By Sonia Ball (QCAR Central District Manager)

There is nothing like an ‘over the fence’ whisper to travel like wildfire through sugarcane – the ever-reliable speed of the bush telegraph if you wish. You can rely on these back-paddock conversations to get the goss on nearly everything going on in the industry.

The trouble is it can end up a bit like Chinese Whispers where your first sentence ‘My mother lives in a cottage by the sea and raises cochin chickens’, can wind up being ‘I’m an apple and I’ve got a chocolate labra-poodle with three legs’.

Following my drift, you will understand the obvious – be like the three wise men and let your decision-making be based on facts, and the way to get those delicious little morsels is straight from the horse’s mouth.

So, shunting the nose bag aside, we’ve got a way to help you achieve this without a getting a nasty nip or a kick from a well-shod steel-capped hoof.

Save the date, RSVP and join the QCAR Central District team for an informal Meet & Greet and Information Session where you can enjoy a bite to eat, a cold beverage and importantly, get the latest information on our QCAR-ACFA integration, our actions, growth, plans and meet the team driving change across Proserpine, Mackay and Plane Creek.

Consider yourself invited, and bring your cane farming friends, we can’t wait to see you or meet you.  

The QCAR Central District Committee is hosting its November meeting in Proserpine on Wednesday 20 November. Proserpine growers with any discussion points or issues are invited to contact myself or one of our committee members beforehand.

Our December committee meeting will be held in the Plane Creek region on December 17 with a time and venue TBC.

Events:

Proserpine

Wednesday 20 November

Hotel Metropole at 5.30pm

Mackay

Wednesday 4 December

Wests Leagues Club, Walkerston @ 6pm

RSVPs are required so text, call or email so we can save you a bite of something.

‍

Central District Mill Stats as at 12 November, 2024

Wilmar Sugar’s Proserpine Mill, week ending 9 November, had processed a season-to-date total of 1,353,507 crushed cane with the week’s crushing at an over-budget rate of 91,792 tonnes. CCS for the week was 13.71 with the season-to-date CCS sitting at 14.03. Wilmar Proserpine Mill reported a derailment on the southern line, saying despite this there was minimal impact on overall cane supply.

Wilmar Sugar Plane Creek Mill’s throughput for the week ending 9 November was 57,647 tonnes brining the season-to-date total to 996,913 tonnes. CCS dropped marginally by 0.12 units from the previous week’s recording an average for this week of 14.61. Season-to-date CCS is 14.09 units. Wilmar Plane Creek stated 3% of the cane supply for the week was standover cane.

Mackay Sugar’s three mills (weekly performance update to 3 November).

Throughput for Mackay Sugar’s mills reached a season-to-date total of 3,551,664 tonnes for week 27 October to 3 November, with an estimated 1.7 million tonnes remaining based on the current crop estimate of 5.2M. Mackay Sugar has an end of crush date set for 5 January 2025 dependent on weather, mill performance and crop. The individual mill throughput to this date for the week (and season-to-date) was: Farleigh 62,124 (1,209,276), Marian 84,994 (1,157,508), Racecourse 59,544 (1,184,880). CCS for this week was 14.5 units and season-to-date 13.7 units.

With the end of the 2024 season now within sight for those blessed with 20-20 long distance vision, all Queenslanders should now be feeling the wet season lumbering ever-closer toward us. I know we desperately need rain in some areas, but on the other hand… What could go wrong?

The QCAR Central District team is wishing you all a safe finish to the season on whatever day that may be.

‍

Steve Mck and Blair Watt: QCAR Central District Chairman Steve McKeering with new Central District Committee Member and Mackay grower Blair Watt. Meet them and the rest of the committee at Proserpine on 20 November

Minions: Anyone travelling around the back-blocks of Sarina-Homebush will know exactly where these colourfully painted bales are located

‍

As I approached the front door of the old West Mackay cottage I could see an elderly woman through the fly screen. She was sitting in a lounge chair and I could hear the unmistakable sound of the cricket commentary. It was very loud.

It was the summer of 2014 and two things were happening that day. Australia was playing a test match against Pakistan and I was a fairly new real estate agent desperately trying to get listings in the midst of a serious Mackay downturn.

The market had fallen dramatically and listings were difficult to get and, being a commission-only real estate agent, I had to create some business or I was going to lose my own house to the bank. Not ideal when you have a wife and a couple of young kids.

