Honouring The Past And Shaping The Future Greater Whitsunday Communities Celebrates 50 Years

By Hannah McNamara

Greater Whitsunday Communities (GWC) marked 50 years of service with a commemorative event at CQUniversity Mackay City Campus. The milestone celebration united contributors, foundation members, and leaders to recognise decades of commitment to the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions. Executive Officer Carol Norris honoured the vision of Carmel Daveson, while Mayor Greg Williamson applauded GWC’s achievements. Deputy Mayor Karen May reflected on the organisation’s journey, sharing inspiring stories of determination and teamwork. The event highlighted GWC’s lasting mission to foster resilient, thriving communities, celebrating a significant chapter in the region’s history.

Deb Rae, Mayor Greg Williamson, Carmel Daveson, Executive Officer Carol Norris, Former President Ian Hope and Deputy Mayor and Chair for Greater Whitsunday Communities Karen May. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

GWC Reflects On Five Decades Of Community Commitment

By Hannah McNamara

Greater Whitsunday Communities (GWC) celebrated its 50th anniversary with an evening of reflection, gratitude, and pride at CQUniversity Mackay City Campus last Tuesday. The event gathered past and present contributors, foundation members, and local representatives to honour five decades of community building across the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions.

Executive Officer and MC for the night, Carol Norris, opened the celebration by acknowledging the collective efforts that have shaped GWC over the years, giving special recognition to foundational figure Carmel Daveson.

“If it wasn't for you, Carmel, we would not be here tonight,” Ms. Norris said.

“It is your vision, it was your vision, and you held on to it for many years… this is a celebration from your vision and it's a celebration of our organisation.”

Highlighting GWC’s mission, she added, “It's really about enabling the community of the Mackay Isaac and Whitsunday regions to be resilient, thriving, and living their best life for now and tomorrow.”

Mayor Greg Williamson praised the team’s dedication to the region, remarking, “I’m really happy to see now this organisation kicking goals.”

He also acknowledged GWC’s original shareholders, noting, “MRCSD and all the original shareholders should be very, very proud.

“Thank you very much for what you’re doing.”

Ian Hope, president of the Mackay Regional Council Social Development (MRCSD) in the late 1980s and early 1990s, expressed his pride in the organisation’s evolution.

“I’m very pleased to see that the organisation is still alive and well,” he said.

Reflecting on his tenure, Mr Hope remarked, “I’m glad to see that there are more housing programs to combat homelessness.

“It’s good for the region, and in the next 50 years, I hope future developments will continue to thrive and improve, both economically and as a community.”

Deputy Mayor Karen May, and Chair of Greater Whitsunday Communities, shared heartfelt stories from her early community work. She often championed initiatives beyond the usual “rates, roads, and rubbish,” a passion she still upholds today.

As an advocate for Sarina, she pushed for a mural to enhance the public toilet block, persisting despite hurdles with the council. With support from MRCSD, the project succeeded, and in 2000, as a newly elected councillor, she unveiled the mural.

“It was absolutely fantastic,” she said.

“It wasn’t just my achievement - it was the collective effort of the group and the driving forces behind MRCSD.

“We set clear goals, stayed focused, and delivered on our promises.”

The evening highlighted GWC’s legacy, underscoring the power of vision, persistence, and collaboration in fostering resilient and vibrant communities across the region.

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Greater Whitsunday Communities celebrated 50 years of community building

Mayor Greg Williamson with advocate and driving force behind the organisation, Carmel Daveson. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara