IT’S ELECTION time 2025, and the political parties are in full campaign mode, promising the world to anyone who will vote for them.

With all the political noise, it can be difficult to really hear what the politicians are really saying…or not saying.

Join us for an evening of polite political discourse, on Thursday, April 17, at the Reef Gateway Hotel, Cannonvale (in the conference room).

We will cut through the campaign slogans and three-word sound bites and help you understand what the candidates and their parties are really offering Australians.

The state of the environment is high on the evening’s agenda.

It is a well-known fact that a healthy economy and a healthy environment are intrinsically linked.

A thriving economy relies on a stable and resilient environment, and environmental degradation can lead to significant economic costs.

The Green’s candidate Paula Creen will be present at the free forum – which is open to everyone – to answer questions.

The other candidates have, unfortunately, turned down our invitation.

So, we have sent each candidate a list of questions requesting their feedback on several important issues.

These include the cost of living, climate change, the environment, the Great Barrier Reef, honest government and more.

This candidate feedback will be presented at the forum, which will be relaxed and informative.

This should lead to some robust discussion, as well as provide attendees with important information to guide their vote on election day.

It will be an entertaining and informative evening for everyone.

Hope to see you there and bring your friends!

Contributed by WCC Secretary Faye Chapman.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, who is standing for re-election, has announced several election commitments that an elected Dutton Liberal National Government would deliver for the region.

One of these commitments is $800,000 for upgrades to facilities at the Whitsundays Sportspark, Jubilee Pocket.

Mr Willcox said the significant investment would provide a more inclusive, safer environment for sports participants.

“I am proud to announce that the LNP is committing $800,000 towards critical upgrades at Whitsundays Sportspark, including new female change rooms, shade cover and upgraded field lights,” Mr Willcox said.

“Whitsundays Sportspark offers opportunity for players of all ages and skill levels to participate in netball, rugby and AFL, in an inclusive environment.

“It is a breeding ground for the new generation of players and has a long list of talented male and female players but, unfortunately, does not have designated female change rooms.

“The club is also in need of shade cover protection to go over the grandstand, which will protect spectators from the hot sun.

“New field lights are also needed to upgrade the current coverage over the sports fields, which will make a huge difference to night games being played in our hot summers.

“This upgrade would enhance the facilities and allow more games to be played in the evening, which will attract more players into the future.”

Whitsundays Sportspark President Justin Butler said the funding would be ‘transformative’ for sport in Airlie Beach.

“With record temperatures, and a return to a big wet seasons, the lack of protection from the elements over the grandstands has become a big issue,” Mr Butler said.

“These improvements will allow us to really finish off the initial upgrade of playing facilities at the Whitsundays Sportspark as part of our long-term vision to create one of Australia’s best, boutique, multi-sport stadiums.”

An elected Dutton Liberal National Government would also provide $20,000 to support Proserpine Youth Space.

“The Proserpine community is growing in population and therefore growing in the number of youths that require support,” Mr Willcox said.

“Youth Space is a non-government organisation offering the support and guidance for eight to 21-year-olds.

“It provides our young people with a safe and comfortable environment to socialise and interact with their friends, as well as with staff and volunteers.

“With the increase in crime and decrease in social development amongst youths, programs that create resilience and provide guidance are imperative.

“Youth Space does exactly that, by creating a foundation to reduce anti-social behaviour and help set our youth on the right path for their future and the betterment of the community.”

Proserpine Youth Space co-ordinator Renee Buckley said, “We receive referrals from Queensland Police of young youths who are going off the track in life, and we try to support them the best way we can with our Anger and Anxiety Youth Program.

“This funding commitment will mean we will be able to continue to run this program with martial arts, fitness and art therapy, with the aim to help teenagers develop resilience and channel any anger into other positive activities.”

Meanwhile, in Bowen, an elected Liberal National Government would commit $250,000 towards upgrades to the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, ensuring it can continue delivering vital services in a safe, modern and accessible space.

“The Bowen Neighbourhood Centre provides essential support to people facing difficult circumstances, offering essential services that enhance dignity, wellbeing, and quality of life for people across the region,” Mr Willcox said.

