In a 12-hour session, the Shire Council pruned $456,000 from the draft budget to contain the rate rise to 2.514c in the dollar, well below inflation.

Work Before Pleasure for The Doctor

A send off for Dr. John McLean was interrupted when the guest of honour had to perform an unscheduled appendix operation. Following the successful procedure Dr. McLean was farewelled by medical and nursing staff and local Blue Nurses.

Deb of the Year Ball

Organised by the Proserpine Baton Twirlers, and drawing an attendance of 350 people, the ball was the occasion for the naming of Deb of the Year 1985, Karen Handley.

Education 2000 Forum

Three hundred concerned parents and teachers attended the forum at the Cultural Hall to hear discussion of proposed changes to educational organisations, by Northern Regional Director Tom Robertson.

One especially controversial change would be the integration of intellectually and physically handicapped students into the normal class system.

Bloods In Reserve Grade Final

This followed a win against East Mackay 154pts to 20.

Faust’s Pty Prices

Black Douglas Whisky $15.45, 4 litre Reisling Casks at $4.95.

New Van for Proserpine QATB

Ambulance Superintendent John Klohs accepted delivery of a new van from funds raised during the Lions Harvest Festival.

Proserpine Whitsunday Sports Fishing Club Trophy Night

Forty members witnessed presentations to Mark O’Donnell and Jim Hinschen. The ‘Line Twister of the Year’ went to Ian Madill.

Tennis

Bowen won the Watts Shield, beating Proserpine by 575 games to 464.

Rugby Union

Raiders beat Brothers 28-3.

Soccer

Whitsunday Knights lost to Mackay City 3-2.

Rugby League

Mackay Sea Eagles beat Whitsunday Wizards 44-16.

Obituary

Clive Alexander Nicol, an old Proserpine resident, died in hospital aged 64 years.

Kevin Robert Chauntler, aged 52 years, died on Sunday.

Florence Hausine Gregson died following a serious illness.

Brian Roy Ruge, died in a road accident on the highway, north of Childers. He is survived by his wife, a son and three daughters.

Nineteen swimmers from the Whitsunday Swimming Club swam their hearts out at Cannonvale Cannons SC Winter Meet, held on Saturday, July 12.

“With an incredible 106 individual events entered, 72 PBs were swum, showing our swimmers and families that their hard work at training has certainly paid off,” club president Amanda Yuskan said.

“The cheering, support, encouragement and camaraderie from all swimmers was to be commended.

“Everybody knew the Whitsunday Swimming Club was there! From the grand entrance, to the birthday celebrations for George, our swimmers were loud and proud.”

Hayden, Leyton, Jayde, Ti, Georgia, Jack, Kenzie, Savannah, George, Alex, Axel, Alissa, Emeilia and Jax returned to the pool with Whitsunday confidence.

Newcomers to the club, Bella and Isaac, showed they were not to be messed with.

First timers Charlotte and Jesse demonstrated Whitsunday spirit and power. Then Coach Cruze showed everyone how it was done (or did he?).

“With four coaches on the deck (coach Jenny, Amanda, Enrico and Cruze) to support and encourage, our swimmers reminded everyone the Whitsunday Swimming Club is a force to be reckoned with,” Ms Yuskan said.

If you would like more information on an incredible club full of friendships, team spirit and fun, email whitsundayfrogs@gmail.com or visit the club’s Facebook Page.

The Australian singer/songwriter, known for his country blues, folk and contemporary style of music, has released four studio albums, with his latest album ‘Shades on Me’ reaching No.2 on the Australian ARIA Charts and No.1 on the Australian Independent Records (AIR) Charts.

His latest single ‘Counting Clouds’ is a collaboration with former X-Factor contestants Mak & Shar and adds to a long list, with 13 of Andy’s singles reaching No.1 across multiple Australian Country Radio Charts.

The ‘vibrant and feelgood’ new single was released on July 11, and blends Mak & Shar’s infectious harmonies with Andy’s rich country-blues sound, delivering an uplifting anthem.

