Whitsunday Life

Friday March 3

WEEKLY PROPERTY GUIDE

INSIDE

FEATURE PROPERTY

38 Main St, Proserpine

Commercial Property - First Time Offered For Sale

read on page 38

Local Businesses Celebrate International Women’s Day

As International Women’s Day approaches it is time to reflect and connect, rise up and resonate with the community of Whitsunday women who work across a diverse range of industries but all bring

an individual flair to their endeavours.

This Wednesday, women across the world will Embrace Equity, in a global event that aims to help create a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination.

Locally, there are many celebrations and women from across the region are invited to come together to celebrate our freedoms, passions and successes.

Read on pages 15 to 20

MAYOR JULIE ARRANGES ON-SITE MEETING WITH TMR AT STATE-OWNED SHUTE HARBOUR BOAT RAMP

read on page 3

TOURISM WHITSUNDAYS

Networking Night Festivities

social pics on page 27

COLLINSVILLE TURNS PINK For Breast Cancer Fun Run AIRLIE TRIATHLON FESTIVAL Partners With Coral Sea Marina

read on page 26

read on page 11

Jess Hope, Sarah Watson, Elmarie van der Westhuizen, Misty Bland, Nicole Polley, Kath Barker, Tegan Faust, Beth Walters, Jen Walters and Erin Flemming. Photo credit: Norina Jane

Advertising: bookings@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Rachael Smith – 0417267373 rachael@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

PUBLISHER

Rebecca Douthwaite bec@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER

Mike McCann – 0427897960 michael@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

JOURNALIST: Declan Durrant declan@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

Publishers Indemnity. Those who make advertising placement and/or supply copy material or editorial submissions to Mackay and Whitsunday Life Paper, undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe any copyright, trademark, defamation, libel, slander or title, breach of confidence, does not contain anything obscene or indecent, or does not infringe the Trade Practices Act or other laws, regulations or statutes. Further to the above mentioned these persons agree to indemnify the publisher and/or its agents against any investigations, claims or judgements. All material is correct at time of printing and is copyright of CORE Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.

Editor’s Note

Hi Everyone,

This week when I was running on the treadmill at the gym, I saw a woman doing a fitness class in the next room with her 12-month-old baby in her arms.

I was amazed at how determined she was to continue with her class despite her restless baby demanding her attention.

Instead of giving up, she simply scooped the bubba up and carried on.

The baby was delighted and didn’t even mind the jogs and jostles of her mum working out.

What a hero!

This week we are celebrating International Women’s Day with a special feature that profiles 15 different women in our community from a variety of industries.

I had the pleasure of meeting many of them at the frontpage photo shoot earlier this week and I was amazed at how quickly these complete strangers became friends.

Within minutes of their arrival, they were chatting animatedly about their businesses

and handing business cards to each other – it had become somewhat of a networking event!

When you see them linking arms in the photo, it reflects this genuine feeling of kinship. I loved watching this instant camaraderie and it reminded me of our female superpowers – that of love, empathy and connection.

One other woman I know who brings these qualities to the world in everything she does is my own mother – Jan – who is (as I write this) on her way to the Whitsundays from England.

Thanks for travelling all the way over here by yourself mum, you are my truest role model and I love you so much.

Noons

(my childhood nickname!)

“Your graciousness is what carries you. It isn’t how old you are, how beautiful you are, or how short your skirt is. It’s what comes out of your heart. If you are gracious, you have won the game” (Stevie Nicks)

When Judith Miller Backway was woken by a “big crash” at 3 am, she raced out of her bedroom to find her husband on the bathroom floor in terrible pain.

She immediately called an ambulance to their Cannonvale address and was relieved when it arrived some minutes later. They rushed him to Proserpine Hospital where it was initially thought to be a heart attack but after further investigation, they discovered he had a Ruptured Aortic Arterial Aneurism.

He was then taken by the RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter to Townsville Hospital where he was treated by a vascular surgeon.

Afterwards, his wife found out that eight out of 10 people who suffer from the same condition do not survive the trip to the hospital.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to all the medical teams in-

volved,” said Judith.

“Unfortunately, I don’t know their names, but everyone from the paramedics to every doctor, nurse, pilot and the helicopter doctors were just amazing!” Since the incident, which took place earlier this month, Judith said they found out that this type of aneurism has no symptoms and no warning.

“Most people find out when it ruptures and by then it is too late,” said Judith.

“But you can ask your doctor to refer you for a routine ultrasound which would pick it up and I wish more people knew that.”

Judith says her husband is now doing well and that they have been able to complete their move down to Hervey Bay, but he has been on very light duties.

“He said he’d do anything to get out of the packing,” said Judith. “But this was a step too far!”

Near Drowning, Incredible Rescue

Afour-year-old is lucky to be alive after he nearly drowned at a resort pool on Hamilton Island late last month.

If it were not for the quick-thinking holidaymakers that were first to arrive at the scene, and spent three crucial minutes resuscitating him, then he may have died.

Jason Chivers and his wife, Dr Britt Christensen, who are from Melbourne were holidaying with a group of other families and their own three children when they heard screams. They turned around to see a mother carrying her child from the pool, he was blue and not breathing.

The mother turned the boy over and tried to smack his back, but Britt, who was 31 weeks pregnant at the time, jumped into action.

They managed to calm the mother down and lay the boy on his back, ensured his airway was clear and then began CPR.

“At first it was not working as there were too many people, but we managed to get everyone out of the way and get the sequence right,” recalls Jason.

“Seeing the child’s chest go up and down – I still see it so clearly today – we have a nearly fouryear-old and it was just so much to take in.”

There was a large crowd of families watching, but after about three minutes Jason said he saw a flicker.

“His eyes moved, and we continued CPR and then I saw emotion come on his face, in twitches,” said Jason.

“All of a sudden, we heard a big scream come from the child and I was just waiting to hear his voice so that we knew he had brain function and that’s when he screamed – Mum! Mum! Mum! – and he did a massive vomit of water and then a huge burp.”

A few minutes later the fire brigade arrived and so did the ambulance service.

Mayor Makes Headway On Shute Harbour Boat Ramp

When Britt got to her feet, she had severe burns on her knees and the family will always remember the traumatic day.

Jason managed to speak to the boy’s mother afterwards and she explained that her son had been wearing his floaty and that she had gone to a sun lounger to get his goggles so they could practice swimming in the deep end. Somehow, in those few minutes, he had gotten out of his floaty and into the deep end of the pool.

The pool was very crowded at the time and the mother could not see her son at first, but after a frantic few minutes, she found him submerged.

“It’s amazing how quickly they can slip under the water without a noise, in a crowded pool and for nobody to notice,” said Jason.

Fortunately, there is a happy outcome to this incident but it acts as a stark reminder that children need constant visual supervision in the water.

Last Thursday, Mayor Julie Hall announced that she had been speaking with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) and has arranged an onsite meeting at the Shute Harbour boat ramp in late March. The boat ramp has been a point of contention for boat-owners within our community since it opened in 2021.

The $1.8 million state-owned structure has been called an “engineering disgrace” and becomes submerged at hightide, with many boaties calling it dangerous and not fit for use.

Mayor Julie Hall and Director of Infrastructure Services Adam Hagy have been in talks with DTMR and are now pleased to

inform the community that an inspection of the site has been approved.

“Council has received plenty of criticism that the new boat ramp is not practical, but the boat ramp is a state-owned government funded asset,” said the Mayor.

“I initially raised our community’s concerns about the boat ramp issue in talks with Minister Mark Baily late last year and we are grateful that he gave an assurance that he would arrange a meeting onsite with Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ).

“Our aim now is to work with DTMR and MSQ to explore possible solutions to make the current boat ramp more user friendly based on community feedback.”

Shute Harbour Coordinator Shaun Cawood, Mayor Julie Hall and Director of Infrastructure Services Adam Hagy at the Shute Harbour boat ramp. Photo supplied

WILLCOX WORRIED By Lack Of Tourism Funding

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is concerned about funding cuts that he believes could result in a lack of international tourists visiting the Whitsundays.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics have released a report that stated international tourist visitation is only 25 per cent of prepandemic 2019 levels.

Despite domestic tourists at a record-breaking high, Willcox believes that the government should be forward-thinking and allocating funding to attract global tourism now that the world’s borders are fully open.

He is frustrated that $35 million of funding has been cut from Tourism Australia this year and worried what the implications will be on our nation’s ability to reach global markets.

“The Prime Minister needs to start backing our tourism operators and regions like Dawson who are reliant on the international market,” he said.

“Tourism Australia is the agency responsible for marketing Australia as the destination of choice to international holiday makers.

Bowen Big Mango Half Cut For Small Business

“The decision to cut $35 million from their funding in the budget was exceptionally poor.”

Willcox pointed out that local Whitsunday operators have dealt with a “double blow” when the COVID 19 Recovery for regional Tourism Fund ceased in December last year.

The Whitsundays and Mackay region had received $3,500,000 from the Federal Government which helped assist businesses and tourism operators who were heavily reliant on International Tourism.

“We are now competing heavily against the rest of the world to attract international travellers. It makes no sense for the Government to cut $35 million from the agency tasked with rebuilding our international tourism market,” he said.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton said he is also concerned with the reduction in funding.

He stated that domestic tourism has been strong but as Aussies head overseas, there will be a lag in international visitation as Australia is a long-haul market booked a year out.

Just over a week ago the iconic Big Mango in Bowen mysteriously disappeared, only to reappear on Thursday morning cut in half with a giant seed protruding from the middle of the 10-metre structure. While many locals stood back in wonder, Bowen Tourism and Business were ‘in the know’, their Manager Leanne Abernethy announcing that it was part of a stunt coordinated by Australia’s small business platform, Xero, to highlight the plight of small business owners who lose money through unpaid invoices.

Small business owners face 50 per cent of their invoices being paid late.

The startling statistic originated from a 2022 study commissioned by Xero, in conjunction with Accenture, and found that on average, late payments cost small businesses $1.1 billion per year.

By replacing the Big Mango with a replica that had been cut in half, organisers hoped to increase awareness of the challenges small businesses face.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said she was proud that the iconic Bowen Big Mango was being used to help highlight such an important issue.

Councillor Fined For Misconduct

AWhitsunday Regional Councillor is required to make a public admission of guilt, pay a fine of $500, and attend training or counselling after engaging in “inappropriate conduct” relating to a Council employee.

Councillor Jan Clifford’s actions were scrutinised by an independent assessor over six months, with the findings presented for decision to Whitsunday Regional Councillors at last week’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

Three allegations of misconduct were brought to the table against Ms Clifford, the first two of which she was found guilty.

Councillor Clifford is required to publicly admit her guilt, be fined $500, and attend on-course training.

The initial, substantiated claim was that she had approached an unnamed employee and said words to the effect that “it appeared there was nepotism within the

council with the appointment of Employee Y to Council position,” documents stated.

The second substantiated allegation stated that the Councillor attended a Council event last year, where the Councillor said to another attending employee about Employee Y, “I would rather speak to myself” and “I am still disgusted that [she] has got that position”.

A third allegation was removed from discussions for being “school-kid stuff” had alleged Councillor Clifford ignored Employee Y at several previous Council meeting morning teas.

Under current policy, Local Government Mayors are held responsible for handling investigations and reprimand of Councillors.

Another Councillor Conduct Investigation against Councillor Mike Brunker was to be addressed at the meeting but was tabled due to Councillor Brunker being

absent.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said that hiring independent assessors was not a regular procedure in these matters yet was deemed the “right course of action” considering the timing of the allegations.

“When these were brought to my desk, I had been in the job for less than a week,” Mayor Hall said.

Before discussions, Councillor Clifford spoke to her case: “I said to someone that it did not pass the pub test [the hiring of Employee Y], in broad terms,” she said.

“Am I sorry I said that? Maybe, maybe not. Because it does not in my opinion pass the pub test and this is nothing personal against the employee. A lot of people in this town would have applied for [that position].”

“The Bowen Big Mango temporarily looked like a job half done to draw a focus to the real issues that small businesses face when their invoices are paid late,” she said. “Small businesses are the backbone of communities in regional Australia, and we hope this stunt brings about a much-needed change in attitude towards paying invoices on time.”

While on the ground, Whitsunday Regional Council took the opportunity to install new legs and an internal refurbishment to make the Big Mango more durable. The real Big Mango has now been returned to the site and work will continue at the location for the next few weeks.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said this big thing of ours would be ripe again in time for its 21st birthday in May and the makeover would ensure it would be an icon of Bowen’s landscape for many years to come. She also added that Bowen Tourism and Business had been paid by media agency, HelloSocial, on behalf of Xero, to take part in the campaign.

The inflatable half-mango, valued at $30k, has also been gifted to Bowen Tourism and Business for use at future events.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox at the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. Photo supplied

The 10-metre Big Mango was lifted by crane and taken away earlier last week. Photo supplied

$10M Lindeman

One of Queensland’s largest private property development companies has withdrawn from its contracted $10 million purchase of Lindeman Island.

Shaun and Samantha Juniper, founders of The Juniper Group, have retracted their plans to purchase and develop the long-abandoned island off the shore of Airlie Beach.

Chinese cable TV operator White Horse Group had agreed to sell Lindeman – once the site of a luxurious Club Med resort –to the major private property developer in November of last year.

