Hi Everyone,

Last weekend I had the most fabulous time at the Whitsundays Writers Festival, and it was truly an event I’ll remember forever.

From my mum using the f-word when performing her poem ‘Don’t Let The Old Lady In” at the Poetry Karaoke evening, to having a lively conversation with New York Times Best Selling Author, Sally Hepworth – the whole weekend was magical!

I met too many inspiring people to count, formed connections from all over the country and locally I heard there could even be a new writers group formed as a result of the event.

Well done to the organisers, volunteers and committee members who brought this amazing event back to the community, I hope it continues for years to come.

Changing pace now, I wanted mention the recent assaults that took place at the public toilets on Cannonvale Beach.

As many of you would know, I live very close by and, when I heard one of the attacks occurred 200 metres away from where I had been sleeping just five minutes before my alarm went off, I felt deeply distressed.

Not only had I been unable to help the poor lady, I had also been very close to a dangerous criminal.

I felt even more distressed when our journalist, Ruth Puddefoot, informed me this was the second incident where a woman had been assaulted in the same location, just days apart.

Fortunately, a man had been arrested and we hope is now off the streets, but I couldn’t help but think that if we had been alerted to the danger and informed of the first incident, then the second assault could have been prevented.

Two lady’s lives have been changed forever because of these assaults, but if the community knew about the first incident, I can’t help think that people could have been aware to use more caution and be on the lookout.

If the newspaper can help alert the community to a crime, we will.

If anyone wishes to inform us of an assault, we will contact the police for an official statement and then publish a community alert with accurate information.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “No pressure, no diamonds” (Thomas Carlyle)

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In April this year Michelle Wardrope fell over on her driveway, resulting in her needing six stitches for the gash on her knee.

At the time, she had no idea this small fall was the start of an event that would nearly see her lose her life.

After the fall she travelled to hospital for stitches, however, she returned to hospital shortly after waking in her sleep with immense pain in her leg. Michelle’s health quickly deteriorated and was told she had contracted a soil-borne bacterial infection and only had a 2% chance of survival.

In less than 72 hours, the majority of Michelle's leg had to be removed, and eventually, the amputation extended further, removing her leg from the hip down.

Michelle had contracted a soil-borne bacterial infection from runoff streaming down the hill from the vegetation above their house and onto the driveway, where she had cut her leg.

This type of infection is extremely rare and extremely life-threatening, with doctors informing her that most people do not survive the first 48 hours.

Michelle knows she was very lucky to survive, but the journey was not over there, she has had to get accustomed to life with only one leg.

For the past few months, she has also had to live with a stoma, something she found uncomfortable.

Fortunately, this week the stoma was reversed representing one more step to the slow recovery to a ‘new normal’ for Michelle and her family.

Instead of self-pity, however, Michelle has demonstrated immense gratitude throughout the journey and most of this has been directed to the local community who she says has buoyed her recovery.

After coming out of the recent operation she offered her thanks again, proving how each well wish is a Good Deed in a small highly connected community like ours.

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Another year and another spectacular weekend at the St. Bebida’s White on Whitehaven Long Table Lunch.

Hosted by Fish D’vine, a spectacular array of fresh local seafood and sumptuous sizzling meats was served alongside crunchy salads and washed down with an array of first-class beverages.

Everyone had a wonderful time soaking in the sun and taking a dip in the refreshing turquoise waters of Whitehaven Beach.

Co-owner of Fish D’Vine Kev Collins had a great day serving everyone delicious food and offering special in-water service.

“White on Whitehaven is really about showcasing the very best of the Whitsundays7,” expressed Kev.

“Many guests come every year but a lot will come just once, to truly tick off a bucket list.

“Thanks to the hard work of so many individuals and so many supportive businesses and suppliers, we make this event look easy! We think of ourselves as the custodians of an iconic event, not the owners.

“White On Whitehaven is stamping itself as potentially the most famous long lunch in Australia and will ultimately be our company’s legacy.”

See you there next year!

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Kev Collins, co-owner of Fish D’vine with his wife Katelyn. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Queenslanders could now be hit with a $6,452 fine or $483 on the spot fine for discarding food, including fish frames, scraps and bait, in a way that may unintentionally attract crocodiles to a public place such as a boat ramp, jetty, pontoon or camping area.
Deliberately disturbing or feeding crocodiles could leave you with an increased on the spot fine ranging from $483 to $2580, with the maximum court-imposed fine increasing from $6452 to $26,615.
The Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Innovation, Leanne Linard stated:
“Feeding crocodiles increases the risk to public safety as the reptiles loiter around public places such as boat ramps, marinas, and tourist locations waiting for a feed.
“Discarded food sources and habituation to humans can lead to changes in animal behaviour and are the main reasons for the removal of problem crocodiles outside active removal zones.
“These new offences and increased fines are designed to reduce the risks associated with deliberately feeding and interacting with estuarine crocodiles.
“People may think feeding crocs or interacting with them is fun or harmless, but experience shows that doing so increases the risk to public safety.”
Remaining within close proximity to a croc can now also land you an on-the-spot fine of $806 or a maximum court-imposed fine of $16,130.
Conservation officers now also have the power to direct people to move away from a crocodile to avoid any potential human-crocodile interactions.
Next time you consider venturing into croc territory, think twice and remember to always stay croc-wise.

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Remember to be croc-wise when in croc territory

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On August 21, local resident Danielle Blackie tragically lost her life in a house fire in Sugar Loaf.

Circumstances were not considered suspicious, and Danielle is remembered by friends that knew her best:

“At first glance Danielle Blackie was tough and feisty. She was a strong woman, a trauma survivor, and she could do anything and everything. Danielle was a diamond who sparkled at its best when surrounded by her tribe.

“Contrary to her sometimes rugged and brash exterior, she was a gentle soul, who brimmed with kindness, love, generosity and compassion.

“She loved music and the arts and was a creative designer and seamstress. Danielle was a devotee of Shakespeare and would recite lengthy passages from memory whilst acting out the scene. 

“She had a magnificently wicked sense of humour, combined with a down to earth and no-nonsense attitude.

“My favourite memory of Danielle is of watching West Side Story overlooking Sydney Harbour. She was holding a glass of wine, whilst perched on the edge of her seat, completely engrossed in the story.

“Without warning, a gunshot (from the Opera) rang out. Terrified, she screamed and yelled “f#@k” and the full wine glass flew over her shoulder showering the patrons behind. The ensuing kerfuffle stopped the performance momentarily! What a good laugh!”

“Vale dear Danielle, you were seen, appreciated and loved by those whom you touched. The world is a richer place thanks to you.”

Written by Jo Phillips

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Danielle at Mt Kosciusko “Mack-tacking” (her word for cross country skiing). Photo supplied

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Over 30 field staff from Wet Tropics Management Authority, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Biosecurity QLD, Marine Parks and Whitsunday Regional Council have completed a 3-day detailed Yellow Crazy Ant survey from 2 – 5 September at infestation areas within Conway National Park.

The aim of the detailed survey is to accurately map the infestation areas in Shute Harbour so a revised and cost-effective baiting Program can be implemented.

During recent years Council has noticed that the infestation and the number of Yellow Crazy Ants have declined due to the baiting Program.

Whitsunday Regional Council Natural Resources Manager Scott Hardy said,
“Multi-agency activities such as this don’t happen often, but it’s representative of how important it is to manage this highly invasive pest that has the potential to have significant impacts on biodiversity, tourism, agriculture and our lifestyle if left unchecked.”

“In large numbers, they can disrupt entire ecosystems with their veracious appetites and ability to create 'super colonies' across large areas, leaving heavily infested areas without animals, insects or native ants,” Mr Hardy said.

The Whitsunday Yellow Crazy Ant Treatment program has cost over $375,000 since 2019, with baiting completed at Shute Harbour, Mandalay, Funnel Bay and Woodwark.

Mr Hardy said, “Initial results from the survey indicate that our baiting program was very successful with only a few ants found in a small area of Shute Harbour, however, given small nests can quickly expand into super colonies, it’s important we stay vigilant and do our best to eradicate.”

Eradication cannot be confirmed until up to 5 years of detailed surveys confirm no Yellow Crazy Ants in the area, which is a testament to how a few ants evading detection can quickly multiply.

Mayor Ry Collins said, “Whilst we are experiencing success managing existing outbreaks, we want the construction industry and community to remain vigilant around new builds and existing infected areas to identify Yellow Crazy Ants and contact Council immediately if suspected.”

“We thank the many staff from all agencies that have helped us on the journey to date and hope to continue to receive funding support to manage this pest into the future, protecting our lifestyle, biodiversity and industries,” Mayor Collins said.

Further information on Yellow Crazy Ants can be found on Whitsunday Regional Council website. Baiting is not considered hazardous to people and animals.

How to spot a Yellow Crazy Ant:
   • Yellow to brownish ant with body about 5mm long.
   • Abdomen is dark brown, sometimes striped.
   • Legs and antennae are very long.
   • Body is long and slender.
   • Walking style is erratic.

Impacts:
   • Sprays formic acid, which may cause burning and irritate skin and eyes of animals and potentially humans.
   • Destroys or disrupts natural species, including native birds, animals and plants.
   • Can affect horticulture industries.

The Yellow Crazy Ant is a category 3 restricted tramp ant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. If you see any report the incident to the local Council.

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Over 30 field staff from a variety organisations completed a 3-day detailed Yellow Crazy Ant survey. Photos supplied

Yellow Crazy Ants can be very destructive to local wildlife

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Barefoot Medicine first opened its doors in September 2023 and have since dedicated themselves to community healthcare, celebrating their one-year anniversary this month.
To mark this significant milestone, patients, doctors, and staff came together for a cake-cutting ceremony which Owners Shane Howden, Margaret Kurzok, Tanya De Vries and Director of the board, Alex Kennedy also attended.
The relaxing nature of Barefoot Medicine is what sets it apart from the rest, the waiting room feels more like a living room and conversation hub, where patients can chat whilst waiting for their appointment.
While you can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the waiting area, the serene ambiance takes a backseat once you enter the consultation room, where professionalism takes centre stage.
The practice has two resident GPs who concentrate on general health care and two registered nurse practitioners. Barefoot Medicine also has a chiropractor on site 3 ½ days a week.
Shane Howden, one of the three owners of Barefoot Medicine, shared insights into their inaugural year and how exciting the journey has been.
“We've been on a journey, a great journey, with challenges at times and we've still got challenges as far as getting more medical recruitment to the Whitsunday region,” he explained.
While the atmosphere in Barefoot Medicine is unmatched, the regional location makes it a struggle to attract practitioners, highlighting a regional issue.
Howden went on to say “Our fantastic current GP’s and practitioners are a blessing to our business”
The nature of having various practitioners on site is to facilitate their aim to be a ‘one-stop shop’.
“We want to be a one-stop shop, so if you need to see a skin specialist or a chiropractor, we can refer you in house and everything's transparent, so all the data that we have, the practitioners will have access to, so it won't be a repetition of telling each doctor your history,” Shane added.
“In our second year, we'll be making rooms available for specialists, so people don't have to travel to Mackay or Townsville to see someone.”
Barefoot Medicine has been thrilled to see the success in their first year, including the loyal patients who continue to see Dr Andrew and Dr El.
“We knew Andrew was going to be good, and we knew he had a good following, but we're overwhelmed, we just had that many people coming in and so many comments on the street, in the town, as well as people talking about our services” Shane explained.
Happy 1 year Barefoot, and if you are a doctor, practitioner or specialist and fancy getting your toes in The Whitsunday sands, Barefoot Medicine would love to hear from you!

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Director of the board, Alex Kennedy and Owners, Tanya De Vries, Shane Howden and Margaret Kurzok
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One year anniversary cake cutting

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Lake Proserpine is quickly becoming the mainland jewel in the crown for drawing visitors to the wonderful Whitsundays with Council’s staged masterplan upgrades capitalising on the famed site’s natural splendour.
 
Council has now started hosting events at Lake Proserpine and one of the most popular has been our Kids Fishing Day which returns on Saturday, October 5 on the King’s Birthday Long weekend.
 
Lake Proserpine has become renowned as an angler's paradise, boasting the highest number of barramundis over one metre in length than any other impoundment in Australia.
 
At the Kids Fishing Day, local fishing clinic operator Mudskippa will be on-site with fishing education and activity stations, offering expert tips and tricks. There will be a casting competition and the children get the opportunity to participate in a special release of barramundi fingerlings, thanks to Coral Coast Barramundi, with a marine biologist on-site to answer questions. A variety of stallholders, food vendors, a jumping castle, and plenty of giveaways for the kids will be available on the day!
 
Council and Lake Proserpine will also launch a new competition - the Barra Cash Dash! Anglers have the chance to win big by catching the tagged Golden Barra, with a $20,000 prize up for grabs, or one of the two Platinum Barras for a chance to win $7,500 each. The Barra Cash Dash is designed to lure fishing enthusiasts to play, stay, and enjoy all that Lake Proserpine has to offer.
 
In social terms, the transformation of Lake Proseprine has been amazing since Council delivered the first stages of the Masterplan with the addition of camping sites, upgraded recreational facilities, overflow parking areas, pontoons for enhanced access between the water and landslide areas, an enhanced arrival and information facility, upgraded boat ramps and accessibility to rationalised water-based recreation areas.
 
These improvements have seen the area become a major tourism experience for travellers and locals alike, and it is certainly becoming a source of incredible pride for Proserpine locals.
 
Mark and Ilze are our amazing onsite managers at Lake Proseprine and their passion for promoting the stunning campgrounds and location in our own background saw them host their 20,000th booking in July this year.
 
In their words, “Walking around the busy campground and speaking to the many happy campers, we feel privileged and humbled to have the opportunity to showcase what camping in the Aussie bush looks like.”
 
These increased numbers have a great flow on effect to the businesses, not only in Proserpine, but the wider Whitsundays Region. Everything at Lake Proserpine is a great addition to the wonderful Whitsunday Region.
 
“It’s a land-based destination, which is totally different to the beaches and islands, and caters for a completely different kind of holiday maker.”

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The Bowen Community Garden Working Bee is scheduled for this weekend Saturday 14 September from 7am at Bowen Community Garden.

The Working Bee, organised by Stella Life, is aimed to build the Bowen Community Garden into a lush space for all to enjoy.

Stella Community is excited to share the progress of the Bowen Community Garden, a groundbreaking project for this community aimed at creating an inclusive and vibrant green space for all to gather, learn, and connect with nature.  

The Stella Community are starting to celebrate the early successes of the garden and are excited to invite the community to the second Working Bee, a pivotal moment in the garden’s development.

Stella Community CEO Faileen James said “The progress we’ve made so far is a testament to the community’s enthusiasm and support.”

“We are thrilled to see the garden taking shape and look forward to seeing everyone at our second working bee to help further this wonderful project.”

Director Bruce Button added that the initial steps are just the beginning.

“We’re excited to engage even more with the community at our upcoming working bee and continue building on the progress we’ve made,” said Bruce.

Join the fun on 14 September to help shape the future of the Bowen Community Garden and be a part of creating a space that will benefit our entire community.

What: Working Bee
Where: 65 Williams Street, Bowen
When: Saturday 14 September, 7am – 10am

Faileen and volunteers from the first Working Bee
Garden beds

Photos supplied

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The Zonta Club of Bowen successfully hosted a STEM Workshops for Girls event on August 17th.
These workshops, which focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, featured engaging activities specifically designed for girls in grades 5 to 7.
“It was wonderful to see the 37 girls who attended so attentive, engaged and participating in the activities,” Cath Morgan said.
Facilitator Keziah Furnell from STEM Sisterhood (Townsville) along with her assistants ran a series of hands-on workshops, including Engineering where the girls worked in a team to design and build catapults.
They also enjoyed a Sports Science workshop where they learnt how to make a bionic hand, heart and lung.
Why these workshops? The organisers aim to empower girls by instilling confidence in their ability to succeed and build successful careers in STEM fields. This initiative is especially important given the current underrepresentation of women in STEM careers.
Positive feedback was received regarding the excellent organisation of the day, the girls' enthusiasm for participating in the activities, and questions about when the workshops will be held again.
Keziah posted on Facebook, highlighting how amazing the Bowen group was and expressing excitement about returning to Bowen to engage even more girls in STEM.
The Zonta Club expects to be able to hold more exciting workshops in 2025!
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Zonta providing STEM workshops for young girls in grades 5-7

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Yellow Crazy Ants are a highly invasive species in the Whitsundays. In large numbers, they can disrupt entire ecosystems with their veracious appetites and ability to create 'super colonies' across large areas, leaving heavily infested areas without animals, insects or native ants. Whitsunday Regional Council is tackling this issue through an ongoing baiting program, with treatments completed at Shute Harbour, Mandalay, Funnel Bay, and Woodwark. The baiting process is safe and not considered hazardous to people or animals. For more information, visit the Whitsunday Regional Council website.

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Daisy, a 4-year-old beautiful American Bulldog/Mastiff Cross is looking for her fur-ever home.
The gentle Daisy is vaccinated and pup-to-date with her Heartworm injections. She is not desexed, however, her current owners would be willing to have her desexed if required.
Daisy is a fantastic companion due to her loving nature and is great with children, people in general and other dogs.
If you think you could give Daisy the loving home she very much deserves, please contact Brooke: 0490 530 151 (private rehoming).

Age: 4 years old
Sex: Female
Breed: American Bulldog/Mastiff Cross
Kid friendly: Yes
Other dogs: Yes

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A century ago, people did not have the broad range of home entertainment available to us today. Prior to 1924, there was no radio or television and gramophones and records were quite expensive.

The first mention of a wireless set being used for home entertainment purposes in Proserpine was recorded in the local newspaper on September 20 1924. “The wireless was installed at the residence of Mr Robert Shepherd in Chapman Street.” Mr Robert Shepherd, Chairman of the district at the time, was obviously an early enthusiast having a set installed only weeks after its inception.
 
From August 1 1923 until July 31 1924, official radio broadcasting in Australia had required a listener to pay a licence fee to a chosen broadcaster and to a radio manufacturer to build/provide a set locked to that station only. The high cost of the licence and specially built/modified receivers proved daunting as examination of official records proves. A check of licences issued for that 1923-1924 period shows a total of only 1206 sold in Australia and only 23 of these were in Queensland. However, as soon as the sealed set restricted licences were abolished the sale of open licences skyrocketed to 31000 in Australia within four months.
 
The “Proserpine Guardian” September 20 1924 described the radio as a five-valve receiver of “up-to- date” design and went into great detail about the aerial system installed and the stations available for tuning.
 
“In order to receive the signals, two masts of Oregon pine, each fifty feet high and fixed into two hardwood blocks in the ground were needed. The arch had a spread of one hundred feet and had two wires of twisted copper with one of them connecting to the machine. The set was then ready to receive and on Saturday night at eight o’clock Mr Shepherd could tune in to Broadcasters LTD or Farmers’ LTD of Sydney. The Queensland Government intends to start almost immediately a broadcasting station in Brisbane. Both stations broadcast each evening from 8pm until 10pm. On any evening, without leaving their own homes, owners were able to listen to concerts being held in the principal cities of Australia. Mr Shepherd was also able to pick up signals from San Francisco and New Zealand.” (PG September 20 1924)

In June 1925 the following advertisement appeared in the “Guardian”

WIRELESS AGENCY    
Applications are invited for Sole Agencies for Radio Set Manufacture for Country Towns.
Successful applicants are ensured of every assistance and a handsome return.
Quality of sets is unsurpassed and price competitive.  
Either private individuals or business houses will be considered.
Apply by letter
Strand Radio Company, Strand Building, Queen Street, Brisbane.

