Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Contributed with thanks by Raylene Rusmussen. Twenty Cannonvale Cannons swimmers travelled to Townsville at the weekend for the Townsville Tourists Long Course Meet, with coaches Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson proud of the team’s effort across the two-day carnival. Mackenzie Bennett won five events and achieved five personal bests, including a 15.61-second improvement in the 100m Backstroke. Harry Chegwidden claimed eight wins and seven PBs, taking 19.36 seconds off his 200m Individual Medley. Eloise Chegwidden recorded strong PBs in both breaststroke events, while Jax Clayworth impressed in the 800m Freestyle and broke 30 seconds in the 50m Butterfly. Zane Clayworth won the 50m Butterfly. Harris Delac collected six PBs and won the 200m Individual Medley in under three minutes. Tora Delac won eight events and achieved four PBs, including a 13.17-second improvement in the 200m Backstroke. Charlie Doherty placed highly across all three backstroke distances, while Evie Doherty secured three PBs. Roxy Groom took an incredible 63 seconds off her 400m Individual Medley. Koa Harland achieved four PBs, Ruby Harland finished second in the 100m Butterfly, and Lucas Korosec won six events. Eric and Leo Mulliss recorded five and four PBs respectively, while Stella Mulliss achieved three, including a 9.22-second improvement in the 50m Butterfly. Celeste Orenshaw finished second in the demanding 200m Butterfly. Andie Reynolds and Levi Smith each achieved eight PBs, with Levi winning both breaststroke sprints. Faithlyn Trotter recorded a PB in every event. The Cannons thanked the parents who managed the team, helped with timekeeping and supported the swimmers throughout the weekend. Congratulations to all 20 competitors!
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Contributed with thanks by Tiina Rindmae. Apart from a little wind, golfers enjoyed wonderful conditions at Proserpine Golf Club this week, with the scores reflecting both the quality of the course and the talent on display. Thanks go to Simon and the volunteers, with the course looking better than ever. Tuesday’s Croker Shield Stableford against Pioneer Valley saw Allison McCarthy win the ladies’ event with 39 points, ahead of Lyn Muller on 38 and Jenny Hounsell on 37. David Woods won the men’s with 39, followed by Pioneer Valley’s Nick Pearce on 37 and Barry Mortimer on 36. Lyn Muller was Wednesday’s “putting extraordinaire”, winning the Ladies’ Stableford with 41 points. Jan Shuwalow finished second on 39, followed by Di Chard on 38. Thursday’s A Grade winner was Aaron Prosser with 37 points on countback, ahead of Brent Daniels and Ken Granger. Brock Smith won B Grade with 37, followed by Peter Elms and Paul Nicol. Elise Hodgson claimed Friday’s Metropole Hotel nine-hole competition with 20 points on countback from Harry Milne, while Brock Smith placed third on 18. The September Monthly Medal, sponsored by the Metropole Hotel, was played on Saturday. Chris Bartlett was the overall men’s winner with 67 nett and claimed B Grade. Aaron Prosser won A Grade with 68, while Dean Kercher took C Grade with 68. Elise Hodgson won the ladies’ medal on countback with 70 nett, ahead of Jill Farinelli, also on 70, and Robyn Whitham on 72. Sunday’s KJC-sponsored Monthly Medal went to Tony Chapple with 67 nett. Glenn Lee and Sherri Meade were the winners, with Tristan Kemp and Sara Hagy runners-up.
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Contributed with thanks by Mark Mawson. New bowlers Ronnie and Zena have impressed during Monday afternoon lessons under the capable guidance of Betty Whitehorn and will soon be ready for social bowls. Free lessons with qualified coaches are available from 4pm to 5pm every Monday and Thursday, with everyone welcome. Tuesday’s social bowls attracted 20 players, with Ted Cullen and his brother Michael, visiting from North Sydney Bowling Club, recording a commanding victory over John Brown and Sharon Hawkings finished second. Andrew Butler skipped Wednesday afternoon’s winning team, while Shane and Vicki Spann joined Joan McGrath for a dazzling display in the early rounds of the mixed triples. Wednesday night Business House Bowls was again professionally run by Yvonne and Bob Spees, with results to come next week. Our men travelled to Marian on Saturday for the prestigious Pratt Cup. Warren Mills contested the singles, Ted Cullen and Andrew Butler played pairs, while Rick Galea, John Askew, Des Ballance and Denis Donnadelli lined up in the fours. The team was defeated but gallant throughout. Sunday welcomed 23 bowlers. Ruby Butler rolled a six, making the highest winning margin the day’s prize, with Ted Cullen, John Brown and visiting Mildura bowler Jeremy Pappin claiming victory by 10. It was also lovely to welcome back Mayumi O’Neale from Mandurah, who joined Robin Brown and Andy McDougall in a close loss to Tony Whitehorn, Mark Mawson and Alma Rose Mawson. Photo: Ted and Michael Cullen following their Tuesday victory. Photo supplied: Mark Mawson
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In 1917, Walter Perroux’s composite photograph of Proserpine’s leading citizens included not one woman. Yet women have long played vital roles in the shire’s farming, business and community life. One such woman was Edith (Edie) Grimstone, affectionately known as Mrs Grimmie. Edith Grace Elizabeth Pepper was born December 29th 1918, in Wolfram Camp North Queensland where her father was Mining Warden. She was the youngest of six children born to parents, William Arthur Pepper and Edith Annie nee Williams. Hoping for an easier life, Edith’s father travelled to Cannon Valley to purchase a block of land for farming. Relatives, the Byers’ family, had already moved into the district. Once William had established somewhere for the family to live, he sent for them. With two horses and all their goods and chattels, Edith and her children travelled by wagon, boat and rail to reach their new home. And so began many years of struggling to make the farm sustainable with the older children missing school to assist their parents. Edith (Edie) attended Windermere State School for her primary years and was regarded as a very bright student, however, difficulties of the time such as low sugar prices and impending war meant that she was unable to continue with further education. In her early working life, Edie spent some time at Yarrabah Mission in North Queensland where she lived with the Anglican Minister and his wife and was governess to their children. She also taught some of the aboriginal children there. Prior to the war, there was a national push by the government to boost fitness levels of Australians. When the local council called for nominations, Edie successfully applied and was sent to Brisbane to do a physical fitness training course. Upon her return, she ran fitness classes. Edie maintained that the secret to her longevity was her exercising. Perhaps it also had something to do with the fact that despite having a licence, she walked everywhere. When the war broke out, Edie answered the call and went to work in a munitions factory in Brisbane. It was there that she married Eric Grimstone, a returned WW2 soldier, on March 31, 1945. Upon their return to Proserpine, Edie and Eric opened a menswear and sports store near the Grand Picture Theatre which was in the old Faust Building. This was the beginning of an outstanding retail service; a service that operated for over 50 years. ln 1966, they moved across the street to the old ABC Café and opened a new shop. In 1975, they purchased the building. Edie opened the business out of hours for customers; she ordered special items if she didn’t have them. She was renowned for knowing where every item could be located right up until her retirement at the age of 80 when she sold the business. Although best known for her years serving customers at Grimstone’s Store, Mrs Grimmie was also active in the local tennis club and was women’s champion for several years. Her love of tennis began on courts her brothers built below their house. She and Eric were life members of the Proserpine Tennis Club and often donated sports goods to local schools and charities. She was also devoted to the Anglican Church, attending every Sunday, volunteering and baking for church events. When Edith Grace Elizabeth Grimstone died on Christmas Day 2016, just four days before her 98th birthday, the community lost a much-loved and remarkable woman. Story sourced from Proserpine Historical Museum archives; photo used with family permission.
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A Life Well Lived Is Worthy of Telling By Richard Evans, President, Whitsundays Writers Festival Near the end of her life, activist and writer Gloria Steinem was asked to leave one final piece of advice. "Please tell your own story. This is how we know each other, and how we build a more respectful, compassionate world." From the dreaming stories of our First Nations people to the hard yards of early pioneers, the isolation felt by settlers, and the drive of newer arrivals chasing a fresh start, our region is woven from stories. The question is, are we listening? Are we reading? Screenwriting teacher Robert McKee puts it well … stories aren’t just entertainment, they’re how we make sense of our lives. We tell them through books, through memory, through the stories we simply speak aloud over a cuppa. But every story, however it’s told, needs one thing to survive: someone willing to listen. And listening starts with words. We learn them from our parents, build on them at school, and carry them into our working lives. Yet literacy is a subject we rarely talk about, perhaps because it’s uncomfortable. National surveys show 38 to 64 per cent of employed Australians struggle with basic reading, maths, problem-solving or understanding documents. More than a third of adults live with low literacy, often hiding it. They are parents unable to help with homework, workers who dread forms and neighbours struggling in silence. Low literacy, particularly among young men and teenagers, can fuel isolation and disengagement and has been linked to self-harm. One in three Australian teenagers has experienced suicidal thoughts in the past year, while suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 24. The figures are damning. Reading offers a simple solution. Just 15 minutes a day is enough to finish roughly 26 books a year from a habit shorter than a coffee break. Imagine what that could do for a community. Encouragingly, Australians still love a good story. Two in three read for pleasure, while young Australians are embracing print, e-books and audiobooks. Print remains the favourite, but audiobooks are gaining ground. It starts at home. Parents who read aloud, visit the library and let their children see them reading are passing down something priceless. Research shows children who read at four and five are far more likely to enjoy it by age ten or eleven. Steinem also said, "If you want people to listen to you, you have to listen to them." Storytelling and reading are two sides of the same act of listening. We need to listen to our children, our neighbours, and to those whose stories have too often gone unheard. Words matter. We at the Whitsundays Writers Festival are building access with a goal to provide the community with leading practitioners of the craft of reading and writing. So, let’s build a culture where reading is every day and easy. Let’s tell our stories and truly listen to each other’s. That is how we come to know one another.
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Few sights emulate the lively character of Australian wildlife quite like a gathering of cockatoos. Alissa Tomlinson captured this week’s winning photograph on Hamilton Island, featuring a group of unmistakable white birds competing for dropped chips, their bright yellow crests adding a splash of colour amid the chaos. With one cockatoo spreading its wings with dramatic flair, several jostling for position and two watching from the background, it just screams “Wings”. Done the Aussie way. Congratulations, Alissa, you certainly soar this week’s “Wings” theme to new heights! Next week’s theme is “Macro”. Thank you once again to everyone in the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Facebook group for sharing another week of fantastic images.
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Tourism Awards For Local Area. Whitsunday will be represented at the 1986 National Tourism Awards in Adelaide by Queensland finalists Air Whitsunday, through the efforts of Kevin and Sue Bowe, in the Tourism Transport Category. In addition, Proserpine High School is the Queensland finalist in the Training and Education category. Presentations will take place on Thursday. Don’t Drink And Drive. Sgt. Warren Strofeldt of Proserpine Police reminded people not to drink and drive this weekend, the Annual Fun Race Weekend. Old Records Sought. The Bicentennial Committee want to mount a display on the history of local families, organisations and clubs along with photos, minutes books for Proserpine and coastal areas. Twenty Five Years for Pony Club. To celebrate its 25th birthday the Proserpine Hack and Pony Club have planned a big long weekend with a cabaret, barn dance, camp fire breakfast and barbecue. Obituary: Harold Frederick Lade died aged 72 years having lived all his life in Proserpine. Australian Flag Presentation. Federal member Ray Braithwaite presented the flag to Rotarians Col McCall and Ross Collingwood. Miss Australia Quest. Regional Judging will take place in Mackay for the eight competitors, one of whom was Airlie Beach entrant Lisa Marquart. Lisa said that the highlight of her quest her visit to Cootharinga Home for crippled children in Townsville for which she is raising money. New Grounds for Proserpine Cricket Association. These are being prepared along with a new clubhouse on Kelsey Creek Road and should be available in 1987. Fun Race Weekend activities. The population of Airlie Beach is expected to double to 7000 this weekend with the staging of the Fun Race and Mardi Gras. What started as a 2 boat challenge has swelled to an expected entry of 300 yachts competing and another 200 on the water. Entries for The Miss Figurehead Competition will be required to cover up before coming ashore. Novelty sporting events, the Mardi Gras and other events will continue throughout Saturday. High School Report Clark Hobson and Kevin Noble have entered the High School ComputerProblem Solving Competition. Parentcraft for all year 9’s start next term. Over 40 students will take part in the NQ Trials in Townsville this week vying for selection for the State titles. Chess and Driver Education have been added to the recreational activities from which senior students can choose next term. Contributed with thanks by Proserpine Museum. Source: Proserpine Guardian 1986
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Two sporting greats will swap the footy for the microphone when former Brisbane Bears and Lions player Richard Champion and rugby league legend Eric Grothe bring live music to Airlie for two huge Grand Final celebrations. The AFL and NRL Grand Finals will bookend the final stretches of the season with celebrations at Airlie Beach Hotel, beginning with the AFL decider on Saturday 26th September before the NRL Grand Final rounds out the action on Sunday 4th October. With the AFL up first, Richard Champion will take the stage for the decider afterparty before returning the following Sunday. Richard “Champs” Champion played 183 AFL games with the Brisbane Bears and Lions across a decade-long career in the 90s, with the dependable defender becoming part of the club’s inaugural side following the merger. Champion retired at the end of 2000 with 80 career goals and was awarded Brisbane Lions Life Membership for his decade of service. Of all his memories from the game, playing finals football for the first time remains a favourite. “Playing finals for the first time was always a highlight,” he said. “Unfortunately, I retired the year before the Lions won their first premiership, so my timing has never been great. “But it was a great opportunity to play at the top level and as a kid growing up in the country, it was a dream come true.” Richard’s interest in music has always run alongside his football career, with team trips often ending in his mates pushing him onto stages at bars across Bali, London and beyond. Those impromptu performances helped build his confidence, but it was not until several years after retiring that he began singing publicly, after being approached to front a band around four years ago. Richard went on to become the original lead singer of cover band The Filthy Animals before later forming Stadium Lights, balancing performances with his AFL commentary work for Triple M. His Cold Chisel show began when Dellacoma Rio, frontman of The Australian INXS Show, invited him to join the production. “Dell is the one who got me involved in doing the Chisel show,” Richard said. “He’s a fantastic artist, a terrific guy and we’ve become good mates.” The pair will transform Airlie Beach Hotel into the AFL Grand Final after party, performing favourites from Cold Chisel, Jimmy Barnes and INXS. “We’ll just continue the party,” Richard said. The following weekend will see the focus turn to rugby league, with Parramatta Eels great Eric Grothe leading the entertainment across NRL Grand Final weekend. Known to fans as “The Guru”, Grothe was part of the famous Parramatta side that won four premierships in 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1986, while also making nine State of Origin appearances for New South Wales and played eight Tests for Australia, including the undefeated 1982 Kangaroo Tour. Music had been part of Grothe’s life long before football finished. He received his first acoustic guitar from his parents at 10 and taught himself to play by listening to records. After retiring, he finally had the time to form a band with his sons, Eric Jr and Daniel, called Three Day Broth. He now fronts Eric Grothe & The Gurus, a 5-man band who will begin the weekend with their Great Southern Land ICEHOUSE tribute show at Airlie Beach Hotel on Saturday 3rd October. The following afternoon, the band will return with a high-energy mix of Australian rock and party favourites before the NRL Grand Final. “We play pretty heavy,” Eric said. “We play bands like The Angels, INXS, Dragon, Hoodoo Gurus, Models and The Radiators. “It’s a good variety and everybody will know the songs.” Following the performance, Eric will remain at the hotel for a meet and greet before watching the Grand Final with fans, hoping the music leaves everyone ready for the game ahead. “Some of the Australian rock is pretty heavy and it’s got a lot of energy,” he said. “Hopefully we can get them in the right mood to enjoy the game.” What: AFL Grand Final After Party featuring Richard Champion and Dellacoma Rio When: Saturday 26 September, 6pm-10pm Where: Airlie Beach Hotel What: Great Southern Land - The ICEHOUSE tribute show, NRL Grand Final Show When: Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October, 2pm-5:30pm Where: Airlie Beach Hotel Photo captions: *Designer Note, All 4 photos must be include, they want a kind of before (footy) and After (musio) thing going on. Photo 1- Richard Champion. Photo supplied: Richard Champion Photo 2- Eric Grothe. Photo supplied: Eric Grothe
