Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Mark and Sandra of ABC Distillery. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge
Airlie Beach-based ABC Distillery is celebrating a major win on the national stage after taking home two Gold Awards and a Silver at the 2026 Australian Distilled Spirit Awards in Melbourne.
The local distillery was recognised for all three products it entered in the competition, with its Single Malt Redgum Smoked Whiskey and Whiskey Barrel Aged Rum both awarded Gold. Its Hibiscus Pink Gin also impressed the judges, taking home a Silver Award.
Owner Sandra Argo travelled to the Australian Distilled Spirit Awards at the Melbourne Showgrounds after being encouraged to attend following a call congratulating the distillery on its strong results.
The recognition comes as another exciting milestone for the local business, which produces a range of spirits including gin, vodka, rum and whiskey.
Sandra said the team was thrilled with the results, particularly after entering just three products in the prestigious awards.
The awards add to a growing list of achievements for the distillery and highlight the quality of locally produced spirits coming out of the region. The distillery produces a selection of handcrafted beverages, with the award-winning Redgum Smoked Whiskey and Whiskey Barrel Aged Rum now boasting national recognition.
For those looking to raise a glass to the distillery’s latest achievements, a tasting may be in order!
Story courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum. Long Tan Memorial photo sourced from Bribie Island Vietnam Veterans’ Association Facebook page.
This year, August 18 marks 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan, officially commemorated in Australia as Vietnam Veterans' Day. During the Vietnam War, “523 Australians died, more than 3000 were wounded or injured, over 60 000 served, and many others were traumatised by their service.” (Sir Peter Cosgrove, “The Sunday Mail”, August 13, 2023)
Young men from Proserpine who served in Vietnam were Peter Roberts, Ian Lade, Barry Parnell, Jeffrey Korn, Les Stevenson and Kevin Bluck.
On May 29, 1965, Peter Roberts, a 20-year-old private in 1RAR, sailed to Vietnam on HMAS “Sydney” after just nineteen months in the Army. 1RAR later joined the American 173rd Airborne Brigade. Peter served from May 27, 1965 to June 1, 1966, then returned to Vietnam as a section commander after 18 months in Malaysia as a corporal with 8RAR. Following a mate’s death, he was promoted to sergeant, a responsibility he described as a heavy burden. His second tour ran from November 18, 1969 to November 12, 1970. Peter later founded the Airlie Beach RSL Sub-Branch and has long served Legacy in Proserpine, including as president.
Private Les Stevenson (1st Australian Reinforcement Unit) enlisted on September 29, 1965, rather than wait for a possible call-up. After three months’ training at Kapooka, he was posted to the newly formed 7th Battalion RAR at Puckapunyal. Deployed on February 5, 1967 to 1ARU for special service at Nui Dat, Les returned to Australia after his tour and was discharged on September 28, 1967.
A National Service call-up saw friends, Jeff Korn, Ian Lade and Barry Parnell complete basic training at Singleton. Jeff and Ian were transferred to Townsville’s 6th Battalion – Ian to Alpha Company and Jeff to Delta Company, the same company that fought the Battle of Long Tan three years earlier. Sapper Barry Parnell joined the Royal Australian Engineers in the 1st Field Squadron at a different base. He was the first of the three friends to be deployed and served in Vietnam from December 2,1968 to December 10,1969.
In May 1969, Lance Corporal Jeff Korn and Private Ian Lade were shipped to Vietnam on HMAS “Sydney”, a voyage which made the 6th Battalion the first to leave Townsville since WW2. Being that it was also the 13th trip to South Vietnam with troops for HMAS “Sydney”, rumours abounded aboard the “Sydney” that it would sink on that trip. Thankfully it didn’t. Jeff and Ian both served in Vietnam until April 2, 1970.
As a Delta Company 6RAR soldier, Jeff Korn attended the 1969 Long Tan dedication in Vietnam, where a cross was erected at the battle site. After returning to Australia, he was active in the RSL and helped create the Bribie Island replica of the Long Tan Memorial Cross, now a widely recognised symbol of Australia’s Vietnam War heritage.
On Ian Lade’s return to Proserpine, he served the RSL Sub-Branch as secretary and treasurer for over thirty years, including more than twenty consecutive years as RSL Club president. Through Ian’s perseverance, the Proserpine Historical Museum now features a dedicated Military Room, providing a secure home for an historically significant display.
Private Kevin Bluck served in the 3rd Battalion RAR from February 15,1971 until October 13, 1971. Maurice Beasley, a Bowenite, was called up at the same time as Jeff, Ian and Barry. He had been working as a sugar chemist at the Proserpine Sugar Mill at that time and travelled with them to Singleton for training. (Temp) Corporal Maurice Beasley was a section commander 8 RAR and served in Vietnam from November 17,1969 to October 1,1970.
We thank them for their service. Lest we forget.
The Whitsundays Writers Festival has named its shortlist for the 2026 Whitsundays Literary Heart Award Short Story Prize, narrowing the 20-story longlist down to just eight finalists as judging enters its final and most closely contested stage.
The shortlisted stories were drawn from a national field of 94 entries and represent the very best of what this year’s competition had to offer: a mix of crime, historical fiction, contemporary drama, speculative fiction and more, judged anonymously and assessed purely on the strength of the writing.
“The standard this year has made every stage of judging genuinely difficult,” said Festival Director Richard Evans. “Narrowing the field to these finalists wasn’t about finding fault with the stories that didn’t make the cut, it was about identifying the small number that stood out even among very strong company. That’s a great problem for a regional prize to have.”
The eight shortlisted stories will now progress to the final stage of judging, with finalists coming from five states and territories across Australia.
Queensland has two finalists, Janet Humphries and Jessica McLaren, while Victoria is represented by Fergal Bannon, Christopher Mitchell and Matthew Southwell. Kat Ryan represents Western Australia, Lesley Boland the ACT and Bon Henry-Edwards South Australia.
Next, The judging panel will now undertake its final assessment of the shortlisted stories to determine the 2026 winner and runner-up.
The Open Age Short Story Prize carries a $1,000 first prize and $500 runner-up prize.
The winner and runner-up will be announced at the Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards ceremony at the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, held on Sunday 13 September at the Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale.
A free community afternoon celebrating local writing
This year’s festival puts local authors front and centre, with a free community afternoon open to everyone, no ticket required. Locals and visitors are invited to swap a book at the community book swap, browse book stalls from more than 20 regional authors, enjoy live music and watch local artists at work, and grab a snag at the community sausage sizzle.
“The Heart Awards bring a national spotlight to the Whitsundays, but this festival has always been about our community too,” Richard said.
“The free afternoon is our way of making sure everyone can be part of it, whether you’ve read every local author book or you’re just here for the sausage sizzle.”
Image from Pexels
Whitsunday residents are being asked to get behind a push for a mobile blood bank service, with more than 1,300 people already adding their names to the campaign.
The push has been underway since October 2025, with campaigners arguing a region of more than 40,000 people should have an easier way to roll up their sleeves and donate.
For anyone in the Whitsundays wanting to give blood has to travel to the nearest permanent donor station, which is in Mackay. That means setting aside a decent amount of time just to donate, something campaigners say can be difficult between work, family and everyday commitments.
They have even offered to financially contribute towards bringing a service to the region, but say Australian Red Cross Lifeblood advised them it is government funded and does not accept monetary donations for the purpose.
The calls come as Lifeblood continues to seek more donors, with blood supplies recently falling to a 12-month low.
Blood also cannot simply be stored away for when it is needed, with red blood cells having a shelf life of just 42 days.
Campaigners believe the Whitsundays has plenty of people ready to donate if given the chance to do so closer to home.
“If our region is ready to think BIG, we need this facility,” Michael and Val said.
“It should be a priority.”
They have also pointed to Proserpine Hospital’s reliance on blood supplied from Mackay, raising concerns about how readily blood could be accessed locally during a major emergency.
The campaign has been taken to state and federal politicians as well as local councillors, but those behind it say they now need more voices to get behind the cause.
So far, 1,338 people have signed a Change.org petition calling for a mobile blood bank service in the Whitsundays.
For the campaigners, the next step is getting decision-makers to listen and giving Whitsunday residents a realistic opportunity to donate closer to home and contribute to boosting our local supply.
This push comes amid a critical time for donations, with Lifeblood Chief Customer Officer Cath Stone saying winter colds and flu wipe out potentially thousands of people from donating on a national scale.
“Nationally we’re seeing up to 1,600 donation appointments sit empty every day, with many more people cancelling or rescheduling appointments,” Cath said.
“Even mild symptoms such as sniffles, sore throats, and headaches make people temporarily ineligible to give blood, and this can severely impact the availability of donors during winter months.
“Patients in critical situations will always get the blood they need, but full fridges are essential to ensuring blood is available for everyone who needs it, when they need it,” she said.
“This includes cancer patients, new mothers, people undergoing surgery, and many other patients including children who need donated blood to save their lives.
“We’d all want blood to be there if it was someone we knew or loved who needed it.”
Pheobe Murphy Photo supplied
At Collinsville State High School, being a small school means we can do things differently - including pioneering School-Based Education Support traineeships in our region. Through traineeships, community partnerships and working with off-site registered training organisations, our senior students access pathways that work for them.
We asked some of our Year 11 and 12 students to share their experiences…
Pheobe Murphy (Year 12 student)
Years 11 and 12 at Collinsville State High School have looked different for everyone in my classes. There are various opportunities provided for students at this school, from online courses for certificates to school-based traineeships to travelling for TAFE courses.
For me, senior secondary has looked like spending Wednesday's bonding with students and staff at Collinsville State School and building confidence in the workplace while I completed a Certificate III in School-Based Education Support with a school-based traineeship.
It's been an incredible opportunity to introduce myself to work and allowing me to understand what I want to do in the future, and earning a Certificate III.
Mckenzie Grosskreutz (Year 12 Student)
My traineeship at Collinsville State School has been a valuable experience while completing my Certificate III in Education Support. I have worked with students in Year 5/6 and have recently transferred to Prep/Year 1 which is giving me experience across different age groups and learning needs.
This experience is helping me develop my communication, classroom support and behaviour management skills.
It has also given me a better understanding of the role of an education support worker and will help prepare me for my future career as a primary school teacher, working in schools and supporting students.
Holly Maher (year 11 Student)
One of the experiences I have valued this year is studing a Certificate III in Agriculture through Charters Towers School of Distance Education. The course has provided me with the chance to acquire new skills and knowledge, as well as offering opportunities to obtain hands on experience.
Our class recently visited Wambiana Station where we engaged in various activities like branding, drafting, spraying and fencing.
We also gained an insight into artificial insemination in cattle, learning how this breeding technique can be used to selectively improve herd genetics and assist producers in achieving desirable traits within their cattle.
It was a great experience and gave me the chance to learn outside the classroom and put my knowledge into practice.”
Finlay Farrell and his prep buddy, Hendrick Travis. Photo supplied
From the playground to cooking, painting or having a laugh, St Catherine’s Catholic College’s oldest and youngest students are proving the gap between Prep and Year 12 isn’t quite as big as you’d think.
Through the College’s annual Buddy Program, every Year 12 student is paired with a Prep student, building friendships that give the school’s youngest learners someone to look up to, while offering the graduating class their own opportunity to become mentors.
