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Editors Note

Hi Everyone, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I feel like I have lived and breathed the local government elections over the past four weeks.

Attending lively community forums, chatting with candidates on a weekly basis and running extensive coverage in the paper – by the time Saturday rolled around I was exhausted!

A huge congratulations to Ry Collins for striking out in the lead and looking more than likely to claim the title of our next Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor.

I met with him and his wife, Mel, earlier in the week and it was great to see both his enthusiasm and sincerity –he genuinely wants what’s best for the community and I think his positive, collaborative attitude will be a real asset.

I also spoke with the new Councillors this week and congratulations goes to both Clay Bauman and John Finlay.

When I was chatting with John, he thanked me for the coverage and said it was “good fun” and that he’d really enjoyed the experience.

Firstly, it’s always great to feel appreciated for all the hard work we do at the paper and secondly, I was so glad he’d enjoyed it all!

For those of you that don’t know, over the past five weeks we’ve been running a series of Q&As with candidates – asking them about their views on divisive issues, but also general interest questions so the community could get to know them better.

This coverage has given each of them a platform and we hope it has also given you the opportunity to make an informed decision at the polling booths.

This week in the paper we celebrate the success of the winning candidates, but let’s also take a minute to commend all the brave and bold individuals who stood up for election in the first place.

It must take some guts to put yourself out there in the public arena and I think everyone ran a good race.

RachQuote of the Week: “Win as if you are used to it, lose as if you enjoyed it for a change” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Bowls go Bald

Two local bowlers, Andrew Butler and John Matterson will be feeling the sunshine on their head this week, having shaved their heads for World’s Greatest Shave over the weekend.

John had the idea of participating in the World’s Greatest Shave whilst growing his hair out on an 83-day sailing trip with his wife, Juanita.

He had been growing it out for six years when he was diagnosed with monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL).

MBL is a rare condition that can develop into chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Considering John wanted to donate before being diagnosed,

he thought there would be no better time than now.

John has raised over $1500 for his World’s Greatest Shave and Andrew has raised between $400 to $500.

Juanita has jokingly asked her husband if he will donate his hair again once it has grown out again and she said, “he hasn’t confirmed and hasn’t denied”.

To donate to the World’s Greatest Shave, you need to shave off 30 centimetres of hair, so that will be John’s next goal.

Juanita encourages people to donate to the Leukemia foundation.

If you wish to donate head to worldsgreatestshave.com.

Thu 28/03 27°

Arborists

Did you know?

Whitpro’s chipper can chip an 18-inch, 20-metre-tall eucalypt tree in six minutes! Our spider reaches 21 metres high and 12 metres out to reach the tallest of trees in the most difficult areas. It’s also used by plumbers and painters for its reach.

Whitpro are the local professionals when it comes to safe and efficient tree pruning and removal. Services include removal, stump removal, de-nutting, pruning and tree relocation.

Photo supplied

New Face At The Helm

Following Saturday’s Local Government Elections, the Whitsunday Regional Council is about to welcome a new leader, Ry Collins, who is currently holding a significant lead, his Mayoral tenure expected to be announced within the week.

Previously known for his integral role as Chief Executive Officer of Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, Collins has a wealth of knowledge in advocacy, liaising with Minsters and sitting on boards.

He is looking forward to bringing these skills and experience to his new role as Mayor.

At just 44 years old, Collins is the youngest of all the Mayoral Candidates, and will be one of the youngest Mayor’s in the region’s history.

“My skills are current and active,” he said.

“From advocacy to working on state-wide issues – I have been doing all of this already and I’ve got a lot of horsepower, a lot of drive to get up every morning and fight for our region.”

Excitement was definitely in overdrive for Collins and his team of over 20 volunteers on polling day last Saturday, with many of them out in the hot sun for over 10 hours. “I can’t thank the volunteers enough, some of them have been with me the whole time and inspired me to keep going,” he shared.

“The results we’ve seen have been a lot to do with the volunteers, having the right people contributed to the result.”

After voting stations closed, Collins went to Whitsunday Christian College to witness the count, and by 9pm that evening they “started to see some really good numbers”.

Sadly, however, with every winner there are those who are unsuccessful.

The closest candidate was Phil Batty who led his campaign with passion and dedication.

“Thank you to the people that voted for me and the people that helped me, I kept my integrity and the result is what it is,” Mr Batty said. Candidate Richard Evans also led his campaign with integrity and passion, determined to help create change within the community.

He now requests the community “stop complaining” about the systemic issues within Council.

“You had the opportunity for accountability and change and you rejected it for the status quo,” he said.

The first Council meeting which will be officiated by the new Mayor is due to take place on April 27.

In the lead-up to this Collins will receive a week’s direct training and will spend time getting to know his new role.

He is “looking forward to spending time with all the Councillors and empowering them in their roles” and meeting with the CEO of Council to find out how he can best support him.

During his first 100 days, Collins will be “meeting with stakeholders and develop-

ing a level of prioritisation around issues”. His focus will be on advocating for flood-proofing on Hamilton Plains, environment compliance, creating action plans and timelines and electing a new Deputy Mayor.

Fundamentally, Collins wants to make sure Council is accessible and has a strong internal culture, which will sure to have positive effects on the entire community.

Ry Collins is expected to announce as Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council over the coming days.

Photo credit: Norina Jane

“Very Rewarding” Clay Bauman Retains Seat

Respected local leader, Clay Bauman, is looking likely to return as Division 2 Councillor following Saturday’s election where he struck out ahead in a very tight race.

As of the time of writing, Mr Bauman was in the lead having received 58.54 per cent of the votes compared to his opponent, Tony Price who had commanded 41.46 per cent.

Having initially been voted in as Division 2 Councillor in the bi-election 18 months ago, Mr Bauman is thrilled to be re-elected and delighted to start his first full-term in the role.

“It seems like it’s in the bag!” he said on Tuesday.

“It has been very rewarding to meet a number of people at the polling booths who said I have already helped them, and I look forward to doing more of the same.”

“Previously, I had one year to do as much as I could and now I have four years!”

With a State Government election this year, Mr Bauman is particularly excited about lobbying for promises from both sides to fast track projects in the region.

In particular, he wants to see the much-anticipated Hamilton Plains flood-proofing

come to fruition and the Shute Harbour Stage two development which will see a new boat ramp and 200-space carpark at the site.

He is also keen to work with the upcoming budget and wants to investigate further the need for a new Airlie Beach Town Plan.

“I am looking forward to discussing whether it’s time to start on a new town plan that is more in-tune with community sentiment,” he said.

New Division 6 Councillor “Absolutely Honoured”

Well-known and well-liked Bowen local, John Finlay, is celebrating this week following incredible results at the polling booths on Saturday.

At the time of going to print 81.96 per cent of the votes had been counted for the Division 6 Councillor Candidate position.

John Finlay struck a significant lead, with 72.51 per cent of the votes compared to his opponent, David Paddon who received 27.49 per cent of the vote.

Mr Finlay said he is “absolutely honoured” and thanks the Bowen community for supporting him.

“This role is more than just being a Councillor, it is about being a conduit for the community,” he said.

“I am looking forward to making sure the communication flows both ways and that reference groups are all drawn upon to create the best outcomes for all.”

An accountant for most of his life and a previous CEO of Council, Mr Finlay’s experience is vast, and he is looking forward to using his financial background to create strong financial and asset management plans with Council.

He is also passionate about future proofing our region, making sure we have adequate

sewerage and water supply to cater to the significant population growth.

He is also focused on housing development, with so many new jobs arising in Bowen, he wants to see housing meet the influx of workers.

He is also looking forward to tackling the Bowen Harbour project and making headway so that Bowen has a port of a similar standard to Airlie Beach.

People’s Mayor Bids Farewell

Mayor Julie Hall is signing off this week, bidding farewell to the job she loves, but proud of her dedicated efforts which have delivered more connection within the community over her short but productive tenure.

Her shock decision not to run for re-election as Mayor of the Whitsundays surprised many, but Mayor Hall is confident in her decision.

Although sad to be leaving such an important role within the community, she says she is excited for the next challenge, and looking forward to finding a new venture that continues to inspire her and is dedicated to helping others.

Firstly, she will travel down to South Australia to spend time with her father who has been in poor health, but afterwards she will return to the region.

Remembered as the ‘People’s Mayor’, there are many key projects and initiatives that have made positive impacts within the community.

“My legacy is the Community Engagement Strategy which should ensure that the people of the Whitsundays are always consulted on the direction of their towns,” said Mayor Hall.

She is also proud of helping to drive the success of Whitsunday Coast Airport, passionate about finding a solution to fix the Shute Harbour Boat Ramp and proud to have raised $100,000 at the Mayor’s Ball to support Whitsunday Housing and RACQ CQ Rescue.

“I will really miss this role and the opportunity to continue to be the voice of the community,” she said.

“It was an absolute honour and a privilege to serve as your mayor and I wish the new Council all the best.”

Councillor for Division 6, John Finlay with his wife of 40 years, Pam. Photo supplied

Division 2 Councillor, Clay Bauman, at the polling station over the weekend. Photo supplied

Mayor Julie Hall, remembered as the People’s Mayor. Photo supplied

AIRLIE RACE WEEK GOES GREEN

Avid sailors from across the country are set to enjoy an entirely green experience at Airlie Beach Race Week which is due to take place at the Whitsunday Sailing Club in August.

An announcement was made this week said that the entire marina village will be off grid during the event.

Whitsunday Sailing Club President, Terry Archer expressed his enthusiasm about the event going green.

“We operate in a sport, that’s powered by the wind, so to have our onshore operations powered by the sun is just a perfect fit,” said Terry.

Supplying the green energy are Mobile Power Trailers.

They are proudly Australian and provide portable power solutions with their advanced solar and battery trailers.

Managing Director, Adam Janczyk said

“We’re going to bring six patented trailers up, we’re going to have about 110 kilowatts worth of power here, 130 kilowatts worth of battery storage. And it’s just going to be run from the sun.”

“The perfect thing is, you guys go out there and sail in the beautiful Whitsundays, and everything’s powered by the wind out there. And then you can come in here and be powered by the sun!

“So, we’re very proud to be part of it. and we thank Terry and the club for letting us come and we want to be at the forefront of the green initiative.

“We’re hoping this will set a trend for other regattas and more big companies to start making the green transition.”

It’s not just the Airlie Race Week that will be green, Adam also ensures the trucks used to transport the trailers are completely green and battery operated.

“I wanted to show that solar can be trustworthy and it can work,” he explained.

“We’re here to show people that we’re ready to move into action and make it actually happen.”

It’s not just Adam’s passion for green energy bringing him to Airlie Beach Race Week, he also participates in the event regularly.

“I not only wanted to register a yacht and sail in the race week, I wanted to make a difference,” said Adam.

Airlie Beach Race Week is taking place between the 8-15 of August 2024 and registrations are open now.

Olympic Medallist Set To Attend 2024 Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival

The 24th Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival is set to take place later this year and a host of exciting special guests are due to attend the event.

Olympic swimming legend Susie O’Neill will attend and take the role of Swim Ambassador for the weekend.

During her swimming career, Susie won two Olympic Gold medals, one in the in 200 metre butterfly and the second in the 200 metre freestyle.

Also in attendance will be the Voice of Triathlon both here in Australia and Internationally, Pete Murray, who will be the festival MC.

“Our Professional field will be the strongest ever with a host of female and male Professional Triathlete Ambassadors with Olympic and Commonwealth Games under their belts,” said, triathlon Festival Director, Michael Kimpton.

our very small (seven person) but hard-working committee is to continue to run this event as a not-for-profit race and reinvest all sponsorship into growing the event.

“Our aim is to make the 2024 Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival a hallmark event for our region, attracting competitors and their families to stay and play in the amazing Whitsundays.

“The Triathlon Festival is not just a race; it’s a race experience like no other, set against the stunning backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef.”

The triathlon differs from others, offering a variety of different stages.

It offers an Olympic distance, Sprint, Enticer, Junior triathlons and a range of ocean swim distances.

“Triathlon Queensland have also endorsed our race as the NQ Club Championships and the aim of

There is also the popular Junior Events which attracted hundreds of competitors, family and friends last year.

Olympic Gold Medallist, Susie O’Neill, is the Swim Ambassador for the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival. Photo supplied

Hundreds attended the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival last year. Photo credit: Korupt Vision

Whitsunday Sailing Club President Terry Archer and Managing Director of Mobile Power Trailers, Adam Janczyk are excited to welcome an offgrid Marina Village feel to this years’ Airlie Beach Race Week. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Superjesus Front Woman Exclusive Performance In Airlie Beach

Returning to the region she loves to perform in, a single event in front of a crowd of just 100 people, Superjesus front woman Sarah McLeod, will blow up the stage at this intimate and scenic setting.

Booked to play at Whisper Gin Bar and Restaurant, tickets are selling fast for this exclusive event which not only promises stunning views across the Coral Sea, but also the opportunity to get up close and mingle with Aussie rock royalty.

This special show will feature stripped back versions of Sarah’s solo catalogue along with acoustic versions of her Superjesus classics.

She has also promised to make sure all crowd favourites are included, especially covers that she is very well known for like House Of The Rising Sun.

Sarah says she is excited to return to the region she loves.

“The Whitsundays are like my second home, I love it up there. I spent so much of my youth on Hamilton Island because my Dad lived there for 10 years,” she shared.

“We are so lucky to have it in our backyard and I scoot up whenever I have the chance.”

Local talented musician, Josiah, is Sarah’s support act on the night. This highly respected artist has been hand selected to open the show and will be an incredible addition.

Tickets are just $50 per person and are selling fast, quickly approaching its capacity of 100 people for the event.

Tickets include a glass of champagne on arrival and canapes from 6.30 –8.30pm, and throughout the evening they will hear stories of Sarah’s incredible music career.

They will also be able to interact and mingle with one of Australia’s most well-known rockstars.

WHAT: Intimate Evening with Sarah McLeod

WHERE: Whisper Gin Bar and Restaurant

WHEN: Saturday 30th March

TICKETS: $50 buy tickets at whisperginbar.com

New Cricket Team Starts-Up In Airlie

It’s been over 20 years since the last Airlie Beach Cricket Club played a game of cricket.