The collaboration was sparked by a mutual friend, who recognised the creative synergy between the trio and encouraged them to connect.

“From the moment we jumped on that first Zoom call, we just clicked,” Mak said.

“It felt natural—like we’d been working together for years.”

He said ‘Counting Clouds’ offered listeners a much-needed break from the chaos of the modern world.

Driven by breezy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the track celebrates the joy found in life’s simple pleasures.

“For me, ‘Counting Clouds’ was a song we wanted to write for everyone,” Mak continued.

“It’s about letting go of stress and remembering to appreciate the little things—sometimes, we all just need to kick back and count clouds.”

Andy Penkow, known for his soulful songwriting and more introspective material like his recent single ‘Visiting Hours’ will be performing at this year’s Airlie Beach Festival of Music.

He welcomed the chance to create something more upbeat.

“This was such a fun project,” Andy said.

“Working with Mak & Shar was effortless. They brought incredible energy and creativity to the table, and the whole process was collaborative and inspiring.”

The single ‘Counting Clouds’ is now available on all major streaming platforms.

This year’s Airlie Beach Festival of Music includes an impressive line-up of musicians over three massive days (November 7 to 9, 2025) with more than 50 artists performing in 15 venues across Airlie Beach.

The stellar performers include Pete Murray, Jessica Mauboy, The Screaming Jets, Diesel, the Black Sorrows, the Choir Boys and Andy Penkow, amongst many, many more great acts.

Visit Airlie Beach Festival of Music | 7th 8th 9th November 2025 for all the lowdown and to book tickets (three-day and day passes available).

Australia has been hosting the largest-ever Exercise Talisman Sabre, which started on 13 July and is due to finish on 4 August, 2025.

Military activity has been taking place in Bowen, Midge Point, Bloomsbury and Whitsunday Islands, among other locations, as part of the global military training exercise. 

Over 40,000 military personnel from 19 nations participated in activities across Australia and Papua New Guinea.

The activities in Australia are now concluding, while activities in Papua New Guinea are ongoing.

Talisman Sabre 2025 focused on multi-domain warfighting.

Key activities included amphibious and airborne lodgements, firepower demonstrations, and combat across land, air, sea, space and cyber domains.

As the Australian-based activities wrap up, there will be an increased presence of Australian Defence Force and participating nations’ personnel, equipment and vehicles transiting through communities, from 26 July to 2 August.

Communities can expect to see an increased number of Defence vehicles on the road over this period.

Defence will take every precaution to minimise impact to local communities and will avoid high traffic routes and school zones where possible.

We ask motorists and pedestrians to be aware of these activities and exercise patience and vigilance on the road to make sure everyone gets home safely.

We thank the communities for their understanding and support.

Should you have any queries, please contact 1800 ADF EXERCISE (1800 233 3937).

This number will be staffed by the Exercise Control Centre 24 hours until 4 August 2025.

Gilmour Space Technologies has completed the maiden test launch of Australia’s first locally designed and built orbital rocket.

It is a major milestone toward offering low-cost, responsive launch services for small satellites globally.

The 23-metre, 30-tonne Eris rocket, powered by new hybrid propulsion technology, successfully lifted off from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport, just outside Bowen, achieving approximately 14 seconds of flight.

CEO of Gilmour Space Technologies Adam Gilmour said ‘getting off the pad and into flight’ was a huge step forward for any new rocket program.

“Space is hard,” he said.

“SpaceX, Rocket Lab and others needed multiple test flights to reach orbit.

“We’ve learned a tremendous amount that will go directly into improving our next vehicle, which is already in production.

“Getting off the pad and into flight is a huge step forward for any new rocket program.

“This was the first real test of our rocket systems, our propulsion technology, and our spaceport — and it proved that much of what we’ve built works.”

Importantly, there were no injuries to anyone and no adverse environmental impacts.

