Whitsunday Life

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PAYING IT FORWARD ONE GROCERY SHOP AT A TIME

Hi Everyone,

I do love receiving letters from readers!

The good, the bad, the entertaining and the hilarious are all welcome!

I especially love receiving letters in response to an Editor’s note I have written – I guess this is because it’s proof that I am doing my job well – something I wrote resonated with someone else.

And that is all I aspire to achieve – to connect – for connecting with the community is at the core of everything we do.

This week a gift from 86-yearold resident, Jo Kane, was waiting for me in my inbox on Monday morning.

Inside was her latest poetry submission; the style and flavour of all her poems always makes me smile.

At the end of the email, Jo responded to the question that I asked you all last week – what can we do more to provide a better service to you?

Her feedback: how about ask-

ing your readers to submit their favourite humorous or philosophical sayings?

As a lover and collector of quotes for many years, I loved this suggestion. Sayings and quotes make you think, they open your mind up to new ideas, they change your perspective, they make you laugh.

Jo included a quote of her own, selected and inspired by her own life as a teacher.

It read: “Fifty years from now it won’t matter what kind of house you lived in, what sort of car you drove, or how much money you had in the bank. What will matter is the difference you made in the life of a child.”

I couldn’t agree more! Do you have a favourite quote or philosophical sentiment you’d like to share? Please send it in and we’ll publish it for all the community to enjoy.

It is not every day a stranger offers to pay for your groceries.

Definitely not for local mum of two and Social Worker, Tash Frew.

Coming from the hospital with her three-year-old and her two-year-old, one of which had just had their dislocated elbow from a trampoline accident relocated, the last thing she needed was for her phone to have no service, and not be able to pay for her groceries.

“I was just so overwhelmed,” Tash said.

The children were struggling and were messing around and not sitting still which was making the situation even more challenging.

That was until another local lady, Nicole Polley stepped into the checkout line behind Tash and began making silly faces at the kids, distracting them for Tash so she could focus on the

groceries.

“She was keeping them busy and happy,” said Tash.

It was a few minutes later, however, when Tash’s phone wouldn’t work to pay the supermarket bill, that Nicole did something truly amazing - she stepped forward and paid for the family shop.

“I offered to transfer her the money afterwards, but that timed out too!” said Tash.

“And then she said, ‘Nah, don’t worry about it’.”

In an already overwhelming week, Tash was blown away by the kindness.

“I cried all the way home.

“In my line of work, I am usually working to help people, not the one getting the help. “It was so beautiful. I am super grateful. And I will pay it forward when the time comes.”

Kindness from one local to another local. Photo: Shutterstock

New Citizens Welcomed

Over 500 people attended the third bi-annual Multicultural Festival at the Whitsunday PCYC over the weekend and the inclusion of a Citizenship Ceremony proved a welcome addition to this years’ itinerary.

Mayor Julie Hall officiated the ceremony which welcomed 38 new citizens to the community.

Deputy Mayor Gary Simpson and Councillor Clay Bauman were also in attendance.

During the ceremony each person received their official certificates and were gifted with a jar of traditional Aussie Vegemite. Afterwards everyone chanted “Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi!” to seal the deal.

Mayor Hall said it was exciting to officially swear in the new Australian citizens and then celebrate the vibrant tapestry of cultures that make our community so rich and diverse with the Multicultural Festival.

“Our Whitsunday community is made up of over 83 different ancestries with more than 6000 residents born overseas,” she said.

“The citizenship ceremony and festival are a testament to our community’s inclusiv-

ity and the deep respect we have for the diverse traditions, customs, and beliefs of our residents.”

Sergeant Billy Li from Whitsunday PCYC said he was thrilled to see so many people attend the Multicultural Festival and that it had been expanded to accommodate more stalls and activities.

“It was a really good turnout, and we used a lot more space this time, outside onto the footy field” he said.

“It was amazing to see people coming through and enjoying the space.”

By coincidence, the first Multicultural Festival Citizenship Ceremony held a special place in Sgt Li’s heart as his wife Sunny Hsu was awarded her citizenship on the day.

Boardwalk Blues

E-Scooters VS Pedestrians

Three weeks into the Airlie Beach boardwalk expansion and tensions are rising among regular users of the piece of infrastructure who say that insufficient signage has caused confusion and that they can foresee dangerous incidents arising between high-speed electric scooters and pedestrians when it re-opens.

In April, the boardwalk between Sorrento’s Restaurant and Bar and Coral Sea Marina Resort was closed for expansion works for six weeks to widen the pathway by one metre.

At this time many considered the signage to be “confusing and insufficient” in redirecting foot traffic around to Shute Harbour Road, the only other access point to Coral Sea Marina.

Mrs Hsu, who is originally from Taiwan, has been in the country for 10 years and the couple have a seven-year-old daughter.

“It means a lot to us,” said Sgt Li.

“We’ve been in the country a long time and it’s good to become a true Aussie!

“She’s totally adapted to the culture and is really enjoying living in the Whitsundays and being part of the small community.”

Dozens of tourists use this route each day to embark on various cruises and local resident, Sharon Smallwood, who is also a regular boardwalk user, said from her observations the situation “could have been better managed”.

She also states that, when it re-opens, it will “only be a matter of time before there is an accident” on the boardwalk involving motorised traffic and pedestrians.

Continued on page 6.

Mayor Julie Hall (centre) welcomes new citizens at a special ceremony held as part of the Multicultural Festival over the weekend. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Sergeant Billy Li from Whitsunday PCYC with his wife Sunny Hsu, who was awarded citizenship on Sunday, and their seven-year-old daughter. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Traffic Management Needed For Boardwalk

“Council have good intent, but I don’t think it’s going to have the desired outcome unless they have better traffic management,” she said.

“This was already a place where motorised, wheeled devices could converge into heavy pedestrian traffic, and if it is not managed properly, I fear the expansion of the boardwalk will only make that situation worse.

“There are other areas in Australia where [motorised vehicles] are banned for this reason yet here I’ve seen near collisions on our boardwalk, some involving young children.

“What’s particularly frightening is how silent some of these scooters can be – so you don’t hear them coming – and the significant speeds they can reach.”

Coral Sea Marina say that while the new boardwalk will be a positive addition to the community, it is imperative appropriate shared usage is addressed and speed deterrents are implanted in advance of its re-opening.

“Our concerns are related to the shared usage of the boardwalk between pedestrians, cyclists and users of motorised devices - not just in this particular area but throughout the entire span of the boardwalk,” said Kate Purdie, Chief Executive Officer, Coral Sea Marina.

“The former timber boardwalk between

Coral Sea Resort and Sorrento’s was a speed deterrent due to the nature of the timber and the fact that it was narrow.

“When it is re-opened, the increased width and improved material will enable users to travel at higher speeds just as they enter the high pedestrian traffic area of the north marina village.

“The biggest bottleneck will be where the boardwalk at Sorrento’s leads into the north marina village which is full of tourists preparing for daytrips, charter boat guests provisioning vessels and a large number of pedestrians.

“It is imperative that the local community, and visiting tourists, are made acutely aware that this widened boardwalk ends abruptly in an area of high foot traffic.”

Last year Coral Sea Marina introduced a Pedestrian Only campaign throughout the marina precinct, asking users to “Get off your wheels and on your heels” so they can transit these high use areas safely.

“We hope all users of this shared pathway will recognise the importance of this for their own safety and the safety of others,” said Kate.

Whitsunday Regional Council’s Director Infrastructure Services Adam Hagy said the boardwalk upgrade and widening was built to allow safer traffic flow in a shared area.

“The expectation is that, as with any public shared walkway or footpath, users would be courteous to others.”

“The boardwalk is no different to any other shared public walkway or footpath, the issue is not the boardwalk but the safe use of the electric scooters.

“Council has ordered signage that will

encourage users to slow down however local contractors are experiencing delays so these will be installed as soon as possible.”

PROSERPINE MILL UPDATE

Major repairs for mud filters

Wilmar Sugar is carrying out major repairs to all three mud filters at Proserpine Mill to improve reliability, rate and recovery at this key stage of the sugar manufacturing process.

The work addresses failures experienced during the 2022 crush and aims to shore up reliability for the 2023 crush and future seasons.

Mud filter 1 is getting a new agitator to replace the existing one that had reached end of life. New stainless steel radial spokes are being installed on both ends of the filter, and the vacuum head is undergoing extensive repairs.

Mud filter 2, which was installed ahead of the 2022 crush, is getting a new agitator under warranty.

Mud filter 3 is getting new agitator arms, as well as new radial spokes on the southern end of the filter.

The mud filter station repairs are being coordinated by Wilmar Sugar’s Reliability Engineer Process House Andrew Zammit and Process House Work Coordinator Nick Watson. Key contractors working on site are Jord, Melco Engineering and Richglen Maintenance Services.

All works are scheduled to be delivered ahead of the 2023 crushing season.

Special thanks to Wilmar’s process house employees for their dedication and hard work throughout the 2022 crush and 2023 maintenance season.

We would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Andrew McLennan and the team from Melco, and Ari Thomas and the team from Richglen.

Wilmar Sugar Work Coordinator Nick Watson (left) and General Mill Worker Lachlan Ward (right) inspect mud filter 2, which is getting a new agitator ahead of the 2023 crush.

The boardwalk between Sorrento’s and Coral Sea Resort is under construction and when it re-opens there are fears its broader width will become dangerous due to speedy scooters. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

The new signage that Whitsunday Regional Council will soon place at the entrance to the expanded boardwalk. Photo provided

Be Kinder This b kinder day

This June 22, celebrate empathy, connection, and kindness and with fifth annual b kinder day.

b kinder day is built on the foundations laid out by a driven 12-yearold girl, who tragically passed away in an accident in May 2016.

Inspired by the passions and dreams of 12-year-old Billie Kinder, b kinder day is a day dedicated to connection and reconnection, of inclusivity, of respect, and of kindness.

In our region, seven local schools have signed up to the initiative, commemorating Billie’s passions and spreading kindness locally.

b kinder day will have students pen cards of kindness and love to someone they care about, either writing or drawing how they feel.

Since 2016, 80,000 b kinder cards have been sent around the world, spreading kindness from the heart of Australian schools.

Schools are also encouraged to participate in other avenues to spread kindness, in-

cluding visiting nursing homes, planting sunflowers, and passing toys of kindness. The seven local schools that have signed up to the b kinder foundation will also establish a student leadership team that oversees the day, as well as creates a kindness space within the school.

Each school will foster a kindness recognition initiative to continuously feed kindness back into campus, and share the values of the b kinder foundation into the community.

Local businesses are also encouraged to sign up for the day, pen their own kindness cards with staff or customers and spread kindness in their own networks.

WHAT: b kinder day

WHEN: June 22

REGISTER: bkinderfoundation.org

Have A Whale Of A Time!

At This Years’ Great Barrier Reef Festival

Exciting new plans are on their way for the next instalment of the Cruise Whitsundays’ Great Barrier Reef Festival which is due to take place in August.

The mammoth four-day festival, from Thursday August 3 to Sunday August 6, has a jampacked program of events and experiences, sure to impress locals and visitors alike.

This years’ theme of Whales reinforces the festival’s ideals of creating both a fun and educational event that features environment-based learning workshops and interactive eco-education platforms, carnival-style attractions, art, food, live music, fireworks and more.

The theme is especially significant as The Whitsundays has been named a Candidate Whale Heritage Site by the World Cetacean Alliance.

Many of the Festival events will centre on Humpback Whales, as thousands of humpbacks make their annual migration to The Whitsundays.

Great Barrier Reef Festival Chair, Margie Murphy, said that she is excited to be bringing another action-packed Reef Festival to take over Airlie Beach again this year.

“This is a truly inclusive event, and we en-

courage the whole community to get involved,” she said.

A key component to the event this year will be an immersive, educational full-day cruise to Hardy Reef with Cruise Whitsundays which will be hosted by 10 Master Reef Guides on Saturday, August 5. Hosting this event allows event sponsors, Cruise Whitsundays, to promote education and eco-tourism.

Renee Branton-Brown, Sales and Marketing Manager of Cruise Whitsundays said that Cruise Whitsundays takes its role of reef custodians very seriously.

“We are ecstatic to host our award-winning Great Barrier Reef Experience alongside the largest cohort of Master Reef Guides for the festival this year,” she said. “Reef education is imperative for everyone to understand the important role we all play in protecting this natural wonder.

Rick Hamilton, CEO of Tourism Whitsundays said, “The Whitsundays is the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, and this event is when the whole community gets together to celebrate that.”

WHAT: Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival

WHEN: August 3 - 6

WHERE: Across Airlie Beach

b kinder day celebrates spreading kindness in communities and around the world. Photo supplied

Popular festival celebrating the Great Barrier Reef has been scheduled for 2023. Photo supplied

Local Landmarks Up For Awards

The upcoming Australian Institute of Architects National Architecture Awards for Regional Queensland have two local buildings in the running for awards.

The Hutchinson Builders construction, Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC), has been nominated into the Project Award Public Architecture, because of the complex’s impact on Proserpine’s community.

The PEC underwent a complete rebuild following Cyclone Debbie in 2017, when the building was damaged beyond repair.

The new complex includes a multipurpose auditorium and stage which has since showcased many travelling theatre performances, a new cinema screen, art installations, outdoor performance area, and an upgrade to the Cenotaph.

The second local attraction to be nominated is the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. Similar to the PEC, the previous Shute Harbour Marine Terminal was extensively damaged in Cyclone Debbie.

The construction of the new terminal utilised salvaged timber from the old site, and the cost of construction was $63.6 million

Local Creatives For Community Art Workshops

in total.

The new complex includes a rebuilt seawall which is higher than the previous by one metre and more resilient against storm surges.

There is also a brand-new terminal, three finger pontoons and carparking, with a restaurant, function centre, retail space and a recreational fishing jetty.

The Shute Harbour Marine Terminal was nominated in the Public Architecture category due to the complex’s promotion of tourism and recreation.

Correction: Luke Gilbert Story Retraction

Last week this newspaper published a story on a memorial service that took place in Airlie Beach to mark what would have been Luke Gilbert’s 25th birthday.

Luke sadly passed away during a police shooting in October last year.

Since then, his devastated family have been campaigning for an independent inquiry into the incident which they believe to be the result of excessive police force.

Last week this paper stated that the inquiry was already going ahead, but this was inaccurate.

There is an inquest due to take place in August which the family hope will pave the

way for an independent inquiry.