Now, with a newly launched committee and a dedicated funding stream, the club has been re-formed and it is aiming to create better pathways for youngsters to get started in local cricket.

Club President Brett Simpson said current juniors play in Proserpine, but once they surpass the under-15’s level, they are only able to participate socially.

There is no access to higher levels of competition, and this is something Airlie Beach Cricket Club is looking to change.

“The new club will create a pathway for the juniors in the region to step up to the next level and possibly even Queensland level,” said Brett.

Aside from developing young cricket players, the new Airlie Beach Cricket Club is more conveniently located for families living in the Greater Airlie Beach Area.

“Parents don’t have to travel half an hour up the road to bring their kids to training,” explained Brett.

Airlie Beach Cricket Club is currently in talks to have their home ground located at the Whitsunday Sports Park in Jubilee Pocket.

The new cricket team is planning to establish next season and the committee is encouraging local cricketers, including all juniors, women and men to come forward and express their interest.

Geoff Teys, Cricket Australia’s General Manager, Government Relations, Infrastructure and Community Cricket said he is excited to welcome the new team.

“Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket is thrilled about the establishment of the new Airlie Beach Cricket Club, reflecting the burgeoning interest in cricket across regional Queensland,” he said.

“The rapid growth of Cricket Blast programs, along with a remarkable 30 per cent surge in girls cricket participation statewide, underscores the sport’s increasing popularity.

“The success of the Brisbane Heat WBBL side in Mackay has been instrumental in driving this growth, particularly among girls.

“We are genuinely excited about the potential of this new club, its programs, and the infrastructure development it promises.

“The enthusiastic support and engagement from local council and stakeholders further fuel our optimism for the future of cricket in Airlie Beach.”

For more information, please contact the ‘Airlie Beach Cricket Club’ Facebook Page.

Geoff Teys (left) and Brett Simpson (right). Photo credit Daniel Heggie

Sarah McLeod loves coming to the Whitsundays to perform. Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes

Sarah has been to Whisper Gin Bar and Restaurant several times and loves the vibe. Photo supplied Legendary performer Sarah McLeod from Superjesus

Bowen Youth Design Dream Jetty

Bowen youth are being asked to design their dream jetty as part of an art competition being held by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP).

NQBP CEO Brendan Webb said the competition is a chance for children to create artwork to represent their ideas for a future Bowen Jetty.

The Design Your Dream Jetty Competition is open to children living in Bowen with prizes available in three categories:

High School Category

•Winner – $150 EFTPOS card

• Encouragement Award – $100 EFTPOS card

Upper Primary School Category (Year 4 to Year 6) – A4 size only

• Winner – $100 EFTPOS card

• Encouragement Award – $75 EFTPOS card

Lower Primary School Category (Prep to Year 3) – A4 size only

• Winner – $75 EFTPOS card

• Encouragement Award – $50 EFTPOS card

Submissions open at 9am on 22 March 2024 and close 4pm 10 April 2024.

The competition is part of the government port authority’s community-led project to develop a concept design for the Bowen Jetty.

“We’re looking for big ideas from local young people that will leave a lasting legacy for the whole community for generations to come,” Mr Webb said.

“We hope to see from the artworks what young people think is important for their jetty over the next 100 years.”

Mr Webb said acknowledging heritage, public amenities and the opportunity for recreational activities will be core considerations in the design.

Please review the 2024 Design Your Dream Jetty Competition Terms and Conditions before submitting your artwork.

Eligible entrants can submit their artwork with their submission form to:

• Their school in Bowen (before the start of school holidays);

• Whitsunday Regional Council Customer Service Centre/Bowen Library at 67 Herbert Street;

• Post to: Design your Dream Jetty Competition, PO Box 3340 North Mackay QLD 4740; or

• Scan and email to: bowenwharf@nqbp. com.au

Coral Bleaching Confirmed On Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is amidst its fifth widespread coral bleaching event in just eight years, aerial surveys have revealed.

The surveys, conducted by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), observed over 300 reefs between Cape Melville north of Cooktown to just north of Bundaberg and confirmed the event.

Reef Authority Chief Scientist Dr Roger Beeden said the results of these surveys are consistent with the patterns of heat stress that have built up over summer.

“The results are consistent with what we have seen with above average sea surface temperatures across the Marine Park for an extended period of time,” Dr Beeden said.

“Aerial surveys of the Reef have revealed prevalent shallow water coral bleaching on most surveyed reefs.

“It is important to note, that the heat stress has not been even across the Reef, and the coral bleaching observed is variable.

“Monitoring the health of the Reef is a year-round effort for the Reef Authority, and it’s critical for us to understand what is happening on the Reef so we can target

our management actions to protect the Reef and strengthen its resilience.

“Climate change is the greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef, and coral reefs globally.”

AIMS Senior Research Scientist Dr Neal Cantin said that the aerial surveys provide a visual indication of the extent of bleaching.

However, assessing the severity to coral colonies requires in-water surveys.

“Aerial surveys are a crucial tool for a reef ecosystem as large as the Great Barrier Reef and show that this coral bleaching event is widespread, or what is commonly called a mass coral bleaching event,” Dr Cantin said.

“We now need to combine the spatial coverage captured from the air with in-water surveys to assess the severity of coral bleaching in deeper reef habitats across the different regions of the Marine Park. “We will continue to conduct in-water observations with our research teams and management partners.”

The Reef Authority will continue to work closely with research and other science partners, Traditional Owners, and the tourism industry to monitor conditions on the Reef.

Born and raised in the Adelaide foothills of South Australia Kylie was 21 years old when she went travelling and explored the world. Now Kylie works as Administration Manager at Whitsunday Christian College. As Administration Manager her and her team look after Administration, tuckshop and sickbay tasks. She is passionate about giving both students and families support and prides herself in her communication skills.

“The best part about my role is seeing the students grow over the years, assisting them with their challenges and celebrating their achievements,” said Kylie.

In honour of International Women’s Day, Ky-

lie thanks her mother and Nan for shaping who she is today and hopes to one-day be an inspiration to her daughters as they navigate their own careers and choices in life.

“Women empowerment to me means giving every woman a voice, sense of self-worth, the opportunity to make their own choices and the power to control their own lives in every aspect,” said Kylie.

When not working hard in the office, Kylie enjoys spending time with her family and close friends either travelling, boating or camping but, on quiet days enjoys spending time listening to music and in her garden.

Originally from Brazil, Gabriela was searching for a better lifestyle opportunity when she discovered Australia and has lived in the country for five years now, the Whitsundays for two and a half years.

Gabriela sees herself as someone who wants to grow and succeed in life, as well as being resilient and persistent with what she wants to achieve.

From being a financial assistant in Brazil, to hair braiding at Movie World on the Gold Coast, Gabriela experienced a variety of jobs before finding her true passion in hospitality. Joining the hospitality world just after Covid-19, Gabriela thoroughly enjoyed being a bartender and gaming attendant and getting to know the locals.

After a year of this, she began to look for more

With no two days the same and with years of expertise under her belt, there is never a task too big for Silvanna Morris, Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager of Whitsunday Foodservice.

A passion for dynamic problem solving and enjoying a unique and fascinating challenge, Silvanna ensures the best practices within her role and for the wider Whitsunday Foodservice, finding a great sense of purpose knowing that her day-to-day decisions directly affect the thousands of customers.

Joining the business for close to three years, Silvanna welcomed the new challenges that came with the role, with a diverse professional history spanning sales in the food industry, being

challenges.

“I then decided to try management here in the Whitsundays, where I started as a bartender at Jubilee Tavern and with time and improvement, I stepped up to Duty manager within six months, and after eight to nine months I got promoted to Assistant Manager,” she said proudly.

Gabriela’s also acted as venue manager twice which she said has given her lots of knowledge about the financial side of the business and what goes on behind the scenes.

“I am very grateful for every single opportunity I had, especially the ones that gave me space and opportunity to grow professionally and personally,” she shared.

When not working Gabriela likes to go travelling, camping and road tripping.

Star sign: Scorpio

Fav Colour: Purple Fav holiday destination: Thailand Fav book/movie/podcast/media piece you have seen this year and felt inspired by?

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

Fav quote: We cannot always choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how to dance to it.

Something most people don’t know about you: I had a mullet when I was 12 which my children never let me forget!

Describe your personality in three words: Driven, compassionate and considerate.

promoted to Export Manager with a strong focus in Europe and Asia for a time. In this capacity, she primarily managed massive international brands, being recognized with ‘Young Manager of the Year’ award twice, and the company ‘Exporter of the Year’ three times. This led her to relocate to Townsville in quality assurance roles, which acted as stepping stones to her role with Whitsunday Foodservice.

Responsible for the Whitsunday Foodservice Food Safety Program, Silvanna ensures that all products the business receives, and delivers is safe for consumers.

“I assess and establish processes and actions to prevent food from con-

A normal weekend for Gabriela involves the gym or something outdoors like a trip to the beach, a walk or fishing.

Star sign: Gemini

Fav Colour: Pink

What have you felt inspired by this year? There’s a song from Ocean Alley that I love “Corduroy” or “Bright Lights” from Ziggy Alberts

Fav quote: “Don’t do to others what you don’t want done to you”

Something most people don’t know about you: I have a twin sister.

Describe your personality in three words: Independent, resilient, outgoing

taining substances that could harm a person’s health,” Silvanna explained. “These include contamination sources from chemical, physical, biological and allergens. Throughout the business there are critical control points and control points that aid in prevention of contamination, such as truck temperatures at receival.”

Outside of the office, Silvanna enjoys spending time with her four boys and their one fur baby, usually cooking, practicing her artistic ability, and working out. She particularly loves travel, with good friends across Australia that are always willing to host her as a brief holiday away.

Ask A Financial Planner

Ask A Financial Planner

Life Insurance, A Necessary Evil

Have you ever stopped to think what would happen if your family’s income stopped due to someone dying, getting sick or having an accident?

Home loan interest rates have risen from around 1.5% to 6% in less than a year. This has increased monthly home loan repayments by 60%. On a modest $500,000, 25 year home loan the repayments have gone from $2,000 per month to over $3,200. Lots of people and especially those in capital cities owe way more than $500,000.

The loss of wages might be manageable for retirees or people later in their working lives who have brought up their kids, paid down their debts and built up their super and passive assets. For families with younger kids, bigger debts and lower super balances, it may well be disastrous. Centrelink benefits don’t cover home loan payments and hungry mouths to feed, let alone building for eventual retirement. You may have some basic cover in your super, but have you ever sat down and worked out if it is enough or even too much?

There are solutions to the problem in Personal Insurances. These are separate to Health Insurance which covers medical costs; these provide money to the family to keep going. There are two main types of Personal Insurances: Lump Sum Cover and Income Protection.

Home loan repayments are taking more and more of the average working person’s income and it’s not going to get better anytime soon. This is not interest rates going from average to high, this is interest rates going from ultra-low back to average.

At Eclipse, we have never seen this level of enquiry about budgeting advice.

With Norina Jane

S

o, Tim (my husband) said, “What do you want for your birthday?”“Honestly” I said, “Other men!’

First, turn in old foliage (call it green manure)

Second, add additional composted soil

Lump sum Cover provides a large lump sum of money to sort out your finances in the event of something major happening. You can insure for a payout in the event of Death, Total & Permanent Disability (TPD) and Major Medical Trauma, things like cancer, heart attack and stroke. You need to work out how much is required to keep a roof over the family’s head and provide for ongoing income to get through in the event of each of these things happening to either partner. The amount required is always different as it is based on your personal situation regarding debts, existing super balances and family situation. You need to consider covering not just the working parent but also any non-working parents as if something major happens, the worker may need to come home or change their job.

Where we might have had one enquiry on this topic every couple of months, we’re now getting several enquiries every week.

Unfortunately we can’t help most of the people phoning up. You see the majority of them think that we can wave some magic wand and suddenly make their income more than their spending. They aren’t prepared to do the hard work in analyzing their historical spending patterns and then the harder work in actually changing those spending habits. They think a Financial Planner can provide a quick fix to one of the toughest challenges in the finance, just as tough as the challenge to lose weight is personally.

Income Protection provides an ongoing monthly income in the event of being off work due to sickness or accident. The variables are how much you will be paid per

The first step is in working out your real, historical spending patterns. It’s about going back through your bank and credit card statements over at least two months and actually categorizing each and every

07

transaction. I did this whilst I had COVid over Christmas on my own family spending and it took me around 28 hours over a week.

month, how long you have to be off work to start getting paid and how long you will be paid for if off work for an extended period. Considerations are how much sick leave and cash reserves you have and if you have TPD cover.

This took him by surprise until I added that what I really wanted was for the Whitpro crew to come to our property, I said, “I don’t want clothes, books, or even an adventure, I want our crew to get me back on track!”

Third add worm manure (bagged) and soil replenisher (containing composted manure)

At Eclipse, we used to offer packages where we would do the work in analyzing and categorizing previous spending. When someone else does the work, it doesn’t mean anything. If you haven’t taken the time to work through the transactions one by one, the result doesn’t resonate. The bottom line is, just like getting fitter and losing weight, you can’t contract out the hard work, you need to do it yourself. We have some handy spreadsheets that help categorize and record your spending but just like losing weight, budgeting is hard work and only you can do it.

The key with personal insurances is to know where you stand. What cover do you have now, and do you need to top it up or reduce to save premium and know how things will pan out. Like all insurance, you hope you’ll never need to claim, but you sleep better knowing you have some cover in place, especially at that stage of life where you have lots of financial commitments.

If you think you could benefit from a discussion with a Financial Planner, give us a call on 49467359 of visit www.eclipsefp. com.au. There’s no obligation, the first meeting is free and all fees are spelled out clearly in advance.

If you’d like an obligation free review of your financial situation, call us for an appointment today.

And today, that’s what happened, and I cannot tell you how ecstatic I am!

“Thank you team!”

What they have achieved in a single day would have taken me hours here and there for weeks! I was concerned that I was going to miss out on a great growing season with how behind I had fallen. Now I am ready! Beds are prepared and have their two week settling time before planting. Give a gift like this to yourself if you’re time poor. Call WhitPro. The crew always put in tenfold and now I will reap the rewards in the coming months. (They may too! I share.)

