Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
By Richard Evans, President, Whitsundays Writers Festival Somewhere in the Whitsundays, at this very moment, a book is lying face-down on a bedside table, a bookmark frozen at page 67 and an owner quietly pretending they will return to it soon. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Most readers have an unfinished-book collection of some kind: a physical TBR (to be read) pile, an e-reader library of "currently reading" titles that haven’t moved in months, or simply a mental list of books they meant to get back to. We often begin books with the best intentions: a holiday purchase, a book-club choice, a gift, an acclaimed novel, or a title everyone insists we "should" read. Somewhere along the way, we start believing that finishing is compulsory because the book was expensive, or recommended by a friend, or won a prize. But reading is not a moral test, and life is too short, and the shelves too full, to treat every unfinished novel as a personal failing. The truth is simpler and kinder: reading tastes are personal, and timing changes everything. A book loved by thousands may still not work for one individual, and a book that feels impenetrable at 25 may speak powerfully at 55. There’s also a difference between challenging writing that rewards persistence and a book that is simply not connecting. Learning to tell the two apart is its own kind of reading skill. Here in the Whitsundays, there’s an added layer to all this. We imagine a reading life of lounging on a boat, beneath a palm tree, or on a quiet veranda, but real life is busier: work, family, visitors, weekend sport, weather, travel, boating and the general pull of living outdoors. Even in a region built around leisure, uninterrupted time can be surprisingly hard to find. Even paradise has laundry, errands and early starts. So here is a gentle rule: give a book a fair chance, but allow yourself to stop when reading becomes obligation rather than interest. Ask yourself: am I curious to know what happens next? Do I want to return to this book? Is it challenging me in a worthwhile way, or merely draining my attention? Could I try it again another time? If the answer isn’t encouraging, consider a different format, an audiobook, large-print edition or e-book. Or reach for something shorter: a memoir, short stories, poetry, or an old favourite. Libraries are perfect for this kind of guilt-free experimentation. Borrow, sample, return, and try something else. So let the unfinished novel rest without reproach. The real loss is not leaving one book at page 67. It is deciding, because of that one book, that reading is no longer for you. If you have an unfinished book, or several, sitting quietly at home, the Whitsundays Writers Festival’s Stories by the Sea free community offers the perfect guilt-free solution. Bring up to two of your pre-loved books to the Whitsundays Writers Festival Book Swap. What: Stories by the Sea When: Sunday 13th September, 3pm-4:30pm Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, 7 Altmann Avenue Tickets: FREE community event
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Theme: Something Green. When I think of something green, I picture freshly cut grass, towering trees and the leaves gently falling from their branches. But this week’s winner, Shannon Faletti, decided to look a little closer, focusing her lens on a grasshopper sitting peacefully on a bromeliad leaf. The grasshopper provides the perfect pop of green against the contrasting leaf, allowing the tiny visitor to command the frame. Shannon’s photo proves that sometimes, the smallest subjects can make the biggest impression. Congratulations Shannon, your little grasshopper has leapt into the top spot! For next week’s Photo of the Week, we’re chasing shadows, with the theme “Silhouettes”.
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Help For Sugar. State and Federal Governments combined support to stabilise the price of Australian sugar after collapse of World prices. This was welcomed with the expectancy that 10% of sugar mills will close in the next 3 years. Multi-Million Dollar Mainland Resort Planned. The proposed resort will occupy 1,300 hectares with frontage to Pioneer, Woodwark, and Double Bays and could become the biggest development in the South Pacific employing a thousand people. The first step is construction of an eight kilometre extension of Paluma Road. Obituary Linda Young nee Deicke died in hospital aged 78. Her family left farming in Strathdickie to operate Young’s Cordial Factory in Mill Street which moved to Chapman Street in 1962. Bernard Elsey died aged 81. Elsey owned Daydream Island and developed the resort for 13 years until 1981, but his greatest claim to fame at the Gold Coast was his idea of bikini clad meter maids Labour Candidate Launched. ALP Candidate Peter Jardine asserted “The protection of the environment will be the biggest local issue in Whitsunday.” Accommodation Up. Room night sales for Queensland hotels and motels for the March quarter 1986 were 13.4 % above those for the March quarter 1985. Aust. Bureau of Statistics. Nursing Home Activities. New Activities Officer Judith Madill organised bingo, Hoy and musical entertainment and was calling on people and clubs in the community to help run handicraft and musical sessions. Flower Show World Theme. Uniting Church flower Show committee have chosen the 1986 theme to be ‘Around The World’ with countries and their flags and food depicted in floral arrangements. The Baton Twirlers and the High school Choir will be among live entertainment. Fireman Farewelled. Long serving fireman Bob Johnstone’s retirement was farewelled. He had been an auxilliary member since October 1956. Pony Club’s Gymkhana. Visitors from Collinville, Bowen, Black River, Mackay and Cannon Valley took part in the march past of 60 riders. Judges for the day were Helen Gillen and Jenny Rassmussen. Whitsunday Windsurfing. Pearce Mitchell’s recent 13th place in the New Guinea Windsurfing Titles is part of a planned three country circuit including Airlie Beach and Fiji. The Whitsunday Village have planned a week of windsurfing as a build up to the 10th Annual Fun Race. Mature Trees Removed from Designated Fauna Reserve. Proserpine Branch of the Wildlife Preservation Society believe this to be illegal and urged Council to take prompt action against those responsible. Source: Proserpine Guardian August 28th 1986. Contributed with thanks by the Proserpine Museum