In last week’s article, this newspaper incorrectly stated that Luke drew a 4cm penknife from his pocket.

Please note, that the knife allegedly had a 7cm blade and he unclipped it from his belt when the police asked him what he had.

The family assert that he did not threaten police with the knife and that they were allegedly backing away when he was shot.

They also state that no CCTV footage has been released, it was phone recordings that documented the event.

This newspaper was told by one of the peo-

ple attending the memorial that they had seen the CCTV footage, but that information was inaccurate.

The newspaper article also stated that the family acknowledge that Luke’s behaviour in saying “shoot me then, faggots” was ‘disgraceful’. They did not say this.

“As a family we have never said Luke’s behaviour was disgraceful,” said mum, Nicola Gilbert.

“We do not agree that it was. He was highly intoxicated and it’s fair to say he should not have taken the knife off his belt but we do not believe that doing so warrants being killed.”

Learn the fundamentals of art, design, and community collaboration in these 101 workshops for all makers, DIY-ers, creatives, and artists.

Designed for members of the community who wish for growth in community connection and relationships, these workshops will provide creative ideas to foster connection through art and artistic projects. In these one-day only workshops, attendees will begin with a session on planning and curating a community arts event.

In the afternoon, attendees will test their creatives skills with a hands-on lantern making workshop, hosted by Lalune Croker.

Attendees will also enjoy a digital animation workshop, with international exhibited Donna Maree Robinson.

WHAT: Animate a Space

WHERE: Bowen PCYC

WHEN: Saturday May 27

TIME: 10am – 5pm

REGISTER: Eventbrite.com.au

COST: Free plus lunch provided

WHAT: Animate a Space

WHERE: Proserpine Community Markets

WHEN: Sunday May 28

TIME: 9.30am – 4.30pm

REGISTER: Eventbrite.com.au

COST: Free plus lunch provided

In which third world squalid slum were these street scapes photographed?

In which third world squalid slum were these street scapes photographed?

Port Moresby?

Port Moresby?

Port-au-Prince? Harare?

Port-au-Prince? Harare?

Addis Ababa? Monrovia?

Addis Ababa? Monrovia?

NONE OF THE ABOVE

NONE OF THE ABOVE

It’s our own Main Street

It’s our own Main Street

“I was doing everything”

Running Fanatic Of Airlie Beach

Havana Night With Tiny Homes Project

The recently announced Havana Party Night ‘Let’s do Latin’ fundraiser night for the Whitsunday Tiny Homes Project has another massive announcement for the event.

Kelly Ann Doll, Australian power burlesque dancer will be appearing as Carmen Miranda, the famous Brazilian singer, dancer, and actress who is renowned for her floral fruit headpieces and her signature outfits.

“Kelly is a swing dancing burlesque dynamo and you’re bound to be in for some exciting surprises in the final act,” said event organiser Sandy Clark.

“This will be something very different for Airlie Beach and we are thrilled that an artist of this calibre is flying in from Sydney and donating her time especially for this worthy cause of building four tiny homes for elderly homeless women in our community.”

Kelly is a formidable burlesque dancer and entertainer, having been voted in the Top 10 of the Most Influential Burlesque Artists in Australia by 21 Century Burlesque Magazine.

In conjunction with this fundraising event, Tiny Home Project volunteers have been visiting local businesses, asking for cash donations to fund the project.

The project was launched in October 2022 and is raising funds to construct four tiny homes for homeless women who are over 55-years old and live in the Whitsundays.

The tiny homes will be constructed on donated land from the Whitsunday Regional Council, on Gardenia Street in Proserpine.

The project has gained momentum, with the second fundraising event, held in February of this year, raising just over $17,000, and now Mayor Julie Hall has vowed to donate 50 per cent of proceeds gained from her Mayor’s Charity Ball, held in July.

WHAT: It’s Havana Party Night @ Let’s do Latin

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club Bali Hut

WHEN: June 8, 5pm – 10pm COST: $125 per person TICKETS: airlieevents.com.au

The absolute passion and drive that fuels Wendy Downes

OAM is clear, illuminating everything she does.

When Wendy and her husband John moved to Airlie Beach in 1998, she brought her passion for running, cycling, and competing with her.

However, Airlie Beach was sorely lacking in any runners or bikers.

“There was nothing here at all,” Wendy said.

“But once we started, it just started to build.”

Wendy was a “maniac runner”, competing in numerous Sydney City to Surfs, the Six Foot Track Marathons, the Royal Park Marathon, and the 1994 Duathlon World Championships, where she finished 4th.

“Running is a part of me,” she said.

“It feels like I’m floating.”

Wendy began the Whitsunday Running Club and championed the various running events of Airlie Beach, including the Airlie Beach Festival of Sport, the Whitsunday Trail Fest, Parkrun, and the Whitsunday Triathlon Club.

In more recent times, Wendy has moved onto being a Technical Official for various triathlons, including being involved in the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final on the Gold Coast in 2018.

In 2015, she was honoured with an Order of Australia, for her involvement in the Whitsundays and to recreational running.

And in 2018, Wendy carried the Queens Baton Relay through Airlie Beach.

“It felt good. Absolutely amazing,” Wendy said.

“Those two honours are really special to me.”

“When I look back, I would go back and do every single one again.”

Wendy expects that the 2023 Airlie Beach Triathlon, scheduled for July 29 and 30, to be the biggest one yet.

Mobile Breast Screen Van Visiting The Area

The mobile Breast Screen van will be making the rounds in the area from June 8, starting with Proserpine Hospital.

The Breast Screen initiative began in 1991 and has since detected 25,000 breast cancers through five million breast screens.

The free program is encouraged for all women over 40 years old.

Please note that this service is for a check-up only and not for women who have a concern or can feel a lump.

If you are worried about either of these, you need to book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.

Stop Clean

The level of treatment required can be massively reduced if cancer is caught early, so do not delay in speaking with your GP immediately if you are concerned.

All women over 40, who do not have a concern or change in their breast, are recommended to have a breast scan every two years.

The procedure includes scans of the breast tissue, which can detect growths or cancer cells that can not be felt or seen.

Two photos of each breast will be analysed by doctors and results sent to the patient.

It is common for some women to be recalled for a second screen at the

Mackay Breast Screen Centre.

This does not mean you have cancer; it simply means they wish to conduct a second screening, an ultrasound and possibly a biopsy.

In the majority of cases this still results in a cancer-free diagnosis.

The Breast Screen mobile van will be parking up in Proserpine and Cannonvale from June to August, to service local women.

The service is free and is minimally invasive, so be sure to make an appointment and get checked.

To make an appointment, ring 13 20 50 or visit breastscreen.qld.gov.au

The Breast Screen van will be at Prosperine Hospital on Herbert Street from Thursday June 8 to Saturday July 1.

The Breast Screen van will be at Whitsunday Plaza on Galbraith Park Road, Cannonvale from Monday July 3 to Thursday August 31.

Wendy Downes is a power marathon runner and avid community supporter. Photo supplied

National Sensation Kelly Ann Doll will be performing at the Havana party fundraiser. Photo supplied

Councillor Column

With Councillor John Collins

Iam pleased to provide an update on the progress of the Wilson’s Beach Swimming Enclosure.

As I’m sure many of you are aware, the enclosure was damaged during Tropical Cyclone Debbie and Council has been unsuccessfully out to tender three times in an attempt to have the enclosure rebuilt.

As a result, we are now taking a new approach to the refurbishment. Instead of going out to tender for the entire project, we will now be splitting the rebuild into a three-stage approach and seeking quotes for each stage of the project individually.

The three stages are:

1. Dismantling the current enclosure.

2. Purchase of materials directly by Council.

3. Building of the new enclosure. We have procured the services of a local contractor to complete stage one of the Wilson’s Beach Swimming Enclosure project.

Work is scheduled to commence in the next 4-6 weeks and residents can expect to see the vertical posts/poles remain as they are still in reasonable condition. The contractor will be using two entry points to dismantle the current enclosure and residents will be notified of these works once dates have been confirmed.

Council officers have already commenced seeking quotes for stage two and three of the project with stage two procurement process almost finalised and stage three not far behind!

I understand your frustrations with how long this process has taken, as I have been frustrated too. To the Wilsons Beach residents, thank you for your patience and support – we have fought together to get this far.

Since adopting a staged approach, I am thrilled to see significant progress and look forward to seeing the enclosure rebuilt soon. Keep an eye on my Facebook page for further updates!

Ahugely successful Vision for the Whitsundays launch event last week saw over 60 attendees from local businesses eager to hear the visionary perspectives from David Littleproud MP (federal leader of the National Party), Andrew Willcox MP (Federal Member for Dawson), Amanda Camm MP (Queensland Member for Whitsunday) and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall, all centred around driving economic growth and prosperity in our region.

Read more about the details presented on the evening on our Vision for the Whitsundays page of our website, which will be regularly updated as this project progresses.

It was clear that to help our political representatives advocate more effectively, we need to be coordinated in our ask as a business community.

The Chamber’s next networking event in Proserpine on 15th June will focus on discussing the priorities for the region – we will be asking for input in the interim, so feel free to contact the chamber to discuss.

Now is the time to join the Chamber and be part of this initiative.

New memberships to end of FY23 are free – jump onto our website and join up. Onto the budget, the Federal government announced some modest energy bill and tax relief for small business with key measures including increasing the instant asset write-off threshold to $20000 for 12 months, a rebate of up to $650 off electricity bill for eligible businesses and up to $20000 in bonus tax rebates per asset under the Small Business Energy Incentive scheme, to encourage businesses to install energy efficient appliances.

This week, representatives from the Chamber will meet with The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) with a view to establish a closer working relationship and getting the department to be more active in the region. The department’s primary purpose is to support the workforce with learning opportunities and by helping small businesses establish and thrive and is an invaluable resource for our local enterprises. Onwards and upwards for 2023.

What you put down your drain or flush down your toilet can negatively impact the environment and cause costly damage to our sewer network.

Grease and cooking oil should never be poured down the drain or in the toilet.

This is because it cannot be broken down effectively during the wastewater treatment process and can end up clogging up pipes and sewers.

Blocked sewer drains can cause sewage to surge up through sinks which can lead to a very messy clean-up. Instead, pour grease into a container, freeze it, and throw it away with your rubbish.

You can also scrape any hardened

grease directly into the bin. As well as the obvious items which many of us know not to flush (including nappies, sanitary items, paper towels etc), did you know we shouldn’t be flushing ‘flushable’ wipes either? Although they may be marketed as safe for sewer systems, these items lead to blockages and system failures as they do not break down like toilet paper does, which results in costly repairs for Council and the community.

For more infor mation, visit the Water and Sewerage pages on Council’s website.

Allan Milostic, President of the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce

it a task or person? Identify one thing you can do this week to address the pressure. Start small first, then see if you can work up to bigger actions.

imilar to spring cleaning our homes, a shift in life’s seasons calls for a freshen up of our personal lives, by shedding what no longer serves us.

S• Stop working harder to overcompensate: Step back and identify the easiest things you can do which will have the biggest impacts – work smarter.

Every moment is an opportunity to step into our greatness.

• Step back into your values: Ensure what you do, aligns with what you believe in.

The first step is to determine what a great life means to you and what needs to shift to make it happen.

Ask yourself:

• Turn off: Put down the tech and limit your exposure wherever possible, screens can drain huge amounts of your time and energy.

we take is an opportunity to step into our greatness and achieve success.

• Ask for feedback: Tell your manager you thrive with positive feedback.

The human factor means that we make mistakes and can be derailed from our original vision.

Ask A Financial Planner

Ask A Financial Planner

WHAT IS A FINANCIAL PLANNER?

• Seek help: Holding it in can worsen the effects of burnout. Identify a trusted supervisor or friend and speak to them about what you’re experiencing. Sometimes simply talking about your feelings can offer relief.

What is the greatness I am ready embrace?

What do I need to release to fully step into this greatness?

What’s thriving?

Take a look at what’s going well in your life.

• Set boundaries: Burnout can be overwhelming, so as you’re getting back on track set boundaries and commit to saying ‘no’.

• Find joy in everyday things you do: It might be helping a colleague, a good coffee in the sun, a podcast on a walk, planting sunflowers in your garden, or a regular catch up with a friend.

We can often be consumed by what isn’t thriving, particularly with negative news stories, the inadequacy we feel by consumerism and the comparison on social media, and the uncertainty of things outside ourselves.

Challenge yourself to focus on what is thriving in your life.

Through reframing, what seemed to you to be wrong may, in fact, be great when viewed through a different lens.

Turn your failures into opportunities for success

What does success mean to you?

Every choice we make and every action

• Take care of your health: Sleeping, eating, and exercising well are important for mental and physical wellbeing. In times of stress, it can be harder to keep these healthy habits but not tending to your health can compound the original stress and hold you back from recovering.

What’s important is having compassion for ourselves in these moments, and seeing obstacles or mistakes as opportunities to grow.

Honour your mistakes as stepping stones on your journey to greatness.

There are two main things a Financial Planner does, ‘Strategy Advice’ and ‘Product Advice’.

Upgrade your environment

“Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future” – Dan

Contributed with thanks to Judy Porter from SHIIFT

Pena

Examine the people in your life. Do they cause you to go beyond your comfort zone, or are they holding you in a chapter of your life that has/is coming to an end?

Surround yourself with people who align with the vision you have for yourself.

We can all build our best life through our daily choices and the willingness to push ourselves into the unknown.

Meet The Superior Re-Surfacing Specialists

aintaining your home in the harsh Whitsunday climate can be a challenge. Do you have cracks in your concrete? Has your paintwork faded? Is mould a problem? Could your home do with a touch-up?er-enduring finish.

The most important part of any job, however, is following the three fundamental steps of preparation, application and finish.

If so, it’s time to enlist the skills of Jonathan and Kathryn Pourau, who operate Superior House Painting Specialists and Superior Concrete Resurfacing.

Jonathan has over 25 years of experience in the industry, 13 years living in the Whitsundays.

He has completed Advanced Training with Dulux, Master Painters and Master Builders, waterproofing and rendering completes his skill set.

Kathryn is the Business Administration Manager and has 20 years of experience working in health and safety for construction.

Using only the best quality Dulux Acrylic Render, they can ensure cracks are given a long-lasting water-proof seal and weath-

“Our systems are designed to deliver a great result and finish that will last for years,” said Jonathan.

“Preparation is crucial. Shortcuts are a waste of time and money and will lead to failures such as cracking, fading or discolouration, peeling and flaking or mould.