Local shops began to advertise a range of radios, gramophones and records with prices within the reach of most people. The majority of the sets ran on batteries which had to be recharged regularly so it became worthwhile for Messrs Briggs and Mazlin to complete the installation of their up-to-date battery charging plant ready for service. With this, it was possible to charge a battery in one day or overnight. Fees were reasonable with special rates for country people so more and more families were enjoying this scientific magic.

It was the first time people could receive up-to-date news and listen to music and other forms of entertainment in their own home - a wonderful thing for isolated country people.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

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Robert Shepherd was the first person in Proserpine to have a wireless radio installed at his address in Chapman Street

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This week
Season to date
Cane crushed
87,239
632,083
Average bin weight
9.62
9.59
CCS
13.96
13.81
Cane variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q208
26.7
14.35
SRA9
6.4
13.93
Q253
16.7
13.89
KQ228
3.8
13.63
Q240
16.2
13.86
SRA13
2.2
13.98
Q183
9.2
13.78
SRA21
2.1
12.75
Comments
Proserpine Mill processed just over 87,000 tonnes for the week. This was above budget and the highest weekly throughput for the year.
Average weekly CCS came in below budget at 13.96 units.
The highest CCS was 16.71 units from a rake of ratoon Q208 from the Lethebrook productivity district.
A scheduled maintenance stop is planned for Tuesday, September 17.
With school holidays about to commence across Queensland, we urge parents and guardians to remind their children about the dangers of playing on or near the cane rail network.
A reminder that our cane trains operate 24/7. Remember to use your train brain and always give way to cane trains. A fully loaded cane train can take up to one kilometre to stop.
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Peter Luke
Cane Supply Manager
Proserpine Region

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World Suicide Prevention Day is on the 10 September every year and earlier this week the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) held a memorial service in Proserpine and Bowen.

Almost 20 people came along to the event in Proserpine and WSPN President Matt Stokes said it was wonderful to connect.

“Today is an opportunity for people to come but it can be difficult, especially if it is still raw in their life,” said Matt.

“People have to work through a grieving process to then reach a point where they're happy to talk and be in an open environment like this.”

WSPN hosted several other events for World Suicide Prevention Day, including a memorial service in Bowen on Sunday 8 September, and were pleased to announce that attendees are now creating their own bereavement group.

“They all have so many of the same emotions and feelings, so being able to feel like they're not isolated in their thoughts is a big thing,” said Matt.

“If we can be the catalyst for those groups to form then that's really good.”

WSPN say every day for them is world suicide prevention day, but the actual date is highly important and their year revolves around it.

“What we want to do is to raise awareness of the help that's out there, so the people that really need it are not lost but have a clear go to,” said Matt.

“Instead of feeling like they are hopeless, and they don't know what to do or who to turn to.”

WSPN understand working with other organisations can achieve more traction and on the morning of 10 September they were also present in Bowen where they joined forces with Real Mates Talk hosting a World Suicide Prevention Day Barbecue Breakfast.

“There is a real change in the Whitsundays at the moment, and it’s that there is great collaboration amongst amazing providers. There are so many people that care,” said Matt.

There 65,000 suicide attempts per year in Australia and more than nine people per day pass away due to suicide in Australia.

Matt said suicide prevention is an extremely difficult thing to measure in terms of success of preventing, but likes to believe that every suicide is preventable, but how?

“What we can do is look out for each other, talk to each other, be kind to each other, teach our children how to be kind, and they are just the fundamentals,” said Matt.

If this article has been a trigger for you, remember help is available. Call Lifeline on 131114 or scan the QR code to see how WSPN can help you.

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WSPN President Matt Stokes, Renee Martin, Gill Graham, WSPN Rob Murphy, WSPN Mel Turner, WSPN Di Fleetwood, Proserpine Lions - Sharon Little & Joe Little and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

WSPN volunteers and others at the World Suicide Prevention Day in Bowen on Sunday with a special service held at Queens Beach. Photo sourced: Facebook

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The team is back in The Whitsundays after a trip to Brisbane for Experience Queensland—Southeast Asia and India. Organised by Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) and held at the new Star in Brisbane, it was a fantastic chance to connect with and learn from key trade partners from India, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. The event brought 45 decision-makers together, allowing us to share and educate them on our region and key product. As part of the program, key buyers visited The Whitsundays to experience our region firsthand. 

While we were there, our team attended a strategic update from TEQ, joined by Cruise Whitsundays and Ocean Rafting. Senior industry leaders talked about the achievements, challenges, and opportunities in Queensland's tourism and events sector, with a special focus on the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Key updates were heard from TEQ’s Chair, Grant Hunt A.M., Tourism Minister Michael Healy and TEQ CEO Patricia O'Callaghan.  

Looking forward, we’re planning for Tourism Australia’s G’Day Australia in Perth next month which is a combined training workshop, networking and familiarisation attended by 300 retail outlets, key wholesalers and tour operators from Tourism Australia’s key markets.  

Contributed by Cait Fleming, Industry Development & Trade Manager, Tourism Whitsundays  

Photos supplied

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Jade and Crystal from Tourism Whitsundays enjoyed a spectacular day trip with Iconic Whitsunday Adventures aboard their sleek vessel, Viper. It was Crystal's first encounter with the Whitsundays' iconic sights, and there was a real excitement to share the beauty of these incredible destinations. 
  
One of the tour’s standout features is its ability to visit three of the Whitsundays’ most iconic spots—Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach, and the Outer Great Barrier Reef—in a single day. The adventure begins with a thrilling high-speed ride on the Viper. This luxury vessel isn’t just the fastest; it’s designed to minimize travel time while maximizing comfort, so passengers can spend more time enjoying the sights. 
  
The first stop is Hill Inlet, where the crew expertly time the visit to catch the most spectacular tides. Next, Jade and Crystal cruised to Whitehaven Beach, where they relaxed on the soft sands and cooled off in the clear waters. Lunch onboard was a gourmet treat, perfect for refuelling before snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef. The highlight was hearing the hauntingly beautiful sounds of whales underwater. 
  
A huge shoutout to the exceptional crew from Iconic Whitsunday Adventures for making the day feel so relaxed and unrushed. With plenty of time to savour each destination, this tour is a first-class experience for both first timers and seasoned travellers.
  
 
 
Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays

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Photo supplied  
 
 

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Tossing and turning at night? While an occasional sleepless night isn't catastrophic, problems can start when it becomes a regular occurrence.
Around half of the Australian population suffers from sleep problems. Here are some tips on securing a better night sleep:

   1. And breathe...
Stress can significantly impact your sleep quality, therefore it is essential to create a calming environment before bed.
Get rid of any light and turn off your phone and any screens an hour before sleep and engage in relaxing activities such as reading a book or taking a warm bath instead.

   2. Sleep routine
Having a sleep routine, not only helps children and babies to drift off, but adults too. Schedule your bedtime and put in place some relaxing rituals.
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   3.  Try not to look at the clock
Checking the clock anxiously can actually disrupt your sleep. Try to avoid looking at it—hide it if needed—to reduce worry and improve rest.
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   4. Keep fit, get active and avoid unhealthy foods
Eating healthy foods before bed and exercising throughout the day is vital to improving sleep quality. Swap the evening wine for a glass of water.

   5. Avoid having lots of liquids before bed!
A drink before bed can be relaxing, but too much liquid might cause nighttime bathroom trips and disrupt your sleep. To rest better, limit your evening fluid intake.
If sleep problems persist, consult a specialist like Restore Sleep in the Whitsundays for expert help and support.
restoresleep.com.au

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Are you interested in exploring the diverse roles available in the Navy, Army and Air Force? Or are you considering a career in the Australian Defence Force (ADF)?

Next Wednesday in front of the Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) and next Thursday at Whitsunday PCYC, the ADF are hosting a Mobile ADF Careers Centre (MACC) where you can chat with current serving members about job roles, further study opportunities, or flexible part-time commitment.

This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you have about ADF careers and opportunities.

The MACC is a mobile ADF Careers Centre, extending defence career opportunities to regional and remote areas of Australia. Visiting the MACC provides a chance to learn how the Navy, Army or Air Force can offer more than just a job.

Current serving members who understand the Defence application process will be on board to answer any questions your job seekers and students may have.

Learn more about the roles on offer by visiting the ADF Careers website.

What: Mobile ADF Careers Centre - Proserpine
When: 10:00 - 4:00pm, Wednesday 18th & Thursday 19th September
Where: Main Street, in front of Proserpine Entertainment Centre

What: Mobile ADF Careers Centre – Airlie Beach
When: 5:00 - 6:30pm, Wednesday 18th September
Where: Whitsunday PCYC

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Police have charged a 36-year-old Proserpine man in relation to an alleged assault incident at Cannonvale Beach on September 4, 2024.
Police will allege about 5.40am, the man entered the female public toilets where he grabbed a woman from behind before he fled on foot up Beach Road.
Police conducted a number of enquiries and charged the man with one count of common assault on September 8.
Police will allege that the same 36-year-old Proserpine man was involved in a similar incident on August 24, also in Cannonvale.
On that occasion, at about 10.30am the man entered a female public toilet where he grabbed a 60-year-old female.
The man was arrested on September 8 and charged with serious assault.
The man appeared at Proserpine Magistrates Court on Monday, September 9.
This follows concerns raised by a social media post regarding a possible sexual assault in the region.
The social media statement read:
“*** Predator alert****
Just a heads up to all the ladies of the Whitsundays
There was an attempted s4xual assault at approximately 0540 this morning at Cannonvale beach
The perpetrator is still at large
He was sighted running away from the scene. Extremely fit looking and in his 20s. He appeared well dressed but was wearing a hi-vis vest as well?!
The crime was reported to police
Please please be careful and maybe take a friend with you if you want to be out and about early or late”

Police are appealing to anyone may have information regarding similar incidents to please come forward.

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With World Suicide Awareness Day fast approaching, Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network has been raising awareness with a variety of initiatives right across the region.

From the recent Memorial Service and plaque unveiling held in Airlie Beach last week to the sunflower sale at Stackelroth Farm where over $500 was raised for the cause.

Starting a conversation about suicide awareness is considered the most effective way to normalise such a stigmatised issue and encourage those living with mental health issues to connect with the community.

Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network volunteer Megan Mattingley and Belinda Williams from Stackelroth Farm sold sunflowers to raise awareness for suicide prevention over the weekend. Photo supplied

Colourful Community Support
For Suicide Prevention Group

Many members of the community called into Stackelroth Farms in Bowen on the weekend to purchase a bunch of bright yellow sunflowers to show their support for suicide prevention.

At initiative of Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) the event was hosted by volunteer Megan Mattingley and made possible through the kindness of Belinda Williams and Michelle O’Regan from Stackelroth Farms.

A total of $250 worth of sunflowers was donated to WSPN and a further $500 was raised for the community organisation, but Michelle O’Regan said the outcome was worth more than money.

“It was so much more than the donation of money and flowers,” she said.

“Starting a conversation was the most important part of the day for us. It was great to meet so many people and thank you to everyone who volunteered their time.”

There are several other suicide prevention events taking place this week, turn to page 4 to see which one you could attend.

Andrew Willcox Federal Member For Dawson with young WSPN volunteer Jordyn and Belinda Williams from Stackelroth Farm. Photo supplied

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Hi Everyone,

Thank you so much for all the well-wishes and congratulations following my wedding.

I really appreciated the phone calls, text messages and personal encounters that have all made my husband and I feel super special over the last few weeks.

You’ll be pleased to know, it was the most spectacular day and the weather was perfect . .  . thankfully!

A few people have been asking me to share photos so here is one for you!

In other news, it’s the much-anticipated Whitsundays Writers Festival this weekend and if you haven’t got a ticket yet, make sure you check out the website and book into an event.

The Festival is not just for writers; it’s for lovers of books and culture, for thinkers and readers – people who like a heart-warming community event crafted with passion and delivered with heart.

I am on the Whitsundays Writers Festival committee which has spent over a year planning the event - well done to the entire committee and thank you in advance to all the volunteers who will undoubtedly be running around all weekend.

There are so many fantastic speakers attending, including 2023 Miles Franklin Literary Award Winner, Shankari Chandran, international crime writer Garry Disher and award-winning author of The Slap, Christos Tsiolkas.

You’ll be pleased to know my own public speaking venture also continues as I deliver one of my own poems alongside my beautiful mum at the Poetry Karaoke event on Friday night.

Then, on Sunday I will share my story of cancer survival and the book I have written about the journey.

For the full festival itinerary turn to page 23.

There is so much to enjoy at this years’ Whitsundays Writers Festival, if you’ve been thinking about coming for a while, you’ve still got time!

I promise you will receive a warm welcome and have a rewarding experience.

Hope to see you there!

Rach

Quote Of The Week: “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage” Anais Nin

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Even here in the Whitsundays with its diverse wildlife, it’s not every day a wild echidna comes crawling across your driveway, but for local Ruby Honey Gorlick, that is exactly what happened.

When Ruby arrived home last week, she saw the echidna crawling across her driveway and initially approached it because she was curious. When she got closer, however, she noticed it had ticks embedded into its skin.

“I noticed it had lots of ticks on it, which I know can hurt them and potentially kill them,” explained Ruby.

“So, I ran back to my car, grabbed my makeup bag, got my eyebrow tweezers and removed the ticks!”

Ruby has prior experience with removing ticks from animals as she has removed ticks from her dogs in the past.

Backed by this knowledge and coming from a family that often stop to help injured animals on the roadside, Ruby’s first instinct was to carefully remove the ticks and help the animal that was in distress.

Ruby says she loves animals and would help any creature if it was experiencing a life-threatening situation. She added that it is important to help animals because they can’t always do it themselves and need assistance.

Ruby counted six ticks on the echidna and after carefully removing all of them left the echidna continued on its way in good health.

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The team at Tourism Whitsundays are elated this week, not only with the announcement of their new CEO, but also with Council increasing its annual funding from $750K to $1M this year.

The CEO position at Tourism Whitsundays has been efficiently overseen by interim CEO Aimee Cameron for the past few months following the surprise resignation of Rick Hamilton earlier this year.

The team is now excited to announce that highly experienced tourism leader, Tim Booth, has accepted the role and is due to start in November.

Tim will be moving to The Whitsundays from New South Wales in the coming weeks to lead the organisation's efforts in destination marketing, increasing visitation, enhancing visitor expenditure, and extending the length of stay in the region.

Tim joins Tourism Whitsundays with over 17 years of experience in tourism management and a remarkable track record of achievements.

He is the current CEO of Mudgee Region Tourism, which has won multiple State and National Tourism Awards during his tenure.

For the three years prior to being in Mudgee, Tim's efforts helped the Eurobodalla region emerge stronger following devastating bushfires.

Tim shared his excitement for the role and his commitment to the community.

“I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at Tourism Whitsundays and to work with such a passionate and dedicated team,” he said.

“My vision is to drive sustainable growth, enhance visitor engagement, and strengthen our relationships with partners and stakeholders.”

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The newly announced CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth. Photo supplied

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There was a great turnout at Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network’s (WSPN) ‘Shine The Light’ event which took place at Fairy Tree Park on the Airlie Beach Foreshore last week.

WSPN has illuminated the two iconic fig trees on the Foreshore, hoping to raise awareness for World Suicide Prevention Day, to start conversations and encourage anyone affected by mental health stuggles to speak up and reach out for assistance.

As trees around Australia are being painted blue to raise awareness for mental health, here in Airlie Beach WSPN has placed two solar panelled lights shining blue light onto the fig trees. WSPN hope to have similar projects in Proserpine, Bowen and Collinsville as soon as possible.

WSPN President Matt Stokes said the lights illuminated onto the fig trees raise much-needed awareness.

“People need to know they're not alone - we all at some point go through it and those thoughts in our head that swirl usually get bigger when we are not talking to someone,” said Matt.

To help locals take a moment to sit and gather their thoughts, WSPN has repurposed the bench seat near the fig trees to create a place of contemplation. A plaque with the inspiring phrase – “We all have the power to light up the darkness and spread love and hope to those who require it” – has been placed near the location. It is hoped this space will become a safe and quiet place to think and also connect.

“You can scan the QR code on the plaque and a whole bunch of resources come up for that person, depending on what they're facing at that time,” said Matt.

“So, if you don't know where to go, we want everyone to know that this is the spot where you can make a link, and if you need to meet someone, it's a good safe place to do it.”

WSPN’s mission is to end the stigma about mental health and Matt says the worst thing to do is to say nothing.

“We all choose to say nothing and pretend it doesn't happen, whereas we all need to be encouraged to speak and talk to people,” said Matt

“If you are someone who's struggling to put your hand up and talk that's the thing we are trying to get broken down.

“Mental health is not exclusive to any age, demographic or person. You might be at the lowest of the low or the highest of the high, we're all very much exposed to mental health problems.”

Upcoming Events

Bowen Memorial Service
WHEN: Sunday 8 September at 8.30am
WHERE: Kelva Espresso & Health Food Bar – 33 Murroona Street
WHAT: An opportunity to reflect with a walk along the beach followed by casting of sunflowers, live music, stories of lived experiences and a message of hope,

World Suicide Prevention Day BBQ Breakfast
WHEN: Tuesday 10 September – 7am-10.30am
WHERE: Bowen Town Square Herbert Street
WHAT: Tea, coffee and conversations

World Suicide Prevention Day Memorial Service
WHEN: Tuesday 10th September
WHERE: Proserpine at Pioneer Park from 3pm
WHAT: Free sausage sizzle, food and conversations. Memorial Flower Ceremony at 5pm.

WSPN Committee - Matt Stokes, Mel Turner, Di Fleetwood and Rob Murphy
WSPN Committee and Councillor Clay Bauman and Mayor Ry Collins
Scan this QR code for help via WSPN website

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Protecting children is a shared responsibility, and organisers Whitsunday Counselling & Support Inc. is dedicated to raising awareness about this crucial issue through their upcoming Community Colour Run.
This year's activities will include a colour fun run, bubble blowing, face painting, sausage sizzle, raffles & prizes, arts & crafts, games, races and a fantastic live music performance from Josiah.
Intensive Family Support Case Manager, Niamh Mulvihill, says she is excited for another year of the Fun Run, and says she looks forward to having Josiah come and play at the event:
“I suppose feedback from us for last year that we got from people that attended, is that the musician was a really big hit,” she said.
“I think having like a musician there keeps people interacting for the day, and it's a nice, chill opportunity for families to sit down. So, I'm looking forward to that, just to seeing kids, families and communities together.”
While the event is guaranteed to be a day of fun, organisers have also arranged for headspace, PCYC, and other support organisations to have stalls at the event to provide much-needed information and to raise awareness on the important topic of child protection.
The event takes place at Coral Sea Marina Gardens, where children will run around in an oval being splashed with paint until the paint runs out. Last year, comically the children took revenge throwing paint right back at the adults.
In an exciting twist, this year’s event will also have a foam cannon, due to feedback from last year stating that the paint actually becomes more luminous and sticks better with water.  
The paint used at the event is Holi colour powder, a non-toxic biodegradable paint that is safe to use in the Coral Sea Marina Gardens.
Everyone is welcome to join the free event! Simply show up and register at Coral Sea Marina when you arrive.
The event is proudly sponsored by ARS Whitsundays, Paddy Shenanigans, Zonta, Shirt-front Solutions, All Whitsunday Electrical, Queensland Child Protection Week and Coral Sea Marina.