“With those buddy programs, I guess it’s kind of building that relationship between our junior students and our senior secondary students,” said Assistant Principal Bruce Laguna.
“It gives them that extra bit of purpose and leadership here at the College.”
The program gives each pair plenty of opportunities to bond, whether through cooking, painting, moulding Play-Doh or heading out to the soccer fields, while also giving the Year 12s a chance to lend a hand in the classroom.
“I really enjoy it, to be honest. I think it’s great that we get to build connections throughout the whole of the College,” said year 12 student, Finlay.
The project culminates with a new tradition at the school, which will see the prep students walk their year 12 students down the aisle for graduation.
“Starting some traditions are really valuable and important, so that way we’ve got something significant for our future graduating students.”
Bowen State High School is excited to welcome students, staff, families and the wider Bowen community to its 2026 Arts Showcase.
This event will celebrate the outstanding talents of both students and staff across a range of artistic disciplines. From instrumental music, drama and vocal performances to short films and visual art displays, the evening promises to be a memorable celebration of creativity and talent.
Throughout 2026, students and staff in the Arts Department have been developing works inspired by a variety of themes. These performances and art pieces reflect the dedication, imagination and artistic skill of Bowen State High School’s talented students. With no school musical being staged this year, the Arts Showcase provides a wonderful opportunity for students to present their work and share their artistic achievements with the school and wider community.
Audience members can look forward to performances by the concert band, a series of short films, scenes from Macbeth, the premiere of a new school song, and much more.
“We have a talented group of staff and students who are passionate about the arts, drama and music,” said Bowen State High School Principal, Robert Harris.
“Their passion is inspiring, and I always enjoy attending these events to see their work come to life. I invite our school and wider community to come along and support them.”
The school encourages everyone to attend and enjoy an evening showcasing the creativity and hard work of Bowen State High School’s Arts community.
Contributed with thanks to Principal Robert Harris.
230 Shute Harbour Rd, Cannonvale QLD. Photo supplied: Quantum Wellness Whitsundays.
Contributed with thanks to QUANTUM Wellness
QUANTUM Wellness was born from the vision of two dedicated local Whitsunday practitioners who built their dream of a centre offering a new level of wellness in their region, using advanced, state-of the-art biohacking and recovery technology services coupled with personalised coach guidance.
WHAT MAKES OUR CENTRE UNIQUE? – first of its kind in the Whitsundays, it’s not a spa, not a gym, not a clinic – QUANTUM is an advanced performance, recovery and wellness centre using elite European technology, to provide luxury experiences and science-backed recovery systems that offer personalised one-on-one coaching and direction for your wellness journey.
WHAT IS BIOHACKING? – Do-it-yourself approaches to optimize health, performance, and longevity through lifestyle tweaks, biology, and technology. QUANTUM offers: 3D Body Scan, Cryotherapy Chamber, BodyRoll Studio, Infra-red + Collagen Red Light Therapy, Variable Vacuum Therapy, Functional Contrast Therapy, Local Cryo + LED Facial, DEPS Body Sculpt, and PEMF Longevity Lounge.
HOW CAN I BENEFIT? QUANTUM’s non-invasive wellness tech services are designed to support your body’s natural processes and aim to reduce inflammation, pain & stiffness, stimulate circulation & metabolism, promote mobility & flexibility, and build aerobic endurance & strength, assist recovery & rehabilitation, enhance energy levels, support stress management, sleep, relaxation and overall well-being.
If old injuries are slowing you down, you’re feeling puffy or bloated, taking longer to recover after exercise, struggling with brain fog, or simply feeling flat and heavy, it may be time to give your body a little more support.
Instead of asking, “How do I push harder?”, perhaps the better question is, “How can I help my body work better?” That’s what QUANTUM is all about. By supporting circulation, inflammation and the body’s natural detox pathways, cellular-level therapies may help you feel lighter, clearer and more energised. The future of wellness has arrived in paradise.
THE SCIENCE: Our equipment and devices are engineered to support mitochondrial energy production, nervous system regulation, detoxification pathways, circulation and oxygen delivery, deep muscle activation, recovery and cellular renewal. When cells function efficiently, your entire system improves – you begin to look and feel better, slowing down the aging process.
THE FOCUS: We offer a holistic approach that combines physical, mental, emotional and energetic wellbeing. Our QUANTUM Coaches and practitioners are trained to guide and help you overcome limitations and deliver targeted solutions, not matter your fitness level.
CUSTOMIZATION – Every experience at QUANTUM is tailored to your specific needs, whether your goal is to reduce the appearance cellulite, facilitate lymphatic drainage or focus on muscle toning and growth. Our clientele include athletes and the fitness conscious, tradies and physical workers, office staff, people who stand all day, as well as complete beginners or those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. QUANTUM has something to suit every body.
WHERE DO I BEGIN? Simply call us, view our website or visit us to learn more and discuss the best way to start. We offer Wellness Journeys which allow you time to sit with a coach and discuss your goals and health concerns, so that we can recommend what services are best suited to you. CURRENT OFFER: Call us to book using code: WHITLIFE08 for 20% OFF
Photos supplied
As part of National Tree Day, Whitsunday Regional Council sprang into action, planting around 350 native trees across the region to help make the Whitsundays a little greener.
The effort looks to give local areas more natural shade, better support local wildlife and add to the region’s natural beauty, with trees planted at Whitsunday Lakes, Darcy Munro Park in Collinsville, Bowen Cemetery, Proserpine Cemetery and selected road reserves.
“We’re lucky to live in one of the most beautiful parts of Australia, and we want our parks and public spaces to be places our community is proud of and enjoys spending time in,” said Mayor Ry Collins.
“Our outdoor teams do a fantastic job every day keeping our parks, gardens and public spaces looking their best, and National Tree Day is another great example of that work.”
The project also aims to make the region’s parks and public spaces more enjoyable, inviting and accessible.
“Our parks and open spaces are there to be used and enjoyed,” Mayor Collins said.
“We want to see kids getting outside and playing, families spending time together, people walking the dog, exercising or just finding a shady spot to relax.”
“The more inviting we can make these spaces, the more people will use them, and planting more trees and creating natural shade is a simple but really important part of that.”
Meet Tarryn
From Whitsunday Glow Co.
The face behind the glow, Tarryn Jack is a proud local Whitsundays spray tan artist with over 10 years experience in the beauty industry, providing mobile and in studio services to make customers feel their best.
“I truly love helping people feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable in their own skin,” Tarryn says.
“Every spray tan is carefully customised to suit your skin tone, your style, and the occasion - whether it's your wedding day, tropical holiday, special event, or simply because you deserve to feel amazing.”
Creating a relaxing, welcoming experience, Whitsunday Glow Co. is all about giving you the opportunity to take a little time for yourself, and leave with a natural, flawless glow you'll love.
What was meant to be a 42-night holiday in Bali has turned into a months-long fight for recovery and a way home for 72-year-old Cannonvale local John Lyle, after a sudden loss of mobility left him unable to walk.
John and his partner Kate arrived in Bali on April 10th for what was a normal holiday, continuing a tradition of travelling each year.
While visiting the Gili Islands in May, the holiday took a frightening turn after John suffered a few falls, including stepping down from a high footpath and having the step of a horse-drawn cart break beneath him.
Despite initially being able to continue walking, days later John began experiencing numbness in his legs, with his mobility rapidly deteriorating from needing support to walk, to using a walker and eventually losing the ability to walk altogether.
“Day by day, his mobility, he lost a little bit more,” said Kate Lemke, John’s partner.
“Then he woke up one morning and the mobility was gone.”
After seeking medical treatment, John was diagnosed with two nerve entrapments affecting his spine. He had to undergo surgery, beginning what has since become a lengthy road to recovery.
Following the surgery, John remained in hospital, but his condition left him completely reliant on others for his care.
His recovery was further complicated when he developed pneumonia and, with his immune system compromised, Kate was advised that a prolonged hospital stay carried further risks.
She eventually moved John into an accessible villa, hiring a pressure mattress, hoist and nursing support to manage his day-to-day needs.
John now undergoes regular physiotherapy and neurological treatment, both at the hospital and from the villa as they work to regain whatever movement may be possible.
The question is, why haven’t John and Kate flown home?
A major factor has been their travel insurance claim, which Kate said was rejected on the grounds that John’s spinal condition was pre-existing. The insurer pointed to a 2016 MRI that indicated a back issue, along with his history of chiropractic treatment, in making its decision.
Kate disputes the finding, arguing John remained active for years afterwards and was never advised that the results required further investigation.
“How can you say that that’s pre-existing?” Kate said.
“This man worked after that MRI, I had photos and videos of him at the gym.
“If we knew that he had some sort of back injury, we would have got follow-up, but we weren’t even recommended to follow up.”
The rejected claim has left the couple funding John’s treatment and care themselves, while returning to Australia would also come at a significant cost, with an air ambulance quoted at around $150,000.
A GoFundMe has been established to support John’s ongoing recovery and help the couple eventually return home to Australia.
Kate is also calling on anyone travelling from the Whitsundays or Mackay to Bali to help bring over a lightweight wheelchair for John, with dwindling funds and freight costs that she says could reach 200 per cent of the wheelchair’s value making it difficult to secure a more practical way to get him around.
There are few better times to be in the Whitsundays than August, when our waters come alive with some of the best sailing in Australia.
We’ve just enjoyed another fantastic Airlie Beach Race Week, bringing sailors, families and supporters from across Australia and beyond to our region. This week the attention shifted across the water for Hamilton Island Race Week, once again showcasing the Whitsundays as one of the world’s great sailing destinations.
These events are much more than a great spectacle on the water.
They bring thousands of visitors into our region who stay in our accommodation, eat in our restaurants and cafes, visit our shops, book tours and support local businesses. That flow-on spreads well beyond Airlie Beach and the islands, supporting jobs and our broader regional economy.
It’s also another reminder of why the Whitsundays is such a logical home for Olympic and Paralympic sailing in 2032.
The Queensland Government identified the Whitsundays as its preferred location for sailing more than a year ago and, while the formal field of play and infrastructure planning processes continue, Council certainly hasn’t been sitting back waiting for every box to be ticked before making our case.
Since then, that momentum has continued to build. I’ve signed a Host City Deed and been appointed to the Brisbane 2032 Host Mayors Advisory Group, while Council continues to work closely with government agencies and Games planners to advocate for the Whitsundays and the legacy investment our region deserves.
We are advocating strongly and confidently because successful advocacy starts well before the final decisions are made, and opportunities like this don’t come along very often.
For me, 2032 has never been simply about hosting several days of Olympic and Paralympic competition. The real prize is the legacy it can leave behind.
That means global exposure for the Whitsundays, but importantly it also means advocating for investment in infrastructure and facilities that our community will benefit from for decades.
We already know we can host world-class sailing events. Every August, events like Airlie Beach Race Week and Hamilton Island Race Week prove that.
Between now and 2032, our job is to keep building on that reputation and make sure the Whitsundays receives the lasting benefits that should come from being part of the biggest sporting event on the planet.
For now, congratulations to everyone involved in another successful Airlie Beach Race Week, and a warm Whitsundays welcome to everyone arriving for Hamilton Island Race Week.
It’s a pretty special time to call the Whitsundays home.