Initial steps include carrying out repair work such as cut and fill as applicable.

“Acid etching and pressure cleaning creates greater adhesion for external surfaces. Further surface preparation includes priming, undercoating and sealing.

“Engage a licensed and qualified tradesperson. Get value for your money. Dulux, Master Painters or Master Builders will recommend a competent and trained applicator to you, free of charge.”

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.

Strategic Advice involves guiding people on how their financial fu ture looks now and the options available to improve their finan cial position. It’s looking at the pros and cons of various options and weighing up the cost versus benefits to guide people to the best option for their financial sit uation and age.

If you have large debts and a young family you want to protect, it’s guidance on the different types of insurances available and which ones suit your situation.

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.

If you’re looking to build wealth in the run up to retirement it’s unpacking whether negative gearing, super or paying off your home loan is the best option.

Questions like: Should I be using an offset account or a redraw to reduce my mortgage and what are the long-term tax ramifications? Should I be taking a pension from my super even if I’m not retired as I’ve heard there are tax benefits? Will I have enough to retire comfortably, and will I get any assistance form the government? How do I protect my nest egg?

At Eclipse, we have never seen this level of enquiry about budgeting advice. Where we might have had one enquiry on this topic every couple of months, we’re now getting several enquiries every week.

Throughout our lives most people will purchase financial products, these might be simple like bank accounts or credit cards or complex like home loans, superannuation, insurance or pensions.

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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.

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.

ting product recommendations is what range of products the adviser can recommend. It doesn’t take Einstein to work out that if you talk to an adviser employed by a bank or insurance company generally, they are going to recommend their company’s super, investment, insurance and loan products even if other companies have products better suited to your situation.

The key here is getting advice on what type of product suits you. i.e., Now I know what type of insurance package I want to purchase, which insurer offers the most competitive premium for my age and occupation?

What type of superannuation products suits my situation, is it an industry super, a retail super or a Self-Managed Super Fund?

Can my existing super pension product facilitate a protection strategy against a major market crash? Are the product fees I’m currently paying competitive?

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 4946

In summary Financial Planners can guide people in all sorts of areas to make better decisions to help them achieve their financial goals. The key is in finding a Financial Planner you can relate to who is experienced and can recommend the right strategy and products from a range of different providers.

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.

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

If you think you could benefit from a discussion with a Financial Planner, give us a call. There’s no obligation and all fees are spelled out clearly in advance. If you’re not sure, try our Financial Fitness Survey on our website at www.eclipsefs.com as it’s a simple free tool to help assess your financial strength.

www.eclipsefs.com Bowen | Cannonvale | Proserpine 07 4946 7359

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

Nationals’ Leader Tours Bowen

Last week, a lively Bowen Chamber of Commerce meeting saw guest speaker, Leader of the Nationals David Littleproud MP, share his ideas for a strong and stable regional future.

Accompanied by the Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP, Mr Littleproud outlined his vision for the next federal Coalition government and addressed topics including the 2023 Federal budget, the housing crisis, northern Australian development, the renewables shift, and dams, among other topics.

Referring to the modest surplus in the Federal budget, Mr Littleproud was adamant that the first surplus in many years had come from the efforts of the hard-working rural sector.

“This budget is a welfare budget,” he said. “It is not necessarily putting money back in the economy.”

Mr Littleproud believes it fails to address the skills and worker shortages bedevilling our economy.

Instead of $4-6 billion in welfare pay-

ments, he asserts that it should have been directed into a transition to work focus, “to give hardworking Australians the opportunity to get back into work,” he said.

Mr Littleproud was also critical of the plan to bring 1.5 million migrant workers into the country, who he believes would put pressures on the economy.

Rather, the Government should give these workers a pathway to citizenship which would, in turn, would offer regional Australia access to the skilled workers it so badly needs.

“We need to put regional Australia on a competitive footing with urban areas,” he said, adding that under Labor many of these workers would flow mainly to the major cities.

He also said that the LNP policy of establishing satellite learning campuses allowed workers to stay in towns and develop their skills where they were most needed.

Mr Littleproud said health was a critical factor in drawing new people to centres like Bowen and he was critical of Labor

policy that he said drew in overseas doctors who were offered no incentive to go to regional centres.

He also vented his concerns about the costs involved in moving towards a renewable future.

“28 thousand kilometres of transmission lines are needed for the green transition,” he said, while power costs for the food sector had tripled, “and that comes back to us.

“In the rural sector, we are going to get it in the neck again.”

Mr Littleproud was also critical of the rise of wind turbines and solar farms, saying while some producers had profited from the use of their land to host these facilities, he was against using prime agricultural land for these purposes.

Instead, he said modular nuclear reactors offered a cost-effective way to site energy-producing facilities closest to the most energy-hungry centres, and did not require new transmission infrastructure, as well as using new technologies such as carbon capture to enable the country to keep

using coal and gas.

“We have plenty of time to solve this.

“This government has brought it forward; they have taken a reckless path,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Our biggest asset is that we have complete resource security and sovereignty.”

During his time in Bowen, Mr Littleproud and Mr Willcox toured the Gilmour Space Technologies’ Bowen Orbital Spaceport to see how plans are progressing for the first launch which is expected to take place within the next few months.

“These innovative guys plan to launch the Eris rocket into space later this year,” said Mr Willcox.

“If successful it will be Australia’s first homegrown orbital spacecraft!

“The Coalition know that investment into the Australian Space Industry will yield many benefits, and I was delighted to hear our hard work has paid off.

“I know I will certainly be watching this ‘Space’.”

Bowen Chamber of Commerce president Bruce Hedditch (from left) talks policy with Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Leader of the National Party David Littleproud. Photo credit: Paul Gellatly

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP and Leader of The Nationals, David Littleproud MP tour the Gilmour Space Technologies’ Bowen Orbital Spaceport. Photo supplied

Six Decades Of Dedicated Bowen History

Bowen as a township has long been titled the oldest town in North Queensland and its special microcosm of history and culture has been preserved by the Bowen Historical Society and Museum.

And, in a mammoth year for Bowen, the Bowen Historical Society and Museum is celebrating a 60 year milestone this year.

The curators of the Bowen Museum have been meticulous with preserving Bowen’s pioneer history, much of which is now on display, each catalogued with a detailed and accurate reporting and recording for the public to read and be educated.

With some of the largest and most thorough collections of Australian maritime and war memorabilia and artefacts, the Bowen Museum is often visited by Queensland historians and Queensland Museum Staff to aid in preservation, conservation, record keeping, and creating dynamic displays for visitors.

“Our visitors always say that this museum is the most interesting they have seen,” museum volunteer Helen Nicholas said.

“Our collection is very interesting.”

Julie Jurgens, Secretary of the Bowen Historical Society, added that the museum has enjoyed a vibrant history itself.

“It’s hard to think that the museum has been so long established in the community,” she said.

“The Museum started off in a man’s house – he started the museum in the first place – and then the museum outgrew the location.

“Then it was in the Transport building for a bit, and then 10 years later, our building was built, and in 1988, we had an expansion and added another room.”

The museum has primarily expanded due to donations from members of the community.

“We have had pieces from family collections donated,” said Ms Jurgens.

“We’ve even had a few wedding dresses donated, which solves a lot of family arguments about who gets the dress!”

Celebrations for the 60th year anniversary of the Bowen Historical Society and Museum have yet to be announced.

The Bowen Museum was established in 1963, from the founder’s home

The Bowen Museum is now located on Gordon Street in Bowen

The Bowen Museum and Historical Society has a dedicated history of Bowen and its residents. Photo supplied

“Rumble at the River” Bowen Rodeo Is A High Octane Event

With a massive lineup spanning three and a half days, the 135th Bowen River Rodeo is gearing up to a weekend of fun, excitement, and high energy acts.

“People from all over Australia make the travel to come to this event,” said Kim Whalan, secretary and Treasurer of the Bowen River Committee. The weekend will begin with the campdraft, scheduled half a day earlier than usual because of high competitor registrations.

Friday will have the special guest competition of Xtreme Broncs and Xtreme Breakaway Roping while on their tour, showcasing the best of the best in horse riding and racing.

Friday night will have headliner Wade Forster, Winton local and rising country and western musician play the night away.

Saturday will mark the start of the full APA rodeo, with three arenas showcasing all the action, with more live entertainment and performances through the evening.

Every member of the family will be covered with entertainment with a

wide variety of market stalls and vendors, and tonnes of food and drink vans and face painting for the kids.

The Bowen River Rodeo is celebrating its 135th year, which has the committee excited for the 2023 event.

“It’s pretty good that the rodeo has been going on for so long,” said Kim.

“The Rodeo has kept going, and people still come out, which is great.

“And we’ve put more things in place to keep it going.”

With the 2022 event selling about 3,000 tickets, there are high expectations for the 2023 event.

So grab your Cowboy hats and your leather boots, and bring your friends and family to one of the biggest local events of the year!

WHAT: Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft

WHERE: 41 Mount Wyatt Road, Collinsville

WHEN: Thursday 8 June to Sunday 11 June

TICKETS: Whitsunday Tickets

Flavours of Bowen This Queensland Day

This Queensland Day, visit Bowen for the Flavours of Bowen Festival and experience the best that the region has to offer.

As part of the region’s 2023 Queensland Government’s Queensland Day celebrations, Bowen’s Flavours of Bowen Festival will be held on Saturday, June 3, and showcase the best local produce, food and drink vendors, workshops, light entertainment, and cultural dancing.

The festival itself is hosted by Bowen Gumlu Growers Association and has support from Bowen Tourism and Business, and the Whitsunday Regional Council.

The festival is set to further community connections and attract visitors to the region, according to Chief Executive Officer of Bowen Gumlu Growers, Ry Collins.

“It will highlight our region’s rich agricultural history, producers and multicultural influences,” Mr Collins said.

“We saw this as a great opportunity to celebrate Queensland Day by highlighting

everything that is great about our fresh produce.”

Bowen and Whitsunday farmers employee more than 3,500 skilled and unskilled workers and has an influence of $450 million in economic output.

Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business Jenn Honnery said, “The people who come here to work, short and long term, obviously want to enjoy the beauty of the region.”

The Flavours of Bowen Festival aligns with the iconic Big Mango’s 21st birthday taking place just nine days afterwards.

“This gives us another chance to promote Bowen as a wonderful holiday destination and offer visitors the opportunity to discover the vibrant horticultural industry that really brings our town to life,” she said.

WHAT: Flavours of Bowen Festival

WHEN: Saturday, June 3, 11am to 4pm

WHERE: Bowen Soundshell

Expect high thrills and good energy at the 2023 Bowen River Rodeo

Fun for the whole family, with full APA rodeo The 135th Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft is not an event to miss

Big Mango Comes Of Age!

Bowen’s most bountiful child is turning 21 this week and the whole town is celebrating the huge milestone of an iconic structure that has featured in over 1.5 million selfies over the years.

At a height of 10-metres and weighing a whopping five tonnes, the Big Mango is believed to be the largest structure of its kind in the world.

It was the brainchild of a local doctor at the time, Geoff Ingham, who got the project underway by establishing the Big Mango Trust to help fund and build it.

It cost $90,000 to build and brings more than 80,000 people to the site each year, more than returning the value spent on its construction.

About half the Big Mango’s visitors call into the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next door to find out about the local tours, activities, and accommodation.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said the Big Mango represents something truly special for Bowen locals.

“While it’s an object in reality, this icon is now an internationally renowned symbol of our town and our region.

“We’re a proud coastal town of many farming families who value the opportunity to share our pride with as many visitors as possible – and the Big Mango plays a huge role in attracting these visitors from all over the world.”

With a population of about 11,000 and known as ‘the food bowl’ of The Whitsundays, Bowen supplies 10 per cent of the entire Australian mango crop.

The Big Mango symbolises the Kensington Pride variety of mango, which is also known as the ‘Bowen Special’ and is lush in colour.

Bowen is the birthplace of the Kensington Pride in Australia, after being introduced from India in 1871.

Celebrations will be taking place across the Whitsundays for the next week.

Yesterday morning Katie Brown from Channel 7’s Sun-

rise broadcast live from the Big Mango, delivering the morning’s weather report right across the country.

Last night the tourism industry celebrated the milestone with a huge and extended Tourism Whitsundays Networking Night at the Big Mango, with an after party at the Grand View Hotel.

By coincidence, the iconic 100 per cent mango sorbet which is sold at the Information Centre, also reached an incredible milestone by breaking its long-standing record.

Previously the record has been 18,500 sold per year and this week that figure was smashed, with more than 19,000 sold with five weeks still remaining before the cut-off at the end of the financial year.

“We would absolutely love to sell 21,000 this year to go with the Big Mango’s 21 years!” said Ms Abernethy.

“So please come down to the information centre and treat yourself!”

The Bowen Visitor Information Centre welcomes 40,000 visitors through its doors each year. Photo supplied

Bowen Tourism and Business Manager Leanne Abernethy prepares for filming earlier this month. Photo credit: Facebook

A record-breaking 19,000 mango sorbets have been sold from the centre so far this year. Photo supplied

Kenny the Big Mango mascot. Photo supplied

Mango-ifficent Volunteers!

greet our visitors seven days a week,” said Ms Abernethy. “They are all very passionate and dedicated, and as we are a not-for-profit organisation this really helps save on staffing costs so that any profit we make is used to market Bow-

The Information Centre is also a booking agency which has a wealth of knowledge about local tours and activities, and it holds over 350 brochures on all regions

Inside the centre, you will also find an extensive range of mango inspired mer-

that make up the vital additional hours needed to enable the centre to open seven days a week and provide over 40,000 visitors a year with helpful advice about the local area.

“Our incredible volunteers

From soaps to chutneys, candles to sauces and even branded socks with Kenny the Mango emblazoned on them – the information centre really understands how to make the most of the local icon.

“Our Mango Daiquiri Mix has proved very popular too!” said Ms Abernethy.

Some of the BTB volunteers: Mark Steen, Margie Hurst, Trudy Starkey, Janice Germain, Marie Bailey, Anne Steen and Kev Clarke.Photo credit: Rachael Smith

A Warm Bowen Welcome

four casuals provide the foundations of the experience at the information centre.

The team are responsible for a range of duties, from selling mango sorbets to keeping on top of social media posts, booking tours and accommodation, running promotional competitions and of course offering advice to the 40,000 tourists that

come through the doors each year.

“I have a wonderful team who are all passionate about Bowen,” said BTB Manager Leanne Abernethy.