“From providing assistance with housing and legal matters, to supporting those affected by domestic violence, the centre is a critical lifeline for many in need.

“Every day, the dedicated staff and volunteers make an enormous difference in the lives of people across the community.”

Bowen Community Centre treasurer John Finlay said, “This is a fantastic announcement for the Bowen community.

“We are seeing a lot more domestic violence cases, which is really concerning.

“Cost of living is also a big issue, and we are seeing people of all ages and backgrounds needing help for the very first time.

“But we have an incredible team of highly trained staff, who stand ready to provide crucial support services.

“Once the building refurbishments are complete, this will open the door to allowing other community groups to use the upgraded facilities.”

A Coalition Government will also reinstate the 80:20 federal funding model for nationally significant road projects in regional and remote Australia, if they are elected, ensuring more regional roads and highways get upgraded.

This was borne out by the turnout at Sunday’s inaugural ‘Epic Walk for DV’ and the amount of money raised in support of women and children experiencing domestic violence.

More than 400 people braved the heat, humidity and threat of rain, to walk 5kms from the Coral Sea Marina and stand in solidarity with those attending parallel events in the metropolitan areas of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

More than $56,000 came from the Whitsundays on that day alone, contributing to a massive total of $321,339 raised for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ), across three events.

In the 2023 Financial Year, the WLSQ Statewide Helpline answered 16,000 calls from women impacted by domestic violence. In just one year that number has increased by 28 per cent.

WLSQ Practice Director Kimberly Allen, whose determination to walk in the Whitsundays saw her re-route flights through a pre-event wet season deluge, said she wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

“The Epic Walk for DV has been running for a few years now but this is the first year that it’s been here in Airlie Beach and what an incredible turnout for a truly epic morning,” she said.

“At Women’s Legal Service Queensland, we’re so incredibly grateful for all the support from this community – we’ve seen this region and this community mobilise like nothing else and it’s making an incredible difference.

“WLSQ is a statewide service, so the support shown here today, and in the other locations where the Epic Walks are taking place, will mean that we can help more women and children all across Queensland.

“Everything that everyone is doing – every step they’ve taken, every dollar donated, every raffle ticket sold – creates safer futures for women and children all across the state.”

Whitsundays MP Amanda Camm, who is also Queensland’s Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, said having previously attended the Brisbane event, being able to now walk with her home community was especially significant.

“To see over 400 registrations from people who have come out today to support the Epic Walk is an incredible achievement for our community and the first of many, I’m sure, to come,” Ms Camm said.

“With the increase in domestic and family violence across our communities, an initiative like the Epic Walk starts a conversation, as well as raising incredible funding to support those who most need it and, in particular, providing that legal support.”

Coral Sea Marina CEO Kate Purdie, whose team co-hosted the event alongside her ‘other’ team of WLSQ fundraising ‘Dancing CEOs’, thanked the many sponsors, donors, walkers, and ‘all of the people who got involved today to make it a great success’.

“What an outstanding show of support we’ve had today from our local Whitsundays community,” she said.

“We’ve had incredible sponsors, volunteers, and so many people walking; we’ve had children, pets, families, co-workers and big teams.

“It’s been an overwhelming success and we’re so grateful to our community for showing up for women and children who are impacted by domestic violence – on behalf of the Coral Sea Marina and Dancing CEOs, thank you all so much.”

Whitsunday Mayoress Mel Collins, who is also the ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ Patron – and who attended the event with her husband, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins – said a heartfelt ‘thank you’ of her own.

“You’ve been tireless champions for this cause ladies; your leadership, energy and commitment over the past six months have helped bring this movement to life in our region, so thank you,” she said.

Ms Collins also paid tribute to the walk’s founders Brendon Mann (Epic Hair Designs) and Brendan Smith (Network 10).

“They understood that creating change starts with community and with courage,” she said.

“So together everybody, lets keep walking, keep talking, and keep building a safer future for everyone.”

The four Whitsundays Dancing CEOs will now focus on the final major event in their campaign to raise money and awareness for WLSQ – the gala dance competition at Brisbane City Hall, on May 31.

The ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ are: Kate Purdie – Coral Sea Marina, Julie Telford – SeaLink Whitsundays, Candice Crossley – Whitsunday Transit, Alice Harriott – Whitsunday Family Dental, and team mentor, Katelyn Aslett-Collins – Taste Whitsundays.

For more information, and to stay up to date with their progress, follow the ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ Facebook page.

All photos by Phill Gordon, Riptide Creative.

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING EPIC WALK SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS:

Coral Sea Marina Resort, Whitsunday Transit, SeaLink Whitsundays, Whitsunday Family Dental, Taste Whitsundays, My Giving Table, Brilliant Media Co, Kickass Women Mackay, Whitsunday Regional Council, Amanda Camm MP, Riptide Creative, Retina Visions, FISHI Whitsundays, Bendigo Bank Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine, Big W, Rotary Club Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Crisis and Counselling Services, McGrath Real Estate, Spark Life, Whitsunday Zonta, D’Vine Catering and Events, Woolworths Cannonvale, Coles Cannonvale, Chasing Te Ra, Motherhood & Matrescence, Mackay Women’s Services, DV Safe Phone, Whitsunday Audio Visual, Pioneer Adventures, Ocean Rafting, Oz Sail, Airlie Beach Fishing Charters, Wings Sailing Charters Whitsundays, Skin Esteem, The Garden Bar Bistro, Café One 3, Whisper Cruises, Cruise Whitsundays, Life Publishing Group, Adam & Eve Hair, Church’s Tactical and Outdoor Townsville, Great Barrier Reef Festival, The Fat Frog Beach Café.

The announcement was made yesterday when Queensland Premier David Crisafulli unveiled the plans for the Olympic events and the accompanying infrastructure.

Whitsunday Regional Mayor Ry Collins has welcomed the announcement, saying at this morning’s council meeting (Wednesday, March 26) that it was ‘an important moment in our history’.

“We need to make sure that we leave a lasting legacy,” he said in his opening address to councillors present at the meeting and those people watching the livestream.

On his Mayoral Facebook page yesterday, Mayor Collins said: ‘The Whitsundays, the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, is set to take centre stage at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games!’

“Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has officially announced that our region will host sailing events – an incredible achievement and a testament to dedicated advocacy and collaboration,” he said.

“I’m proud to have fought to secure this opportunity for our region.

“With the opportunity posed by the new Queensland Government’s 100-day Olympic review, we developed a compelling case, taking this to Brisbane to meet with the Queensland Government and the key decisionmakers in the review, ensuring the Whitsundays’ voice was heard loud and clear.

“This success proves what can be achieved through persistence and strategic advocacy.

Mayor Collins said nowhere else could host the sailing like the Whitsundays could.

“When you close your eyes for a moment, and think of what the best version of Olympic sailing events could look like, I think you’d find it hard to disagree that nowhere will showcase this event like us, and our iconic reef and 74 island backdrop,” he said.

“With ideal sailing conditions and a breathtaking natural backdrop, the Whitsundays is the perfect venue to welcome the world, in 2032.”

Mayor Collins thanked all those people and organisations involved in making this monumental event happen for the Whitsundays.

“A huge thank you to Premier David Crisafulli MP, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie MP MP, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP, the Whitsunday Sailing Club, and Port Denison Sailing Club, Bowen,” he said in his Facebook post.

“I look forward to working with you, and all stakeholders, to deliver an outstanding event and to secure long-lasting legacy benefits for our region and all of Queensland.

“A truly Queensland Games means all of Queensland benefits, and now the Whitsundays will proudly play its part.”

Whitsundays MP Amanda Camm said ‘Let the countdown begin!’.

“The Crisafulli Government has a plan to showcase our Great Barrier Reef on the world stage,” she said.

“We know our region is well placed to host Olympic sailing and we’ll show them how it’s done!

“This is great news for our community and a once-in-a-generation opportunity, we’ll make it count with a lasting legacy.”