Reef Side Buyers Agent is built around one simple goal – delivering far more than a standard property search. By working exclusively for the buyer, the business ensures every recommendation, negotiation and decision is made with the client’s best interests at the centre.
Unlike traditional selling agents who represent the seller, Reef Side Buyers Agent provides independent advice and support throughout the entire purchasing process. Its complete Search to Settlement service combines strategic property sourcing, access to off-market opportunities, detailed market research, property inspections, due diligence, price negotiations, and settlement support into one seamless experience.
By managing every stage of the buying journey, Reef Side Buyers Agent helps clients save valuable time, reduce stress, and make confident decisions when navigating one of the biggest financial decisions they will make — securing the right property at the right price.
The business is seeing continued demand from interstate buyers relocating to the Whitsundays for lifestyle, employment, and investment opportunities. As coastal property markets remain competitive and housing supply remains limited, buyers are increasingly seeking expert guidance to identify value, understand local market conditions, and avoid costly mistakes.
While technology has made property research more accessible than ever, Reef Side Buyers Agent believes local expertise and trusted relationships remain critical. Having an experienced advocate on the buyer’s side provides valuable insight into market trends, property opportunities, inspections, negotiations, and due diligence.
Over the past 12 months, one of the key challenges facing the business has been navigating limited housing supply and strong competition for quality properties. In response, Reef Side Buyers Agent has continued to strengthen relationships with local selling agents, expand access to off-market opportunities and refine its research and negotiation strategies.
The business has also invested in digital education and communication, helping buyers better understand the value of independent representation and the benefits of having professional support throughout the property journey.
For business owners, Reef Side Buyers Agent believes success comes down to three key principles: building trust, communicating consistently, and focusing on long-term relationships rather than short-term wins.
Being part of the Chamber business community aligns strongly with these values, providing opportunities to build local connections, collaborate with other businesses and contribute to a stronger regional business community.
Whitsunday Criminal Investigation Branch detectives have charged a 43-year-old Cannonvale man following investigations into an alleged sexual assault at a Cannonvale medical practice on 11th July.
Police allege the man sexually assaulted a woman at the business during the course of his duties as a general practitioner.
Following investigations, detectives executed a search warrant at the business on 7th August. The 43-year-old man was subsequently arrested and charged with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.
He is due to appear before Proserpine Magistrates Court on 24th August.
Mackay Whitsunday Detective Inspector Emma Novosel said police were urging anyone with further information, or who may have experienced interactions of a similar nature, to come forward.
“Police have zero tolerance for any person who commits criminal acts of this nature,” said Detective Inspector Novosel.
“These offences are a serious breach of trust, and police are committed to seeking justice for victim-survivors and hold perpetrators to account.
“We acknowledge the victim-survivor for her bravery in coming forward, and want to reassure any victim-survivors that you are not alone, and support is available.
“We encourage anyone who has information to contact police.”
Investigations remain ongoing and police are providing support to the woman.
Anyone with information can contact Policelink via the online suspicious activity form, available 24 hours a day, or report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Sexual assault can be reported by calling Triple Zero (000) in an emergency, contacting police by phone or in person at a police station, or through the Queensland Police Service's online sexual assault reporting form. Alternative Reporting Options are also available.
For confidential counselling and support, the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline can be contacted on 1800 010 120, while 1800RESPECT provides 24-hour support.
Quote reference: QP2601404002.
Several community projects are progressing across the Whitsunday region, with new facilities opening and construction moving ahead from Collinsville to Cannonvale and Shute Harbour.
At Shute Harbour, upgrades to Snows Beach Park and Lion’s Lookout are set to get underway this month.
Snows Beach Park will receive a new shelter complete with picnic settings, an electric barbecue and lighting, replacing the existing shelter and tables.
Nearby at Lion’s Lookout, the existing fence along the top of the hill will be replaced with a new aluminium fence.
Works are expected to begin in mid-August and wrap up by the end of September, weather permitting. Sections of both areas will be temporarily fenced off while construction is underway.
Elsewhere in the region, residents and visitors can now make use of newly completed public amenities at Dingo Beach and Collinsville Cemetery, with both projects recently completed as part of Council’s ongoing investment in community facilities.
Meanwhile, one of the region’s biggest community projects is beginning to take shape at Galbraith Park in Cannonvale.
Construction is continuing on the new $30 million Cannonvale Community Hub, with crews spending the past month completing bored piers, preparing footings and progressing water, stormwater and other underground infrastructure.
The next stage will see the development begin to emerge above ground, with concrete footings, ground beams and column plinths to be poured and blockwork commencing.
Once completed, the hub will bring several important community services under one roof, including a modern library, Council customer service centre, meeting rooms and flexible community spaces connected with the surrounding Galbraith Park precinct.
The project is jointly funded, with the Australian Government contributing $15 million alongside funding from Whitsunday Regional Council.
With projects both large and small progressing across the region, the latest works aim to provide improved public spaces and facilities for Whitsunday communities now and into the future.
Meet Elliot, the three-month-old puppy who’s ready to steal your heart and probably a few socks as well.
This Sharpei x Staffy pup has plenty of classic puppy energy on show, but at just three months old, he’s still got plenty of growing and learning ahead of him.
Elliot is sweet, cuddly, playful and confident around people. He gets along well with other dogs and children, though at just three months old, he’s still figuring out his puppy manners so just keep an eye peeled.
He’s currently showing plenty of curiosity around cats and other livestock, with his young age giving him a good chance to learn how to live alongside other animals.
Elliot is microchipped, has received his first vaccination, while also being up to date on heartworm prevention, flea, tick and worming treatments.
Whether it’s a home with a yard or apartment living, Elliot is ready to find a family with plenty of time for play, cuddles and maybe the occasional pup cup every now and then.
If you think Elliot could be the perfect addition to your home, contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue by direct messaging your name, phone number and "Paisley" to begin the adoption process.
After 20 years learning the blinds and awnings ropes through his family's business, a North Queenslander spotted an opening in the Whitsundays and decided to fill it himself.
Launching his mobile business six months ago, Len Melville brought Queensland-made blinds and awnings to the area, using his locally honed eyes to help residents find the best fit for their homes.
“I’m born and bred in North Queensland, so I know the weather conditions well and I know what’s suited for here,” Len said.
“I’ve sold these particular products for the last 20 years and I know they’re good quality products.”
Len’s knowledge of the trade was built over two decades working in his family business in Townsville, where he learnt the industry from his former father-in-law, who had already spent 25 years managing a North Queensland blinds and awnings business.
“He trained me in everything from going out, measuring, quoting, running the factory, ordering, quality control, dealing with reps and administration,” Len said.
Len’s range covers plenty of options inside and outside the home, set to add flair, shade or a little extra comfort, from roller blinds, vertical drapes and panel glides to fabric and aluminium awnings, fixed louvres and polycarbonate hoods.
With summer rolling in, Len stressed the importance of thinking ahead, whether that means adding some extra shade or better preparing your home for storm season.
“I realise now that we’re coming into summer, so it’d be a good time for people to start to think of their, especially their external awnings, to keep out the sun and the heat,” Len said.
After two decades in the industry, Len’s drive to start something fresh comes from his love of meeting new people and using his knowledge to improve something they take plenty of pride in, their home.
“Every job’s a new experience. I love to meet people,” Len said.
“You meet some great people, you try and solve problems for them or make their home more usable and livable.”
Eco Barge. Photo supplied: Libby Edge.
By Zach Houtenville
Four community groups across the Whitsundays have received a funding boost of up to $10,000 each, as Alinta Energy announces the first recipients of its Mt Challenger Wind Farm Community Fund.
From protecting the Whitsundays’ marine environment and educating the next generation to getting locals active and improving sporting facilities, the grants will support projects from the Whitsunday Conservation Council, Eco Barge Clean Seas, Healthy Kids Project and Bowen Golf Club.
“They will help people explore and better understand the region’s natural environment, learn more about protecting our seas, get active together and enjoy improved community facilities,” said Alinta Energy’s Head of Power Development (East Coast), Amanda Weston.
“We’re pleased to be able to give these organisations a hand to turn their ideas into action.”
The funding will support a number of specific projects across the four groups, including the Whitsunday Conservation Council’s Heart of the Reef Discovery Trail, the Healthy Kids Project’s Sugar2Sea run/walk event, a new fridge for Bowen Golf Club and upgrades to Eco Barge Clean Seas’ Reef Room Community Education Facility.
“This is really beautiful to help us keep going with our mission of cleaning the islands, protecting turtles, and educating on how we best protect our Sunday marine life from the threat of marine debris,” Libby Edge, the founder of Eco Barge Clean Seas.
“It's good to see that they are giving back to the community, I do know the community is very concerned - so they should be.
“But look, if this funding is going to help us promote, support and educate on how we all care for the reef, that's wonderful support to us.”
Ms Weston said the range of applications received highlighted the work already being carried out by community groups across the region.
“Local organisations understand what matters to their communities because they are part of them,” Ms Weston said.
“We saw thoughtful, practical proposals from groups committed to making the Bowen and Proserpine region an even better place to live, work and visit.”
However, the grants come with some mixed reviews, as some community members continue to protest the company’s Wind Farm proposal, with the Whitsunday Wind Farm Action group labelling the donations ‘disingenuous’.
“I believe it is inappropriate for Alinta to offer community grants while the proposed Mt Challenger Wind Farm is still at the feasibility and engagement stage, according to Alinta Energy’s project website,” said Sandra Mitchell, a Whitsunday Wind Farm Action, who lives near the northern end of the project still being proposed.
“Our community should be able to assess the project on its merits and express its views without financial incentives being introduced before approval is granted.
“Alinta still needs to significantly improve its community engagement, many residents in Bowen are still unaware of the proposed project and its potential impacts.”
Applications for the next round of grants will open in early 2027, as part of the organisation’s continued efforts to build stronger connections with the local community.
“While we couldn’t support every application in this round, we appreciate the time, care and local knowledge that went into each one.”
Protesters asking for a rethink outside of Whitsundays Electorate office. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
By Zach Houtenville
Whitsunday residents have thrown their support behind calls to reconsider a controversial State Development Bill, amassing 350 signatures on an open letter to Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm, before gathering outside her Proserpine office to express concerns surrounding landholder rights, community consultation and environmental protections.
The Whitsunday Conservation Council (WCC), alongside Save Our Foreshore, organised the protest on Tuesday 18th August, ahead of the State Development and Public Works Organisation (Critical Minerals) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026being debated in Parliament.
The groups formally presented Amanda Camm’s office with the letter outlining their concerns in an effort to have their voices heard before next week.
“If this bill passes, it'll be a very black day for Queensland in that it removes many environmental assessments,” said President of the Whitsundays Conservation Council Tony Fontes.
“Amanda is a very important person in our community as our member of parliament.
“She has the opportunity to vote on this bill very shortly, which is why we're here today, as we're hoping that she will vote no.”
The Bill was introduced to Queensland Parliament by Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie on June 2nd, aiming to speed up and simplify decisions around major development projects, particularly in the critical minerals sector.
It proposes changes to the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971, including new and expanded powers for facilitating significant projects, changes to land use and infrastructure planning for resources and heavy industry, and measures designed to streamline existing approval processes.
It is those expanded powers and streamlined processes that have drawn concern from the WCC and Save Our Foreshore, who fear faster approvals could come at the expense of landholder rights, community consultation and environmental protections.