“A couple of them are young mums and they always fit us in between dropping their kids off at school – they are very

flexible, and we appreciate everything they do – they are the reason we can stay open seven days a week and only close five days a year!

“All staff have contributed so much towards the celebrations, and I am very proud of each of them.”

Bowen Mango’s Team Top Picks

“I love snorkelling off the beach at Horseshoe Bay – it has the most beautiful fringing reefs, and it is one of the only places in Australia where you can snorkel straight off the beach.” (Glenn Womal)

“My favourite place in Bowen is the Edgecombe Trail – it is so scenic, and it only takes an hour to complete – it is so beautiful and well worth a visit.” (Melissa Beuzeville)

“The Bowen Jetty would have to be my top pick – I love going there for a morning walk on our historic jetty, it is 750 metres long and 150 years old.” (Leanne Abernethy)

“I love walking along the beach with my dog as the sun rises or enjoying a nibbles platter on the beach while the sunsets at Grays Bay.” (Ellie Palmero)

• Unsurpassed ocean and island views

· Unsurpassed ocean and island views

· Free Wireless Broadband

• Pool and BBQ / Private balconies

/ Lift access to all levels

· Fully self- contained 2 BR Penthouses, 2 BR and 1 BR

• Fully self- contained 2 BR Penthouses, 2 BR and 1 BR

Apartments and 1 BR Studios

Apartments and 1 BR Studios

• Fully Air-conditioned

· Pool and BBQ / Private balconies

· Fully Air-conditioned / Foxtel

• Pet friendly apartments available

Bowen Tourism and Business’ valued staff: Melissa Beuzeville, Leanne Abernethy, Glenn Womal and Ellie Palmero.

Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Awell-known face in the region sits quietly behind Bowen Tourism and Business as the Chair of the Committee, discreetly guiding the strategic vision of the non-for-profit organisation.

Jenn Honnery is originally from Brisbane but moved to the region in 1999 and fell in love with the local way of life.

“I moved here to work in a pub and have a break from uni and I didn’t make it home!” explains Jenn.

With a degree in Architecture, she was soon employed as a surveyor for a local gold mine.

She then went to help a friend on a nearby cattle station and it was here she met her husband, Jason.

The couple moved to Collinsville and later purchased an organic mango farm which is located between Bowen and Collinsville.

Jenn completed a Multi-Media Design Degree and a Masters in Communication.

When she is not running the mango farm with her husband, she is busy building websites and working as a graphic designer.

In 2017, Jenn decided it was time for a change and embarked on a role as Sales and Marketing Manager for Bowen Tourism and Business.

When the new role proved to be too demanding around her other work commitments, Jenn decided to step down but was still eager to contribute as a volunteer committee member.

She was later elected Chair.

“The role translated nicely as I had an interest in the local tourism industry but could bring in skills with marketing and design and an understanding of small business,” she said. Since becoming Chair five years ago, Jenn has witnessed much change. One of the highlights has been helping to increase the marketing budget so Bowen Tourism can “stand on its own two feet”.

She has also enjoyed forming a strong connection with Tourism Whitsundays.

“I am especially excited that Sunrise came to the Big Mango this week – that certainly pulled a lot of eyes onto Bowen,” she said.

“Tourism Is Everybody’s Business”

At the helm of Bowen Tourism and Business is its dynamic leader, Leanne Abernethy, who over the past two years has become the daily driving force behind innovations and ideas.

By coincidence, Leanne started her role the day before the Big Mango turned 19 and, if it were not for this fact, the upcoming milestones could have been completely missed.

Fortunately, she flagged the date and Bowen Tourism and Business (BTB) hosted a small 20-year celebration last year while planning for the big festivities this year.

Speaking on ABC radio Brisbane earlier this week, appearing on Channel 7’s Sunrise breakfast show on Thursday and hosting 4MK and ABC Tropical North during the week as well – it is clear that Leanne shines in her role.

Originally from a small country town called Bogan Gate in Central New South Wales, Leanne moved to Canberra where she completed a degree in journalism.

She then took on a cadet journalist position in Eden before spending the next 21 years working for various newspapers across three states.

In 2007 she moved to the region to

take on the Editor’s position for the Whitsunday Times and within seven years she became the Managing Editor of two local mastheads - the Proserpine Guardian and the Whitsunday Times.

She then became a Multi-Media Director for Newscorp, working on newspapers from Bowen in the north to Lismore in the south.

After six years in that role, a reshuffle of regional newspapers across Queensland saw Leanne become redundant, which presented an opportunity to become Sales and Marketing Manager of BTB and she has since been promoted to Manager. Her current role allows Leanne to harness the vast wealth of knowledge from working within the media industry and combine it with her love of tourism.

During her time with the organisation, Leanne has witnessed many highlights.

“We’ve expanded our range of merchandise and local produce at the information centre, increased the number of members, promoted Bowen and the region heavily, produced the Bowen and Collinsville Visitor Guide and we have just hit a record number of mango sorbet sales for the second year in a row!”

FROM ALL THE TEAM AT

said Leanne.

“It’s been an honour to help boost the Bowen brand and I look forward to continuing to grow the organisation.

“I am lucky to have such a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who are so passionate about what we do.

“I would also like to thank each of our 222 members. We appreciate their support and we strive to ensure they are all promoted.

“We believe that ‘tourism is everybody’s business’, and you can see this is true by the diverse range of members we have.”

Don’t Say Cheese, Say Mango!

Two ShowStopping Stunts, One Big Mango!

Over the past 21 years the Big Mango has been selected to participate in two media stunts that attracted national attention, not only promoting the ‘stunt’, but also shining a spotlight on Bowen.

In 2014, the international restaurant franchise, Nando’s, launched their new Mango and Lime range with a clever stunt that kept the whole country guessing.

This was the year that the Big Mango completely disappeared and for a few days it seemed like it had really been stolen. That was before a smaller 6-metre replica of the Big Mango was revealed in Federation Square in Melbourne, and Nandos confessed to the ‘crime’.

The magnanimous restaurant company were thrilled with the response and donated the smaller replica to Bowen.

It now sits at the Bowen Tourism and Business’ Information Centre on Front Beach.

Earlier this year the Big Mango was removed in media stunt once again.

This time it was replaced with an inflatable

Big Mango that had been cut in half. The half remaining symbolised the 50 per cent of unpaid invoices small businesses have to face each year.

It was commissioned by cloud accounting platform, Xero, to bring awareness to the plight of millions of small business owners who lose money each year due to late payments.

While the stunt once again attracted the desired national media attention, it also gave Whitsunday Regional Council the opportunity to install new legs and an internal refurbishment to make the mango more durable.

A few weeks later it was also given a fresh paint job, so it looked perfect for its big 21st birthday.

Bowen Tourism and Business Manager, Leanne Abernethy, said that the stunts had proven very popular and a great way to promote the region.

“The first stunt took place almost nine years ago and yet we still get asked about it in the visitor information centre,” she said.

As part of the Big Mango’s 21st birthday celebrations a photo competition was launched to encourage tourists and locals alike to get creative with their cameras and smart phones, celebrating the iconic structure and Bowen’s beautiful surrounds.

Participants were given the opportunity to enter their photos into two categories.

The Beautiful Bowen competition tasked entrants to capture Bowen’s beauty through her beaches, history, horticulture, or seafood industries.

The Creative Big Mango competition captured the Big Mango in a creative way or a Big Mango inspired selfie.

Launched at the beginning of March, the competition attracted an impressive 400 entries, all from people hoping to win prizes that included once in a lifetime experiences in Bowen and the Whitsundays. For each category there were two prizes –the Judges Choice and the Popular Vote. The competition closed on May 6 and was followed by a voting period for Popular Choice, with the winners of all categories announced yesterday morning.

“We were absolutely ecstatic to receive so many entries,” said Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy. “So many people put so much effort in – it was fantastic to see their creations.”

Kenny the Big Mango Mascot standing in front of the ‘half-mango’ earlier this year for the Xero publicity stunt. Photo supplied

Judges Choice by Kylie Thompson

Beautiful Bowen Photo by @bowen4805

Popular Choice by Megan Weir

Beautiful Bowen Photo by Kathleen B

Encouragement Award by Putu Ariawan WASHROOM PRODUCTS CHEMICALS CLEANING DISPOSABLE TABLEWARE

& POLY BAGS PARTY GEAR TAPES, STAPLES & STRAPPING GLASS & CROCKERY WARE PLASTIC BUCKETS & CRATES

A Passport to Bowen

Always looking for innovative ideas to connect the region and promote additional visitation, for the second year in a row Bowen Tourism and Business (BTB) have collaborated with two other information centres to run the Passport Competition.

With $2,100 worth of vouchers to be won, the Passport Competition encourages visitors to call in at three information centres (Bowen, Proserpine, and Sarina) with entrants required to get their ‘passport’ stamped at each location.

Once all three locations are stamped, they receive entry into the competition.

This year an incredible 267 people participated and it is hoped this successful marketing campaign will become part of the annual calendar.

“The staff at the three information centres in the Whitsundays and Mackay regions have worked together to encourage more people to visit both regions,” said BTB Manager Leanne Abernethy.

“It provides an incentive for travellers to visit all three information centres and also encourages locals to check out their own backyard.”

Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton believes tying The Whitsundays region and Mackay region together in the competition was an excellent initiative for the drive segment and encouraged travellers to engage with all three information cen-

tres.

“There is so much on offer in The Whitsundays and Mackay, and we’ve got fantastic volunteers and staff waiting to help travellers with their plans,” he said.

“This competition gave people visiting one information centre the incentive to stop at the other two, giving each centre’s staff and volunteers the opportunity to showcase their region and help visitors get the most out of their experience.”

Kate Mackie of Bowen Tourism and Business with the passports. Photo supplied

Calling All Car Enthusiasts Cruisin’ Whitsunday Show And Shine

Local Artist Exhibition In Secluded Hydeaway Bay

The last weekend of May is turning out to be jampacked, with the Whitsunday Cruisin Car Club holding their annual Cruisin’ Whitsunday Show and Shine Car and Bike Show.

The day is free for everyone and has something for the entire family, including food and drink vendors, kids’ entertainment and activities, and live music from local musician, Paul Berger throughout the day.

Set to the backdrop of the Coral Sea, the Car and Bike Show will showcase the best of the Car Club, with the parade through Airlie Beach to the Coral Sea Marina Gardens from 8am.

Excitingly, there will also be a Kids Show and Shine, so even the youngest car and bike enthusiast can show off their ride to an eager crowd.

With multiple prizes, including the hot ticket item five nights stay at the Coral Sea Marina Resort, on offer, be sure to register your car or bike and not miss out.

Entry is free but anyone who donates $5 or more go into the draw for more fantastic prizes.

And all money raised from the event will be donated to the Queensland Country Women’s Association Proserpine and Whitsundays branch.

This is sure to be a day with fun in the sun, so bring your picnic blanket and take it all in.

WHAT: Cruisin’ Whitsunday Show and Shine Car and Bike Show

WHERE: Coral Sea Marina Gardens, Coral Sea Marina

WHEN: Saturday, May 27, 8am to 3pm

SESSIONS AT THE BELVEDERE

Venture to Hydeaway Bay this July and experience the amazing art created by amateur and professional artists, local to Hydeaway Bay, Dingo Beach, and Cape Gloucester. Taking place only every two years, the Gloucester Hidden Talent Art Expo is a perfect show for a quiet weekend. While showcasing the beautiful art of locals, including pottery, textile pieces, quilting, photography, woodworking, and jewellery making, there will also be craft demonstrations and workshops, shopping alley, and kids craft space.

Children can be a part of the Rock Art Creations workshops hosted by Jenny Hock, to learn the hidden talent of rock painting and art.

Be sure to bring a shopping bag because the shopping alley will entice all with a large variety of handmade goods and items available for purchase.

Only open to artists who either live or participate regularly in the Gloucester artist movement, this expo is sure to showcase many projects and design never seen to the public before, that are sure to surprise many.

However, you might recognise a few exhibitions from artists whose pieces are regularly displayed and exhibited in galleries and art spaces around Australia. Come along in July and be immersed in the hidden talent that is in our region.

WHAT: Gloucester Hidden Talent Art Expo

WHERE: Gloucester Sport and Recreation Association, 417 Hydeaway Bay Road, Hydeaway Bay

WHEN: Saturday July 1, 9am to 4pm, and Sunday July 2, 10am to 3pm

ENTRY: $5 adult, $2 child (children under five free)

Second Annual Golf Day

Following on from the massive success of the inaugural 2022 event, the Lions Club Charity Golf Day is back this June!

Businesses and members of the community are encouraged to get together a team, no matter the skill level, enthusiasm is the main ingredient needed for a great day on the green.

There will be prizes awarded to players throughout the day and community raffles on offer.

There will also be live music in the afternoon, food and drink vendors and raffles for spectators and players alike.

The 2022 event raised over $10,000 for the Proserpine Hospital.

“We were quite surprised with the amount we raised last year,” said Allan Gravelle of the Whitsunday Lions Club.

The funds were spilt between the maternity ward, the children’s ward, and the palli-

ative care ward, with $6,000 being used to purchase chairs for patient families.

“One of the major items was chairs that convert into beds worth $6,000, mainly used by parents when their children are being treated in hospital. They are being well received,” said Mr Gravelle.

For the 2023 event, the Lions Club will distribute the funds to local causes and charities throughout the year, with Proserpine Hospital a likely recipient once again.

“We hope for good weather and good involvement, considering what a great turnout we had last year.”

Be sure to register for the event and not miss out!

WHAT: Whitsunday Lions Charity Golf Day

WHERE: Whitsunday Green Golf Club

WHEN: Sunday, June 11

REGISTER: 64.com.au/lionsgolfday

The 2022 event had unprecedented support, with expectations high for 2023. Photo supplied

The Cruisin’ Whitsunday Show and Shine is the place to be this weekend

Shortly before his death, Reliance Lee popped into the Proserpine Museum and shared his memories of the idyllic lifestyle that his family enjoyed while living on Grassy Island during the 1930s. Reliance was named after the boat owned by his father, Boyd.

During those years, the family lived in several different houses, the first being a grass hut of substantial size but later a more conventional house was built. The Lee family kept cows for milk and butter, chooks, goats for meat and grew all sorts of fruit and vegetables. Separating the milk and making butter was one of Mrs Lee’s job.