So, what did I ask the crew to do, to prepare last year’s beds for a new growing season?

Then turn it over (don’t hurt the worms!), mound into beds 30cm apart, cover with sugarcane mulch to combat weeds, retain moisture and regulate temperature.

Job done!

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE preparation time at the beginning of the season but sometimes life’s responsibilities get in the way. Now I am back on track, I can enjoy the process again rather than feel I am behind the eight ball with a little anxiety creeping in.

The best advice I can give at the beginning of the Whitsunday growing season, is feed your soil. A depleted soil will reflect in your growth for ‘months to come”. Now is the time to rejuvenate. Fold through soil food, whether it be a spent green manure (a green crop not harvested), bagged palletised manure, mushroom compost, worm castings, an all-round soil improver or your own aged compost!

Managing Director of Eclipse Financial Services Justin Butler who is happy to answer any financial questions you have in his monthly column

Managing Director of Eclipse Financial Services Justin Butler who is happy to answer any financial questions you have in his monthly column

Ask An Expert At Whitsundays Chamber Of Commerce And Industry

This month’s Ask An Expert with Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry asks: What is the ideal mix of marketing and advertising activities to drive sales?

Melinda Louise Hutchings from Melinda Louise Media, and Megan Taylor from Kapow Interactive, responded.

“An ideal marketing and advertising campaign should align with the strategic focus of your business and is essential to achieving brand awareness and driving sales,” said Melinda.

“The first step is to create a solid founda-

tion by developing a marketing strategy that clearly defines your business objectives and key performance indicators to measure success and track progress. For example, is the aim to build brand awareness, generate leads, increase sales, retain customers? Once the objectives have been established, it’s important to identify your target audience so that you can tailor your campaign to connect and engage with them.”

Megan agrees that the first step is knowing what you want to achieve – more sales of product A, and fewer of product B – and think of who has bought this in the past.

What are these people like? How can you get your marketing message in front of them specifically?

“Plan your marketing activities to meet these criteria,” Megan said. “This might include car signage, placing business cards or flyers on a noticeboard, targeted online ads, or sponsorship of a local club. The right mix will be different depending on your business, goals, products, and your own preferences. Also think about developing partnerships with similar businesses

where you can refer each other. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful marketing methods when it comes from a trusted source.”

Both Melinda and Megan believe it is important to optimise and adjust your marketing and advertising mix over time depending on results. Finding the ideal marketing and advertising mix is a process that requires research, planning, execution, evaluation, and adaptability.

VMR Whitsunday Base Re-Opens

The brand-new second floor of the Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Whitsundays headquarters re-opened this week, delivering a vital new space for orchestrating emergency marine rescues.

The building was closed temporarily in December last year when works began and has remained shut for the past four months.

During this time significant renovations took place.

The overall floor space of the room is now estimated to be 3.5 times larger than previously, and it will now offer far greater room for training and operations, as well as search and rescue facilities.

In addition, the new room will be made available as a meeting room for community groups.

There will be three TV screens, whiteboards and other facilities.

VMR Whitsunday President Mal Priday said he was thrilled with the result.

“All the trades did a fantastic job, we couldn’t have asked for more” he said.

Mr Priday would like to make a special thanks to Project Manager Roger Wodson who was the driving force behind the project.

He also commended builders Ben Doolin & Co for their excellent workmanship.

A group of dedicated volunteers excitedly moved the equipment into the facility earlier this week and began to make themselves at home.

The project was made possible by substantial funding from the Federal Government under the Investing In Our Communities Grant.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm were also instrumental in securing the funding.

Whitsunday Regional Council, Whitsunday Police and the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach also played an important role.

Whitsunday Life’s Newest Cadet Journalist

We would like to welcome the Whitsundays’ newest Cadet Journalist Daniel Heggie!

Daniel is our newest recruit to the Whitsunday team and he brings to the table an impressive background of knowledge and experience, with not only a degree in Journalism, but a Sub-Major in Film, as well as a passion for writing.

Although he was originally born in England, Daniel moved to Australia with his family when he was seven years old, calling Adelaide home since 2007.

Daniel attended Urrbrae Agricultural

High School in South Australia, focusing on Agriculture and Science and considered a future career route in the subject as it sparked his interest.

While he was interested in science, however, he later discovered that it wasn’t for him, and soon found his next calling in grade 11 when he began to enjoy English, specifically writing.

Bringing this passion to fruition, Daniel studied Journalism along with Film and graduated university in 2022. He then spent the year of 2023 travelling across Europe as well as the East Coast of Aus-

tralia.

At the beginning of 2024, he decided it was time to settle into a job and has now been fortunate enough to secure a position here with the Whitsunday Life team.

In his spare time, Daniel enjoys mingling with friends, going to the gym, adventuring on a walk and vegging out with a movie or a good book.

The team at Mackay and Whitsunday Life would like to warmly welcome Daniel into the Whitsunday community, so if you see him around town, we hope you will do the same!

Megan Taylor from Kapow Interactive. Photos supplied Melinda

Louise Hutchings from Melinda Louise Media

The VMR building in Cannonvale

A group of dedicated volunteers excitedly moved the equipment into the facility earlier this week and began to make themselves at home.

The Whitsundays Secures Trophy Sweep at the 2023 Qantas AustralianTourism Awards

The best tourism operators from throughout the Whitsundays have done the region proud, taking out gold, silver and bronze at the Australian Tourism Awards in Darwin last Friday.

These results come off the back of a stellar run of awards for the region after taking out seven gold, two silver and five bronze at the Queensland State Awards.

Australian tourism’s ‘night of nights’, the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards is recognised as the largest annual celebration of tourism business excellence in Australia and showcases the best of the best in the industry.

Five Whitsundays businesses were in the running for awards after taking out gold in their categories at the 2023 Queensland State Tourism Awards.

The Whitsundays proudly celebrated on the big night, with BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort receiving gold in the Caravan & Holiday Parks category and Ocean Rafting securing the gold medal in Adventure Tourism.

In addition to these gold-winning perfor-

mances, Ocean Rafting was also awarded silver in the Major Tour & Transport Operators category.

Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach further added to The Whitsundays success, earning bronze in the 3-3.5 Star Accommodation category.

Although Whitsunday Coast Airport and Pinnacles Airlie Beach didn’t secure victory in Darwin, both have demonstrated remarkable dedication and effort to the Whitsundays tourism industry and were celebrated on the night.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Rick Hamilton was thrilled to see The Whitsundays bring home trophies on Friday night.

“The Whitsundays has received recognition again for the dedication and commitment that the business owners and their staff put in every day of the year,” Mr Hamilton said.

“These victories underscore the region’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and accommodation for visitors.

“As a region that relies on tourism for one in three jobs, gaining recognition like this is hugely encouraging for all the businesses in the region.”

•

•

Full List Of Whitsundays Winners: GOLD

• BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort –Caravan & Holiday Parks

• Ocean Rafting – Adventure Tourism SILVER

• Ocean Rafting – Major Tour & Transport Operators

BRONZE

• Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach – 3-3.5 Star Accommodation

For more information on the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards and to explore the full list of winners, visit http://www. qualitytourismaustralia.com/australian-tourism-awards/.

Grey Nomads Hall Of Fame For Queens Beach Tourist Village

The much-celebrated Queens Beach Tourist Village (QBTV) has finally reached its goal this week, receiving the third consecutive gold accolade for the Best Large Caravan Park at the Grey Nomads Awards.

Not only do they receive the acclaim of being considered the best caravan park in Australia for Grey Nomads, they also enter into the award’s Hall of Fame, an ambition they’ve been driving towards since they began.

Staff organise many of the events over the season and each activity adds to the overall experience of each guest.

“We have pancakes every Tuesday, a regular quiz night, low impact aerobics once a week and four singers over the season who come and perform some golden oldies,” explained Gerry.

“We also hold a QBTV’s Got Talent Night and it’s amazing to see how many people have secret skills – like the ukulele and guitar.”

Gerry Tomsett said the park’s owners, Jennie and Peter Greer, were thrilled with the announcement and grateful for to all the staff for putting so much effort into providing memorable experiences to Grey Nomads.

“It’s an absolutely fantastic feeling!” said Gerry.

“Everything we do is geared towards the Grey Nomads and we love going that extra mile to make sure they are happy.”

In addition, the Grey Nomads get to engage with the community and raise money for local charities.

Each season, there is a weekly sausage sizzle held for the Grey Nomads and last year over $8,300 was raised and donated to the Country Women’s Association of Bowen.

It is clear to see how this dynamic and fun-loving park won the award again this year.

Representatives from the Whitsunday tourism community at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Darwin last Friday night. Photo supplied

GOLD AND SILVER FOR OCEAN RAFTING AT THE AUSTRALIAN TOURISM AWARDS

The best of the Whitsundays was recognised at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Darwin, with Ocean Rafting bringing home gold in the Adventure Tourism category and silver in the Major Tour and Transport Operators category.

The Awards saw more than 180 of Australia’s quality tourism operators from each state and territory vying for top honours across 26 categories, with Ocean Rafting’s back-to-back wins on the night cementing its reputation as the Whitsundays’ original and most awarded tour operator.

Owners Peter and Jan Claxton attended the ceremony, along with Sales Captain, Nathan Fleming, representing their team and the three generations of family working in the business.

“We are so proud to have won these two awards on a national level. It seems extra special given we stood on the same podium, winning gold last time Darwin hosted the awards seven years ago, so we’re absolutely thrilled to have won again,” said Jan. “These awards, one which recognises us as the best Adventure Tourism experience in Australia, not only reflect our products and the locations we visit, but they are also a testament to the dedication of our team and their ongoing commitment to deliv-

ering exceptional experiences in paradise.

“It just shows how much they truly love their job and their beautiful backyard where they work and play, renowned for its unforgettable locations and experiences.”

As a local Whitsunday family owned and operated business, Ocean Rafting shares the wonders of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef with guests from across the globe.

The business’ many environmental initiatives reflect the team’s love and respect for the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, with weekly environmental activities carried out on a dedicated research vessel.

This past year, Peter and Jan once again circled back to Peter’s aviation roots, adding a second plane to their fleet of vessels and planes for the popular Fly Raft experience, which showcases the best of the Whitsundays from above and below.

“Adventure Tourism can only happen with adventurous guests, an adventurous team and an adventurous industry,” said Jan.

“It’s this adventurous spirit that pushes us to do what we do, while still being recognised as a tourism industry leader after nearly three decades of running high-stan-

dard, quality tourism operations.

“We are so grateful for the support of the Whitsunday community, our tourism industry partners, suppliers, our loyal agents and of course our guests.

“We should all be very proud, and of course a special congratulations to the other Whitsunday and Queensland winners and finalists, all so truly deserving of recognition.”

Ocean Rafting offers two exciting day tour adventures, the Northern Exposure and Southern Lights, with an exhilarating ride

to Whitehaven Beach, the ultimate access to Hill Inlet and special snorkelling sites, as well as the Fly Raft package, 60-minute scenic flights, charter options and the Reef Seeker environmental educational program.

The fleet of eight semi-rigid inflatable vessels allow guests to experience Ocean Rafting’s signature adrenalin-fuelled ride amongst the beauty of the Whitsundays, while a maximum of 32 passengers allows for a personalised experience in the pleasure of a small group.

Owners Peter and Jan Claxton with Sales Captain, Nathan Fleming (left)

FINALIST

National Finalist Whitsunday Coast Airport

he team at Whitsunday Coast Airport proudly represented the region at the 2024 Australian Tourism Awards in Darwin last Friday night.

This is the first time our local airport has progressed to the national awards and Director of Commercial Businesses for Whitsunday Regional Council, Craig Turner, said he was thrilled to attend the event.

“When you look at the quality of businesses that went to the awards you can see the incredible standard we have right here in the Whitsundays,” he said.

“We really are a destination that can be proud of the many varied offerings we

Mr Turner added that there are many reasons Whitsunday Coast Airport made it to the nationals.

“We are not a traditional airport, we are an airport that is extremely customer facing and it’s all about the experience with us,” he explained.

“We want people to have a good time with us and when they are leaving, we want them to dream about the next time they are coming back.”

Features such as the colourful Aquarium, the interactive animal screen and high quality in-house café are just some of the

ways Whitsunday Coast Airport stands out in the pack.

Nominated in the Retail, Hire, Services category, Whitsunday Coast Airport were a finalist at the national awards and look forward to returning next year with a chance of claiming a medal.

Mr Turner says he’s also excited about entering the category for the Best Tourism Marketing Campaign next year.

Marianne Goldman, Marketing and Administration Officer Aviation and Tourism, Mayor Julie Hall and Director of Commercial Business for Whitsunday Regional Council, Craig Turner at the Australian Tourism Awards in Darwin. Photo supplied

Photos supplied

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort Brings Home Gold

The tourism industry’s night of nights brought gold for the BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort team as they scooped up Gold in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, held in tropical Darwin.

Eight operators from across Australia were nominated in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category while more than 180 of the country’s premier tourism operators from each state came together across 26 categories.

Owner Greg McKinnon, who attended the gala ceremony with his wife, Kyleen, was visibly proud of the national recognition and of his team.

“Needless to say, to be awarded the best Caravan and Holiday Park in the country for a second consecutive year on a national level is just absolutely incredible,” said Greg.

“It’s such a strong category with outstanding competition and we pass on a huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists.

“We’ll be entering again this year and who knows, we might be able to make it three in a row, but in the meantime, we’ll continue to bring the fun and some exciting new developments to our resort this year, which our guests will really love, and which will continue to enhance their over-

all experience with us.”

This is the fourth time that BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort has taken home the gold award in this same category at a national level at the Australian Tourism Awards.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort CEO, Phil Casey, praised the efforts of his team and thanked the many holidaymakers who choose the resort as their holiday of choice.

“We have the most loyal and fun-loving guests who choose to stay with us, many who visit us time and time again with their families,” said Phil.

“The commitment shown from our team, both front of house and back of house, to ensure we create wonderful holiday memories for our guests each and every time, is something that can’t be underestimated.