WCC President Tony Fontes said his concern extended beyond impacts on private land, alleging the changes could also have consequences for the Great Barrier Reef.
“It basically strips away many environmental protections, which will impact not just terrestrial environments, but the Great Barrier Reef itself,” Tony said.
Save Our Foreshore expressed fear the Bill would concentrate greater decision-making power with the State while reducing public consultation.
“The Government exists to represent the people, not override them,” said Save Our Foreshore President Suzette Pelt.
“These new laws would hand sweeping and more extraordinary powers along with unilateral unaccountable authority to the Coordinator General and single Ministers.”
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm has acknowledged the concerns raised by the groups and wider community.
“I acknowledge and thank the Whitsunday Conservation Council for their continued advocacy and also many across the community who have raised concerns around The State Development and Public Works Organisation (Critical Minerals) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026,” said Amanda Camm MP.
Ms Camm highlighted safeguards for landholders, including at least six months of negotiations before compulsory acquisition could be considered, with the powers limited to State strategic projects.
She said landholders would retain rights to be consulted, object and receive compensation, while any proposal would require Parliamentary scrutiny, and advised that the bill ‘does not remove environmental approval requirements.’
“As a former farmer, I know Landholders need to be assured there are safeguards in place,” Ms Camm said.
“While the committee has recommended the Bill be passed it will be debated in Parliament and I will raise the concerns of my community.”
Photo source: Ocean Crusaders.
Airlie Beach Race Week’s Lay Day wasn’t all about sailors kicking back on the foreshore, with a different kind of crew taking to the water for a clean-up of the Whitsunday coastline.
The mid-week break from one of Airlie Beach’s premier sailing events saw Ocean Crusaders lead a beach clean-up cruise, with Ocean Rafting once again lending one of its vessels to transport volunteers to the clean-up sites.
Dedicated to protecting the marine environment, Ocean Crusaders combine community and commercial clean-up events with education around the importance of keeping rubbish out of the ocean.
The crusade saw 27 volunteers hop on board, and over the course of their 5 hour journey the team collected an official weight of around 550 kilograms, mostly consisting of boat parts, hard plastics, far too many beverage containers and an unusual amount of ‘floater’ golf balls.
12th August 2026
For more than 8 years, World Wide Boat Brokers (WWBB) has been helping people buy, sell and enjoy boating across Australia. With eight locations nationwide, the team combines local knowledge with a global network and experience across both new and pre-owned vessels.
Here in the Whitsundays, the team is led by locals Dan and Jennie Howcroft, who have called the region home for more than 20 years. Based at Port of Airlie, the Whitsundays office provides local expertise backed by the reach of the wider World Wide Boat Brokers team.
World Wide Boat Brokers has recently expanded its offering, having been appointed Queensland Agent for the Hanse Group. The appointment brings an exciting selection of internationally recognised sailing and motor yacht brands to Queensland, giving local boat buyers greater choice when considering a new vessel.
The range includes Excess performance catamarans, Southerly Yachts with their innovative swing keel, Hanse cruising yachts, Moody luxury true deck saloons, Dehler cruiser-racers, Fjord head-turning day boats and Sealine family motor yachts.
With Airlie Beach as the gateway to some of Australia’s most spectacular cruising grounds, having access to the right boat can open up an entirely different way of exploring the region.
Whether it’s sailing the Whitsunday Islands, relaxing at Whitehaven, heading offshore to the Great Barrier Reef, spending weekends with family or setting off on bluewater adventures, there is now a broader range of new boats to explore alongside WWBB’s extensive brokerage listings.
Dan and Jennie have built a strong reputation as preferred Whitsunday brokers, going above and beyond for the local boating community. They also offer boat management and superyacht services, while WWBB provides brokerage services and expert advice on ownership options, including syndicates.
The team’s presence across North Queensland is growing, with new broker Mike Adlard based in Townsville and servicing the wider region. Supporting this expansion is Alex Wenger, WWBB’s New Boat Sales & Liaison, dedicated to new boat sales across the entire range.
As part of the new Hanse offering, WWBB Whitsundays will host a Hanse Open Yacht Day on Saturday 15 August, from 12pm–5pm, during the lay day of Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island Race Weeks. Visitors are invited to step aboard a Hanse 410 and meet the team.
Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, explore ownership options or simply curious about what’s available, drop into the Whitsundays office at The Boathouse, Port of Airlie Marina.
“Dan and Jennie are a real power duo and have been excelling in the Whitsundays. They are integral members of the team, playing a key role in our continued expansion. We couldn’t do it without them.” - Ant Kovacevic, WWBB Managing Director
“We’re incredibly fortunate to live and work in the Whitsundays, and we see firsthand how much there is to enjoy on the water. We’re excited to offer locals more choice and help them find a boat that genuinely fits what they’re looking for.” - Dan Howcroft, WWBB Whitsundays
With more brands, boats and local expertise on your doorstep, there has never been a better opportunity to find the right boat for you.
worldwideboatbrokers.com.au
For Whitsunday renters, the latest figures suggest finding a home remains a significant challenge. Photo source: Shutterstock
The Whitsunday rental market has tightened further, with the region recording one of Queensland’s biggest declines in rental availability during the June quarter.
The latest Residential Vacancy Rate Report from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) found the Whitsunday vacancy rate fell by 0.4 percentage points over the three months to June, dropping to just 0.9 per cent.
The result places Whitsunday firmly within the REIQ’s classification of a ‘tight’ rental market, with any vacancy rate below 2.5 per cent considered tight.
Whitsunday was among the regions experiencing the most significant tightening across Queensland, alongside Mount Isa, which recorded a 0.7 percentage point decline, and Townsville and Lockyer Valley, which each fell by 0.3 percentage points.
The latest figures come as Queensland’s rental market remains constrained overall, despite more than half of the regions monitored by the REIQ recording an increase in vacancies during the quarter.
Statewide, the vacancy rate edged up to 1.0 per cent, still well below the REIQ’s ‘healthy’ range of 2.6 to 3.5 per cent. Of the 50 regions tracked, 29 recorded vacancy rates of 1.0 per cent or less.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the market remained under pressure, with affordability influencing both tenants and property owners.
“We’re seeing more regions relax than tighten, particularly across parts of regional Queensland, but we're still a long way from what anyone would call a healthy rental market,” Ms Mercorella said.
She said increasing housing supply remained the most sustainable solution to Queensland’s rental and affordability pressures.
For Whitsunday renters, however, the latest figures suggest finding a home remains a significant challenge, with fewer than one in every 100 rental properties estimated to be vacant.
$88,000 is set to boost one of Bowen’s oldest sporting institutions, with the Bowen Turf Club securing funding that’ll help keep horses and riders safe for years to come.
The grant comes as part of the Racing Queensland’s Country Club Asset Funding program, which was gifted $450,000 by the government as a means of infrastructure upgrades. The commitment to broader industry, as part of the The Next Lap: A Plan for the Future of Queensland Racing initiative.
Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP welcomed the funding, with the Burdekin Race Club receiving $365,000 and the Bowen Turf Club receiving $88,000.
“Both the Burdekin Growers Race Day and the Bowen Cup have cemented themselves into the North’s social calendar drawing thousands of visitors to our regions and boosting local economies,” Mr Last said.
“Racing Queensland’s Country Club Asset Funding program provides support towards infrastructure repairs, maintenance and asset replacement to ensure our country race clubs can continue to host the race days that become calendar highlights each year.”
"By supporting the investment into new jockey and stewards rooms at the Burdekin Race Club we provide opportunities to host more of our favourite race days right here at Home Hill."
For the Bowen Turf Club, the funding gives the volunteer-run organisation that has been working in the region for more than 160 years, a chance for a much needed upgrade.
The money will go towards replacing the ageing running rail around the club’s training track with a new poly running rail, helping keep horses and riders safe at a facility that continues to be regularly used for training.
“It’s huge because for a club to pull that sort of money out of the bank, that’s enough to wreck clubs,” said Steven Daly, President of the Bowen Turf Club.
“It’s critical infrastructure, especially when you’ve got horses trained at the track, for the safety of the horse and the rider.”
This money comes at a great time, with upcoming events like the Ben Bolt Cup this weekend and the heavily anticipated Bowen Cup in October.
These events draw thousands of people to Bowen, with the Ben Bolt Cup bringing in around 800 to 1,000 people and the Bowen Cup pulling crowds of more than 3,000.
For those trackside, Steven said the new rail would also give the facility a cleaner, more professional look, helping keep the club attracting these crowds for years to come.
“The new stuff looks professional to the punter, but it’s critical for the horses and riders,” Steven said.
“We’ve got to maintain what we’ve got and keep upgrading.”
Thousands of fish were photographed crowded together in the tunnel net sock during one of the trials conducted in Bowen in 2025. Photo credit: John Haenke
By Chelsea Ravizza
Growing community opposition has emerged over the Queensland Department of Primary Industries' (DPI) trials of tunnel nets in the Whitsundays, with residents, tourism operators and recreational fishers voicing concerns about the potential environmental and economic impacts of the proposed alternative to gill net fishing.
In May, more than 120 members of the Whitsundays community attended an information evening about the DPI’s trials of tunnel nets of up to 1.6 kilometres long, as part of research into alternative commercial fishing methods following the phase-out of inshore gillnets, with trials conducted in North Airlie, Double Bay, Shute Harbour, Bowen, Edgecumbe Bay and Sinclair Bay.
During the meeting, organisers from the Inshore Flats Project said trial data showed the nets captured more than 30,000 fish across 17 trial deployments and raised concerns about the potential impact on fish stocks, juvenile fish habitats, dugong protection areas and popular recreational and tourism sites. Coincidingly, the Inshore Flats Project also used the meeting to launch an online petition, available via www.change.org/p/stop-a-new-tunnel-net-fishery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-world-heritage-area, opposing the introduction of a tunnel net fishery, which has since attracted more than 10,500 signatures.
“A new tunnel net fishery means deploying huge nets up to 1.6 km long, which lack capture selectivity, onto our beaches, bays and foreshores, to harvest high volumes of lower-value seafood. These sites include fish nursery and protected species habitats in a World Heritage Area,” said a spokesperson of the Inshore Flats Project.
“This risks depleting local fish stocks, damaging coastal ecosystems, and harming local businesses that depend on recreational fishing and tourism. Accordingly, we have asked the QLD Government to permanently cease all tunnel net trials and divert the allocated public funds toward supporting the seafood industry in better ways.”
Concerns raised at the meeting also prompted questions about the level of community consultation surrounding the trials, with opponents arguing the large nets could affect popular recreational fishing areas and tourism activities, including boating, kayaking and wildlife viewing. Among those in attendance was local resident Sammantha Wood, who said she had been unaware of the proposal until the presentation and believed many others were in the same position.
“I genuinely hadn’t heard about the proposal before attending the presentation, and many people I spoke to afterwards hadn’t either,” said Ms Wood.
“Regardless of where people stand on the issue, I believe the community deserves to know what’s being proposed so they can educate themselves, ask questions and be involved in the conversation before any long-term decisions are made.”
A Department of Primary Industries spokesperson said the trials form part of research into alternative low-impact fishing methods following the removal of gillnets, with the department highlighting the research would help build the evidence base to inform future fisheries management decisions.
