A passionate group of community members are celebrating a game-changing accreditation this week with the confirmation that the Whitsundays is now formally recognised as a Whale Heritage Site.

The Whitsundays is the first Whale Heritage Site to be declared in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the only site in the world to be in a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

This significant breakthrough came about as a result of a dedicated locally-active community program by Whales of the Whitsundays (WoW) a group which advocates for the importance of our region for humpback whales to calve.

World Cetacean Alliance formally announced the news earlier this week and WoW are thrilled with a certification that will put the Whitsundays even more on the map.

The only other designated site in Australia is in Hervey Bay and WoW Program President, Olivia Brodhurst, said they are excited for the Whitsundays to join Hervey Bay and the nine other designated Whale Heritage Sites in the world.

“The Whitsundays with its beautiful fringing reef and calm, protected waters and 75 islands are clearly the chosen calving grounds for these majestic mammals migrating from the Antarctic,” Ms Brodhurst said.

She added that the group is committed to ensure the harmonious co-existence of whales and the vibrant tourism industry operating in the Whitsundays Whale Heritage Site.

“Continuing to raise awareness to ensure protection of whales is incredibly important, not only directly for the animals, but also for increasing stewardship of the environment,”Ms Brodhurst explained.

“Whales are the kind of species that people connect with, are in awe of, and will make lasting changes to protect”.

WoW holds annual community events including the Welcome Whale Event, a cultural celebration of the start of Whale Season in the Whitsundays.

This year’s event will be on the 14th of June at the Airlie Beach Foreshore and is expected to be a unifying and breathtaking dive into the world of whales.

WoW liaises with leading citizen science programs and provides educational opportunities for local tourism operators and members of the public to provide vital research on humpback whales, including collecting whale song using hydrophones.

The Whale Heritage Site program promotes global best practice for destinations with cetaceans (whales, dolphin and porpoises) that champion whales, dolphins, porpoises and their ocean habitats.
The WoW is supported by corporate sponsors Coral Sea Marina, Cruise Whitsundays, Zig Zag, Whitsunday Sailing and NautiLass Apparel.

WHAT: Welcome Whale Event
WHEN: June 14
WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

‍

Whales of the Whitsundays Program Steering Committee members, from Left to Right Deb Duggan, Lindsay Simpson, Robert Congoo, Olivia Brodhurst and Deanna Vierling. Photo supplied

‍

The Whitsunday Regional Council is set to unveil a brand-new bike track, aiming to provide a fun yet challenging experience for local bike riders, scooter enthusiasts and skateboarders.

An investment of $300,000 was poured into the project with the help of Bowen Rail Company. Construction works on the Darcy Munro Park Pump Track in Collinsville will commence on April 2, with stage one of the four-stage circuit expected to be ready for locals both young and old to enjoy by early May.

Bowen Rail Company has fully-funded the first stage of the bike track, with a designed route for users to apply a push-and-pull technique rather than pedalling to make their way over a series of rollers, jumps, and berms. Council will manage the construction works.

Bowen Rail Company General Manager Brendan Lane said, the business was excited to see such a safe, active, fun, and social community asset built for the people of Collinsville.

The funding for the project is part of a 2019 Infrastructure Access Agreement signed with Council for the construction of the Carmichael Rail Network (CRN). The CRN entered operation in early 2022 and connects the Carmichael mine to Aurizon’s Newlands System about 70km south of Collinsville.

“We wanted the construction of the Carmichael Rail Network to leave a positive legacy in Collinsville beyond the significant economic benefits of employing locals and awarding contracts to local businesses, or having rail workers spend their wage in local hotels, stores, and pubs,” Mr Lane said.

“Better playground equipment and new and more diverse activities for older kids were two things that resonated loudly in the 2021 Collinsville Masterplan, and the Pump Track is a perfect fit.”

The beauty of this new addition to Darcy Munro Park is it will be accessible to everyone, young or young at heart, and a toddler on a balance bike will benefit as much as an X-Games superstar.

“We’re deeply grateful for the incredible support we’ve received from Collinsville and the greater Whitsunday region as we’ve built our railway and grown from a start-up to a thriving rail operator.”