White Horse had purchased the island which sits 40 minutes from Airlie Beach a decade ago for $12.5 million and was seeking a $20 million return -- a figure which The Juniper Group had negotiated down to $10 million.

The Chinese company wished to divest itself of the island asset due to struggles with

Sale Collapses

Queensland State Government approvals, despite having completed an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) component to redeveloping the island.

That EIS was for a $583-million-dollar masterplan to redevelop the abandoned site - but those plans are now once again up in the air, and it is unknown whether a future owner would continue with the already drawn-up scheme or come in with their ideas.

The announcement of The Juniper families’ plans to develop a resort on the island was welcomed with open arms in the Whitsundays, but Lindeman now returns to its state of “development limbo”.

It re-joins the likes of others in the Whitsunday Archipelago like Long Island, which was recently purchased by Oscars Hotels, as well as the Meridian Australia purchased Hook Island, and South Molle Island – an island owned by China Capital Investment Group.

Plans For Proserpine Basketball Court Moving Ahead

Proserpine is expected to receive its first public Basketball Courts as Whitsunday Regional Council requests funding for the project at Halpannel Park.

The $175,000 project hopes to address the current lack of a community sporting fixture of its type in the Whitsundays township.

Whitsunday Regional Council Project Officer Economic Development and Major Grants Elouise Lamb said the sports

facility will be built at an established park facility in easy proximity to three schools. Currently, local enthusiasts not attending one of Proserpine’s schools must make the drive to Airlie Beach to utilise facilities.

The court is projected for completion by December 2024, with funding still being sought through the DTIS Minor Infrastructure Program Round 1, with no construction start date announced.

Second Man Convicted Of Brogden Murder

The family of Jay Brogden, who disappeared without a trace in 2007, are relieved that a second man has been convicted of manslaughter, the final piece of news that they hope will help them find closure.

Braddon Butler was charged with Jay Brogden’s murder in 2019 and has been detained, awaiting trial for the last four years.

His trial was scheduled for this week, but several days before it was due to begin, Butler pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

On Monday, at the Supreme Court in Mackay, he was sentenced to eight years.

The judge took into consideration the time he had already served, and Butler is now eligible for parole.

Last year Gavin Parnell was convicted of murder for shooting Jay Brogden in the head while the three of them were on a

fishing trip off the coast of Airlie Beach. It is understood that Butler was a drug dealer and had been selling drugs to Brogden when a discrepancy arose about money.

Butler and Parnell then took Brogden out on the fishing trip with the intent to seriously assault him, and Butler claims he had no idea that Parnell had a weapon. Butler lied to the authorities twice about his involvement, once in 2007 and then in 2014.

Jay Brogden’s mum told the court that her son had been planning to move back home to his family in New South Wales before he was killed.

She said that not knowing what had happened to her son had been devastating for her family and that now she hopes they can put this behind them and one day focus on the good memories.

The proposed $10 million sale of Lindeman Island to Queensland developer The Juniper Group has fallen through as the company withdraws its offer

A road sign calling for witnesses following the disappearance of Jay Brogden in 2007. Photo supplied

C’mon Airlie! FIGHT FOR YOUR TOWN!

NO HIGHRISE AIRLIE FORESHORES ON

Save Our Foreshore are 100% committed to go to court on behalf of the Airlie Beach community.

Town plan maximum height is 5 storeys / 18m This proposal is 12 storeys / 48m

Many Airlie Beach properties have magnificent ocean views which will be destroyed if this development proceeds. As well as being an eyesore, it will depreciate the values of these properties.

Our top legal team are currently compiling a huge volume of evidence ready to present to court in Brisbane.

THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER!

Foreshore – Donate to the Every cent counts! Invest in Airlie Beach. Scan QR code to donate or visit: gofundme.com/stop-airlie-high-rise

Together we can fight this. Invest in Airlie Beach. Help SAVE OUR FORESHORE. Donate to the Go Fund Me legal fighting fund. Every $ counts!

We support lowrise, tasteful development in our community – we need your help!

Save Our Foreshore are 100% committed to go to court on behalf of the Airlie Beach community.

Save Our Foreshore Inc needs community funds to continue their legal appeal to protect the Airlie Beach public foreshores, the character and amenity of our town. Save Our Foreshores Inc is 100% volunteer-run and 100% of all donations goes into the fighting fund.

Scan QR code to donate or visit:gofundme.com/stop-airlie-high-rise

Many Airlie Beach properties have magnificent ocean views which will be destroyed if this development proceeds. As well as being an eyesore, it will depreciate the values of these properties.

THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER! You can help Save Our Foreshore – Donate

Whitsunday community - we urgently need your support!

Our top legal team are currently compiling a huge volume of evidence ready to present to court in Brisbane.

We support lowrise, tasteful development in our community – we need your help!

Save Our Foreshore Inc needs community funds to continue their legal appeal to protect the Airlie Beach public foreshores, the character and amenity of our town. Save Our Foreshores Inc is 100% volunteer-run and 100% of all donations goes into the fighting fund. AuthorisedbySaveOurForeshoreInc,AirlieBeach,QLD4802

SAVE OUR FORESHORE

Triathlon Festival Welcomes New Sponsor

The Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival is celebrating its 23 consecutive annual event this year by introducing its new naming rights sponsor, Coral Sea Marina Resort.

Organisers say the new partnership represents a “sensational fit for our multi-sports event consisting of swim, cycle and run.”

“The entire Whitsunday community will benefit with this new lease of life partnership as our naming sponsor,” said President of Whitsunday Triathlon Club Michael Kimpton.

“This year we have a passionate committee and enthusiastic group of members who have decided to run the event in-house.

“Over the years we have collected the infrastructure and equipment which gives us a great base structure to set up the event.

“Everyone from the novice, the age grouper, the team player, pro and elite athletes will have a race to fit their style.”

The Airlie Triathlon Festival will take place over two days, with the kids and juniors competing on Saturday 29 July and adults on

Sunday 30 July.

Michael Kimpton said that a highlight this year will be the juniors’ races on the Saturday afternoon.

Youngsters from the age of 5 to 15, will receive race bags including their race apparel, and will then be encouraged to swim, splash or walk in the safety of the lagoon.

They will then run on the safe boardwalk to Coral Sea Marina Resort, and transit to their bikes (trainer wheels, BMXs, handlebar streamers all accepted) to be cheered along a similar route.

“The smile on their faces as they are cheered on through the finisher’s arch to be presented with their Finishers Medal, is just mind-blowing,” said Michael.

“No First places or disappointments; just massive achievement and encouragement for participating and finishing!”

The Race Precinct will be set up in the Broadwater Avenue car-

Vale Lynn Larkin

Kind-Hearted School Staff Member Remembered

The Proserpine community is mourning one of its own following the passing of much-loved mother-ofthree, Lynn Larkin, who will be remembered as a caring person who was highly respected for her work at the local State High School.

Lynn was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer seven years ago and fought a brave battle which involved numerous rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.

She passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on February 18, aged 60.

A service was held at the Showgrounds Pavilion and the ceremony was led by Reverend Suzy Sitton of the Uniting Church.

Lynn enjoyed a very modest and fulfilling life, she was born in Proserpine, and lived there all her life.

park with as little disruption to the public as necessary.

The races will be a great spectacle for the public, with food vans and exciting activities for spectators during the event.

For any further encouragement or information, please visit the website or feel free to ring Michael, President of Whitsunday Triathlon Club on 0417 717 818.

Born to Reg and Ethel Muller she was the second child of four.

After school, Lynn was employed by National Australia Bank, then Blue Nurses and Proserpine Hospital.

She went on to have three children – Jack, Hannah and Darcy – and for the last 10 years she worked as part of the Administration Team and Uniform Store

Arborists

Did you know?

at Proserpine State High School. Lynn will always be remembered for her smile and highly organised workspace with great attention to the smallest detail; her positive outlook; loving personality and fantastic memory for creating procedures and implementing them.

Lynn was baptised and married in the local St James Uniting Church.

Her faith, empathy and compassion for others meant she was a tireless worker in our community.

A dedicated team member at Proserpine State High School, Lynn’s pride and passion for the job and broader community could never be questioned and she made it her business to welcome new families to the school. “As a school community we extend our sincere sympathies to her family friends and loved ones at this difficult time,” said Principal Don McDermid.

Please remember that breast checks for anyone over 40 are free and can be arranged with Breast Screen Queensland by calling 13 20 50. Early detection can save lives. If you are worried about any changes in your breasts see your GP straight away, no matter your age.

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

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

Lynn Larkin with her three children, Jack, Hannah and Darcy. Photo supplied

This year will be the 23rd annual Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival. Photo supplied

President of the Whitsunday Triathlon Club, Michael Kimpton and Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development for Coral Sea Marina Resort celebrate the new partnership. Photo supplied

Councillor Column With Councillor Mike Brunker

Hello everyone,

Taylor’s Goes Back-to-Back in National Awards

Alocal real estate agency raked in the rewards at a national level last week, bringing home Agency of the Year for Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket, and Proserpine.

Taylor’s Property Specialists were recognized for their exceptional service at the 2023 RateMyAgent Awards for both buying and selling within the region.

RateMyAgent collates sales-per-suburb

Australia-wide before factoring in testimonials for its prestigious national awards.

Principal of Taylor’s Property Specialists

Rob Taylor said this was the first time they had received the award for Proserpine but the second year running in Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, and Jubilee Pocket.

“We’re not the biggest company out there which makes us proud to receive these awards again,” Mr Taylor said.

“But it’s not about us, it’s about our customers; if it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t

Chamber Chat

Rising interest rates and the inflation monster continue to make headlines whilst renewable energy reliability has also started to be questioned, at a time when government is pouring billions into renewables.

Undoubtedly, we need to focus on cleaner power but are renewables the absolute answer? Renewable powerhouses like Germany have reluctantly started to bring coal back. Germany’s goal had been to phase out all coal-generated electricity by 2038, but last year, swallowed the bitter pill of allowing coal-fired power back onto the grid partially due to the cost of gas but also as it needs more power.

The grid also needs a massive infrastructure upgrade and investment as we transition with new generation, transmission lines and energy storage are needed to keep the lights on in homes and businesses as ageing coal power plants shut down. Why the focus on power? Recent CCIQ survey data details new sets of challenges in the post-Covid business environment. And cost and reliability of power are high on the business agenda.

Unsurprisingly, attracting and retaining employees, wage and insurance cost and

be here. I can’t thank them enough for the recognition of our team’s work.”

One of Taylor’s agents received major recognition as well: Sales Agent Melinda Butcher became a three-time winner for Agent of the Year in Airlie Beach - winning in 2018, 2022, and now 2023 - and a further back-to-back Agent of the Year for Cannonvale, winning in both 2022 and 2023.

In the past twelve months, the award-winning agent sold 66 properties for a total of $32.4 million in sales, all while maintaining her impeccable five-star review rating.

Ms Butcher was grateful to those she had helped purchase or sell their homes.

“I’m very humbled to have won these awards for a second time, and I am so excited to continue leading the people of the Whitsundays through the best real estate journeys possible,” Ms Butcher said.

Allan Milostic, President of the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce

interest rates are listed as the top growth constraints in Queensland in the last 12 months. Operating levels have returned or exceeded pre-Covid levels, especially in the Whitsunday region, however despite steady business performance, there is a degree of uncertainty with macroeconomic issues and high operating costs undermining business confidence.

For the third quarter in a row, businesses have reported growth with 37 per cent of businesses indicating their sales and revenue improved during the December quarter. However, in contrast, close to half of businesses surveyed expected the Queensland economy to perform weaker over the next 12 months and 53 per cent expected the national economy to perform weaker.

Is it just business focussing on the negative? Hopefully not. Locally, the ground work has been done and the future looks positive.– operate smart, efficiently and be ready to take advantage of every opportunity. After all, luck is what happens when opportunity meets preparation.

Contributed with thanks to Alan Milostic, President of Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce.

The projects that I will be focusing on for 2023 will be all about lifestyle choices and improvement of liveability for all residents in my Division 6.

It’s exciting that Bowen’s iconic scenic walking from Horseshoe Bay to Rose Bay is being upgraded to a new track. For many years Council have used job schemes to develop and maintain this beautiful track that meanders between our three iconic beaches of Horseshoe Bay over through Murrays Bay down to the picturesque Rose Bay and then doubling back through sub-tropical bush land to the start.

Planning for the future, Council has engaged a walking track specialist to design and construct a new and improved track that will be safer for walkers and include more photo opportunity locations to allow locals and tourists to take that beautiful hero shot as an everlasting memory of your trek.

Council also plans to add rest areas for those who want to take a more leisurely stroll and sit back and enjoy the tranquillity.

The design is ready to go out to the public for feedback, we are just waiting for support and sign off with Native Title and we should be able to get underway.

The other project I am interested in is the legendary Mullers Lagoon with its hundreds of bird species that call this Botanic Garden home.

We are currently working on a master plan

which will see Stage 1 result in the kilometres of dirt pathways cemented to make the track accessible to all.

This means locals and tourists will be able to spend an afternoon walking around Mullers Lagoon absorbing the serenity of our jewel in the crown, smack bang in the middle of Bowen.