“We're very grateful this year to have loads of workplaces involved in sponsoring events,” Niamh added.

“It means we are able to get more free activities for the kids to join on the day.

“It is a good community effort this year.”

Join for a fun run and support a great cause!

What: Colour Run for Child Protection
Where: Coral Sea Marina Gardens
When: 9am on Saturday 7th September.
Registrations: FREE EVENT, just show up!

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Community Fun Run!
Run for fun

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Tangaroa Blue Foundation, in partnership with Clean Up Australia, is excited to announce the launch of ReefClean’s Great Barrier Reef Clean-up 2024, the biggest community-driven marine debris clean-up of the year.
With The Whitsundays bordering the Great Barrier Reef, the event provides the opportunity for communities to come together and do their bit to clean-up their favourite sections of the reef before wet season begins.
Heidi Tait, Tangaroa Blue Foundation CEO, has said the event also “plays a crucial role in gathering essential data on marine debris levels throughout the Reef's catchment area."
The Great Barrier Reef Clean-up 2024 launches on World Clean-Up Day, September 20th and runs for 6 weeks until October 31st.
Whether you’re a beach clean-up pro or it’s your first time - everyone is invited to help protect the Great Barrier Reef from marine debris.
From our creeks and rivers to beaches, offshore islands, and sand cays, this event has something for everyone.
In previous years, more than 3000 volunteers have participated in the ReefClean Great Barrier Reef Clean-up across 200 events. This year will be supercharged as Tangaroa Blue Foundation joins forces with Clean Up Australia, which ran the Great Northern Clean-up event before 2024.
Participants can register for this free event online and gain access to clean-up kits, resources and promotional materials.
You can find out more about the Great Barrier Reef Clean-up 2024 and register a clean-up at www.reefclean.org.

Fast Facts:
● Marine debris is human-produced litter in the marine environment that can injure or kill marine and coastal wildlife, damage habitats, and threaten human health.
● ReefClean has engaged 13,310 volunteers to help clean-up 127.5 tonnes of marine debris from the GBR region since 2019, equivalent to five humpback whales!
● Tangaroa Blue’s Australian Marine Debris Initiative Database has been recording marine debris data since 2004 and is used to develop evidence-based marine debris source reduction plans.

What: Great Barrier Reef Clean-Up
When: September 20th – October 31st 2024
Where: Find your favourite spot on the reef to clean

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Volunteers from the Coral Sea Marina Clean Up Australia Day. Photo credit: Whitsunday Life Newspaper

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The Mayor's Charity Ball is a fundraising event with all proceeds supporting BMA CQ Rescue and the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network. The event is funded entirely through ticket sales and generous sponsorships. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors and look forward to raising as many funds as possible for these two important charities on the night. If you'd like to get behind these great causes visit the Proserpine Entertainment Centre website for more information or to buy tickets!

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At last week’s monthly Council meeting in Proserpine two significant motions were adopted that highlight that my Council is proactively addressing the current housing pressures in the Whitsunday region.

The first was the adoption of the new Local Housing Action Plan (LHAP) which was developed by Council in partnership with the Local Government Association of Queensland with funding from the Queensland Government.

The LHAP outlines 28 practical and tangible actions that will assist Council to address housing barriers and shortfalls.

The plan is not intended to be a static document but will remain live and be monitored and reviewed as we develop our actions.

We want to work with the State and Federal Governments, the housing sector, and our residents to increase the number of homes available and make sure that we are getting our fair share of the investments being made in this space.

Obviously, the housing crisis is not something that is going to be solved overnight and in many ways the role that we can play at the lowest tier of government is very limited.

However, advocacy is something I can do and with the upcoming State and Federal elections there will be real commitments from both tiers of government to invest in housing and it is my job to make sure that the Whitsunday region is part of that conversation.

Key to the delivery of housing supply is ensuring we can get ahead of the important service infrastructure that is required to support our demand and as a regional Council we can’t achieve that without State and Federal support.

The second decision Council adopted was to make an amendment to the Planning Scheme in relation to the appropriateness of short-term accommodation in our dormitory suburbs, specifically within the Low-Density Zoned localities.

The primary intent is to restrict Short Term accommodation dwellings in our low-density zoned areas while identifying specific exceptions for traditional tourist beach areas recognising their unique role in attracting visitors and supporting our local economy.

The aim is to protect the residential amenity of our residents and to provide investors with a clear indication of where short-term accommodations dwellings are accepted uses.

Once we have undertaken our State Government review of the proposed changes, the community will have the opportunity to comment, and we will be engaging more directly with the inclusion locations where we have considered it is appropriate for Short Term accommodation to occur.

Our Whitsundays is a fast-growing region and Council is playing its role by bringing all levels of government together with the housing sector, developers, and investors to secure local outcomes.

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At Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine our customers and our community always win.
We offer face-to-face full banking service, under the leadership of Branch Manager Amanda Anderson, with lenders and bankers, and open 9:30am-4pm Monday to Friday.
Business Banking expertise
We also offer Business Banking expertise. Luke Sheppard, Senior Business Relationship Manager for North Central Queensland and Cairns is available to discuss a range of business banking services such as business lending, business property purchases and construction, equipment finance, overdrafts, investments and refinancing.  
While many other financial institutions increasingly require their business customers to conduct their business online or through a call centre with no specific manager or point of contact, Luke enjoys meeting our customers face-to-face at the Cannonvale-Proserpine Branch or on-site when applicable.
He travels to Cannonvale and Airlie Beach on a very regular basis.
Home Loan health check
Throughout the Whitsundays, homeowners are saving money with a free Bendigo Bank home loan health check.  
Whether its refinancing, investing in new property, or lowering your loan repayments, let the team at Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine give your home loan a full check up to make sure it’s still right for you and your needs.
A home loan health check looks at your rate, term, repayments, and equity, giving your loan a full check-up to make sure it’s still right for you. If you are a new or existing customers, find your better home loan at Bendigo Bank – the better big bank!
Contact the Branch to book your home loan health check appointment today at Whitsunday Plaza Cannonvale, call (07) 4948 3599, or email cannonvale&proserpinemailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au
New Branch hours coming
We also wish to advise customers that effective Monday 30 September 2024 the Branch will close every day for lunch 1pm-2pm. You can still call and email the Branch during this time.  
Are you ready to make good things happen in our community?
Did you know that we are independently owned and operated, committed to supporting the Whitsundays?
The Bendigo Community Bank ‘profit-with-a-purpose’ model is unique which sees a percentage of the profits generated by the Bank branch invested back into the community. Over the past seven years we have invested just over $201,500 into local Whitsunday schools, social programs, sporting groups, arts and culture events, conservation initiatives, and community prizes.
If you would like to make a positive impact in our community and influence strategy, we are currently seeking expressions of interest to join our Board.  
We are looking to reinforce our Board’s strengths and diversity by adding new members who bring different perspectives and skills on strategy, finance, community engagement, and marketing.

For a confidential conversation about Board member role, responsibilities, and expectations contact the Board Chair, Mark Henry, on chair@whitsundaycel.com.au by Monday 30 September 2024.
Feel good about who you bank with.

Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Branch Manager Amanda Anderson with the rest of the team. Photo supplied

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Here’s a look at what’s coming up at the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry for September.

With the Queensland State Election looming and a Federal Election next year, the Chamber will be engaging its members to confirm business priorities for its election agenda. Through this work, the Chamber will also be strengthening its relationship with Business Chamber Queensland and other stakeholder groups to help amplify the needs of regional Queensland businesses.

With a number of new industrial relations changes in play, the Chamber’s inaugural Bites & Insights Webinar will be held 12pm Wednesday 25 September on changes to causal employment.

Mark Lipkin from The Airlie Group will discuss the new definition of casual employment and what the changes mean to local businesses. The webinar series is open to Chamber and Tourism Whitsundays members, and you can register via their website.

Also mark your calendars for the following business events:

Meet the Queensland State Election Candidates
The event invites candidates for the Queensland State Election to address the Whitsunday business community. This event is exclusively for members of the Chamber, Tourism Whitsundays, and their Association Partners.

When: 6:30pm-8:30pm Thursday 3 October 2024
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach

Mental Health Check Up for Your Business
Coinciding with Queensland Mental Health Week, this event will showcase the programs and resources available to business owners to support mental health and wellbeing, and explore tips to identify and better manage stress, burnout, depression, diet and physical health.

When: 7:30am-9:00am Friday 11 October 2024
This event is open to all, and venue to be advised.

Whitsunday Jobs Fair
This inaugural event will bring together job seekers and businesses from across the Whitsundays, offering a unique platform for recruitment, networking, and career development.

When: 1:00pm-3:30pm Monday 14 October
Where: Proserpine State High School

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Excitement is building as the Whitsundays Tourism Awards approach. Mark your calendars for October 19th, when we’ll celebrate the best of our region’s tourism industry at the stunning Daydream Island Resort. If you haven’t grabbed your tickets yet, now’s the time—this is the event where we recognise the hard work and dedication of our local operators and service providers. 

We’re thrilled to announce that Bishopp is joining us as the naming rights sponsor for this year’s awards. As Australia’s leading regional out-of-home advertising company, Bishopp is dedicated to supporting local businesses and communities, making their partnership a perfect fit for the event. 

With the awards just around the corner, we invite everyone to join us in recognising the achievements of our tourism industry. It promises to be an unforgettable evening, so be sure not to miss out! 

In addition to gearing up for the awards, it’s been wonderful to have Adventure Queensland. They are a group of operators dedicated to Adventure Travel and they were in region for a networking night at the Coral Sea Pavilion. This gathering was a fantastic opportunity for local adventure operators to connect with industry peers and explore new opportunities for collaboration. 
 
Contributed by Aimee Cameron, Interim CEO, Tourism Whitsundays  
 

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Next Father’s Day imagine your dad living the dream by sipping world-class Shiraz in the Heart of the Barossa Valley at lunch, and by sunset, swimming in the Coral Sea in the Whitsundays, Heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
This idyllic escape is now a reality with the first direct flights between Adelaide and Whitsunday Coast Airport (WCA) taking off earlier this week connecting the two cities in less than three hours and creating 58,000 low-cost seats a year.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the direct route will operate three times per week and is a game-changer for our region as it opens a direct flight route for the 1.2 million people who live in the Adelaide region.
“New routes like Adelaide are not just about adding more flights to our schedule, they represent a tremendous opportunity to open the Whitsunday region to a whole new market of visitors,” he said.
“With these flights, we’re making it easier than ever for people from across Australia to discover the Whitsundays.
“By increasing our accessibility, we’re broadening our appeal to a wider audience. Whether they’re coming here for the first time or returning to explore even more, these visitors are vital to the continued growth and sustainability of our Whitsunday tourism industry.
This expanded connectivity also reinforces our position as a premier destination and signals to the world that the Whitsundays is open, accessible, and ready to provide unforgettable experiences.”
Mayor Ry Collins also shared his thoughts on the flight in an interview with Whitsunday Life, providing insights into the experience:
“It was really quick, I was surprised how quick it was to come here from Adelaide, it was about 2 and a half hours, great flight, very smooth and good time-frame.”
“It's obviously very exciting to have a new destination coming to our region, and I think there was over 160 people on our flight, it's a good start to what hopefully will be a really good destination for the region.”
Craig Turner, CEO of Whitsunday Coast Airport, said the economic benefits of new routes extend far beyond just tourism.
“For local businesses, this means more visitors walking through your doors, more customers to serve, and more opportunities to thrive.
“We know that when more people come to the Whitsundays, they don’t just visit—they invest in our local economy, creating jobs and supporting our vibrant small business community,” Mr Turner said.
“Any boost in tourism numbers will drive further investment in our infrastructure and services, ensuring that the Whitsundays continues to be a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors.
“By tapping into new markets, we’re diversifying our visitor base, making our economy more resilient to seasonal fluctuations and external factors.” Interim Tourism Whitsundays CEO Aimee Cameron said their members were excited to welcome South Australian visitors keen to make the most of our region’s beautiful warmer weather.
“With a variety of water and land-based activities, excellent dining options, exciting events, diverse accommodation, and experiences to suit families, youth, adventure seekers, and luxury travellers, the Whitsundays truly has something for everyone.”

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Mayor Ry Collins, Councillor Jan Clifford and CEO of Whitsunday Coast Airport Craig Turner.
Tourism Whitsundays, Mayor Ry collins, CEO of Whitsunday Coast Airport Craig Turner and Turtle Mascot.
Mayor Ry Collins and CEO of Whitsunday Coast Airport Craig Turner leaving the first direct flight from Adelaide

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Katelyn Collins has owned the café inside Whitsunday Coast Airport for over 2 years and has seen many achievements during that time, including the airport winning best regional airport, but nothing makes her happier than providing hungry customers with great food and service.

To give customers great food, Taste Whitsundays focus on fast and speedy food but make it extra delicious by focusing on local produce.

“We make all our own salads using as much local ingredients as we can; anywhere that we can use locally sourced products, we do,” said Katelyn.

“We use all local avocados in our nachos, rather than buying pre-packaged preservative filled guacamole.”

In addition to local avocados, at Taste Whitsundays they use local tomatoes, limes, other fruits and vegetables and adapt their menu to suit seasonal products.

“When certain things are in season, we really feature those things,” explained Katelyn.

“In the fruit salads we'll do a special on mangoes and mango ice cream right through mango season.

“We adapt, and because we're hand making, we've got usually three salads on each day and any of the produce that is fresh at that time we really push and use.”

Using fresh produce is just one part of Taste Whitsundays, their service is also top tier, and they have many customers, national and international praising them.

“We’ve got a really good system that is set up to be fast and efficient,” said Katelyn.

“We make food to order, and the number of times people say, ‘Oh, gee, is it going to be 10 minutes for my burger? And I'll say, no, it might be two minutes at the most.’ And they can't believe just how quickly we can get it out to people!

“Passengers waiting for a flight can get stressed because they think things are going to take too long so we use technology to enhance that speed and efficiency.”

When Taste Whitsundays opened its doors they had QR codes on tables, allowing customers to order from the tables instead of going up to order. They have now introduced a self-serve kiosk.

Katelyn expresses that the self-serve machines do not mean customers get a lesser experience at the café.

Instead, introducing the kiosks allows her staff to not be overworked and have more time to take care of customers and offer a better overall service. She also expressed that airports are fast-paced, and the kiosk lets customers make their order in their own time and feel more relaxed.

Moving forward, Taste Whitsundays is excited to introduce more languages to the self-serve kiosks, to be more accessible for Chinese and European customers.

The Taste Whitsunday Team with locally designed travel cups, Julie Burns, Sam Groves, Yvonne Cambell, Awhina Shortcliffe, Desley Camm, Alan Moore, Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Tucked away from the bustling streets of Airlie Beach, is a hidden gem. Think healthy deli-style sandwiches, Vibrant salads carefully curated by Prickly Pineapple, acai bowls and nutritious sweet treats, Wisdom Cafe has it all.
Be prepared to have your body well and truly nourished with the cafe’s selection of healthy treats made lovingly with fresh ingredients from local suppliers such as Prickly Pineapple and Airlie Health Hub.
Rusty Blazkovic and business partner, Michaela Sopkova, purchased Wisdom Cafe in September 2021 when he bought it from the previous owners. The cafe is situated near the lagoon and close to Beach Book Boutique. When asked why Rusty decided to open a cafe, he explained that it was always his “dream” to open a cafe after being in hospitality his whole life.
Rusty’s favourite dish at the cafe is the “halloumi sandwich”, and he encourages all to come in and try the carefully curated artisan sandwiches.
Another speciality of the cafe is their delicious coffees, where they regularly pop-up as first on google for best coffee in Airlie Beach! Selling organic, single origin coffee, locally roasted in Mackay, Wisdom Cafe has thought of it all, even down to their cute latte art teddy bears, making the whole experience personable.
The cafe is open 6am-2:30pm every single day apart from Wednesdays, and it thoughtfully caters for all dietary requirements, and all sandwich options can be made gluten free if desired.
Pop by and prepare to be inspired by the cafe’s healthy food and drink options.

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Delicately crafted artisan coffee’s
Fantastic range of Healthy foods and drinks available

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The Don River Dash is on this weekend in Bowen.

Participants from all over the country are flocking into Bowen for the event and it is a bucket list item for some.

The multi-terrain off-road event is an endurance event, and most people participate with the core goal to finish and have fun.

This amazing event is a sight to see, and spectators can witness the action at two spectator arenas.

Spectator 1 arena is at Pat McDonnell Earthmoving on Telegraph Road. Spectator 2 area is at WAGS Gladstone Park Road.

Event Secretary Wanita Sparr says there are other spots along the river for spectators too.

“If you happen to know property owners, or you know the local back roads you can definitely view the course or the racetrack and all the action,” she said.

“There's plenty of jumps, plenty of natural terrain that the bikes and cars have to navigate their way through. It's cool to see.

“It's very Mad Max meets the Whitsundays.”

As the Event Secretary Wanita is looking forward to the race, not just for the action, but also for bringing the community together too.

“It's not just about racing, it's about the community, and it's about my region,” she said.

“What better place to have a beautiful weekend enjoying the adrenaline of off-road racing and motorbikes as well as enjoying the Whitsundays.

“It's an event for the whole community.”

WHAT: Don River Dash
WHEN: This weekend

Don River Dash is this weekend in Bowen, don’t miss out on the annual off-road action. Photos supplied

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The well-respected owner of Bowen’s Summergarden Cinema, Ben De Luca, has confirmed this week that the rumours of a down-turn at his venue have been massively exaggerated and “taken out of all proportion”.

This follows a social media post over the weekend that speculated the Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC), which has also been operating as a cinema for the past few years, was negatively impacting business for the Bowen based cinema.

Ben confirmed this week, however, that while Summergarden has experienced a “little drop” due to the PEC, there is definitely no real concern, in fact the business is quite stable.

Ben has been running the cinema for the past 62 years and prior to this he worked there as a staff member.

During his long tenure, he has seen several Hollywood stars come through the cinema and was a central part of the first screening of the blockbuster, Australia.

A cornerstone of the local community, Summergarden is a tourist destination in its own right and a popular spot for everyone to experience the latest box office hits from the comfort of a classic old cinema, packed with charm and charisma, just like its owner.

Ben encourages everyone to come along to the cinema over the school holidays, he appreciates the support and loves seeing friendly faces.