“Only six nations currently launch to orbit regularly — and just a handful are developing sovereign capability to join them,” he said.

“We’ve now taken a big step toward joining that group.”

Learning from Early Flight

The TestFlight 1 campaign was the first integrated attempt of an orbital-class rocket designed and built entirely in Australia.

It also marked the first use of the newly licensed Bowen Orbital Spaceport — Australia’s first commercial orbital launch site, built by Gilmour Space to support future missions.

Eris was developed almost entirely in-house — including propulsion, structures, avionics, software, and the spaceport itself — on a fraction of the budget available to most global launch companies.

“Clearing the tower was a major milestone for our team. It showed that Australia can design, build, and launch rockets right here at home,” Gilmour said.

As part of this historic campaign, Gilmour Space worked closely with many stakeholders and regulators to help shape and navigate the rules needed to safely launch rockets from Australia for the first time.

These included the Australian Space Agency, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Air Services Australia, Maritime authorities, and others.

Initial data confirms that key systems performed well until the anomaly, including ignition, liftoff, first-stage thrust, range tracking and telemetry.

The team is now reviewing flight data to understand the cause of the anomaly that led to early termination, with lessons already being applied to the next vehicle, which is in production.

Looking Ahead

The TestFlight 1 mission represents the culmination of years of effort by a team of more than 200 people, over 500 Australian suppliers, and strong support from government and industry.

It is the next step in Gilmour’s mission to provide low-cost, responsive launch services for small satellites — a capability in growing demand globally.

The TestFlight1 campaign reflects years of effort from over 200 Gilmour Space staff, 500+ Australian suppliers, and close coordination with the Australian Space Agency, CASA, Airservices Australia, maritime authorities, and others.

The team will now review flight data and apply lessons learned to the next Eris rocket, with plans to launch again within [XX] months.

“Every test, especially the first, is a learning opportunity,” said Gilmour.

“Congratulations to our talented team for getting us this far. Onward to TestFlight 2.”

Among them are a good roll-up from the multihulls taking to the water in the Racing, Passage and Weta 4.4 divisions.

Airlie Beach Race Week is being conducted by Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) between August 7 and 14, 2025.

Those out to put their best feet forward for the 37^th edition of race week include the Paul Mitchell skippered Extreme 40, Ullman Sails.

Mitchell, the Whitsundays Ullman Sails sailmaker and enduring support sponsor of Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW), is a maestro of multis and has won at ABRW several times, including last year.

In the Multihull Passage class, the entry list is just as eclectic as the Racing fleet and both first and second placed from the 2024 podium are among them.

Troy Forrest’s Grainger Raku 48, Mint, defeated Craig Molloy’s Lidgard 52, Avalanche, by three points, so it is sure to be on again.

The top three Weta 4.4’s from 2024 also return.

Second and third placed Hazmat (Brad Stanley) and Manaia (Terry Bailey) respectively, will try to find a weak spot in George Owens’ Wetasashag after the latter won nine of the 10 race series last year, using a win and a second as drops.

An international event, so far 133 entries have been received for 74 Islands Distillery Airlie Beach Race Week.

The event enjoys continued support from Tourism and Events Queensland, including as a feature on the It’s Live! Queensland events calendar.

The entries represent every state and territory of Australia, along with Hong Kong and New Zealand.

The social side of ABRW is always fun.

This year the ever popular Long, Late Lunch on the balcony at the Whitsunday Sailing Club returns, as do food stalls and live music every night at WSC.

There is still time to enter, so go online now to avoid missing out: https://www.abrw.com.au/  

The move follows the launch of a Proserpine Sub-Committee by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI).

“This sub-committee is all about giving Proserpine businesses a stronger voice and ensuring they’re at the table when it comes to shaping the region’s future,” Chamber President Allan Milostic said.

Driving Local Outcomes

The Proserpine Sub-Committee is already making great strides, with several exciting initiatives underway to boost local pride, visibility, and economic opportunity.