“Our team can’t wait to see their friends and family out there shredding around enjoying the Pump Track -and having a crack on it themselves.

Whitsunday Regional Council Capital Program and Network Planning Director Adam Hagy said detailed design of all four stages had been completed, with each adding new levels of challenge. 

“We have the full picture of what the finished product looks like and we’re confident the design will provide fun, challenge, and learning for years to come,” he said

“Naturally, stage one is most suitable for beginners and intermediates to get a foothold as stages two through four come online.

“The timing of stages two through four will be subject to future budgets, and incremental development will ensure the facility grows with the community.”

‍

There will soon be a new pump track in Collinsville. Stock image illustration only

Birdseye view diagram of the Darcy Munro Park Pump Track

Image Supplied

‍

The man accused of killing three family members and wounding a fourth on a remote property in Bogie had his case mentioned in the Bowen Magistrates Court Last week.

In August 2022, 60-year-old Darryl Valroy Young allegedly invited the neighbouring property owners over to the estate’s borderline to discuss a dispute regarding boundaries.

During this conversation, Mr Young allegedly said he was going to "end this once and for all", before allegedly producing a shot gun and firing off five rounds.

Within minutes husband and wife Mervyn and Maree Schwarz along with Ms Schwarz's son Graham Tighe were shot dead.

Ms Schwarz's son Ross Tighe was also shot but managed to escape and drive 40km to call for help.

Last week’s court mention was the first time the police account of the tragedy was presented, and a detailed statement was given about the lead up to the alleged shooting as well as the aftermath.

Police detailed how the families had been involved with a dispute for some time, and there had also been disagreements between Mr Young and the previous owner of Schwarz's Sutherland station.

The court heard how Mr Young phoned Graham Tighe at 7.05pm on August 3, 2022, to arrange a meeting to discuss the recent dispute.

The location of that meeting was the front gate of the defendant's property of Shannonvale.

Later that night, Mr Young allegedly phoned another person, where he allegedly asked someone to help, offering to pay "$500 to do someone in for me".

The hearing also revealed that, despite the fact the weapon was never found, there were shot gun cartridges located at the scene that were allegedly ballistically matched to the one spent cartridge located in the defendant's dwelling and fired from the same gun.

The Bowen Magistrates Court also heard how survivor, Ross Tighe still has a bullet lodged in his body and was suffering from post-traumatic stress.

Mr Young remains in custody while the court case progresses and the defendant has still not yet entered a plea.

‍

Mervyn and Maree Schwarz along with Ms Schwarz's son Graham Tighe were killed in the shooting in August 2022. Photo supplied

‍

Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) is thrilled to announce naming rights sponsors, Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay to 2024’s Airlie Beach Race Week!

Organisers are thrilled to have already received 60 registrations for the 36th annual event, signifying it will be another vibrant regatta this year.

Ocean Dynamics is a perfectly aligned sponsor, the family run luxury charter business demonstrating a love for the ocean and all its vessels.

Carolyn Lewis, director of Ocean Dynamics said, “I am excited to be partnering with the Whitsunday Sailing Club and Mount Gay for Airlie Beach Race Week 2024.
 
“The Lewis family are avid sailors and boating enthusiasts who have competed at Race Week many times in the last 20 years. This year, we look forward to seeing competitors on the water from the spectator and photography vessels,” Lewis said. 

As part of the package, Ocean Dynamics will provide a special spectator vessel for a minimum of three days of the week-long race, for a Whitehaven Beach trip, plus a special competitors’ satchel bag for each boat.

Competitors and volunteers will receive a cap each, with special giveaways in competitor bags and special bottles of Mount Gay rum awarded at the official prizegiving.  
  
“Mount Gay Rum is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of the Airlie Beach Race Week, solidifying our commitment to the vibrant sailing community of Australia.

“As one of the most esteemed and picturesque sailing events in the country, it perfectly embodies the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that Mount Gay Rum stands for,” said Stefano Redo, Mount Gay Australia Brand Manager.
  
Whitsunday Sailing Club, which last year unveiled its new clubhouse and facilities, has made major changes this year and Club President Terry Archer said he is thrilled to welcome new competitors and visitors to the new premises. 
 