“This award is a testament to their hard work, and of course it also reflects a big thank you to those who stay and share their holidays with us.”

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort was in good company after claiming gold with Queensland operators winning a total of 14 accolades across the 26 categories, including five gold, seven silver, and two bronze.

The Resort recently celebrated its 30th birthday and after three decades of ongo-

ing reinvestment and development, Australia’s most loved holiday park continues to lead the way as one of the Whitsundays’ most desirable holiday destinations. This past year, in addition to new cabin inventory, development included construction of the resort’s brand new ‘Bunk House’ dormitory accommodation for schools, as well as a range of accessibility initiatives to complement the resort’s well-utilised Sensory Room, which caters for children on the autism spectrum and their families by offering a special holiday retreat.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort offers a relaxed, family friendly environment with an extensive range of quality facilities and services, gorgeous cabins and happy, helpful staff.

Set amongst 10 hectares of beautifully

landscaped tropical gardens, the resort caters for a variety of budgets with a wide range of accommodation options from camping and caravanning sites to dorms, studios and through to luxury, three-bedroom condos.

Greg & Kyleen McKinnon

New Faces To Focus On Jetty Project

BY PAUL GELLATLY

Aprominent Bowen business advocate has urged all parties involved in the redevelopment of the town’s deteriorating jetty to respect the rich history of the structure.

Chairman of the town’s Chamber of Commerce, Bruce Hedditch, made the comments following appointments by North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) of a project director and lead design consultant for the multimillion-dollar project.

Nawar Spear will be project director, while global consultancy firm Arup Australia under its own project director Mr Shy Tay will act as lead design consultant.

Mr Spear was appointed by NQBP to lead the project, drawing on previous experience in developing, planning, and delivering large infrastructure programs and major construction projects for federal and state government agencies. He also has extensive experience working with regional communities in Queensland.

Arup Australia will lead the design during phase 1 of the project and leverage its experience in crafting waterfront destinations to lead the community con-

sultation and deliver a finalised concept design.

NQBP CEO Brendan Webb, speaking at the Bowen-Collinsville Enterprise Breakfast Forum in Bowen on Friday February 16, welcomed the appointments as a major step closer to launching community consultation on the wharf’s design.

Mr Hedditch said early advice he had received was that due to decay, much of the original arm of the jetty, built in 1867, could be demolished, while the arm built more recently by NQBP for its tug base would be retained. He said a satisfactory compromise for the town’s hopes for the jetty would also play into plans to acquire a Catalina seaplane for a memorial adjacent to the jetty.

“NQBP seems to have gotten a good committee together,” Mr Hedditch said, “but we still have a long way to go.”

“At least they are wanting to talk to the community.”

He conceded that the original leg was “not in a good state.”

Mr Hedditch said a large percentage of people who completed a survey of residents regarding its future wanted the

entire structure retained.

While an NQBP inspection revealed much of the jetty was in poor condition, Mr Hedditch said the jetty was built for permanence and would be extremely expensive to dismantle.

Under the terms of the lease to NQBP, which is seeking a new tug base closer to Abbot Point, the jetty faces demolition if a new use cannot be found for the structure.

“We are hoping to be able to have a special meeting in late March, with NQBP and others to hear what the community wants,” he said.

“There is concern at the lack of tourism facilities for Bowen ... Every day there are people visiting the jetty.

“It is a matter of funding the right compromise.

“Three tiers of government cannot walk away from this.”

Mr Hedditch said one suggestion from residents for the renovation project was for an underwater observatory, and even trying to get James Cook University involved in a research centre there.

The historical theme could partner a

Catalina memorial proposal near the jetty, featuring a Catalina seaplane to be built on the remains of a hardstand built during WWII to house the aircraft. Mr Hedditch envisions a hangar-style structure similar to the Charles Kingsford Smith triplane memorial at Brisbane Airport.

Under the project, the town could honour the Australian and US Catalina squadrons that operated from the town during the darkest days of WWII. Presently, the town has an existing Catalina memorial structure and outlines of the aircraft painted onto the open hardstand. If a Catalina is acquired, it will have taken its last flight as public liability funding for the ancient aircraft is prohibitive. It will remain as a static display.

A Catalina is being offered for around $700,000 in Canada and Mr Hedditch said it was important to act on the rare opportunity to acquire one.

He appealed to Whitsunday Regional Council to help by providing the hardstand for a peppercorn rent.

Mr Hedditch said he was confident the project could be funded by government grants and he hoped it could be realised

Multicultural Festival This Weekend

This years’ Whitsunday Multicultural Festival is being held in Bowen and organisers are excited to welcome everyone back for another action-packed event this weekend.

The Multicultural Festival is a free event that encourages the community to come together, to celebrate and learn about other cultures within the region.

Cultural groups share their culture and heritage with visitors through storytelling, entertainment, arts and music.

In addition to the arts and music people are encouraged to try the fantastic food on offer.

This is the perfect opportunity to surround yourself with the wonderful Bowen beachside vibe whilst enjoying the live music on offer.

Bowen Tourism and Business manager, Leanne Abernethy, said it was “fantastic that the Whitsunday regional council has chosen Bowen for the multicultural Festi-

val this year”.

“This will be a great celebration of the cultural diversity within our region,” she said. “We encourage all locals and visitors to head to Bowen Soundshell and enjoy this family event right on the beach side.” Help make this event even more special by showing your support.

WHEN: Saturday 23 March

TIME: 5pm to 8pm

WHERE: Bowen Soundshell

NQBP’s Bowen Wharf project director Nawar Spear; general manager of infrastructure Tim Lewis; and CEO Brendan Webb with Arup Australia’s project director Shy Tay and project manager Maja Belic.

Performers at the 2021 Whitsunday Multicultural Festival. Photo supplied

Local Couple Recognised For Service To Community

Two of the longest-serving members of the Bowen Rural Fire Brigade were recognised for their service at the 2023 Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Australia Day Achievement Awards which were held on Monday evening.

The Bowen husband and wife duo, Arthur and Robyn Burrell, received a gong for two decades worth of volunteering and have helping out in countless emergency situations over the years.

Living in the Bowen region for 40 plus years, they have become vital to the local fire brigade.

A spur of the moment decision led them to join up all those years ago and they haven’t looked back since.

“Arthur has lived here all his life, and we figured it was high time to get involved and help out where we could,” Robyn said.

“To this day we might be the only couple who have been silly enough to do this together.”

For almost two decades the couple have been involved in the Bowen Rural Fire Brigade, they have been called out to a variety of incidents, from fires to car crashes and even preparing for floods with sand bags.

Over the years they have also volunteered to help disadvantaged youths in the PCYC Breaking the Cycle program.

As some of the longest serving members of the Bowen Rural Fire Brigade, the contributions from Arthur and Robyn have built an incredible legacy for the next generation.

From their first call-out at an overnight blaze at Euri Creek to supporting the Bowen Rural Fire Brigade as Treasurer and Secretary, the Burrells’ recognition in 2024 goes to show that every helping hand makes a difference when it comes to service to the community.

After a fall at a previous call-out took Arthur out of the action, he travelled hours with Robyn to ‘take up the tongs’ and feed more than 40 QFES personnel and crew who were fighting a blaze that lasted five days.

“We were stationed at a homestead preparing food over an old camp barbeque around the clock for crews who were rotating through the blaze,” Robyn said. “It was in the season when everything was tinder dry, and the fire was started with a machine blade skimming a small stone. In those conditions, it is easy to imagine how such a small thing could start a community emergency.”

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Australia Day Achievement Awards recognise QFES staff and volunteers from the State Emergency Service (SES), Rural Fire Service (RFS), and Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) for their outstanding service in 2023.

Robyn (left) Arthur (right) Burrell in uniform. Photo supplied

40 Years Of Fabulous Food!

Whitsunday Foodservice Celebrates Huge Milestone

What began as a light-hearted conversation between some long-term entrepreneurial locals during the Christmas of 1983, has since blossomed into one of the Whitsundays’ most successful and long-standing businesses. Originally the milk depot in Proserpine, this humble and fledgling company has constantly diversified and expanded over the years, its name now synonymous within the foodservice industry. In 2024 Whitsunday Foodservice celebrates 40 years in business, an impressive milestone, steeped in history.

Back in 1983, the milk depot in Proserpine was owned by Arnold and Denise Legg, but following discussions, Alan Murray, along with Dick Dray and his brothers Edward, Geoffrey, and Michael, decided to purchase the business. With the brothers coming from a farming background and Alan having already owned milk runs in

Brisbane, the team believed they had the skills and experience to make the business work.

Almost half a century later, and they have definitely proved this the case.

Proserpine Milk Distribution Company began with just a handful of staff - Alan Murray, Noleen McDonald, Fay Milne as bookkeeper and Andrea Ruge. Robyn Murray recalls that, back then delivery vehicles were not air-conditioned, let alone refrigerated. She remembers Rob Blanza delivering supplies to the Airlie Beach area in his Ford 100 and Larry Meygel servicing the Proserpine town centre in a Toyota Dyna. Rusty Crane was a Semi Driver who picked milk up from Mackay three days a week and Proserpine Carrying Co, owned by John Bowman, would oversee island deliveries to Shute Harbour.

Meanwhile, Allison Lucas, who was an up-

and-coming junior tennis player, cleaned trucks and worked in the convenient store on a Saturday morning, her mum Peggy, filling in when Allison was playing tournament.

At the time, the convenience store was located at the front of the Milk Depot and had cool rooms out the back. And while operations were expanding in Proserpine, Alan noticed the Airlie Beach area was also growing, in fact it was looking to become as big as Proserpine. Wanting to be at the heart of this growth, Alan began hunting for a suitable piece of land where they could build a large warehouse and several cool rooms. In 1989, they moved to their present site where a brand-new facility had been constructed with steel work by Carlo Raiteri, which included a roof that had a hip in it to incorporate a large ice making machine.

Throughout the 1990’s the business continued to expand and diversify, most significantly with computerised systems replacing paper. In addition, Whitsunday Foodservice supplied ice to the entire region, plus TipTop bread and a parcel delivery service called IPEC. At the same time, the business was constantly looking for more avenues to expand foodservice offerings and, when they managed to gain Countrywide Membership, this new buying power allowed product lines to increase dramatically.

From the mid 2000’s Whitsunday Foodservice experienced significant growth. At the time they had a team of approximately 12 employees, operating four trucks, stocking around 2000 lines and servicing Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Shute Harbour, Dingo Beach, Proserpine, Midge Point, and the Whitsunday Islands. By 2022, they were stocking over 4000 lines and

had grown to a team of 60 people, with 11 trucks that enabled them to expand the service to Bowen, Collinsville, and the Mackay region.

“Throughout this time, we continued to innovate and introduce technology wherever we could,” explained Pat Morrissey, General Manager of Whitsunday Foodservice.

“We went from taking orders off an answering machine at ungodly hours to introducing online ordering platforms. We also continued to broaden our product range by giving our customers access to thousands of specialty and imported products.”

By 2015, Whitsunday Foodservice started planning to build a new facility at their current site, expanding further to enable them to operate at a larger scale more efficiently. For the next five years, however, the business would overcome a series of unexpected challenges that hindered but did not prevent this expansion. As they approached the final planning stages, Tropical Cyclone Debbie hit in 2017 damaging the existing structure. Forging ahead, by late 2018 the team started moving into the new warehouse with completion in January 2019.

Unfortunately, just three months

after the move, the world came to a halt when the pandemic came along. Changing the nature of both global and local business significantly, Whitsunday Foodservice experienced some dark times, but due to the resilience and determination of the team, managed to pivot and prevail, allowing them to come out stronger the other side.

“We introduced a Warehouse Management system which took us from paper pick slips to voice picking headsets, we introduced scanners, vehicle monitoring software for safety and efficiency and started working on a paperless invoice process called sign on glass,” shared Pat.

“When the borders finally reopened, the Whitsundays, like the rest of Queensland went berserk - the hospitality industry in the Whitsundays went from a standstill to the busiest period we have even seen.”

Celebrating 40 years in business is a result of incredible innovation, dedication and overcoming challenges head-on. From the early days with Alan at the helm to the modern era with Pat managing the business, each member of the team is highly valued and an integral part of the broader company’s success.

Robyn Murray outside the old depot

The old depot at 40 Chapman Street in Proserpine. L-R: Noleen McDonald, Alan Murray, Fay Milne, Matt Dray and Richard Dray

Meet Pat Morrissey

GENERAL MANAGER

Growing up in Sydney, Pat Morrissey’s relocation to the Whitsundays came at an opportune time, leading him to join the fast-paced and energetic team of Whitsunday Foodservice, starting out in the warehouse driving trucks and working his way up to be their capable and diligent General Manager.

Beginning his tenure over 17 years ago, Pat brought with him a wealth of experience, across industries such as hospitality, retail, and trade, however his superb intercommunication skills have flourished within his role.

“The foodservice industry is all about people and relationships and I’ve been lucky enough to meet and work with some great people over the years,” he explained.

“No two days are the same which keeps it interesting, and I genuinely look forward to coming to work every day.”

Being cool-headed and confident allows Pat to face any issues or challenges that arise; however, his calm leadership has created an attitude of peace and resilience, allowing each and every member of staff to feel supported and assured in their roles.

Pat’s personal highlight from his time with the business has been experiencing its growth firsthand.

“When I started, we had about 12 people, 4 or 5 trucks and we used fax machines more than computers,” he explained.

“Now we have 60 people, 11 trucks and our operations are dominated by technology. There are many highlights over

the years around our growth and development and the introduction of technology, but the biggest and best would have to be the construction of the new facility in 2018.”

Outside of the office, Pat is always with his family, his supportive partner Elisa and their beautiful daughter Stella. He also loves spending his time watching sport, cooking, listening to music, and boating.

Pat is grateful for the beautiful relationships he has built with colleagues, as well as his network of supportive friends and family over the years.

Describe your personality in three words:

Resilient, positive and driven

Meet Trish Smith

OFFICE AND IT MANAGER

Following love to the Whitsundays 13 years ago was twofold for Trish Smith, moving to be with the love of her life, but also finding a second home within the all-embracing walls of Whitsunday Foodservice. Now, having been married for nearly seven years, and been with Whitsunday Foodservice for 12 years and 10 unforgettable months, Trish has never looked back.