This lagoon was man made many years ago by the previous owners of the property and sold to Bowen Shire Council for the specific use of a Botanical Garden and Bird Sanctuary, which has been upheld to this day.

Upgraded pathways and more entertainment facilities will go a long way to introducing more locals and visitors alike to appreciate the truly beautiful open space this is.

On a personal note, I will be continuing to support my wife who volunteers for Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue to ensure that our furry friends can always find a home in troubled times.

Whitsunday Regional Council is one of the only QLD Councils that accepts general household waste (self-hauled under 2m3) and household green waste (self-hauled in a vehicle under 4.5t) for free at its landfills and transfer stations.

This Sunday is Clean Up Australia day – a time for our community to band together and keep our patch clean. Why not take advantage of these free waste disposal services to tidy up around your home and garden in the spirit of the day.

Keeping your patch clean not only helps the environment, it also assists to prepare your home in the event of a natural disaster.

To find out more about how we manage waste in our region and what we categorise as general waste, visit our waste and recycling page on our website: www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au

Taylor’s Property Specialists won Agency of the Year for Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket, and Proserpine as well as Agent of the Year for Cannonvale and Airlie Beach at the recent RateMyAgent 2023 awards

SHUTE HARBOUR MARINE TERMINAL

Explore 74 Cafe Licensed Cafe

Now open for breakfast and lunch at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. Offering Barista made coffees, all day breakfast and grab and go as well as exciting lunch options such as Ballistic Beer Battered Coral Trout and Chips and Charcoal Brioche Bun Wagyu Beef Sliders!

Open Mon to Thurs 6am - 2pm, Fri to Sun 6am - 5pm. Full liquor license including off premise liquor sales. Ice and bait available. Call (07) 4846 9408 for enquiries.

Event and Function Space

Now available for rent, private penthouse style event and function space providing 180 degree views over the Coral Sea and its speckled island wonders.

The fully air conditioned space is specifically tailored to cocktail events with modern lounge seating included as standard.

• 346m2 airconditioned space & 216m2 outdoor covered space

• Lounge seating 120 guests, cocktail style 250 guests

Competitive half day or full day rates available. Visit www.shuteharbourmarine.com.au or call (07) 4964 6616.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2023

As we celebrate International Women’s Day in 2023, we are reminded of the importance of embracing equity and the impact it can have on creating a more just and equal world.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Embrace Equity”, a call to action for individuals to recognise and address the inequalities that women continue to face, particularly those from marginalised communities.

While progress has been made in recent years towards gender equality, it is essential to acknowledge that there is still a long way to go. Women from marginalised communities continue to face discrimination and bias in multiple areas of life, such as education, employment, healthcare, and politics.

As we reflect on the achievements of women in our own community, we must also recog-

AMANDA CAMM

MEMBER FOR WHITSUNDAY

With one of the most recognisable faces in the Whitsundays, our local state member is seen regularly attending events, handing out awards, supporting charity BBQs, manning community stalls and cheering-on sporting teams.

At the forefront of local issues, she is also on the pulse and committed to advocating for our region when she travels down to Parliament House in Brisbane.

Raised in Proserpine, Amanda grew up near the O’Connell River and lived in the Pioneer Valley for much of her teenage years.

Throughout her childhood, she would spend all school holidays visiting family between Proserpine and Midge Point.

nise and honour those whose contributions have often been overlooked or ignored.

It is only by embracing equity that we can ensure that every woman has an equal opportunity to thrive.

This International Women’s Day, let us work towards creating a world where every woman has equal access to opportunities and resources.

Let us acknowledge and honour the contributions of women from all walks of life and commit to taking action to address the inequalities that still exist.

By working together towards equity, we can create a future where every woman can achieve her full potential and live a life free from discrimination and inequality.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY IN THREE WORDS: ENERGETIC, COMPASSIONATE, HARD-WORKING

She now lives in the Northern Beaches of Mackay, which is the southernmost point of her electorate.

Amanda’s career has been both diverse and varied, from positions in the travel industry to securing charity partnerships with major mining companies.

She began her career in the sugar industry, transitioning from sugar chemist to farmer and then moved into social and economic development and Local Government, where she served as Mackay’s Deputy Mayor.

“This provided great experience for my current role as Member for Whitsunday with various Shadow Minister responsibilities,” she said.

JULIE HALL

“No two days are the same in my role as the local member but by far the most enjoyable part is being able to connect with people across the community and help make a positive impact.”

In her own time, Amanda enjoys being with her family, hiking national park trails, doing yoga and has recently taken up playing golf. She also loves catching up with friends from all over the country, usually over facetime with a glass of wine at the end of the day.

Despite her incredible achievements, Amanda says that her biggest success in life is watching her three children become young adults.

MAYOR OF WHITSUNDAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Bringing with her a wealth of knowledge from 16 years running her own business in the private sector, Julie is both a talented entrepreneur and published author who created an internationally recognised personal development profiling system.

These incredible credentials form the foundations of her role as Mayor of the Whitsundays and since August last year she has poured energy, enthusiasm and countless hours of dedication into the position.

Originally from Glenelg, South Australia, Julie moved to rural SA with her family when she was nine years old. Her childhood cultivated a love for regional living and after residing

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY IN THREE WORDS: WORKAHOLIC, LOYAL, FUN

in the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast for 16 years, she found her paradise in Bowen.

Julie has three grown children and four grandchildren and says they are the best thing that ever happened to her.

On the rare occasion she doesn’t have community commitments on weekends, she enjoys fishing, camping and sailing.

During her life, Julie has held many positions in male dominated fields and during this time she has witnessed firsthand where the renumeration for women in the same role is not always equal, especially in the sales and management roles.

“If you do the same work and the same hours, you should not be discriminated against because of your gender,” she said.

“Life continues to be a challenge for women in the workplace, but I am elated to stay that Council is playing its part in women’s equality.

“Our renumeration packages are equal wages for both men and women in the same role and our indoor and outdoor workforces combined workforce is 60 pe cent Male and 40 per cent female.

“I’ll admit we still have room to do better but it is exciting Council is headed in the right direction.”

Local women in business come together to celebrate International Women’s Day

BETH AND JEN WALTERS

When Cartridge Universe Whitsunday owner Jen Walters says her business is family-owned and operated, she means it.

Alongside her daughter, Beth, Jen is the face of the printer and printing supply store in Cannonvale, working in the ever-changing industry for over a decade.

Moving to the region 18 years ago from Goulburn in New South Wales, Jen was later followed by Beth in 2015. Bringing their families to the Whitsundays, they now enjoy the lifestyle and work alongside each other as a mother-daughter team.

With assorted backgrounds in various administrative positions in legal and accounting for Jen and a

REBECCA DOUTHWAITE

OWNER OF CORE PUBLISHING

MACKAY AND WHITSUNDAY LIFE NEWSPAPER

Making waves in the publishing world, Bec’s career has skyrocketed even further into success in the past three years with the introduction of Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper.

Bec started her first magazine when she was just 21 years old and recalls being a young girl with a big dream – a dream that paid off with dedication, perseverance and of course the entrepreneurial grit which has seen her launch several highly regarded publications.

Initially, Bec produced City Life Magazine, a lifestyle publication that began in Cairns and expanded to Townsville and the Whitsundays.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY IN THREE WORDS: FRIENDLY, AMBITIOUS, AND LOYAL

At the time she sold City Life to APN Australian Regional Newspaper, her son, Kaylem was just six months old so she decided to use some of the non-compete period to stay at home with her son and start a completely different business in signage.

Kaylem was 5, when she started making plans to start Core Life Magazine and, by coincidence, APN closed their failed attempt at running City Life the same week as she launched – eliminating her competition.

This was almost 12 years ago, and Core Life has been a cornerstone of the local business community ever since.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY IN THREE WORDS: JEN - FEARLESS, DETERMINED AND LOVING. BETH - PEACE-LOVING LIBRAN!

Fine Arts Diploma and Certificate in Visual Arts from TAFE for Beth, the pair have an array of expertise – including Beth’s Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Writing and Publishing.

While studying, Beth raised her daughters intending to set a great example for them.

“I believe women can do anything and I have always taught my daughters that,” Beth said.

“I have always encouraged them to follow their interests and have goals.”

For the pair, they have seen their share of challenges as a small business, but Jen said the combined cerebral and physical aspects of

working in the ever-changing printing industry made it all worth it – as well as working with her daughter, who has been an enormous help in some trying times.

“I recently “kicked cancer’s butt” when I underwent 28 radiation treatments and two rounds of chemotherapy,” Jen said.

“I was fortunate enough to have my daughter Beth step up and to leave the business confidently in her hands while I have been focused on my health.”

Together, they made the enormous decision to withdraw from a franchise in 2021 and became an independent small business, opening their doors as “Cartridge Universe Whitsunday”.

ELMARIE VAN DER WESTHUIZEN

What is the passion of any great educator? To teach and to see your students flourish --that is “the most rewarding job in the world” and Elmarie van der Westhuizen has been living it for more than four decades.

The Assistant Principal of Whitsunday Christian College’s Primary School has been an educator all her life, moving from South Africa to Australia to pursue the career which is “in her veins.”

“Both my husband and my parents were involved in Education,” Elmarie said.

“My husband, Frans, is a teacher and we have two beautiful daugh-

Eight years ago, Bec launched Tripping Magazine, a successful travel and leisure publication.

Then, almost three years ago when News Corp shut down 14 regional newspapers, she launched Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper to give the community back their voice in print.

Bec lives with her husband of 15 years, Paul (Douthy) and her now17-year-old-son who has just got his P-plates.

In her spare time, she loves renovating the house with her husband, working out at the gym or taking their three dogs for long walks at Conway Beach.

ters, Twane’ and Elmie, who are both in Education, too. I love what I am doing with my life – to Educate the youth of Australia.”

Elmarie has spent the last 23 years living in Cannon Valley, with 20 of those at Whitsunday Christian College in various roles and responsibilities: as a Prep teacher, in the school’s management team, and now as Assistant Principal Primary.

Education has provided her with unlimited fulfillment, allowing her to guide the next generation, as well as an appetite for what’s new in the teaching sphere.

“I am always keeping up to date

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY IN THREE WORDS: DEDICATED, COMMITTED (HARDWORKING) AND PATIENT

with the latest developments in Education,” she said.

And like every Whitsunday resident, she enjoys the lifestyle it has provided when she steps away from her passion on the weekends.

“The best thing that’s ever happened to me is moving to Australia with my family,” Elmarie said.

“When I am home, I spend my time with my husband in the garden or going out for a lovely lunch at one of our beautiful restaurants in Airlie Beach. We also enjoy spending time on the water in our boat, fishing and appreciating the beautiful region.”

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL PRIMARY AT WHITSUNDAY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

MANAGER/DIRECTOR AND OWNER/DIRECTOR OF CARTRIDGE UNIVERSE WHITSUNDAY

MISTY BLAND

With a head for business and a heart for animals, Misty Bland balances the demands of her dynamic career by spending time on her property caring for her cattle dogs, ducks and chickens.

A registered cattle dog breeder, Misty also runs a herd of Droughtmaster cattle who all have names, and she finds that she is often as busy at home on the farm as she is at work.

Loving being around people almost as much as she loves being around animals, Misty has enjoyed an expansive career that has spanned many different industries, all of which have a common thread – caring for people and their happiness.

From beauty therapy and remedial

NICOLE POLLEY

DIRECTOR OF POLLEYS REALTY

Falling in love with the Whitsundays on her wedding day, Nicole married the love of her life at Coral Sea Resort and the couple honey-mooned at Hydeaway Bay. It was here that they spotted the house of their dreams, and they made an offer, securing the property as their home the very next day.

Nicole has been working in the real estate industry since she was 15 years old and quickly rose through the ranks, from front desk to director.

At the age of 20 she was honoured to give a speech at a national real estate conference.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY IN THREE WORDS: BUBBLY, HEADSTRONG AND DRIVEN

It was in 2018 that Nicole opened the doors to her own real estate agency in Brisbane and she now employs six staff.

When her family relocated to the Whitsundays two years ago, she expanded her agency, opening a second location, with an office in Airlie Beach opening its doors last year.

Nicole has two sons with her husband of 18 years and the family has two dogs, a mini dachshund called Porshe and Heidi, a multi pom.

When she is not selling houses around the region, Nicole can be found enjoying the outdoors, fishing and swimming or with her kids on

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY IN THREE WORDS: CARING, DETERMINED AND INNOVATIVE

massage to managing the public relations and events portfolio for a dairy company down south.

Most recently, Misty is heading up the digital marketing and design aspect of Polley’s Realty whilst studying for a postgraduate in Digital Communications with QUT.

Originally from South Africa, Misty immigrated to Australia with her family in 2009. She met her husband, Rob, when they were Year 12 dance partners and the couple have now been together for 24 years. They have two adult children, Edward and Kimberly.

One of Misty’s most cherished life moments is falling in love with the idyllic Whitsundays and the spectac-

ular locals, who have adopted them as their family.

But life has not always been clear sailing, in fact, Misty has written a book about her life and the rare cancer journey they’ve faced, which she hopes to one-day self-publish.

She founded a cancer charity in 2015 and had the support of several Australian celebrities in producing a vintage inspired calendar. She is also the Australian Ambassador for the Chordoma Foundation based in America.