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BY GEORGIA MCDONALD This week, I sat down with another local favourite, Josiah Samuel, to chat about his journey to the Whitsundays, his place in Airlie Beach’s music scene and what keeps him picking up the guitar after all these years. When Josiah first decided to move to Australia, the Whitsundays wasn’t on the itinerary. After building a life in Nelson, New Zealand where he worked as a teacher and played music on the side, a friend convinced Josiah to move to Melbourne and give the Australian music scene a go. He booked his flight, arrived in Melbourne and lasted four days. With a friend already living in the Whitsundays, Josiah decided to leave the city and head north where things were more his pace, arriving in 2016. His first job was washing dishes at the ‘Down Under Bar’, now known as Boaty’s and Nomads. It wasn’t long until people caught on that he was a musician. Then came a course-altering offer from the venue’s General Manager. One gig soon turned into five years of Sundays at the old Shed Bar, where Josiah became a familiar face. Now, he’s a regular fixture in venues across Airlie Beach. Josiah’s relationship with music started long before he arrived in the Whitsundays. Josiah first picked up a guitar at six, getting his own at 14, and says most of what he knows came from being around others rather than formal lessons. Growing up in New Zealand, he spent time with Māori and Islander friends, including a group at school who would gather in the music room, grab guitars and jam together. For Josiah, music was something learned through community - by listening, watching and joining in. That instinctive approach has stayed with him. Ideas often pop into his head and he'll grab a guitar and record them before they disappear. In fact, he keeps a guitar in every room of his house for these moments of inspiration. His early sets were heavily influenced by reggae and Islander music, but as he picked up more gigs, he realised he needed to broaden his style to keep gigs coming in. His connection to Māori and Islander music, however, has remained, leading to some memorable moments. One came recently while performing at the Royal Queensland Show in Brisbane. After Josiah finished his set with “E Papa”, an Islander song he'd been playing for years, a man approached him and asked where he was from. The man then revealed he was a member of Herbs, and the writer of the song Josiah had just performed. Josiah was star-struck. It’s a far cry from his early days performing in the Whitsundays, when Josiah would wear black sunglasses on stage because he found looking out at the crowd intimidating. That same sense of community now extends beyond Josiah’s own performances. As one of the founders of Whitsunday Entertainment, he helps connect local musicians, DJs and entertainers with weddings, events and corporate functions - creating the kind of opportunities that helped shape his own journey. For Josiah, tmusic has ultimately taught him the importance of authenticity. “If you play music in a way that you really feel, other people can really feel it too.” Where to catch Josiah: Every Tuesday at Paradiso, 6:15pm – 9pm Every Wednesday at Boaty’s, 5pm – 8pm Song Recommendation For This Week: Love Me - Fia
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The iconic jetty at Coral Sea Resort came alive with a vibrant party atmosphere last Thursday evening with the resort kindly hosting more than forty industry members in the second of its monthly networking evenings. Owner of Coral Sea Marina, Paul Darrouzet was present on the night, and the rain clouds that had previously plagued the week, parted to provide a stunning ocean backdrop and a classic Whitsunday sunset.
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A child who sees an adult reading learns something important: that books are not merely homework. They are company, adventure, knowledge, laughter, and sometimes the beginning of a story of one’s own. So when did you last see a dad reading on the couch, a grandfather sharing a favourite story, or a sports coach talking about a book at training? For many Whitsunday families, it’s a fair question. Reading for pleasure does more than fill spare time. It builds vocabulary, imagination, empathy and the confidence to think deeply. Skills that follow children through school and into life. The numbers show why these matters. More than two-thirds of Australians aged 15 and over read for pleasure, so there is a strong culture to build on locally. Yet nationally, one in three children is not reading proficiently, roughly eight children in every class of 24. The gap is particularly noticeable among boys and young men. This isn’t because boys are naturally less interested in stories, it’s more about opportunity, choice, and role models. Young Australian men aged 15 to 24 are currently the least likely group to read recreationally. When boys don’t see the men in their lives – fathers, uncles, grandfathers, cousins, sport coaches, teachers – reading and talking about books, it’s easy for reading to quietly slip off the list of things "people like me" do. Letting boys choose their own books, whether that’s sport biographies, graphic novels, history or science fiction, matters too: most children say the books they enjoy most are the ones they picked themselves. Of course, screens are part of modern life, and they’re not the enemy. Audiobooks, e-books, graphic novels, and online reading communities like BookTok can all be genuine pathways into stories. The real question isn’t screens versus books. It’s whether children have regular, unhurried time to read something they actually enjoy, alongside adults who model that same joy. This is exactly the conversation the Whitsundays Writers Festival wants to start. Two festival panels - Is There a Book in You? and Where Do You Get Your Story Ideas From? - explore how reading and writing are connected: reading opens the door to ideas, and writing gives those ideas a voice. Families are warmly invited to attend, ask questions, and discover local and regional authors who might just become a child’s next favourite. The next generation of Whitsunday readers, and perhaps writers, may begin with something wonderfully simple: an adult, a child, a good book, and time to share it. This September, the Festival invites the whole community, especially the blokes, to pick up a book and be seen doing it. Photo captions: Photo 1- Richard Evans, Whitsundays Writers Festival Director & President. Photo 2- Writers festival keynote speaker, Rachel Armstrong. (Try to place this on the right side of the page so it’s closer to the second article.