“The Queensland Government is committed to working with industry to identify sustainable, practical and evidence-based solutions that support the long-term future of Queensland’s inshore fishing industry as it transitions away from large mesh gillnets,” said a spokesperson for DPI.
“The Department of Primary Industries is working with commercial fishers, researchers and other stakeholders to assess a range of alternative fishing gears that could support a sustainable and commercially viable fishing industry. The purpose of the trials is to collect scientific and operational information to inform future fisheries management decisions.”
Ms Wood said the strong turnout at the information evening showed there was significant community interest in the proposal, with many attendees wanting more information about the potential impacts on the region.
“While people have different opinions, there seems to be a common feeling that the community wants to be informed and have a voice, and the majority of people I’ve spoken to feel that this is not the right area for them.”
Ms Wood said her concerns centred on protecting the region’s marine environment and ensuring any future decisions were supported by scientific evidence and meaningful community consultation.
“We [the Whitsundays region] rely heavily on healthy marine ecosystems, recreational fishing and tourism, and I think it’s important that any decisions are based on robust science, transparency and genuine community consultation,” she said.
“If there’s any risk of significant impacts on sensitive inshore habitats or species, I believe those risks should be carefully assessed before permanent changes are made.”
Tourism Whitsundays Public Relations and Social Media Manager Rosanagh Gallivan said the organisation had not been formally consulted on the trials but was actively monitoring the issue after concerns were raised by tourism operators andintended to write to Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell to outline those concerns.
“The Whitsundays is the leading destination on the Great Barrier Reef, and our pristine marine environment is at the heart of the visitor experience - it's vital that any decisions affecting it are carefully considered,” Ms Gallivan said.
“Tourism operators have raised concerns with us about the proposed tunnel net trials, and while Tourism Whitsundays has not been formally consulted, we are actively monitoring the issue and will be raising those concerns with the State Government to ensure the tourism industry's perspective is heard.”
Several members of the Inshore Flats Project from across the Mackay and Hinchinbrook regions have also voiced concerns about the tunnel net trials, with charter guides and recreational fishers expressing fears about the potential impact on the region's marine environment and tourism industry.
North Queensland flats charter guide Clint Isaac said he could not understand why the proposal was being considered.
“It blows my mind that the Queensland Government is even considering the introduction of 1.6 kilometre-long nets into the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area,” Mr Isaac said.
Retired North Queensland flats charter guide John Haenke, who witnessed one of last year's tunnel net trials at Bowen, said the experience reinforced his concerns about the proposed fishing method.
“What I saw at Bowen was completely unsustainable – trapped turtles and rays, plus thousands of stressed fish jammed together in a small mesh chamber, including dead and injured fish,” Mr Haenke said.
DPI said the FishLIGHT program would continue evaluating a range of alternative fishing methods and technologies to better understand their operational performance, environmental outcomes and suitability for Queensland fisheries, with data collected through the trials continuing to be analysed ahead of the statewide phase-out of inshore gillnets in June 2027.
“No decisions have been made about any future fisheries management arrangements,” said a spokesperson for DPI.
"Any future consideration of changes would be informed by the available scientific evidence and be subject to the appropriate regulatory processes and stakeholder consultation.”
It’s only ever feedback
By Richard Evans, President, Whitsundays Writers Festival
We all know the moment. You send the email, hand in the report, share the poem, cook the dinner, make the decision, and then the responses arrive. Some land like a hand on your shoulder. Others feel like a shove. Learning to tell criticism from feedback, and learning to manage both, is one of the most useful skills any of us can build, in art, at work, and at home.
At its simplest, criticism judges; feedback helps you grow.
Criticism sounds like a verdict: "This is good." "This is bad." "I like it." "I don’t." It tells you how something landed in someone else’s world, but not how to make it land better.
Feedback is more like a set of tools. It’s specific and pointed toward improvement: "This part loses me." "It would help if you explained your reasoning here." "I think this arrangement is crowding you."
There’s an old truth in this: it’s easy to criticise, harder to give useful feedback.
Anyone can say "I didn’t like it." Fewer people can say "here’s what didn’t work, and why." One person points at a flaw; another offers a path forward. Both are reacting, only one is offering something you can use. Your job isn’t to accept every comment. It’sto learn to sort them.
Separate the thing from yourself. People aren’t commenting on the whole of who you are; they’re responding to what you put in front of them; the draft, the decision, the meal, the plan. That distinction won’t stop it stinging. It will sting. But it helps to remember: feedback is about the work, not your worth. Being criticised is a normal part of doing anything that matters, not a sign you shouldn’t be doing it.
Don’t respond immediately. When something harsh or confusing arrives, pause. Read it. Acknowledge it if you need to. Then step away. A few hours, ideally a day. Resist the urge to defend, explain, or argue in the moment. "Thanks, I’ll think about that" is often enough. This protects your energy, and it protects the relationship.
Once you’ve made space, run the comment through some filters.
You don’t have to use all feedback. But it’s wise to listen before you decide.
It helps to sort criticism into types.
Learn from the first two. Let the third go. Keep a mental folder of the kind, useful words people have given you and revisit it when a harsh one lands. Talk to people who know what you’re aiming for. They’ll help you read the feedback for what it actually is.
Criticism and feedback are both mirrors. One shows you how something landed. The other shows you how to help it land better next time.
The task was never to avoid the sting. It’s to stay standing, stay curious, and keep going.
Creative Connections Whitsundays is delighted to present a new exhibition by Gemma Louise Pap in the Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine Community Creative Space.
Gemma has been a finalist in every Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition since 2024, and her latest collection continues to showcase the bright, colourful style that has become her signature.
This rotating exhibition program, delivered in partnership with Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine, features a new Creative Connections Whitsundays artist every six weeks, providing valuable exhibition opportunities for both emerging and established members.
Inspired by the landscapes and native wildlife of North Queensland, Gemma's work celebrates the beauty and character of Australia's unique fauna. Combining expressive acrylic backgrounds with detailed oil painting, her vibrant artworks capture everything from familiar favourites to lesser-known native species in bold, contemporary ways.
Creativity has always been part of Gemma's life. Growing up in a home filled with artwork created by her mother, a commercial artist, she was encouraged to draw and paint from an early age. Today, as a full-time artist, she is passionate about making art accessible through original paintings, prints and Australian-made gifts.
Visitors can also discover more of Gemma’s work at the Creative Connections Whitsundays Community Gallery, 192 Main Street, Proserpine, where locally created artworks are available to view and purchase during Bendigo Community Bank opening hours.
Who says networking has to end when the Conference finishes?
New for 2026, the Chamber Games is set to become one of the most anticipated events on the annual local business calendar – bringing together businesses, community groups, sporting clubs and individuals for an afternoon of friendly competition.
Held immediately following the Whitsunday Business Conference, the Games are designed to celebrate the people behind our businesses.
Forget elite sporting ability. This is all about teamwork, participation, and having a go.
Teams of four will rotate through a series of fun, fast-paced challenges. Expect plenty of laughs, a little healthy competition, and the chance to discover who really has the best team spirit.
Whether you're entering with work mates, friends, clients or fellow Chamber members, the Chamber Games is a unique opportunity to strengthen relationships outside the workplace while meeting new people from across the region.
Better still, you don't need to attend the Business Conference to participate. The Chamber Games is open to everyone, making it a fantastic way for businesses, community organisations and sporting clubs to connect with the wider business community.
There are plenty of prizes up for grabs, including Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, the Best Dressed Team Award, and the coveted Chamber Games Perpetual Trophy, which will be proudly displayed by the winning team until next year's event.
So dust off your team colours, start thinking about your costumes, and gather your teammates and cheer squad.
Business is serious enough. The Chamber Games is your chance to finish the day with a smile and create memories that will be talked about long after the medals have been handed out.
The only question is... who will take home the inaugural Chamber Games title?
Still deciding whether to attend?
Here are five reasons why the Whitsunday Business Conference deserves a place in your diary.
1. Practical ideas Hear strategies and insights you can implement immediately.
2. Inspiring speakers Learn from business leaders and regional experts who understand today's challenges.
3. Valuable connections Meet fellow business owners, suppliers, and decision-makers from across the region.
4. Explore the Business Expo Discover products, services, and opportunities that could benefit your business.
5. Continue the experience Finish the day with the inaugural Chamber Games – a fun celebration of teamwork and community.
One day away from your business could change the next twelve months within it.
Join us on Thursday 27 August and invest in your business, your team and your future.
Tickets are on sale now.
All photos supplied by Julia Evans.
The best conferences don't just inspire – they equip you with ideas you can use the very next day.
That's the philosophy behind the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference speaker line-up. Every presenter has been selected because they bring practical experience, proven expertise, and a genuine understanding of the challenges facing regional businesses today.
Leading the program is keynote speaker Ian Cohen from Cozalive, whose engaging presentation will challenge attendees to rethink the way they communicate, market, and build their brand. Through real-world examples, practical insights, and plenty of humour, Ian will explore how effective communication can strengthen reputation, increase visibility, and create tangible commercial opportunities.
Across the day, delegates can tailor their own Conference experience by choosing from a series of interactive concurrent sessions covering the issues shaping the future of business.
If you're looking to work smarter, Associate Professor Rachel Hay and PhD candidate Naomi Porter from James Cook University will demonstrate how practical systems, artificial intelligence, and work-integrated learning can reduce administration, improve productivity, and strengthen workforce capability without overwhelming your business.
For businesses wanting to secure larger opportunities, Damien Dederer from Abbot Point Operations and Bowen Rail Company and Mick Spencer from the Australian Agave Project will discuss how regional businesses can better connect with major industry, strengthen local supply chains, and capture more of the value created in our region.
People remain every business's greatest asset, and leadership specialist Michele Tocci will share practical strategies for creating psychologically safe workplaces where employees feel confident to contribute ideas, solve problems, and help businesses innovate.
Cash flow continues to challenge even profitable businesses. Gus Walsgott from the Small Business Financial Counselling Service North Queensland will unpack common financial pitfalls and provide practical tools to improve cash flow, identify warning signs early, and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.
Marketing also takes centre stage through a practical panel discussion featuring Tolita Dukes from 8 Seconds and Melissa Ardern from The Creek Whitsundays. Together, they'll explore what's working in today's marketplace, including building brand visibility, using AI effectively, creating efficient marketing systems, and turning your brand into a genuine competitive advantage.
Whether you're looking to grow your business, build a stronger team, improve cash flow, embrace AI, sharpen your marketing, or connect with major industry opportunities, you'll leave with practical strategies, new perspectives, and the confidence to put ideas into action.
Because great businesses aren't built by knowing more – they're built by applying what matters most.
Chamber President, Allan Milositc with Mayor Ry Collins. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie.
Running a business has never been more challenging. Rising costs, workforce shortages, artificial intelligence, changing customer expectations, and increasing regulation are reshaping the way we work—and standing still is no longer an option.
That's why the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference has been designed to deliver one thing: practical value.
Hosted by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this year's Conference will bring together business owners, government, educators, and entrepreneurs for a full day of ideas, connections, and opportunities that can be put into practice immediately.
Forget theory. This is a program built around regional success stories, practical solutions, and conversations that matter.