These days, you can find Misty spending her weekends on the farm where she is renovating her home, gardening, cooking and spending time with the family.

KATH BARKER

LICENCED REAL ESTATE AGENT AND AUCTIONEER FROM POLLEY’S REALTY

Returning to the region she loves a year ago, Kath and her husband, Dan, have settled down in Cannonvale and it feels fabulous to be home.

It was 1980 when her beloved father moved to Airlie Beach and Kath has many happy memories living with him over the years.

During this time, her father owned a local private charter yacht and Kath worked as a crew member and cook.

It was during this time that she fell in love with the Whitsundays and has always remembered those days fondly.

Tragically, her father passed away

the footy field watching them play. Since moving to the Whitsundays, Nicole has mastered a new and unique approach to local realty which has proved both successful and popular with clients at all stages of life.

Her central office is located above the NAB bank, on the main street in Airlie Beach and has a modern, boutique feel where customers can relax, unwind and feel both spoilt and inspired.

Dedicated to putting her clients first and matching people with the lifestyle of their dreams, Nicole is a living example of how to create a successful Whitsunday life.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY IN THREE WORDS: CARING, EFFERVESCENT, DYNAMIC

some years ago, but Kath says that returning to the area to live with her own family has made her feel closer to him.

Originally from Sydney, Kath has spent the last 18 years operating a construction business alongside her husband.

Deciding to pursue a new direction but drawing on her experience in the housing and building sector, Kath decided to embark on a career in real estate on the Gold Coast 2019.

Recently, when she moved to the Whitsundays, she became happily employed at Polley’s Realty where she is a Licenced Real Estate Agent

and also the resident auctioneer.

Kath has two adult sons called Alex and Daniel, a grandson named Oak, and daughter-in-laws Kat and Keele.

She also has two Russian Blue Cats Tilly and Paul, a Cavoodle named Bailey and a best friend called Sharon.

One of her lifelong favourite memories has been visiting Borneo three times where she met Dr Birute Galdikas and was able to interact with Orangutans in the wild.

Back on Australian soil, Kath loves spending her weekends boating, swimming, snorkelling and enjoying time with family and friends.

DIGITAL MARKETING AND DESIGN MANAGER FROM POLLEY’S REALTY

SARAH LOGAN

OWNER, MANAGER AND AUDIOMETRIST AT WHITSUNDAY HEARING

Opening up a whole new world of freedom and confidence for her clients, Sarah uses her skills as an Audiometrist to evaluate hearing and then prescribe the best solution for the individual. Often, this can transform lives.

Originally from Geelong in Victoria, Sarah spent some time travelling after school and enjoyed 12 months living in the UK.

After returning to Australia and exploring a few career options, she decided to start her training as an Audiometrist in Geelong and qualified in 2005.

She then moved to Brisbane in 2006 and gained invaluable experience working for several hearing organ-

ERIN FLEMMING

With an adventurous spirit and a creative mind, Erin recently embarked on a new business idea that led her to relocate to the Whitsundays 12 months ago.

For years she had been dreaming about uniting her two passions –travel and hair-dressing – and when her sister decided to have a destination wedding in Airlie Beach it got her thinking.

“I realised how I’m going to do it!” she said.

“Travel to beautiful places and do hair for destination weddings - now here I am, in a beautiful spot, doing exactly that.”

Originally from Toowoomba, Erin

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY IN THREE WORDS: HAPPY, DETERMINED, AND FRIENDLY

isations and in 2014 she took a leap of faith, opening the doors to her own hearing business in Brisbane.

It was almost five years ago that Sarah made the move to the Whitsundays with her family when she bought Whitsunday Hearing.

In July 2021 she opened a new purpose-built clinic at the 121 Business Centre in Cannonvale.

Sarah has one adult child and two grandchildren, plus twin teenage boys with her husband Stephen. She also has a five-year-old Labradoodle named Blaze.

In her spare time, she loves the outdoors, especially running or walking.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY IN THREE WORDS: BRIGHT, BUBBLY AND ADVENTUROUS

has experienced a range of diverse jobs, from the gym to medical receptionist to working in a bar in Canada.

With a passion for connecting with people and a strong creative flair, however, she was soon drawn to the hair industry and was quick to flourish and progress.

Winning multiple awards in various competitions, Erin earnt a spot at the National Workskills Competition, placing 8th in Australia.

After this, she managed a salon for a short time and then opened a small boutique salon in Toowoomba which she ran for three years.

“It was this experience that gave

me the confidence to push myself further that has ultimately led me to where I am today,” she explains.

“I can now say that I have successfully made it through my first wedding season and am looking forward to what the future holds for me.”

Erin enjoys travelling and spent several months living in Canada and taking adventures all over America, Mexico and Cuba.

Back in Australia, she loves the outdoors, mountain bike riding and going to parkrun on Saturdays. She also enjoys having coffee with friends, exploring new places and being creative.

TEGAN FAUST

With a mission to give all women the opportunity to exercise in a safe and supportive environment, Tegan opened the doors to Women’s Well Co. almost two years ago and in a short time the business has grown to employ six instructors.

The studio, located in Proserpine, offers a range of fitness activities such as Pilates, Barre, Yoga and Boxing and is a family-friendly facility where children of all ages are welcome.

“What makes us stand out is our sense of supportive community and that we are women empowering other women of all ages to be the best version of themselves,” said

With two young boys in high school, the family’s weekends are often full of children’s sport and trips to Mackay.

In her own time, Sarah likes to pick up a good book to read.

Some of her greatest achievements in life include being the first paid employee for parkrun in Australia, the birth of her three children and of course meeting her husband and moving to sunny Queensland.

“Certainly, my biggest personal challenge is running my hearing business and the family at the same time, as well as looking after myself. It’s challenging but rewarding!” she said.

Tegan.

“Our youngest member is six years old and our most experienced is 87 years old!”

Originally from a small country town called Condamine in Southwest Queensland, Tegan brought “another Faust back to Proserpine” when she married a local and they decided to settle in the Whitsundays three and a half years ago.

The couple now have three daughters and they live on a little property with cattle, horses, chooks, dogs and a cat.

Tegan has been in the fitness industry for 20 years and studied a Bache-

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY IN THREE WORDS: DRIVEN, CARING AND DAGGY

lor of Sport and Exercise Science. She also has a Diploma in Remedial Massage Therapy and an array of Fitness, Pilates and Barre courses.

Before becoming a mother, she competed as a Professional Figure competitor and won several state and national titles including The Natural Olympia in the USA and a particular highlight was winning the World Title in Greece.

“I have trained my body to extreme levels, but nothing has challenged me more than juggling three daughters with big personalities, a business and a husband who works away!”

OWNER OF WOMEN’S WELL CO.

OWNER/DIRECTOR LOHST (LUXE ON-SITE HAIR STYLIST)

JESS HOPE

OWNER OF PROTECT AND SANITISE

Bringing a shine to any grime, Jess discovered an unexpected passion for cleaning when she and her husband, Mike, bought Protect and Sanitise nine years ago.

From carpet and upholstery to tile, grout and air conditioner cleaning, their business offers a multitude of services to households and businesses in Airlie Beach, Proserpine Bowen and Hamilton Island.

Jess has a Diploma in Tourism and Business and spent many years working in the sector, but a growing demand within their own business saw her slowly transition over.

Two years ago, she committed fulltime and loves being the friendly person who answers the phones and

WATSON

The great challenge of Sarah Watson’s life has been building her business from the ground up – but it has also been one of its greatest rewards.

The co-owner of Lightning Comms Whitsundays endeavoured on a varied career path before settling down and starting her own business in the region. She took what was at the time a road less travelled for women, completing her Automotive Engineering certifications in her homeland of New Zealand.

“When I left school, I successfully finished my studies and work experience intending on a career as a mechanic,” Sarah said.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY IN THREE WORDS: POSITIVE, HARD-WORKING AND CARING

responds to the emails at Protect and Sanitise.

Three days a week, she also takes a van out herself to help the team cleaning carpets and couches. Always a hands-on business owner, Jess gets immense satisfaction out of her work and loves the rewarding results of cleaning, aiming always to exceed customer expectations.

With an Australian mother and a New Zealander father, Jess spent her childhood living across both countries.

She was born in New Zealand and went to primary school in Charters Towers before moving back to New Zealand for high school, where she

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY IN THREE WORDS: FOCUSED, LOYAL, COMPASSIONATE

“It was difficult to obtain an apprenticeship in what was a male-dominated industry -- that was a real character-building experience. It was then I decided to move away from it.”

She met her husband in Australia, and Sarah soon went into hospitality, spending two years in the industry in the United Kingdom running a successful cafe in London. When the pair moved back to Australia, it was to the Gold Coast, where Sarah managed holiday resorts before moving to the Whitsundays.

“Once here, I worked for a local five-star Resort on the front reservations desk full time,” Sarah said.

“That all became part-time once we started our family, and then the business which I’ve been working in for the last few years. We specialize in Information and Communications Technology and Security - it is our expertise and is such a great, evolving industry.”

Sarah’s role is “all things behind the scenes,” including invoicing, marketing, quoting, scheduling, parts ordering, and more.

Alongside starting the business, Sarah said starting her family is one of the best things that ever happened to her, with the couple now raising their three kids: Ruby, Xavier, and Willow.

SARAH VICKERY

It’s no wonder Sarah Vickery is at the helm of one of the region’s most unique tourism businesses – she grew up in the industry, after all.

The owner of Scamper Island Camping and Water Bikes Whitsundays was always bound for boats, growing up in Hervey Bay to whale-watching parents who started one of the original Australian tours.

“Growing up in the tourism and marine industries, I have always been working on the water,” Sarah said.

“When I first started, my parents would pay me in five-cent pieces; I think I would make about $2 for a

met Mike at 17.

The couple decided to move to Australia and travelled Queensland for several years, fruit picking.

When they stopped in Airlie Beach 17 years ago, they both loved the area so much that they decided to stay.

They now gave two sons, aged 11 and nine, and the family spend the weekends watching the boys play cricket.

Jess is the Treasurer of the Proserpine Junior Cricket Association and Mike is the Vice-President.

In her downtime, Jess enjoys camping, gardening, reading and taking her dog Milo to Conway Beach.

whole day’s work! But I didn’t care, I loved the work.

“That job was amazing - to be this 21-year-old, female skipper coming out of the wheelhouse of my vessel, asking the crew to untie, and seeing the faces of the passengers. Yes, this young girl is in charge of this boat.”

Sarah earned the full complement of accreditations working for her parents before moving to the Whitsundays at 21 to expand her knowledge in a new marine environment. By that time, she was a qualified skipper already and began working as a deckhand for Ocean Rafting – a career that lasted eight and half years, and led her to become a Master Reef

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY IN THREE WORDS: QUIET, CARING, FUN

Guide.

“The best thing that happened was meeting my husband, Tim, at Ocean Rafting where we were both skippers,” Sarah said.

When Sarah became pregnant, she and Tim thought it was time to buy their own business. They purchased Scamper in November of 2019, running the business almost entirely themselves up until the middle of 2022, and have now started a new venture, opening water bike tours from both Shingley Beach and Shute Harbour.

Sarah has seen her business, and her life flourish in the Whitsundays.

SARAH

OWNER & MANAGER AT SCAMPER ISLAND CAMPING AND WATER BIKES WHITSUNDAYS

OFFICE MANAGER/CO-OWNER AT LIGHTNING COMMS PTY LTD.

Terry started Arabon Seafoods at the Bowen Marina over 22 years ago and also grows hay out at the Delta. A man of the sea, he came to Bowen from Stradbroke Island as a deckhand on a prawn trawler and the town made such an impression that he stayed and met his wife, Claire.

The couple love when the kids come to visit and the first thing they do is jump in the boat to the reef, catch some fish, clean and fillet and straight on the barbie for a perfect family day.

“You can come here with your family, sit back and relax or take the boat out, put your anchor down, throw a floater out and a reddie jumps on your line, and away you go. That’s our Whitsunday Way.”

Terry is one of nine focus stories that form part of the Our Whitsunday Way campaign which is aimed at showcasing our region’s liveability as the region of choice in which to live, visit, work and invest. How can you help support this campaign? Share our videos on your social media, tell your friends and family here, interstate and overseas about our campaign and use the hashtag #ourwhitsunday when sharing photos of you, your family and your Whitsunday Way

To find out more about the campaign, visit www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.

Whitsunday Christian College Welcomes Leaders

Last week, the 2023 leaders of Whitsunday Christian College’s secondary and primary schools were officially welcomed to the role.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm attended the event and said she was privileged to hear from some of the inspiring young leaders.

• Lachlan Whincop – College Captain

• Misaki Palmer and Rowan Kangru – College Vice Captains

• Maribel Gudes and Andrew Fallon-Johnston – Secondary Lions House Captains

• Zoe Shepherd-Smith and Paige Whincop – Secondary Eagles House Captains

“Congratulations to all the senior leaders of Whitsunday Christian College who I know will all ‘Excel with Truth and Grace’ this year,” she said.

“Thank you to college Captain Lauchlan Whincop for his inspiring address - it was a privilege to speak to you all about living your values daily.”