So I  started knocking on doors offering people printed market updates that gave them information on sales in their area. I would also offer an appraisal on their property … which might just lead to a listing.

Most people were pleasant enough but said “no thanks mate”. But every now and then, during a two-hour door knocking session, someone would say, “Oh yeah, come in.”

When I knocked on the metal frame of the flyscreen on the West Mackay cottage that day, the elderly lady told me to come in. Her name was Winifred and she was listening to, not watching, the cricket because she was pretty much blind.

We mainly chatted about the cricket but she did say that her husband was in an old people’s home and she was planning to join him there soon so she would have to sell her house.

I could see a whiteboard on her loungeroom wall that had, in very big writing, the first names and phone numbers of people I assumed were her family members. I asked if it would be okay if I called one of those people and she said, yes and told me to call the number of the one called Neil, her son.

The next day I called Neil and told him what had happened the day before. I reassured him that I wasn’t going to bother his mum but if she did decide to sell her house I would love the opportunity to talk to her and any other family members.

It turned out that Neil went by the name Norm and he was a friendly bloke who was not surprised that his dear old mum had been sitting in her lounge room with a stranger listening to the cricket and having a chat. He said it would be okay for me to call him in a couple of months.

We kept in contact and a bit over a year later I sold Winifred’s house. I got to know Norm pretty well.

I sold Winifred’s house to a mother and daughter who wanted to renovate and flip it. They got me to sell it. They then bought and renovated another house and they got me to sell that as well. A few months after that I sold another one for them.

A little while later Norm rang me and asked me to sell his house, which I did.

Knocking on Winifred’s door that hot summer’s day led to work and sales that helped me survive a terrible downturn, pay my mortgage and feed my kids.

It’s amazing how the important lessons in life happen during the tough times, not the good times. There’s a saying about how hard times create strong men and good times create weak men.

I reckon it means that no matter what times we are living in, we should all keep knocking on doors.

‍

This World Kindness Day, the B Kinder Foundation hosted a "Stand and Walk for Kindness" event at Cannonvale Beach, uniting people to celebrate the values of kindness and community spirit.

The event also served as a heartfelt tribute to 12-year-old Billie Kinder, who tragically lost her life in a horse accident in 2016, and continues to inspire others through her legacy of compassion and generosity.

There’s no better time to show kindness than on World Kindness Day.

The B Kinder Foundation gathered early on Tuesday morning at Cannonvale Beach to walk or stand for kindness, honoring Billie Kinder’s legacy.

Founded by Danny Mayson-Kinder in memory of her 12-year-old daughter Billie, who tragically passed away in 2016, B Kinder promotes kindness and combats bullying. After Billie's death, Danny discovered her daughter’s artwork and poems, which inspired a book about kindness and empathy.

The positive impact of the book led Danny to establish the B Kinder Foundation and launch the annual B Kinder Day. Today, the foundation reaches thousands, inspiring children to embrace kindness. The Walk for Kindness event is a key example of this mission in action.

The event featured sausage sizzles, fresh fruit, warm smiles, heartfelt conversations, and, of course, a leisurely walk—one that participants could make as short or long as they liked, all while coming together to celebrate kindness and community.

Director and Treasurer of the B Kinder Foundation, Melanie Turner, was overwhelmed at the amount of support on the day:

“We chose to have the event at Cannonvale Beach as it is a beautiful public space where the whole community could get involved,” she explained.

“The event wasn't for anyone in specific, we wanted everyone to come along, which is why we also made it before work hours.

“Many people showed up just through walking past and being curious, these events give opportunities for conversations.

“It also helps community members find out about what we do at the B Kinder Foundation.

Mel expressed her heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the Walk for Kindness and is truly grateful for the generous businesses that contributed their time and products to support the cause and stated how their contributions played a vital role in the event's success:

“Thank you to everyone who came along it is so wonderful to have such a supportive community, including the local businesses.

“Naomi at Fat Frog did free coffees for anybody walking for kindness and opened her cafe early.

“The prickly pineapple gave us free fruit and Woolworths Cannonvale provided us with the free waters, and we had the WSPN volunteers on the BBQ who donated the sausages, so we have had the full community supporting us!

“All this support helps us pass on the kindness to all the people that showed up.”

Mel said she was pleased with how the event went and explained why it is important to be kind:

“Any little thing that we do matters, and kindness matters and saves lives, and we want to pass on that kindness.”

“This foundation is Billie’s legacy, and we are walking in her shoes.”

