Rich Bates, along with his partner, has owned News Whitsundays for the past two and a half years, having taken over the business from a family who ran it for 15 years. Since then, they have expanded the team to six staff members, helping to continue and grow the legacy of the local news agency.
News Whitsundays offers an expanded selection of magazines, cards, and gifts for every occasion, now featuring a wider range of stationery, Back to School and unique souvenirs that were previously unavailable. A standout addition is the Christmas Sparkly range, perfect for spreading festive cheer during the holiday season.
“I've worked closely with manufacturers to secure exclusive products, so now we can offer items that locals have never had access to before,” explained Rich Bates, owner of News Whitsunday.
“We’ve significantly upgraded our gift selection. While other major supermarkets might offer 400-500 cards, we have over 3,000 with differing Captions!”
Rich, who hails from a regional town, expresses his pride in operating a business in the Whitsundays.
“I love that locals support locals; that’s how we all grow,” he shared.
“We’ve built a strong rapport with the community, and it’s a pleasure to serve them.”
The couple's strong sense of community stems from Rich's role as a JP and his active involvement, alongside his partner's work as a nurse at Proserpine Hospital.
They pride themselves on being customer-focused, ensuring every shopper enjoys a positive, satisfying experience in-store.
News Whitsundays in the Whitsunday Plaza. Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot
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