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White on Whitehaven traded its usual setting for the tropical surrounds of Paradise Cove last weekend after incoming weather made conditions at Whitehaven Beach unsafe. Rather than cancel the annual event, organisers relocated the celebration to the private Woodwark Bay estate for a special “Paradise Edition” on 11th and 12th September. Whitehaven’s silica sands were swapped for tropical gardens and poolside lounging while many of the event’s familiar attractions remained for the 230 who decided to party on through the change. Fish D’Vine Catering handled the food, with Kevin Collins leading the kitchen and serving a spread of fresh seafood, barbecued meats, salads, canapés and desserts, while 74 Islands Distillery completed the menu with champagne, premium wines and cocktails to complement. A DJ, roving entertainment, lawn games and a massage hut kept guests entertained and relaxed, while Hot Potato Band brought its roaming brass sound to the festivities, adding infectious beats, dancing and conga lines. Although the weather forced a late change of backdrop, the move only made the popular all-white celebration more memorable. Photo caption: Photo credit: Lucy Seddon-Brown
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Minnie has a way of winning people over quickly. It could be her expressive eyes, her goofy smile or the fact she will velcro herself on you within minutes of meeting you. At around eight years old and 40 kilograms, this mixed-breed girl is gentle, bright and full of character. She is a dog of principle, such as her dinner manners, sitting and waiting patiently until she is given permission to eat. She is equally particular about affection, with a light pat on the back or bottom guaranteed to get her happily groaning and her tail going. Windy days can make her anxious, but carrying a blanket around like a security cape until everything feels calm again is her adorable way to cope She is good with people and other dogs, toilet-pad trained and could suit a home with a small yard or apartment. Minnie is still working on her lead manners, so a patient owner willing to continue her training would be ideal. But if she brings the same discipline she shows at dinnertime, she should have her walking routine mastered in no time If Minnie sounds right for your family, message Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue with your name, phone number and “Minnie” to begin the adoption process.
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18th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine 18th 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach 19th Cocktail Playground, 12pm-4:30pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach 19th Paul Bowman Junior Rugby League Challenge 19th Big Stadium Rock Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach 20th Big Stadium Rock Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach 20th Paul Bowman Junior Rugby League Challenge 22nd The Librarian, 11am-12pm, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine 24th Morning Melodies: What’s New Pussycat? 11am-12:45pm, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine 24th $100 Art Night, 6pm-8pm , Creative Connections Whitsunday Community Gallery on 192 Main Street, Proserpine 24th FREE Salsa & Bachata Social, 7:30pm-9pm, Hog’s Breath Café, Airlie Beach 25th Teeny Tiny Stevies Brain Fart Regional Tour, 10:30am-11:30am, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine 25th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine 25th 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach 26th Cocktail Playground, 12pm-4:30pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach 26th AFL Final Grand Party Flame Trees VS INXS Tribute Show, 6pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach 27th Flame Trees VS INXS Tribute Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
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Proserpine is set for a footy explosion when the Paul Bowman Junior Rugby League Challenge brings about 4,500 players, coaches, volunteers and family members to town on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September. Now in its 18th year, the popular junior rugby league carnival has attracted 82 teams from across Queensland for its biggest weekend of competition yet. Along with the games, one of the most spectacular sites will be the Sam Faust Memorial Relay, scheduled at midday on Sunday. Possibly the largest relay in Queensland, with 820 kids involved, 82 on the starting line, running across the fields and passing off a footy to the following runners. The colours of the different team uniforms, crowd cheering, the laughter and the excitement make this relay unique. Returning this year is the monster raffle with prizes, including signed football jerseys, Whitsunday tours and accommodation packages, restaurant vouchers, and spa and beauty treatments, with funds raised helping to deliver next year's challenge. Eddie Deicke, President of the Proserpine Whitsunday Junior Rugby League Club, said that the primary focus is sportsmanship and the players having fun. Eddie also said many local kids take on essential roles, including refereeing, line people, assisting in the office and generally helping, which is terrific for personal development. The marquee Whitsunday event would not be possible without the support of Paul Bowman, Whitsunday Regional Council, the NRL and QRL, the North Queensland Cowboys, Tassal, and the many sponsors, volunteers and onsite vendors who contribute each year. Photo source: Paul Bowman Challenge Facebook
Read more18th September ABH: Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy, 4pm-7pm KC’s Bar & Grill: Andrew Baldino, 8pm-10pm Grand View Hotel Bowen: DJ night, 8pm onwards 19th September ABH: Big Stadium Rock Show, 2pm-5:30pm ABH: Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm Sorrento’s: Ash Smith, 4pm-7pm KC’s Bar & Grill: Mick Woodbridge, 8pm-10pm Grand View Hotel Bowen: Deja Vu, 8pm onwards 20th September ABH: Big Stadium Rock Show, 2pm-5:30pm, ABH: Paul Fergus Morris, 6:30-9:30pm Sorrentos: Simon Briley, 4pm-7pm KC’s Bar & Grill: Josiah, 8pm-10pm Grand View Hotel Bowen: Zed Charles Band, 1pm-5pm 21th August Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm KC’s Bar & Grill: Noah Roberston, 8pm-10pm 22th September Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm KC’s Bar & Grill: Graham Rix, 8pm-10pm 23rd September Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm [Text Wrapping Break]KC’s Bar & Grill: Bear Brewer, 8pm-10pm 24th September ABH: Aaron Saxon, 6:30pm-9:30pm Sorrentos: Lucy Rose, 4pm-7pm KC’s Bar & Grill: Paul Fergus Morris, 8pm-10pm