“We’ve also put together a new regatta team with a mix of volunteers and club staff to fine-tune the great regatta that we’ve been organising for the past 36 years. This team has achieved amazing results. 
 
“We’ve also launched a new website where prospective competitors can enter online and download the Notice of Race,” Archer ended. 
 
Among entries already received is Paul Mitchell’s Extreme 40, Ullman Sails. The Airlie local is one of the most prolific winners (including last year) and he is a continuing support sponsor of the regatta with Ullman Sails. 
 
Mitchell says, “You have to support your local club and event where you can.” 
 
Mitchell keeps busy between family, work and sailing: “I’m taking my boat to Brisbane for the Moreton Bay Multihull Regatta, then I’m doing a J/70 regatta in Italy in June and then Airlie Beach Race Week,” says the sailor who will also contest the J/70 State and National Championships in Victoria in November. 
 
He says of Race Week, “I like racing at home, it’s easy and the competition is always good in the multis.”
 
With limited marina berthing available, WSC urges prospective competitors to get in early. 
  
  
By Di Pearson/WSC media 

‍

A lot of changes at ABRW this year but the beautiful scenery and great racing remain

Nothing rivals sailing at ABRW

The scene at ABRW this year will include red Mount Gay caps on heads

Photo Credit: Andrea Francolini and Vampp PhotographyJPG

‍

‍

Australian music royalty, Kylie Minogue touched down in the Whitsundays over the weekend, choosing to enjoy a much-needed mini-break in our beautiful region.

In the middle of her Las Vegas Residency entitled, ‘More Than Just A Residency’, Kylie decided to fly back to her home country, posting photos of herself at 5-star luxury resort qualia on Hamilton Island.

The 55-year-old singer was seen to be enjoying the views wearing a red bikini and white combat pants, indulging in a bottle of her own branded sparkling Rose wine.

‍

Kylie Minogue posted was in the Whitsundays this weekend. Photo credit: Instagram

‍

One of our favourite local real estate agents is celebrating this week with the news that they have once again claimed a sweep of prizes at the Rate My Agents Award.

Taylors Property Specialists took home five top gongs for the regions of Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Cannon Valley, Strathdickie and Jubilee Pocket.

One of their star Property Specialists, Mel Butcher, was also the recipient of the prestigious Real Estate Agent of the Year Award for Cannonvale.

This is the fifth time in her seven-year career that she has received this award and Mel says she is thrilled to bring it home once again this year.

The fact that the awards are all people’s choice and derived from personal testimonials, makes them even more special to her.

“I love these awards because they’re all the result of people taking the time to write a review,” she said.

“If people make the effort to do that, it shows they really appreciated the effort we made and the overall experience with Taylors.”

Personally reading each of the 143 reviews, Mel said that a common theme with her service was that clients loved her energy, compassion, enthusiasm and the fact that she always went the extra mile.

Beginning in the industry seven years ago, Mel initially went for a property management role but was instantly diverted to a sales position due to her lively personality.

She has since been working directly alongside Taylors Property Specialist Principal Agent, Rob Taylor, who has personally mentored her.

“I’ve been fortunate to always work alongside Rob,” said Mel.

“He’s a good mentor and a good leader, I’ve been very lucky.”

“I would like to thank everyone I work with, all our supporters and the many people we reach that put their trust in us to deliver.”

Taylors Property Specialists opened its doors almost six years ago, with a team of 5 individuals.

It has now expanded to a team of 18 and a large office space that includes a dedicated auction room.

Over the last 12 months, Taylors has sold 195 properties in our region.

‍

The dynamic team at Taylors Property Specialists. Photo supplied

‍

Returning for its 12 year, the award-winning Airlie Beach Festival of Music has released its first line-up, announcing a host of iconic names that will grace the main-stage at the big top tent located at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

Renowned as one of the most picturesque and inspiring festival locations, festivalgoers enjoy a four day event to the back-drop of the stunning Coral Sea.

There are also dozens of break-off live music gigs held at venues right across the town and featuring a range of talented artists – the whole of Airlie Beach comes alive with music!

