program started in November 2022.

There are 12 participants already registered in the next intake.

The Get Set For Work program is dedicated to helping children aged between 15 and 19 who are no longer enrolled in school.

The program aims to nurture their attributes and keeps them accountable to positive long-term goals away from the confinements of school.

“Across the 10 weeks, we put them through a list of comprehensive training, and get them much more employable,” said Scott.

“We help participants build resumes, cover letters, we help them obtain industry entry level certifications, so things like construction white cards and responsible service of alcohol.”

The program operates through the Whitsunday PCYC, and Branch Manager, Billy Li, said he is proud of the program’s diversity.

“Our program exposes them to different kinds of industries, we get hospitality, they go to Cruise Whitsunday, we take them to the islands, the prawn farm or barramundi farm,” said Billy.

The program also helps the disengaged children stay on the right path.

“We have a quite a high chance of them just going down the wrong path as well, you know, by them actually, seeking employment they can redirect their focus on doing something that is very constructive,” he added.

Scott Lynch runs the program alongside Youth Worker, Declan Coull, and they welcome volunteers that enjoy working with young people.

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Get Set To Work Graduates with Declan Coull, Scott Lynch and Billy Li
Photo supplied

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The Whitsunday Regional Council is hosting a Come N Try event in Bowen next weekend and the whole community is invited to come along and have some fun.

The Come N Try event is designed to bring people together, improve overall physical fitness and inspire positive mental health by providing a fun and easy way to try out a new activity with others!

The event encourages all ages to get outdoors and try new activities while having social interactions and exercise.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said this would be a great event for families, both visitors and locals alike.

“We appreciate Whitsunday Regional Council hosting events like this in Bowen,” Leanne said.
 
“The program includes a diverse range of activities and all should be lots of fun.”

Test your skills on the giant obstacle course that’s filled with challenges and obstacles for the ultimate adrenaline rush, and then cool down on the Slip N Slide which is perfect for the warm Autumn days.

Or relax on the scenic train ride around the Bowen Foreshore.

There will also be wildlife encounters, arts and crafts activities, a wellbeing workshop, sports workshop and a chill zone, perfect for lawn games, music and a reading corner.

“We encourage people to travel to Bowen for this event, take the opportunity to spend the rest of the day checking out our many other attractions including our beaches, lookouts, historic jetty, bushwalks, Summergarden Cinema, and of course, the Big Mango,” Leanne added.

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WHAT: Come N Try Bowen
WHERE: Bowen Foreshore - Santa Barbara Parade
WHEN: Sunday 21 April, 10am-1pm

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