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By Ruth Puddefoot

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Last Saturday, volunteers gathered to mark a significant milestone: Eco Barge’s 500th clean-up trip. The landmark journey began at Airlie Beach and headed to Mackerel Bay, where the team worked to remove ocean debris and make a positive impact on the marine environment.
When the volunteers arrived at the bay, they were stunned to see the tides had deposited an overwhelming amount of trash. Debris was sadly scattered across the area.
However, after about an hour of solid collection, and the volunteers working tirelessly, no stone was left unturned, the bay had transformed into an entirely different place.
Since July 2009, Eco Barge has removed 253,426kg litter from the Whitsunday region through their ever-important barge trips, and the organisation reaching 500 trips, is only part of the story of the wonderful work they do.
Alongside its debris removal program, Eco Barge also hosts a clean streets and creeks program, responds and cares for sick and injured marine turtles and recycles the marine debris collected and transforms it into reusable products.
This fantastic organisation also undertakes education and awareness activities within the community concerning the issue of marine debris, the importance of thoughtful waste disposal and what should be done in the event of a sick or injured marine turtle.
On their way back from a successful clean-up, the volunteers were treated to a heartwarming thank-you from a mother whale and her baby. The pair lingered near the boat for up to ten minutes, adding a beautiful touch to the day’s efforts, and the Founder of Eco Barge Libby Edge enthused that it was the “Best weekend ever!”
Programs like Eco-Barge can’t run without the support of their volunteers, if you want to make a difference and help support the environment and marine life in the Whitsundays head over to Eco Barge’s website:
https://ecobargecleanseas.org.au/
Congratulations on 500 trips Eco Barge, and well done to all the volunteers who help out each trip!

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The volunteers proud of their collection!
Before the clean-up
After the clean-up
Volunteers celebrating 500 trips with Eco Barge
Back at Airlie Beach after a fantastic clean-up
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Saddlery is one of the world’s oldest handicrafts. In bygone days, when ploughing the fields and transport were dependent on the horse, saddlers were an integral part of daily life. Despite the need for saddlers diminishing with time, cattle mustering, the popularity of pony clubs and racing has ensured that the master saddler still have an important role worldwide.

In Proserpine, thoughts of the saddlery trade awaken memories of Mr R.W. (Bob) Eckel.  Born at Blackall in 1908, Bob was raised in western Queensland and in his youth worked as a shearer. While working at Mitchell, he suffered a leg injury in a football game and developed gangrene. In the days of no penicillin or antibiotics and after numerous operations, the leg had to be amputated. Bob was only 22 and there were no rehabilitation services available.  He was paid 5/- per week until he gained employment. After his accident, his first jobs were looking after pumps on a cattle station and dairying, but he had to relinquish these due to difficulty trying to hold a bucket of milk as well as managing crutches.

Bob learnt the saddlery trade at Home Hill and his father had already taught him shoe-repairing.  Armed with his own equipment, he arrived in Proserpine in 1937 taking over the premises vacated by saddler, Bob Locke.  

In 1942, Bob married Melba Price of Bowen. In 1943, the family moved to Alpha for a short time before returning to Proserpine where Bob re-established his saddlery business, initially in one of Arthur Dobbins’s Main Street shops with the family living above. Then in 1953, he shifted to Dobbins Lane when Arthur Dobbins built new shops there, tailored to the needs of his special tenants Bob and shoemaker, Paddy Fitzgerald, Bob’s lifelong friend.

In 1946, Bob completed an upholstery course paid for by the sale of his utility. He learnt canvas work, particularly for boats and awnings, and vinyl seating for cars and chairs.  

Bob often came home with holes in his fingers where the awl had stuck while padding saddles with horsehair had to be pushed evenly and tightly into every corner.  Only the simplest of stitching was done by machine and for this Bob used an old Singer sewing machine purchased from local tailor, Mr Tom Byers. There were not many saddlers of Bob’s calibre in this area and repaired goods were often posted to properties such as Jochheim’s “Hillrise” and other outlying stations.  

But more than just a master saddler …

Bob was a great inspiration to other handicapped people.  He owned a fixed-wheel bicycle which enabled him to ride carrying his crutch and he was a familiar figure travelling to and from work.

Although he could not participate in sports, Bob took a great interest in local clubs.  He loved horse racing and helped start up horse racing at Breadalbane Station.  He was secretary of the Turf Club and a member of the newly formed Rodeo Committee.  He was a member of the A.P. and I. Show Association, Proserpine Rotary Club and a Scout Leader. He officiated at boxing matches, helped teach youngsters to box and was a timekeeper at football.    

For 30 years, until his retirement in 1974, Bob Eckel’s shop was a popular place for folks to drop in for a yarn as they watched him work.  He died in 1976 but the image of Bob, apron on, stitching away, sitting in his shop with its familiar and welcoming smell of leather, will remain as a legacy of a skilled craftsman.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

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Two (very sweet!) white female rats are looking for their forever home.
Rats are great therapists and companions, especially for children with developmental disabilities, due to their gentle and calm nature.  
A bonus is they are also extremely intelligent! You can train them to do tricks, and they are naturally curious animals who enjoy forming bonds with their owners.
The best home for rats is a wire cage; the larger and taller, the better, especially due to their active nature, with them loving climbing.
Nolah and Billie would love to be your next pet, if you are interested contact Chloe: 0423 001 510 (Private Rehoming).
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Rehoming fee: FREE to a good home!
Sex: Female
Breed: White Rats
Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors (Wired Cage)

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Jade from Tourism Whitsundays popped down to Shute Harbour this week to chat with Scamper -  Whitsunday Island Camping Connections about the stunning weather, whale sightings, and upcoming ideas for Scamper in the Whitsundays. 

Camping with Scamper is a unique adventure that allows you to enjoy the Whitsunday Islands. Jade says as an amateur camper herself, who loves the idea of camping rather than the logistics, Scamper provides a service that ticks all the boxes for a camping experience without the hassle. Setting up camp on a secluded beach, falling asleep under the stars, and waking up to the sunrise next to the water seems like the perfect way to spend a weekend. 

With Scamper, guests can expect a hassle-free camping experience. They take care of everything, from providing complete camping kits for hire, access to Kayaks to bring along, food and meal drop availability and transfers to and from desired destinations.

Whether it's a peaceful beachside retreat or an adventurous island camp, Scamper's personalised service ensures each camping trip is tailored to your preferences. They handle the logistics, so you can focus on the adventure. 

What an incredible addition to the experiences offered in The Whitsundays. 
 
Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays  

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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) announced the launch of a new Community Reference Group (CRG) in Bowen on Monday 2 September.

The CRG will serve as a platform for community members to engage with NQBP on key issues, share feedback, and stay informed about port activities.

NQBP CEO Brendan Webb said establishing the CRG is a significant step towards building a stronger relationship with the community surrounding the Port of Abbot Point.

“As a government-owned port authority, we believe that engaging with our community in an open and constructive way is essential to the sustainable development of the port and the region,” Mr Webb said.

“We have a long and rich history at Bowen, with port activities starting off the Bowen Wharves in 1867, and the more recent opening of the terminal at Abbot Point in 1984.

“With the port and the Bowen community entering a new chapter with key projects such as the new Bowen Jetty, Bowen Orbital Spaceport and the emerging hydrogen industry, we believe now is the right time to take our community engagement to a new level.”

The CRG will include representatives from various sectors of the community, including local businesses, environmental groups, and the Traditional Owners, the Juru People.

The group will meet regularly to discuss a wide range of topics related to port operations, environmental management, community impacts, and future development plans.

Positions are still available and close 5pm Friday 27 September, to apply read the terms of reference and complete the nomination form at www.nqbp.com.au

North Queensland Bulk Ports CEO Brendan Webb at Abbot Point, Photo supplied

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The Whitsunday community has once again rallied to help a family in desperate need following the news last week that 40-year-old father Joel Pringle disappeared without a trace from a residence in Cannonvale last Monday.

Every emergency service from the Queensland Police to local SES volunteers have been following every lead in a constant search to find Joel. A Facebook page has also been at the heart of operations with both friends and strangers within the community offering to help by walking bush tracks, checking remote locations and using drones to scan from the skies.

Joel Pringle went missing from Cannonvale on Monday 19th August. Photo source: Facebook

Family appeal for everyone to look for Joel’s ute

Grave Concerns For Missing Man

Concerns for the welfare of Joel Pringle are leading to despair following a 10-day search desperately looking for any sign of the much-loved family man who disappeared from Cannonvale last Monday.

Police have reported that Joel Pringle was last seen around 3pm on Monday, August 19, at Airlie Beach Lagoon.

He was driving a white Holden Crewman ute with metal tray, QLD registration 403KA2.

Neither Joel nor his vehicle have been since despite a massive ground and air search from Emergency Services and a sea of dedicated volunteers who have offered their support.

No cash has been withdrawn from Joel’s bank account since his disappearance and the last ‘ping’ on Joel’s phone was at 6am near the Conway Range the day after he disappeared.

Queensland Police Services (QPS) has confirmed that Joel’s boat is not missing which has led most search efforts to be confined to land.

A search through video footage has also added to the belief that Joel has not left the region and remains within the Whitsundays.

This information has led to concerted search efforts along remote bush tracks and mountain-biking trails that Joel and his partner Eve Houghton used to frequent.

This includes the Conway Trail, Repulse Creek Camp and Whitsundays Great Walk. Also areas such a Cape Gloucester and surrounds.

Other efforts have been focused on the area around Bloomsbury, Midge Point and Laguna Quays where Joel spent some of his childhood as he had recently been searching the area on maps for an unknown reason.

Another possibility suggested by well-meaning people as a possible theory was that Joel could have driven his car off the boat ramp and into the Proserpine River.

If this was the case, it could explain why there is no trace of the vehicle or Joel.

Queensland Police, local SES volunteers and countless community members who reside in the search areas have been scouring dense bushland constantly for the past 10 days.

Thermal drones have also been used to penetrate the heavy forest cover, hoping to find him alive if he had walked into a remote area and suffered from an injury that prevented him from returning.

All these avenues, however, had (at the time of printing this Wednesday afternoon) not led to the discovery of either Joel or his ute.

Natalie Stockdale, the mother of Joel’s partner, reported on Wednesday morning this week that they are not giving up hope and are still continuing to search areas every day.

Joel disappeared just two days before his 40th birthday and is the proud father of a 16-month-old baby he shares with Eve Houghton.

The young family had also been planning to pick up a new puppy in the coming weeks, something Joel is said to have been very excited about.

Natalie said that Joel is known for his outgoing, super friendly and sociable personality. He has a great sense of humour and is both smart and witty. He is also creative and loved drawing and his design work.

“People are drawn to him, he has a clever way with words and a great sense of humour,” she shared.

Joel’s disappearance is considered out of character and his family hold hope that he may be found alive.

They are also extremely grateful for all the support offered by the community.

“On behalf of Eve and her family, I'd like to thank the whole community for its support,” expressed Natalie.

“The ground Police, Water Police, SES, Council, volunteer searchers, individuals and businesses kindly offering their skills and services to help us find Joel.

“We are humbled by your love and support.”

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

If this article has been a trigger for you, please reach out to LifeLine on 131144. Help is available and this service is open 24 hours a day. Locally, you can call Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network if you are worried about yourself or someone you are close to: 4945 2858.

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Joel’s partner Eve Houghton has been desperately appealing for the father of her baby to come home safely. Photo source: Facebook

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I am excited to take my turn in the hot seat this week and it’s wonderful to say hello to you all!

For those that haven’t met me yet, my name is Daniel and I have been a cadet journalist at Whitsunday Life Newspaper for almost six months now.

I can’t believe how quick the time has flown by!

I am loving the role, but I have to admit, I do get home-sick from time to time, especially when I watched my home-town rugby team win the Grand Final last weekend (Go Brighton!)

But more than that, it is of course connection to family I miss most. That’s one of the reasons I have been particularly impacted (as I am sure many of you have) by the devastating news that a young Whitsunday father has gone missing.

At the time of writing this Editor’s note, Joel Pringle is still missing and everyone here at the Whitsunday Life team, are praying he is found soon.

After moving to this region almost six months ago I have always been blown away by the love this community offer to anyone who needs it, and the outpouring of support for Joel and his family has been incredible to witness.

From people using drones to fly over bushland to individuals spending hours walking along remote tracks – the community effort is real.

Seeing this strong connection we all have here in the Whitsundays makes me proud to call this region home and it is a great place to begin my professional career.

I am looking forward to showing my good friend Liam around this week when he arrives for a visit and I also look forward to welcoming my sister and her partner up shortly afterwards.

If you see us around make sure you say hi!

Quote of the week:
“Chance would be a fine thing” – Mark Corrigan 2009

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One person has died after a cabin caught alight on Star Drive in Sugarloaf on Wednesday 21st August.
The fatal fire is said to have started just after 7pm when emergency services were called due to reports of a “large blaze.”
Upon arrival at the scene emergency services stated that the “cabin was located fully engulfed.”
Despite all efforts, a person in the property at the time died at the scene.
Nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution; however, no one else was physically injured.
Investigations into the fire's cause are still underway, with the property remaining a crime scene as officers work to identify the occupant.

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Seven-year-old wildlife advocate Theo Imhoff is making a difference through his work with Fauna Rescue Whitsundays, a non-profit voluntary group that rehabilitates sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife.
Registered carer for Fauna Rescue Whitsundays, Erica Imhoff, and her son Theo, who recently returned to the region, wanted to contribute to the well-being of local wildlife.
Since joining Fauna Rescue Whitsundays, Theo has helped care for native animals such as possums, Melomys, bandicoots to name a few, and helps with feeding and holding the animals for warmth.
“If we're not holding the animals, we have to prepare a heat pad for them or a hot water bottle, but Theo would just prefer to hold them and keep them on him while he's on the sofa, or even while doing homework,” Erica explained.
Erica mentioned how Theo has also been into school to show the rescued animals to his year 2 classmates:
“Theo enjoys sharing how we can help our native animals and how important they are to the ecosystem.”
Theo recently received a Certificate of Recognition for being a ‘Wildlife Warrior’ from his school and both Fauna Rescue Whitsundays and his parents are extremely proud of his involvement.
“He's such a caring, sensitive soul, and, yeah, we're so proud of that,” Erica added.
Theo feels upset whenever he hears negativity about native animals, particularly when people refer to possums as pests and struggles to understand why others don't share his love for these animals.
“He cares so deeply for the animals and understands their place in in our community, and that they were here long before us,” Erica stated.
Great job, Theo! We can't wait to see you following in David Attenborough's footsteps!

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Over 100 people attended the Thanks Doc event which was held in Bowen last Saturday and dedicated to showing gratitude towards local doctors, giving them recognition they truly deserve.

Seven doctors were recognised on the night and awarded with a bottle of locally produced Agave spirit to celebrate the long-anticipated moment.

Stephen Darwin chaired the evening and began by commending the local doctors.

“The medical profession is one where no matter what you do, you effect people’s lives in some way, which in turn creates an enormous responsibility that is probably very much underrated,” he said.

“I come from the newspaper industry, and like most other professions if we made a blunder we could apologise, replace, or rebuild, but in your profession those options don’t exist which make you the extra special people you are.

“All I can say is the Bowen community is very lucky to have had such a great group of doctors who have always remained loyal to their patients and more so to our whole community making Bowen a great place to live, work and play.

“To our doctors here tonight and the families of those who aren’t, we hope that by the end of tonight you all leave with a feeling that all your efforts haven’t gone unnoticed and you know this community feel blessed and honoured to have been served by such dedicated professionals as yourselves.”

Rotary Club of Bowen Club President Helen Woodhouse said it was a wonderful evening.

“It was really great to see the acknowledgement of the hard work that those doctors have done over the years,” said Helen.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP was also in attendance and he gave a heart-warming speech commending the local Doctors, many of whom he said had looked after him and his family over the course of their lives.

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Thanks Doc event was well received as local doctors were acknowledged for their hard work, Photo supplied

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Stella Life is hosting a special morning tea, inclusive of uplifting music, inspiring speakers and an overview of their new Neighbourhood Heart program set to help combat community loneliness.
The Neighbourhood Heart program is a free initiative designed to link local residents through volunteer support, creating a network of care and inclusivity. The program will highlight how you can get involved in enhancing your community's sense of belonging, safety, and support.
Head on down for a cuppa and see what you can do to support the community!

What: The Neighbourhood Heart Program Morning Tea
When:  Wednesday, 4 September, 9–11 AM
Where Bowen Garden Club Hall, 65 Williams Street, Bowen
RSVP: RSVP by 26 August and inform of any allergies or dietary requirements. Contact info@stellalife.com.au 0456951980 to secure yourself a place.

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A new expanded seagrass nursery
has been unveiled in Airlie Beach
which will support the enhancement
of degraded seagrass meadows,
helping to build their resilience against the
increasing impacts of climate change.
CMERC Director, Professor Emma Jackson,
said the new expanded nursery, which
is part of the Coastal Marine Ecosystem
Research Centre, would play a crucial role
in seagrass restoration in the region.
“Seeds collected from nurseries are used
to re-seed damaged or fragmented meadows,
helping to improve their overall condition
and resilience,” Professor Jackson
explained.
“This upscaled initiative which is hosted
by the Coral Sea Marina Resort in Airlie
Beach builds upon the success of the pilot
nursery, which demonstrated outstanding
seagrass growth and serves as a model for
other areas,” she said.
“The new nursery is three times larger
than the pilot nursery and will enhance
our capacity for seagrass restoration, but
also have more accessibility for local community,
schools and tourists to visit and
learn about this important habitat.”
The project is working with Traditional
Owners as custodians of Land and Sea
Country to deliver restoration activities
and build capacity. As part of the project,
CQUniversity has employed two local Traditional
Owners to maintain the nursery
and safeguard the seagrass.
“This collaboration underscores our commitment
to integrating traditional knowledge
with scientific practices. Community
members can also volunteer to help collect
seagrass flowers, with multiple events held
each year.”
The nursery is part of the Great Barrier
Reef Foundation’s Reef Islands Initiative
Whitsunday Seagrass restoration Project
and is a partnership with the Great Barrier
Reef Foundation, CQUniversity, Reef
Catchments, the Coral Sea Marina Resort
and Ngaro and Gia Traditional Owners.
Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Reef Islands
Initiative Senior Program Manager
Clarissa Elakis said the importance of seagrass
to the Great Barrier Reef could not
be overstated.
“The Pioneer Bay seagrass meadows are
an important nursery and food source
for endangered species like the turtle and
dugong and help filter pollutants like fine
sediment and nutrients from the water.
But they also have another critical job –
mitigating climate change by storing carbon.
“However, as the climate continues to
change, the Reef ’s seagrass meadows are
struggling to recover from increasingly
severe and frequent cyclones like Cyclone
Ului and Cyclone Debbie which severely
impacted the region’s seagrass meadows in
2010 and 2017.
“The new expanded seagrass nursery will
give local seagrass meadows an additional
boost toward recovery.”
Professor Jackson said the increasing impact
of climate change and water quality
had been felt by seagrass meadows worldwide.
“Initiatives such as this play an important
role in building the health and resilience
of these important marine environments.”
The Reef Islands Initiative is supported by
funding from Lendlease, the Australian
Government’s Reef Trust, the Queensland
Government and the Fitzgerald Family
Foundation, and locally coordinated by
Reef Catchments.