These include:

• Launching a business community survey to help build a strong case that improves the visitor experience and supports local trade.
• Bringing Proserpine’s past to life with a proposed Historical Town Trail celebrating the stories, characters and charm that make the town unique.
• Backing major events and local projects that create energy, attract visitors and drive long-term progress for the business community.
• Championing local success stories, sharing the faces behind our businesses and strengthening connections right across the region.

Working Together for Regional Growth

“We’re incredibly proud of the energy and ideas coming from this group,” Chamber Board Member and Sub-Committee Chair Jannah Baker said.

“Everyone is here because they care deeply about Proserpine and want to see it thrive.”

Proserpine Sub-Committee Members:

• Jannah Baker (Chair) – Scallywag Fabrication
• Barb Cochrane – Fresh Fields News and Gifts
• Bernadette Porter – Proserpine State High School
• Channelle Gangemi – Gangemi Cabinetmakers
• Emily Harvey – Filby’s Motors
• Leigh Skead – Creative Connections Whitsunday
• Mark Lipkin – The Airlie Group
• Wendy Barker – AWB First Aid First

The Sub-Committee meets bi-monthly and welcomes interest from other local business owners who’d like to be involved.

For more information or to get involved contact the Whitsundays Chamber.

In 2026, Australia must submit a full State of Conservation report, outlining progress on tackling threats.

This review requirement comes on the back of the sixth mass bleaching event in nine years and severe coastal flooding.

UNESCO flagged four key areas where Australia is falling short: Cutting climate pollution, improving water quality, preparing for climate-driven disasters like mass bleaching, and ensuring fisheries are managed sustainably.

If progress is deemed inadequate, the reef could be recommended for inscription on the World Heritage ‘In Danger’ list, in 2026.

For those people that closely follow all things reef, this is a familiar story.

UNESCO has been threatening to put the reef on the ‘In Danger’ list for at least a decade.

It hasn’t happened…yet, but that’s not the point.

The point is: How did we let the reef’s health degrade to the point where UNESCO would even consider putting it on the ‘In Danger’ list? And should the reef be on the ‘In Danger’ list?

It is important to note that the Great Barrier Reef is still the jewel in the crown of coral reefs worldwide.

It is still one of the most biologically diverse environments on the planet.

It is still an economic powerhouse, contributing more than $6.4 billion each year to the Australian economy and providing around 64,000 full-time jobs.

It is part of our Australian identity.

But there is no doubt, the reef is under pressure.

The Great Barrier Reef was declared a marine park in 1975. In 1981, it was recognised for its outstanding universal value and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 

Since that time, the pressures on the reef have become enormous. A short list of the major threats impacting the reef include:

·         Climate change

·         Poor water quality

·         Unsustainable fishing

·         Crown-of Thorns starfish

·         Coastal development

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) has been monitoring the reef since the mid-1980s.

Their most recent report (2024) makes things very clear: The Great Barrier Reef has experienced a significant decline in health over the past few decades, due to various factors, primarily climate change and related events like coral bleaching and ocean acidification. 

While the reef has shown resilience and ability to recover from past disturbances, recent trends indicate a concerning acceleration in coral loss and habitat degradation. 

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) concurs.

Their 2024 Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report states:

‘The region’s current outlook remains one of continued deterioration. Warming already locked into the global climate system will have profound effects on the region’s ecosystems over the next decade and beyond, and unchecked warming would be devastating for the reef.

‘The window of opportunity for changing direction is closing rapidly. Only the strongest and fastest possible actions to decrease global greenhouse gas emissions will reduce the risks and limit the impacts of climate change on the reef.

‘Timely and effective management actions taken now can dramatically alter potential futures.’  

In other words…the reef is ‘In Danger’, irrespective of whatever UNESCO might say.

But now is not the time to throw our hands in the air and walk away.

Now is the time for sustained action to do everything in our power to mitigate the threats to the reef.

The future of the reef is unknown.

But there is one thing we do know: The reef is incredibly resilient.