For over a decade the Airlie Beach Music Festival has been raising the bar for local events in the region, and 2024 will once again be reaching for the stars with the first release of names already tantalising ticket buyers.

Household names such as Sweet, Jebediah, Thirsty Merc, Christine Anu, Pseudo Echo, Ash Grunwald, Bondi Cigars, 19-Twenty, and Avalanche have been announced, with many more expected to follow.  

All the way from the UK and making their debut in North Queensland, Glam Rock legends Sweet will bring their iconic hits like "Fox On The Run" and "Ballroom Blitz" to the tropical paradise, promising an unforgettable performance.

The band are beyond eager to come, saying "We can’t wait to play The Airlie Beach Music Festival, it's going to be the highlight of our Australian Tour!" 
 
Australian favourites Thirsty Merc, unquestionably one of Australia’s finest live acts, having released four critically acclaimed albums and having over 250,000 album sales under their belt and Christine Anu, one of Australia’s most popular recording artists and performers, are also set to captivate audiences with their timeless hits.

Reflecting on her return to the region, Christine Anu expressed her excitement, stating, "The Whitsundays region is such a beautiful part of the country, and I cannot wait to come and play for you all at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music this year!"

Also joining the lineup is Australian New-Wave icons Pseudo Echo, who helped pioneer the 80's down under and still continue to be one of Australia's leading recording and touring acts.  
 
Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton expressed his enthusiasm for the festival and the draw card it creates for The Whitsundays. 
 
“The Airlie Beach Festival of Music is a fixture in many people’s calendars, a music festival that takes in an entire town and overlooks the magnificent Whitsunday Islands is an easy yes when deciding what festivals to attend,” he said. 
 
“We’re looking forward to a big festival this year in celebration of 12 years. It’s a credit to the organising committee that this event has endured all these years.”  
​​
Tickets for the Airlie Beach Festival of Music are on sale now, starting at only $310 including entry to the Thursday pre-party and Monday post-party in Airlie Beach.

Given the festival's popularity, accommodation is expected to sell out quickly, so attendees are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

For more information or for tickets to the 2024 festival from November 8-10, visit www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au, and follow @airliebeachfestivalofmusic on Facebook and Instagram. 

‍

WHAT: Airlie Beach Festival of Music
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club
WHEN: November 8-10
TICKETS: airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au

‍

Airlie Beach Festival of Music main stage is located in the big top tent to the backdrop of the Coral Sea. Photo credit: Bailey Simmons

Expect large crowds and an unforgettable party atmosphere: Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes

Ash Grunwald is among the names announced on the line-ups first release. Photo supplied

‍

The Rotary Club of Bowen are creating and opening up little libraries as part of their goals for the year.

Current President Helen Woodhouse, who has been President for six years, said one of her goals was to have little libraries all over Bowen.

Little Libraries are small, bird house-looking, honour-based enclosures.

The concept is people take a book and leave a book, some even have donation boxes.

Helen wanted to create them as she believes it is important for children to read books.  

There are currently 4500 registered little libraries in Australia and Helen has decided to make five more in Bowen.

Helen is working alongside fellow Rotarian, Marty Tanzer, who is the creator of the little libraries.

He has already built three and will build two more for a total of five.

This project was a goal that was attainable for the Rotary to complete.

‘It’s something we could do with the small membership numbers,’ said Helen.

Other goals included, increasing their membership by one or two, to be more active and raise the profile of the Rotary and to encourage members to travel to the district conference.

Helen is grateful and eager to share what they have achieved with the community and the Rotary Club of Bowen are awaiting signage to arrive before opening the libraries.

If you would like to join this small and friendly team, please reach out to them on Facebook to find out how you can get involved.

‍

Little libraries are gaining popularity in Australia
Stock image

‍

Chaz
Height: 6’4
Age: 15
Position: Centre, Power Forward

Liam
Height: 6’2
Age: 16
Position: Small Forward, Shooting Guard

Two local boys are celebrating a once in a generation sporting achievement, with both junior athletes recently selected to play in their respective Northern Region School Sport (NRSS) Basketball teams.

