Issue #

Sarina SES Prepared For Storm Season

With such a large area for the SES to look after, the Mackay unit is divided into three key areas, with the teams from each area often working together on jobs.Rebekka Murray is the Deputy Local Controller South, managing the southern part of the Mackay Unit, including Sarina, Sarina Beach, Campwin Beach, Koumala and surrounds.

Pushing On With A Long Crush

It is becoming clear that despite the long harvest season, there will be standover cane adding to this year’s losses in sugar content and to the high cost of production. It’s been a double-edged sabre, as growers grapple with mill performance issues and a few unseasonal rain events.

Helping Farmers Capitalise On The Renewable Energy Boom

Queensland farmers and landholders will soon have a handy online toolkit to help them cash in on the renewable energy revolution, through a new partnership with the Queensland Farmers Federation and the State Government.

Editor's Note

Hi Everyone,This week we finally hit ‘print’ on the last issue for the year of our bi-monthly sister publication, Core Life Magazine, and it feels great!

Flying Fox: Problem Solved

In September Collinsville was inundated by a swarm of over 26,000 Flying Foxes who over-ran trees, parks and gardens, decimating on almost every surface of the town and becoming a noisy nuisance.

Where’s My Teddy?

Usually ‘Teddy’ would stay at home while Sofia Catoni and her 18-month-old son go to the local shopping centre but on this particular day, he came along with them to give some extra comfort to little Frankie who had an ear infection.

Celebrity Eclipse Debuts At Shute Harbour

Shute Harbour Marine Terminal has become a welcome additional access point for a vibrant industry which regularly sees between 50 and 60 cruise ships a year bringing their passengers to Airlie Beach.

New Candidate Steps Forward

Whitsunday resident Dan Popovich has announced his intention to run for the division two seat, joining candidate Clay Bauman, who announced his candidacy three weeks ago.

Bowen Mason’s Fund Life Support Mannequin

Medical professionals aboard our region’s life-saving service, RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter, will now be even more prepared for every eventuality thanks to a kind donation from the Kennedy Masonic Lodge No 11 of Bowen.

Nominations Now Open For Amazing Aussies

This January Whitsunday Regional Council will once again be celebrating amazing Aussies in the 2023 Australia Day Awards which means now is the time to put your fellow community members forward, with nominations closing at the end of this month.

Stinger Season Now On!

Residents are advised to always wear stinger suits when swimming in the ocean from now until May as jelly fish, that predominantly favour warmer temperatures, become prevalent in our local waterways at this time of year.

ON REMEMBRANCE DAY – SALUTING FATHER GARD (MBE)

Major Thomas Gard, Rat of Tobruk, is better known to the people of the Whitsundays as Father Gard, parish priest in Proserpine from 1966 until his retirement in 1988 and as a beloved coach to many young football players and cricketers in the area. But to the men of the 2/43rd Battalion, he was regarded as a legend in his own time. His award of an MBE was fitting recognition for this man renowned in military circles as “the priest who stopped the war”.

State School Students Contribute To Seagrass Study

A Coastal Marine Ecosystem Research Centre (CMERC) study enlisted the help of Cannonvale State School students and Whitsunday locals last weekend with the goal of educating the community on the importance of seagrass.

Local Lad Wins Townsville TAFE Apprentice Of The Year

Taking out the top prize at the TAFE Queensland 2022 Townsville Trade Excellence Awards, local Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Connor Spence, has been named the 2022 Outstanding Apprentice of the Year.

Whitsundays Represent At Queensland Tourism Awards

More than a thousand tour operators, both big and small, gathered at the Queensland Tourism Awards last Friday to celebrate a bounce-back year which saw intra-state tourism numbers rise by 21.5 percent, totalling $12.4 billion.

GOLD For BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort At 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards

Last Friday BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort was awarded top honours at the Queensland Tourism Awards with a Gold win in the ‘Caravan and Holiday Parks ‘category.

Award Winning Tour Company Launches November Sunset Special

Cruise Whitsundays is celebrating a successful award season by launching a November special exclusive for Turtle Club members on their popular Camira Sunset Cruise.

Ocean Rafting Win Gold At State Awards

Celebrated local tour company Ocean Rafting have returned from the Queensland Tourism Awards this week with a gold award for Adventure Tourism and a silver in the Major Tour and Transport Operators category.

Farmers Frustrated As Sugar Season Runs Late

The Proserpine Mill will continue crushing until January and it is looking likely that there will be a ‘stand-over’ of sugar cane still left in the fields following a disappointing season that has been marred by the mill’s unplanned maintenance issues and worker shortage.

Proserpine Bull Riding Final Next Week

Learn About Your Community Centre

A community association is inviting interested locals along to participate in its annual general meeting (AGM) where they can learn about its groups, services, and passion for its town.

“Final Fruition”: Proserpine Dam Thriving

Lake Proserpine has experienced exceptional financial growth as a tourism venture thanks to major redevelopments which have capitalised on the famed site’s natural splendour.

Therapy Is Expensive, Talk To Your Hairdresser!

This funny slogan is something you may have seen outside a hairdressing salon, but its message has a much deeper meaning, one that Whitsunday Counselling and Support (WCS) are hoping to explore at their upcoming workshops.

Find Your Purpose - Improve Your Mental Health

We live in a world that is more connected than ever, in an age where distance means little and we can reach the other side of the world in an instant from a device in our pockets. So why do so many people feel so disconnected from their family, friends, and community?

Airlie Beach Festival of Music 2022