• Tyson Fenning and Pollyanna Bartlett – Primary School Captains

• Nelson Malady and Maddison Singlewood – Primary Vice Captains

• Kaia Kelly and Noah PorterPrimary Lions House Captains

• Indie-Rose Martin and Taylor Fairhall - Primary Eagles House Captains

Whitsunday Christian College

Principal said she was very proud of all her students.

“I look forward to seeing our elected student leaders make a difference in the life of the College for 2023, raising student voice and leading in character and servanthood,” she said.

“Example is leadership.”

Chace Walton

Liam Keyte

Brooklyn Forbes

Ryan Clark

Jens Fairhall

Sophie Purdon

Alexandra Kangru

Lachlan Riley

Charlotte Adams

Maddy Krieger

Cut Out Party Coming Soon

Anew date has been announced for the second annual Cut Out Party which is due to be held on Saturday 18 March.

The event has been postponed twice, once because the crushing season was extended last year and secondly because of bad weather at the beginning of this year.

It is hoped that the third time will be a charm with this popular sugar industry celebration.

The event is an opportunity to celebrate the local sugar community, from the farmers to the mill workers and everyone in between.

“This year we are also acknowledging the other partners that contribute to this industry,” said organiser Elaine Riley.

“From the local tyre companies to the fuel and fertiliser companies, the providers of machinery and equipment and those who carry out the mechanical repairs and also those that are top-end suppliers to the milling enterprise.

“The diversity from within the community is both enormous and encompassing.”

Tickets are now on sale and include nibblies, a BBQ dinner, sweets, all drinks and a complimentary stubby holder.

Get Active Across The Region

Each Whitsunday town will host a ‘Get Active Family Fun Day’ after the success of the inaugural event of its kind in Airlie Beach last September.

Whitsunday Regional Council will facilitate Get Active Family Fun Days across the region in March and April with the vision of promoting mental and physical health and well-being.

The program of free events starts in Collinsville on March 11 before heading to Proserpine, Airlie Beach, and Bowen -- a guide to each event can be found at the bottom of this article.

On the night there will be prize giveaways and a charity auction.

There will also be live music and entertainment on the night and free party bags for all the kids.

In 2021, the inaugural event raised $12,000 for the Black Dog Institute and it is hoped that this year’s beneficiary, RACQ CQ Rescue, will receive a similar donation.

WHAT: Cut Out Party

WHEN: Saturday, March 18

WHERE: Proserpine Showgrounds

TICKETS: $75 per head, $15 children 7-17, 6 and under are free

BUY: Whitsundaytickets.com.au

Each event will include entertainment, workshops, fitness activities, games, food, and information stalls from local organisations that support mental and physical health.

On the cards will be free activities at each which include a giant obstacle course, slip ‘n’ slide, and more, while The Airlie Beach event will be rounded off with a Family Movie from 6.00pm on the outdoor cinema screen.

Council is seeking expressions of interest from local health, fitness, well-being, entertainment and food vendors to participate in each Family Fun Day.

Location Collinsville Lions Park, 34 Conway Street, Collinsville Halpannel Park, Hansen Drive, Proserpine

Saturday 15 April

10am - 1pm

Airlie Beach Foreshore, Coconut Grove, Airlie Beach, Bowen Foreshore, Santa Barbara Parade, Bowen

Whitsunday Christian College Secondary Leaders

Whitsunday Christian College Primary Leaders. Photos supplied

Audits – Get Involved!

Discovering what type of litter is polluting our marine environment is an important part of the process of analysing our waste habits and learning how to change them.

Instead of collecting litter in the form of marine debris swept up onto the beach, The Coral Sea Academy has been working with Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership (HR2RP) to create an innovative plan to collect litter before it gets into the ocean.

Just over a year ago 15 litter traps were installed in Airlie Beach, Proserpine and Cannonvale as part of the Whitsunday Gross Pollutant Trap Project.

Since then, more than 8000 pieces of litter have been collected, sorted, and details entered into the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) Database.

This valuable data is then used to assist with ongoing research and used to help guide source reduction programs.

Organisers are now calling out for volunteers to complete the final few audits.

“Many hands really do make light work, so we encouraged anyone who has a couple of hours to spare to come down and

Sort litter with a stunning view of the marine environment you are helping to protect

give it a go,” said HR2RP Community Engagement Officer Rebekah Smith.

“The information we gather from the community litter audits will help inform plans to reduce litter in the first place so it’s a great way to get involved and keep our region’s waterways healthy.”

This is just one of the EduTourism events offered through the Coral Sea Academy platform at Coral Sea Marina and Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Coral Sea Marina said that this project is a great way to help the local environment.

“The purpose of the Coral Sea Academy is to provide the opportunity for events such as these to engage with guests on themes that are relevant to the Whitsundays, such as protecting the natural assets that surround us,” she said.

“These community litter audits are certainly a great way in which any individual can help towards this goal.”

Growers At The Forefront Of New Tech

Last week Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) and a number of growers and producers from across the Greater Whitsundays attended the Agrifutures Evoke Ag conference in Adelaide as part of a broader Queensland delegation led by the recently appointed Queensland Chief Entrepreneur Julia Spicer.

The event focused on discussion and learning toward the latest and greatest in Agricultural innovation and technology with significant presence by domestic and international vendors, investors and policymakers.

Demonstrated was a range of Agtech across areas including but not limited to soil monitoring, irrigation, waste management, yield monitoring, supply chain traceability, farm data management, connectivity, AI and automation.

It was not only quite eye opening to see some of the technology coming down the line but reassuring to hear that our region is at the heart of these advancements, with many of our producers already seen as leaders in innovation and practice.

A significant theme of the event was around improving sustainability of our agricultural industries which has never been more evident within the national conversation around decarbonisation, clean energy and focus on reducing other environmental impacts of our key industries.

Part of our agenda and, I’d suggest one

From Tonsils To Tomatoes

For Jessica Volker, a Bowen local and ex-dentistry student, becoming an organic farmer in the Lower Don was not in the script.

Yet the now treasurer of Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, agronomic scientist, and consultant is in her third season of owning and operating her farm: Bio Lower Don Organics.

“I did not think my husband and I were going to be farmers – I never thought that would happen but it is seriously the best thing we have ever done,” Mrs Volker said. Mrs Volker, although growing up in the horticultural hotspot of Bowen, had no experience in the agricultural world. Instead, her expertise was as a young dental assistant in town – eventually moving to the Gold Coast to study the profession.

“The thing I loved about dentistry was helping someone who was coming to see you – to get someone out of a jam, in a sense,” she said. “When I started studying, I had to do a lot of science subjects, which ended up being agricultural. That was when it clicked that I loved agriculture and made the switch to agronomy.

equally as important, was highlighting the role technology can play in making our farming businesses themselves more sustainable ensuring they can remain efficient and profitable, not just now but also ten years from now.

The current inflationary environment has been challenging for all in our communities, including farmers, who have seen two to three fold increases in costs of key farm inputs such as seed and fertiliser and continuing increases to transport costs making farming, and by extension food supply a business sector facing increased risk and volatility.

With a number of industry leaders in attendance and there to listen to the discussion including Federal Agricultural minister Murray Watt, BGGA has and will continue to promote the challenges and opportunities for new technology in our region highlighting the need for improved connectivity and progressing government investment into the development of the Agtech Ecosystem in North Queensland.

To this end, we’ll achieve what I’m sure we all want in furthering the mutually beneficial outcomes needed by both our farming com munities and the envi ronment.

Contributed with thanks to Ry Collins, President of BBGA

“Now I’m helping farmers out of a jam in a way. I’m the go-to when you have a problem. It’s like what I liked about dentistry but very different; only it still a people-person sort of job where you’re solving a problem.”

Mrs Volker moved back to

Bowen to work in agricultural consultancy before starting her farm with her husband, Luke. The pair knew they “had to do something different” to stand out in Bowen.

“That’s why we decided to go certified organic,” she said.

“What we love about farming is the lifestyle it has given us. It’s a back-to-basics job. It’s lovely being out there planting and picking, it’s cliché to say but it’s very wholesome and special.”

With eggplant, tomato, chilli, mangos, and more, Mrs Volker and her family have found their passion in the Lower Don.

Bowen-born Jessica Volker became an agronomic scientist and local farmer after a switch from studying dentistry

- ALUMINIUM - RADIATORS - BRASS

STEEL - ELECTRIC MOTORS & COMPRESSORS - LEAD - BATTERIES STEEL - AIR CONDITIONERS - INSULATED CABLING

Qld Delegation to Evoke Ag 2023 including BGGA, QLD Chief Entrepreneur Julia Spicer and representatives from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Trade Investment QLD, Advance Queensland and QLD Agtech businesses. Photo supplied

Volunteer a few hours of your time to sort litter and provide valuable information

Collinsville Turns Pink for Breast Cancer Fun Run

Collinsville will transform into a ‘sea of pink’ for its first International Women’s Day Fun Run next month with local teams already raising $3600 to help Mater Foundation fight breast cancer. More than 60 people will take part in the virtual iteration of the run, many from Glencore Coal’s Collinsville Open Cut operation, including organiser Alice Randell. Ms Randell has encouraged her colleagues and other members of the community to take part and was inspired to start the virtual fun run in Collinsville by a Brisbane-based friend who had registered to take part in the 20,000-strong Brisbane fun run on March 12.

“And last year, I started my fitness journey after putting on a few kilos. When I saw Anna had registered, I thought, yes, I am doing this!” Mrs Randell said.

The International Women’s Day Fun Run supports women with breast cancer and raises vital funds for breast cancer research and services at Mater hospitals across Queensland.

Others who want to join the event need to simply complete a five-kilometre virtual fun run in their communities from March 6-12.

Across Queensland, almost 3000 participants have already signed up to take part in the virtual event, with teams running in Townsville, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Mackay, the Gold Coast, Toowoomba, and the Redlands.

Ms Randell is calling on other residents to join or copy her ‘Collinsville Sea of Pink’ team.

“I want others in small rural towns to join the fight against breast cancer,” she said.

A

Decade

“It’s important to get people moving and be active – and we all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer.”

She said the event was a great way to celebrate International Women’s Day while promoting a healthy lifestyle.

“Embracing a healthy lifestyle isn’t always easy and I’m hoping that this event can show people that it can be done and that it can be fun too,” she said.

“It can be hard to be focused on health and fitness in a small community, particularly when we don’t have the same state-of-theart facilities that are available in metropolitan areas,” Ms Randell said.

Mater Foundation Chief Executive Officer Andrew Thomas said the fun run had been a much-loved event for more than 30 years and had been expanded to allow Queenslanders to participate wherever they live in the state.

Last year’s fun run was cancelled due to the 2022 Brisbane floods, but fund-raisers

and virtual runners still managed to raise an incredible $1.75 million.

Participation in the previous 2021 fun run was capped at 13,500 and has now been increased in response to public demand.

“The response from the community this year has been overwhelming,” Mr Thomas said.

“We’re delighted that 20,000 Queenslanders will be joining the sea of pink in Brisbane this year and that so far another 3100 will be running in their own virtual events.

“If you live in other parts of Queensland, you can still be part of this fantastic celebration. Register with us and walk or run in your own community – every dollar you raise will help women fighting breast cancer.”

This year, Mr Thomas said the event organisers aim to raise more than $1.75m to provide personalised support services and state-of-the-art equipment to better diag-

nose and treat patients, as well as investing in life-saving breast cancer research at Mater.

“Please join us and show women with breast cancer that we’re right beside them during their most difficult time,” he said. To learn more, visit: fundraise.mater.org. au/event/funrun-2023/virtual-how-itworks

WHAT: Virtual International Women’s Day Fun Run

WHERE: Anywhere in your neighbourhood (that’s safe!)

WHEN: March 6 to 12

of Weathering Every Storm

What started as a hobby when the region was struck by a severe thunderstorm has become a ten-year foray into the media landscape for a group of local meteorological enthusiasts.

Liam Leonard and his L&K Mackay Severe Weather Facebook page team celebrated their 10th birthday last week and cast their eyes back on the day when they decided to take weather warnings into their own hands.

“Ten years ago, we were lashed with a severe thunderstorm in the region,” Mr Leonard said.

“There was no Severe Thunderstorm warning from the Bureau of Meteorology. It came from nowhere.”

By the afternoon of that day, Mackay’s commercial radio stations had stopped broadcasting and no local information

leaving no information to be passed by traditional channels.

“I thought, ‘Bugger it, I’m going to create a local, up-to-date, weather information page and do a much better job than our friends at BoM,’” Mr Leonard said.

As more severe weather events came and went, the followers and likes grew, and ten years on the page has gathered more than 25,000 followers and is home to four selftaught meteorological hobbyists who have managed a 99 per cent accuracy for major events.

Local businesses have jumped on board, providing key sponsorships to avoid a paid subscription service – including a partnership as the Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper exclusive severe weather information source.

And the page continues to expand, covering the Whitsundays, Marian, and provid-

ing daily forecasts during the wet season with hopes to eventually become a fulltime operation.

“We are still going strong, still giving the best, local, timely, accurate information with no scaremongering,” Mr Leonard said.

“The praise we receive gives us the incentive to keep doing something for the community, to help them out. I think people love that we’re here, we’re local – we go through the extreme weather with them. Pre-, during, and post-storm, we’re here.”