Opening of the Sea Grass Nursery, Photos supplied

Sea Grass Nursery

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A recent article published by Whitsunday Life Newspaper and written by the Proserpine Museum set in motion a remarkable story of connection.

It revealed that a current Proserpine Hospital obstetrician is in-fact the grand-daughter of the first baby born at the facility 100 years ago.

The connection only became apparent when Dr Kyren (Ky) Baxendell was reading the article about the history of maternity care in the Proserpine region and noticed the maternity ward’s official opening date of 12 July 1924.

This was just one day prior to the birth of her maternal grandmother Joyce Alice Nicholas.

“My grandmother was always super proud of being born at Proserpine Hospital on 13 July 1924,” Ky said.

“She loved the fact that I was working here and said ‘you just wouldn’t believe it Ky, I was born there and now you are delivering babies there’. She just loved that.

“Now I really understand why as not everyone was born in a hospital in those days; most births were attended by untrained midwives at home.”

The first hospital maternity ward was an extension of the original Proserpine Hospital built in 1911 on the riverbank opposite the Junior Sporting Complex on Crystalbrook Road.

Ky’s beloved grandmother Joyce Bagley (nee Nicholas) sadly died in Brisbane in May this year, just two months shy of her 100th birthday.

“We combined Joyce’s 100th birthday celebration and her funeral on her actual birthday on 13 July,” added Ky.

“She had already received her letter from the King prior to passing away two months before her birthday.”

“Whenever patients come into the hospital who are around that vintage I often tell them my grandmother was born here and tell them her name.

“They often don’t remember her, but then remember her playing at the dances or remember her brother Fred Nicholas who lived in Proserpine all his life.”

Although moving to the Whitsundays in 2019, Ky feels very connected to the Proserpine community.

“From a rural doctor perspective, it’s a great hospital in that it’s a non-specialist hospital and I’m a GP obstetrician. It also has a very high birth rate at more than 300 births per year,” she said.

“I was already familiar with the Whitsunday area, we loved the coast and I knew rural doctor jobs here didn’t come up very often.

“I’m not local, but kind of, sort of am really,” she said.

“My family is local and I’m incredibly proud to be delivering babies here where my own grandmother was born.”

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Dr Kyren (Ky) Baxendell and her grandmother Joyce Bagley.
Young Joyce Nicholas
Albert and Joyce Bagley wedding party in Proserpine 1945
Joyce and Albert Bagley with family (including mother Elizabeth Nicholas)

Photos supplied

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Woodman Group of Companies (WGC), a proud Proserpine local business, is your go-to destination for all your building needs.

With a wide range of products and services, WGC caters to both trade professionals and the general public.

Whether you're a seasoned builder or a DIY enthusiast renovating your home, WGC has you covered.

Their extensive stock includes essential building materials such as fixings, fibre cement products, timber, and pine.

The business also boasts sizing and dressing facilities, ensuring that you get the exact materials you need for your project.

What sets WGC apart is their commitment to offering competitive prices without compromising quality.

They understand the importance of value for money, especially in today's economic climate.

To make things even more convenient, WGC provides delivery services, saving you time and effort.

As a proud stockist of trusted Australian brands like Hume, James Hardie, Hyne Timber, and Laminex, WGC guarantees the highest quality products for your building projects.
These renowned brands are synonymous with durability, performance, and aesthetic appeal.

Located at 2 Mann Street, Proserpine, WGC welcomes both trade customers and the general public.

Their friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to assist you with product selection, advice, and any questions you may have.

With convenient yard hours of 7am-4pm from Monday to Thursday, and 7am-1pm on Friday, WGC makes it easy for you to visit and explore their extensive range of building materials.

For more information or to place an order, contact WGC on 07 4952 9057 or 07 4945 1466.

Woodman Group of Companies – Building your future, one project at a time.

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The Whitsundays Writers Festival is preparing for the inaugural Love Letter to Queensland event, which is set to take place on Thursday 5 September 2024, at the Coral Sea Resort ballroom in Airlie Beach.
This unique initiative aims to highlight the deep community spirit and affection for Queensland through heartfelt stories and expressions of love.
The Love Letter to Queensland community writing competition invites individuals to share their personal stories and tributes to marvellous Queensland.
The competition offers prizes for best submissions in the categories of Adult ($500), Under 18 Years ($250), and Under 12 Years ($200) plus Highly Commended Certificates. Submissions have now closed for entries; however, the winners will be announced on Thursday 5th September.
The Love Letter to Queensland event, hosted on the Thursday will feature a stimulating lineup of notable speakers, each presenting their own love letters to Queensland.
Reading their own personal love letters aloud on the special evening is:
   • Marco Renai, awarded 2024 Queenslander of the Year, recognised for his impactful work with at-risk youth through the Men of Business program.
   • Elizabeth Hackett, Executive Chair of the Australian Adventure Tourism Group, known for her significant contributions to the tourism industry and the Whitsunday Skyway Project.
   • Dr. Chris Sarra, CEO for the Office of First Nations Engagement and Innovation, leading initiatives for youth engagement within Queensland.
   • Dr. Melissa Ashley, award-winning author of historical fiction novels and celebrated academic.
   • Karen Jacobsen, President of the Whitsunday Writers Festival, international speaker, author, and the voice behind over a billion GPS and smartphone devices.
   • Andrew Willcox MP, Federal Member for Dawson will announce and read the winning Love Letter to Queensland community writing competition entries.
With this special event fast approaching, make sure to grab your tickets for this special supper-club styled event before they sell out. Premium ticket holders receive guaranteed VIP up-front seating with personalised table service, and standard ticket holders will enjoy the event from the gallery, standing room only with limited seating available.
What: Love Letter to Queensland event
When: 6:30pm-9:00pm Thursday 6 September 2024
Where: Coral Sea Resort ballroom, Airlie Beach
Registration: Tickets are strictly limited. Standard tickets $49/$39 concession and Premium tickets $69/$59 concession include light supper and two drink vouchers followed by a cash bar.

Event Speakers:
2024 Queenslander of the Year Marco Renai
Elizabeth Hackett, Executive Chair of the Australian Adventure Tourism Group
Andrew Willcox MP, Federal Member for Dawson

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In 2023/24, a total of 353,552 people visited our aquatic facilities. Whitsunday Regional Council proudly provides the Airlie Beach Lagoon, three swimming pools and water parks across Proserpine, Bowen, and Collinsville, all free to use. These facilities offer a fantastic, cost-free way to enjoy the water, keep cool, and stay active!

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From floods to bushfires to storms and cyclones, the tropical Whitsunday region faces many extremes, so it is good news that Council has expanded our flood camera network with three new cameras in Bowen, enhancing the region’s capacity to monitor and respond to potential flood events.
 
These new installations at Queens Road, Inverdon Road and Soldiers Road will be crucial in providing real-time updates to residents and emergency services, bolstering the community’s safety and preparedness.
 
Our network of flood cameras is strategically located in high-risk areas across the Whitsunday region and will capture images that are refreshed approximately every 15 minutes.
 
The Flood Camera project began as a joint initiative under the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s Flood Warning Infrastructure Network (FWIN), funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, and supported by Council.
 
Since its inception, Council has committed to extending this vital network, with these three new cameras representing the latest effort to improve our flood response capabilities.
 
The new installations are a Council-led initiative, designed by our IT department, and were completed at a total cost of approximately $50,000.
 
This innovative, in-house solution builds on the successful trial of the first Council-designed system at Kelsey Creek, providing a more cost-effective alternative to the larger systems installed under the FWINP, which typically cost around $60,000 each.
 
Our growing network of flood cameras is a crucial tool for the community, helping residents and visitors make informed decisions during the wet season.
 
It’s important to remember that any flooded road can be deadly, and the condition of the road surface underneath remains unknown until the waters recede.
 
Regardless of the size of your vehicle, flood waters are dangerous for all. Always have a Plan B and equip yourself with multiple alternative routes to stay safe. Remember, once you enter flood water, you give up control of your vehicle—if it’s flooded, forget it!
 
For the latest road closures and road condition information, we encourage everyone to check Council’s Disaster Dashboard.
 
I’d like to thank the IT team for their hard work on this project and for their ongoing efforts in expanding the flood camera network that ensures the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors to our region during the wet season.

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In July, Tourism and Events Queensland kicked off a campaign called ‘Great Things Are Happening Here’, which aims to shine a spotlight on the heroes of the Great Barrier Reef.

The campaign will be run nationwide to share the stories of tourism operators’ incredible conversation initiatives across TV, YouTube, social media and through print partnerships.

The campaign will tell these stories and spread the word that one of the best things that we can do for the reef is to see it, love it and protect it. 

In support of this campaign, Tourism Whitsunday have recently been gathering information from local tourism businesses that are undertaking inspiring projects to create a meaningful difference in the health of the reef to ensure its conservation for future generations.

Some of the conservation projects include coral nurturing programs, marine debris clean-up initiatives, Crown of Thorn control projects, seagrass restoration projects and much more. All of which is happening right here on our doorstep. 

If you want to make a difference and support the health and conservation of the reef, one of the best (and most fun) ways to do this is to support the tourism operators that undertake this work, so they can continue to grow these projects and make a difference.

Have a read about some of the conservation work that is happening, look for an Eco Certification qualification and book a trip! 
 

Contributed by Laura Knipe, Marketing Manager, Tourism Whitsundays  
 

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Jade from Tourism Whitsundays took a moment to step aboard the Whitsunday Explorer by Explore Group Australia , a 2-night cruise boat offering a unique way to experience the stunning Whitsunday Islands. Although she didn't embark on the full tour, she had the opportunity to explore the ship, which left a strong impression. 

The Whitsunday Explorer is a blend of luxury and adventure, designed to provide an exceptional cruising experience. The vessel features modern, comfortable accommodations with stylish interiors that not only enhance the sense of relaxation but also ensure your utmost comfort.  

Onboard amenities include spacious lounges and dining areas that are perfect for socialising or unwinding after a day of exploration. The boat's design focuses on maximising comfort while offering a sophisticated environment.

The open decks provide ample space for taking in the stunning views and enjoying the sun. The menu, perfected by the experienced in-house Chef, offers an indulgent selection of foods that will tantalise your taste buds. 

Seeing the Whitsunday Explorer up close gave Jade a strong sense of its luxury and the quality of service it promises. For anyone seeking a leisurely yet immersive way to explore the Whitsundays, this 2-night cruise offers a premium blend of comfort and adventure, making it a standout choice for a memorable getaway. 

Currently offering 2 nights at $999 per person based on a shared twin/double basis, take your opportunity to spend the weekend floating around The Whitsundays in style! 
  
 
Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays  

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Stuart and Nicole Morris, the managers of Azure Sea Whitsunday Resort, have been named ‘Resident Managers of the Year, Short Stay’ 2024 at the Australian Resident Managers Association (ARAMA) Awards. This distinguished award highlights their exceptional management of one of Australia’s top holiday resorts.
Stuart and Nicole had only been managing the resort for one and a half years after relocating to the region from the Gold Coast, where they operated a business at Pacific Fair as Retailers in paramedical aesthetics and skin care. When they arrived at the resort there were a lot of maintenance issues to address – the two swimming pools were falling apart, and there were glass shards that had to be picked out.
“We conducted a refurbishment of 255,000 litre pools and a spa in six weeks, (according to trades who completed the work) it should take three months!” Stuart stated.
Despite the initial setbacks, Stuart and Nicole managed to maintain strong performance by offering a reduced accommodation rate due to the absence of a pool over that period.
This is just a small example of the quick-thinking and business acumen which has led them to receiving the recognition among their peers at the prestigious awards.
Stuart and Nicole stated that what sets them apart from the rest is that they are, “conscientious individuals,” with a “desire to make a difference.”
The judges of the award stated that whilst it was very difficult to select a winner out of the exceptional candidates, this year's winners (Stuart and Nicole) tick all the boxes.
“They have greatly improved the resort’s facilities from personal efforts, won the appreciation and respect of unit owners... particularly the (Body Corporate) committee members, (and) been integral to the body corporate management.”
“They are a great example of what fresh talent and hard work can produce in this industry.”
Thanks to the vision and expertise of Stuart and Nicole, Azure Sea Whitsunday Resort has blossomed into a beautiful retreat set amidst the lush rainforest of Airlie Beach.
The 30 fully equipped apartments offer breathtaking, panoramic views of the Coral Sea and Hayman Island, providing an unparalleled escape into paradise.
The resort has lift access, secure undercover parking, unlimited Wi-Fi, and a new infinity-edge waterfall swimming pool. Azure is also just a short stroll from the beach, main street shopping and an array of fantastic restaurants.
The dedicated onsite management team is committed to creating a warm and welcoming community experience for all of Azure’s guests.
Nicole mentioned that the resort’s welcome letter features the phrase, "There are no strangers, only friends you haven't met yet,” capturing the warm and inviting atmosphere the resort aims to provide.
Azure Sea is excited to extend a warm invitation to all future guests for an unforgettable stay. You won't want to miss out on the recently refurbished infinity pools, breathtaking views, and enhanced landscapes. The resort's award-winning hosts, Stuart and Nicole, can't wait to welcome you. Check out https://www.azureseawhitsunday.com/ for more information on how to book your stay at Azure Sea Whitsunday Resort.

Stuart and Nicole Morris stand proud with their award

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On August 15 the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry revealed an ambitious economic vision for the region's next 20 to 30 years.

Developed with insights from over 130 local business voices, the plan envisions Bowen becoming a leader in agriculture, aquaculture, and marine services, while Collinsville focuses on mining technology and tourism.

Proserpine and Cannonvale are set to evolve into key residential and commercial hubs, and Airlie Beach aims to enhance its reputation as a premier tourist destination.

The Chamber emphasises the importance of political leadership, strategic development, infrastructure investment, and workforce evolution to achieve this vision.

Chamber President Allan Milostic and Mayor Ry Collins
Trevor Rees and Craig Turner
Fiona Erquiaga and Bernadette Porter
Tanya Hardy and Jade Richardson
Chamber Liaison of Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry Julia Evans
Mayor Ry Collins
Chamber President Allan Milostic
Justin Butler and Tim Langford

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Community-minded individuals who would like to ensure the continuation of one of the most iconic institutions in the state are invited to attend a public meeting this Saturday.

The Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) has been empowering women since 1922, across Queensland's regional and remote communities and last year the Proserpine/Whitsundays Branch celebrated its 100th birthday.

In a sad turn of events, this beloved arm of the state-wide institution is now without leaders and is currently looking for a secretary, treasurer and president in order to continue.

Current members of QCWA Proserpine/Whitsundays have dedicated many years to participating in the group and volunteering countless hours, but these selfless women have now decided they need to take a step back, hoping other proactive community members will now step up to the roles.

Hoping to fill those positions QCWA is hosting a public meeting on Saturday 31 August at 10am. At the public meeting, members will be informing attendees about what CWA do and what it stands for.

At their previous public meeting, they saw good numbers and with this upcoming meeting, they are hoping that someone will be confident enough to become an executive member.

Current member Robyn Creighton said that all existing members will offer the new executives their upmost support.

“We will be giving them lots of help, anybody that wants to put up their hand we won’t be abandoning them! We will be here to help them,” added Robyn.

“It's been going for 102 years; it would be a bit shame for it to close.

“We love CWA and everything it’s brought us, friendship and confidence. We would really love to see it continue with some office bearers.”

QCWA is great for making new connections and friends, sharing knowledge and learning new skills, or influencing the unique needs of our local community and ultimately, improving the lives of women and families.
 
To avoid this loss to our community, go to the next public meeting at the Cannonvale Neighbourhood Centre at 10am and put your hand up.

What: QCWA Public Meeting
Where: Cannonvale Neighbourhood Centre
When: Saturday 31 August at 10am

QCWA Proserpine/Whitsundays Branch, Photo supplied

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The highly anticipated ‘Don River Dash’ will soon be taking place in Bowen.

This multi-terrain off-road event is a thrill-seekers paradise and a huge crowd attraction with spectators able to watch the action from the banks of the dry Don River bed where all the action takes place.

Dirt flies, motors roar as the racers all vie to complete the course in the fastest time possible.

A bucket list item for many adrenaline-junkies, the race attracts motorists from all over the country.

Event Secretary Wanita Sparr said this race is as exciting to watch as it is to participate in.

“It is an endurance event, and it's very difficult, very challenging and a technical race,” she said.

Burdekin Off-roaders President Michael Marson said it is a unique race.

“It's a very unique in Australia and there are not many events that run the same format under those conditions,” said Michael.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the Don River Dash creates a great economic boost for the region.

“People travel from long distances to compete as well as to watch this event,” she said.

“We are always very busy at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre over the Don River Dash weekend and many of the visitors stay and explore the wider Whitsundays region after the event has finished.”

What: Don River Dash
Where: Don River, Bowen
When: Friday 6 September – Sunday 8 September

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Motorbike hitting the track during the Don River Dash, Photo supplied

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The arrival of whales in the Whitsundays at this time of year is a big drawcard for tourists as well as locals who never tire of watching them as they move about our waters. Their presence is not a new phenomenon nor is the delight of observing these magnificent creatures.
The “Proserpine Guardian” of Saturday 30 July 1938 published the following story “AQUATIC DOINGS AT HAYMAN ISLAND”.
“Two immense whales decided to inspect the “June” as she lay at anchor off Bait Reef, coming within some thirty feet of the boat before sounding. Some good photographs were secured of the sea “beasts’’. Whales are swimming about everywhere now. Mr. G. Stephenson, managed to hook one when trolling, accidentally of course, but it provided a lot of amusement to lookers-on before his line came free.”
A report on Friday 24 August 1945 in the CANNON VALLEY NOTES stated – “Whales have abounded in Whitsunday Passage during the past two weeks. Quite a number, of calves were noticed among the several schools observed by our correspondent. Tourist traffic, due no doubt to school holidays, has been very heavy recently. 
And in the “Guardian” Friday 12 May 1950 the headline read “PILOT WHALES”.
“A large school of Pilot whales, or better known as Black Fish whales, passed through Hook Passage off the coast of Proserpine last Sunday. Mr. M. E. MacDougall told the "Guardian" yesterday that the whales were in groups of three and four about 100 yards apart as far as one could see in all directions. The whales seen in Hook Passage were about 15 feet long, and they were travelling south. This is the species of whale which sometimes commits suicide. If the leader goes ashore all the others do likewise. Such incidents have occurred in New Zealand and more recently in Victoria, where 60 whales were stranded on a beach.”
WHALES DIE ON BEACH (“Proserpine Guardian” July 30 1976)

The stranding of whales on beaches is not uncommon. In 1976, early risers on the morning of July 24 were excited to observe a large school of whales tossing around in the water just off the beach. Eventually two of them were separated from the school and became stranded on the sand at high tide. The theory is that a sick whale was driven from the group and followed toward the shore by its mate.

