Nine finalists' art works were selected by Mr Basil Sellers AM from photographs sent to him in London. Presenting the $2000 cheque Neil Brooks who hosted the event at his Point Tavern quoted Mr Sellers who Emailed that it was very difficult to select the winner.
The Point Tavern put on a morning tea for the guests who arrived for the 11.00am exhibition opening.
Each finalist received a Finalist's Letter and a Pot Plant presented by Well-Being Australia chairman Dr Mark Tronson who initiated the art prize with the support of the community and the Midge Point Art Group.
A local committee has now been established to run the next four years' Art Prizes consisting of representatives from the community, business, Point Tavern and the art group.
Midge Point – Bloomsbury – News and Mews
There was another launch at the art prize event, that of the on-line local news site "Midge Point – Bloomsbury – News and Mews". www.mpbnews.org
John Lyons launched the on-line news site as the major sponsor of the project with his real estate company 'Stockdale and Leggo Real Estate' taking prime position on the main page.
Four local volunteers have come on board to see this local community project to fruition with the support of Well-Being Australia.
Well-Being Australia designs community activities as 'expense neutral' based on good-will and community participation to enhance community well-being. We've developed good will across the board in this community so that when this project came up, there were people on board "in community".
Kim Hanson who ran the local hard copy Chronicle which closed earlier this month is on board as the Bloomsbury journo, Sue Spencer Midge Point, Cathy McMullen the art work and Jasmine Wood the Facebook page for chit chat and comment.
Advertising is being handled by Kim Hanson and are being handled as donations to support the community ministries of Well-Being Australia.
The Facebook page is a non-advertising site, rather for the local community to chit chat and make comments as say, a traditional "letter to the editor" provision. (www.facebook.com)
The many local community groups are promoted on the site with specialised web sites such as the SES, Fishing Club (with Tidal charts), Rural Bush Fire, Farm Fest, Pony Club, Bloomsbury State School, Minimeez for mums, and a whole lot more.
The Midge Point – Bloomsbury – News and Mews www.mpbnews.org has a place for local tradies and classifieds along with the arts and Whitsunday tourism.
This is an example of how Christians can provide input into a local community so as to build relationships for good-will and local endeavours.
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html