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Honey may be shy at first, but beneath her reserved nature is a big personality waiting to emerge. The three-to-four-year-old cat just wants a peaceful place she can meow home to, where she can regain her confidence and feel safe. Honey arrived at Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue from the pound, where renovation work and excessive noise left her in a constant-anxiety filled state. She now needs patient owners willing to give her the space and time to settle in on her own terms. Once comfortable, Honey enjoys staying close to her people and can become quite talkative, particularly at night when she finds a secure spot to curl up and let her purrs be heard. Honey prefers her own space, rather than being around other cats and dogs, feeling more at ease as the only pet at home. While she is gentle around children, she is more likely to keep to herself. If you think Honey could be the perfect addition to your home, contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue by direct messaging your name, phone number and "Honey" to begin the adoption process.
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Some of Australian rock’s biggest names will join forces at the Airlie Beach Hotel this Father’s Day weekend as supergroup The Filthy Animals bring the classics Dad grew up with back to the stage. The group first came together when COVID border restrictions prevented drummer Kerry Jacobson from joining his interstate bandmates, prompting him to team up with other Queensland-based musicians facing the same situation. What began as a bit of fun soon developed into The Filthy Animals, a rotating supergroup featuring Australian rock names including Dave Gleeson, Angry Anderson, Rose Carleo and Mark Furze, with the lineup changing depending on where they perform and who is available. “It’s become a national pool of great Australian musicians from well-known bands who come together to form a real top-shelf cover band,” said the super group’s Band Manager. “We try to keep three or four musicians who perform regularly within each rotation of lineups, so there’s always chemistry and people who work well together.” Coming to the Airlie Beach Hotel on Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th September, six of the group’s standout musicians will unite for a weekend packed with Australian rock talent. Dragon’s Kerry Jacobson, who played with the band throughout its iconic hitmaking years and has since performed with Mondo Rock, Ian Moss, The Black Sorrows, Renée Geyer and Russell Morris, will be behind the drums. Leading the vocals will be Skenie, frontman of ’90s hitmakers The Poor, who achieved a number one song and has shared stages with AC/DC, Van Halen, KISS, Bon Jovi and Alice in Chains. Skenie will be joined by fellow The Poor member Daniel Cox on guitar, alongside Pete Robinson, best known for more than 20 years with Electric Mary and his work with Russell Morris and The Screaming Jets. On bass will be Bobby Poulton, who joined Grammy Award-winning rock band Wolfmother in 2018 and has shared the stage with members of KISS, Guns N’ Roses, Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake. Completing the six-piece lineup on keys will be Glenn Muirhead, who has performed with Eurogliders. Together, they bring decades of touring and recording experience to a lineup built to deliver the rock classics audiences know and love. “It’s awesome because everyone’s a professional, so it’s really easy,” Skenie said. “We just go over a couple of things at soundcheck, like the endings and which guitarist is doing what. “We don’t even really rehearse because everybody knows their parts.” With Sunday’s show falling on Father’s Day, Skenie said it was the perfect chance to bring Dad along and enjoy the rock classics he grew up listening to. “They would have heard them for sure, and they’ll have a blast,” he said. What? The Filthy Animals When? Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th September Where? Airlie Beach Hotel
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28th 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach 28th SICYC Rendezvous 2026, Cap Gloucester Resort 29th Cocktail Playground, 12pm-4:30pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach 29th SICYC Rendezvous 2026, Cap Gloucester Resort 29th Dusty Springfield Show featuring Wendy Stapleton, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach 30th SICYC Rendezvous 2026, Cap Gloucester Resort 30th Swinging Sixties featuring Wendy Stapleton, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach SEPTEMBER 3rd FREE Salsa & Bachata Social, 7:30pm-9pm, Hog’s Breath Café, Airlie Beach 4th Don River Dash, ALL DAY, Don River, Bowen 4th Bowen Business Networking Event, 7:30am-8:30am, TBA, Bowen 4th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine 4th 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach 5th Don River Dash, ALL DAY, Don River, Bowen 5th Cocktail Playground, 12pm-4:30pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach 5th The Filthy Animals Classic Rock Rangers Father’s Day Special, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach 6th Don River Dash, ALL DAY, Don River, Bowen 6th Whitsunday Counselling and Support Inc. Colour Run, 9am-12pm, Club Whitsunday, Airlie Beach 6th The Filthy Animals Classic Rock Rangers, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach 6th Bobby Alu’s Keep It Tropical North QLD, 3pm, Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach 8th Sailability Whitsundays.