The sick whale died very quickly but the active one lived several hours, during which time “Kingy” Hurst from Wilson’s Beach and others made several attempts to encourage and to drag it out to sea. At one stage, they succeeded in pushing the whale into the receding water but “it immediately turned and dashed back onto the beach. The beautiful creature was struggling, becoming more and more distressed and its wellbeing was deteriorating. Eventually, it became so sick that it was decided to put it out of its misery with a rifle.”

The whales, both six metres long, were identified as false killer whales. They were buried above the highwater mark but not before James Cook University representatives had procured some body parts for research.

Recent history of these mammals beaching has shown that rescued whales will continue to repeatedly beach themselves.

Today, regulations have been introduced stipulating the proximity of boats to these creatures – for the protection of not only these magnificent mammals who visit our waters to give birth but also the people witnessing the spectacle they present.    

Story courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and photo courtesy Mrs May Davy.

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A tragic car accident on Sunday, 11 August, which initially resulted in the deaths of two Filipino women and an unborn child, has claimed another life.

The incident, involving two vehicles, has now also claimed the life of a man from Mermaid Beach. He was transported to Townsville University Hospital following the crash but succumbed to his injuries on Friday afternoon.

According to a Queensland Police Service (QPS) report, the collision occurred at approximately 1:06pm in Mount Marlow. A Nissan Navara, travelling towards Cannonvale, collided with a Toyota Landcruiser moving in the opposite direction, the report stated.

This latest fatality brings the total number of traffic-related deaths in the Mackay Whitsunday district for 2024 to 15. Police continue to urge drivers to exercise caution on the roads.

In response to the tragedy, the Filipino-Australian community has rallied together, creating a GoFundMe page to support the affected Filipino family. The page had raised more than $20,000 in its first three days, demonstrating the strong sense of community and support within the Whitsundays.

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Hi Everyone,
Rachael is taking a well-deserved break this week to celebrate her wedding, which took place over the weekend. In her absence, the Editor’s Note reins have been handed over to me, so I will give you a quick introduction to myself.
The team and I were kindly invited to Rach’s wedding, and it was a truly beautiful event. Rach looked stunning, the weather couldn't have been better and we all had a fantastic time celebrating with her (even if there were a few sore heads in the office on Monday!).
Although I've been with the team for less than three months, I’ve felt genuinely welcomed. Celebrating Rach's wedding together really underscored the supportive and friendly atmosphere in the Whitsunday Life team.
After relocating from the UK, where I was born, to Australia in January, I spent five months living and working in Sydney before making my way to The Whitsundays. I’m thoroughly enjoying exploring this stunning part of the country and writing about one of Australia’s most beautiful destinations.
Having worked for Sky News in the UK, I was keen to explore a different style of journalism. It's been interesting to see how different print journalism is to TV! Working for a local paper and getting to know members of the community has been something I’ve particularly enjoyed about the job.
Those who know me, know that I’m passionate about environmentalism and ocean conservation. This week, I was thrilled to write about Chez the turtle's release. It was uplifting to witness the local community rally together in support. It has been lovely to see how deeply the community values environment, especially considering our proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.
Another exciting addition to our paper is the new ‘Pet of the Week’ column! If you have time, make sure to give it a read, there are some really wonderful animals that need a loving home.
Enjoy reading!
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Ruth
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In the words of Rafiki, (I just watched Lion King with my housemates):
“Oh yes, the past can hurt. But from the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.”

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There is no doubt that the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre does remarkable work for the community. One standout initiative is their Community Food Pantry.
The fantastic program which aims to help reduce food waste and support community members has distributed a tremendous 519 kgs of fruit and 704 kgs of veggies in the six months since January.
The Whitsunday Community Food Pantry provides grocery packs for $15, featuring a variety of items donated by the community as well as Coles and Woolworths supermarkets. The pantry also offers a selection of free items available to everyone.
One memorable donation to the pantry this week came from a young girl named Bliss. After her Pyjama Day at kindergarten, she visited the centre to donate some food items and $2 of her own pocket money. This is not the first time Bliss has donated, having donated $1 of her pocket money last year.
Bliss donated a generous array of soups, pasta and noodles towards the Community Food Pantry.
Tara Tissington, the Receptionist at the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, emphasised that while all donations are highly valued, there is a particular need for children's lunchbox items like muesli bars.
“School lunch boxes never go astray,” Tara explained.
“The program is available to everyone in the community, it doesn't matter who they are, they can come in and we will see what we can do.”
“We always try and help out where we can.”
You too can donate unopened, in-date food items to the pantry. Drop-off points are available at Coles Cannonvale and Woolworths Cannonvale.
Donate and feel great!

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Food panty grocery pack, Photo sourced

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Last Sunday, local communities gathered together to mark Vietnam Veterans Day, honouring the significant contributions of Australian veterans who served in the Vietnam War. August 18th is the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, one of the most pivotal engagements for Australian forces during the conflict.
Between 1962 and 1973, over 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam, with some returning for humanitarian missions in 1975. Tragically, 523 lost their lives, and around 3,000 were evacuated due to wounds, injuries, or illnesses. Many who came back faced a lack of respect and recognition amidst strong anti-war sentiment.
Vietnam Veterans Day offers an opportunity for individuals to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of veterans, many of whom have continued to contribute as dedicated community leaders and volunteers even after their military service.

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This week Queensland (QLD) Cricket launched their Play Cricket Week.

Queensland and Brisbane Heat batsman, Matt Renshaw visited the Whitsundays this week to help drive Play Cricket Week. His presence had a significant impact on local engagement. 

“What we're trying to do is try and make as many people play cricket as possible,” said Matt Renshaw.

“I think Australian cricket is strong and the country cricket is strong too. I think putting more funding into the country areas is really important. So, to see a new cricket club here in Airlie is pretty great for the area.”

Matt believes young people should start playing cricket not only because it is enjoyable but because of life experience and skills too.

“There are some really good things you can get out of it, both with cricket and as people. The resiliency you go through, the enjoyment, and then the skills that you can develop can take you all around the world,” said Matt.

“We want to try and build the game as much as we can. We want guys and girls coming in and playing for Australia. We want Australian cricket to be strong.

“Being able to play with your mates is something that I've always enjoyed throughout my whole career. That's why I keep playing cricket.

“You get to stand out in the sun with your mates, which is pretty special.”

Play Cricket Week comes at a great time for Airlie Beach Cricket Club (ABCC) who have established the first cricket club in Airlie Beach for over 20 years.

“We are thrilled to align our launch with Play Cricket Week,” said ABCC Media Spokesperson Stephen Logan.

“Having an Australian cricket player and Brisbane Heat cricket player is huge advantage for the cricket club, but also great for the kids to actually see where they can actually get to.”

The launch of Play Cricket Week was at Cannonvale State School, and Principal Nicholas Shirley was thrilled that QLD cricket chose their school to host the fun games and activities to help boost cricket within young people.

Cannonvale State School will also be working in conjunction with ABCC and Principal Nicholas Shirley is looking forward to it.

“We haven't had a cricket organisation that we are able to utilise for our school, so to have it right here in our backyard is fantastic,” said Nicholas.

“Airlie Beach Cricket Club will be giving us some wonderful facilities and it's a dream come true for our school to not only have that partnership, but to actually get some first-class facilities for our school, including a new pitch that we're super excited about.”

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Cricket Manager of Mackay and Whitsundays Bo Saunders, Matt Renshaw, and Airlie Beach Cricket Club President Brett Simpson
Play Cricket Week at Cannonvale State School
Playing games in Play Cricket Week
More activities

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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This year, the Mayor's Charity Ball introduces a brand-new ticket option: the After Dark Experience! For just $150, you can join the celebration from 8pm, enjoying a sparkling drink on arrival, gourmet canapés, an open bar, live music, and even a surprise performance. With free transport and a fireworks finale, it’s the perfect way to experience all the excitement without the formal dinner. This year's event supports RACQ CQ Rescue and the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network. To join the fun, head to https://bit.ly/MayorsCharityBall for more info or to purchase tickets!

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Council regularly receives requests for improved lighting throughout the region and Council is always keen to improve public safety where possible.
 
Obviously, we cover a massive area, so it is up to Council and Councillors to identify areas with the most urgent need and prioritise these locations.
 
This year Council has been trialling the installation of 30 temporary solar-powered lights in Hansen, Lions, Case, and Barker Parks in Bowen to improve lighting in the busy Grays Bay area.
 
The benefits of this lighting project include increased visibility along pathways, making it safer for pedestrians to navigate these areas, especially during early mornings and at night.
 
The improved lighting also makes these parks more suitable for hosting community events in the evenings, encouraging more frequent use of these public spaces by residents and visitors.
 
Community Consultation was open to residents and visitors via an online survey on our Your Say community engagement platform for six weeks, as we sought feedback from the community about the temporary lights, their placement and if they have improved use and safety for park users.
 
We recognise the importance of engaging with our community in a meaningful and genuine way about decisions which affect you.
 
The survey had great feedback with 87 submissions received. The majority were in favour of the improved lighting, so Council has now engaged a lighting consultant to incorporate feedback, including refining the placements of lighting to minimise nuisance, ensure solar access and meet needs of users.
 
I thank the community for having their say during the trial as their feedback has assisted Council to determine the most suitable and cost-effective options for a permanent light design and placement.
 
The good news is that $900,000 has been identified in our three-year capital budget for delivery of the Grays Bay lighting project once the design phase has been completed. The use of solar power aligns with sustainable energy practices, reducing the carbon footprint associated with lighting the parks.
 
This initiative demonstrates a commitment by Council to not only improve public safety, but also embrace sustainable energy practices, reducing the carbon footprint associated with lighting the parks.

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Tourism Whitsundays and Cruise Whitsundays are heading to Brisbane in early September to meet with 49 buyers from India and South East Asia at Experience Queensland - India and South East Asia. This event, run by Tourism and Events Queensland, is focusing on this emerging market and building relationships with travel buyers and wholesalers from these locations.  
  
"Going back to pre-Covid times, India was quickly gaining momentum as a source market for The Whitsundays and this business-to-business networking and meeting day is a step to restarting that market," said Cait. 
  
The international travellers have been slower to return than expected and there's an element of retraining involved in terms of how to get to The Whitsundays from the other side of the world, however we're seeing our international visitor numbers grow each and every quarter which is fantastic,  
  
Earlier this month, we attended Queensland is Calling - North America where Ben Summers met with travel agents across America to educate them on The Whitsundays.  
  
These trade shows, whether they are in America, UK, China or Australia all focus on the same key points:  
   1. Where The Whitsundays are 
   2. How do travel agents get their clients here 
   3. Why The Whitsundays is different to other reef or beach destinations 

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Contributed by Cait Fleming, Industry Development & Trade Manager, Tourism Whitsundays  

Tourism Whitsunday’s at Down Under Summit

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The team at Tourism Whitsundays bid their valued Brand Executive, Alyssa, a fond farewell as she ended her time with Tourism Whitsundays.

They celebrated her significant contributions and future endeavours with an unforgettable sunset tour aboard Lady Enid Sailing. 

The evening sky painted a stunning array of colours, creating the perfect backdrop for relaxation and indulgence. Lady Enid, a well-maintained vessel, provided comfort and style with top-notch service from the crew. 

The tour's highlight was the front-row seat to the wonders of our incredible Whitsunday nature, including whale sightings and unmatched views. Witnessing these spectacular creatures breaching and playing in the distance inspired everyone. As the sun descended, the scenery became even more magical, with hues of orange and pink reflecting off the tranquil waters, creating a breathtaking view that will stay with the Tourism Whitsunday team forever. 

Sipping on refreshing Aperol spritzes while enjoying a selection of delicious light snacks complemented the relaxed vibe on board—the combination of great company, fantastic service, and the enchanting Whitsunday waters made for a remarkable evening. 
 
Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays  

Lady Enid vessel on the Whitsunday waters
Rosanagh Gallivan, Laura Knipe, Jade Yvonne, Alyssa Turner and Jess McDiarmid

Photos supplied

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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry is excited to unveil a bold new vision for the Whitsundays, developed with input from over 130 members of the local business community. This visionary project outlines an economic blueprint set to guide the region’s growth over the next two to three decades.

According to Chamber President Allan Milostic, “Our region is on the verge of significant change. With a united vision crafted by and for the business community, we can effectively advocate, shape policy, and drive meaningful progress.”

The research, completed late last year, offers a glimpse into the Whitsundays' future. Bowen is set to lead in agriculture, aquaculture, and heavy marine industries, while Collinsville will advance in mining technology and heritage tourism. Proserpine will become a vibrant hub, seamlessly connecting with Cannonvale and Airlie Beach, while Cannonvale will evolve into a well-planned residential area. Airlie Beach is expected to emerge as a premier Southern Hemisphere tourist destination with expanded attractions, including a convention centre and a vibrant arts precinct.

Research uncovered diverse perspectives and challenges within the business community.

Each district within the Whitsundays has unique needs and visions, making it challenging to forge a unified future. Chamber has identified four immediate priorities for success: enhanced political leadership, strategic economic development, infrastructure investment, and education and workforce evolution.

Milostic emphasized that this journey is just beginning, with regular updates and insights to be released as the vision unfolds. The Vision for the Whitsundays remains an independent, apolitical initiative aimed at fostering growth and innovation in the region.

Contributed with thanks to Julia Evans Chamber Liaison of Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

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One of the most common financial steps people go through involves buying a new family home which is of a better standard than their last one.  This is a natural progression as people settle into careers, have more disposable income and build families.

Often people decide to keep the previous property as an investment and use the rental income to assist with repaying the larger debt and building wealth.  There is a trap with this scenario that can lead to a poor taxation outcome, and effectively make repaying the debt take significantly longer due to the limited assistance from the tax man.

The issue is whether the interest on a loan is tax deductible or not.  If you are earning between $45,000 and $135,000 and are paying 32% as your marginal tax rate, roughly a third of your interest is covered by the tax man if your debt is tax deductible.  If you are borrowing at, say 6% for both your non-tax-deductible home loan and your tax-deductible rental property loan, you are effectively only paying 4% on the rental property loan after tax.  The more of your debt that is allowed to be claimed as tax deductible the better.  In this scenario it’s important you separate the debts so you can easily identify the interest and what you are paying off each debt.  Ideally you want to pay off the non-tax-deductible debt first before moving on to the tax-deductible debt.  

Contrary to what many people think, the key to whether a loan’s interest is tax deductible or not is not which property is used to secure the loan.  The key is what the money was used to purchase when the loan was drawn down and not which property the bank takes a mortgage over.  Generally, the family home doesn’t produce income and therefore loans used to purchase Principal Places of Residence are not tax deductible even if you used equity in the old home to borrow.  Loans for rental properties or shares generally are tax deductible and therefore minimising the loan required to buy the new family home and consequently increasing the investment loan makes sense.  Often selling the old home, maximising the cash deposit on the new home and using the equity to borrow to buy a new investment makes more sense.  As always the devil is in the detail and it needs careful analysis of sale and purchase costs and each person’s tax situation to make the right decision.

There are several strategies that can be used to decrease non-deductible debt and replace it with deductible debt and investments, and a range of flexible lending products to assist.  As always seeking the advice of a knowledgeable Financial Adviser, Accountant and Mortgage Broker is advisable.  

For a free consultation with local people who understand the complexities of these or any other financial matter, contact Eclipse Financial Planning at Cannonvale on 49467359 today or visit www.eclipsefp.com.au

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This month’s Ask An Expert with the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry asks:  

How do I manage staff that bring their personal issues to work?
Chamber member, Judy Porter from Shiift, responded.

We are kidding ourselves if we still believe people “park their emotions at the door”. Post Covid sees a very different workforce which requires flexibility, compassion, and ‘humancy’ more than ever.

Every team-member in the workplace is affected daily by external and internal variables. Good leaders who know their team-members well enough will know which variable may be negatively impacting them. 

Having strong workplace relationships means you can step into this space respectfully and start the conversation that is needed. Take your team-member aside to a confidential space so they can safely share current challenges. Stay curious, non-judgemental and listen respectfully. 

Supporting your team-members through daily challenges builds trust and respect and creates a very strong, committed, happy and productive workplace culture. Having difficult discussions is of great benefit to all – leaders can strengthen workplace relationships, and team-member feel valued.

Beware of compassion fatigue which is the result of sitting in someone else’s problems with empathy and being overwhelmed because you cannot fix the problem for them.  We need to engage empathic concern – the capacity to understand someone’s situation and step into an action-oriented outcome for them. 

However, we all have our strengths and weaknesses when it comes to communication. If you don’t feel confident having these conversations the minimal duty of care is to point your team-member in the right direction of support by providing contact numbers for Lifeline, Beyond Blue or your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if you have one.

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The Whitsundays are about to be the centre of Australia’s foodservice industry as suppliers from across the country descend upon our stunning region for the Whitsunday Foodservice Trade Show.

This year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever, with over 75 suppliers and more than 150 industry professionals showcasing an impressive array of products tailored for Whitsunday Foodservice’s  diverse customer base. Whether you’re running a pub, café, restaurant, or even a food van, this is your chance to explore the latest and greatest in foodservice offerings.

Patrick Morrissey, General Manager of Whitsunday Foodservice, is excited about the opportunities this Trade Show brings. “This is a fantastic platform for suppliers to introduce both new and beloved products to our customers. It’s not just about selling—it's about sparking conversations, inspiring ideas, and helping our customers find exactly what they need to elevate their businesses,” he said.

The Trade Show promises something for everyone, with suppliers catering to a wide range of sectors including hospitality, healthcare, education, and more.

“Our customers come from all walks of life—pubs, takeaways, schools, aged care facilities, and beyond. We’re proud to be a one-stop shop, and this event highlights the incredible variety we offer,” Patrick added.

Beyond the business of foodservice, the event is poised to make a significant economic impact on the local community. With an expected influx of over $500,000, the Trade Show is set to benefit the Whitsundays in more ways than one.

“We’ve got 150 suppliers staying in town for the week, engaging with our local businesses and teams. It’s a much-needed boost outside the typical tourist season, and we’re proud to play a role in supporting the local economy,” Patrick emphasised.

While the event is business-focused, it’s also going to be a day of fun and excitement. Attendees can look forward to cash giveaways, amazing prizes, and a major prize draw at 12:30pm. To win, make sure to register via the Whitsunday Foodservice website and be present at the event.

The prizes this year are nothing short of spectacular. Imagine a luxurious reef sleep for two with Cruise Whitsundays, a lavish two-night stay on Hayman Island, or the grand prize—a trip for two to the prestigious Tuttofood International Food Exhibition in Milan, Italy!

“This Trade Show is a rare gem in North Queensland and especially in the Whitsundays. It’s a unique opportunity for our customers to engage with top suppliers and experience the best our industry has to offer. It’s going to be a fantastic day filled with great food, valuable connections, and happy customers,” said Patrick.

Don’t miss out on North Queensland’s biggest foodservice event!