Reliance and his three step-siblings Joan, Phillip and Gladys, had to attend to their studies which were supervised by their governess, Winnie Gotswell, however they still managed to enjoy numerous adventures.

Fishing adventures were many and varied - and true to his name, Reliance could always be relied upon to get himself into challenging predicaments. Surprisingly, he and his siblings avoided serious injury despite the potential danger of some of their escapades.

One day, while out in the six-foot boat their father had built, the fish were not biting so Reliance wrapped the line around his big toe which was propped up on the side of the boat. A cod took off with his bait, tipped the boat and nearly tossed him out. Somehow, he managed to get his leg back into the boat and catch the fish. On another day, when his sister was casting her line, she managed to catch Reliance’s arm. After much trouble, the hook was eventually removed by his mother.

At night, they could see the fish coming with phosphorus shining - they’d stand perfectly still with spear in hand and catch fish. A blacksmith made a six-foot spear which his brother Phil used, but one day when Phil wasn’t around Reliance decided to have a go with it. He tied the spear to his wrist, was standing up to his waist in water when he speared a shovel-nosed shark. It took off flat stick across the reef with Reliance in tow. Luckily, the shark swam near a rock which jerked out the spear and saved Reliance. The boys sometimes made a makeshift sail out of a potato bag, opened out and stretched between two oars with a bar along the bottom. They steered using two ropes

attached to the bottom corners and they sailed to what is now known as Earlando, but often had to row back.

Over the years some galvanised iron huts were built to house tourists and a dance hall was added. Past locals recalled the good times shared on Grassy Island. Ella Compton recorded in her diary that she had enjoyed a night of dancing at Grassy. Jim Wright used to recount going over there for weekends and staying in one of the huts, sometimes playing his accordion to provide music for dancing. Others such as Wally Tawse from Bowen went over to Grassy Island just for the fishing. The Lee family kept cows for milk and butter, chooks, goats for meat and grew all sorts of fruit and vegetables. Separating the milk and making butter was one of Mrs Lee’s job. The children relished racing up to the top of the hill and watching the steamers go by. This venture took a couple of hours so one can imagine their delight when one day they spotted a submarine.

Theirs was a simple yet idyllic life. Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

GET WELL SOON

I really am so sorry To hear you’ve not been well. It’s no fun when you’re poorly, And you’re feeling just like hell. You’ve been kidnapped by a virus So it can reproduce. Your body’s held as hostage And the germs have been let loose. You wonder if it’s leading to The dread bubonic plague; Last week you ate six Tim Tams, Now your appetite’s mislaid! But do not worry, friend of mine, I’ll tell you what to do. You must build up your resources, Keep your fighting spirit true! Spread out on the sofa, With a wine and cake close by. It helps if someone’s looking To moan a bit and sigh. You need a lot of sympathy

When feeling weak and frail. So leave off all your make-up, To keep your face quite pale. I’m sure, that with a lot of care, CHERRY RIPES and SNICKERS, You soon will feel much better, Though you might need bigger knickers!

Jo Kane

Readers’ poetry can be emailed to bronte@mackayandwhitsundaylife. com Submissions should be in the body of the email, not as attachments.

BOWEN S SUMMERGARDEN CINEMAS

“THE LITTLE MERMAID” (PG) 135mins.

Hannah, the LIVE Little Mermaid will be in attendance on Sat 27th at the 10am, 1pm & beginning of the 6.45pm session to have a chat to our movie goers She will amaze you! A young mermaid makes a deal with a sea witch to trade her beautiful voice for human legs so she can discover the world above water and impress a prince. Stars: Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy

“FAST X” (M) 141mins. Action/Adventure/Crime

Dom Toretto and his family are targeted by the vengeful son of drug kingpin Hernan Reyes. Stars: Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson

“JESUS REVOLUTION” (M) 120mins. Religious Drama All Churches Welcome!

The true story of a national spiritual awakening in the early 1970s and its origins within a community of teenage hippies in Southern California.

Stars: Joel Courtney, Jonathan Roumie, Kimberly Williams-Paisley

“JOHN FARNHAM - FINDING THE VOICE” (M) 96mins True-life Story

THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF AN AUSSIE ICON Made in Australia Follow John Farnham's journey from humble beginnings to record-breaking success in his first authorised biopic. Stars: John Farnham, Jimmy Barnes, Daryl Braithwaite, Paul Dainty

“GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL 3” (M) 209mins Action/Comedy

Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill rallies his team to defend the universe and one of their own - a mission that could mean the end of the Guardians if not successful. Stars: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista

In this fantastic community day, there was fun to be had for everyone.

Activities included face painting by senior students, cookie decorating, craft, badge making, doll making with the Proserpine Museum, and so much more.

There was even a special arrival of paramedics with an ambulance, police officers, firefighters with their truck, and the State Emergency Service (SES) with a buggy.

Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Two of the biggest Aussie legends are gracing the Airlie Beach Hotel stage next weekend, in a powerful classic rock grudge match not to miss.

Led by talented front men of the widely popular and energetic tribute acts, this battle of the legends will rock audiences, leaving them thunderstruck and mystified.

On the INXS side of the ring is the Australian INXS Show, led by Dellacoma Rio with his six-piece band bringing the big guns and taking the audience on a journey through the INXS classics and hits that pushed the band into all-time stardom and infamous notoriety.

Dellacoma has been a faithful tribute to Michael Hutchence for over 15 years, with his uncanny resemblance and powerful vocals, and is prepared to represent INXS on the Airlie Beach Hotel stage.

The classic sounds of the Aussie rock band bring the good times and the Airlie Beach Hotel are ready to ease audiences into the weekend.

“This show will have tonnes of energy,” said INXS front man Dellacoma Rio.

“It will be our first time performing with Adam Spizzo and the show was specifically designed for the Airlie Beach Hotel, and with Adam Spizzo, there will be a lot of energy and so much more audience interaction and surprises.”

On the other side of the ring is Adam Spizzo, from High Voltage –The AC/DC Experience.

Adam does the dirty deed, and he does it well, encompassing the passion of AC/DC and of Angus Young.

His heart-pounding and blood-churning performance blends perfectly with INXS, in the best grudge match of the year.

Adam is no newcomer to Airlie Beach, growing up in Mackay and often trekking to Airlie Beach for a weekend of fun and high energy.

“For the past four months, I have been jumping with excitement,” said Adam Spizzo.

“I am super excited to perform with Dellacoma on the Airlie Beach Hotel stage.

“He is an absolute monster on the stage.

“There will be an hour of the best AC/DC, an hour of INXS, and then an hour of classic Australian rock.

“It will be an absolute blast.” This breathtaking Australian made show of classic Aussie legends is perfect for a cool Autumn afternoon, with intensity and energy sure to erupt on stage and into the audience.

Adam and Dellacoma are re nowned for their passion and enigmatic stage presence, dom inating crowds with guns in the sky on the highway to hell and this is not a show to miss at the Airlie Beach Hotel, Saturday and Sunday, June 3 and 4.

“Airlie Beach is like a second home for us, and we’re excited to be coming back,” said Dellacoma.

“All I can say is that Airlie Beach, we’re coming for you!” Adam said.

WHAT: INXS vs AC/DC

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday June 3 and Sunday June 4

TIME: 2pm to 5.30pm both Saturday and Sunday

INXS with AC/DC are coming to the Airlie Beach Hotel for the grudge match of the year

Adam Spizzo represents AC/DC and his sound is powerful and energetic on stage

Airlie Beach Hotel bringing the biggest Aussie legend tribute bands to the area

GIG GUIDE

Friday 26th May

• The Pub: Andy Mammers (7-10pm)

• Paradiso: Nick DeGregorio (7-10pm)

• KC’s: Aaron Saxon (8pm-late)

• Hotel Metropole: Live Entertainment (8pm-late)

• Grandview Hotel, Bowen: Rebelquin (from 8pm)

Saturday 27th May

• The Pub: Elvis Tribute (2-5.30pm)

• The Pub: Andy Mammers (7-10pm)

• Paradiso: Michael Hayes (7-10pm)

• KC’s: Sam McCann (8pm-late)

• Hotel Metropole: Live Entertainment (8pm-late)

Sunday 28th May

• Paradiso: Aaron Saxon (1-4pm)

• The Pub: Olivia Newton Tribute (25.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Lloyd Saunders (7-10pm)

• KC’s: Aaron Saxon (8pm-late)

Monday 29th May

• KC’s: Kaeden McCarthy (8pm-late)

Tuesday 30th May

• KC’s: Kaeden McCarthy (8pm-late)

Wednesday 31st May

• KC’s: Erin Reus (8pm-late)

Thursday 1st Jun

• Paradiso: Aaron Saxon (6.30-9.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Chris Booroff (6.30-9.30pm)

• KC’s: Sam McCann (8pm-late)

• Grandview Hotel, Bowen: Beth (from 8pm)

The Little Mermaid

In the next instalment of Disney’s live action remakes of childhood classics is The Little Mermaid.

In this remake, Ariel is played by 23-yearold Halle Bailey, and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, with Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, and the voices of Daveed Diggs as crab Sebastian and Jacob Temblay as fish Flounder.

The Little Mermaid follows the story of Ariel, a mermaid who wishes to explore the human world. One day, she saves the human Prince Eric from a shipwreck and falls deeply in love with him.

This furthers her determination to explore the human world, against her father’s wishes, the kingdom Atlantica’s ruler King Triton.

She runs from her father’s disappointment and fear, and becomes entangled with Ursula, a manipulative sea witch, who wishes for the demise of King Triton.

She convinces Ariel to trade her beautiful voice for a pair of human legs, so that Ariel can go onto land and be with Eric.

WHAT'S ON

May

26 Nudgee College Meet & Greet, Whitsunday Sailing Club

27 Cruisin’Whit Show & Shine, Coral Sea Marina Gardens ($5 entry fee)

27 FREE Animate a Space Workshop, from 10am Bowen PCYC (bookings required)

28 FREE Animate a Space Workshop, from 9.30am Pros Community Centre (bookings required)

28 Million Paws Walk, Whitsunday Marine Club (VMR) (registration required)

28-3 Jun The Book Club screening at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre

29 Speechie Talks Program, Cannonvale/ Proserpine Libraries 9.30am

This is when the trouble begins for Ariel, as she attempts to impress Prince Eric and is encompassed by Ursula’s greed and her father’s worry.

This live action remake is incredibly faithful, professional, and whimsical all at once.

Old fans of the childhood classic, and new fans discovering the character for the first time will fall in love with Ariel and her antics, as she balances her new world, her secret, and the inability to speak with the love of her life.

The CGI is convincing and retains the heart of the original film.

The entire cast are faithful to the tale but give the characters a human touch and human connection that the original film was missing.

Perhaps because it is live action rather than animated?

Who knows, but rest assured audiences will be glued to their seats watching this remake, one of Disney’s best. The Little Mermaid opens at the Bowen Cinema Friday, May 26.

29 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (every Mon & Wed)

30 Fitter For Life Over 50’s at Bowen PCYC (Tues & Thurs)

30 Sailability Whitsundays from 9am at Whitsunday Sailing Club

31 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (every Mon & Wed)

31 Camerata Concert at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre

June

1 Fitter For Life Over 50’s at Bowen PCYC (Tues & Thurs)

3 Flavours of Bowen Festival from 11am, Bowen Soundshell

5 Speechie Talks Program, Cannonvale/ Proserpine Libraries 9.30am

5 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (every Mon & Wed)

6 Fitter For Life Over 50’s at Bowen PCYC (Tues & Thurs)

7 Melbourne International Comedy Festival at the PEC

7 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (every Mon & Wed)

8 Fitter For Life Over 50’s at Bowen PCYC (Tues & Thurs)

8-11 B owen River Rodeo, Strathmore/ Collinsville

9-10 The Wind In The Willows screening at Proserpine Entertainment Centre

The Little Mermaid, great for new and old fans

Our unique and diverse cultures were celebrated at the Multicultural Festival on Sunday with hundreds of people enjoying free activities that offered them the opportunity to learn more about different countries and communities.

From food stalls inspired by cuisine from around the world, indigenous workshops using native flora, hand-

bags crafted using traditional techniques and authentic Ukrainian headdresses – the event gave an insight into the diverse range of cultures in our region.

This was the third event of its kind and the first year that the Whitsunday PCYC collaborated with the Whitsunday Regional Council to host the event.

The addition of a Citizenship Ceremony was a popular

choice.

“It was wonderful for new citizens to see we are a multicultural country,” said Sergeant Billy Li from Whitsunday PCYC.

“The event was a great success!”

Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Sea Eagles Fire Up For Indigenous Round

Whitsunday Sea Eagles hosted the first of two Indigenous Rounds on Saturday where Ngaro elders spent time with Junior teams.

All Sea Eagles teams took on Eastern Swans decked out in Indigenous guernseys created in conjunction with Ngaro people.

Thanks to Leo and Mark for their Welcome to Country and for taking time to celebrate our unique Australian culture with the Sea Eagles. In a fiery clash against the ladder leaders the Sea Eagles Senior Men matched the physicality of the Swans throughout their match with scores even at first break.

Sea Eagles came out hard in the second with missed opportunities keeping Swans in the match. Swans hit the ground running in the third lifting their pressure around the ground leaving Sea Eagles trailing by 5 points headed into the last term.

Sea Eagles wanted it more and started taking control of play around the ground with the home crowd bringing them in winners 60 – 54 in a close entertaining match.

Sea Eagles Senior Women showed great commitment to each other against a full side of Swans who were able to keep up to

Sea Eagles for the first half.

Sea Eagles rallied in the second half to put on a solid lead coming into the final term and after a gutsy effort without a break Sea Eagles won the day 42 – 30.

Under 17s took on the Swarks putting them through their paces and coming away with a 50-point win 69 – 19 remaining undefeated so far this season.

Sea Eagles fielded a full team of Under 14s enabling them to link well together for their best game this season winning 66 – 6 (adj).

Under 12s Sea Eagles were valiant against the undefeated competition frontrunning Swans going down 27 – 36 in a close game.

This Saturday May 27 Indigenous Round 2 sees further celebrations at Whitsun-

Whitsunday Girls Celebrate Female Football Week In Style!

The Whitsunday Premier Women’s side put on another dominating performance with a 9-1 win over City Brothers in front of a home crowd.

The midfield once again directed the play with Lena and Laura instrumental in the centre, and Eva and Akema creating numerous chances through their runs down the sides.

In the forwards, Willow and Steph were a constant worry for the City defence with their attacking runs and shots.