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The Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club (SICYC) is preparing to bring four days of fun and fundraising back to the Whitsundays, with its annual Rendezvous once again throwing its support behind the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Running from 27th to 30th August at Cape Gloucester Resort, this year’s “Nauti-Cal Schoolies” themed Rendezvous will bring the boating community together for a packed program of entertainment, competitions and social activities; all while supporting an important cause. Fundraising for prostate cancer will feature throughout the weekend, including opportunities for attendees to purchase event memorabilia and take part in activities supporting the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. On Saturday, representatives from the foundation will be on hand alongside a specialist nurse from Mackay Hospital and Health Service, giving attendees the opportunity to learn more about prostate cancer, available support and the importance of awareness. The weekend will also include the popular “Shaggers Salon”, where attendees can brave a shave for prostate cancer, along with raffles and major auctions helping raise further funds. Beyond the fundraising, there will be no shortage of entertainment across the four-day program. Festivities include live music, themed dress-up competitions for boats and caravans, beach games, yoga, a book swap, a pirate farewell party and Saturday night fireworks. Grey nomads have also been invited to join the fun, with a special “land lubbers” morning tea planned for Saturday. The annual Rendezvous has become an opportunity for SICYC members, visitors and the wider boating community to enjoy the Whitsundays while rallying behind the fight against prostate cancer. Tickets are $35 per person, with caravan and camping available on site for an additional fee. Bookings are essential, with registrations available through Humanitix. Fundraising with a view: Rendezvous set to come to Cape Gloucester. Photo source: Shutterstock
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28th August 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 29nd August ABH: Wendy Stapleton: Dusty Springfield, 2pm-5:30pm ABH: Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm Sorrento’s: Andrew Baldino, 4pm-7pm KC’s Bar & Grill: Jason Bull, 8pm-10pm Grand View Hotel Bowen: Zed Charles band, 8pm onwards 30th August ABH: Wendy Stapleton: Swinging Sixties, 2pm-5:30pm, ABH: Paul Fergus Morris, 6:30-9:30pm KC’s Bar & Grill: Jason Bull, 8pm-10pm Grand View Hotel Bowen: Ronny Broker, 1pm-5pm 31st August Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm KC’s Bar & Grill: Graham Rix, 8pm-10pm 1st September Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm KC’s Bar & Grill: Velvet Divan, 8pm-10pm 2nd September Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm [Text Wrapping Break]KC’s Bar & Grill: Velvet Divan, 8pm-10pm 3rd September ABH: Aaron Saxon, 6:30pm-9:30pm Sorrentos: Lucy Rose, 4pm-7pm KC’s Bar & Grill: Velvet Divan, 8pm-10pm
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Flagstaff Hill’s beauty just reached new heights as the Bowen Art Society opened its biggest annual exhibition yet, bringing artists and art lovers together for a colourful celebration of local creativity. Featuring more than 200 artworks from artists across the Whitsundays and Burdekin, the Bowen Art Society Annual Exhibition and Competition officially opened on Friday night before continuing over the following days. “With more than 200 pieces of artwork on display, there’s some incredible talent to see,” Mayor Ry Collins said. “We live in a pretty spectacular part of the world, so there’s certainly no shortage of inspiration, but it takes real talent to turn that inspiration into something worth hanging on a wall!” The exhibition splashed an impressive mix of work from emerging, developing, experienced and junior artists, with each piece offering a bit of the artist's style, subject and perspective. From scenes inspired by the region’s landscapes and coastal beauty to realistic animal portraits and imaginative creations, the collection echoed the recent Great Barrier Reef Art Exhibition, once again showing the wealth of diverse artistic talent found across the region. The opening night also featured live music from Bowen artist Samantha Roberts and award presentations guest judged by International landscape and portrait artist Maxine Thompson, while the crowd most importantly gave the artists their moment in the spotlight. “Great to see so many people come out to support our local arts community, and Council is proud to provide the spectacular Flagstaff Hill venue for the exhibition,” said Mayor Collins. Photo caption: Photo 1- Mayor Collins with the winners from the awards presentation. Photo source: Mayor Ry Collins. Photo 2- Examples of the work on display. Photo 3- Melaine Collins with a stunning piece.