   • WHAT: Whitsunday Foodservice 2nd Trade Show
   • WHERE: Whitsunday Foodservice - 25 Galbraith Park Drive, Cannonvale
   • WHEN: Saturday 24th August, 9am-1:30pm
   • OPEN TO: Registered account customers and prospective customers via www.whitsundayfoodservice.com.au

Whitsunday Foodservice last Trade Show, Photo supplied

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One of the Festival’s marquee events is the Big Book Club High Tea, featuring acclaimed authors Sally Hep­worth and Kirsty Manning, and hosted by Karina Kilmore.
SALLY HEPWORTH, a New York Times best­selling author with nine novels and over a million copies sold worldwide, is beloved by readers everywhere.
KIRSTY MANNING, known for her interna­tionally acclaimed historical novels, has captivated audiences across continents, with her works translated into multiple languages and adapted for various media.
Journalist and author, KARINA KILMORE will be hosting the event. She is the Chair of the Australian Crime Writers Association who have recently shortlisted Sally’s Darling Girls for the 2024 Best Crime Fiction.  
Festival President Karen Jacobsen ex­pressed her excitement “We are thrilled to welcome Sally and Kirsty to our Festival’s Big Book Club High Tea. They are two talented authors, and their infectious camaraderie promis­es an afternoon filled with laughter and insight into their journey to literary suc­cess.”
For the event, Sally and Kirsty have se­lected the books they will discuss, sharing their inspiration, writing journey, and key themes explored in The Soulmate and Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth, and The Paris Mys­tery and The Hidden Book by Kirsty Manning.
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WHAT: Big Book Club High Tea
WHEN: 3:15pm-4:45pm Saturday 7 September
WHERE: My Rainbow Bakery, Shingley Beach
REGISTRATION: Standard $109 and Concession $89 includes My Rainbow Bakery’s famous High Tea of house-made savoury treats, sweets, and scones with English Breakfast Tea. Select coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Tickets available from www.whitsundayswriters.com

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Living in North Queensland before the internet and after the internet are two vastly different experiences; not dissimilarly to before and after a pandemic. In fact, many of the committee members who have worked to create the 2024 Whitsundays Writers Festival are new residents, passionate about creating a greater arts presence.

To our delight, there is a palpable excitement in the community for the arrival of our award-winning authors, and the opportunity to highlight and feature what we have discovered is a significant number of local authors living in the Whitsundays. We are fortunate to be able to build on previous festivals, and thank the committees and volunteers of those events from seven years ago.

The written word has the potential to transform lives. Reading can entertain us, educate us, give us an alternate point of view to consider, and it can deeply connect us with each other. This is my wish for our lovingly and consciously designed event; that we might as a community have our minds opened and share three memorable days of thoughtful experiences that enrich our lives.

Whether you are a reader, writer, audio book listener or someone who wishes you made more time to pick up the books on your shelf, we welcome you to join us for the 2024 Whitsundays Writers Festival. We know we live in the most beautiful location in the world, and presenting a three-day cultural event of this kind is a perfect match. On behalf of the 2024 committee, thank you.

Contributed with thanks to Karen Jacobsen

Karen Jacobsen, President of the Whitsundays Writers Festival

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The Love Letter to Queensland event – 6:30pm-9pm Thursday 5 September, Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach – will feature a stimulating lineup of notable speakers, each presenting their own love letters to Queensland, offering a diverse array of perspectives and experiences.
Guest speakers include:
   • MARCO RENAI awarded 2024 Queenslander of the Year for his impactful work with at-risk young men.
   • ELIZABETH HACKETT known for her significant contributions to the tourism industry and the Whitsunday Skyway project.
   • DR CHRIS SARRA CEO of the Office of First Nations Engagement and Innovation, leading initiatives for youth engagement within Queensland.
   • DR MELISSA ASHLEY celebrated academic and award-winning author of historical fiction novels.
   • ANDREW WILLCOX MP Federal Member for Dawson will announce and read the winning Love Letter to Queensland community writing competition entries who will receive shopping vouchers for Adult and Under 12 Divisions.
   • KAREN JACOBSEN Whitsunday Writers Festival President, international speaker, concert artist and songwriter, author, and the voice behind over a billion GPS and smartphone devices.
The Love Letter to Queensland event and writing competition is being coordinated by the Whitsundays Writers Festival and proudly supported by James Cook University’s Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing and the Whitsunday Regional Council through their Community Assistance Grant program.
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WHAT: Love Letter to Queensland event
WHEN: 6:30pm-9:00pm Thursday 6 September 2024
WHERE: Coral Sea Resort ballroom, Airlie Beach
REGISTRATION: Standard $49 and Concession $39 including light supper and two drink vouchers followed by a cash bar from www.whitsundayswriters.com

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The Festival is deeply grateful for the following for their support:
Major Festival Partners – Beach Book Boutique, Whitsunday Sailing Club, Blue Peace Enterprises, Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing, Proserpine Wind Farm, and KB Design.
Friends of the Festival – Airlie Beach Music Centre, Amanda Camm MP, Coastal Food Design, Cruise Whitsundays, Just Tuk’n Around, Kapow Interactive, McDonald’s Restaurants, Melinda Louise Media, Plants Whitsundays, Queensland Writers Centre, Ray White Whitsunday, Tassal, The Prickly Pineapple, TP Styling and Events, and Wilmar Sugar & Renewables.
Accommodation Partners – Airlie Apartments, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Heart Hotel and Gallery, Mantra Club Croc, Pinnacles Airlie Beach, Shingley Beach Resort, Toscana Village Resort, and The Boathouse Apartments.
Tickets are available online from www.whitsundayswriters.com or hello@whitsundayswriters.com

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FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
Venue: Whitsunday Sailing Club
9:00am Festival opening  
9:20am-10:30am The Art and Joy of Storytelling with Chris Sarra, Joy Damousi, Garry Disher, and Graeme Simsion.
11:00am-12:00pm Cops and Robbers: Writing and reading crime fiction and thrillers with Anne Buist, Garry Disher, Karina Kilmore, Jack Roney, Lindsay Simpson and facilitator Harry Colfer.
12:23pm-1:15pm Meet our Featured Local Authors at Beach Book Boutique
1:30pm-2:30pm Responsible writing? Stories about people, relationships, the world and possible ramifications with Anne Buist, Sally Hepworth, Christos Tsiolkas, and facilitator Karina Kilmore.
2:35pm-3:30pm Spotlight On: Writing craft, from first draft to final manuscript, facilitated by Monique van Tulder.  
4:00pm-5:00pm From Quills to Code: Is artificial intelligence revolutionising or ruining the future of creative writing? with Melissa Ashley, Joy Damousi, Graeme Simsion, and facilitator Lindsay Simpson.
5:00pm-6:30pm Poetry Karaoke, step up the mic and share your verses.

SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER
Venue: Whitsunday Sailing Club
9am Welcome
9:10am-9:40am From the Heart: The inaugural Annual Festival Address by Shankari Chandran.
9:40am-10:00am Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards Announce­ments and readings with Festival President, Karen Jacobsen.
10:30am-11:30am Adaptation: From page to stage to screen with Nick Earls, Sally Hepworth, Graeme Simsion, Christos Tsiolkas, and facilitator Lindsay Simpson.
11:30am-12:30pm Spotlight On: Research and Bringing Authenticity to Fiction with Melissa Ashley, Nick Earls, Kristy Manning, and facilitator Jack Roney.
1:30pm-2:30pm Hour of Power, Meet and greet book signing session with program speakers and Featured Local Authors
Venue: My Rainbow Bakery
3:15pm-4:45pm Big Book Club High Tea featuring Sally Hepworth and Kirsty Manning, hosted by Karina Kilmore.
Venue: Whispers Bar at Mirage Whitsunday
5:00pm-6:30pm Saturday Sundowner event.

SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER
Venue: Whitsunday Sailing Club
9:00am-10:00am Concurrent sessions:  
   • Ask Me About: Having the courage to share your story, with Festival Vice President Melinda Louise Hutchings and Rachael Smith.
   • Ask Me About: Writing for personal and professional development, with Festival President Karen Jacobsen and Monique van Tulder.  
   • Memoir workshop with Lindsay Simpson.
10:30am-11:30am Concurrent sessions:
   • New Release Showcase, hosted by Richard Evans with our Featured Local Authors and guests.
   • Ask Me About: Traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing with Jack Roney and Julia Evans.
   • Memoir workshop (continued) with Lindsay Simpson.
Venue: Whitsunday Marine Club
12:30pm-2:30pm Local Author Long Lunch showcasing the writing journey of some of our Featured Local Authors.

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The Whitsundays Writers Festival provided several opportunities for young writers to nurture their creative writing talents and present their works in competition.

The Love Letter to Queensland community writing competition sought 300-word entries in Adult, Under 18 and Under 12 divisions with winners taking home shopping vouchers for $500, $250 and $200 across the respective categories. Winners and high commended entries will be announced by Andrew Willcox MP, at the Love Letter to Queensland special event on Thursday 5 September.

One of the categories of the Festival’s Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards is the Best Short Story for Under 18 division celebrating original short stories of creative fiction.

Four young Whitsunday writers have been shortlisted for the award and are in the running to win $1000 for first prize and $500 for the runner up.
In his submission, Riley Cousen from Mackay State High School said that he likes writing about crime and has been writing for a little while now. The synopsis for his story, The Dirty Dealer is I climbed to the top of the building... I steadied my gun... I fired...

Framed, by Proserpine State High School student Myka Kelly, is a story about a secret agent for a dangerous company who is sent on a mission to watch a teenager. Along the way she is confronted by her past. Myka has been writing for as long as she can remember, and she really loves writing narratives about crime.

My Mother’s Betrayal, by Mila Kronk, is a story about when a girl, bored of her reality, unknowingly is shown a snippet of the future, she tries to ignore the strange occurrences she notices afterwards. In her submission, Mila shared that she wanted to challenge herself and try to create her own plot. She found it was difficult – Mila didn't know how it was going to end, and because of this she rewrote the same story so many times, each time getting closer to the result.

Alessa Penglase-Fortunato, for ever since she can remember, has loved the thrill of picking up a pen and paper and being able to transport herself and others into an entirely different world. At the early age of seven, Alessa published her first ever short story in an anthology after participating in a workshop. From then on, she has shown a deep passion about writing and hopes to inspire others through storytelling and art and continue my journey in writing. Her submission, Unspoken Words, where grieving the loss of her sister, Avery finds comfort and forgiveness in her sister's ghost.

The awards sought submissions from around Australia of up to 3,000 words of unpublished creative fiction stories. The winner will be announced Saturday 7 September.

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This year, Festival launched the Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, offering $10,000 in cash prizes to recognise and honour outstanding contributions to the literary and design landscape.

The Heart Awards’ mission is to spotlight the diverse talents within the Australian creative community while also paying homage to the Whitsunday’s Heart Reef.

Festival President Karen Jacobsen expressed enthusiasm for the awards program, “We believe in celebrating the richness of Australian creativity in all its forms. The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards are a testament to our commitment to nurturing creativity.”

The Heart Awards comprise four distinct cat­egories:

   • The Gloria Burley Award for Best Unpub­lished Manuscript,
   • The Published Book Cover Design Award
   • Best Short Story Award (adult and under 18 years old divisions)
   • Poetry Prize.

Gloria Burley was the driving force in the establishment of the Whitsunday Writers Festival, which ran 2010-17. She penned two books titled A Rolling Stone Gathers No Husbands, chronicled many of her travels, and Blood & Guts that sums up her exploits as a nurse in regional Australia. Gloria passed away from cancer in 2018.

“What better way to recognise the Gloria’s legacy than initiate a creative writing award named in her honour,” said Karen.

Both long and shortlists of finalists have been announced ahead of the festival. Winners will be announced 9am-10am Saturday 7 September at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

WHAT: Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards announcement
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach
REGISTRATION: Session only tickets start from $21 from www.whitsundayswriters.com

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As economic pressures mount, regional festivals like the Whitsundays Writers Festival face the challenge of maintaining quality while cutting costs. Complaints about the lack of government and community support are growing in regional towns, but there’s a simple solution: buy a ticket. Even if you can’t attend, your purchase can help pay it forward, allowing someone else to experience the event.

Supporting arts and culture doesn’t require grand gestures; it’s as easy as buying a ticket. This small act can make a significant difference, ensuring that festivals like ours and others continue to enrich the cultural fabric of our community. Culture matters, and by supporting it, we show that we matter too.

So, take that step today—purchase a ticket, encourage your friends, and be part of the positive change. Together, we can ensure that arts and culture events and festivals thrive for years to come.

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Earlier this year The Whitsundays Writers Festival excitedly announced Beach Book Boutique as its official Festival Bookshop.

Established in September 2015, Airlie Beach’s iconic independent bookstore overlooks the expansive lagoon. It offers new releases and second-hand books in-store and online, including their unique book exchange for new and high-quality recycled books.

Beach Book Boutique’s owner Belinda Harris is very excited for the festival:

“We are looking forward to having a great weekend with the festival, meeting like-minded people and some amazing authors – including our local writers!”

The Beach Book Boutique will offer a curated selection of titles from both the esteemed speakers at the festival and notable local authors. In addition to providing a diverse array of books, the Boutique will host engaging meet-and-greet sessions and book signings, giving attendees the opportunity to interact with their favourite authors.

For added convenience, a smaller branch of the bookshop will be set up at various Festival venues, ensuring that festival-goers have easy access to their favourite reads and can participate in the exciting book-related events throughout the festival.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Belinda and Beach Book Boutique as our official Festival Bookshop. The festival is committed to engaging local businesses and to showcasing what the Whitsundays has to offer,” said Festival President, Karen Jacobsen.

Beach Book Boutique is a hub for local authors and books about the Whitsundays, offering regular book signings and promotional activities throughout the year.

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Beach Book Boutique selected as official festival book shop.

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Closing the Festival on Sunday 8 September will be the Local Author Long, celebrating the writing journeys of some of the Festival’s Featured Local Authors.
Over lunch, the following authors will discuss their diverse genres, careers, and connections to the Whitsundays:
   • RACHEL ARMSTRONG award winning North Queensland con­temporary romantic fiction author.
   • LORIE BRINK Towns­ville local and writes action-adventure books, with her debut novel to be launched at the festival.
   • HARRY COLFER a critical care paramedic who has published a murder-mystery, two action-adventure thrillers, and a collection of short stories.
   • A.L. TIPPETT wrote her first novel at twelve and now writes urban fantasy novels, with one featuring Bowen’s Big Mango.
   • MONIQUE VAN TULDER is a Shute Harbour resident lifestyle and travel writer, telling the stories of women doing inspiring things, in fascinating places.
“We have fourteen local authors joining the festival, each with their own amazing, distinct creative tal­ents. We can’t wait for Festival at­tendees to meet them and discover their stories,” said Karen.
During the Festival, attendees can meet all the Featured Local Authors, including Sandy Clark, Richard Evans, Melinda Louise Hutchings, Karen Jacobsen, Jo Nightingale, Glynda Joy Parfitt, Bec Russell, Joab Russo, and Peter Utber.
This event is supported by Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine and the Regional Arts Development Fund (a partnership between Queensland Government and Whitsunday Regional Council).

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WHAT: Local Author Long Lunch
WHEN: 12:30pm-2:30pm Sunday 8 September 2024
WHERE: Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale  
REGISTRATION: Standard $109 and Concession $89 includes light lunch and two drink vouchers, and a cash bar from www.whitsundayswriters.com

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Headlining this year’s festival is Shankari Chandran, winner of the prestigious 2023 Miles Franklin Literary Award for Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens.
Shankari’s journey is as cap­tivating as her writing. Raised in Canberra, she spent a transformative decade in London, where she worked as a lawyer dedicated to so­cial justice. Upon returning to Australia, Shankari shifted her focus from legal advocacy to the art of sto­rytelling. Through her writing, she delves into themes of dispossession and the quest for com­munity; crafting narratives that resonate with profound insight and empathy. Her work not only reflects her rich personal experiences but also contributes significantly to contemporary literary discussions on identity and belonging.
Joining Shankari, Sally Hepworth, Kirsty Manning, and Karina Kilmore are several other highly re­garded, award-winning Australian authors:
   • ANNE BUIST Chair of Women’s Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and author of the Natalie King crime fiction series and psychological thrillers like The Glass House.
   • CHRISTOS TSIOLKAS Melbourne-based author of nine novels including The Slap, Barracuda, and Damascus, and a winner of multiple prestigious literary awards.
   • GARRY DISHER Award-winning crime writer known for titles such as Day’s End and Sanctuary.
   • GRAEME SIMSION author of the acclaimed The Rosie Project, which has sold over five million copies and is set for a Hollywood adaptation.
   • JACK RONEY former police officer and author known for his authentic and gripping crime fiction.
   • JOY DAMOUSI distinguished historian and Dean of Arts at the Australian Catholic University.
   • MELISSA ASHLEY award-winning writer, poet, and academic, known for her novel The Birdman’s Wife.
   • NICK EARLS author of 28 books, with multiple adaptations for theatre and film, including 48 Shades of Brown and Perfect Skin.

Their participation solidifies the Whitsundays Writers Festival as a must-attend literary event, marking a significant cultural moment.

WHAT: Whitsundays Writers Festival

WHEN: Friday 6-8 September 2024

WHERE: Main venue Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach

REGISTRATION: Session only tickets start from $21 from www.whitsundayswriters.com

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More than 3000 people took advantage of the low tides this week to walk to the North Head Lighthouse from the Bowen mainland.

People travelled long distances to be in the region for this event and were joined by many locals.

The lowest tide was on Monday but some managed to make the trek on Sunday and Tuesday too.

The lighthouse is located about 1km from the mainland, but you can only walk across when the tide is very low – and that only happens a couple times a year, making it a special occasion whenever it occurs.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the annual lighthouse walk was always popular.

“Walkers follow an exposed sand spit and you always see a lot of marine life, especially red star fish,” she said.

“The view from the lighthouse is magnificent, back across to Bowen on the mainland and looking southeast you see Gloucester Island.”

This year, Kenny the Mango Mascot joined in the annual lighthouse walk.

Kenny is usually based at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango but he couldn’t resist saying hello and joining everyone on their journey to the lighthouse.

He has been to Dalrymple Point before to greet walkers at the start and finish of the event but this year, he made it all the way across to the lighthouse.

“He was very popular with people lining up to have their photo taken with our favourite mascot,” Leanne said.

The six-sided wooden lighthouse is one of Queensland’s oldest and was built in 1866, protecting ships entering Port Denison between Middle, Stone and Gloucester Islands.

Port Denison was the first port established in north Queensland with Bowen officially becoming a town in 1961.

Although the lighthouse has not been in use since 1985, it was restored by community groups in 2017.

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Kenny the Mango Mascot with Margaret Johnson, Lynne Oates, Jo Ahern, Laura Oates and Carolyn Bromley!
Kenny at the lighthouse
People spotted starfish and other marine life on their walk to the lighthouse
Hundreds of people took advantage of the low tides this week to walk to the North Head Lighthouse from the Bowen mainland.
Kenny the Mango Mascot caught up with this group from Argentina on Monday - Dianna, Aixa, Bruno, Benja and Nadia.