Given a chance, it has the ability to bounce back from the grimmest circumstances.

We must give the reef that chance.

 Contributed by the Whitsunday Conservation Council.

The Queenslander – he hails from Mackay – is performing at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, on Friday, 15 August.

The songwriter and performer has had a fascinating career, starting out at just 18 years old and now celebrating an epic five-decade journey in music.  

‘My Lyrical Life’ – the book and concert – is a Graeme Connors ‘Golden Celebration’ combining fan favourites and old gems.

He is a master storyteller, illuminating the soul of Australia and its tales of life, love and global events.

In 1974, 18-year-old Graeme stepped into the limelight as the opening act for the iconic Kris Kristofferson during his Australian tour.

Impressed by Graeme’s talent, Kris ushered him into the recording studio to craft Graeme’s debut album ‘And When Morning Comes’, which hit the scene in 1976. 

Fast forward 50 years, he is 19 albums deep, with platinum and gold records, honoured with prestigious ARIA, Golden Guitar, APRA awards, and other accolades.

And he continues to hit the road, carrying his soul-stirring melodies and captivating narratives to audiences across Australia and beyond. 

Graeme’s latest masterpiece, ‘My Lyrical Life’, is a compendium of 217 of his song lyrics.

These verses, immortalised in his own recordings – or recorded by music legends including Slim Dusty, John Denver and Jon English – are accompanied by personal reflections that trace the vibrant tapestry of his storied career. 

‘My Lyrical Life’ has given Graeme the chance to rediscover many gems from the past, alongside the fan favourites.

“I love the re-connection with an audience that has made my life the life it is,” he said.

“And it’s a reminder that there is no endpoint really; we can keep doing these things as long as we have our vital energy and can still contribute to the human spirit.”  

Graeme’s long list of accolades and albums can be found here:

Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Midge Point has become the 15th unit to transition into the service.

MRQ Midge Point Unit Commander Gary Considine said waters around the township provided rich fishing and boating opportunities and were a popular spot for locals and visitors to the area.

“The area provides some wonderful opportunities for water activities, but anyone can run into trouble out on the water and, if they do, MRQ Midge Point crews will be there to provide support and assistance,” Mr Considine said.

“Our crew are all avid fishers and know the area well, so we stand ready to keep people safe if they need help.

“We’re excited to be the newest members of the service and joining a statewide crew of dedicated marine rescue volunteers.”

MRQ Chief Officer Tony Wulff welcomed MRQ Midge Point into the service and praised the dedication of small units in keeping people safe when out on the water.

“We welcome the commitment of every volunteer who gives up their time to make themselves available to assist people who get into trouble when out on the water,” Mr Wulff said.

“Each volunteer unit is an important link in a vital chain of support along the Queensland coastline.

“By working together, we are able to coordinate resources to deliver assistance where it’s most needed.”

MRQ Midge Point operates from Laguna Quays, supporting the area south of the Whitsunday Islands, out to the southern side of Repulse Bay and as far south as Cape Hillsborough.

The unit is on call 24/7 via VHF channel 16 but has a launch time of approximately ½ to 1 hour from Laguna Quays Marina.

About MRQ:

· MRQ is Queensland’s first state-wide, State Government-funded volunteer marine rescue service dedicated to saving lives at sea and supporting those on or near the water.

· MRQ is part of Queensland Police Service, which is responsible for coordinating the state’s disaster and emergency services response – but MRQ is a separate service with its own identity, structure, governance and uniforms.

· MRQ currently has 15 units and more than 600 volunteers, with additional marine rescue units expected to follow throughout 2025.

Further information can be found on the Marine Rescue Queensland website.

Water safety tips:

· Log your journeys from start to finish

· Always wear your lifejacket

· Remember to pack sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat and water (two litres per person)

· If you need help, radio VHF-16 or call Triple Zero (000)

· Check you have extra fuel

· Check the weather forecast before you leave

· Charge your phone and any other devices

· Tell family and friends where you are going.