A calm yet passionate person, Trish loves her customer focussed role with the business, feeling a deep sense of purpose and accomplishment each and every day. This fulfilment translates to exceptional customer service and impeccable work ethic.

“When you do what you love,” Trish explained, “Work doesn’t feel like work.”

“Although some days may be more challenging than others, supporting colleagues and helping boost positivity in the workplace promotes a productive team environment.”

In her official role as Office and IT Manager, Trish is often managing a great number of projects and developments. Everything from IT development and support, to managing the EOM finances, reporting, as well as social media creation and management, Trish is kept on her toes.

However, she greatly enjoys the various responsibilities she holds with her role, leaving her with the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that she is seeking.

When she does step away from the office, Trish can be found spending quality time with her husband, relaxing, often partaking in a Sunday breakfast or lunch date together on a weekend. The pair also love being active, soaking up the Whitsunday sun walking their two dogs, bike-riding, or socialising out and about in Airlie Beach.

Trish also loves heading over to Hamilton Island, or regularly travelling up to Townsville to spend time with her daughter and grand daughter.

Describe your personality in three words:

Compassionate, exuberant, and EXTRA!

Warmest congratulations for reaching the remarkable milestone of 40 years in business. Your dedication has been a vital ingredient in our success!!

Meet Karl Boettcher

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER

Achef by trade, Karl has always had a passion for food and cooking, something that naturally laid the path for his current role which is so closely related to the commercial kitchen. Finding a peaceful solace within his role of Assistant General Manager at Whitsunday Foodservice, Karl enjoys working closely with the sales and purchasing teams, organising and ensuring the safe arrival of all produce to countless commercial kitchens across the region.

Having travelled through North Queensland working as a chef in many kitchens, Karl settled in the Whitsundays when the opportunity to work within the dynamic and dedicated team at Whitsunday Foodservice came along. That was 14 years ago, and Karl has never looked back.

Keeping his watchful eye over much of the business, Karl finds that his particular strengths lie within sales and purchasing. Always calm and collected in times of pressure, Karl is a stable pillar in Whitsunday Foodservice’s management, always prepared to lend himself wherever he is needed at a moment’s notice.

to utilising state of the art IT technology, as well as Whitsunday Foodservice moving into their new warehouse in 2022.

Meet Mark Richards

OPERATIONS MANAGER

It has been a whirlwind of 13 years for Mark Richards, acting as Operations Manager of Whitsunday Foodservice with confidence, pride, and tenacity. With a logistics and warehousing portfolio background, Mark transitioned seamlessly into this role, and has not looked back once. His greatest pride has been watching the gradual evolution of Whitsunday Foodservice, originally operating out of a cold storage warehouse with 25 staff and a fleet of six trucks, when he first started, to now working from a technologically advanced facility, over 60 staff and 11 trucks, with one of the largest employers in the Whitsundays region.

“The key highlight for me was project managing the new facility build in 2018,” Mark explained.

Used to the heat of a busy kitchen, Karl works well under pressure, and always has his finger on the pulse of his team, adept at managing a multitude of tasks at once. He also has a fantastic ability to seamlessly adapt to any situation.

Over his tenure, Karl is most proud of assisting the business in moving through massive updates in technology, from almost solely manual processing,

When outside the office, Karl is sure to be out on the beautiful Whitsunday waters, fishing and boating around the islands. He also dabbles in videography with drone piloting, and everyone knows that he can certainly make some noise on the guitar!

Describe your personality in three words:

Ambitious, dedicated and dependable

“This facility started with a piece of paper, ruler, and a pencil on my desk and to see it become a reality was an amazing experience. The highlights keep stacking up thanks to the new warehouse as I get to actively pursue and implement new ways to stay ahead of the pack with the latest tech aimed at warehousing and distribution.”

Mark is particularly proud of his ability to visualise a solution to any problem, overcoming hurdles as they appear, including every from mechanical breakdowns, scheduling conflicts, and island resort logistics.

“I find I am able to step back, view my resources as a whole and implement solutions.”

Overseeing a staff of over 40 himself, split across six different departments, Mark ensures that his finger is on the pulse of the business, that each member of his team is confident in their ability and the wider teams efficiency.

In his spare time, Mark can be found with his partner, Sara and their two sons, usually fishing together, playing guitar, and building DIY projects. And he will always be ready to tune into the rugby league game and shout for his team, the Cronulla Sharks.

Line-Up Of Literary Luminaries

The line-up for the 2024 Whitsundays Writers Festival continues to generate excitement with the addition of three highly-acclaimed authors.

The Whitsundays Writers Festival proudly expands its schedule of literary luminaries with the addition of three authors: Karina Kilmore, Melissa Ashley, and Jack Roney. President Karen Jacobsen expressed her delight and excitement.

“We have built a substantial list of authors this year as we are focused on writing excellence,” Karen commented.

“This Festival will be a joy for readers, writers, and thinkers.”

Karina Kilmore, Chair of the Australian Crime Writers Association, brings a wealth of experience from her background in finance journalism and extensive literary contributions. Her crime fiction debut, Where the Truth Lies, has garnered critical acclaim and nominations for various awards, showcasing her prowess as a storyteller.

Award winning Queenslander, Dr Melissa Ashley, is known for her multifaceted talents as a writer, poet, and academic. She enriches the Festival line-up with her poetic sensibilities and historical insights. Her novel The Birdman’s Wife, inspired by the life of Elizabeth Gould, reflects Melissa’s dedication to meticulous research and literary craftsmanship.

Queenslander Jack Roney, drawing from his remarkable 33-year career in law enforcement, infuses his crime fiction with unparalleled authenticity and gripping realism. As a former police officer turned full-time author, Jack’s novels offer readers an immersive experience into the gritty world of crime and investigation.

WHAT: Whitsundays Writers Festival

WHEN: Friday, September 6, to Sunday, September 8, 2024

SUBSCRIBE: whitsundayswriters.com

This Easter long weekend, head to Airlie Beach Hotel to catch some X Factor action with Andrew Wishart, star of the 2011 series.

Against the odds and as the crowd favourite, Andrew made it to the Grand Final of X-Factor Australia; to be placed runner-up in the series, missing out on winning by 1 per cent of the national vote.

Before his X Factor success Andrew worked as a sales manager for 30 years but that all changed when his children made him audition for X Factor Australia.

Despite being away from his family throughout X Factor he thoroughly enjoyed it, he added that it was pretty cool making it that far and being on national television, watched by an audience of millions.

Andrew beat more than 30,000 hopefuls to be Runner Up on the show and has since used his fame to continue the success.

“GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE” (M) 124mins. Family/Comedy/Action

Since X Factor, Andrew has started doing music full time and has been performing gigs and shows Australia wide and even playing internationally.

He has performed with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Michael Bolton, George Benson, Stevie Nicks, Delta Goodrem, Darryl Braithwaite, Adam Thompson, Glenn Shorrock, Ross Wilson, Brian Cadd, and many more

He loves performing, and although he doesn’t have a favourite song as such, he said anything with “good messages and good vocals, something people to sing along to.”

Armed with little more than his acoustic guitar and his powerfully unique voice, Andrew possesses a resonance in his performances that transcends generations. Andrew has visited the Whitsundays before and is looking forward to coming back, he loves the blue waters and weather.

When Andrew isn’t performing, he loves to read in his spare time.

Last Song you listened to - We Close Our Eyes by Go West ‘Cracking song’ Favourite to perform - Dakota by Stereophonics

Favourite song - Collingwood Football song

Least favourite song - Carlton Football song

WHAT: Andrew Wishart

WHEN: Thursday 28 March 6.30pm –9.30pm

Friday 29 March 7pm – 10pm

Saturday 30 March 6pm – 8pm

Sunday 31 March 6:30pm to 9:30pm

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

TICKETS: Absolutely free but It’s Recommended To Reserve A Table!

When the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second ice age. Stars: Carrie Coon, McKenna Grace, Annie Potts, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd

“THE GREAT ESCAPER” (M) 96mins. Drama

Bernard Jordan escapes from his care home to attend the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings in France. Stars: Michael Caine, Laura Marcus, Glenda Jackson

“ARGYLLE” (M) 140mins. Action/Thriller

A reclusive author who writes espionage novels about a secret agent and a global spy syndicate realizes the plot of the new book she’s writing starts to mirror real-world events, in real time. Stars: Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell

“DUNE: PART TWO” (M) 166mins. Action/Adventure

Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Stars: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson

“COMBAT WOMBAT:BACK 2 BACK” (PG) 81mins. Animation/Family Movie

- 3.00pm

An evil tech genius threatens to turn the city into a metaverse simulation, leaving the Combat Wombat to save the day. Stars: Deborah Mailman, David Wenham, Ed Oxenbould - 3.30pm

Photos

GIG GUIDE

Friday 22th March

• Jubilee Tavern: Paul Berger

• Reef Gateway: Matty Angell

• The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)

• KC’s: Shaun Diver (from 8pm)

Saturday 23rd March

• Reef Gateway: Erin Rues

• The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Creedence Ramble Tamble (2pm – 5:30pm)

• The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)

• KC’s: Chris Booroff (from 8pm)

• Grand View Hotel: Shaun Diver

Sunday 24th March

• Jubilee Tavern: Dave Helgi Johan

• The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Creedence Ramble Tamble (2pm – 5:30pm)

• The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Lloyd Saunders (6:30pm – 9:30pm)

• KC’s: Chris Booroff (from 8pm)

• Grand View Hotel: Shaun Diver

Monday 25th March

• KC’s: Scott Wilson (from 8pm)

Tuesday 26th March

• KC’s: Sam McCann (from 8pm)

Wednesday 27th March

• KC’s: Erin Reus (from 8pm)

Thursday 28th March

• The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andrew Wishart (6:30pm – 9:30pm)

• KC’s: Tash (from 8pm)

Comedy Legend Ross Noble Performs In Prossie

Highly hilarious and extremely popular English comedian Ross Noble is coming to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre this August.

Marking his 21st solo stand up tour, Noble is launching a bunch of fresh comedy with the ‘Jibber Jabber Jamboree’.

Audiences can expect Noble to display his expertise in improv and audience participation, guaranteed to get the audiences laughing in hysterics.

Noble’s Jibber Jabber Jamboree is taking him all around Australia, from Alice Springs, to Wollongong, Mackay, and Proserpine.

Throughout his career Noble has been nominated for and won awards and he has also become the biggest selling act at Edinburgh and Melbourne comedy festivals.

Noble’s career fame came from his television appearances, in particular interviews, and his appearances on celebrity quiz shows.

WHAT'S ON

March

21 Adults Social Skating, Rolldance Skate School, at Cannonvale State School Hall, from 5.30pm

22 The Smeds and The Smoos at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 12pm & 6pm

23 Whitsunday Multicultural Festival

24 Creedence Show, Airlie Beach Hotel, from 2pm

28 Adults Social Skating, Rolldance Skate School, at Cannonvale State School Hall, from 5.30pm

31 Jazz Event, Colonial Palms, from 3pm

31 Easter Sunday Movie Special at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre - Peter Rabbit 2, 11am

April

4 Adults Social Skating, Rolldance Skate School, at Cannonvale State School Hall, from 5.30pm

In 2007 he was voted the 10th greatest stand-up comic on Channel 4’s 100 Greatest Stand-Ups.

Also in 2007, Noble toured around Australia on his motorbike, travelling more than 26,000 kilometres and filming it on the way. The show was later aired in 2009.

nated for a Laurence Olivier Award for his performance in Mel Brooks Young Frankenstein musical in the West End.

WHAT: Ross Noble’s Jibber Jabber Jamboree Show

Noble has also ventured from comedy and has starred in films and plays.

In 2012, he made his film debut in the comedy horror movie ‘Stitches’, where he starred as Stitches, the killer clown.

In 2015 he made his musical theatre debut in The Producers and in 2018 was nomi-

WHERE: The Proserpine Entertainment Centre

WHEN: Friday 16 August, 8pm – 9:30pm.

TICKETS: proserpineentertainmentcentre.com.au

The event is a 15+ event.

Want to be included in our weekly event guide?

Email rachael@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com to find out more.

5 Airlie Beach Movie Night, Airlie Beach Foreshore from 6pm

6 Drag Queen Bingo, Reef Gateway Hotel, from 6pm

9 Sailability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am

11 Adults Social Skating, Rolldance Skate School, at Cannonvale State School Hall, from 5.30pm

12 Airlie Beach Movie Night, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm

14 Jazz Event, Colonial Palms, from 3pm

18 Adults Social Skating, Rolldance Skate School, at Cannonvale State School Hall, from 5.30pm

20 April Race Day, Ben Bolt Park Bowen

21 Come n Try Bowen

23 Sailability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am

25 Adults Social Skating, Rolldance Skate School, at Cannonvale State School Hall, from 5.30pm

26 Morning Melodies – The Boys from Oz at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre from 11am

28 Jazz Event, Colonial Palms, from 3pm May

2 Adults Social Skating, Rolldance Skate School, at Cannonvale State School Hall, from 5.30pm

2 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre from 7.30pm

7 Sailability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am

9 Adults Social Skating, Rolldance Skate School, at Cannonvale State School Hall, from 5.30pm

12 Jazz Event, Colonial Palms, from 3pm

16 Adults Social Skating, Rolldance Skate School, at Cannonvale State School Hall, from 5.30pm

18 Ross Wilson & the Peaceniks at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre from 7.30pm

Dune: Part Two (M)

Duke Paul Atreides joins the Fremen and begins a spiritual and martial journey to become Muad’dib, while trying to prevent the horrible but inevitable future he’s witnessed: a Holy War in his name, spreading throughout the known universe.

Combat Wombat: Back to Back (PG) Life has become a little too demanding for Maggie Diggins aka Combat Wombat. Whilst the Sanctuary City crime rate is at an all-time low, she’s now expected to spend her days helping unclog drains instead of saving the world! But when evil tech genius Lenny Glick threatens to trap the whole city in a ‘perfect’ metaverse simulation, Combat Wombat and her sidekick Sweetie must work together to save the day.