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After three decades spent building Taylors Property Specialists into a trusted local agency, Rob Taylor is preparing to place its future in the hands of experienced real estate professional Beau-Lea Miller. With more than 25 years in the industry, Beau plans to strengthen the business while preserving the team, values and community connections Rob has established. “I’m not here to change the business Rob created,” she said. “I’m here to strengthen what he has built and support the team he has created, so they can be the very best they can be for the community they serve. “We’re really blessed that Rob is giving us the opportunity to continue that dream for him.” Beau began her real estate career at 17 and has since worked across property management, residential sales, agency ownership, business development, technology and team leadership. She established and led her own independent Brisbane agency, Beautique Realty, before moving into a state operations role with Elders Real Estate across Queensland and the Northern Territory. There, she oversaw around 12,500 properties across six offices. While she valued the experience, Beau missed the personal connection that came with working inside a close-knit local agency. “It was important to me to get back into a business where I could be innovative, lead change and make a difference for people,” she said. One of her priorities at Taylors will be finding the right balance between the agency’s traditional, personal approach and the systems and technology now available to support its staff. “There’s a younger generation of agents coming through, and I really want to make sure their lives are easier,” she said. “It’s about building on those old-fashioned ways of doing things and bringing them into the new world. “Technology is here, but how do we make sure we keep the human element in those transactions?” With a strong background in property management, Beau is keen to give Taylors’ rental division the attention she believes it deserves, equipping staff to help clients look after their investments. “The rental business is always the thing that keeps the doors open, and many people forget that,” she said. “I’m pretty passionate about saying that it is the core of the business, and it will continue to be that for Taylors.” The team has already made a strong impression on her, particularly through the way its members support one another, with a strong willingness to collaborate and share ideas. “They call each other a family, but I think they’re a team in the truest sense,” she said. “Everybody supports everybody else to do their best. I haven’t seen many businesses that operate like that, and that legacy belongs to Rob.” That connection extends well beyond the office, with the company's longstanding supporter of local schools, sporting teams, events and community initiatives, something Beau intends to continue. “I want to make sure that whatever impact we make here genuinely makes a difference,” she said. With the Whitsundays and its property market continuing to grow, Taylors is preparing for what comes next without losing the local values that have guided the agency for the past 30 years. Photo credit: R Jean Photography
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Proserpine State High School Year 12 student, Wiremu Tairaki, reflects on what it means to learn, grow and pursue opportunity in the Whitsundays. Growing up in the Whitsundays builds a unique kind of grit. There are genuine disadvantages to being a regional student, and I do not think we should pretend otherwise. We do not have the same endless maze of electives, university programs or specialised opportunities sitting on our doorstep. Sometimes that does limit our choices. But the real story of regional students is not that we are somehow unaffected by those limits. It is what we do with the pathways we are given. In our community, our educational landscape is materially different. We do not have a university campus on every corner or one hundred niche subjects on the school timetable; I have seen that first-hand in Year 12. When I wanted to push myself further in Law and Business, I could not simply walk into the Walter Harrison Law Library after school. Instead, I pursued Mooting and Business competitions through school and took the external opportunities I could access. The opportunities our local schools and businesses do provide are targeted, practical and deeply valued. Whether we are engaging in Marine Science, securing a local trade certificate or utilising online learning, we learn to commit fully. This kind of education teaches us resourcefulness. On paper, it can feel as though we have drawn the short straw - and sometimes, in terms of choice, we have. But that environment can also foster an unmatched drive. When choices are streamlined, we do not become passive, we become hungry. I have learned that being a regional student means setting a goal, valuing the expertise of local educators and making the most of opportunities when they appear, because there may not be ten identical alternatives waiting behind them. Geography changes the nature of our opportunities, but it does not determine our potential. Regional students can be disadvantaged by distance without being defined by it. Future excellence is not decided by whether our timetable offers Advanced German or Digital Forensics and Cyber Security. It is decided by the grit and focus we bring to the opportunities we do have. We do not need equal access to prove equal ability.
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Contributed with thanks to Bowen State High School. Bowen State High School is celebrating the efforts of the students who competed in the Tournament of Minds (TOM) State Finals held at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane over the weekend. Tournament of Minds is an international problem-solving program that challenges students to work collaboratively in teams to solve demanding, open-ended challenges. The competition encourages creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and communication across disciplines including Language, Literature, STEM, Social Sciences and The Arts. Students are required to think on their feet, respond to spontaneous challenges, and present innovative solutions, making TOM a valuable learning experience both inside and outside the classroom. This year, three teams from Bowen State High School represented the school at the State Finals. “Congratulations to all students involved on their commitment, teamwork and excellent efforts in reaching this level of competition,” said Bowen State High School Principal Robert Harris. A special congratulations goes to Bowen State High School’s winning Language Literature team, consisting of Isaiah Howell, Sienna