Attendees will hear from inspiring speakers and build their own Conference experience by choosing from interactive sessions on leadership, workforce, artificial intelligence, marketing, productivity, innovation, and business growth – ensuring every delegate walks away with practical insights relevant to their business.
Whitsundays Chamber President Allan Milostic said the Conference continues to evolve alongside the needs of local businesses.
"The business landscape is changing rapidly, and our role is to ensure local businesses have access to the ideas, people, and opportunities that help them stay competitive," Allan said.
"Whether you're looking to solve a challenge, discover a new opportunity, or simply reconnect with the wider business community, the Conference is one of the best investments you can make in yourself and your business."
Learning is only part of the experience. Throughout the day, delegates can connect with suppliers, exhibitors, government representatives, and fellow business owners before continuing conversations over the Conference Long Lunch.
No matter your industry or stage of business, you'll leave with fresh ideas, valuable contacts, and renewed confidence for the year ahead.
One day. Endless possibilities for your business.
If you're going to invest a day away from your business, it needs to be worth it.
That's exactly what the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference has been designed to deliver.
No fluff. Just practical ideas, valuable connections, and fresh thinking to help you work smarter, grow stronger, and tackle the challenges facing business today.
Better still, it's a conference designed by Whitsunday business owners, for Whitsunday business owners.
7:30am | Coffee & Conversations
Arrive early to catch up over coffee and juice before the formal program begins. This is where the conversations start.
8:30am | Think Differently
Keynote speaker Ian Cohen will challenge the way you think about branding, communication, and reputation – sharing practical strategies that can create lasting commercial value for your business.
10:00am | Build Your Own Conference
No two businesses are the same, so your Conference experience shouldn't be either.
Choose the sessions most relevant to your business, covering topics such as:
You'll leave with ideas you can put into practice immediately—not six months from now.
12:50pm | Keep the Momentum Going
The learning doesn't stop when the presentations finish.
The Conference Long Lunch and Business Expo provide the opportunity to meet exhibitors, discover new products and services, explore procurement and funding opportunities, and continue conversations with fellow business owners.
Here's a more editorial version that highlights the value to delegates rather than reading like a list of exhibitors:
From finance and insurance to telecommunications, workforce development, education, media, procurement, and major project opportunities, you'll connect with organisations that can genuinely help move your business forward. Meet representatives from Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine, Brisbane 2032, Club Whitsunday, James Cook University, nbn Co., Option Insurance Brokers, StarFM, TAFE Queensland, Whitsunday Life, and Whitsunday Regional Council's Corporate Services, Procurement and Investment Attraction teams – all in one place, all ready to connect with local business.
The best business opportunities often begin with a conversation.
The Whitsunday Business Conference creates dozens of them in just one day.
Bring your team. Bring your questions. Leave with ideas, contacts, and opportunities that could shape your business for years to come.
The Whitsunday Business Conference is more than a one-day event – it's a community effort, made possible by businesses and organisations that are committed to supporting a stronger, more connected Whitsundays.
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry sincerely thanks this year's Conference partners, exhibitors, and supporters for investing in an event that brings together local businesses to learn, connect, and grow.
This year's partners include Whitsunday Life, Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine, Club Whitsunday, PCYC Whitsunday, AWB First Aid First, Brisbane 2032, James Cook University, Mrs Bean Coffee Van, nbn Co., Option Insurance Brokers, Rilo Real Fruit Ice Cream & Smoothies, Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting, StarFM, TAFE Queensland, and Whitsunday Regional Council.
Their support helps the Chamber deliver an affordable, high-quality Conference featuring inspiring speakers, practical learning sessions, valuable networking opportunities, and an interactive Business Expo showcasing organisations that support regional business success.
There are still a limited number of exhibitor opportunities available.
If your business wants to showcase its products or services, generate new leads, and connect with more than 100 business owners and decision-makers, now is the time to secure your place.
To enquire about exhibiting at the Conference Long Lunch and Business Expo, contact the Chamber team today on admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au
Students from Asaka Nishi High School in Japan spent 8 days in Proserpine with host families from Proserpine State High School. Photo credit: Whitsunday Life
Proserpine State High School recently welcomed students from Asaka Nishi High School in Japan for as part of a longstanding sister school program that has been in place since 1997.
The Japanese students have been staying with Whitsunday host families, and getting a taste of Aussie weather and wildlife; experiencing the Great Barrier Reef Festival, taking an Ocean Rafting Trip, and getting up close with native animals through Wildlife Whitsunday.
Head of Department for English & Languages Corinne Raiteri said that the exchange is an opportunity to learn language skills and foster cross-culture connection, also built through virtual connection during the school year.
“We have Japanese here as a language, and one of the one of the things that we do is we get the kids on Teams so that they can talk to each other.” Corinne explained.
“If they know each other personally, it's even more effective in terms of learning. Having having that interplay between them is fantastic, and it just builds relationships further.”
“It’s been so awesome to give them new experiences,” said Proserpine State High student Myka Kelly.
“She’s been teaching me some Japanese… it’s been super fun!”
Pupils Ruby Lou and Nahla Bullen said they’ve made great friends and learnt ‘heaps’ of Japanese through the program, bonding with the Japanese students over their shared interests.
4th Annual Crazy Hat Day turnout.
From fedoras to sombreros, students donned their most colourful and creative headwear last Thursday for a cause that continues to hold a special place in the Proserpine State High School community.
Now in its fourth year, Crazy Hat Day was established in 2023 in memory of former Year 10 student Cody Gibbs, who passed away from brain cancer the year before.
Wanting to do something special in memory of their friend, a group of Cody’s classmates approached the Student Council with the idea of holding a fundraiser, with former student Olivia Murphy helping bring the first Crazy Hat Day to life.
The students chose to support Hummingbird House after hearing from Cody’s friends who had spent precious time with him there during his final days.
Four Crazy Hat Days later, students have now raised more than $10,000 for Hummingbird House, including around $3,000 from this year’s event.
“I think it’s one of the things I’m most proud of that I’ve seen in my time here,” Student Council coordinator Scott Casey said.
“It was genuinely student-driven.
“The kids have wanted to keep it.”
This year, that responsibility was taken on by Year 12 Student Council Executive members Wiremu and Sam, who helped organise the day and encouraged their fellow students to get involved.
Although the pupils are a few years younger than Cody and didn’t know him when he was still in school, the pair said they understood how much his story meant to the school and wider community.
“We didn't have to go to school with him to know that his journey, and the journey that he took with Hummingbird House, was special,” Wiremu said.
Donations remain open for those wishing to support Hummingbird House: https://fundraise.wmq.org.au/fundraisers/ProssieHigh/2026-crazy-hat-day-iv
Pupils from schools across the Whitsundays recently travelled to CQUniversity Mackay for the Year 12 QATSIF (Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation) Graduation on 11th August, celebrating the efforts, achievements and journeys of 2300 Year 12 QATSIF graduates.
It was a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the incredible efforts, achievements and journeys of 2,300 deadly Year 12 QATSIF graduates from across Queensland, and to wish them all the very best as they embark on the next stage of their journeys.
“We are incredibly proud of all three of our Emerging Leaders for representing our College at this special event,” said a representative from St Catherine’s Catholic College.
“Congratulations, Reef, Andrew and Brianna!
“We are particularly proud of Brianna, who was selected as co-MC for the event. Brianna did an incredible job helping to lead the celebrations and represent our college with confidence and pride.
“Wishing all of the 2026 QATSIF graduates every success, happiness and deadly opportunities for the future!”
Bowen State High School also congratulated their QATSIF graduates, sharing:
“The ceremony was even more special as our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students were invited to perform their contemporary dance from our NAIDOC Celebrations. They did an amazing job!
“Kala Auda also had the honour of lighting the Torres Strait Islander candle on behalf of the students.
“A special thank you to Michael and his QATSIF team for your amazing leadership and support for our students. Thank you to everyone that made the ceremony a great success.
A shout out to our deadly students for your dancing and support for your peers.”
Congratulations to all graduates that took part – we look forward to writing about the incredible things you do in your futures!
Every community has people who simply get things done.
They're the ones setting up before everyone else arrives and packing up after everyone has gone home. They're coaching kids after work, running sausage sizzles on weekends, checking in on neighbours, planting trees, raising money for good causes or serving on committees because they genuinely care about where they live.
Most never ask for recognition. In fact, they'd probably tell you they're just doing what anyone else would do.
But I don't think we should ever take those people for granted.
That's why nominations for the 2027 Whitsunday Australia Day Awards are so important.
These awards are about recognising the quiet achievers and local champions who help make our region a better place to live. They remind us that strong communities are built by people who are prepared to roll up their sleeves and lend a hand.
Every year I have the privilege of reading the nomination stories, and they never fail to inspire. Some nominees have dedicated decades to local sporting clubs, while others have made an incredible difference through volunteering, community service, environmental projects, the arts or simply being there whenever someone needs support.
We also have some amazing young people in our region who are already making a positive impact, and these awards are a great opportunity to acknowledge their efforts as well.
There are categories recognising achievements in sport, arts and culture, environmental stewardship, community service and volunteering, along with awards for outstanding community groups and the prestigious Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year.
If you've ever thought, "They deserve some recognition," now is the time to act.
A nomination doesn't have to be perfect. It simply needs to tell the story of why that person or group has made a difference and why they deserve to be celebrated.
I know there are countless unsung heroes right across the Whitsundays whose contributions often happen behind the scenes.
Let's make sure they receive the recognition they've earned.
Nominations close at 4pm on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. I encourage everyone to think about someone who's made a difference in your community and put their name forward. It could mean far more to them than you realise.
Sharon Ashman.
Anxiety can affect the way we think, feel, and respond to everyday experiences. It can create a cycle of worry, physical tension, avoidance, and reduced confidence.
While psychotherapy remains one of the most effective treatments for anxiety, research increasingly highlights the value of combining psychological strategies with regular exercise to support recovery and long-term wellbeing. Over the coming weeks we will explore why combination of psychotherapies and exercise gets the best results
Psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), helps people understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Through therapy, individuals learn to identify unhelpful thinking patterns, challenge anxious beliefs, develop coping strategies, and gradually face situations they may have been avoiding.
Exercise complements this process by supporting changes within the body and brain. Physical activity helps regulate stress hormones, improves mood-related chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, and reduces physiological tension associated with anxiety.
Exercise can also help individuals become more comfortable with physical sensations linked to anxiety, such as an increased heart rate or faster breathing.
Together, psychotherapy and exercise create a powerful mind–body approach. Exercise does not need to involve intense workouts. Walking, swimming, yoga, gardening, cycling, or gentle strength training can all provide benefits. The goal is regular movement that feels achievable and sustainable.
For many people, recovery from anxiety is not about eliminating all anxious feelings, but learning that anxiety can be managed. Psychotherapy provides the tools, while exercise helps reinforce confidence, reduce stress, and reconnect people with their bodies.
“If you’d like more support in managing ADHD for yourself or your family, visit my website https://www.personaltransitions.com.au/ or give Cristie 0488667264 or me 0418708214.”
Queenslanders waiting for elective surgery are set to receive treatment sooner, with the State Government expanding its Surgery Connect program to help reduce wait times and restore people's mobility, independence and quality of life.
Backed by a $247 million investment in the 2026–27 State Budget, the program has already delivered more than 35,000 additional procedures across the state. The latest funding will also bring 11 new service providers on board, including in Mackay and Townsville, improving access to surgery for regional Queenslanders.
Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the addition of new service providers and bolstered funding was good news for anyone waiting on life changing surgery with thousands of additional procedures supported by the program.
“Procedures like cataract surgery, joint replacements and ear nose and throat surgeries significantly improve a patient’s quality of life,” Mr Last said.
“Research has proven that long delays waiting for these procedures means symptoms worsen, pain increases and there is an impact on the patient’s mental health.”
“This is why we are partnering with providers to ensure these patients can access these surgeries sooner.”
Mr Last said the Crisafulli Government's $1.8 billion investment in elective surgery was already delivering results, with the statewide elective surgery waiting list falling to 58,496 patients. He said the reduction followed years of rising demand, with the list reaching a high of 66,632 after increasing year on year over the previous decade.
“Since February 2025 more than 35,000 procedures have been delivered and in turn helped stabilise the Queensland elective surgery waitlist.”
“Besides the obvious benefits for patients, Surgery Connect reduces the pressure on our health staff who, through no fault of their own, have been forced to delay surgeries.”
The Whitsunday community continues to show its willingness to rally behind those in need, with the Whitsunday Escape raffle raising an incredible $45,600 to support Lucy Scarrott in her fight against cancer.
The Charter for a Cause raffle kicked off nearly two months ago, offering locals the chance to give back to four-year-old Lucy after she was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer that has required her family to relocate to Brisbane while she undergoes treatment.
Determined to lend a hand, Whitsunday Escape launched the fundraiser with the help of Geoff St Clair and Kim Mitchell, who generously donated a five-night charter aboard their brand-new Seawind 1370, Sidetracked.
The holiday, valued at around $11,000, was offered as the major prize, with 1,000 raffle tickets made available at $50 each and proceeds going towards Lucy and her family.
By the time the raffle closed on the 31st July, 912 tickets had been sold, bringing the final amount raised to $45,600.
“We were blown away by the community response, both locally and from the Whitsunday Escape Community,” said Jaclyn Watson, general manager of Whitsundays Escape.
“We are so grateful to the owner for donating the charter on his brand-new boat, and to the Proserpine Lions Club for supporting us to run this raffle and collect the money, as well as distribute it to the family.”
“It really has been a community effort and we are so humbled to be part of it.”
For Lucy and her family, that funding comes at a vital time. Lucy just finished 30 complete rounds of radiation therapy and is nearing the end of her first seven cycles of chemotherapy.
The family says she’s dealt with the treatment better than expected, though it has begun to start taking its toll.
Depending on where she is in each treatment cycle, her blood counts and whether she is battling any viruses or infections, Lucy has been swapping in and out of patient care at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
For the family, the generosity from back home has allowed them to stay together, giving them the chance to devote their time to being by Lucy’s side.
“It means we can spend this time together as a family and focus on giving Lucy the support she needs,” the family said.
“It is a long hard road for Lucy, so being able to surround her with family every step of the way truly means the world.”
While the raffle has now wrapped up, those still wishing to donating to Lucy and her family can do so through their GoFundMe page:
Proserpine Mill processed close to 82,300 tonnes of cane for the week, which is the highest weekly throughput for the season to date. The season total is now just over 572,000 tonnes.
Average weekly CCS came in above budget, at 14.22 units. The highest weekly CCS sample for the week was 17.00 units, from a rake of KQ228 plant cane in the Kelsey Creek District.
Harvesting operators are again reminded to follow siding procedures when delivering or collecting bins.
These procedures are designed to safeguard the safety of all users and maintain the efficient operation of our sidings. Please check that all your operators have completed the mandatory siding induction.
Our cane trains work around the clock, seven days a week, so please continue to use your train brain and always take care around the cane rail network.
Seven people are facing 24 charges after police targeted a string of alleged break-ins, thefts and other offences across Bowen.
Bowen Criminal Investigation Branch Detectives, assisted by Whitsunday Tactical Crime Squad Officers, executed several search warrants as part of Operation Mackay Essence in late July.
Officers also conducted 43 street checks and 383 roadside breath and drug tests as part of the crackdown.
One of those arrested was a 22-year-old Bowen man accused of committing several offences across the area between 16th - 22nd July.
Police allege the man entered a Champion Street facility on 17th July and stole a vehicle, before attempting to enter a Don Street business the following day. On 21st July, he is suspected of entering a Linley Street hotel and stole tools, a firearm and ammunition, before a further alleged break-in at a Peter Delemothe Road business on 22nd July.
The 22-year-old faces multiple charges, including entering premises, willful damage, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and stealing a firearm or ammunition. He remains in custody and is due before Bowen Magistrates Court on 1st September.
A separate investigation saw a 20-year-old Bowen man charged over several alleged incidents between 16th and 21st June involving stolen fuel, a trailer and other property, as well as the alleged unlawful entry of a Linley Street premises.
He faces two counts of stealing, along with one count each of stealing a vehicle and entering a dwelling with intent and is due before Bowen Magistrates Court on 18th August.
After the crash. Photos supplied by Rogin Taylor
After 61 years in the cockpit, experienced Whitsunday pilot Rogin Taylor has walked away uninjured from another frightening incident after his aircraft collided with an airport utility vehicle on the runway at Whitsunday Coast Airport.
At 5pm on Saturday 8th August, Whitsunday Sports Aviators Club president and Proserpine Aero Club vice-president Rogin Taylor was bringing his Atec Zephyr into Whitsunday Coast Airport, where he planned to leave the aircraft ahead of a four-day flying safari around North Queensland with four mates.
After touching down on Runway 11, Rogin said he spotted an airport utility vehicle stationary about 100 metres ahead.
With the aircraft already committed to the landing, he veered right in an attempt to avoid a head-on collision, but the left wing struck the vehicle, snapping off and spinning the plane around completely.
“It was distressing, actually a little bit frightening,” said Rogin.
Despite the impact and damage to the aircraft, Rogin escaped the collision without injury, although he said damage to the cockpit controls made it difficult to climb out.
Rogin said he expected the vehicle to move clear of the runway before his aircraft reached it, believing the driver had seen him in time. He claimed the driver later told him he had been unable to see the approaching plane due to the setting sun.
The incident also disrupted operations at Whitsunday Coast Airport, with a departing Jetstar service delayed while the aircraft’s debris remained on the runway.
Whitsunday Regional Council acknowledged the incident in a statement following the collision.
“The safety of passengers, airport personnel and all airport users remains Council’s highest priority,” Council said.
“The incident has been reported to the relevant aviation authorities and is currently under investigation.”
“As the matter is under investigation, Council will not comment further on the circumstances of the incident at this time.”
This isn’t the first time the seasoned pilot has survived a frightening incident, having previously watched one of his aircraft burst into flames and, in 2022, survived a crash into the Proserpine River.
That crash left his aircraft completely submerged, with the pressure luckily freeing both Rogin and his passenger from the plane before they spent around 40 minutes swimming to shore through the most densely crocodile-populated river in Queensland.
Despite all this, Rogin is unwavering in his love for flying, and even has plans of getting back in the plane sooner than you’d believe.
“I just put it all behind me,” Rogin said.
“I also have another airplane which I'll probably fly later this week.”
Amanda Camm MP, Premier David Crisafulli, students from Proserpine state high school and St Catherines Catholic College cutting the ribbon and officially opening the new office. All photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
Amanda Camm MP has officially cut the ribbon unveiling the new Whitsunday Electorate office in Proserpine, drawing in all types of community members, alongside a surprise appearance from Premier David Crisafulli.
The new office marks a fresh chapter for the Whitsunday electorate, with Ms Camm welcoming and thanking guests through the doors to celebrate the opening alongside her staff, community representatives, students and volunteers.
The Premier was among those in attendance, making a surprise trip to Proserpine to help officially open the office, cut the ceremonial ribbon and chat with attendees, while sharing his optimism for the future of the community.
“There is a future, let me tell you there is a future, and you're living it and you're feeling it at the moment,” Mr Crisafulli said in a speech at the opening.
“[Amanda Camm] loves the community, she’s served it across two levels of government, she believes in you and she fights hard for you.”
Ms Camm used the gathering as an opportunity to recognise several standouts within the community who have gone above and beyond through their time and commitment.
Among those recognised was Lyn Burke, who received a special acknowledgement for her contribution to the community, alongside Val and Michael Kimpton for their efforts in delivering the recent Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, and Shane from Fierce Signage in Mackay for his quick work installing the new signage in time for the grand opening.
She also recognised members of her electorate team, thanking them for the work they do behind the scenes to support her and the wider Whitsunday community.
“There are so many people here who contribute so much, but really go above and beyond with their time and their commitment,” Ms Camm said.
“In doing so, it really showcases our community as well.”
A 60 year old sea turtle has been returned home after rehabilitation. Photo source: Eco Barge Clean Seas
A mature green sea turtle believed to be approximately 60 years old has returned to the sea after months of rehabilitation at the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, operated by Eco Barge Clean Seas.
Regina has been released back into Whitsunday waters at Hayman Island following her recovery from a serious boat-strike injury and buoyancy syndrome, near the area she was discovered.
Resort staff had been closely monitoring her condition over several months when it became clear that intervention was needed.
The Centre’s dedicated volunteer turtle carers provided daily treatment, monitoring and nutritional support. Her wound gradually healed, her buoyancy improved and she regained the strength needed to return to the wild.
“Regina’s recovery is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when the community comes together to protect our marine wildlife,” said Libby Edge, Founder and CEO of Eco Barge Clean Seas.
“To see her regain her strength and return to the wild is incredibly rewarding for everyone involved in her rescue and rehabilitation.”
The rescue has reminded local boaties to slow down in areas where turtles are known to occur and maintain a careful lookout for marine wildlife, and sparked deep gratitude for the hardworking volunteers dedicating their time to looking after our beautiful reef.
The Whitsundays might still be enjoying cool mornings and dry days, but the tropical wet season will be here before we know it. While there's no need to rush into storm preparations, spring is the ideal time to get ahead on the jobs that are easier to tackle in mild weather.
Start by checking your roof for loose screws or damaged sheets, trimming back overhanging branches and making a note of any gutters that need cleaning before the first heavy rains arrive. Spreading these jobs over a few weekends now can save a last-minute scramble later in the year.
It's also a good time to give the garden some attention, before it’s forced to hold its own against the elements. Pull weeds, top up mulch and prune back plants so they'll be ready for the warmer months ahead. Outdoor furniture can be cleaned and checked for signs of wear before barbecue season gets underway.
Inside the home, consider servicing your air conditioner before the heat returns. A quick check now can help avoid long waits once demand increases heading into summer. The last thing you want is to be boiling over a broken system.
Whether you're preparing your family home or an investment property, tackling a few maintenance jobs during spring can help your property weather the tropical months ahead while making the most of the region's pleasant winter conditions.
Six-month-old calico Paisley is searching for a patient family. Photo supplied: Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue.
Some friendships take a little time to blossom, and for six-month-old Paisley, the reward is well worth the wait.
This beautiful calico rescue cat may be shy when meeting new people, but it doesn't take long for her gentle personality to shine through. Once Paisley feels at home, she's happiest curled up beside her favourite person, earning her the title of the ultimate "Velcro cat."