AFL Back With Preseason Carnival!

Saturday saw cracking AFL matches return to Airlie Beach with 2024 AFLQ Mackay Senior Preseason Carnival hosted by Whitsunday Sea Eagles at home. AFL players from across Mackay, Townsville, Moranbah and Whitsundays put on a show in the competition for the Preseason Carnival Shields.

Whitsunday Sea Eagles Senior Men took out the Men’s Preseason Carnival Shield

in their first hit out of the year after some tight contests throughout the day saw them finish in the final.

Sea Eagles were looking forward to a tight contest with Mackay Magpies in the final however they took their bags home in a forfeit leaving Whitsunday Sea Eagles home crowd disappointed. Sea Eagles Senior Men hope to go all the way this year to take out the 2024 Premiership with

AFL

history showing their Preseason Carnival success has odds in their favour.

Senior Women played out for the perpetual Barb Adamson Preseason Carnival Shield with Hermit Park Tigers going back-to-back taking out the 2024 Shield against Bakers Creek Tigers in a close and entertaining match up. Sea Eagles Senior Women had a challenging day slogging it out in wet conditions making it hard to

Whitsunday Touch Football

TOUCH FOOTBALL

Round Five Results

Mixed A

Vipers 5 defeated In The Crear 3

Raiders A 5 defeated G.E.T. Touch 3

Mixed B

Whitmonday Eagles 10 defeated Full Boar 5

Raiders B 14 defeated Ray White 5

Stingers defeated Flame Tree Flames (forfeit)

Mixed C

Sheds N Homes 7 drew Bulls 7

Mighty Mustangs 8 defeated Untouchables 6

Mixed Juniors

Raiders Purple 7 defeated Raiders Blue 3

Hamo Rent 8 defeated Raiders Green

All Junior games are held from 6.00pm to 6.50pm.

Queensland Touch Football will be running a Touch Skills Program during the June/July school holidays. The program is targeted to girls and boys aged 6 to 11 years.

This program will be a fantastic development opportunity for all the present players. It will also be a great initiation for new players who can then join the new Junior Competition that starts immediately after the June/July holidays.

Whitsunday Touch Football is thrilled to have a dedicated Junior Mixed Touch Competition this year. Available to girls and boys aged 6 to 12 years, the competition is where Junior Touch Players learn the rules of the game, develop individual touch skills and team patterns of attack and defence.

The Juniors are an important part of the Club’s Footy for Fun culture.

Details of the Queensland Touch Football Skills Program will be available soon.

A huge thank you to all the referees who joined us for a pre-game meeting this week. Your participation is greatly appreciated as we work on improving and refining our referee team. We’re grateful to have you as part of our club!

Contributed with thanks to Alita DeBrincat

get a run forward. Hitting the main stage for their final match they put on a show for the appreciative home crowd finishing with a win.

Sea Eagles first home game is 27th April at Whitsunday Sportspark. Whitsunday Sea Eagles train at the AFL oval in Jubilee Pocket Tuesday and Thursday nights with all welcome.

Contributed with thanks to Kaz Morrison

What should my child eat before exercise?

This largely depends on the duration and intensity of the session, however there are some general guidelines to help. The longer your child is training and the higher the intensity, then the greater the energy requirement.

If the session is longer than 75 minutes (again, depending on the individual child and the intensity of the session), intra-session fuelling may be necessary.

Before exercise, children should focus on fast-digesting carbohydrates such as a piece of fruit, low-fibre cereal with low-fat milk and fruit, a fruit smoothie, low-fibre bread with jam or honey, a bowl of pasta with a tomato-based sauce, crumpets or rice cakes with sliced banana and honey or raisin toast.

Limit high protein, high fat and

high fibre foods that are slow digesting and are better off consumed 3 - 4 hours before exercise and post-exercise. A small snack should be encouraged if your child exercises early in the morning, approximately 30 - 60 minutes before training, followed by a full breakfast after training. High-fibre foods may cause stomach upset. Children should always practise their meal choices, timing, and exercise to ensure no stomach upset. Never introduce new foods on the day of a competition. Fuelling strategies should be practised as part of training. Furthermore, children should avoid energy drinks and prioritise water for hydration. Contributed with thanks to Next Stars Sports Academy and EmpowerMe Nutrition & Fitness.

Hermit Park Senior Women 2024 Preseason Carnival Winners. Photo supplied

Sea Eagles Senior Men’s Coach Luke Sommerville with Preseason Carnival Shield

Whitsunday United Weekly Football Report

FOOTBALL

Rain stops, football starts

After three rounds of washed out games, finally Whitsunday United hit the fields with some great results over the weekend.

On Friday night, the Divisional Men hosted Dolphins at Whitsunday Sports Park. While WUFC Divison 2 men scored in the first half and had other chances, the youth of the Dolphins team began to take its toll Dolphins scored late in the second half, ending in a 1-1 draw.

With the Whitsunday Division 1 team one of the strongest ever fielded, the end score was 20-2 to the Whitsundays, with the Dolphins commendably fighting hard all the way to the end.

On Saturday the U15 Division 1 was an entertaining game. Whitsundays scored

first with a goal to Oliver Shulz. Wanderers equalised early in the second half. Good defence kept the score locked at 1-1. Cody Hocking won Man of the match.

The Women also enjoyed a great weekend with both securing victory over Mackay Wanderers. The Premier Reserves squad ground out a well deserved 2-0 win, whilst the Premier Women took control early and took a 10-0 win. In that match Akema bagged a hat-trick.

The Premier Men’s Squads didn’t fare so well against the bolstered Magpie’s Squads who were dominant in both games. The Premier Men lost 5-0 with some great saves from Luke Nightingale keeping the score in check. In Reserves: Magpies won 8-0.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic

Raiders Welcome Coach Rota

RUGBY UNION

The Proserpine Whitsunday Rugby Union Club is gearing up for an action-packed 2024 Season, fresh off the heels of the Women’s 2023 Grand Finalists appearance and the Men’s 2023 MRU Premiership win. The club is buzzing with anticipation as they welcome back both teams to the field.

Returning to the Presidency after a season away, Trent Elson is back at the helm of the Club, and alongside the Club Committee, they are excited to welcome new faces and talent into the Raiders family. At the forefront of these exciting developments is the appointment of the new Men’s Coach, Howie Rota. Bringing 20 years of coaching experience spanning from U9’s to Premier Men’s Rugby, Coach Rota is ready to make his mark. Having relocated from New Zealand to Airlie Beach to take up the position as Head Coach. Howie is no stranger to success, having previously coached at Waihou Rugby Club NZ and most recently with the Hamilton Suburbs Development Team, NZ.

NEXT GAME: 6 APRIL IN BOWEN

The Raiders are thrilled to welcome Coach Rota and new talent from the Gold Coast, international recruits from France and Canada, all enhancing the team’s dynamic gameplay, adding depth and diversity. The club’s commitment to nurturing local talent is evident as they welcome enthusiastic young players from the Juniors, showcasing a strong community connection. Alongside returning players from last year’s squad bringing invaluable experience, leadership, and continuity to the

St Paddy’s Day - Celtic Cup

The Celtic Cup was held on St Patrick’s Day this year which was nice for a change and 15 contestants took part in the competition.

In the round of 16 we saw early exits for Reef Peel, Naomi Mitchell, Jodie Collins, Hawkeye Rick, Jayden Lloyd, Josh Fraser and Guy Graham.

Kevin Brown had a bye into the quarterfinals where he defeated Kam Reason 5/1. Art McMinn beat Gary Robbie 5/2. Jamie Maher secured a 5/1 win over Steve Lloyd and Joe Wilson managed to just edge out Andy Peel in a close 5/4 encounter.

Joe Wilson was the first to take his place in this year’s final with a 5/1 win over Jamie Ma-

her, and in the other semi-final Kevin Brown earned his place in the final by defeating Art McMinn by a 5/3 scoreline.

The final of this year’s Celtic Cup was an enjoyable game between Joe Wilson and Kevin Brown. Kevin started the game off well by flying out of the gates to take a 2 nil lead, before Joe took the game by the scruff of the neck winning 3 legs on the bounce. Kevin managed another leg but by then Joe was in total control of the match, winning the Celtic Cup by 6 legs to 3.

Thank you to all the players for taking part. The next one-day cup competition is The Genesis Cup, and that will be held on Sunday April the 7th.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

A special welcome back to Nathan Sainsbury, returning as the Raiders Women’s Coach. Sainsbury’s influence as a key driver for Women in Rugby in MRU and Central Queensland is invaluable.

The Club extends a thank you to Matthew Twomey and Madison French for their dedication as interim co-ordinators of the Raiders Men while the Club awaited the arrival of Howie Rota.

Contributed with thanks to Karla O’Donell

Joe Wilson with the Celtic Cup on Sunday at the Airlie bowls club. Photo supplied

U15 Div 1’s Cody Williams taking the ball forward. Whitsunday Women in action against Wanderers

team.

Proserpine Whitsunday Rugby Union Club Men’s Coach, Howie Rota.

Photo supplied

School Holiday Bowls

BOWLS

Aspecial new initiative is about to begin for women and girls, commencing on Tuesday 2 April and running for five weeks.

The hours 10am to 12pm, were selected to enable women to manage family commitments and school hours.

During school holidays students are welcome to join in too. Bowls are available at the club.

Very young children will be given soft rubber bowls to play with. The club has a good supply of bowls suitable for all ages and capabilities.

Tuesday winners were Lyn Graham and Dawn Dowell.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot Bowls, where the jackpot wasn’t won, saw Shane Spann and his team playing awesome and easily won on the day. Betty Whitehorn won the prestigious Health Hub award.

Sunday afternoon saw Peter Barrett’s team of Paul Osborne and Keith Bates close winners over the rest of the field, whilst Rick Galea won the Health Hub award well deserved to our groundskeeper.

The Airlie Beach bowls club conducts coaching every Monday and Thursday afternoon between 4pm and 5pm for anyone interested in learning to play lawn bowls. Watch this space for further details about the school students’ competition. The final winners have the chance of going to Brisbane to play off.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

Wangaratta Bowls BOWLS

Social play on Tuesday resulted in Gwenda Lydom, Linda Smith and Penny Warren defeating Lindy Suann, Irene Laird, Geoff Danvers and B Reddcliff, Lyn Danvers and Greg Colquhoun defeated Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing and Kevin Daniels. The jackpot didn’t go off.

64 Compete in Ladies Fours Tournament BOWLS

Results of Club Rinks Competition: Andy Peebles, Lee Welsted, Jason Wright and Mitch Wright defeated Lou Fordham, Helen Jacobsen, John Trembath and Shane Spann.

Sunday Social: I. Thatcher, Daryl Tuttle, Gavin Charles defeated A.Delic, Allen Williams, Jane Gilbert. L.Kruger, Peter Bruce, Ron Gould.

Wednesday Social: B.Neal, Allen Williams and Doc Fordham defeated MaryEllen Pratten, R.Rodda, Jane Gilbert. Ray Muir, Robyn Stitt and Wendy Coles defeated I Thatcher, Daryl Tuttle, Glen.

Friday March 22 is the last night of Corporate Bowls for this round.

Results of Club Singles: Wayne Crowhurst defeated Helen Jacobsen. Jason Wright defeated Wayne Crowhurst. Steve Roome defeated Lou Fordham. Kevin Daniels defeated Doc Fordham. Kevin Daniels defeated Brett Lampard. Gavin Charles

defeated Jason Wright. Steve Roome defeated Andy Peebles. Wendy Coles defeated Tracy Roach. Gus Munro defeated Steve Roome. Gus Munro defeated Kevin Daniel’s.

Club Pairs: J.Trembath, Shane Spann defeated Doc Fordham, Lloyd White.

Sunday Social: W.Jones, Gavin Charles defeated L.Kruger, Corrine Dibnah. Keith Kirk, Kevin G, Gus Munro defeated Gordo, Jane Gilbert, K. Leverton. Ron Gould, Wendy Coles defeated Ron Muir, Jodie G.

Wednesday Social: I Thatcher, Jane Gilbert, Ron Gould defeated MaryEllen Pratten, Ray Muir, Gordo.

The Ladies Fours Tournament annual event was a great success with 16 teams of 4 competing. A big thankyou to Industry Fire Services, Precise Plumbing, S&W Crane Hire who were the Sponsors for the event.

In the ladies club competition Deb Retchless defeated Bron Tolcher and Jocelyn Defranciscis defeated Tiarna Winter. The first round of the fours was played on Sunday morning. Congratulations to the winning teams of Irene Laird, Merle Elphinstone, Margaret Wilson and Linda Smith who defeated Gwenda Lydom, Sue Shearing, Lyn Danvers and Pat Tracey. Robyn Stitt, Deb Retchless, Tiarna Winter and Fely Duncan defeated S Denise Wallace, Teresa Willshire, Linda Scells and Penny Warren. They will play each other in the final on Saturday morning 23 March. More games have been called on the board so please check.

Congratulations to the Wangaratta Men’s Local Pennant teams who defeated Collinsville on Saturday at Wangaratta with three match wins, which now puts Wangaratta in an unassailable lead in the local competition. Well done chaps.

Winners for Sunday afternoon social bowls were Albi Vigar and Mark Drummond defeated Graeme Read Allan Rolfe. Robyn Stitt, Merle Elphinstone and Pat Tracey defeated Toni Bowen, Bron Tolcher and Penny Warren. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Don’t forget this Friday night we are hosting our Barefoot Bowls. We had a great crowd last fortnight so we would love to see you come along and enjoy the night.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Competition Games Kick Off At Proserpine Bowls BOWLS

Players were lucky to get a break in the weather for Wednesday’s Social Bowls and Saturday for the beginning of the Men’s Competition for 2024.

On Wednesday with all the rain prior, we had 5 players for Social Bowls. Heather Brown played double lead. Heather, Dale Haack and Sandy Daffara defeated Heather, Philip Brown and Peter Lawton 22 - 14. There were no Social Bowls played on Sunday due to heavy rain on Sunday morning.