Collinsville Local Alice Randell is joining the Virtual International Women’s Day Fun Run in early March

Mrs Randell and her ‘Sea of Pink’ team – which comprises community members from Collinsville and other employees from Glencore Coal’s Collinsville Open Cut operation

The L&K Mackay Severe Weather Facebook page celebrated 10 years of being there for the entire region this month. Image: Marty Strecker Photography

GIG GUIDE

Friday 3rd March

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Andy Mammers (7-10pm)

• Paradiso: Marcus Meier (7-10pm)

• Grandview Hotel, Bowen: Shaun Diver (from 8pm)

• KC’s: Aaron Saxon (8pm-late)

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

Saturday 4th March

• The Pub: The Australian Creedence Show

- Ramble Tamble (2-5.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Andy Mammers (7-10pm)

• Paradiso: Mikey Duff (7-10pm)

• KC’s: Sam McCann (8pm-late)

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

Sunday 5th March

• Paradiso: Aaron Saxon (1-4pm)

• KC’s: Young Buskers (1-4pm)

• The Pub: The Australian Creedence Show

- Ramble Tamble (2-5.30pm)

• KC’s: Aaron Saxon (8pm-late)

Monday 6th March

• KC’s: Sam McCann (8pm-late)

Tuesday 7th March

• KC’s: Kaeden McCarthy (8pm-late)

Wednesday 8th March

• KC’s: Peta Richards (8pm-late)

Thursday 9th March

• Paradiso: Aaron Saxon (6.30-9.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Chris Booroff (6.30-10pm)

• KC’s: Sam McCann (8pm-late)

• Grandview Hotel, Bowen: Paul Berger (from 8pm)

M3gan

Technology running amok, creation turning against its creator, and TikTok dancing – there’s nothing new in M3gan to surprise audiences. Perhaps that is its great strength. In this world of comfort-watching, Gerard Johnstone’s film is a perfect child of the times. What you see is what you get: expect a murderous android to murder and it will murder, oh boy, will it murder.

Not to disparage M3gan in any way, no: It’s Chucky reborn for a new generation, an uncanny valley version of Frankenstein’s monster. A robotics engineer at a toy company builds a life-like doll that begins to take on a life of its own – I’ve read this one before, or, better yet, I’ve seen this one before.

The difference, though, is instead of a creepy dolly being played for straight horror, M3gan is a dark comedy and a successful one at that. It’s absurdly cheeky, it knows what it’s doing at every step. The cynic would chalk much of its clueing into trends up as a sort of advertising ploy – and undoubtedly there is a degree

WHAT'S ON

of correctness to that sentiment. What we see in M3gan is a film that capitalises on a new audience for horror with an old affection. Johnstone’s film is the ridiculous, funny horror of films like Freddy Vs Jason mashed with a TikTok twist. Give the kids a four-foot-tall Barbie seemingly possessed by Satan, and they’ll eat it up. The cynic says: “This is why the film is rated a shy PG in America (though it’s stamped with a mature in our more sensitive country).” But the pessimist misses the point.

M3gan is exquisitely fun - by design - and its writer, James Wan, knows how to craft a creepy moment or two, so the horror is horrific, the humour humorous. For what it is, it is what it is. Temper your expectations for anything transcendental, and arrive to M3gan with this in mind: a manic murder toy of the moment who will have you laughing from between your fingers. M3gan (M) is opening at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema this weekend.

Review by Declan Durrant

Want to be included in our weekly event guide? Email rachael@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com to find out more.

March

4 Race Day at Ben Bolt Park, Bowen

4 Disney Sing-Along: Encanto at PEC Cinema

5 Bowen Netball Gala Day 2pm, Woodlands Rd

6 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (Mon & Wed)

6-12 Virtual International Women’s Day Fun Run

7 Sailability Whitsundays from 9am at Whitsunday Sailing Club

MOVIES: ALL SCREENINGS ARE IN 2D UNLESS SPECIFIED. EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF 7.1 SURROUND SOUND ON SELECTED MOVIES.

8 Bowen Zonta Club’s International Women’s Day at the Grand View Hotel from 5pm

10 Conversations with Spirits (Chantal Miranda) at PEC

10 Airlie open air movie night: Sing at 6pm

11 Get Active Collinsville: 9am – 12pm at Lions Park

11 Ocean Film Festival: World Tour showing at PEC

12 Disney Sing-Along: Moana showing at PEC Cinema

12-20 Antman & The Wasp showing at PEC Cinema

12-20 Magic Mike’s Last Dance showing at PEC Cinema

16 Zonta meeting every 3rd Thursday 6-9pm at VMR

18 Aussie Pub Komedy Tour at Original North Australian (ticketed event)

18 Disney Sing-Along: The Lion King showing at PEC Cinema

18 Cut Out Party, Proserpine Showgrounds (ticketed event)

“ANT-MAN & THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA” (M) 125 mins Action/Adventure/Comedy Super-Hero partners Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and the Wasp. Together, with Hope’s parents Janet van Dyne and Hank Pym, and Scott’s daughter Cassie Lang, the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought possible. Stars: Paul Rudd, vangeline Lilly, Kathryn Newton

“CREED III” (M) 100mins Drama/Sport

Adonis has been thriving in both his career and family life, but when a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces, the face-off is more than just a fight. Stars: Jonathan Majors, Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson

“M3GAN” (M) 102mins Sci-Fi/Thriller

A robotics engineer at a toy company builds a life-like doll that begins to take on a life of its own.

Stars: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Ronny Chieng

“THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN”

(MA) 114 mins Comedy/Drama

Two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them. Stars: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon

Ladies. Fellas. It’s getting hot at The Airlie Beach Hotel – so hot – as a cabaret show like no other arrives in the Whitsundays for one night only, promising top-tier entertainment from the “biggest and baddest” crew around.

The Magic Men are ready – are you? One of the country’s best male revue shows is bringing its exhilarating dance moves to The Pub on March 23, serving up some eye candy on stage.

Chuck on the heels and round up the girls for this one, it’s going to be “the ultimate night out in Airlie Beach.” They’ve got the blood-pumping, hip-thrusting gyrations audiences won’t help but fawn over – and daydream about for weeks to come.

Grab your gang and enjoy an epic girl’s

night out, be treated like a queen, and experience fun, laughter, and plenty of opportunities for ogling.

Expect a spellbinding performance from the Magic Men’s all-star cast of expert dancers, hunks decked out in uniforms for every fancy. Each outfit highlights the performers’ best assets, leaving little to the imagination.

The Airlie Beach Hotel will be home to the best hunks this show has lined up – all with gorgeous faces and chiselled bodies ready to bring the house down in a one-of-itskind performance. It’s not often the Airlie Beach Hotel brings in a private show, and certainly not like this one.

Magic Men features a cast of talented performers, each a specialist in a range of dis-

ciplines: dance and acrobatics, fire-eating and burlesque. The Men are singular in their stylish, unique in both personality and perfection – there’s something for everyone in the audience.

And best of all, TikTok sensation Will Parfitt will be performing alongside the Magic Men in the Airlie Beach Hotel show – a superstar with over 6.9 million followers on the platform.

He’ll be heating up the Whitsundays, serving up a heart-stopping live performance, alongside some of the most talented male dancers, they’ll tear up the stage.

What can you expect? Hunky men, dropdead gorgeous waiters and eye-catching costumes. With a one-of-a-kind show that is guaranteed to make you Feel the Magic,

it’s set to be a night out to remember. Fully choreographed, the Magic Men have perfected their bodies and their routines, and it shows. From the moment they step onto the stage, they command attention –the kind that leaves you breathless. Grab a cocktail at The Airlie Beach Hotel for this hot, sizzling, adults-only event where the doors open at 7.00 PM. Get your tickets now and see for yourself what makes these guys the talk of the town. WHAT: The Magic Men Take Over Airlie Beach

WHEN: Thursday, March 23, from 7.00 PM to 10.00 PM.

WHERE: The Airlie Beach Hotel

6PM | SUNDAY 19 MARCH

PROSERPINE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

‘Every word and note is woven into one character, one story, and seemingly one instrument' Sydney Morning Herald

Animal In Hiding, reminiscent of iconic folk duos of the 60s, features songs that are rooted in intimate storytelling, underpinned by intricate guitar and close vocal harmonies.

Featuring Aria award winning artist Lior alongside fellow singer-songwriter Domini Forster.

An intimate and heartfelt concert for all audiences.

Magic Men is bringing its exhilarating dance moves to The Pub on March 23 Don’t miss these hunky fellas as they make their way to the Whitsundays for a onenight showing

TikTok sensation Will Parfitt will be performing alongside the Magic Men in the Airlie Beach Hotel show – a superstar with over 6.9 million followers on the platform

Social Life

Orchid Society Celebrate 60 Years

Over 40 avid orchid enthusiasts attended a celebratory afternoon to mark 60 years of the Proserpine Orchid and Foliage Society on Saturday.

The event saw visitors attend from across the region, including representatives from the Bowen Orchid and Foliage Society, Bowen Garden Club and Whitsunday Garden

President of the Tropical Queensland Orchid Council (TQOC), Dennis Farlow, attended with his wife Ros.

Dennis is also President of the Mackay and District Orchid Society.

Everyone was also very pleased to see Whitsunday Regional Council

Mayor Julie Hall attend and during her speech she presented the Proserpine Orchid Society with a framed notice of appreciation from Council on its sixtieth anniversary.

“A sixty-year anniversary for a community group is an amazing achievement,” Mayor Julie Hall said.

“That’s older than me! To get to that age is simply amazing and to see so many people here today is absolutely wonderful. It’s societies and communities like this that make our community as a whole.

“On behalf of Whitsunday Regional Council: congratulations.”

After Mayor Julie’s speech the celebratory cake was cut, and a slideshow depicted the 60 year history of the Orchid Society was presented.

The Proserpine and Orchid Society meet on the fourth Saturday of the month at 1.30pm at the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) Hall in Proserpine.

Each year the club hold a Fields Day where orchid societies from across the region are invited to join the group, explore local gardens and enjoy a sausage sizzle.

The next one will take place on July 23 this year at the Proserpine Tennis Club venue.

The Orchid Society also hold an annual Christmas party on the second Saturday in December, in a combined event with the Bowen Garden Club, the Whitsunday Garden Club and the Bowen Orchid and Foliage Society members.

All new members are welcome, and the Society looks forward to celebrating another 60 years.

Organisers would like to thank everyone who helped organise their 60th celebrations and those who brought a plate of food on the day.

One hundred years ago, the tourism potential of the Whitsundays was “not even a twinkle in the first developer’s eye.” Those beautiful islands were just 74 secrets kept by several families who had taken out residential or grazing leases. The idea of spending a holiday on Hamilton or Hayman was yet to crystallise. Only one family lived near Cannon Valley Beach as it was then known. By the 1920s, the dirt road from Proserpine still took two very bumpy hours to navigate, although the beach was becoming a popular picnic destination.

However, after World War One, scientific interest began to be attracted north and, in 1922, The Great Barrier Reef Committee was founded as part of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia. One of its early expeditions called in on Lindeman Island for a day. Four years later, another visited the islands near Mackay. Enjoying this trip was a young New South Wales schoolteacher called Edwin Montague Embury. Embury was inspired to organise his own expeditions to the Whitsundays on a much larger scale and these excursions formed the foundation of tourism in this area.

“A qualified teacher, Monty’s delight in life was to pass a learning experience on

to others – perhaps it was the qualified teacher in him! He undertook in his own time the organisation of expeditions to coral reef areas for the enlightenment and enjoyment of others. He was a meticulous organiser with the drive, energy and ability to draw around himself an enthusiastic band of technical advisers and helpers.”

(Ray

Blackwood)

The first trip at Christmas 1928 was planned to sail from Bowen to headquarters on Lindeman but met with problems which could have proved disastrous to lesser men. With his brother, Arch, he met in advance the skippers of the five boats he had planned to use, including Boyd Lee, Bruce Jamieson and the Hallam brothers but the Bowen Harbour Master noted that none were licensed or fitted out as passenger ships. Monty was threatened with imprisonment if he went ahead as planned and yet, somehow, he had to transport 116 guests to Lindeman in a couple of days.

Realising that there was no harbour master at Cannon Valley, he contacted a pub in Proserpine, moved extra stretchers and mattresses to every corner of it and telegrammed the main party from NSW to get off the train early at Proserpine. As there were no buses, he hired trucks to take the

party to Cannon Valley Beach where dinghies would take people to waiting boats. Consequently, luggage had to be carried through knee deep mud. Tents supplemented the facilities built by the Nicolsons at Lindeman and days were spent on boat trips to the reef and islands with expert commentary, swimming and fishing, while in the evenings a mixture of lectures, concerts, dances and fancy-dress events were organised. Leading scientists such as Mel Ward of the Australian Museum and Frank McNeill were persuaded to share their passions and, in return, were allowed to take back rare specimens of fish, coral, insects, seaweed, birds and the like to the Australian Museum. A new species of game fish was discovered and was fittingly named Turrum Emburyi.

Hundreds of photographs were taken. Arch Embury even developed a primitive and dangerous technique for filming underwater. Using a camera mounted behind glass, Arch would lean over the side of the boat with his head underwater to take the shot while Monty held his body weight with a strap.

To be continued…

Story and photo courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum and “The Whitsunday Islands – An Historical Dictionary” by Ray Blackwood.