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On Wednesday 14th August, the sea received a wonderful gift in the shape of a well-rested and recovered turtle.
In June, Chez, a beautiful sea turtle struggling with buoyancy near Bowen’s Yacht Club, was spotted by Joe Bell and other water enthusiasts. They carefully transported her to shore. Tracey Bazzo from Bowen Sea Turtle Assessment and Rehabilitation (BSTAR) was initially unavailable, so wildlife carer Jo Bell took Chez to BSTAR. After emergency care, Chez was transferred to Libby Edge at Eco Barge who does long-term care.
Tracey spoke with great enthusiasm about Libby and Eco Barge, praising the impactful work they do:
“Libby is so fantastic; her volunteers are just phenomenal.”
Last Wednesday, Billie Edge and Tracey released Chez back into the sea after months of adjusting water levels to enhance her buoyancy. Billie, Libby's daughter, transported Chez to Bowen, where she was found. About 300 spectators, including the KIDZ from the beach daycare center in superhero capes, watched the beachside release.
It was a beautiful day. Chez, placed on the sand and smelling the water, made a beeline for it. When she reached the edge, Tracey noted, Chez, “stopped, looked, and as soon as she hit that first little bit of water, she was off!”
Tracey added, that its always daunting releasing a turtle but gives you a “magnificent feeling.”
“Libby’s facility and her volunteers for long term care, you cannot compare with anything else,” Tracey emphasised.
“If it wasn't for Libby, the turtle would not be released.”
Good luck on your new venture Chez!

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Chez in her mode of transportation.
Chez B-lining back to her home in Bowen!

This week we introduce Jonathan Pourau, (Jono for short) from Painting Made Easy & Affordable. A business providing house painting services that eradicates cracks, mould, rust and rot.
Jonathon moved to the Whitsundays in 1995 and began by teaching kickboxing at Fitness Venue. He earned his QBCC licence in 2007, allowing him to become licensed for painting and waterproofing.        
As a 20-year certified Dulux Acratex Applicator and a 10-year Dulux Avista Applicator, Jonathon says it’s his preparation systems that impress our clients the most.

“Everything I touch gets premium preparation. Our primers and preparation are where our secrets to success is located.”

Jonathon says his product has four main attributes that make it to superior to other paints: it’s thickness, toughness, durability and most importantly, its affordability.

THICK
Jonathan’s waterproof paint, made from resin and cement, is thick and durable. It fills gaps and cracks, setting it apart from thinner, less lasting paints.

“My clients love it!”

TOUGH & DURABLE
There is nothing better on the market than the Dulux Avista paints Jonathan uses, which include new advanced water-based technology.

AFFORDABLE
Painting Made Easy & Affordable offers great discounts for pensioners, seniors, and locals, with better deals for older jobs or houses. Jonathan, a local, provides excellent customer service and has built a strong reputation in the Whitsundays. To see his previous work or hear client testimonials, call Jonathan at 0478 087 778 or 0413 652 000 and mention this article to receive 50% off, for the first 3 callers only (terms and conditions apply).

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Jonathan Pourau proud owner of Painting Made Easy & Affordable

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Sam, a 'retired'/dumped ex-racehorse, has been at Animal Rescue Whitsunday since September 2021. Sam is a gelding, 18 years old and 17 hands tall. He is as gentle as they come and has been handled a lot, but most people are not tall enough to ride him without using a ladder! He always comes second in the pecking order, contrary to AJ who is as bossy as they get.

AJ, a gelding, is a sturdy ex-stock horse, age unknown (no brand), probably around 15 years of age. He was surrendered with 4 other horses in 2022.

Sam needs a strong hand and lots of training, if he'll be ridden again. He tends to boss AJ, but they still 'like' each other and are used to being together.

Sam needs additional feeding, whereas AJ is happy with a bit of lucerne. Sam gets fed separately!

Rehoming fee: $500 (for both together!)
Sex: Male
Breed: Gelding
Indoors/Outdoors: Outdoors
Vaccinations: Both horses haven't been vaccinated for a while.

Sam and AJ spending some quality time together!

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An outpouring of grief and sympathy has fallen heavily upon the Whitsunday community this week with the news that mother-to-be Mary Joy Estrada Dela Cruz perished in a car accident near Mount Marlow on Sunday along with her 60-year-old mother who was visiting from the Philippines.

It is understood the two family members were travelling in a vehicle with their husbands when the accident took place. The two men remain in hospital fighting for their lives.

Mary Joy Estrada Dela Cruz, her parents and her husband Edgar Dela Cruz Jr. Photo source: gofundme

A wooden cross has been placed at the scene of the accident, along with flowers and a teddy bear. Photo credit: Crissy Bottrell

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Tragic Loss Devastates Community

A trip of a lifetime has turned into ultimate devastation following a tragic road accident which claimed the lives of two women and an un-born baby on Sunday afternoon.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation, but it had been raining heavily throughout the day so the road conditions could have played a key role in the unfolding tragedy.

A Queensland Police Services (QPS) report stated that the accident took place at Mount Marlow at approximately 1.06pm when a Nissan Navara was headed east on Shute Harbour Road when it has collided with a Toyota Landcruiser travelling in the opposite direction.

“Two passengers in the Nissan died at the scene, a 60-year-old woman and 35-year-old woman,” said the report.

“The male driver and a male passenger of the Nissan were transported to hospital with the driver remaining in a critical condition.

“Two men and two women travelling in the Toyota Landcruiser were all taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.”

Mary Joy Estrada Dela Cruz and her husband Edgar Dela Cruz Jr were expecting a child in the coming months and were enjoying cherished time together as a family with Mary Joy’s two parents who had travelled over from their home-country of the Philippines to spend time with them.

Following the tragic incident, the Filipino-Australian community organised a gofundme page to help the family with hospital and funeral costs.

Over $20,000 was donated by the community within three days.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of a devastating car accident involving our dear friends,” read the gofundme page message.

“As they navigate through this profound loss, we hope to come together to offer our support. The financial strain of funeral arrangements, medical bills, and the sudden loss of their loved ones is overwhelming. Our goal is to provide some relief and show them that they are not alone.”

If you wish to donate search ‘for Mary Joys Family Expenses’ on the gofundme website.

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Emergency Services attended the scene on Sunday afternoon. Photo supplied

Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 has been an unforgettable experience, both on and off the water. The week was marked by challenging weather conditions, with intense winds in the middle of the week and an unexpected lack of wind toward the end, testing the skill and perseverance of all participants.

Onshore, the atmosphere was electric, with amazing bands, food vans, and entertainment bringing the community together. It was a time to reconnect with friends from other clubs and regattas, with participants and spectators travelling from Perth, Tasmania, Darwin, overseas, and beyond to be part of the event.

A special thank you goes out to naming sponsors, Mt Gay Rum and Ocean Dynamics, as well as many other sponsors. Without their support, and the dedication of volunteers and participants, this event would not have been the success that it was.

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Hi Everyone,

News of the devastating car accident that claimed the lives of two women and an un-born baby on Sunday afternoon sent shockwaves through the community this week, with the outpouring of grief palpable.

As I welcome my own family, who have just arrived from the UK to visit, I can only imagine what Mary Joy’s family are going through, having had their own holiday turned into their worst nightmare in the blink of an eye.

My thoughts go out to all that knew the family and our large Filipino-Australian community who are undoubtedly wrapping their arms around each other this week.

Family is such an important part of life and the events over last week have only magnified how precious family-time is, making the most of every special moment and taking the time to be together.

I am heading on holiday for the next 10 days and the time I spend with my loved ones has an even deeper meaning.

This will be made even more special because I am getting married on Saturday.

It will be a wonderful occasion where two families come together to celebrate love.

With guests arriving from as far afield as England, Adelaide, Mount Isa, Brisbane and Byron Bay, I am feeling very grateful to everyone who is making the trip to be with us on our special day.

To my future husband – thank you for loving me and seeing in me the person you want to share your life with. You make me feel special every day and I am extremely lucky to have found you.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides” (David Viscott)

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All our hearts feel sad when we see somebody homeless and struggling, especially in such a small community like our own.

Local resident John Burke shared this publicly on a local community chat site when he expressed his feelings after seeing a man sleeping on a footpath next to Flour & Eggs lunch bar.

John posted onto the Whitsundays Noticeboard Facebook chat asking for the community to help.

He explained that he had been contacting services to aid the man for over an hour, but no one was available. So, John decided to reach out to our wonderful caring community via Facebook.

To his joy, Isaac from Youth With a Mission (YWAM) arrived and helped the man.

“Many thanks to Isaac from YWAM, he just arrived getting him some breakfast and arranging some temporary accommodation for him,” John posted on Facebook.

“Isaac mentioned he is well known to him and is continuing to work with him. Thank you so very much to all of you in being so prompt to spread the word and to the person who sent Isaac to help.

“So thankful to YWAM whose hearts are set powerfully to help anyone in need in the community!”

Isaac provided an update on the man and said “We have offered him food, tents, and other supplies. He said he's good. Thank you for everyone in the community for the love you've shown.”

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The man asleep on a pavement in Cannonvale. Photo source: Facebook

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The Whitsundays are set to experience a significant boost in tourism and connectivity with the introduction of direct flights from Adelaide launching on September 1st. This new route, developed in partnership with major airline Jetstar, is strategically designed to open the Whitsundays to new markets while providing an affordable and convenient travel option for visitors.

The decision to add Adelaide as a direct destination was driven by the airport's goal to expand beyond traditional eastern coast markets like Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. Director of Commercial Businesses for Whitsunday Regional Council, Craig Turner, highlighted that this move allows the Whitsundays to reach a broader demographic, with the inaugural flight already seeing strong demand, evidenced by 156 bookings and expected to be fully booked.

The economic implications of this new route are substantial, especially following the loss of Bonza. The direct flights from Adelaide are expected to fill this gap, bringing in new visitors and creating fresh opportunities for local businesses. Craig emphasised that this influx of tourists would not only support hotels and restaurants but also generate jobs for residents, including recent school graduates.

Moreover, the new route offers Whitsunday residents easier and more affordable access to South Australia's attractions, such as the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, and Kangaroo Island. This increased connectivity is expected to strengthen ties between the two regions, making it easier for people to visit family and friends.

Despite the potential increase in passenger traffic, Craig affirmed that the impact on airport operations would be minimal. The flights are scheduled to arrive at 6:20pm and depart at 6:55 PM, a timing that fits well within the airport's existing infrastructure. The route is expected to attract over 40,000 passengers annually, with load factors projected to exceed 80%.

This new service aligns with the airport’s broader strategic goals of identifying and establishing direct flights to new destinations. The airport has undertaken extensive data analysis and strategic planning to ensure the success of this route. According to Craig, decisions like these are not made lightly; they are backed by rigorous research and collaboration with airline partner Jetstar.

To promote the new Adelaide-Whitsundays flights, the airport has launched a comprehensive marketing campaign. This campaign, developed in partnership with Adelaide Airport, Tourism Whitsundays, and the South Australian Tourism Commission, includes newspapers, billboards, social media campaigns, and influencer collaborations, all of which are already showing positive results.

Passengers on the new route can look forward to a comfortable experience aboard Jetstar’s Airbus A320, with a flight time of approximately three hours. The airport is committed to maintaining high service standards to ensure a positive travel experience.

In terms of environmental responsibility, the airport is actively working with airlines to minimise the impact of increased flights. This includes ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions, such as maintaining extensive green spaces on the airport's 370 hectares.

The success of this new route will be measured by load factors above 80% and the overall economic benefits to the region. The airport is optimistic that this new connection will drive the Whitsundays' economy and is already considering potential future expansions based on the route's performance.

This new direct flight route not only promises to enhance tourism in the Whitsundays but also strengthens the region’s ties with Adelaide, providing a direct gateway to one of Australia’s most beautiful destinations.

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Council’s work on the eradication of the Yellow Crazy Ants has been a long process but this week they have begun more infestation treatments.

In the Whitsundays we have five small infestations in Shute Harbour, Mandalay, Woodwark, Funnel Bay and Hamilton Island. From 12 – 16 August council are working on the mainland ant infestations.

In the Whitsundays, the five combined infestations equal 51 hectares.

It is important to remove Yellow Crazy Ants because they are pests and impact our ecosystem.

Whitsunday Regional Council Manager Natural Resource Management and Climate Scott Hardy said Yellow Crazy Ants chase protein and will eat all the native ants, insects, frogs, lizards, birds and mammals.

“We are actually on the menu!,” he exclaimed.

“There have been reports of Yellow Crazy Ants swarming people lying in bed!”

“If the ants are left to their own device, they will also eat all of the fauna in an area, and then that can start impacting on other ecosystem processes, like pollinisation.  So, it can actually start impacting the ability of plants to reproduce.

“There are also social and economic impacts as well, if Yellow Crazy Ants develop nests in the house, it impacts people's ability to sleep, has impacts on pets.

“It can also impact on people's ability to rent out their property and selling their homes.

“Then the larger picture is we are concerned that if the ants get out to the islands, that it may have an impact on tourism.”

Scott urges that if you find unusual looking ants on your property to contact Council.

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Tourists are flocking to the Big Mango and Bowen Tourist Information Centre, with the iconic gateway to the town proving to be a popular stopping point where motorists are encouraged to venture into Bowen for the day or even longer.

The popularity of the centre has reached new levels this year with record-breaking visitor numbers announced.
 
Bowen Tourism and Business released figures this week confirming they welcomed more visitors than ever before during the 2023/34 financial year.

This included more than 51,000 at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango on the Bruce Highway and a further 5000 visitors at the Information Booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the new financial year had also started strongly with 7002 visitors in July.

That is an average of 225 visitors every day.

“We became an official Driver Reviver station in recent months so that has also contributed to our high numbers,” she said.

“People certainly appreciate the free tea, coffee and biscuits and we are proud to be contributing to road safety.”

Leanne said more than half of the people who stopped at the Visitor Information Centre spent a day or more in Bowen.

Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business, Jenn Honnery congratulated the Bowen Tourism and Business team on setting yet another record.

“I’m very proud of the team of staff and volunteers at the Big Mango Visitor Information Centre on achieving record visitor numbers once again.

“Over the past 18 months, Bowen Tourism and Business has invested significantly in destination marketing and we’re now seeing the results of this work both at the Big Mango and in Bowen. 

“Most important, however, is the expert advice and friendly smiles each of our team offer visitors, making our Visitor Information Centre one of the most popular in regional Queensland.” 

Interim CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Aimee Cameron highlighted the significance of the drive market for The Whitsundays, noting the impressive recent achievement. 

“Last month’s record-breaking arrival of 7,000 visitors is a testament to the exceptional efforts of the team at Bowen Tourism and Business,” she said.
“Leanne and the team excel in showcasing the entire Whitsundays region, driving bookings in Airlie Beach, encouraging exploration of Bowen, and promoting inland areas such as Proserpine and Collinsville.”

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On Thursday 8th August, a pop-up Chamber event, consisting of BBQs, coffee and prizes was held at Porters Metre 10 Whitsunday.
Local businesses gathered to meet other business owners, get up-to-date on Chamber developments and express their opinions.
Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry members, Porters Mitre 10 Whitsundays, opened its store in Cannonvale in 2002, at its current location, after a long history of servicing the Whitsunday region from its Mackay locations.
Recently, Porters expanded by adding an Inspirations Paint Store within the Porters Mitre 10 Whitsunday building. This new addition includes a Paint Club, which provides retail clients with discounts on products and access to exclusive paint perks and systems.
Jay Holmes, Porters Mitre 10 Whitsunday Branch Manager stated that the BBQ brekkie was “for our customers and the community to say thank you and to foster new business connections.”
The event was a relaxed gathering where business owners connected over complimentary coffee from Mrs. Bean and enjoyed a delicious BBQ breakfast!

Photo Credit: Ruth Puddefoot

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With the Whitsundays ‘events season’ well underway and gathering steam, our region comes alive with iconic events and festivals.
Congratulations to the Whitsunday Running Club, the Coral Sea Marina Resort Triathlon Festival, and the Great Barrier Reef Festival for their recent hugely successful events – packed with visitors and contestants.
With the Airlie Beach Race Week and Hamilton Island Race Week now upon us – the visitation and exposure that these events bring to the region is incalculable.
We sincerely thank the organisers and volunteers – the entire region benefits from your efforts.
These regional events depend on local business support and financial contribution.
Our local businesses play a big role in investing in our community for everyone’s benefit.
As a thank you, be sure to support those businesses with a purchase, a social media shout out, online review, or refer your family and friends as they help make these events come to life.
And our local businesses play a high role in our region’s economic future.
This week the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry released news of its Vision for the Whitsundays project, with the ambitious aim to map a forward-looking economic blueprint.
Our research uncovered a diverse perspectives and challenges within the business community including the importance our diverse districts, the need to engage in passionate debates about preservation and progression, and the big economic projects and what this means for the business community. Visit the Chamber’s website to learn more.
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Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic, President of Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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Army and Vietnam veteran Brian “Weary” Dunlop is encouraging his local community to take a moment to recognise and support all veterans this Vietnam Veterans’ Day.

Weary volunteered for national service and joined the 5RAR in 1967 at just 20 years old. After training with the 5RAR, Weary was deployed to Vietnam from 1969 to 1970.

After his service Weary moved to Proserpine in early 2000 and joined the Proserpine RSL Sub Branch in 2010.

Commemorated annually on 18 August, Vietnam Veterans' Day honours the significant contribution of Australian veterans who served in the Vietnam War. The 18 August is the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan – one of the most significant conflicts for Australians who served in the Vietnam War.

More than 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1973, with additional personnel from the Royal Australian Air Force returning to Vietnam in 1975 to carry out evacuations and assist refugees in the lead-up to South Vietnam's surrender. Of those who served, 523 died and around 3,000 were evacuated with wounds, injuries or illnesses.

This Vietnam Veterans’ Day, Proserpine RSL Sub Branch will be hosting a lunch for all members of the community to come together and commemorate.

“I do hope to see more veterans and locals come together to commemorate the efforts of Vietnam veterans, but really, seeing the community come together for a meal and a chat on the day would be just as special.”

Airlie Beach
WHAT: Vietnam Veterans Day Commemorative Event
WHERE: Airlie Beach-Whitsunday RSL Sub Branch
WHEN: Sunday 18 August 11am

Proserpine
WHAT: Vietnam Veterans Day Commemorative Event
WHERE: RSL Proserpine
WHEN: Sunday 18 August 11am

Brian “Weary” Dunlop, Photo supplied

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Billie, an adorable little puppy, was found dumped in a puddle between Proserpine and Bowen on Christmas Eve.
Billie was found by a young teenager who took her in and cared for her until she was nursed back into a healthy puppy. Billie is now a whirlwind, full of love and joy.
Unable to provide Billie with the love and attention she needed due to her studies, the lovely young lady, though saddened, chose to entrust her to Christina at Animal Rescue Whitsundays. Christina has since successfully found a new home for the beautiful puppy.
Billie is one of the many success stories at Animal Rescue Whitsunday. While no longer up for adoption, Christina has many other beautiful animals that come through her centre and need a home. Keep an eye on her Facebook page, or Whitsunday Life’s Pet of the Week for animals up for adoption.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/animalrescuewhitsunday
PH: 0403 397 808
Email: xtrabeefalo@gmail.com
Website: https://www.beefaloaustralia.com

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Billie settling into her new home.
Billie loves her new siblings!

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