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Close to 40 disadvantaged people and job seekers across the Burdekin electorate will be given extra support to build their skills, confidence and pathways into lasting local work. The initiative comes from a welcomed investment by the government being put into two local training programs, with $215,500 for Burdekin PCYC’s Get Set for Work program and $146,800 for Whitsunday Success Pathways’ Work Skills Traineeships program, which will be delivered in Bowen. The funding forms part of a $46.2 million round of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, supporting 166 projects across Queensland aimed at addressing skills shortages in priority industries. Member for the Burdekin electorate Dale Last said the wraparound support offered through both programs would give young people a more tailored experience. “We have already seen the successful results in our community with past participants becoming the skilled workers we need in priority industries like construction, health, community services and hospitality,” Mr Last said. “In order to grow our local workforce and bolster our region’s economy, we need to be able to retain young adults in our community and that means ensuring there are positive career pathways available and the ability to obtain the skills needed in our towns.” Mr Last said that programs like Skilling Queenslanders for Work showed the government’s focus on better outcomes for workers, employers and local communities. “This is a great outcome for Burdekin and Bowen communities whose economies ultimately benefit from the addition of skilled, local young workers,” Mr Last said.
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The team at Bowen Tourism and Business continue to welcome thousands of visitors to the region and they recently also provided tour guides for visiting bus travellers. Last month, about 40 visitors from across Australia were given a guided taste of Bowen, with two busloads of tourists stopping at the Big Mango before touring some of the town’s most popular attractions. The guided commentary service is one of the many ways Bowen Tourism and Business helps visitors make the most of their time in Bowen, with the benefit of local knowledge. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said that during winter each year, the Local Tourism Organisation usually receives several enquiries from coach companies looking for local guides. “We are always happy to help,” she said. "Our wonderful volunteers are always keen to be involved, and they are the perfect guides because they have such a wealth of local knowledge, and they love sharing their passion for Bowen. Each bus ride route isn’t set in stone either, with several tour scripts allowing guides to tailor the experience to suit each group’s interests. "We obviously provide visitors with information about our beautiful beaches, local history and the attractions that make Bowen such a wonderful place to visit," she said. "However, many groups are also interested in learning more about our industries, particularly farming. "People are often fascinated by the history of mango farming in our region, and they're also surprised to hear about our significant winter crops including tomatoes, corn and eggplant." Contributed with thanks to Leanne Abernethy. Photo caption: Bowen Tourism and Business team member Cindy Tonks and volunteer Steve “Fish” Fisher with Sue from O’Shannessy Coaches.
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What started as a quiet Sunday afternoon drink at the Queens Beach Hotel has grown into a $57,000 show of support for a service Bowen locals know they may one day need. For the past five years, the Sunday Sippers have been gathering at the pub each Sunday from 4pm to 6pm, running raffles, sharing a drink and raising money. The raffles have grown with the cause, now featuring venue vouchers, butcher shop prizes, seafood vouchers and extra BWS prizes when the Sunday crowd is especially strong. “In the early days we’d go to the hotel on a Sunday and there wasn’t much happening, so we decided we’d put something together where we could raise funds while having a drink,” said Sunday Sipper Peter Hannah. “It started out with a little sausage sizzle, two bucks a sausage, and on a big Sunday we’d raise 12 bucks. So we thought, no, we’ve got to do something better than this.” Since those humble beginnings, the group has gone on to raise an impressive $57,000 for CQ Rescue. Choosing an organisation to donate to was easy for the Sippers, as Bowen’s location between Townsville and Mackay, surrounded by rural communities, cattle properties and coastal roads, means the rescue helicopter plays a crucial role when urgent help is needed. “Our community fundraising supports the helicopter- to ‘keep the bird in the air’ as we say,” Peter said. “The helicopter visits here quite regularly, so people know that it’s a vital part of how to get out of here if things go wrong.” “All the people here are behind it,” Peter said. “We are supported by our community people, the butcher shop and the pub and things like that.” Peter said. “I’d like to give them a little pat on the back too.” Photo captions: Photo 1- Sunday Sippers presenting CQ Rescue with their big check. All photos supplied by Peter Hannah. Photo 2- Peter Hannah.
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After two-and-a-half seasons in Proserpine, Cane Supply Manager Peter Luke is returning to the Burdekin and handing the reins to experienced railway and logistics manager Brad Garner. “I’ve been in logistics for close to 20 years and working in Proserpine has been one of the highlights of my career with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables,” he said. “Proserpine is a friendly place and everyone has been extremely welcoming. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support, friendship and cooperation throughout my time here. I have greatly appreciated it and will look back on my time at Proserpine with many fond memories.” Peter has been working closely with Brad over the past month, helping him transition into the Cane Supply Manager role. Brad began his sugar industry career at Invicta Mill in 1985 and has since held rail and logistics roles across Wilmar’s Burdekin operations, most recently serving as Senior Railway Superintendent across all eight mills. “I’m looking forward to taking on this position, as it will give me the opportunity to work directly with local growers and harvesting contractors, as well as Proserpine Mill employees,” Brad said. “Peter has introduced me to lots of local growers and industry stakeholders, and has given me a strong foundation for success in the role. “I’m keen to bring my experience to the region, build strong relationships and contribute to the ongoing success of the local sugar industry.” Photo caption: Peter Luke and Brad Garner. Photo supplied: Leanne Oliveri.