On Saturday in Club Championship Singles Luchie Gardel defeated Jonathan Bye 25 – 14. Shane Kinnear defeated Stephen Summers 25-1. Peter Lawton defeated

Gavin Noonan 27-18. Barry Saroglia defeated Vince Olsen 25-16. In Club Championship Fours, Shane Kinnear, Todd Leys, Scott Hamilton and Gavin Milne defeated Bruce Uhe, Vince Olsen, Barry Zillmann and Dale Haack 25 - 11. In “B” Singles, Peter Lawton defeated Kendall Watts 2515. The game of Club Championship Singles between David Ling and Andrew Bell against Bryan Davy and Luchie Gardel was suspended after one end played when one of the players got an urgent recall to work. That game will be completed by mutual agreement at the earliest opportunity.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club.

The 16 teams that participated in the Ladies Fours Tournament

Collinsville and Wangaratta Men’s Local Pennant Teams who played on Saturday at Wangaratta. Photo supplied

New PB’s and Club Records at Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club

SWIMMING

The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club hosted a very successful Club Championships with 48 swimmers participating. The coaches Ken Crittenden, Rylee Erickson, Shay Wilmot, and Mark Erickson were very impressed with all the swimmers. Three swimmers set new club records and just about every swimmer achieved at least one personal best time. Some age groups were very competitive, so it wasn’t easy to win a ribbon. The coaches would like to commend all the swimmers on their team spirit and sportsmanship.

Congratulations to Eloise Chegwidden (8 years), Lucas Korosec (7 years) and Jacob Bell (17 years) for setting new Club Records!

Top performers winning 4 or 5 of their 5 individual events: Jacob Bell, Tiana Bell, Eloise Chegwidden, Jax Clayworth, Tora Delac, Charlie Doherty, Miller Eaves, Thomas Ganter, Indigo Harland, Remy Hedges, Ehsan Helou, Lucas Korosec, Isabella Pisaniello, Andie Reynolds, and Levi Smith.

Top performers achieving PBs in 4 or 5 of their events: Harris Delac, Don Algie, Zane Clayworth, Declan Dichiera, Evie

Family and Friends are respectfully advised of Dilys's passing. Her Funeral Service was held on Wednesday the 20th of March, 2024 at Whitsunday Funerals Chapel, Bowen. Followed by Private Cremation.

IN

11

Family And Friends are respectfully invited to attend a celebration of John's life to be held on Saturday the 13th of April, 2024 at the Collinsville Workers Club, 17/19 Railway Road, Collinsville. Commencing at 2:00pm. A

Doherty, Koa Harland, Ruby Harland, Jasper Korosec, Gracie Laguna, Pippa Laguna, Lily Maher, Noah Maltby, Abi Maher, Matilda Nicholes, Celeste Orenshaw, Isaac Pisaniello, Dylan Reynolds, Isabella Pisaniello, Lincoln Russell, Addie Sanders, Indi Smith, Levi Smith, Alex Trefz and Zach Trefz.

Massive PBs achieved in medleys: In the 200m IM, Addie Sanders swam 33 second PB, Harris Delac swam 28.51 second PB and Jasper Korosec swam a 18.43 second PB. In the 100m IM, Indigo Harland swam a massive 45.75 second PB and her sister Koa swam a 13.92 second PB. Lily Maher swam an incredible 100m Butterfly in 1.43.93, a 22.49 second PB.

Young Cannons swam very well in the 7 years and under: Harry Chegwidden, Bonnie Crichton, Gracie Crichton, Leo Mulliss, Jax Eaves, Indigo Harland, and Lucas Korosec.

Congratulations to all the Cannons on their outstanding achievements this week! Thank you very much to all the wonderful parents for their continued support!

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

WHO ARE WE?

As a locally-owned and operated Funeral Home, we take pride in serving the Bowen community with the highest level of care, and attention to detail.

FUNERAL HOME FEATURES Burial, Cremation or The Gentle Way

Experienced Funeral

WHITSUNDAY FUNERALS & CREMATORIUM

55 WEST STREET, BOWEN 07 4786 1015 | bowen@wfcs.com.au | whitsundayfunerals.com.au

INVITING ALL SPORTING GROUPS, SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Would you like to see your sports team in the paper?

Matches and Tournaments

Matches and Tournaments

Game Results

Game Results

Team Achievements and Successes

Team Achievements and Successes Player profiles/interviews

Player Profiles & Interviews

WHAT’S THE CATCH?

Simply submit a 250 word report (or bullet points/highlights)

We need a photo too (image quality needs to be nice and clear)

All reports need to be received by 11am Monday

If you are a first time contributor please let us know the week before

Do you have a star player or a recent achiever?

Contact us to include a sportsperson profile in the paper

Send all enquiries or submissions to rachael@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com or call 0417267373

Date:

TAKE

(d)

(e)

RP

RP

RP

RP

Title Reference: 18821028 | Area: 1,012 m²

Situated at 23 Belmore Street Collinsville 4804 in the State of Queensland

Please

Fly

Into

Your Whitsundays Lifestyle

The Whitsunday lifestyle is something very special and the past 12 month has reinforced this. Imagine having your own Hanger Home in the beautiful Whitsundays which you can escape to whenever you want for whatever reason. Now available is a level, generous 1,004 sqm block on which to build your own Hangar Home! Well positioned to watch the planes take off and land from your balcony.

The Whitsunday Aviation Village Estate is located at the Whitsunday Airport with Airlie Beach town centre

only a few minutes driveaway. The village also offers a café and bar to enjoy plus all the aircraft refuelling and maintenance facilities that you would require. The Whitsundays is blessed with 74 magnificent tropical islands right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Visually it is stunning and the perfect aviation playground.

Priced to sell at $365,000 this is your chance to escape to the Whitsundays.

FOR SALE: $365,000

Lot 20, 12 Air Whitsunday Road, Flametree

CONTACT: Rob Taylor 0428 466 124 rob@taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au

CONTACT: Alex Swan 0432 328 196 alex@taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au

OPEN HOME: Saturday: 11:30am - 12:00pm

FOR

8

CONTACT: Rob Taylor 0428 466

CONTACT:

and the foreshore of Airlie Beach.

Take the first step towards coastal living at its finest – enquire now and join us for an onsite meeting today!

Step into the coastal lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of in the heart of the breathtaking Whitsundays! Nestled in a gated neighbourhood, this charming home haven beckons with its seamless open-plan living that is perfect for laid-back gatherings while enjoying the weekends. High ceilings with a stylish kitchen, gentle sea breezes flowing throughout or experience air conditioning in every corner of the home for those testing summer days.

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Explore the pinnacle of space and adaptability in this remarkable home. Boasting a vast open-plan layout, a sheltered deck, and an additional media room, it promises to leave a lasting impression.

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Centre Of Town Unit – Excellent Returns

AUCTION:

TAYLORS

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CONTACT: Brad Sobott 0411 236 507 brad@taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au

424

BED BATH CAR

FOR SALE: $759,000

1 Jonquill Court, Cannonvale

CONTACT: Sarah Nutley 0484 895 217

Portside Whitsunday Apartments offers executive-style accommodation situated in the vibrant heart of Airlie Beach. Its central access point is unparallel whilst the complex also provides panoramic views of the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands for those choosing to reside inhouse during their stay.

This fully self-contained two-bedroom two-bathroom apartment is immaculate in its presentation offering a 4.5-star experience. Enjoy the expansive courtyard, a perfect setting for al fresco gatherings, commanding awe-inspiring vistas of the Port of Airlie. Sip on a sunset drink as you soak in the unrivalled beauty that surrounds you.

FOR SALE: From $550,000

5/406 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach

CONTACT: Melinda Butcher 0400 773 478

melinda@taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au

221Y

BED BATH CARPOOL

6.00 Rage. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast.

9.00 Rage. 12.00 News. 12.30 Death In Paradise. (M) 1.30 Miniseries: Life After Life. (M) 2.35 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG) 3.05

Extraordinary Escapes. (PG) 3.55

Universe With Brian Cox. 4.55 Better

Date Than Never. 5.25 Landline. 5.55

Australian Story. 6.30 Back Roads.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Miniseries: Life After Life. (M)

8.30 Endeavour. (M) Part 2 of 3. 10.00 House Of Gods. (M)

11.00 Happy Valley. (M) 12.00 Rage. (MA15+) 5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00

Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30

World This Week. 11.00 Compass. 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. 2.30 Dream Gardens. 3.00 Nigella Bites. 3.30 Cook And The Chef. 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. 4.45 Extraordinary Escapes. 5.30 The ABC Of... 6.00 Brush With Fame. 6.30 Compass. 7.00 News. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.30 House Of Gods. 9.30 Happy Valley. 10.30 MOVIE: Suffragette. (2015) 12.15 Significant Others. 1.05 Rage Vault. 4.00 Catalyst. 5.00 Insiders.

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Landline. 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. 12.00 News. 1.00 Australia

Remastered. 2.00 Parliament. 3.00

Cook And The Chef. 3.25 Tenable.

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. 5.10 Grand Designs. 6.00 Back Roads. 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG) 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30.

8.00 Australian Story.

8.30 Four Corners.

9.05 Media Watch. (PG) 9.20 Q+A. 10.35 News. 10.50 The Business. 11.05 The Weekly. 11.35 Planet America. 12.10 Grand Designs. 1.00 Parliament. 2.00 Tenable. 2.45 Rage. (MA15+) 4.30 Catalyst. 5.30 7.30.

Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News.

7.30 The Good Ship Murder. 8.25

Treasures Of Gibraltar. 9.20 Queens

That Changed The World. 10.15 SBS News. 10.45 Departure. 11.35 Devils. 12.30 Devils. 2.25 Devils. 3.20 Devils.

4.15 Bamay. 4.40 Late Programs.

6.00 WorldWatch. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Gymnastics. Trampoline World Cup. Highlights. 3.00 Destination Flavour China

Bitesize. 3.10 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. 5.00 Grand

Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. 5.35

The American Fuhrer. 6.30 News.

7.30 Britain’s Most Beautiful Road.

8.30 Royal Crisis: Countdown To Abdication. 9.30 From Paris To Rome With Bettany Hughes. 10.25

Those Who Stayed. 11.05 Between Two Worlds. 12.00 Suspect. 12.25

Suspect. 12.50 Suspect. 1.20 Late Programs.

6.00 WorldWatch. 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbike Championship. Round 2. Highlights. 4.00 Motor Racing. World RallyRaid Championship. Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Highlights. 5.00 Wonders Of Scotland. 5.30 Harbour From The Holocaust. 6.30 News. 7.30 Unlocking The Secrets Of The Nazca Lines. 8.20 Bettany Hughes: Treasures Of Cyprus. 9.15 A Year From Space. 10.35 Latest Secrets Of The Hieroglyphs. 11.35 Beyond The Cut. 11.40 Late Programs.

6.00 WorldWatch. 12.10 WorldWatch.

2.00 Druids: The Mystery Of Celtic Priests. 3.00 Mastermind Aust. 3.30

The Point: Road To Referendum

History Bites. 3.35 Destination

Flavour China Bitesize. 3.45 The Cook Up. 4.15 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. 5.05 Jeopardy!

5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00

Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30

Finding Your Roots. 8.30 The 2010s.

9.20 24 Hours In Emergency. 10.15

SBS News. 10.45 Christian. 11.35

Darkness: Those Who Kill. 12.30

Darkness: Those Who Kill. 1.25 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 11.30 News. 12.00 MOVIE: The Perfect Parents. (2017) 2.00 House Of Wellness. (PG) 3.00 The Chase.

4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Aust.

6.00 Seven Local News.

6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.

8.30 MOVIE: Maid In Manhattan. (2002) (PG) Jennifer Lopez, Ralph Fiennes, Natasha Richardson.

10.45 MOVIE: Argo. (2012) (M)

1.15 The Arrangement. (M) 2.30 Shopping. 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. 5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. 11.30 Horse Racing. Golden Slipper Day and William Reid Stakes Day. 5.00 News. 5.30 Creek To Coast. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG)

7.30 MOVIE: Oblivion. (2013) (M) 10.05 MOVIE: Passengers. (2016) (M)

12.35 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 2. Melbourne SuperSprint. Day 1. Highlights. 1.35 Medical Emergency. (PG) 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 Get Clever. 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. 12.00 Football. AFL. Round 2. Western Bulldogs v Gold Coast Suns. 3.00 Jabba’s Movies. 3.30 Border Security. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 News. 5.30 Weekender. 6.00 News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PG) 8.30 Lockerbie. (PG) 10.50 Quantum Leap. (M) 11.50 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 2. Melbourne SuperSprint. Day 2. Highlights. 12.50

MOVIE: Jesse Stone: Sea Change. (2007) 3.00 Shopping. 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 11.30 News. 12.00 To Be Advised. 1.30 Surveillance Oz. (PG) 2.00 The Chase. 4.00 News.

5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Australian Idol. (PG)

9.00 The Irrational. (M) Alec takes a case involving a burn victim.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: The Story Of Love. (2022) 2.00 Pointless.

3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 News. 6.00 9News.

7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 3. Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs.

8.55 Golden Point.

9.45 MOVIE: The Infiltrator. (2016) (MA15+) 12.10 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (M) 1.10 Tipping Point. (PG) 2.05 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Postcards. 4.30 Global Shop. 5.00 TV Shop. 5.30 Skippy.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Ageless. 1.30 Living On The Coast.

2.00 Great Australian Detour. 2.30

David Attenborough’s Dynasties

II. 3.30 Renovate Or Rebuild. 4.30 Garden Gurus. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACA. 7.30 Space

Invaders. 8.30 MOVIE: Hitman’s

Wife’s Bodyguard. (2021) 10.45

MOVIE: Sleepless. (2017) 12.35 Renovate Or Rebuild. 1.35 Garden Gurus. 2.00 The Incredible Journey.

2.30 Getaway. 3.00 TV Shop. 4.30

Global Shop. 5.00 TV Shop. 5.30 Helping Hands.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Wide

World Of Sports. 11.00 NRL Sunday

Footy Show. 1.00 Fish Forever. 1.30 Drive TV. 2.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 3. Parramatta Eels v Manly Sea Eagles. 5.00 News. 5.30 My Way.