She also paid tribute to the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

“I want to acknowledge the advocacy of past and present committee members of the Whitsunday Sailing Club,” she said.

For more information visit www.delivering2032.com.au.

Among the night’s standout achievements, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort was inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame, after securing gold for three consecutive years in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category, cementing its status as an industry leader.

The Whitsundays celebrated further success with two additional operators achieving national recognition:

• GOLD: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort – Caravan & Holiday Parks (Hall of Fame inductee)
• SILVER: Pinnacles, Airlie Beach – Self-Contained Accommodation
• BRONZE: Ocean Rafting – Major Tour & Transport Operators

The illustrious awards ceremony, at the Adelaide Convention Centre in South Australia, celebrated four decades of tourism excellence, while showcasing the industry’s finest.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth said it was an incredible night for the Whitsundays.

“Winning Gold, Silver and Bronze, across different categories, shows just how amazing our tourism offerings are,” he said.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our operators and seeing BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort winning gold was definitely a highlight.

“These awards aren’t just trophies on a shelf, they represent the heart and soul that our tourism businesses pour into creating unforgettable memories for visitors.

“It’s this dedication that keeps people coming back to the Whitsundays time and again.”

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins congratulated BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Pinnacles, and Ocean Rafting for doing the region proud.

“Tourism is the beating heart of the Whitsundays economy, and these national awards highlight the strength and resilience of our industry,” Mayor Collins said.

“Being recognised on such a prestigious platform showcases the outstanding work being done by our local businesses and sends a clear message – the Whitsundays is not just a beautiful place to visit, it’s a leader in Australian tourism.”

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort owner Greg McKinnon, who attended the gala event with some of his team, expressed immense pride over the national recognition.

“Winning three years in a row and being inducted into the Hall of Fame is far beyond what we’d imagined, particularly when we are competing against the best holiday parks in the country,” he said.

“The competition in our category was outstanding, so we are extremely honoured to accept this gold award, while also entering the Hall of Fame on an Australian level.

“This national win again highlights our dedication to setting industry benchmarks, consistently delivering top-tier facilities, exceptional customer service and unforgettable family holidays.

“We’ll continue striving for excellence, while incorporating some exciting new developments in the near future, which our guests will love and which will only enhance their overall experience.”

Peter and Jan Claxton, the proud owners of Ocean Rafting for 28 years, along with Nathan their Sales and Marketing Captain of 13 years, were overjoyed to represent the family-owned business at the awards ceremony.  

“A huge thank you to all our team, both past and present, who share our passion for tourism and showcasing nature’s wonders,” Peter said.

“We are proud to continue stepping onto the podium and winning awards like this for all those who have made Ocean Rafting what it is today.

“Additionally, I would like to thank all our guests who have enjoyed a day out, whether that be on the water or in the air, in the last 28 years of operations.”

Jan added, “These awards are for our team, as much as they’re for us, so cheers to us, and cheers to the team.”

This small but significant step forward from the new LNP Government is warmly welcomed as a show of faith in the project, and the agriculture sector in and around Bowen, Project Director Sean Brown said.

The Bowen Pipeline Project is a 182km underground water pipeline starting 16km upstream from Home Hill (at the Burdekin River) and moving south to Bowen.

The project will allow for the creation of a reliable, secure water supply to the Bowen and Gumlu area, which produces 1/5th of Australia’s vegetables and is the country’s largest winter vegetable growing area.

Currently, the area grows more than 250 million kilograms of fruit and vegetables, each year, with a gate value of more than $650 million.  

The Bowen Pipeline Project has 40 grower and industry investors who have, to date, invested about $2.5 million.

The project has also received a Commonwealth Grant for $5 million for engineering and design.

Most investors are growers, business owners and individual residents in the Bowen and Burdekin Regions, and project equity holders include the Juru People, who together with the Bindal People, form a cornerstone of the project.

Project Director Sean Brown said the project was on track to achieve the timeline of soil turning by Quarter Four this year.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Queensland Government and Sunwater to progress our approvals process and we hope to be able to finalise our approvals by Quarter Three 2025 and then progress to local council permitting,” Mr Brown said.