Read moreProserpine Mill processed close to 64,300 tons of cane for the week. This was below budget due to a planned extended maintenance stop to repair the bagasse reclaimer. Our season to date has now totaled more than 712,000 tons. Average weekly CCS came in above budget, at 14.01 units. The highest weekly CCS sample for the week was 17.16 units, from a rake of SRA26 Plant cane in the Elaroo District. As we approach the halfway point for the Proserpine production season, we’re reminding locals and visitors not to become complacent about cane trains. Parents and carers are urged to remind their children not to play on or around the cane rail network. Drivers are reminded to obey all signs and signals and always give way to cane trains. Haulout operators are reminded that cane trains get right of way when delivering or collecting bins from the siding. Remember, cane trains work around the clock, seven days a week, so please continue to use your train brain and always take care around the cane rail network.
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Proserpine State High School’s Grade 10 agriculture students have traded their textbooks for the cane patch, planting a new sugar crop they will care for over the next year. With help from Canegrowers Proserpine representatives Luke Valmadre and Jess Harrison, the students got their hands dirty preparing and planting the cane, which they will care for and monitor before its sweetness is put to the test next year in the Sweetest Cane Competition. “It’s about exposing students to what we do in the agricultural sector and giving them an understanding of what happens on the sugar cane farms surrounding their schools,” said Canegrowers Proserpine’s Brendan Northard. “It helps bridge the gap between the towns and the farms around them, while hopefully sparking an interest in the industry.” The Sweetest Cane Competition invites schools from across the district to plant and manage their own sugar cane crops on school grounds, with students involved throughout the growing process. When the cane is ready, its sugar content is tested to determine which school has produced the sweetest crop, giving students a practical look at how local growers are rewarded for the quality of their cane. “It’s a great opportunity for the students to learn about what’s actually in their own backyard and make that real-life connection from the raw product through to the finished product,” Proserpine State High School Ag Assistant Gayle Watts said. “They also learn that the industry is not just about plants and animals, but the many different jobs associated with agriculture.” Over the coming year, several agriculture classes will share responsibility for the crop, with each group taking on a different stage of the growing process. Students will move from preparing and planting the cane to fertilising and monitoring its growth before harvesting, juicing and testing it for sugar content ahead of the competition. “We’ve got the teachers, a mentor farmer who grows cane commercially, an agronomist and Canegrowers staff all involved,” Mr Northard said. “It gives the students a bigger picture of what happens across the industry, rather than only teaching them how to grow the cane.” While different students will be involved along the way, each class will be able to check on the crop’s progress and take ownership of the work completed by those before them. “It means plenty of new faces come through and get involved, so the program gives a lot of students an awareness of the industry,” Ms Watts said. “They can look back on the work completed by earlier classes, check how the cane is growing and take some ownership of the crop themselves.” Photo caption: Photos supplied by Proserpine State High School.
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Anxiety is experienced not only through thoughts but also through the body. A person may understand that their fears are unlikely to happen, yet their body can still respond as though danger is present. This is why effective anxiety treatment often involves addressing both the mind and the physical stress response. Psychotherapy helps individuals explore the thoughts, beliefs, and experiences that contribute to anxiety. Through evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), people can learn skills to manage worry, reduce avoidance, and respond differently to anxious thoughts. Exercise strengthens these therapeutic changes by regulating the nervous system. When we exercise, the body experiences sensations similar to anxiety, an increased heartbeat, sweating, and faster breathing, but within a safe and controlled environment. Over time, this can help the brain learn that these sensations are not dangerous. Movement can also create space from anxious thoughts. A walk outdoors, a yoga session, or a gym workout can shift attention away from constant worry and bring awareness back to the present moment. The combination of psychotherapy and exercise can be especially valuable because each approach targets different aspects of anxiety. Therapy supports insight, emotional processing, and behavioural change, while exercise supports physical regulation, energy, sleep, and confidence. Small steps matter. Someone experiencing anxiety does not need to begin with a demanding exercise routine. A short daily walk or gentle movement can become a foundation for change. When exercise and psychotherapy are combined, individuals are supported to develop healthier thinking patterns, stronger coping skills, and greater resilience in managing life’s challenges. “If you’d like more support in managing ADHD for yourself or your family, visit my website https://www.personaltransitions.com.au/ or give Cristie 0488667264 or me 0418708214.”
