FLASHBACK: What was making news in Guardian 40 years ago

Flooding at Hamilton Plains was causing concern, sand went missing at Airlie Beach and more.

Check out what residents were reading in the Proserpine Guardian 40 years ago. Photo: Tourism Whitsundays

Here's what was making news in the Proserpine Guardian on February 19, 1981:

State selection for Proserpine bowler

Ron Demartini was selected to represent Queensland against Victoria in Melbourne.

Council adopts five-year program costing $18.5 million

Much of the loan/subsidy scheme was planned to finance water and sewerage near the coast to cater for 400+ new allotments.

It also included a community hall for Proserpine.

Alan Dufty was a guest speaker at Rotary

Alan spoke about physical barriers for the disabled.

At the time there was no wheelchair access to the Proserpine post office, courthouse and airport terminal.

"It would be a simple matter to provide ramps instead of steps," he said.

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Hamilton Plains flooding

Councillors expressed concern over the extended flooding of Hamilton Plains during the recent heavy rains.

Whitsunday ambulance sub-centre

A building fund appeal had been initiated to provide permanent accommodation for the sub-centre in Schnapper St.

Cannonvale P&C elections

New officers for the year were president Frank Turvey, vice-presidents Selwyn Hawken and Bruce Ross, secretary Joan Draman and treasurer Margaret Berry.

Where is Airlie's Beach?

Sand was disappearing from the beach, the foreshore of which resembled a rocky, greyish excuse.

Sand was readily available at the mouth of the Proserpine River, which could be used to rectify the problem.

Meals on Wheels

Supervisor Tess Edwards reported 5077 meals had been delivered in the past 12 months.

Football

In the first matches of the season Proserpine was successful against Ayr Brothers 15-11, Mackay Brothers 16-11 and Home Hill 14-10.

They won the final game against Mackay 20-16.

Gardel and Goldman were in particularly good form for Proserpine throughout.

Ballet success

Local promising ballet student Simone Woods was been chosen for a role in Mackay Comedy Players' production Music Man.

Thank you to the Proserpine Museum volunteers who collate the information we publish on the Whitsunday Times website each week.

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