“It is unfortunate that the process was held up for so long, having initially lodged the application in March 2023, however, this show of leadership from the Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie MP will mean that we are well positioned to achieve our timeline of soil turning by Quarter Four 2025.”

Jarrod Bleijie MP is also the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank our broad range of supporters and stakeholders for their ongoing patience and faith in the project,” Mr Brown said. 

“Like us, our supporters want to see North Queensland develop as a commercial and industrial hub and our project will deliver significant economic benefits during construction and operation.

“During construction, the Port of Townsville will receive 2,500 containers of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pellets for the onsite construction of the water pipeline and, when operational, the water will allow the export of 5,000 to 10,000 containers of produce out from the Port of Townsville.

“The project will create yearly economic gain of $300 million for North Queensland, 200 jobs during construction and 1,200 when operational.

“This excludes the potential ammonia (fertiliser), methanol and hydrogen projects that are being developed and funded by the South Koreans, Japanese and Australian companies, in the State Development Area.”

Supporters of the project include Indigenous Elders, business owners, farmers and growers, community leaders and residents.

Kate Purdie (Coral Sea Marina), Candice Crossley (Whitsunday Transit), Julie Telford (SeaLink Whitsundays), and Dr Alice Harriott (Whitsunday Family Dental), said it had taken not just a village but an entire community of people and businesses to pull the event off, and extended a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone involved.

“From the major sponsors to the minor, every contribution counted towards the end result, which was ultimately the $85,000 we are now able to give Women’s Legal Service Queensland, which will be used to help women and children escape abusive situations and literally rebuild their lives,” Julie Telford said.

WLSQ CEO Nadia Bromley expanded on this, commending not just the team of local Dancing CEOs but the whole of the Whitsundays’ community for getting behind them.

“The people who work for our service are amazing; they do difficult work in often challenging environments, but their work is made both possible and easier by incredible people like you,” she said.  

“The work you do means we can provide services which we otherwise couldn’t, which clearly helps a lot of women who are our clients, but it also helps our staff.

“It means we have additional flexibility in how we work, in the support we can provide clients, and the places in which we work – but also, perhaps just as importantly, it makes our staff feel valued and supported, and I can’t express to you in words just how much that means.”

Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm, who is also the Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, described herself as having ‘complete FOMO’ at not having been able to attend the event but sent a powerful message to the 170 people who did.

“How very proud I am of our Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs, firstly for their courage to put themselves out there for such a great cause and, secondly, for shining a spotlight on the fact that more support for DV services is needed in regions like ours,” Ms Camm’s message read.

“As the Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention, this will be a core focus for me and why I am pleased to support these amazing women.

“Domestic and family violence does not discriminate and, through this event – and the upcoming Epic Walk for DV – our community can have conversations and raise awareness with purpose, that will deliver tangible outcomes.”

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins expressed his delight in seeing the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal being used for such a meaningful event.

“It’s wonderful to see this incredible venue come to life in support of such a deserving cause through Dancing CEOs,” he said.

“We’re proud to play a role in this initiative, and now we’re cheering on our Whitsundays team to give it their all and make a real impact for this worthy cause.”

In more good news delivered on the night, a charity raffle donated to WLSQ by local bareboat charter company Whitsunday Escape, came to a close, with the winner announced and a whopping $48,800 raised.

Whitsunday Escape General Manager Jaclyn Watson said, for her and her team, this was deeply personal.

“Behind the glitz and glamour is a community of people fighting for change – and what a community we have,” she said.

Kate Purdie extended a special ‘thank you’ to Coral Sea Marina Resort owner Paul Darrouzet, who attended the event, a highlight of which was his offer to double the prize he had donated to the charity auction, with not one, but two days out on a Superyacht, raising a total of $30,000.

The Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ next event is the Whitsundays’ inaugural ‘Epic Walk for DV’ set to take place at 7.30am on Sunday, March 30, at the Coral Sea Marina Gardens.  

Ms Bromley said the organisation’s Practice Director would be attending the walk and liaising with other agencies in the region about opportunities to provide more services to women here.