Monty Embury

Proserpine Orchid and Foliage Society Patron Mrs Margaret Ruge cutting the cake with Mayor Julie Hall

Everyone enjoyed the Proserpine Orchid and Foliage Society’s 60th birthday celebrations

Mayor Julie Hall with Proserpine Orchid and Foliage Society Treasurer Eileen Cameron and President Mervyn Fuller

Whitsunday Touch Football

TOUCH FOOTBALL

Congratulations to Charlee Morris, Cooper Robinson, Hamish Peel, Acacia Rock, Bryson Henshell, Lanie Hazelton and Leeshara Reynolds who have been selected for the Whitsundays to take part in Northern Region’s Touch Trials.

Teams selected from these trials will go on to represent North Queensland at the State Championships. WTA also wishes Bernard Woods all the best of luck as he travels to Coffs Harbour next week. Bernard has been selected in the North Queensland Cyclones 60 years and over for the National Touch League. The experience all these players will bring back from exposure to the higher standard of competition at representative level will be a boost to our own local competition. This season, Family Grade has been recognised as an avenue for young players to have regular exposure to competitive touch, aged 8-12 years.

Not only is it an opportunity for families to play together, it also helps develop skills and involve all players.

family grade team

Round Three Results

Mixed A

Trusty (10) d Vipers (9)

Raiders A d Concrete Feet on forfeit

In the Crear (10) d Whitmonday Eagles

(2)

Mixed B

Full Boar d G.E.T. Touch on forfeit

Slippery Salmons (9) d The Guinea Fowls (4)

Mixed C

Whitsunday Warriors (6) d Raiders C (3)

Stingers (11) d On Time (9)

Flametree Flames (9) d Touch It (2)

Mixed C (Family)

Mainlanders (8) d Escapees (3)

Untouchables (8) d Misfits Ham+o Rent (5)

Summer 10s’ Success Raises $12,000 For Charity

RUGBY LEAGUE

Bowen Seagulls Rugby League’s annual Bowen Summer 10s Carnival where spectators, businesses, and teams raised $12,000 for local causes

Bowen Seagulls Rugby League hosted its 12th annual Bowen Summer 10s Carnival to raise funds for cancer research last Saturday, with the carnival hosting a total of 22 teams from as far afield as Cairns and raising $12,000.

The chosen causes this year were close to the Club’s heart according to Club President Darren Piggott, who said Bowen Cancer and Ostomy Support group and the family of a club volunteers currently battling cancer would benefit from the fundraising.

“Knowing that we have the support of the community and that they have come together to raise these funds means a lot to us,” Mr Piggott said.

On the day, 15 men’s teams and seven women’s teams battled it out for the trophies.

The teams of Noel Yasso Memorial, 20 Prise Boys, and Boonti Buster got right on the fundraising band wagon, bringing in a

$6000 contribution. Boonti Busters efforts alone in conjunction with Kevla Expresso and Health Food Bar Muffin Drive, Corey and Shannen Jensen Broncos Jersey donation, Wheelbarrow Raffle, and Karmon Powers shave for a cause raised $5000. And the Baddies women’s team donated their $1000 prize back to the club to give to our chosen charities.

In the action-packed football, the men’s competition was strong with Club teams mixing it with exhibition, memorial, and family teams throughout.

The Grand Final of the men’s competition was fast and physical making with Fiji Time winning the final 24-10 against Samu Bala’s.

In the women’s competition NRLW star Shania Powers’ Coastal Neurs took home the trophy.

Players of the carnival were Karmon Power from Boonti Busters and Chelsea Munns from Baddies.

The team Fiji Time were the winners at

Bowen local Karmon Power raised funds by shaving his head at the event

Poppy’s Pizza Place

Steve Pilcher Pilcher’s Mitre 10

Nate Ocean Rafting

Mike McCann Mackay & Whitsunday Life

Airlie Beach Parkrun COMMUNITY

Seventy-four motivated people ran, jogged, and walked the five-kilometre waterfront course at this week’s Airlie Beach parkrun. Knox, Rencia, Elizabeth, Charlie, Leanne, Elise, and Emma completed their first parkrun, while Liv, Craig, Nick, Michael, Tracy, Stephanie, Addison, and Ben achieved new personal bests.

Daisy completed her 10th parkrun as a junior, while Gus and Phoebe completed their 25th parkrun.

The event was made possible by 18 generous volunteers: Peter, Nick, Justin (RD), Kara, Margaret, Greg, Susanne, Valerie, Carys (photographer), Kirsty (photographer), Ashley, Michael, Laura, Lynne, Dennis, Anne and Margaret.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on December 5, 2015, and has since seen 4,596 participants complete 23,892 parkruns covering a total distance of 119,460 km, including 2,748 new Personal Bests. A total of 383 individuals have volunteered 3,491 times.

Parkrunners are encouraged to bring a plate to share at a post parkrun picnic at Shin-

Airlie Beach Bowls Report

BOWLS

gley Beach this Saturday.

Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6.50 AM for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark) every Saturday. Parking is free in the lower carpark until 9.30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard.

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 five-kilometre course (pushing a pram or with one dog on a short lead), 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.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

Airlie Beach Bowls Club was unable to field any games this week due to weather save for its Saturday and Sunday matches.

The first round winners were Col Morris, Russell Jackson, Peter Barratt, Ted Cullen, Karen Jensen, and John Brown.

Finalists were Russell Jackson and Karen Jensen with Russell narrowly winning. B Grade winner was club favourite Rick Galea.

Saturday afternoon saw a great Open A Grade Men’s Round against Club Champion and top 200 singles player in Australia Manny Isgro and new bowler to the Club but former Proserpine Division 1 player David Ling.

David was off to an early 3-11 lead before Manny got his eye in and won 25-16.

Ladies’ Open Pairs saw Lynne Skeen and Lu Rogan win 21-17 against formidable opponents Margo Stanley and Jill Mazlin-Petersen.

Sunday afternoon was a “great roll up” with the biggest winners of the day Bobby Spees and Lu Rogan, who maintained her splendid form to guide the team to a 29-13 against a luckless Tony Kelly and Lynne Skeen.

Jill Mazlin-Petersen played against Sandra Argo with Jill coming out the winner 25-21.

Bowen Bowls Club

BOWLS

The Bowen Bowls Club hosted a fierce competition game between Wayne Crowhurst and Ross Scanlon last week, with Wayne taking the out the win.

At the Club’s Wednesday Social Bowls, Joan Edwards, Jane Gilbert, and Gus Munro defeated Robyn Stitt, Lee Welsted, and Brett Lampard.

David Moodie, Ron Gould, and Ian Best won against Mary-Ellen Pratten, Ross Scanlon, and Jeff Tierney. Jan Randall, Peter Wilson, and Steve Roome defeated Eddy Neylon, Carol O’Connell, and Mark Rogers.

In the final matchup, Bev Smith, Gavin Charles, Paula Welsted, and

Allen Williams defeated Helen Jacobsen, Lorraine McArthur, Peter Thomson, and Jill Brabon.

Sunday Scroungers Winners were Mark Rogers, Herb Dalton, Jan

Proserpine Bowls News

BOWLS

Proserpine Bowls Club player Alen Sanderson had “an absolute cracker” of a game on Sunday afternoon in the best match of the week at the local green.

Alen and Jim Quod defeated John Anderson and Bruce Uhe 18-11 in a game of 2-4-2 Pairs.

On the other rink, Peter Lawton played double second with Mary Hedgelong and Heather Brown, defeating Philip Brown, himself, and Sandy Daffara, 17-14.

The Club will be reverting to usual times for its bowls as summer ends – 1.00 PM for a 1.30 PM start on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons

Airlie Beach parkrun’s tail walkers for last weekend’s iteration of the weekly event

Some runners enjoying the parkrun in the best

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Lyn Graham with Airlie Beach Bowls Club winners Bob Spees and Lynne Skeen

Randall, Gavin Charles, and Steve Roome.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

Bowen Bowls Club’s Sunday Scroungers winners Mark Rogers, Herb Dalton, Jan Randall, Gavin Charles, and Steve Roome

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Proserpine Bowls Club was sizzling last week, both in the humidity and the quality of bowls

Wangaratta Bowls Club

Proserpine Golf Report

GOLF

Afield of 26 players competed in Thursday’s Stableford event at Proserpine Golf Club with Greg Walker the master of the course with 39 points to win.

Karl Kirkwood came runner up with 38 points and Adam Tester won Division Two on 32 points, with Mark McDougal only one point behind.

BOWLS

Players from Alligator Creek, Suburban, Giru, Collinsville, and Airlie Beach joined members of the Wangaratta Bowls Club to celebrate its Opening Day on Sunday morning.

Six games of triples were played with the winners coming out on Rink Three: Merle Elphinstone, Lyn Danvers, and Greg Colquhoun defeated Gwenda Lydom, Denise Wallace, and Geoff Danvers.

Runners Up were Jocelyn DeFranciscis, Rhonda Lloyd, and Sugar Brunker, who defeated Robyn Stitt, Maree Brunker, and Pat Tracey.

Other winners were Robyn Engert, Penny Warren, and Graeme Read against Lindy Suann, Irene Laird, and Mark DeFrancis-

Graeme Margaret, Wilson Kaye, and Cooper beat Bron Tolcher, Kent Moriarty, and Greg Duncan, while Bill Myers, Teresa Willshire, and Fely Duncan defeated J Taylor, C Engert, and Allan Rolfe.

The final winners of the day were Tess Walker, Linda Smith, and Kevin Daniels in the game against Sue Shearing, Deb Retchless, and Gary Stockham.

Ladies’ Competition games have been drawn and the first games called posted on the board. Men’s local Pennant will be played at the club against Bowen Bowls Club on Sunday – there is still room for social bowls.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Proserpine Veteran Golf

Sixteen Proserpine Veteran Golfers braved the not-so-kind weather last week, and not all of them finished the course.

The Club hosted two competitions: a ninehole and an 18-hole, with Club Captain Ken Granger winning the latter with 28 points on a countback from John Oates, while Wilf Herweg came in third on 27.

Peter Fox claimed the nine-hole win with 17 from Helen Deighton, 12, and Paula McQuat, 11.

Pin shots for the men went to Jim Cochrane and John Oates on two, Wilf Herweg in the hole on nine, and Louis Neeth-

Vincent Collins didn’t mind the wet conditions, carding an impressive 38 points to win the men’s competition ahead of Levi Holmes on 36 points. Gavin Kerwand also on 36 points in third.

NTPs were won by Mandy Patterson, Gavin Kerwand, Rob Smith, Lyn Muller, Trevor Paroz, and Nick Watson.

Nearest the pins (NTPs) went to Adam Maggs, Michael Cragg, and Trish McNeill

The Saturday Master Butchers Whitsunday Stableford was well attended with 76 players in the puddles across the course with Lyn Muller pipping Trish McNeill on a countback to win the ladies’ competition with 31 pts. Heather Luvis came in third with 29.

Ryan Kenny was too good for the 44 Sunday players with 35 points, closely followed by James Faust on 35 also, and Mason Kuchel on 34.

Peta Thomas was five points clear of second place with 32 points, Karen Rix on 27, and Elise Hodgson with 24.

NTPs: Don Cameron, John Clark, Ritchie Atkins, Mata Browne, Tiina Randmae, and Peta Thomas.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop Team

Bowen Golf News

GOLF

Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.

Ladies’ winner was Elona Lynch with 28pts, runner up on a countback Grace Nott 27pts. Men’s winner was Russell Carlyon with 38pts, runner up on a countback Donald Wiliams 35pts.

ling on 13. The ladies: Tiina

on two and Paula McQuat on nine.

Contributed with thanks Paula McQuat

Saturday’s competition was a stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf club. Ladies winner was Grace Nott 41pts, runner up Morag Parker 36pts. Pin shots to Robyn Slade, Trish Sellen, Paulette Barrett, Bev Lowcock. Grace Nott also had an OBP. Mens winner with a cracking score of 49pts was Dylan Bartlett. Well played Dylan. Runner up Brad Graham 39pts. Pin shots to David Insch, Dylan Bartlett, Walter Maguire, Jeremy Chrzanowski with an IBP. Perry Layton had an OBP and won the Car wash voucher.

cis.

Opening Day Winners at Wangaratta Bowls Club Greg Colquhoun, Merle Elphinstone, Mark Drummond, Lyn Danvers, and Margaret Wilson

Runners Up on Opening Day Rhonda Lloyd, Jocelyn DeFranciscis, Presidents Mark Drummond, and Margaret Wilson

Randmae

Proserpine Veteran Golf Club Captain Ken Granger won the 18-hole competition last week at the Club

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Bowen Golf Club men’s winner Dylan Bartlett and ladies’ winner Grace Nott with runner up Morag Parker

Young Cannons Shine at Club Night

The young Cannonvale Cannon’s stole the limelight on Wednesday at the weekly club night at the Cannonvale State School swimming pool.

The club extends congratulations to its seven-year-old swimmers Murphy Jamieson and Eloise Chegwidden, who set new Club Records last week.

Pippa Laguna was another seven-yearold superstar for the club, being presented with the Chocolate Award for her new personal best, as well as an Upgrade Certificate.

Tora Delac, aged 12, was also presented with the Chocolate Award and a club Upgrade.