16-year-old Liam Steen is now playing in the Under 19’s team and his sporting buddy, 15-year-old Chaz Calder is in the Under 16 squad.

Both boys were awarded their place within a week of each other and have since found out how long it has been since a Whitsunday local achieved a similar level when vying against highly-competitive Townsville players.

Beating almost 50 other competitors to secure their position, the two youngsters said they are thrilled to have been accepted and excited about what the future might hold.

The two boys developed a strong friendship on the court when they realised they were both equally talented and skilled at playing basketball.

Liam has been playing basketball for two and a half years, and Chaz, started at the beginning of 2022 when his parents purchased a hoop for their yard.

Since the basketball first touched their hands, they’ve both been playing as much as possible every day since, which is a key reason to their success.

Liam, who also recently played for the Under 23 Mackay Meteors at an intercity tournament in Rockhampton, said he tried out for the NRSS team last year but was unsuccessful and went back this year hoping to get in.

“I was disappointed when I just missed out on last year's trials so thought I had a good chance this year,” he said.
  
Chaz also played well and said he tried to be as confident as he could so that he was noticed by the scouts.

“It was mainly just skill and outplaying the other people that were there,” he said.

Although in different age groups, the boys play together most days, meeting at training sessions and connecting over basketball and then carpooling to trainings together.

Chaz plays in his first NRSS game in Cairns on Wednesday 8 May and Liam’s is on Wednesday 22 May in Townsville.

Once they’ve competed at this level there is a chance they could be picked for the Queensland School Sports Team, which is what both boys are hoping for.

After school both of them have an idea of their futures.

Liam wants to go into finance or sport and Chaz wants to help people and become a police officer.

‍

Liam Steen (left) and Chaz Calder (right) - Photo credit: Rachael Smith

‍

It’s been another busy week for businesses in the region, preparing for the lead up to Easter and the school holidays. Cyclone Megan was the fifth tropical cyclone to impact the country this season, and has left another indelible mark on Far North Queensland as the cyclone season draws to a close.
Recent weather events are a timely reminder about the importance of having up-to-date information to help make decisions about insurance and your business. The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, and the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry, invite you to a free event featuring insurance industry experts.
This event will provide business owners with practical information about insurance, including complaint resolution, to support business resilience planning and disaster recovery. Industry experts from Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), Insurance Council Australia (ICA) and Office of Queensland Small Business Commissioner will be presenting at the event (QSBC). \
Gain valuable insights into insurance coverage delivered by industry leaders, tailored specifically for small businesses. The event will be held Tuesday 9 April 5.30-7.30pm at the Reef Gateway Hotel and bookings are essential. Head to the events page on the Chamber website for more information.
Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry would also like to take the time to congratulate all the candidates for the local government elections on their efforts. It is a long and arduous process We look forward to briefing our newly elected representatives on our Ten Point Advocacy Plan, which launched last year. Visit our website to review the plan and consider what your business priorities are right now.
Did you know that you can join the Chamber any time, and your membership is valid for 12-months from the day of joining? Becoming a Chamber member means you join a powerful collective representing the entire Whitsundays business community. Our members enjoy networking opportunities, business skills development, access to resources and expertise, and increased visibility in the business community. We have five membership categories starting from $99 per year to suit a range of needs. We look forward to engaging you in Chamber life and the Whitsundays business community.

‍

The latest Thriive event hosted by the business culture specialists at Shiift last Thursday night was a huge success and took attendees on a deep dive into the personality traits of introverts and extroverts.

This informative and lively workshop showed how our differences are our strengths by explaining the underlying biology of extroverts and introverts.

While extroverts thrive in a noisier, action-orientated environment, introverts prefer smaller groups, and a calmer, quiet atmosphere.

This explains why some people prefer not to attend parties or seek refuge in a quiet corner, while others are pumped and spinning around the room fueled by the energy.

We are all different, and by learning about the two personality types, attendees were able to get an insight into how the other operates.

They were also given tools and tricks on how to create the most positive relationships with those that are opposite to themselves, bringing out the best in every situation.