For more information and online links follow the ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ Facebook page.

More than 75 people ran, walked, scooted or rode their bikes for five kilometres, in the town’s ‘virtual’ answer to the Brisbane International Women’s Day (IWD) Fun Run event, supported by Mater Chicks in Pink. 

With the Brisbane IWD Fun Run event cancelled this year, due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the wave of pink in the Queensland regions has made an even bigger impact, with people coming together to help spread the message about early detection and breast cancer research. 

The sun was high and shining strong as the finishers returned to the Collinsville Golf Club, eager to accept their reward of an icy pole and chill out in the shade.

There were raffles and guessing games to play to help boost fundraising efforts, and the Collinsville QCWA volunteers cooked up bacon and egg wraps, savoury mince toasties and fresh fruit salad. 

Local baker ‘Jenni’s Treats’ donated some delectable pink cupcakes, which were a hit with young and old participants.

At the time of writing, the Collinsville Sea of Pink has raised more than $13,400 in support of Mater Chicks in Pink.

Funds raised go towards life-saving research at Mater Hospitals and also help provide practical items such as mastectomy bras and wigs, helping women feel more like themselves and boosting their confidence as they recover from their treatment. 

For event participant Rebecca Sulusi, the day had special significance.

“My mum is a survivor and has been cancer free for the past six years, however, many of her family members have not been as fortunate to catch it in the early stages,” Rebecca said.

“The fundraising efforts are such an important part of the journey to find a cure and improve treatment and care. Without the awareness and funds to improve treatments, I wouldn’t have my mum.”

This year, Collinsville was thrilled to welcome Whitsunday Regional Mayor Ry Collins to join the ‘Sea of Pink’. 

Mayor Collins said it was fantastic to see Collinsville locals—young and old—lace up their runners for such an important cause.

“The great turnout showed that the Mater Sea of Pink Fun Run isn’t just about fitness; it’s about community standing together to support women in our community who are battling breast cancer,” Mayor Collins said.

“A huge well done to Alice and her incredible team of volunteers for putting together such a well run event, and a big thank you to Glencore for their support.

“As a bonus, I’ve already ticked off 6,000 steps for the day! But more importantly, we’ve all taken steps toward raising awareness and funds for an incredibly worthy cause.”

Collinsville Sea of Pink was proudly supported by local organisations and businesses, including Glencore’s Collinsville Open Cut operation, Collinsville Community Association, Collinsville QCWA, Collinsville Youth Coalition, and Collinsville Golf Club. 

Prizes were donated by local businesses Heavy Logistics & Mechanical (HLM), Vex Engineering Services, N&S Abrasives, Opal Ridge Motel, Collinsville Workers Club, Collinsville Pharmacy, Beaute at the Ville and ERT Training Qld.

Event organiser Alice Randell thanked the Collinsville community for their support and encouragement. 

“The event has become a milestone in the community’s calendar. It’s great to see new and returning faces each year,” Alice said.

“Unfortunately, we continue to share new stories of breast cancer diagnoses, giving us pause to remember why we continue to come together, raise funds and show support for breast cancer patients and survivors.

“With one in seven women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, the message is simple – check your breasts.”

Now known as Club Whitsunday, construction of the hospitality venue at the Jubilee Pocket Sportspark was completed in March 2022.

However, it has taken almost three years to obtain Liquor and Gaming Licenses and government approvals, and finalise finance.  

Now, finally, the community hub for sporting groups and local residents is officially open for business!

The official opening follows years of negotiations and hard work by the Sportspark committee, in particular, Sportspark committee chairman Justin Butler.

The Clubhouse is part of a complete Sportspark redevelopment, which included new lighting, new (relocatable) canteens, the addition of a second playing pitch, and new changing rooms.

Coming in at a total of $13m, the Sportspark funding was made up of $4m from the Federal Government, $3.6m from the Queensland Government, $1.5m from Whitsunday Regional Council (seed funding) and $900,000 from the Sportspark (totalling $10m for construction, lighting etc).

The remaining $3m came from bank loans, borrowed by Whitsunday Sportspark for the clubhouse fit-out and equipment.

