Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
RIN Awards Celebrate 25 Years The region’s resources and METS sector took centre stage on Friday evening as businesses, industry representatives and guests gathered to celebrate the 2026 Resource Industry Network (RIN) Awards. The evening marked a major milestone for the organisation, with RIN celebrating 25 years. Finalists and their stories were showcased throughout the evening before businesses and individuals were recognised across categories celebrating manufacturing excellence, safety, expansion, workplace culture, community connection and individual achievement. The awards provided an opportunity to celebrate the capability, innovation, people and community spirit found throughout the region’s resources and METS sector, while guests also enjoyed conversations and new connections throughout the evening. Jennmar Australia was among the standout recipients, receiving two awards on the night, while the Tony Britton Award was jointly awarded to Mick Crowe and Tim Magoffin. 2026 RIN Awards Winners Manufacturing Excellence Award – Presented in partnership with Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal. Winner: Jennmar Australia Safety Foremost Award – Presented in partnership with Diacon Australia. Winner: Richglen Maintenance Services Expansion into New Markets Award – Presented in partnership with Capricornia Pumped Hydro. Winner: Cru Software Champion Culture Award – Presented in partnership with Whitehaven Coal. Winner: Jennmar Australia Connecting in the Community Award – Presented in partnership with Local Buying Foundation. Winner: M&P Services – Quality Transportable Buildings Standing Out From The Crowd Award – Presented in partnership with Waterline Projects. Winner: Matt Masterson, Mastermyne The Tony Britton Award – Presented in partnership with BHP. Winners: Mick Crowe, Bravus Mining and Resources, and Tim Magoffin RIN also acknowledged its Major Partner, Ausgroup Industrial Services QLD Pty Ltd, and Silver Partner, Mackay Regional Council, for their support in helping deliver the milestone celebration. The organisation extended its thanks to every finalist, winner, partner, sponsor and guest who attended and contributed to the occasion. Celebrating 25 years, the evening reflected on the people and businesses helping shape the region’s resources and METS sector, while also looking towards what lies ahead. Check out the photo gallery on page 21 Photo source: Resource Industry Network
Set on a substantial 820m2 tropical block, backing onto an expansive nature reserve, with no rear neighbours, this 4-bedroom high set classic coastal home is perfect for families to enjoy living, working and playing.blinds…everything is ready for you to move in and enjoy.Ideal for first- home buyers, growing families, investors, with a rental appraisal of $650-$670 per week.automatic remote roller door. Large front and back yard surrounded by perimeter of tropical gardens• 9m x 6m shed with (2) roller doors & workshop space. Features:• Substantial 820m2 tropical blockLocated in a quiet, shady street, just minutes from North Wall Beach, Mackay Marina/Harbour, Lamberts Beach, Andergrove Shopping, this property presents a unique opportunity to embrace an affordable coastal lifestyle, with room for children and pets to play; work from home in the multi-purpose space downstairs; grow your own produce in the large open yard; so much more!There’s even a 6m x 9m shed with workshop/office space complete with side access.Freshly painted internally, new vinyl planking flooring, new kitchen & bathroom, new automatic remote roller door to the secure garage under the house, new external screens and • 4 generous bedrooms, 3 with built in robes with new carpet• Airconditioned living area and main bedroom• External covered deck overlooking private back yard• New external awnings, new internal blinds, new flooring, freshly painted internally throughout• Modern, brand-new kitchen• Renovated bathroom• Downstairs large multipurpose room, storage room, laundry, covered entertainment area, secure garage with new • Nature reserve at rear of property, large, shady nativesPriced to sell at only $649,000
Following six years of nomination, Airlie Beach has taken the gold for Australia’s Top Small Tourism Town, a national accolade that will further cement the Whitsunday region as a must-visit for tourists travelling down under. The win was put down to the town’s combination of natural beauty, tourism infrastructure and top experiences.Airlie Beach is Number One! Airlie Beach has reached the top, claiming Gold as Australia’s Top Small Tourism Town for 2026 after six years of nominations and a determined push to bring the national title home to the Whitsundays. Announced at Parliament House in Canberra, the win is a national accolade and a celebration of all the community members who help deliver the Airlie Beach experience. “Tourism is in the Whitsundays’ DNA, and this recognition belongs to the thousands of people who make our region such a memorable destination,” said Mayor Ry Collins. “Awards like this celebrate what we have achieved, but they also give us a platform to keep advocating for what regional tourism communities need to succeed in the future.” Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP praised the efforts of the region achieving this status the obstacles of the last 6 years. “Tourism can be a tough business, and over the past few years, with the ups and downs of covid, cyclones and the many other barriers that can be met along the way, the tourism industry always gives 100%,” said Mr Willcox. “Airlie Beach might be small but it’s certainly mighty when it comes to providing an amazing experience of vistors from all over the world.” This victory comes as one of two for Queensland, with Stanthorpe also claiming the top tourism town spot with a population over 5,000. “This is an incredibly proud result for Queensland and a well-deserved national recognition for Stanthorpe and Airlie Beach,” said Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s (QTIC) CEO, Natassia Wheeler. “Stanthorpe and Airlie Beach are very different destinations, but that diversity is exactly what makes Queensland’s tourism offering so special. “From our regional food and wine experiences to our world-famous coastal destinations, Queensland has extraordinary experiences right across the state. “Each of them has helped showcase the quality, character and diversity of Queensland tourism to the rest of the country.” Photo 1- Tourism Whitsundays Chair Caitlyn Collins, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP, Whitsundays Mayor Ry Collins and Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth. Photo supplied: Andrew Willcox Photo 2- Holding the victory trophy in front of Parliament house. Photo supplied: Heather Mollins Photo 3- Andrew Willcox and Mayor Ry Collins. Photo supplied: Andrew Willcox
There is a reason Whitsunday Acres continues to hold such a strong reputation locally. Generous blocks, well-kept streets and a peaceful residential setting make it one of Cannon Valley’s most appealing places to call home, all without the ongoing cost of body corporate fees.Positioned near the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, 23 Ripplecreek Way enjoys little to no passing traffic and sits comfortably on a generous 1,105m² block. The home has been positioned on flat, usable ground, leaving plenty of space around it and giving the next owner options for the future.There is room to add a pool on one side, space for a shed on the other, or simply leave things exactly as they are and enjoy a backyard with enough room for kids, pets and weekend cricket.The established front gardens create an inviting first impression, with mature tropical landscaping and a cosy sitting area tucked beneath the palms providing a quiet spot to enjoy a morning coffee or unwind at the end of the day.Inside, the home offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms and the added flexibility of a dedicated study or home office. Living and dining areas sit conveniently at the centre of the home, creating comfortable spaces for everyday family life.The kitchen has its own dedicated space, providing a practical separation from the main living areas while still remaining close to the heart of the home. A large front window brings in plenty of natural light, creating a bright and welcoming place to prepare meals without having everything on display from the lounge room.Air-conditioning throughout keeps the home comfortable as we head back towards the warmer Whitsunday months, while the easy-care layout makes this a property you can settle into without needing to reinvent it from day one.For buyers who have been waiting for an opportunity to secure their place in Whitsunday Acres, this could be it. With space around you, a quiet position and plenty of potential still left to explore, 23 Ripplecreek Way offers the chance to move in, make it your own and be settled before the Christmas season arrives
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