Goal scorers were Willow with a hat-trick, two to Lena and one each to Eva, Bre, Steph and Akema.

The Premier Reserves came out strong against Brothers, however a defensive error saw the visitors score the first goal.

Shortly afterwards, a corner kick from Dani was finished with a beautiful header from Steph to equalise the score.

A penalty taken by Robyn in the second half gave us a 2-1 lead but relentless pressure from Brothers saw them score anoth-

er goal in the 80th minute the final score being a draw 2-2.

The ladies would like to thank all of the supporters who came down last night to cheer them on.

Happy female football week!

The Div1 Men also put on a spectacular win in front of a boisterous home crowd.

The home side started well, controlling the majority of the game, and hit the front at the 30-minute mark with a brilliant firsttime finish by Riley O’Grady.

A defensive error early in the second half allowed Magpies back in the game but it was one way traffic as their lack of substitutes told.

Two goals followed from Ian Wilson and Aaron Morgan before a quick-fire hat trick from Tate Butler sealed a comfortable 6-1 win.

The youth sides struggled against Lions.

The U13 Prems put up a good fight against their unbeaten opponents, however, after

day Sea Eagles home ground Whitsunday Sportspark at 1.30pm prior to the Senior Womens and Mens matches against the Hawks.

Come down and be part of the fun with Sea Eagles Juniors from 10:40am and Seniors from 1:50pm.

Contributed by Whitsunday Sea Eagles

FOOTBALL

a close first half, Lions ran away with the game 8-0.

U15 Div1 were unlucky after another brave and solid performance.

The U15 Prems also went down to Lions after a tough game.

The home team continued to battle but

eventually went down 3 goals to 1 in a much-improved performance in front of their home fans.

Jack Robertson once again was solid in goals, whilst Luka Miller and Finlay Farrell worked tirelessly.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic.

Sea Eagles Mens taking out the win. Photos by Cody Fowler

The 2023 Whitsunday Women’s Squad with a big win. Photo supplied

Futsal stars represent Australia on UK Tour

Rising stars and Whitsunday residents Max O’Keefe, Reef Peel, Freddie Hazleton, and Corey Stroud recently represented Australia on behalf of the Australian Futsal Association on a two-week tour of the UK, returning just last week.

The boys were selected to represent their country in an action-packed tour of the UK on the back of their performance for Northern Queensland at the Australian Futsal Association (AFA) National Schools Futsal Championships in Brisbane last year.

Representing Australia U14 Boys the Whitsunday’s youngsters had the experience of a lifetime as they played competitive Futsal games in Scotland, England, and Wales.

The tour highlights included – competing in the Scossie Cup in Edinburgh, where

Australian black team (featured) made it to the semi-finals, playing games against very strong sports academy teams in Peterborough and winning the Roy Miller Cup in Wrexham (Wales).

As well as all the tournaments and games the boys also experienced a range of training sessions with different overseas coaches, they watched live professional Football games (Scottish Premier League and English Championship League), they toured the home grounds of Manchester United and Liverpool FC and visited the sights of London.

The boys will once again take to the court with their school team from St Catherine’s Catholic College when they represent Northern Queensland in the AFA National Schools Championships 2023 at the Nissan Arena in Brisbane.

Contributed with thanks to Joscelyn O’Keefe

Fred Quod Blast H20

SCORE 49 Panthers Roosters Rabbitohs Cowboys Raiders

Luke Hillery Hillery Group

SCORE 51 Panthers Roosters Rabbitohs Tigers

Brett Crosby RAW Metal Corp

SCORE 53 Broncos Roosters Rabbitohs Cowboys Sea Eagles

Liam Hillery Hillery Group

SCORE 51 Broncos Dragons Rabbitohs Cowboys Bulldogs Sea Eagles

Harvey The Dog Whitsunday Mowers

SCORE 45 Broncos Roosters Rabbitohs Cowboys Bulldogs

Pete Cook Flat Out Digging

SCORE 53 Panthers Roosters Rabbitohs Cowboys Dolphins Titans Raiders DIGGING

Smalley KC’s Bar & Grill

SCORE 52 Panthers Roosters Rabbitohs Cowboys

Sea Eagles

Jason Winter Coral Cay

SCORE 52 Panthers Roosters Rabbitohs Cowboys

FUTSAL

Corey Stroud with the Australian Yellow

Max O’Keefe, Reef Peel and Freddie Hazleton with Australia Black. Photos supplied

Airlie Beach Parkrun

This week, in stunning conditions, 74 people ran, jogged, and walked the 5km waterfront course. 22 were first timers and 8 recorded new Personal Bests.

Several milestones were achieved; Claire completed her 25th parkrun, Josiah completed his 50th, Josh his 100th, Andrew his 200th and Tim his 250th.

Tim is the first ‘local’ parkrunner to complete 250 parkruns.

The event was made possible thanks to RD Maree and her team of fabulous volunteers: Nick, Kara, Maverick, Bossie, Craig, Susanne, Shane, Debbie, Wendy, Laura, Louise, Jarrod, Lynne, Joanne, Chris, Alicia, Chris, and Rachael.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then, 4,885 participants have completed 25,017 parkruns covering a total distance of 125,085 km, including 2,901 new Personal Bests.

A total of 404 individuals have volunteered 3,691 times. This Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun will use course ‘B’, which will meet at 6:50am for a briefing near the Garden Bar and Bohemian Raw, Coral Sea Marina. Parking is free in the lowest carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery & Cafe.

The best-kept secret about parkrun is that it’s not about running - it’s about bringing people together in public parks and open spaces across the world to have some fun in a friendly, social, and supportive environment. You can walk or run the 5k course (pushing a pram or with one dog on a short lead if you want to!), lend a helping hand as a volunteer in a wide range of super-easy roles, or simply spectate and socialise on the sidelines.

There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.

Everyone is welcome.

Contributed with thanks to Parkrun Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach Bowls Report BOWLS

As the mornings and evenings get colder and the days are still warm, we are just so lucky to live in this beautiful place in the world and our little bowling club just seems to get better and achieve more goals every week.

On Tuesday Ladies Day attracted 17 bowlers and Joan McGrat, Tina Schubert, Lynne Skeen, Dawn Dowell, Tony Whitehorn, Lane Telford, Pam Collins, and Di Dobbins with Di Jackson whose improvement is notable by all her peers, everyone bowled well.

Wednesdays Jackpot Bowls saw Tony Kelly’s team win everything with Graham Cowling and John Brown at lead and to cap off a huge day John also won the prestigious Health Hub award.

Tuesday also saw Betty Nicole and Carol Crosbie beat Karen Jensen and Vicki Spann in a nail-biting game to progress to the finals.

The second last weekend of the men’s Pennant Teams saw our Division One team win all three games on Saturday at home against Serena but lost to the very strong South Suburban team 2 games to one on Sunday and they will finish near the top of the ladder.

Division 4 won on both days against Mackay and Serena on Sunday and could easily win their division as can Division 5 with a win on Saturday and winning the points on Sunday as well with Rick Brunnell showing he still has all the skills.

Division 6 went down to Mackay on Saturday and also won on Sunday at home to RSL Mackay and unearthing a new talent in 14-year-old James Hou whom has only been learning for a month but bowled brilliantly on both days, as did David Meiklejohn with his hours of practice paying off.

The Ladies Pennants will begin next week, and the school’s competition is getting stronger each week with

Bowen Bowls Report BOWLS

Mixed Pairs: Jeff Tierney, Steve Roome, Mark Rogers, and Tiarna Rogers.

Club Pairs: Gavin Charles, Brett Lampard, Peter Bruce, and Daryl Tuttle.

Sunday Social Bowls: Lloyd White, Jeff Tierney, and David Moodie were the winning team.

Wednesday Social: MaryEllen Pratten, Gavin Charles, Steve Roome, Ron Gould, Robyn Stitt, and Jeff Tierney.

Joan Edwards, Mark Rogers, Ian Best, Bev Smith, Peter, and Tiarna Rogers.

Peter Wilson, Jane Gilbert, Eddy Neylon, Lorraine McCarthur, Tracy Roach, and Peter Bruce. Peter, Sue, Daryl, Daryl, Helen, and Ross. Winning team was Jan Randell, Dennis Roberts, and Carol.

Next weekend the club is hosting the mens Red Pennants. Good bowling to them all.

St Catherine’s school and the Christian College, all challenging whom will represent their school in the finals in Brisbane later on this year.

We have an abundance of talented students competing.

Lastly our Bar Manager Fiona Greener works tirelessly and makes the most delicious sandwiches for all to enjoy.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

The Sunday Social Bowls winning team

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

Proserpine Veterans Golf Report GOLF

37 players took to the course last Tuesday.

Good to see a great turnout on a such a beautiful day.

There were some terrific scores, Trevor Paroz taking out the men’s with 39, followed by Laurie Dakin on 38 and Gary Scotford on 36.

Mandy Patterson was the ladies winner with 36, Tiina Randmae on 32

Premier League Darts DARTS

Round 9 of Premier League darts began this week with a tasty encounter between last year’s champion Dom Friend, and Joe Wilson who is currently sitting in 2nd place going into today, but with a chance to go joint top with a win here.

Dom started the match in brutal fashion, averaging just shy of 90 to take a 1 nil lead over his opponent.

Joe could have wilted after such a savage start to the match, but to his credit, he came right back into it, taking the next 3 legs to love.

Surprisingly, it was Dom who was look-

ing a little shaky of the two players after such an impressive opening leg, and Joe took full advantage by stretching his lead out to 5/1.

It looked all but over, but Dom, as all good champions do, showed a lot of fight, winning the next 3 legs to make it 5/4, but unfortunately for him, that was as good as it was going to get, as he left himself with just a little too much to do in the end.

Joe deservedly winning the match 7/4, to go joint top of the league.

There were 4 other matches on Sunday at the Airlie Bowls Club.

and Leanne Alexander on 31.

Pin shots went to Barry Mortimer and 3 B graders who had it in the hole - Barry Shuwalow, Wilf Herweg and Harry Milne on the 2nd.

Vic Feldman (also in the hole) and Laurie Dakin on the 13th, and Geoff Harrison and Barry Shuwalow on the 16th.

The ladies, Lyn Muller and Tiina

Andy Peel got his second win of the year over bottom placed Hawkeye Rick by 7/0, Jamie Maher and Arthur McMinn joined Dom Friend in 3rd place on the ladder with 11 points after they recorded 7/1 and 7/3 wins over Seumas Rose and Kameron Reason respectively.

And Dom Friend defeated Seumas Rose by 7 legs to 2 in a round 5 catch up match to round out all the day’s action.

Thank you to our sponsors Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach, and Master Butchers Whitsundays.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

Randmae on the 2nd, Elspeth Scotford and Paula McQuat, both in the hole for a birdie, on the 13th. Mandy Patterson and Tiina Randmae on the 16th.

There will be no Vets competition next Tuesday.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Joe

Andrew finishing his 200th park run, and Tim with his 250th

John Askew who broke Rick Brunnell’s record of officiating at the club’s championships of singles, doubles triples and fours.

Games Tightly Contested

BOWLS

We are on the final straights for this year’s Pennants Competitions with only next weekend’s matches still to be played.

In Division 1 teams played two really fabulous matches this last weekend.

On Saturday they took on the powerhouse that is Souths Suburban on their home green.

Proserpine won two rinks but went down on the overall score 56 - 58.

On Sunday Proserpine played North Mackay at Proserpine.

Proserpine got a really good start, but North Mackay came back firing for what ended up a real tussle of wills.

Once again Proserpine won two rinks but went down on the overall score by just one

Bowen Golf Report GOLF

shot being defeated 65-66.

Division 5 has a win on Saturday playing St Helens at Proserpine.

Winning one of the two rinks and the total score 45 - 33.

Sunday the team travelled to Wests Tigers and were given an exhibition of the Wests Tigers experience on their green losing 21 - 60.

This coming weekend Division 1 has a double header away playing at Sarina on Saturday and Northern Beaches on Sunday.

Division 5 have a double header at home playing against North Mackay on Saturday and Souths Suburban on Sunday.

Teams will be announced when available.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Proserpine Golf Report GOLF

24 players in the Tuesday Stableford, with Laurie Dakin in form to wins the Men’s competition, with Gary Scotford a close 2nd and Trish McNeill winning the Ladies.

Tiina Randmae secured 2nd place. Elspeth Scotford cleaned up on the NTP’s.

Jenny Hounsell was the winner of Marlene Gray’s Wednesday Stableford with 43 pts, Trish McNeill in 2nd place on 37 pts, Anna Winterbourn claimed 3rd place with 34 pts.

Noelene Spurway, Robyn Whitham and Di Chard were the NTP winners.

Thursday Men’s Competition Division 1 winner with an excellent 66 nett was Ross Tong, followed by Troy Smith on 68 nett and Ritchie Atkins in 3rd place on 69 nett. Division 2 winner was Chris Pham on 66 nett also, followed by Ken Lovett and Barry Shuwalow both on 71 nett.

The Ladies Competition was won by Janelle Ernst of Tropics Golf Club followed by Lyn Muller.

NTP winners: Phil Luckett, Chris Brett, Brian Smith, Allen Roberts, and Trish McNeill.

The Met 9 Hole Run on Friday was won

by Brent Franke with 21 pts, Karlene Lloyd played well for 19 pts beating Ross Tong on a countback for 2nd place.

Cameron Mutch and Ryan Kenny were the NTP winners.

Ross Tong continued his good form to win the Division 1 men’s competition with 67 nett, beating Brent Franke on a countback.

Andrew Colborne won 3rd place with 69 nett. Division 2 was won by Vic Feldman on 65 nett, with Ned Davies on 71 nett and Barry Mortimer on 72 nett.

Tina Badenhorst played well to win the Ladies with 69 nett, closely followed by Trish McNeill on 70 nett and 3rd place went to Pauline Redpath on 74 nett.

NTP winners were: Tiina Randmae, Di Chard, Rob Stanley, Scott Milne, Andrew Colborne, and Vic Feldman.

Sunday’s competition was won by Lenny Booroff with a very nice 40 pts, followed by Renae Maxwell on 38 pts and in 3rd place was Peta Thomas on 36 pts. No one managed to hit the greens to win a pin shot.

Contributed with thanks to the Pro Shop Team at the Proserpine Golf Club

Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event for the men and an eclectic for the ladies sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Kim Bennion 31 nett, Runner up Janice Bates 31 nett.

Mens winner Lee Tiller 40pts, runner up Neil Steicke 39pts.

Saturday was a 4 ball aggregate medley stableford sponsored by LiveLife Pharmacy. Thank you for your continued support of our club.

Winners with a great score of 75pts were Elona Lynch and Morag Parker, 2nd place on a countback Ben Bon and Brett Richards 70pts, 3rd place Kaleb Brunker and Joshua Fraser 70pts.

LiveLife Pharmacy also had prizes for individual winners with Elona Lynch winning the individual ladies event with a great score of 45pts and Lee Tiller winning

the Mens’s with 39pts.

Pin shots to Greg Carlyon, Geoff Fellows, Dwayne Bartlett, John Brown, Pauline Martin, Jacquie Miller, Debbie Breeze. K

evin Cross and Craig Newell both had an OBP and Gordon Haslberger had an Eagle.

This weekend’s competition is a single stableford sponsored by Bowen Sportspower. Don’t forget to check the club’s Facebook page for this week’s dinner specials. Joker is worth $3000.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Whitsunday Green Golf Report

GOLF

This week’s 9-hole stableford competition was won by Terry Kimpton on 23 pts, second was Glenn Rees with 22 pts and third place going to Dee Norman with 20 pts. A terrific job by all.

On Friday our 9-hole stableford prawn run was our newest member Donovan Pettiford taking the win with 23 pts, second Tim Walton on 20 pts and third Glenn Rees with 19 pts.

Our Sunday skins 18 holes competition Jake Day taking the win on 39 pts, second was Deeray Fo’ou on a 36 c/b and third Donovan Pettiford with 36 pts.

Nearest the pin was Adam Singleton and Perri Simpson.

This Sunday 28th May will be our 18 hole (Stroke) Monthly Medal tee off at 10:00am, hope to see you all there.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Green Club

Whitsunday Golf Report

GOLF

Sunday 21st of May saw the Whitsunday Golf Club playing their Club 4some Trophy Event.

It was a chilly 10 degrees but quickly warmed up to a beautiful 25, unfortunately it was a very depleted field due to many members away.

Congratulations to Ron Jamison and Mark McDougal for their win in the Mens

Competition and Karen Rix and Pauline Redpath for the Ladies competition. Runner up for the Mens were Scott Vlismas and Darren Renoylds and Linda Wardroper and Anna Winterbourn for the Ladies.

Contributed with thanks to Pauline Redpath

LiveLife Pharmacy winnersElona Lynch & Morag Parker

Cannons Enjoy Pioneer Swim Carnival SWIMMING

22 Cannonvale Cannons braved the cool conditions to compete at the Pioneer Short Course Transition Meet held in Mackay on Sunday.

Coaches, Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden were very proud of all the young swimmers and would like to thank all the wonderful parents who assisted with officiating and managing the team. Highlights include:

8 Years and Under: Eloise Chegwidden swam PBs in all her races.

She was very pleased with her 2 silver medals and gold medal.

Zane Clayworth swam a super 25m Butterfly in 30.04sec (3.22sec PB) to earn 3rd place.

One of Evelyn Doherty’s best swims was her 50m Backstroke (with a 1.88sec PB) which earnt her 2nd place.

Indigo Harland aged 6 years smashed her 25m Butterfly time swimming a 14.35sec PB.

Indigo’s sister, Koa swam an impressive 50m Breaststroke in a time of 1.00.65 (a 1.45sec PB) which earnt her 2nd place.

Lucas Korosec had a very successful carnival, coming home with three gold medals and 1 bronze medal.

8 – 10 Year Olds: Ruby Harland, Harris Delac, Indianna Smith, Celeste Orenshaw, Adelaide Sanders, and Matilda Nicholes swam extremely well, swimming 5 or 6 PBs and all swam an excellent time in their 100m IM.

Isaac Pisaniello also swam a super 100m IM and won his 50m Freestyle.

Jax Clayworth had an awesome carnival, swimming PBs in just about all his events and winning four of his events.

Don Algie came home with gold medals for his 50m Breaststroke, Butterfly, and Backstroke. Jasper Korosec enjoyed all his

races.

11 Years and Over: Tora Delac, Isabella Pisaniello and Charlie Doherty swam extremely, achieving PBs in most of their events.

Tora did a massive 20.66sec PB in her 200m IM (2nd) and Charlie swam a 39.48sec PB in his 200m Backstroke (3rd place).

Isabella’s best swims include her 50m Breaststroke (3rd) and 50m Butterfly (3rd).

One of Dylan Reynolds best swims was her 100m IM which she swam a 11.14sec PB.

Congratulations to all the Cannons! Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Whitsunday Outrigger Report OUTRIGGING

Just the best weather for our social paddling afternoon!

Such a great outlet from our jam-packed weeks for everyone-experienced paddlers or brand new to our fantastic sport.

Favourable winds allowed us to make our leisurely way over to Town Beach

where a little further paddling technique was given-and time for a photo of this week’s team.

Outrigger Whitsunday have 5 OC6 that are paddled Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

The clubs’ social team take advantage of an OC6 that only weighs 65kgs- with

its highly advanced design and strong yet light hull, it requires much less effort for paddlers to accelerate and to catch any bumps out on the bay.

If you would like to give outrigger paddling a go, just contact the club on its Facebook page or Michelle Lynes 0421 159 852

Wangaratta Bowls Report BOWLS

Tuesday’s results: Winners for the afternoon were Greg Pembroke and Penny Warren, defeating Marie Nesbitt Geoff Danvers.

Others Gwenda Lydom, Irene Laird, and Linda Smith defeated Bron Tolcher, and Hans Peter Nesbitt.

Deb Retchless, Sue Shearing, and Allan Rolfe defeated Tracey Stanford, Merle Elphinstone, and Greg Colquhoun.

Mandy Anderson, Robyn Stitt, and Steve Roome defeated Ivan Smith, Lorraine Knight, and Lyn Danvers.

The jackpot didn’t go off.

Ladies Competition: Crooked Kitty Teresa Willshire defeated Deb Retchless.

Winners for Sunday: Toni Bowen, Isobel Wheeler, and Jason Wright defeated Bron Tolcher, Maureen Hyde, and Mark Drummond.

Laurie Land, and Fely Duncan defeated Linda Scells, and Ron Hyde.

Merle Elphinstone, Penny Warren, and Kevin Jewell defeated Deb Retchless, Lorraine Knight, and Graeme Read.

Marie Nesbitt, Sue Shearing, and Geoff Danvers defeated John Hayson, Greg Pembroke, and Allan Rolfe.

Robyn Stitt, Lyn Danvers, and Greg Colquhoun defeated Kennedy Whitton, Peter Nesbitt, and Gwenda Lydom.

The jackpot didn’t go off.

Men’s Red Pennant will be held in Bowen at both Wangaratta and BBC starting Friday.

Best of luck to our men playing. Therefore,

Cannonvale Canons taking out big wins at swimming competition

Left-Kerrie, Robyn, Bolinda, Joanne, and Andrew in Outrigger Whitsunday’s lightweight OC6

there will be no social play next weekend. Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Winners on Tuesday: Greg Pembroke Penny Warren with Vice President Irene Laird

Whitsunday Touch Football

WTA was happy to welcome NQTA Referees

Director Joe Lo Grande to our last round of Touch on Monday.

Joe was able to assess three of our referees and we are proud to announce that Tim, Callan and Claudia are our new Level 2 Referees.

Congratulations, your untiring efforts have been rewarded.

Next Monday WTA’s Finals Series begins:

First Week

1 v 2 Winner goes straight to Grand Final

3 v 4 Loser eliminated

Second Week

Loser of 1v 2 plays winner of 3 v 4

Winner goes to Grand Final

Third Week

Grand Final

Round Twelve Results

Mixed A

Trusty (12) defeated Concrete Feet (2)

Vipers (8) defeated In the Crear (6)

Mixed B

Ray White (7) defeated Slippery Salmons (5)

Touch It defeated Guinea Fowls – on forfeit

Whitmonday Eagles (4 ) defeated Full Boar (1 )

Mixed C

Fumble This (8) defeated On Time (2)

Whitsunday Warriors (9) defeated Stingers (6)

Flametree Flames defeated Raiders C

Mixed C (Family)

Untouchables (5) drew Mainlanders (5)

Escapees /Misfits (11) defeated Raiders Family (5)

Ladder Results

INVITING ALL SPORTING GROUPS, SCHOOLS

Matches and Tournaments Game Results

Team Achievements and Successes Player Profiles

Whitsunday Regional Council - Public Notices & Tenders

Whitsunday Regional Council - Public Notices & Tenders

Whitsunday Regional Council - Public Notices & Tenders

26 May 2023

26 May 2023

26 May 2023

Community Catch up - Collinsville

Community Catch up - Collinsville

Community Catch up - Collinsville

Whitsunday Regional Council invites residents of Collinsville & Scottville to attend an upcoming Community Catch-up on Wednesday 21 June, 10am – 12pm, at the Collinsville Community Centre.

Whitsunday Regional Council invites residents of Collinsville & Scottville to attend an upcoming Community Catch-up on Wednesday 21 June, 10am – 12pm, at the Collinsville Community Centre.

Eshelby Drive Footpath and On-street Car Park Line Marking Works

Eshelby Drive Footpath and On-street Car Park Line Marking Works

Eshelby Drive Footpath and On-street Car Park Line Marking Works

Proserpine Library: Saturday 27 May, 10am - 2pm

Proserpine Library: Saturday 27 May, 10am - 2pm

Proserpine Library: Saturday 27 May, 10am - 2pm

Whitsunday Regional Council invites residents of Collinsville & Scottville to attend an upcoming Community Catch-up on Wednesday 21 June, 10am – 12pm, at the Collinsville Community Centre.

Community catch-ups aim to better connect with our local communities, build relationships, share information and gather feedback on localised issues. The vision of this catch-up is to provide an informal setting to discuss topics important to the local community, including:

Community catch-ups aim to better connect with our local communities, build relationships, share information and gather feedback on localised issues. The vision of this catch-up is to provide an informal setting to discuss topics important to the local community, including:

Community catch-ups aim to better connect with our local communities, build relationships, share information and gather feedback on localised issues. The vision of this catch-up is to provide an informal setting to discuss topics important to the local community, including:

We are filling gaps in our pedestrian and cycle network! Our roads team is undertaking works to construct a new footpath and create on-street car park line marking in Eshelby Drive from Monday 22 May to early July (approximately 6 weeks).

We are filling gaps in our pedestrian and cycle network! Our roads team is undertaking works to construct a new footpath and create on-street car park line marking in Eshelby Drive from Monday 22 May to early July (approximately 6 weeks).

We are filling gaps in our pedestrian and cycle network! Our roads team is undertaking works to construct a new footpath and create on-street car park line marking in Eshelby Drive from Monday 22 May to early July (approximately 6 weeks).

Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, Boomerang Workshop, Craft Activities and Storytime

Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, Boomerang Workshop, Craft Activities and Storytime

Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, Boomerang Workshop, Craft Activities and Storytime

Bowen Library: Tuesday 30 May, 10am

Bowen Library: Tuesday 30 May, 10am

Bowen Library: Tuesday 30 May, 10am

Indigenous Artifact Display, Craft Activities and Storytime

Indigenous Artifact Display, Craft Activities and Storytime

Indigenous Artifact Display, Craft Activities and Storytime

Cannonvale Library: Thursday 1 June, 10am

Cannonvale Library: Thursday 1 June, 10am

Cannonvale Library: Thursday 1 June, 10am

• Land & natural resource management,

• Land & natural resource management,

• Land & natural resource management,

• Infrastructure overview of local projects and annual budget items upcoming,

• Infrastructure overview of local projects and annual budget items upcoming,

• Infrastructure overview of local projects and annual budget items upcoming,

The footpath will be 2m wide, connecting existing pathways in Jones Road and Island Drive. Once the footpath is completed, we will create new on-street car park line marking to ensure sufficient space for driveway sight lines and rubbish pick-up. Works may involve some machinery noise from construction vehicles or cutting of concrete

The footpath will be 2m wide, connecting existing pathways in Jones Road and Island Drive. Once the footpath is completed, we will create new on-street car park line marking to ensure sufficient space for driveway sight lines and rubbish pick-up. Works may involve some machinery noise from construction vehicles or cutting of concrete

The footpath will be 2m wide, connecting existing pathways in Jones Road and Island Drive. Once the footpath is completed, we will create new on-street car park line marking to ensure sufficient space for driveway sight lines and rubbish pick-up. Works may involve some machinery noise from construction vehicles or cutting of concrete

Storytelling and Plant identification, Craft Activities and Storytime.

Storytelling and Plant identification, Craft Activities and Storytime.

Storytelling and Plant identification, Craft Activities and Storytime.

For more information, please contact your local Library::

For more information, please contact your local Library::

Proserpine: 07 4945 0275

Proserpine: 07 4945 0275

For more information, please contact your local Library:: Proserpine: 07 4945 0275

Bowen: 07 4761 3670

Bowen: 07 4761 3670

Bowen: 07 4761 3670

Cannonvale: 07 4846 9400

Cannonvale: 07 4846 9400

Cannonvale: 07 4846 9400

• Town planning overview,

• Town planning overview,

• Town planning overview,

• Consultation / education campaigns, and

• Consultation / education campaigns, and

• Consultation / education campaigns, and

• Specific issues raised by the community prior to or at catchups.

• Specific issues raised by the community prior to or at catchups.

• Specific issues raised by the community prior to or at catchups.

Please ensure your vehicle is not parked in the footpath works area or following stage of works. Council will notify residents of the anticipated timing line marking, expected early July, where all vehicles will need to avoid parking in the street for one day.

Please ensure your vehicle is not parked in the footpath works area or following stage of works. Council will notify residents of the anticipated timing line marking, expected early July, where all vehicles will need to avoid parking in the street for one day.

Please ensure your vehicle is not parked in the footpath works area or following stage of works. Council will notify residents of the anticipated timing line marking, expected early July, where all vehicles will need to avoid parking in the street for one day.

Other upcoming catch-up locations for 2023 include, Conway & Wilson Beach, Proserpine, Bowen, Scottville, Shute Harbour and Gumlu & Cape Upstart.

Other upcoming catch-up locations for 2023 include, Conway & Wilson Beach, Proserpine, Bowen, Scottville, Shute Harbour and Gumlu & Cape Upstart.

Other upcoming catch-up locations for 2023 include, Conway & Wilson Beach, Proserpine, Bowen, Scottville, Shute Harbour and Gumlu & Cape Upstart.