Present on Saturday were Federal MP for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Whitsundays MP Amanda Camm, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins and Councillors Jan Clifford and Clay Bauman.

Andrew Willcox MP said the clubhouse was an example of what could be achieved ‘when all levels of government work together’.

Amanda Camm MP echoed these sentiments, saying it had been a momentous effort by so many people – too many to name – but singled out Justin Butler as the main protagonist.

“Without Justin, this clubhouse would simply not be here,” Ms Camm said.

Mr Butler said it had been ‘a long road to get to this point’ with the original development application lodged in 2017.

He had a long list of people to thank at the official opening – in addition to those present – including all the sporting clubs who call the sportspark home, and suppliers such as Hutchinson Builders, who showed patience and understanding when hurdles arose.

Mr Butler also thanked Cr Jan Clifford for having been there every step of the way.

The Whitsunday Sportspark hosts the local rugby union, AFL, soccer, netball and touch football clubs and now, more recently, cricket has come into the precinct.

The clubhouse is a not-for-profit venue, with all proceeds going back into supporting sporting groups and other non-profit groups in the community.

It boasts a restaurant, bar and gaming room with pokies, and will be open seven days a week.

There is a large, shaded spectators’ terrace to watch the many and varied games and matches every week.

The Sportspark regularly hosts carnivals and exhibition games and is an important community hub for events, with PCYC Whitsunday right next door.  

It is anticipated that, now the clubhouse is up and running, even bigger events can be staged.

Gilmour Space Technologies has announced a launch window starting ‘no earlier than’ March 15 for the maiden flight of Eris, the first Australian-designed and built rocket aiming for orbit.

The news follows final airspace approvals from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and Airservices Australia, clearing the last regulatory hurdle before launch.

It also marks the culmination of years of innovative research and development and manufacturing by the Gold Coast based company, which developed the Eris launch vehicle and Bowen Orbital Spaceport.

Gilmour Space made history in March last year when its Bowen spaceport was granted the first orbital launch facility licence in Australia, and when it secured the country’s first Australian Launch Permit for Eris TestFlight 1, in November. 

Now, with airspace arrangements finalised and mandatory notice given to the Australian Space Agency, the company is preparing for liftoff.

“This will be the first attempt of an Australian rocket to reach orbit from Australian soil,” Gilmour Space co-founder and CEO Adam Gilmour said.  

The company is backed by private investors including Blackbird, Main Sequence, Fine Structure Ventures, Queensland Investment Corporation, and superannuation funds such as HESTA, Hostplus and NGS Super. 

With the March 15 window fast approaching, Mr. Gilmour shared some key points to note before launch.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that delays or ‘scrubs’ are a normal part of rocket launches.

These can last anywhere from hours to days, or even weeks, and are often caused by weather conditions, technical issues, or other factors.

“Safety is always the top priority. We’ll only launch when we’re ready, and when conditions are appropriate,” Mr. Gilmour said.

Secondly, the first launch is always the hardest.

“Reaching orbit is a highly complex engineering challenge, and every successful rocket company has faced setbacks in their early attempts—SpaceX, for one, did it on their fourth attempt,” Mr. Gilmour said.

“It’s almost unheard of for a private rocket company to launch successfully to orbit the first time.

“Whether we make it off the pad, reach max Q, or get all the way to space, what’s important is that every second of flight will deliver valuable data that will improve our rocket’s reliability and performance for future launches.”

Thirdly, this is the road we must take to build sovereign space capability that’s critical for Australia’s future.

Launching Australian-owned and controlled rockets from home soil means more high-tech jobs, greater security, economic growth, and technological independence.

“Only six countries in the world are launching regularly to space using their own technology, and Australia could soon be one of them,” Mr. Gilmour said.

“I want to thank our incredible team at Gilmour Space for all their hard work and dedication in getting to this critical first flight.

“Whatever happens next, know that you’ve already made history – we now build rockets in Australia. And this is only the beginning.”

For more information about Eris Test Flight 1 visit www.gspace.com/missions.