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By Michael Kimpton: Motivational Speaker I am a 72-year-old Ironman triathlete. Currently ranked number 1 in Australia and number 4 in the World in my Age Category 70-74, where most of the athletes are retired or dead! I only progressed to IRONMAN Triathlon competition in 2021, at the age of 67, taking on a monster one day endurance event consisting of a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and a 42.2 km Marathon run. This wouldn’t have seen possible once upon a time- back in 1977, a traumatic accident permanently changed the course of my life. Let me take you back to that day. On a wet and windy night I was commuting back home after work as an Accountant in Melbourne. Out of nowhere I crashed my motorcycle, causing life-threatening injuries that changed everything. The accident happened just down the road from the Royal Melbourne Hospital. I fell off my motorcycle on a greasy roundabout and slipped under a parked car. I lost consciousness and immediately needed 2 units of blood for my massive injuries; a severely gashed calf and compound fracture of the femur. I was rushed to emergency at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition with severe injuries, loss of blood and shock. My kidneys failed and I was placed on dialysis. However, the human body can be remarkably resilient and is sometimes able to recuperate. Slowly I weaned off pain medication and gradually started to understand the seriousness of my health predicament. My left leg was fully paralysed due to nerve damage and the compound fracture required the insertion of a metal rod and months in traction. The enormous wound in my calf required skin grafts. I was told I was lucky not to lose my lower leg. I spent 5 months in hospital in traction, 6 weeks on kidney dialysis, and then learning how to walk again after my muscles wasted away was a major task. Lucky for me the Nerve in my leg was not completely severed and it regenerated over the next 18 months. Whoever thought I could do a full Ironman, let alone represent Australia 7 times in this challenging multisport? Years on I still listen to kids on the beach who say, “Shark Bite for sure!” I’m still explaining my disfigurement to this day. I believed I was given a second chance in life. I am now one of the most ambitious and driven people - in life and in triathlons. I never do things halfhearted. I always put in 110% and never say never! ‘Not possible” are two words that don’t appear in my vocabulary. If someone says to me it’s not possible; I’ll prove to them it may be possible. My goal is to motivate & inspire you all. I want you to feel safe enough to leave your comfort zone in order to achieve anything which you might believe is beyond your expectations. This does not have to be in a sport. it can be in life in general. Any goals you set yourself whether it be to do with work, family, play, achievements, recognition, promotion, happiness- whatever! Please help me with raise funds for my next challenge in October this year by scanning the QR code.
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The recent Federal Budget contained several measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures, but it offered little to solve Australia's biggest housing challenge: a lack of supply. While various incentives may help some buyers enter the market, they do little to address the shortage of homes being built. In many parts of the country, particularly Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, housing affordability remains a major issue and prices continue to be supported by strong demand. For retirees, however, this situation may present an opportunity. Many Australians approaching or entering retirement are finding that the value of their homes in major capital cities has increased significantly over the years. By selling a property in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane and relocating to a regional area such as the Whitsundays, retirees may be able to purchase a quality home at a lower price while freeing up substantial capital to support their retirement lifestyle. Rather than having a large portion of their wealth locked away in the family home, retirees may be able to boost superannuation, create additional investment income or simply provide themselves with greater financial flexibility during retirement. The Whitsundays continues to attract new residents for good reason. A relaxed lifestyle, strong community spirit, quality services and a warmer climate make the region an appealing alternative to the major capitals. Improved technology and flexible work arrangements have also encouraged more Australians to consider regional living, creating ongoing population growth in many lifestyle destinations. This migration trend benefits not only new residents but also local businesses, employment opportunities and property markets. Areas experiencing steady inward migration are often better positioned than regions where population growth is limited. Importantly, one of the most positive outcomes from the Budget was what didn't change. Prior to the Budget there was considerable speculation surrounding potential changes to superannuation and retirement income settings. For most Australians, those concerns proved unfounded. The superannuation and Age Pension systems were left largely unchanged, providing valuable certainty for retirees and those planning for retirement. Stability is critical when making long-term financial decisions. Australia's superannuation system remains one of the strongest retirement savings frameworks in the world, and maintaining confidence in the rules allows Australians to continue planning for retirement with greater certainty. While housing affordability challenges are likely to persist in the major capitals, regional Australia may continue to benefit as more retirees and families seek a more affordable and enjoyable lifestyle. For many Australians, selling a high-value city property and relocating to the Whitsundays could provide not only a lifestyle upgrade but also a stronger financial position throughout retirement. If you’d like an obligation free review of your financial situation, call us on 49467359 for an appointment at our office in Carlo Drive, Cannonvale today.
Read moreWe all know, watching a leadership module on a screen does not make someone a better leader. Neither does clicking through 47 slides about emotional intelligence, completing an online quiz about conflict or watching a video about difficult conversations while answering emails at the same time. Online learning has its place. It is great for information, compliance, refreshers and giving people access to knowledge, but knowledge does not equal behaviour change. Online training can deliver information, however face-to-face training can create transformation. If you need to build leadership, communication, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution skills or learn to manage difficult personalities you need to immerse yourself in an environment that makes you self-assess and challenge your own belief concepts. We deliberately put people in a room because leadership is not a knowledge problem. Most people already know they should communicate better, listen more, manage conflict and give constructive feedback. Knowing what to do isn't the same as actually doing it. Face-to-face training creates an environment that online doesn’t - human friction. You have to look someone in the eye and practise the difficult conversation. In our room people may question your thinking and suddenly you realise your communication style may be irritating. You discover that what you call “being direct” might actually look like intimidation and sometimes you find out that your response to conflict is part of the problem. In our room, you get the opportunity to do it differently. In our room, magic happens and minds shiift. A good facilitator can see the crossed arms, the discomfort, the defensiveness and steers them towards the ‘a-ha’ moments. You can't build genuine trust between colleagues by putting everyone on mute or turning off your video. You can't develop the emotional courage required to manage difficult people by completing a multiple-choice question about conflict. Leadership is human. So leadership development needs to be human too. Online training can tell people what good leadership looks like but face-to-face training gives them somewhere to challenge their preconceived ideas and practise becoming it. That’s why we put people in a room - to make it real, make an impact, and make a change.