Davies, Frankie Brown, Justin Davidson and Hayley Hickey. Their success at the State Finals means the team has now qualified for the International Finals in Darwin in October — an outstanding achievement for both the students and the school community. Year 10 student Isaiah Howell reflected positively on his Tournament of Minds experience. “Thinking creatively and including different team members’ ideas and perspectives not only creates a bond between team members but also helps us think on the spot and adapt to different situations. This has been helpful when I am learning new subjects,” Isaiah said. Fellow team member Hayley Hickey said the experience had helped her develop important personal and academic skills. “It has helped improve my teamwork and resilience when dealing with challenges. TOM provides an opportunity for students to interact with peers, strengthen relationships and connect with other like-minded students across the state and the world,” Hayley said. Hayley also said the upcoming International Finals would be a valuable opportunity for learning and growth. “The International Finals will provide us with an amazing opportunity to learn from students from around the world and how they think and consider topics in different ways based on their culture and values,” she said. Bowen State High School would also like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the local businesses that generously sponsored the students’ attendance at the State Finals. Community support will again play an important role as the team prepares to travel to Darwin for the International Finals. If you are interested in sponsoring the team, please contact Bowen State High School on 4786 9888. Bowen State High School pupils spelling out T-O-M for Tournament of Minds. Photo supplied: Bowen State High School
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Long-time Local Appointed Principal At St Catherine’s A new chapter has begun at St Catherine’s Catholic College, with long-time educator and Whitsundays local Samantha Hinton officially appointed as the school’s new principal. Following her recent stint as acting principal, she was appointed in an official announcement with the school’s new catholic priest, Fr Emmanuel Anroe. “I didn’t think I’d take on the principal role, but here I am,” Mrs Hinton said. “I’m looking forward to what happens next and continuing to grow this really great community we have here at St Catherine’s. “Being a Catholic school adds an extra layer to our community, and I want to build on what we already do here as a faith-filled community.” Mrs Hinton’s connection with St Catherine’s spans about 20 years, beginning when it was still a primary campus on Marathon Street and continuing as the college expanded. Over the past 15 years, she has held several leadership positions, including Deputy Principal of Primary and Assistant Principal of Learning and Teaching across Prep to Year 10, along with many others. “I believe I’ve built trust within our community and in what we do at St Catherine’s,” Mrs Hinton said. “An important part of education is being connected with families and the wider community. “Having been here for so long, I hope I’ve developed the trust needed to engage everyone in what we want to achieve.” Before settling in the Whitsundays, Mrs Hinton’s career took her to schools in Brisbane, Sydney and London, giving her a broader perspective that she can now draw on in leading the college. Mrs Hinton hopes to draw on that perspective as she supports the college’s continued growth, with a focus on consistent teaching practices, strong expectations and closer connections with families. “I want to support that growth by making sure we have consistent practices across the school for behaviour and learning, along with high expectations,” she said. “I want that consistency so we can continue to grow for our families, while improving what we do and maintaining those high expectations.” She now hopes to guide St Catherine’s through its next stage of development as the college and wider Whitsunday community continue to expand. “I’d certainly love to see more buildings as we grow and continue to beautify our spaces as we welcome more students,” she said. “I want to make sure that as we grow physically, we also continue improving what we do and maintaining high expectations. “We’re such a growing community, and St Catherine’s has been growing alongside it.” Fr Emannuel Anroe and St Catherine’s Principal, Samantha Hinton. Photo supplied: St Catherine’s Catholic College
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A New Community Heart Taking Shape in Collinsville There’s something exciting taking shape in Collinsville, and if you’ve been past the site of our new Community Hub lately, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Construction is now approaching the halfway mark and we’re starting to get a real sense of what this $16 million facility will become for the Collinsville and Scottville communities. The wall and ceiling framing is complete, new footpaths are in, polished concrete has been finished through the library and mezzanine areas, and work is continuing on essential services. Over the coming weeks we’ll see more visible progress, including work on the timber stage and gabion rock walls, along with plastering, tiling, external cladding, window glazing and installation of the rooftop solar system. But while watching a major construction project come together is exciting, for me the most important part is what will happen inside those walls once the doors open. The new Hub will bring the Collinsville Library, Council Customer Service Centre, computer services, gym and Community Hall together under one roof. It means one modern, welcoming and accessible place where people can borrow a book, access Council services, use a computer, exercise, attend an event, catch up with friends or simply spend some time. Importantly, it’s an investment in the future of Collinsville and Scottville and another example of making sure our smaller communities continue to receive quality facilities and services. At $16 million, it’s a significant project for our region and one we simply couldn’t deliver without the support of the Queensland Government, which is contributing $14.6 million. I want to acknowledge the Crisafulli Government for that support and also thank everyone involved in bringing the Hub to life, from our Council team and contractors through to the local community who have helped shape the project. There’s still plenty of work ahead but reaching almost 50 per cent completion is a great milestone. I’m looking forward to watching the final pieces come together and, more importantly, seeing this fantastic new community space full of people and activity. That’s when a building really becomes a community hub and I reckon Collinsville is going to have one it can be very proud of.