While extroverts enjoy speaking and discussing their thoughts and feelings (often a little too much!), introverts prefer inner reflection and the internal world of thoughts to resolve an issue.

Knowing this, it is easy to see how many workplaces can experience conflict or sometimes miss out on the wisdom of an introvert because the extroverts are talking too much.

Within both personality types there are positive traits.

Introverts listen, observe, focus, speak thoughtfully, take in the details and lead side by side.

Meanwhile, extroverts motivate with their energy, communicate, connect, lead out in front, speak up for others, engage and entertain.

At the close of the workshop, attendees were left with one main question to contemplate.

How can you change your communication style and environments now that you understand the difference?

‍

Caption: Kylie Forgione (extrovert) and Alita De Brincat (introvert) from Shiift. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

‍

Tourism Whitsundays is a dynamic and forward-thinking company that drives the marketing of our region, promoting local tourism and actively bringing holidaymakers from around Australia and the world, to the Whitsundays. 
 
While we know what they do outside of the region, there is still a lot of dedicated work happening right here in the Whitsundays. 
 
To showcase the local team and share how connected they are to local tourism, we are starting a new monthly segment called ‘Out and About’. 
 
In the feature, Jade Richardson from Tourism Whitsundays will invite you along with her as she takes trips around the region and shares her experiences with you. 
 
Her most recent visits included “The Coal Face Experience” in Collinsville, stopping at Pit Pony Tavern for some delicious chilli mango prawns, a tour with a local eco-nature guide from Driftwood Tours, exploring local history and lastly, visiting Frog Beach Café, having an inspiring chat with owner Naomi about her business success.  
 
Make sure to keep an eye on the Tourism Whitsundays Facebook page to stay updated on their next Out and About event. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore and discover all the Whitsundays can offer. 
  
If you're considering joining Tourism Whitsundays, you can look forward to a vibrant network of like-minded individuals, exclusive access to our events and experiences, and the opportunity to contribute to promoting the stunning Whitsundays.  
 
Don't hesitate to reach out to Jade at Jade.richardson@tourismwhitsundays.com.au to start your journey.  
  
 
Photo supplied 

‍

In the early 1920s, residents decided to build a community hall and recreation centre. Mr G A Jenkins deeded one acre of ground in a convenient corner position bounded by the main Strathdickie road to the west, School Road on the north and the mill tramline to the south. The corner of the road, known as Hall Corner, is now known as the Strathdickie Smithy Corner.

Two acres of scrub land was felled on Alec MacPherson’s property and planted with Badilla cane, all done voluntarily. When the cane was cut, the proceeds went towards the cost of building materials.

The original building had corrugated iron walls and three wide wooden doors each with a set of steps. The windows were slide up sashes. At the eastern end, there was a raised stage about three feet higher than the dance floor. Under the stage were a bench and a small servery door. The ladies made sandwiches, cut up cakes and placed them on trays which could then be passed into the hall at supper time. Tea and coffee were served in glass cups; the water was boiled outside in kerosene tins over an open fire. In the corner of the stage was a cupboard in which equipment such as lights, jugs and the musicians’ stools were stored. Carbide lights were used until 1938 when pressure lamps replaced them and at some time, there were also gaslights. Some preparations were made to wire up for electricity in the sixties but this never happened as the hall was no longer in use.

The dance floor was about 30 feet long and 24 feet wide with forms arranged around the perimeter of the hall. The “oldies” sat up the end near the stage; the younger ladies sat along one side and the younger gentlemen along the other. Some of the older men had a table outside where various card games were played. In 1937, the hall was extended by about fifteen feet by builder, Jack Muller.

Dances were held every two or three weeks to raise funds for the hall or the school. Music was supplied by the likes of Jim Wright and Frank Prussenski on accordion, Jim Deicke with his electric gramophone, Arthur and Robert Peterson on guitar and mandolin, Jack Lewis and the orchestras of the Porter Family, Deambrogio brothers, Smiler Webber and Charlie Lucas and Mrs Milne on the piano. Frank Prussenski rode his bike eight miles from Preston to play his button accordion for one pound. This later increased to two pounds (four dollars).