“As a 12-year-old girl she showed us that you don't have to be famous or even an adult to make a difference in people's lives.”

“Everyone has the opportunity every day to make a difference in someone's life just by being kind.”

‍

Back: Isaac Veth, Matt Stokes, Rob Murphy and Brian Skead, Middle: Mia Vloedmans, Abbie Green and Savannah Lamont, Front: Mel Turner and Renee Martin.

Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Melanie Turner with Proserpine High School Girls Savannah Lamont, Mia Vloedmans and Abbie Green.

Isaac Veth, Matt Stokes, Rob Murphy, Mia Vloedmans, Melanie Turner, Abbie Green, Savannah Lamont, Brian Skead and Renee Martin. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

The whole community got involved with the "Stand and Walk for Kindness" on World Kindness Day. Photo supplied

‍

The Whitsundays has been named the Best Adventure Destination in Australia and New Zealand at the 2024 Adventure Tourism Awards, held in Brisbane on Thursday, 7 November.

This prestigious award highlights the region’s growing reputation as a premier hub for adventure tourism, offering a range of experiences set in one of the world’s most beautiful natural environments.

Tim Booth, CEO of Tourism Whitsundays is delighted The Whitsundays has been named the Best Adventure Destination at this year’s Adventure Tourism Awards.

“This award is a reflection of the incredible natural beauty and diverse outdoor experiences our region has to offer. Adventure in the Whitsundays means something different for everyone—whether it’s exploring the Great Barrier Reef, hiking through lush rainforests, or simply relaxing by a pristine beach,” said Tim Booth.

Tim Booth also expressed his thanks to the Whitsunday Regional Council and the Whitsunday Coast Airport for their ongoing support. He also noted the community and tourism operators have been instrumental in making the Whitsundays the world-class desination it is today.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the award was a great testament to our region’s unmatched natural beauty, vibrant tourism industry, and the exceptional experiences we offer to adventurers from around the world.

“It is great recognition for our Whitsundays and acknowledges the hard work and dedication of our local businesses, tour operators, and community members who consistently strive to deliver world-class adventure activities,” he said.

“Congratulations to everyone involved in making the Whitsundays a top-tier destination. Let’s continue to showcase the Whitsundays as the adventure hub it truly is!”

‍

The Whitsundays was named Best Adventure Destination at the 2024 Adventure Tourism Awards. Photo supplied

‍

Hey Everyone!

Rachael is currently in the Hinchinbrook region preparing for the launch of the new newspaper in two weeks, which is why I'm stepping in to assist with the Editor's Note in the meantime.

Having said that, you will be seeing a bit more of me over the next three months and beyond, as the ‘guest editor,’ for Whitsunday Life.

Many of you will recognize Daniel as one of the dedicated journalists working alongside me at Whitsunday Life Newspaper. However, in both exciting and sad news (I know I will miss him), Daniel will be transitioning to the Hinchinbrook paper for the time being.

While Daniel will still be around occasionally, his primary focus will now be based there, while I continue to cover the Whitsundays. I hope you will all join me in wishing him the very best of luck in this new chapter of his career, I know he will do amazingly well!

In other news, everyone in the office is getting really excited about our staff party this weekend, where we'll be going scuba diving! As a big fan of the sport with my open-water certification, and having finally gotten my moon boot off after breaking my foot, I'm especially looking forward to it. That said, I know there are a few people who are a little apprehensive (cough, Crissy).

I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with the team outside of work, doing something I love. With how fast-paced our industry is, I think it's exactly what we all need.

This week I also had the pleasure of attending the B Kinder Foundation’s ‘Walk or Stand for Kindness’ event. It was a beautiful event that brought community members together to spread kindness and uphold the legacy of the lovely Billie Kinder, which you can read more about on page 3.

Attending the event and being welcomed so warmly really made me think about how I can incorporate more kindness into my own life.

Especially in light of Movember, it's important to be kind to others, as you never know what someone is going through. Even a smile could make someone's day.

Ruth

Quote of the week:

“You’re unfailingly kind. A trait people never fail to undervalue, I'm afraid.” Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince.

‍

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

‍

Do you know someone deserving a gift this Christmas?

‍

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

‍

Mel and Reef Brookes at the beach

Mel and Reef Brookes

Irukandji kits

‍

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.”

‍

Bernard Salt. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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

‍

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.

‍

‍

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

‍

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

‍

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.

‍

Reef with one of his framed prints

Reef drawing up a storm

‍

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

‍