Visit our Online Engagement Portal to help identify locally significant topics for discussion at upcoming catch-ups - yoursay. whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.

Visit our Online Engagement Portal to help identify locally significant topics for discussion at upcoming catch-ups - yoursay. whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.

Visit our Online Engagement Portal to help identify locally significant topics for discussion at upcoming catch-ups - yoursay. whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.

Works will be completed in stages, starting from the Island Drive end. We apologise for the temporary inconvenience of the works and will manage impacts with local residents. For more information, visit out Online Engagement Portal project page, yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.

Works will be completed in stages, starting from the Island Drive end. We apologise for the temporary inconvenience of the works and will manage impacts with local residents. For more information, visit out Online Engagement Portal project page, yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.

Bowen Library - Closure, Saturday 27 May 2023

Bowen Library - Closure, Saturday 27 May 2023

Bowen Library - Closure, Saturday 27 May 2023

Please note the Bowen Library will be closed on Saturday, 27 May 2023 for shelving refurbishments. The library will be back to regular opening hours from 8.15am on Monday 29 May.

Please note the Bowen Library will be closed on Saturday, 27 May 2023 for shelving refurbishments. The library will be back to regular opening hours from 8.15am on Monday 29 May.

Please note the Bowen Library will be closed on Saturday, 27 May 2023 for shelving refurbishments. The library will be back to regular opening hours from 8.15am on Monday 29 May.

National Reconciliation Week 27 May - 3 June

National Reconciliation Week 27 May - 3 June

National Reconciliation Week 27 May - 3 June

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Scottville Road - Notice of Works

Scottville Road - Notice of

Scottville Road - Notice of Works

We are undertaking works on Scottville Road from Monday 22 May to August 2023. Thewe works will widen the road, improve safety and connect the Scottville Road footpath to Stanley Street. Works will greatly improve the safety and comfort of the road for residents and heavy vehicles accessing the nearby mine.

Works will be completed in stages, starting from the Island Drive end. We apologise for the temporary inconvenience of the works and will manage impacts with local residents. For more information, visit out Online Engagement Portal project page, yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.

We are undertaking works on Scottville Road from Monday 22 May to August 2023. Thewe works will widen the road, improve safety and connect the Scottville Road footpath to Stanley Street. Works will greatly improve the safety and comfort of the road for residents and heavy vehicles accessing the nearby mine.

We are undertaking works on Scottville Road from Monday 22 May to August 2023. Thewe works will widen the road, improve safety and connect the Scottville Road footpath to Stanley Street. Works will greatly improve the safety and comfort of the road for residents and heavy vehicles accessing the nearby mine.

We are also excited to fill another gap in the pedestrian network, including a new bridge and completion of the remainder of the Scottville Road footpath, to connect with the CBD.

We are also excited to fill another gap in the pedestrian network, including a new bridge and completion of the remainder of the Scottville Road footpath, to connect with the CBD.

We are also excited to fill another gap in the pedestrian network, including a new bridge and completion of the remainder of the Scottville Road footpath, to connect with the CBD.

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

We apologise for the temporary inconvenience of the works and will continue to provide updates on the project as we progress. Please follow signage and traffic controllers on the ground for direction.

We apologise for the temporary inconvenience of the works and will continue to provide updates on the project as we progress. Please follow signage and traffic controllers on the ground for direction.

We apologise for the temporary inconvenience of the works and will continue to provide updates on the project as we progress.

Please follow signage and traffic controllers on the ground for direction.

This National Reconciliation Week, Council will be hosting a range of free events across the region:

This National Reconciliation Week, Council will be hosting a range of free events across the region:

This National Reconciliation Week, Council will be hosting a range of free events across the region:

These works are co-funded by the State Governement’s TIDS scheme.

These works are co-funded by the State Governement’s TIDS scheme.

These works are co-funded by the State Governement’s TIDS scheme.

Collinsville: Cnr Stanley & Conway Streets Cannonvale: Shop 23, Whitsunday Plaza

Cnr Stanley & Conway Streets Cannonvale: Shop 23, Whitsunday Plaza

NEAR NEW HOME IN GREAT LOCATION!!!

Looking for a spacious and modern family home with ample living space and easy side access?

Look no further than this stunning 4-bedroom property, now available for sale as the current owners have purchased elsewhere.

Nestled in a sought-after location, this near-new home boasts a fashionable design with a wellappointed kitchen, open-plan living, and dining area, and four generously sized bedrooms. The master suite includes an en-suite and walk-in wardrobe, while the remaining bedrooms share a stylishly designed bathroom.

The highlight of this property is the easy side access, providing you with plenty of room to store your boat, caravan, or trailer. The backyard also offers a great space for kids and pets to play, or to

entertain family and friends with a BBQ or alfresco dining.

Additional features of this stunning home include air conditioning throughout, a double lock-up garage, and low-maintenance gardens. Plus, with the added benefit of being located in a family-friendly neighbourhood close to schools, shops, and public transport, this property offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and lifestyle.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make this beautiful property your new family home. Contact us today to arrange an inspection and start your next chapter in style!

Council Rates, rent appraisal, video walkthrough, and more information available upon request.

CONTACT: Rhett Nelson 0499 009 855 rhett@taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au

4 Arnold Court, Cannonvale

Live The Life In This Spectacular

Cannon Valley Home

Elevate your lifestyle to new heights in this stunning and spacious property located in one of Cannon Valley’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. Immerse yourself in the epitome of indulgence with an inground swimming pool, lush gardens with established fruit trees, and a perfectly sized shed to securely store the boat and caravan.

• Shed, pool, and 1 acre block

• Manicured established gardens, and fruit trees Fire pit and 4 x rainwater tanks

• Massive master wing with WIR and ensuite Media Room, extra-large garage

• Open-plan living with outdoor entertaining & BBQ area

AUCTION: 27th May at 1pm, ON SITE 69 Honeyeater Crescent, Cannon Valley

CONTACT: Sarah Nutley 0484 895 217 sarah@taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au

Exceptional Property On Amarula Place

With a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, the living area extends to an inviting outdoor entertaining area encompassed by a fully fenced yard and adjacent parklands’ lush greenery. This space includes timber decking and undercover dining, perfect for hosting family and friends.

• 4 Bedrooms with master ensuite

• Beautiful outdoor entertaining area

• Immaculately maintained

• Elevated & secure rear block Remote double garage with storage

• 6.6kw solar system

FOR SALE:

18 Amarula Place, Cannonvale

CONTACT: Sarah Nutley 0484 895 217 sarah@taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au

SEA VIEW- DUAL LIVING – MOVE RIGHT IN

This modern high-set hidden slice of paradise is the ideal family home situated in the middle of Cannonvale on a quiet street where you have everything at your doorstep. Close to the shops, the beach, cafes, gyms, and local schools.

• Full air conditioning throughout Room for boat/van

• Solar System

AUCTION: 20th June at 6pm TAYLORS Office 98 Shute Harbour Rd C’Vale 34 Manooka Drive, Cannonvale

CONTACT: Melinda Butcher 0400 773 478 melinda@taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au

422

BED BATH CAR

NEAR NEW HOME IN GREAT LOCATION!!!

Nestled in a sought-after location, this near-new home boasts a fashionable design with a well-appointed kitchen, open-plan living, and dining area, and four generously sized bedrooms. The master suite includes an en-suite and walk-in wardrobe, while the remaining bedrooms share a stylishly designed bathroom.

Additional features of this stunning home include air conditioning throughout, a double lock-up garage, and low-maintenance gardens. Plus, with the added benefit of being located in a family-friendly neighbourhood.

FOR SALE:

4 Arnold Court, Cannonvale

CONTACT: Rhett Nelson 0499 009 855

rhett@taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au

Plant

Did you know?

And Slashing

Accompanying our excavators, posi-track loaders and skid-steer bobcats, we have a range of gun attachments for specialist jobs, including a forestry mulcher, augers, stump grinders and a large slasher for paddock work Let Whitpro move the earth for you. Whether you have a paddock to clear or product to shift, Whitpro has the gear for jobs big and small.

6.00 WorldWatch. 8.00 WorldWatch. 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian ProMX Championship. Round 5. Highlights.

4.00 Cycling. UCI Women’s World Tour. La Vuelta Femenina. Highlights.

4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro

d’Italia. Stage 20. Highlights. 5.30 Dirty Bird. 5.35 Weeks Of War.

6.30 News. 7.30 Secrets Of The Giant Mammoths. 8.30 Egypt: The Treasure Of The Sacred Bulls. 9.30

Patagonia. 10.20 The Death Of Bruce

Lee. 11.55

7.30pm Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

8.30 Movie: If Beale Street Could Talk. (2018) (MA15+, R)

10.25 Documentary Now! (PG) 10.50 Portlandia. (M, R)

11.35 Doctor Who. (PG, R)

12.25am Miniseries: The Teacher. (M, R)

1.15 Killing Eve. (PG, R)

2.00 Brassic. (MA15+, R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)

7.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R)

8.30 Escape To The Country.

10.30 Impossible Builds. (PG)

11.30 Australia’s Amazing Homes. (PG, R)

12.30 Escape To The Country. (R)

6.00pm American Pickers. (PG, R)

7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown.

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 11. Sydney v Carlton.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show.

11.00 Armchair Experts. (M)

12.00 Movie: The Hate U Give. (2018) (M, R)

5.30pm Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman. (PG, R)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30

You Can’t Ask That. (M, R)

8.30 Jonestown: Terror In The Jungle. (PG)

10.00 Last Man Standing: Suge Knight And The Murders Of Biggie & Tupac. (MA15+, R)

11.40 Vera. (M, R)

1.10am David Attenborough’s Galapagos. (R)

6.00pm Escape To The Country. (R)

7.00

8.50

10.15 Billy Connolly: It’s Been A Pleasure. (M, R)

11.30 Pie In The Sky. (PG, R)

12.30 Miranda. (PG, R)

1.10 The Vicar Of Dibley. (PG, R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

Bargain Hunt. (R)

Doc Martin. (PG, R)

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

8.30 Movie: Men In Black

II. (2002) (PG, R)

10.30 Movie: Alien: Covenant. (2017) (MA15+, R)

1.00 Blokesworld. (PG, R)

1.30 The Car Club. (PG, R)

2.00 Border Security: International. (PG, R)

6.00pm American Pickers. (PG)

7.00 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

7.30 Motorway Patrol. (PG, R)

The Honey Pot. (1967)

5.30pm Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 French Open Tennis Pre-Show. 7.00 Tennis. French Open.

10.20 Movie: Mad Max: Fury Road. (2015) (MA15+,

8.50 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.

9.40

10.30

11.15 Jonestown: Terror In The Jungle. (PG, R)

8.30 Movie: Danger Close: The Battle Of Long Tan. (2019)

(MA15+, R) Travis Fimmel, Luke Bracey, Richard Roxburgh.

10.55 Movie: New Jack City. (1991) (MA15+, R) 1.00 Carnage. (PG)

5.30pm JAG. (PG,

9.15 Documentary Now!

Escape To The Country. (R)

6.00pm American Pickers. (PG, R)

7.00 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

7.30 Air Crash Investigations: Stormy Cockpit. (PG, R)

5.30pm Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 French Open Tennis Pre-Show.

Tennis.

10.40 Shaun Micallef’s MAD AS HELL. (M, R) 11.10 Portlandia. (PG, R)

2.00 Bargain Hunt. (R)

8.30 Movie: The Mummy. (2017) (M, R) Tom Cruise. 11.00 Movie: Morgan. (2016) (MA15+, R) 12.50 Motor MythBusters. (PG)

1.50 Building Giants. (PG, R)

crossword

ACROss

1 Person employed to tend cattle (7)

4 Defeat with brainpower (8)

8 Follow (3,5)

11 Hallucinogen favoured by sage Patanjali (9)

14 Bar frequented by cowboys (6)

15 Exploitable ambiguity in the rules (8)

17 Genre favoured by musicians Brian Eno, Apex Twin (7)

18 To sell items separately (8)

20 Absolutely precise (8)

21 Worthy of great respect (9)

25 One who writes 40-down (8)

26 Temporary technical malfunction

28 They fix cold feet in the bedroom (8)

30 Atmosphere (7)

32 Apprentices (7)

34 Film-making boards (13)

38 One who came before us (8)

42 Display a feeling (5)

43 Mistake (5)

44 Spiritual being, guardian – (5)

45 Search (5)

46 Discoloured with age (8)

49 Disbelievingly (13)

52 Unicellular organisms (7)

55 Citizen of Santiago (7)

57 Long purple fruit (8)

58 A set of six (6)

59 Sleepless condition (8)

60 US fantasy author, Brandon – (9)

64 Storage unit for information (8)

66 Somebody pretending to be someone else (8)

69 From the distant past (7)

70 Avian (8)

71 Run DMC’s 1987 hit It’s – (6)

72 Nuisance (9)

73 Suburbs of New York City (8)

74 He plays with pawns (8)

75 Dummies (7)

DOWN

1 Friend of Marx (7)

2 Second-largest city in Orange County (7)

3 A slow, continuous movement (5)

5 A state of chaos and confusion (5)

6 Dodge (5)

7 Type of mandarin (9)

8 Mind to mind, psionically (14)

9 Sleep tight! (8)

10 Synthetic material used to make stockings (5)

12 Wooden peasants’ shoe (5)

13 Ooze (5)

16 Indiana resident (7)

19 Pesto herb (5)

22 Canal blocked by vessel in March 2021 (4)

23 Pronunciation style (6)

24 Desire (4)

27 Audio tape container (8)

29 If the – fits! (4) 31 Put in danger (7) 33 To stamp (obsolete) (6) 35 Unpleasantly bright, vivid (5) 36 The removal of all traces (7) 37 Ring-shaped bread (5) 39 Moniker (8)

Parody (6) 41 Quality that restrains expression (14) 47 Delayed (6) 48 Almost a circle (4) 50 Australian dairy company (4)

51 Ctrl+Z (4)

53 Of the outside (7)

54 Unjustly exposing or revealing (a secret) (9)

55 Intellectually dishonest (9)

56 Adjust to fit surroundings (5)

60 Country west of Iraq (5)

61 Convert to code (7)

62 Beer mug (5)

63 Chats (7)

65 Spanish friend (5)

67 Grace, elegance (5)

68 Japanese alcoholic rice drinks (5)

69 Lebanese poet Etel, who passed in November 2021 (5)