6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Married

At First Sight. 8.40 60 Minutes.

9.40 9News Late. 10.10 The First 48. 11.10 Transplant. 12.00 Family Law. 1.00 World’s Greatest Engineering

Icons. 2.00 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. 4.30 Fishing Aust. 5.00 9News Early. 5.30 Today.

6.00

No

Deal. 6.30 The Project.

7.30 Ready Steady Cook.

8.30 The Graham Norton Show.

9.40 The Graham Norton Show. (M)

10.50 Albert Park All Access. 11.50

The Project. 12.50 Fire Country. (M)

1.40 Stephen Colbert. (PG) 2.30 Shopping.

6.00 What’s Up Down Under. 6.30

Leading The Way. 7.00 Camper

Deals. 7.30 Escape Fishing. 8.00

Albert Park All Access. 9.00

Motor Racing. Formula 1. Round 3.

Australian Grand Prix. Day 2. 4.30

Everyday Gourmet. 5.00 News.

6.00 Ready Steady Cook.

7.00 The Dog House Australia. (PG)

8.10 The Dog House. (PG)

9.10 Ambulance Australia. (M) NSW Ambulance delivers a baby.

10.10 Ambulance UK. (M)

11.25 So Help Me Todd. (PG) 12.20

FBI: International. (M) 1.00 Home Shopping. 5.00 Hour Of Power.

6.00 Mass. 6.30 Key Of David. (PG)

7.00 Tomorrow’s World. (PG) 7.30 Motor Racing. Formula 1. Round 3. Australian Grand Prix. Day 3. 4.00

Good Chef Bad Chef. 4.30 Bondi

Rescue. (PG) 5.00 10 News First.

6.30 The Sunday Project.

7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PG) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin.

9.30 NCIS: Hawai’i. (M) A US Navy seaman is involved in a murder.

11.30 The Sunday Project.

12.30 Home Shopping. 4.30 CBS Mornings.

7.30pm Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

8.00 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R)

8.30 Movie: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2. (2012) (M, R) Kristen Stewart.

11.25 Movie: Pan’s Labyrinth. (2006) (MA15+, R)

1.20am Would I Lie To You? (R)

1.55 QI. (M, R)

7.30pm Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

8.00 QI. (M, R)

8.30 Live At The Apollo. (M, R)

9.15 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (PG)

10.05 Shaun Micallef’s

MAD AS HELL. (M, R)

10.35 MythBusters. (PG, R)

11.25 Double Parked. (M, R)

11.50 Portlandia. (M, R)

7.30pm Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

8.00 QI. (PG, R)

8.30 Louis Theroux:

America’s Most Dangerous Pets. (M, R)

9.30 You Can’t Ask That. (M, R)

10.00 Ragdoll. (MA15+, R)

10.50 Death In Paradise. (PG, R)

11.50 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. (PG, R)

7.30pm Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

8.00 Would I Lie To You? (R)

8.30 MythBusters. (PG)

9.20 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. (R)

10.10 Louis Theroux: By Reason Of Insanity. (M, R)

11.10 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R)

11.40 QI. (M, R)

7.30pm

8.00

8.30

10.50

7.30pm Spicks And Specks. (PG,

8.00

8.30

10.20

11.05

11.40

7.30pm

8.00

8.30

9.00 Gruen. (PG, R)

9.40 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R)

10.10 Penn & Teller: Fool

10.55

11.15 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt.

7.30 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. (PG, R)

8.30 Escape To The Country.

12.30 House Calls To The Rescue. (R)

6.00pm Heathrow. (PG, R)

6.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (PG, R)

8.30 Escape To The Country.

11.30 The Yorkshire Vet In Autumn. (PG, R)

12.30 Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages. (PG, R) 1.30 Escape To The Country. (R)

6.00pm Imagine Holidays Iconic Rail Journeys. (PG)

6.30 Kath & Kim. (PG, R)

7.05 The Vicar Of Dibley. (PG, R)

8.35 Vera. (M, R)

10.35 Hornby: A Model Empire. (PG, R)

11.35 The Vicar Of Dibley. (PG, R)

1.05 I Escaped To The Country. (R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt.

7.30 Doc Martin. (PG, R)

8.30 Foyle’s War. (M, R)

10.45 Railroad Australia. (PG, R)

11.45 Doc Martin. (PG, R)

12.45 Foyle’s War. (M, R)

6.00pm AFL: Friday Night Countdown.

6.20 Football. AFL. Round 2. Adelaide v Geelong.

9.30 AFL Post-Game Show.

10.15 Armchair Experts. (M)

11.00 Get On Extra.

11.30 Movie: The Kingdom. (2007) (MA15+, R)

6.00pm Football. AFL. Round 2. Sydney v Essendon.

9.30 AFL Post-Game Show.

10.00 Movie: The Commuter. (2018) (M, R) Liam Neeson, Vera Farmiga.

12.10 Chuck Norris’s Epic Guide To Military Vehicles. (M, R)

1.10 The Lost Corvette. (PG, R)

6.00pm Border Security USA. (PG, R)

6.30 Border Security USA. (PG, R)

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

8.30 Movie: Logan. (2017) (MA15+, R) Hugh Jackman, Dafne Keen, Patrick Stewart.

11.20 Movie: Zero Dark Thirty. (2012) (M, R)

5.30pm American Pickers. (PG, R)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. (PG, R)

8.30 Adventure Gold Diggers. (PG, R)

9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. (M, R)

10.30 Deep Water Salvage. (PG)

11.30 Ax Men. (M)

12.30 American Restoration. (PG, R)

5.30pm American Pickers. (PG, R) 6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

11.30 Barrett-Jackson: Revved Up. (PG)

(R) 1.00 The Hotel Inspector. (PG, R)

12.30 American Restoration. (PG, R) 1.00 American Pickers. (PG, R) 2.00 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

5.30pm American Pickers. (PG, R) 6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R) 7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG, R)

8.30 The Force: Behind The Line. (PG, R)

9.30 Highway Cops. (PG, R)

10.30 Busted In Bangkok. (M, R)

11.30 Nature Gone Wild. (PG)

5.30pm Yorkshire Auction House. (R)

6.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 3. Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 David Attenborough’s Dynasties II. (PG)

8.40 Movie: The Hitman’s Bodyguard. (2017) (MA15+, R)

6.00pm Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 5. Western Force v Queensland Reds.

8.30 Super Rugby Pacific

Post-Match.

8.45 Movie: The Great Train Robbery. (1978) (PG, R) Sean Connery. 11.00 Memory Lane. (PG, R)

12.20 Movie: Nickelodeon. (1976) (PG, R)

4.00pm Movie: The Horse Soldiers. (1959) (G, R)

6.30 M*A*S*H. (PG, R)

8.30 Movie: The Dead Pool. (1988) (M, R) Clint Eastwood, Patricia Clarkson, Liam Neeson.

10.30 Movie: Cold Sweat. (1970) (M, R) Charles Bronson.

12.25 Movie: The Great St Trinian’s Train Robbery. (1966) (G, R)

5.30pm Yorkshire Auction House. (R)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30 Death In Paradise. (M, R)

8.40 The Madame Blanc Mysteries. (M)

10.40 Whitstable Pearl. (M)

11.40 Footy Classified. (M)

12.40 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.30pm Yorkshire Auction House. (R)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30 New Tricks. (M, R)

8.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. (PG, R)

10.40 The Killer Nanny: Did She Do It? (M, R)

11.40 Madam Secretary. (M, R)

12.40 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.30pm Yorkshire Auction House. (R)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30 As Time Goes By. (PG, R)

8.40 Midsomer Murders. (M, R)

10.40 Forensics: Catching The Killer. (MA15+)

11.40 Footy Classified. (M)

Community News

March22–28

ABCTVPLUS7TWO7MATE9GEM10BOLD10PEACHSBSVICELAND

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)

6.30 JAG. (PG, R)

7.30 Bull. (M, R)

8.30 NCIS. (M, R)

9.25 NCIS: Hawai’i. (M, R)

11.15 Bull. (M, R)

12.15 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R)

6.30 Basketball. NBL Finals. Championship Series. Tasmania JackJumpers v Melbourne United.

Game 2.

8.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

9.30 Two And A Half Men. (M, R)

11.00 Frasier. (PG, R)

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)

6.30 JAG. (PG, R)

7.30 Bull. (M, R)

8.30 NCIS. (M, R)

9.25 NCIS: Los Angeles. (M, R)

11.15 Bull. (M, R)

12.15 In The Dark. (M, R)

6.00pm The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

6.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

10.30 Friends. (PG, R)

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

1.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG, R)

5.50pm Alone: The Beast. (PG, R)

6.40 Jeopardy!

7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R)

8.30 Hoarders. (M, R)

9.25 Sex Tape Finland. (MA15+)

11.10 Queer Sports. (PG)

1.00 Future Man. (MA15+, R)

1.35 Inside Sex Work In New Zealand. (MA15+, R)

6.10pm Adam Eats The 80s. (PG, R)

6.30 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbike Championship. Round 2.

9.00 The Food That Built The World. (PG)

10.40 Better Things. (M)

11.30 We Are Who We Are. (MA15+, R)

12.40 New Zealand’s Deadly Drug Epidemic. (MA15+, R)

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)

6.30 JAG. (PG, R)

7.30 NCIS. (M, R)

12.15 Bull. (M, R)

6.00pm The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

6.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M, R)

10.00 South Park. (M, R)

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

1.30 Comedy Central Roast Of William Shatner. (MA15+, R)

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)

6.30 JAG. (PG, R)

7.30 Bull. (M, R)

8.30 NCIS. (M, R)

10.20 NCIS: Los Angeles. (M, R)

11.15 Evil. (M, R)

12.15 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG, R)

7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M, R)

10.00 Rules Of Engagement. (PG, R)

11.00 Frasier. (PG, R)

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

1.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG, R)

6.00pm TVNZ 1News At Six.

6.40 Ocean Wreck Investigation. (PG)

7.35 Abandoned Engineering: The Drop.

8.30 The Lost Colony Of Roanoke. (PG)

9.20 Australia’s Sleep Revolution. (PG, R)

10.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Volta a Catalunya. Stage 7.

12.25 La Jauria. (MA15+, R)

5.50pm Alone: The Beast. (PG, R)

6.40 Jeopardy!

7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R)

8.30 Taskmaster. (M, R)

9.25 Ten Year Old Tom. (M)

10.25 The Matchmakers. (PG, R)

11.25 Over The Black Dot. (R)

12.15 Scrubs. (M, R)

1.35 The Wrestlers. (M, R)

6.00pm Soccer. AFC 2026 World Cup Qualifier. Second round. Australia v Lebanon.

9.15 FBI. (M, R)

12.00 48 Hours. (M, R)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

2.00 Diagnosis Murder. (PG, R)

6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG, R)

7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (PG, R)

10.00 Rules Of Engagement. (PG, R)

11.00 Frasier. (PG, R)

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

1.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG, R)

5.50pm Alone: The Beast. (PG, R)

6.40 Jeopardy!

7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R)

8.30 Vikings: The Rise And Fall. (M)

9.25 Dark Side Of Comedy.

11.10 Count Abdulla.

11.35 The Investigation. (M, R)

12.30 Couples Therapy. (M, R)

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R) 6.30 JAG. (PG, R)

7.30 Bull. (PG, R) 8.30 NCIS. (M, R)

9.25 Hawaii Five-0. (M, R)

10.20

7.35

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R) 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. (M, R)

8.30 The Coroner. (M, R)

10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. (M, R)

11.30 Father Brown.

10.00

1.00

11.15 Movie: Miami Connection. (1987) (MA15+, R)

6.40 Jeopardy!

7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats

crossword

19

42 Embankment (4)

43 In cacophonous manner (7)

44 Bumper cars (7)

45 Starts (5)

47 Do without (6)

48 Unclothe (5)

50 South African city (6)

52 Previously common sailors’ disease (6)

53 Waterfall (8)

55 French Impressionist, Édouard – (5)

58 Species of wildcat (4)

59 In place (2,4)

61 Corrosion (4)

63 Blockage (10)

64 Single-celled animal (6)

66 Trick (4)

67 Court official (5)

68 Elaborate parade (7)

69 Adhesive (6)

70 Alluded to (10)

71 Sidestepping (7)

72 Occupant (6)

DOWN

2 A god in Greek mythology (6)

No. 189

3 An edible Japanese mushroom (8)

4 Plied the needle (5)

5 Australian animal (8)

6 Bears (6)

7 Commercial (6)

8 Slanted letters (7)

9 Railway vehicle (10)

10 Causing enthusiasm and eagerness (8)

16 Sun-dried brick (5)

17 Breathe out (6)

23 Common greeting question (3,3,3)

25 Greedy (9)

26 Intimate apparel (9)

29 Elevate (5)

30 Issue (5)

31 Festival, – Gras (5)

32 Designer (9)

33 Common timber size (3-2-4)

36 Visible features of an area (9)

39 Conclude (3,2)

40 Finished (5)

41 Transparent (5)

46 Language spoken in Brazil (10)

49 Roma is its capital (6)

51 'I don’t know' (coll) (5)

DOWN

52 Wizard (8)

54 Members of a trust (8)

2 A god in Greek mythology (6)

56 Relating to cultivated land (8)

57 Skilled worker (7)

59 Innate (6)

60 Flexible (6)

62 Oral (6)

21

22

24

3 An edible Japanese mushroom (8)

4 Plied the needle (5)

5 Australian animal (8)

6 Bears (6)

7 Commercial (6)

8 Slanted letters (7)

9 Railway vehicle (10)

65 Metric unit of length (5)

10 Causing enthusiasm and eagerness (8)

16 Sun-dried brick (5)

17 Breathe out (6)

23 Common greeting question (3,3,3)

47 Do without (6)

48 Unclothe (5)

50 South African city (6)

52 Previously common sailors’ disease (6)

53 Waterfall (8)

55 French Impressionist, Édouard – (5)

58 Species of wildcat (4)

59 In place (2,4)

61 Corrosion (4)

63 Blockage (10)

64 Single-celled animal (6)

66 Trick (4)

67 Court official (5)

68 Elaborate parade (7)

69