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If you charge customers a fee for paying by card, there’s an important change coming on 1st October 2026. The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry is reminding local businesses that from 1st October, businesses will no longer be able to add a separate surcharge when customers pay by eftpos, Visa, Mastercard or American Express. In simple terms: if you currently add 1% or 2% to a customer’s bill when they pay by card, that will need to stop. The change applies to debit, credit, and prepaid cards. So, what should businesses do? First, talk to your payment provider. If you use an EFTPOS machine, online checkout, booking system, accounting software, or payment links, check what changes you need to make. Your provider may update your system automatically, but it’s worth checking. Next, look at your pricing. Businesses will still have costs associated with accepting card payments. You may need to consider whether your overall prices need to change to account for those costs. If you do change your prices, make sure customers can clearly see what they are paying and that your pricing complies with Australian Consumer Law. It’s also a good time to check your menus, websites, invoices, quotes, signs, and booking systems. If they mention a card surcharge, those references may need to be removed or updated. And don’t forget your staff. Make sure everyone knows what is changing so they can answer customer questions. The Chamber is also reminding businesses that not every surcharge is disappearing. The new rules are specifically about card payment surcharges. Other charges, such as clearly advertised weekend or public holiday surcharges, can still apply where permitted. However, businesses should make sure these charges are not simply a card surcharge under another name. Until 30th September, the existing card surcharge rules continue to apply. “Our message to local businesses is simple – don’t leave it until 1st October,” said Chamber President, Allan Milostic. “Check with your payment provider, review your pricing and make sure your business is ready.” For more information, visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) websites. Photo caption: Allan Milostic. Photo supplied: Julia Evans
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Three descendants of one of Bowen’s pioneering families returned to the region last week, retracing their family history across all corners of the town. Last week, siblings Colin, Cameron and Dianne Kent returned to Bowen for a small family reunion and to reconnect with their family history. The trio are great-great-grandchildren of G.F. Sandrock and grandchildren of prominent Bowen farmer George Kent. During their visit, they visited all the big sites in Bowen, from the Big mango, to the museum and their family’s original property, Woodlands. “It was a really nice trip down memory lane,” said Colin. “The accommodation we stayed at on the harbour felt so surreal, especially since that’s where our grandfather was the harbour master.” George Frederick ‘G.F.’ Sandrock is credited with bringing mango seeds from India to Bowen in 1871, helping establish what would eventually become one of Australia’s best-known varieties, the Kensington Pride or ‘Bowen Special’. He was also appointed the town’s Customs Officer and Sub-Collector of Customs during the 1860s before later serving as Harbourmaster and Police Magistrate. One of his homesteads and orchards, Woodlands, on the outskirts of Bowen, where he helped cultivate a wide variety of produce still intertwined into the community. “While Sandrock grew various crops at Woodlands, the orchard’s lasting place in Australian horticultural history comes from its role as the birthplace of the Kensington Pride mango,” Colin said. “He had his fingers in just about everything in Bowen.” During the late 19th century, Bowen was an important trading port and shipping hub for the British–Indian horse trade. Ships returning from India often carried exotic plants, fruit and spices, and Mr Sandrock asked their captains to bring him different mango seeds and other tropical varieties. He planted the seeds at Woodlands, where it is believed his experimental orchard contained about 40 types of mango trees. Each was reportedly identified by an engraved copper plaque bearing its botanical name. At the time, growing tropical fruit in Queensland involved considerable trial and error. Mr Sandrock observed how each variety responded to the local soil and climate, noting differences in yield, flavour and the texture of the fruit. Colin said these experiments helped lay the foundations for North Queensland’s commercial mango industry. “His early plantings produced the direct lineage of the Kensington Pride, which remains one of Australia’s most widely grown and recognised mango varieties today,” he said. His grandson, George Kent, continued the family’s legacy as one of Bowen’s early tomato growers, eventually earning the nickname the “Tomato King”. He was looking for a crop that would offer a quick return following the 1903 cyclone and started growing them on Woodlands property. He later helped turn tomato growing into a major commercial industry for Bowen during the early 20th century, distributing the region’s produce across Australia and as far as New Zealand. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said it was a pleasure to meet the three descendants of these early pioneers. “It was very interesting to learn more about the history,” she said. Photo captions: Photo 1- Leanne Aberthery with the Kent Family. Photo supplied: Bowen Tourism and Business Photo 2- The Kent family back to their roots
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A season spent stepping up for her teammates has earned Whitsunday Brahmans rising star Bonnie Moretto the Under-17 Player of the Year title at the 2026 Mackay Rugby League Presentation Night. The Brahmans really made their presence known at the Mackay Rugby League Presentation Night 2026 Winners, with multiple players getting recognised for their stellar performances on the fields. Taking home the club’s biggest honour of the night was Bonnie Moretto, who was named the 2026 Under-17 Player of the Year. The award followed a season in which Bonnie strengthened her defence and stepped up when her team was short on players, crediting the encouragement of her teammates and coaches, while her commitment extended beyond game day through regular training with the Mackay Cutters and several gym sessions each week. “It’s a privilege to receive an award for doing something that I enjoy,” Bonnie said. Mitchell Hinton and Amber Standerwick earned nominations for Male and Female Rookie of the Year, showing the club’s newest talent is already making its mark in the competition. The Brahmans’ younger ranks were strongly represented as well, with Kassius Bell nominated for Under-20 Player of the Year. Riley Snow joined Bonnie Moretto among the nominees for Under-17 Player of the Year, capping off a proud night for the club’s rising players. Photo 1- Bonnie Moretto. Photos supplied: Whitsunday Brahmans Photo 2- Mitchell Hinton and coach Harley Bateup Photo 3- Amber Standerwick with her parents Photo 4- Kassius Bell and coach Harley Bateup
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From police dogs and fire trucks to rescue boats, the emergency services that keep the Whitsundays safe will come together on Saturday 10th October for a free, family-friendly community field day. Organised by Whitsunday Police Station, the field day will feature Queensland Police, Ambulance and Fire services, Volunteer Marine Rescue, Whitsunday Water Police and Whitsunday Regional Council’s disaster management. “All the frontline emergency services will come together and do a bit of a show and tell,” said PCYC Whitsunday Sergeant Billy Li. “The purpose of the event is to show the community a different light of emergency services available. “It’s really an all-ages event and will be a fun day for everyone.” Visitors will have plenty to see and do throughout the day. Each service will run its own live demonstrations, giving visitors a closer look at the skills and equipment crews use when responding to emergencies. “All the frontline emergency services will come together for a bit of show and tell, with each agency displaying what it has to offer,” Sergeant Billy said. “The community will be able to ask questions of emergency personnel and learn more about each service.” During previous events, the VMR showed the community how to sandbag and let off flares, QFS conducted a swift water marine rescue, while Queensland Ambulance Service taught vital first aid skills, such as wrapping snake bites. The program may even include some friendly rivalry between crews, with games and a possible tug-of-war giving the community a chance to pick a side and cheer them on, and join in on the action. Younger visitors can climb aboard rescue boats, explore emergency vehicles and watch police dogs in action, while speaking directly with local personnel about their equipment and roles. Beyond the safety lessons, the games and friendly agency challenges, this outing will allow families to see the more relaxed side of our first responders. Photo 1- Emergency services day set to showcase your local heroes. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville Photo 2- Constable Charlotte Linnell taking her opportunity to have a go on the firies’ ride
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On 9th September 2025, the volunteers of VMR Whitsunday began a new chapter in more than 60 years of saving lives at sea, becoming the 18th unit to join Marine Rescue Queensland. Now, MRQ Whitsunday is celebrating its first anniversary with the statewide service while honouring the generations of volunteers who have helped keep boaties safe across the region’s waters. “Today is a chance to celebrate everything the unit has achieved in its first year with MRQ, while recognising the many years of volunteer service and local knowledge that came before it,” said a representative of Marine Rescue Queensland. The volunteers’ efforts stretch back more than six decades to 1964. It began when a casual meeting at the Metropole hotel in Proserpine led to 6 forward thinkers realising there was a need for sea rescue services in the region. The organisation was formally established as Proserpine Sea Rescue in 1967 before becoming Whitsunday Air Sea Rescue later that year. It operated alongside the local Coast Guard flotilla from 1977 until the two groups merged in 1991, eventually becoming VMR Whitsunday. As the service grew, so did its capabilities. The first dedicated rescue vessel, a Dale Sealord, was purchased in 1987, replacing the long-standing reliance on volunteers’ private boats. After years of meetings at venues around Proserpine, the organisation later found a permanent home with the opening of the Whitsunday Marine Club in 1994. Today, under the new name of MRQ Whitsunday, the service has more than 80 active crew members and operates with modern rescue vessels, advanced radios, mobile communications and tracking technology, providing emergency marine support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Photo 1- MRQ Whitsundays Anniversary party. Photo supplied: Marine Rescue Queensland Photo 2- Cutting the ceremonial cake
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Goorganga Plains is set to receive a much-needed upgrade to its section of the Bruce Highway, with construction now underway on new overtaking lanes aimed at improving safety and reducing driver frustration. The project is a major milestone in the federal and state governments’ ongoing investment in the Bruce Highway, with new northbound and southbound overtaking lanes to provide motorists with safer opportunities to pass slower-moving vehicles. The works will also include roadside safety improvements and upgrades to the Gunyarra Road intersection, including improved lighting and pavement treatments. Member for the Whitsundays, Amanda Camm MP, revealed the upgrades, while also acknowledging how this can open the door for more necessary improvements to come. “Anyone who regularly drives this section of the Bruce Highway understands how important these upgrades are for safety and reliability," Ms Camm said. Ms Camm also praised the planning for new flood resilience roads which is currently underway, with a current proposal to raise about 10.6 kilometres of the highway between Thompson Creek and Lethebrook, looking to improve drainage and new bridge upgrades. "Locals have endured the impacts of flooding in this region, so it is fantastic to also see planning underway to deliver infrastructure improvements to improve flood resilience where it is needed most.” However Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, said the long-awaited and asked for project needs get beyond the design stage. “I welcome these overtaking lanes, I welcome the extra work, but I do ask that the flood mitigation on that Goorganga section of the road be expedited,” Mr Willcox said. During his time as Whitsunday Regional Council mayor, Mr Willcox called for the flood-prone section to be upgraded, lobbying the former Coalition government and securing $10 million for a business case into the proposed works. “That came through and, of course, showed how important it is,” Mr Willcox said. “The next step was the design phase, but that now needs to be completed, and then it needs to be built. “I’m sick and tired of seeing money head down to the southeast corner while people in my electorate and across the north miss out.” Recognising the cost of the project, Mr Willcox suggested the entire upgrade could be master-planned and delivered in stages if sufficient funding was not immediately available. “I want to see it done as soon as possible, and I understand it’s going to be expensive,” he said. “If there’s not enough money to get it all done in one hit, let’s master-plan the whole project and deliver it section by section, so we ultimately achieve the final result.” Photo captions: Photo 1- Federal member of Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP. All photos supplied: Andrew Willcox MP Photo 2- Goorganga Plains
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Currently walking his way around Australia, social media icon Catman found himself passing through the Whitsundays this week, where he attracted more than a few wandering eyes. Kentaro Jin, otherwise known as Catman, has walked about 6,500 kilometres from Carnarvon in Western Australia to Sydney over the past two and a half years, becoming known for his distinctive Catman character and the friendships he has formed in communities across the country. While the journey began without a clear purpose, the encouragement Ken received during the difficult stretch between Carnarvon and Perth, where Children chanted “Go, my hero,” and gave him handmade drawings, inspired him to imbue his with a deeper meaning. Ken decided to use his growing profile to support children battling serious illnesses, turning his long walk into a fundraiser for the Royal Children’s Hospital. As Catman continues his amble up north, those who want to donate to his cause can scan the QR code below. * message for designers: can you make this a QR code at the bottom of the article https://rchfundraising.com.au/page/395608/catman?fbclid=IwY2xjawUWxtxwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMWU5OHNtdXZMc0xnMndQc2VzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeuo29TrlQfqWBC19xvD8S3ZxawlPfl3pos1bDwrQq5KTcWSTqckE7UgGSXKM_aem_2H4YysTROTwh5Y7uI2133g Catman caught on camera at the Pitch and Wicket. Photo credit: Sharon Hinton
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