Patrons arrived by horseback, sulky and trucks. Sometimes Stoneham’s bus would come out from town as few people had cars. The hall was the venue for table tennis, church meetings, boxing matches and at least three weddings were celebrated there. There were two tennis courts at the eastern end of the paddock with a shelter shed for the use of patrons; all built by members of the club.

The only decoration in the hall was a large photograph of the Strathdickie Wanderers Rugby League Club.

During the war years, proceeds from dances went to the Patriotic Fund. Sometimes the money minus expenses was put into a wallet and presented to recruits who had been called up for service. Members of the VDC (Volunteer Defence Corps) gathered at the hall with an assortment of rifles.

When the popularity of country dances faded out in the 60s, the hall fell into disuse. The doors had been left open, windows broken and piano vandalised. In 1970, Cyclone Ada demolished what remained of this little piece of our history.

‍

Story shared with the Proserpine Historical Museum by the late Bill Dinnie and photo courtesy of PHMS

‍

Its Easter! And who doesn’t love a Bilby at Easter?
Well, me!

Did you know that a Bilby is a species of Bandicoot?

Here in the Whitsundays, we see a different species of Bandicoot but they are here and
in good numbers. I actually enjoy the little creatures and I have often watched them sneaking about in the night BUT I do not want them in my veggie patch (unless they are made of Chocolate – note to my family).

Bandicoots are lawn grub destroyers, which is fantastic.

Lawn grubs are the larvae of Scarab Beetles, and they munch away at the roots of our lawns and vegetable plants.

You’ll know if they are in your lawn as you’ll have dead patches in sections that spread.

Bandicoots will remove grubs from your lawn and garden beds, however, if you have freshly formed garden beds ready for seeding, they can make a mess of your tidy rows in a single night, which I have experienced many times.  

So, what do you do to protect your garden beds from these nighttime foragers?

Bandicoots are shy creatures and they do not like light, so an automated flood light will often frighten them away.  

This worked for me last season for about three months and then they sussed me out!

Getting braver and braver, until one night they decided my crops were worth the risk.  

So double down, they do not like the smell of chook manure so feed your beds and deter Bandicoots at the same time.

The most effective method of keeping them out, is of course putting up a barrier.

Which brings me back to my old favourite, vegie garden netting.

Not only keeping the Bandicoots out but also other pests such as Grasshoppers and Cabbage White Butterflies, it’s a win, win.

So, over the Easter break, how about you make your own vegie bed covers.

Irrigation Pipe, a few connectors and shade cloth, could see your garden protected this season. If all else fails, come see us at Whitpro and we can show you some ready-made options.

Happy Easter!  

Traditionally, within a couple of weeks of Easter, the heaviest rains cease in the Whitsundays. So, enjoy the last of the wet season, change is in the air. Vegie gardens are about to be seeded throughout the Whitsundays.

‍

Standing proudly among the pack in a traditionally male-dominated trade, Mel loves the working environment at Master Butchers Whitsunday and always gives her all, representing a strong female force, paving a way for other women in the industry.
This born and bred local is always ensuring customers receive the very best, perfecting her cuts, and curating her craft, in her apprenticeship with Master Butchers Whitsunday.
Having joined the team in 2020, for Melanie, it was no surprise she has found enjoyment in her role, finding pleasure in creating new and wonderful products for customers, loving spending her time cooking, and enjoying the fun relationship she has with the wider Master Butcher team.
“I enjoy cooking and creating new products and have a great team to work,” Mel explained.
Within her apprenticeship, Mel has flourished under the leadership of Alex and Danni and the skilled butchers with Master Butchers Whitsunday.
“I started my apprenticeship with Don and Karen, while wholesale was processed at the shop,” Mel explained.
“Then Alex and Danni stepped in and have been transforming the shop with a bigger range of products.”
Having primarily worked in the seafood industry in Bowen, Mel is eager to expand her skills and techniques.
In her free time, she loves being with her partner and their three children, who are all boys, which means the house is always a hive of activity. When she can, Mel will be out on the water, boating, swimming, or fishing, or she’ll be on the sports field, usually helping her son’s football team, the Under 15 Brahams and acting at the first aid officer.

‍