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More than a century after the Lowcock family first began building in the region, the Bowen company’s commitment to quality has earned fresh recognition, claiming two honours at the Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards. Lowcock’s quality of work was recognised across two distinct categories, with its Yaringa Units project winning the Medium Density up to Three Storeys award and VaultX Storage taking out the Commercial/Industrial Building up to $3 million category. The Yaringa Units comprise four thoughtfully designed two-bedroom residences, providing secure and affordable accommodation for up to eight frontline health, education and aged-care workers in Bowen. Described as the first purpose-built accommodation project of its kind in Queensland, Yaringa was supported by the Queensland Government through Round 3 of the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund. Each residence offers generous open-plan living, plenty of natural light, durable finishes and added privacy, creating a practical and welcoming development that complements Bowen Community Council Inc.’s existing building style. VaultX Storage, meanwhile, was developed to meet Bowen’s growing demand for safe and convenient self-storage. The purpose-built facility opened with 54 units, offering 24-hour access and personalised PIN security within a clean, modern design. Storage spaces range from 2.3m by 3m to 24m by 3.3m, catering to a variety of customer needs. With capacity to expand to 82 units, VaultX was designed to meet both current demand and Bowen’s future storage needs. These award-winning builds are just two of the many projects Lowcock Builders has delivered across the region, alongside the Airlie Beach Car Wash, Bowen TAFE Agriculture Centre of Excellence, Hillview unit complex and Nolan’s Interstate Transport facility. Each reflects the same care and attention to detail the company brings to every build. This success is nothing new for Jack and Jen Lowcock, who have been carrying forward a legacy of success stretching back to 1918. Photo captions: Photo 1- Jack and Jen celebrating with the other award winners. Photo 2- Vaultx Storage. Photo 3- Varinga Units.
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If you’re driving around parts of the Whitsundays over the next few weeks, there’s a fair chance you’ll come across our road crews as we roll into the latest stage of Council’s annual road resealing program. From late August, weather permitting, crews will be working on Strathdickie Road, Dingo Beach Road and several roads around Mount Coolon. It’s worth putting the size of the job into perspective. Whitsunday Regional Council maintains around 1,776 kilometres of roads, comprising 616 kilometres sealed and another 1,160 kilometres unsealed. That’s a significant road network stretching from our coastal communities through to some remote parts of our region, and keeping it safe and maintained is one of the Council's biggest responsibilities. It’s also about spending money at the right time. Road resealing might not be the most glamorous Council project, but it is one of the smartest investments we can make in looking after the assets our community already owns. Put simply, resealing protects the road surface, keeps water out of the pavement underneath and extends the life of the road. Doing that work at the right time is considerably cheaper than allowing a road to deteriorate to the point where major reconstruction is required. That’s also why you might sometimes see us resealing a road that still looks pretty good, while another road nearby appears to be in worse condition. Once the pavement underneath starts to fail, simply putting another seal over the top won’t fix the problem. That road will generally need more substantial rehabilitation before it can be resealed. So the aim is to reseal roads before they reach that point wherever we can which extends their life and delivers the best value from every dollar we spend on the network. At the same time, we're not standing still. Major projects such as the Hamilton Plains flood immunity upgrade are improving key parts of our network as the Whitsundays continues to grow. So there are really two jobs happening at once – looking after the extensive road network we already have while progressively building a safer, stronger and more resilient network for the future. Of course, roadworks inevitably mean some inconvenience. There will be single-lane closures, reduced speed limits and traffic control while these works are underway, so please allow a little extra time and follow the directions of our traffic controllers. You may also notice line marking doesn’t happen immediately after resealing. That's deliberate. The new surface needs time to settle and cure before permanent line marking goes down. I know getting stuck at a stop/go sign can test the patience – particularly when you somehow seem to get the “stop” side every time. But a few minutes of inconvenience now helps us get more life out of roads our community relies on every day. Thanks for your patience and, most importantly, please slow down around our crews while they get the job done.
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A new 1.2km walking track is taking shape between Dingo Beach and Hydeaway Bay. The new walking track will connect the Dingo Beach Foreshore at Olive Street with the Hydeaway Bay Foreshore Carpark, making it easier to enjoy the coastline while taking in scenic bay views. Construction is now underway and expected to be completed in September 2026, weather permitting.
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