Bianca and Clare Anderson attended their first Club Night, with both girls swimming extremely well.

In the nine years and under, Ty Hayes-Williams, aged six, was in excellent form, swimming three personal bests. Sevenyear-old Miller Eaves swam extremely

well in his 50-metre Freestyle and 50-metre Backstroke.

Celeste Orenshaw, nine-years-old, swam a superb 50-metre Butterfly in 53.12 seconds (a 2.58 second personal best).

Harry Chegwidden, aged five, swam a fantastic time of 14.72 seconds in his 12-metre Freestyle. Eight-yearold Harry Crisp smashed all his races, with his 25-metre Freestyle and 12-metre Backstroke his best.

New club swimmer, Trace Quick, aged eight, swam a 5.65 second personal best in his Backstroke and swam a 2.17 second personal best in his Breaststroke race.

Levi Smith and Molly Smith both swam impressive times in their 100-metre IM. Levi swam a 7.44 second personal best in his medley. Gracie Laguna swam a very smooth 25-metre Butterfly in 30.66 seconds, a 2.35 second personal best.

In 10 years and over, Millie Groom and Connor Lee, both aged 12, were star per-

formers on Wednesday night, swimming personal bests in all their events.

Matilda Nicholes, aged 10, was on fire, swimming three personal bests and a massive 11.05 second personal best in her 200-metre Freestyle.

One of Isaac Pisaniello’s best swims was his 100-metre IM, which he swam in 1.42.24 seconds.

Whitsunday Sailing Club Report

Twilight Race: At midday on Wednesday, the heavens were open and visibility was very limited for the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s weekly racing.

By 1.00 PM, when the call was due to be made, the rain had stopped, the wind was sitting at 10 knots, and a fleet of 15 boats were ready to go.

By the time they got to the starting line at 4:30, the conditions were ideal for an afternoon on the water.

Treasure VIII (Rob Davis), after a few weeks away, led the fleet away to take the Doyle Sails sponsored best start, but was soon overtaken by the bigger and faster boats, allowing Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) to lead around the first mark of the course.

Behind them, a race-long battle took place between Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) and QMS Ponyo (John Galloway), with Reignition (Charles Wallis) on their heels.

The highlight of the race was the battle for second place, with Bobby’s Girl finally breaking away on the last leg of the course, but still one minute shy of Smooth Criminal.

On corrected time, Wide Load (Shannan Hart) took the honours over Smooth Criminal and Treasure VIII.

Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) led the next division away in conditions which suited the Masrm750 perfectly.

Initially, Aquatarius (Tom Parker) stayed in touch, but eventually gave way to Rossgo (Greg Hammon) before settling for third place on the water. Even using the spin-

naker didn’t help Shiraz (John Cable) as they battled to keep up with the fleet.

Lama (Jim Hayes) was the only retiree, heading ashore after just one lap. For the second week in a row, Norbert G (Ghigo Casalini) took the corrected time win over Masquerade and Rossgo.

The Club was glad to see some multihull yachts competing, with G’nome (David Chittleborough) winning the start and competing their three-lap course, while Malice (Graham Matthews) completed 4 laps. On corrected time, G’nome took the honours.

Races continue every Wednesday from 4:30pm, with limited crewing positions available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available).

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm

The Club recorded several other new personal bests from swimmers Don Algie, James Davies, Charlie Doherty, Anisa Helou, Ehsan Helou, Jasper Korosec, Lucas Korosec, Stevie Lee,

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Ras-

Netball Gala Day And Mini Social Carnival

NETBALL

The Bowen Netball Association is inviting the community to come along to their Gala Day which is due to take place this Sunday from 2pm6pm.

This is a special celebratory occasion where the club will unveil the new netball courts.

There will be a jumping castle, face painting for the children, food and drinks available, live entertainment, pop-up stalls and some special guests attending.

During the afternoon there will be a Social Mini Car-

nival for ages 10 plus in the Juniors and Seniors Competition.

Anyone can nominate a team and participate with family and friends or work colleagues.

You simply need eight people per team.

It is free to play and there are prizes to be won.

WHAT: Bowen Netball Association Gala Day

WHEN: Sunday, March 5

WHERE: Woodlands Road, Bowen

and Addie Sanders.

mussen

Tom Vujasinovic’s helmed Masquerade in the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s weekly race

Cannonvale Cannon Swimming Club member Murphy Jamieson with his club record award

Young cannon Pippa Laguna with her club Chocolate Award

Bowen Netball Association unveils new courts

Excellent Commercial Opportunity – First Time Offered For Sale With An Substantial Holding Income

Located in the main commercial hub of Proserpine, this solid investment opportunity is being offered for sale for the first time. Due to their age, the sellers have decided it’s now time to finally divest from what has been an excellent investment over decades. Apart from occupying a prime position at the busy end of Main St, this commercial Shopping Arcade enjoys a very large carpark at the rear of the premise to ensure its valuable customers can easily visit the commercial tenancies.

Proserpine has a revitalized commercial precinct with new council offices & entertainment centre. Both are located a short stroll away.

• Substantial holding net income

The Arcade offers Multiple tenancies with established leases in place

Growing Region with 1.6% population growth (one of QLD’s highest growth areas)

• Current Whitsunday Shire has a population of 37,000 expected to grow to 50,000 by 2036 according to Council data e national companies and larger businesses relocating to the area or expanding due to the region’s growth

38 Main Street, Proserpine

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

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

Excellent Commercial Opportunity – First Time Offered For Sale With An Substantial Holding Income

Located in the main commercial hub of Proserpine, this solid investment opportunity is being offered for sale for the first time. Due to their age, the sellers have decided it’s now time to finally divest from what has been an excellent investment over decades. Apart from occupying a prime position at the busy end of Main St, this commercial Shopping Arcade enjoys a very large carpark at the rear of the premise to ensure its valuable customers can easily visit the commercial tenancies. Proserpine has a revitalized commercial precinct with new council offices & entertainment centre. Both are located a short stroll away.

• Substantial holding net income

• The Arcade offers Multiple tenancies with established leases in place

• Growing Region with 1.6% population growth (one of QLD’s highest growth areas)

• Current Whitsunday Shire has a population of 37,000 expected to grow to 50,000 by 2036 according to Council data

• More national companies and larger businesses relocating to the area or expanding due to the region’s growth

FOR SALE: Expression Of Interest Close 5.00pm 31 March 2023

38 Main Street, Proserpine

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

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

The Tranquillity Of Strathdickie

This lifestyle bush block in Strathdickie offers the ultimate serenity and tranquillity plus flexibility to build what you want. Surrounded by lush greenery, the potential building site area will be big enough for a home and or shed offering privacy, whilst having amazing views out across the cane fields to Mount Marlow.

• Contract settlement term will be ‘subject to title registration of the proposed plan 5499m2 providing a unique and secluded escape

• Gorgeous views of Mount Marlow Only 2 minutes to Proserpine and 8 minutes to Cannonvale

FOR SALE:

Proposed Lot 8, 20 Staniland Drive, Strathdickie

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

More Than Meets The Eye

The family has plenty of room to spread out and relax with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, open plan living, and dining. The outdoor entertaining area with a brand-new inground pool is perfect for hosting barbecues and get-togethers, while the well-manicured gardens provide a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

• Beautiful wooden plank flooring and stone bench tops

• High ceilings and wide corridors

• New inground pool and deck

FOR SALE: 120 Jubilee Pocket Road, Jubilee Pocket CONTACT: Sarah Nutley 0484 895 217 sarah@taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au

• Located just a short drive from the beach, shops, and restaurants BED

Cannonvale www.taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au

print as having

11.10 UFOs. 2.30 Some Kind Of Heaven. 4.00 Mastermind Aust. 4.30 Bamay. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Late Programs.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 Horse Racing. Australian Guineas Day and Randwick Guineas Day. 5.00 News. 5.30 Creek To Coast. 6.00 Seven News.

7.00 To Be Advised.

8.00 Border Patrol. (PG)

8.30

7.30pm Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

6.00pm American Pickers. (PG, R)

7.00 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

7.30 Movie: Waterworld. (1995) (M, R) Kevin Costner, Jeanne Tripplehorn.

10.15 Movie: Mad Max

2: The Road Warrior. (1981) (MA15+, R) Mel Gibson.

12.20 Movie: Locusts. (2019) (MA15+, R)

5.30pm Murder, She Wrote. (PG, R)

6.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 1. Penrith Panthers v Brisbane Broncos.

7.00

6.00pm Movie: Batman. (1989) (PG, R) Michael

Keaton.

8.40 Movie: Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice. (2016) (M, R) Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams. 11.45 Movie: Whiteout. (2009) (MA15+, R)

2.00 Blokesworld. (PG, R)

And Automobiles. (PG, R)

8.50

9.40

10.25 Movie: Jaimen Hudson: From Sky To Sea. (2021) (M, R)

11.20

6.00pm American Pickers. (PG, R)

7.00 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

7.30 American Pickers.

(PG)

8.30 Movie: The Patriot. (2000) (MA15+, R) Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Joely Richardson.

11.50 Movie: Bonnie And Clyde. (1967) (M, R)

4.00pm Movie: The Way West. (1967) (PG, R)

6.30 Bondi Vet. (PG, R)

7.30 David Attenborough’s A Perfect Planet. (PG, R)

8.40 Movie: The Dead Pool. (1988) (M, R)

10.35 Major Crimes. (M, R)

11.35 House. (M, R)

12.35 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

1.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30pm Murder, She Wrote. (PG, R)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30 Death In Paradise. (M, R)

8.40 Agatha Christie’s

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)

6.30 JAG. (PG, R)

7.30 NCIS. (M, R)

10.20 Movie: Deep Rising. (1998) (MA15+, R)

Pearce, Ray Winstone, Emily Watson.

7.30pm Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

8.00 QI. (PG, R)

8.30 Penn & Teller: Fool Us.

9.15 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

9.45 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R)

10.20 Gruen. (PG, R)

10.55 Shaun Micallef’s

MAD AS HELL. (M, R)

11.30 Doctor Who. (PG, R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)

7.30 Heartbeat. (PG, R) 8.45 Foyle’s War. (M, R) 10.55 Frankie Drake Mysteries. (M, R) 11.55 Cities Of The Underworld. (PG, R)

1.00 RSPCA Animal Rescue. (R)

1.30 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)

7.30 Father Brown. (M, R)

8.30 Murdoch Mysteries.

9.30 Kavanagh QC. (M, R) 11.15 Murdoch Mysteries. (M, R)

12.15 Father Brown. (M, R)

1.30 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)

6.00pm American Pickers. (PG, R)

7.00 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG, R)

8.30 Highway Cops. (PG)

9.30 Motorway Patrol. (PG, R)

10.30 Surveillance Oz. (PG, R)

11.30 Crash Investigation Unit. (PG, R)

6.00pm American Pickers. (PG, R)

7.00 Pawn Stars. (PG, R) 8.30 Movie: The Dark Knight Rises. (2012) (M, R) Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy.

Movie: Snowden. (2016) (M, R)

5.30pm Murder, She Wrote. (PG, R)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30 As Time Goes By. (R)

8.50 Midsomer Murders. (M, R)

10.50 One Deadly Mistake. (M)

11.50 Savage

Murder, She Wrote. (PG, R) 6.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 2. Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs. 7.00 A Current Affair.

Jeopardy! (R)

7.45 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (R)

8.30 RocKwiz Salutes The Decades. (R)

9.30 Women And The Power Of Activism. (PG)

10.35 Movie: Support The Girls. (2018) (M, R)

ACROss

3 Unfortunate (3)

9 Groupie (3)

13 Undeveloped offspring (6)

14 Era of new birth (11)

15 Jupiter II (6)

16 Operative (3)

18 Masticate (3)

20 Locally produced (9)

21 Italian violinist, Niccolò – (8)

22 Stinger (8)

24 Spear (5)

26 Buddhist leader (5,4)

27 Capricious (9)

33 Embellish (4)

35 Director of photography for a film (15)

36 Quest (4)

40 Prompt (8)

41 Absence of sound (7)

42 Unusual (8)

43 Flop (4)

44 Picks (6)

46 Whirs (6)

48 Liquid dish (4)

52 Fictitious country or city abounding in gold (2,6)

54 Japanese paper folding (7)

55 Historical scenes (8)

58 Inflamed eye-lid (4)

60 Radical supporters of social upheaval (15)

61 Freshwater duck (4)

62 How things are today (6,3)

65 Machine for travelling between storeys (9)

67 Deceptive movement (5)

68 Heroine of Greek tragedy (8)

71 Fyring pans (8)

72 Crash (9)

73 Movie music (1,1,1)

75 Curve (3)

77 Marine delicacy (6)

78 Signed (11)

79 Starter course (6)

80 Apron (3)

81 Pair (3)

DOWN

1 Green precious stone (7)

2 Triumphed (9)

3 Help! (1,1,1)

4 Dull (3)

5 Incorporate as member (5)

6 Using only two legs for walking (7)

7 Large flightless bird (7)

8 Torments (5)

9 Charge (3)

10 Mesh bag (3)

11 National park in Victoria (9)

12 Expression of regret (7)

17 Last but one (11)

19 Designer (9)

23 Glowing coal (5)

25 Explode (5)

28 North African nation (5)

29 Archer zodiac

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.