Paisley has done well around older children and is searching for an indoor-only home where she can continue to grow. At just six months old, she's becoming more curious by the day and is ready to spend her kitten months exploring, playing and building lifelong bonds with her new family.
Desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and up to date with her veterinary care, Paisley is ready to find the forever family she deserves.
If you think Paisley could be the perfect addition to your home, contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue by direct messaging your name, phone number and "Paisley" to begin the adoption process.
No matter where you live in the Whitsundays, you should feel like your Council is delivering for your community. That's something my fellow Councillors and I are committed to, whether it's a major infrastructure project or smaller improvements that make everyday life a little better.
From Bowen to Collinsville, Proserpine to Airlie Beach, and our smaller rural communities, every town has its own character, its own priorities and its own story. Our job as a Council is to make sure we're delivering for all of them.
I was delighted to see the new Dingo Beach Swimming Enclosure completed after being rebuilt following Tropical Cyclone Kirrily. It's more than just a swimming enclosure to the Dingo Beach residents as it's a much-loved community asset that'sbeen bringing families together for generations.
What's even more special is that the original enclosure was built by local residents back in the 1960s using tea tree branches and netting. That community spirit is still alive today, with more than 600 people providing feedback that helped shape the design of the new enclosure through consultation.
The swimming enclosure is just one of several projects currently underway across the Gloucester community. The Gloucester Avenue road upgrade is progressing well, delivering safer access and improved drainage, while construction of the new Gloucester Trail will soon provide a beautiful walking connection between Dingo Beach and Hydeaway Bay.
These projects might seem small when compared with some of our major regional investments, but they're every bit as important. They improve everyday life, make our communities more connected and help showcase some of the most beautiful parts of the Whitsundays.
Whether we're delivering housing-enabling infrastructure in Cannonvale, Proserpine and Bowen, building new community hubs in Cannonvale and Collinsville, or investing in communities like Dingo Beach and Hydeaway Bay, our commitment is the same—to ensure every corner of the Whitsunday Region shares in the benefits of Council investment.
Because strong communities aren't measured by their size. They're measured by the pride people have in the place they call home, and that's something worth investing in.
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry is inviting businesses from across the region to step out of the workplace and into the inaugural Chamber Games 2026.
Taking place from 3:00pm–5:00pm on Thursday 27th August at Club Whitsunday, the Chamber Games is a new community event celebrating teamwork, participation, and a healthy dose of friendly competition.
Open to businesses, community groups, and individuals, the Games will see teams of four rotate through a series of fun, accessible challenges inspired by local sporting clubs. No specialist skills or sporting experience are needed – just a willingness to have a go.
The event follows the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference, but attendance at the Conference is not required. Whether you're joining us after the Conference or simply coming along for the Games, everyone is welcome.
Teams will compete for the Gold Medal Team and the inaugural Chamber Games Perpetual Trophy, along with Silver and Bronze medals and the Best Dressed Team Award.
Whitsundays Chamber President Allan Milostic said the Chamber Games was created to encourage businesses to celebrate the importance of teamwork in a fun and inclusive way.
"Strong businesses are built on strong teams. The Chamber Games is an opportunity to bring colleagues together, support our local sporting community and enjoy an afternoon that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's about participation, encouragement and having fun together."
Don't have a team of four? No problem. If you're keen to take part but need teammates, get in touch with the Chamber and we'll do our best to connect you with others looking to join a team.
With team entry just $20 for a team of four, it's an affordable way to celebrate your workplace, build team spirit and enjoy an afternoon of fun.
So gather your colleagues, choose a team name, wear your colours, bring your cheer squad, and get ready to take on the challenge.
Registrations are now open. We'd love to see businesses from across the Whitsundays represented on the field when the inaugural Chamber Games gets underway on 27th August.
Event Details
What: Chamber Games 2026
When: 3pm-5pm Thursday 27th August
Where: Club Whitsunday, Airlie Beach
Register: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/2026-chamber-games/
The mayor meeting his new coworker on the council, GJ. Photo supplied: Mayor Ry Collins.
Between the check-in counters, security and departure gates at Whitsunday Coast Airport, there is one team member whose job is to bring a little more ease to passengers before they fly.
Meet GJ, Whitsunday Coast Airport's four-legged therapy dog. Since joining the airport earlier this year, the chocolate Labrador has been swapping boarding passes for belly rubs, helping bring a sense of calm to travellers before they take to the skies.
Trained and assessed through Therapy Dogs Australia, GJ is right at home in the busy airport environment. Whether it's a wagging tail, a gentle nudge of the nose or sitting quietly beside someone, he's always happy to brighten a passenger's day and help ease any pre-flight nerves.
GJ's airport journey began after his family reached out to Whitsunday Coast Airport following his qualification as a therapy dog.
The partnership complements the airport's focus this year on creating a smooth and stress-free travel experience, alongside initiatives like its free curbside assistance program.
GJ's role is also set to extend beyond the terminal, with the four-legged ambassador soon joining Whitsunday Regional Council's Book Magic program, helping children build confidence and a love of reading through the calming presence of a canine companion.
GJ was unable to comment on this story as he is enjoying some much-deserved annual leave this August and will return, tail wagging, come September.
At Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine, we’ve streamlined the process by offering our free Home Loan Health Check service to anyone, even if they don’t bank with us. Here’s what’s involved and how you can benefit.
What’s involved in a home loan health check? The process starts with a review of your current interest rate, loan structure, home value, repayment options and remaining loan term.
We’ll also ask you about your goals and aspirations and any short or long-term plans you have for your lifestyle. We'll then explore options available to you. Every borrower has different needs, so a loan suitable for one person won't always suit another.
Why do I need it? Keeping the same home loan for a long time can mean missing out on more favourable loan options and interest rates. Plus, as your circumstances change, you may benefit from new features, repayments, or interest rates, better aligning your home loan to your life plans. You may even unlock equity in your home to finance a renovation, dream trip, or purchase another property.
Get a lower interest rate. Lower loan-to-value ratios (LVR) can sometimes secure a lower interest rate. When a home loan has been in place for a while, the LVR may have improved due to increased property value and decreased outstanding loan balance.
Access more suitable features. Older home loan products may lack features suiting your current financial situation. For example, an offset account can substantially reduce interest charges.
How often should you review your home loan? Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine recommends checking your home loan annually.
Other signs it’s time for a review include:
Realise your goals sooner with a home loan health check
Neglecting to review your home loan regularly can mean missing out on big opportunities, like accessing equity in your property or making significant savings on your interest repayments. If you have goals, a free home loan health check with Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine could unlock opportunities and get you there faster.
Make a time to see the Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine Branch Manager Amanda and the team.
Located: Whitsunday Plaza Cannonvale
Call (07) 4948 3599
Email cannonvale&proserpinemailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au
WSPN July 2026 Brekky. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
The Whitsundays Suicide Prevention Network Breakfast continues to grow each month, with this month's gathering featuring generous community donations and a heartfelt motivational poem.
Held on the last Friday of every month outside Shirtfront Solutions, the breakfast brings tradies, business owners and community members together over sausages, eggs and a chat, creating a welcoming space to connect and support one another.
“It's really great to see the support from the community,” said WSPN CEO Matt Stokes.
“These are real opportunities that if you've got a friend that's struggling you can say, hey, why don't you come along?”
This past month saw an outpouring of support for the Whitsundays Suicide Prevention Network, with Justin Butler from the Whitsundays Game Fishing Club and Michael Kimpton from the Airlie Beach Triathlon Club presenting significant donations to the cause.
“By joining any sort of club, you're bringing in other people that you have other conversations with, particularly when things aren't going so well,” Justin said.
After the donations, attendees heard from Mike Fry from Lives Lived Well, who spoke about the link between addiction and suicide, drawing on their experience as an alcohol and other drug counsellor across the Whitsundays and Isaac region.
"There's a lot of connection between addictions and suicide, they share a lot of parallel journeys," Mike said.
Encouraging people to have a plan for difficult moments, Mike shared the "3Ds" strategy of delay, distract and decide. He explained that taking time to pause, find a positive distraction and lean on support networks can help people through a crisis.
The presentation concluded with a heartfelt poem about hope and resilience, leaving the crowd with a powerful reminder of the importance of connection and checking in on those around us.
Reeflections Artists with their teachers and Mayor Ry Collins. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
Young artists from across the Whitsundays are getting their time to shine, with a reef-inspired student exhibition opening at the Heart Hotel during this year's Great Barrier Reef Festival.
Featuring 11 artworks created by 10 Year 8 to 12 finalists from Proserpine State High School and St Catherine's College, the exhibition has more than doubled in size since showcasing just four artworks in its inaugural year.
Having judged the competition, Mayor Ry Collins attended the exhibition to present the awards and congratulate the young artists.
“We've got some great kids that do sport and sporting success…. but I think what we're seeing is we've got a real cultural undercurrent,” Mayor Ry Collins said.
“It's great to see that we've also got a really strong arts presence as well.”
Three students were recognised for their standout pieces, with Year 12 Proserpine State High School student Natalie Cooper taking first place for Guardians of the Reef.
Charlize Hunter, also from Proserpine State High School, claimed second for Woodsia, while St Catherine's Catholic College Year 11 student Sabine Butler placed third with False Idol, a reflection on climate change's impact on the Whitsundays.
The finalist artworks will remain on display at Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays throughout August, giving the young artists the opportunity to have their work exhibited in a professional gallery setting.
"I think a lot of kids are just not sure about their ability,” said Visuals Art Teacher St Cats College in Proserpine, Caz Hanks.
“Giving them the push and encouragement that their work is actually amazing and worthy of being in a gallery is a great experience."
Chris Sturrie and the Grand Master of Kennedy Lodge, Jamie Collins. Photo supplied: Chris Sturrie.
Bowen Meals on Wheels has received another generous boost from one of its longest-standing supporters, with Kennedy Masonic Lodge making a significant donation to help the service continue supporting local residents.
The lodge has contributed thousands of dollars to Bowen Meals on Wheels over the years, most recently presenting the organisation's treasurer with another substantial donation.
The contribution comes at an important time for the service, with operating costs continuing to rise while demand has nearly doubled over the past 18 months. Despite increasing expenses for essentials such as insurance, groceries and gas, Bowen Meals on Wheels has maintained both the affordability of its meals and the high standard of service it provides.
The organisation says it has been fortunate to receive ongoing support from businesses, community groups and local organisations, allowing it to continue operating at a time when many Meals on Wheels services across Australia are struggling with reduced government funding and financial pressures.
While financial support has helped keep the service running, volunteers remain in short supply. Bowen Meals on Wheels has made several appeals this year for more delivery volunteers and is still looking for people who can spare around two hours on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings.
The organisation is encouraging anyone able to help, either as a driver or delivery assistant, to get in touch. It also hopes friends and family of existing clients might consider volunteering to help support some of Bowen's most vulnerable residents.
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP invited locals for a barbecue at Peter Faust Dam last Sunday to mark the removal of the southern section from Alinta Energy’s Wind Farm proposal, which locals protested due to its proximity to Proserpine.
To acknowledge the milestone, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP joined residents at Peter Faust Dam on Sunday for a community barbecue, bringing together those who had spent months campaigning against the proposal in the Kelsey Creek area.
"The community's collective voice demonstrated the positive outcome of this project not proceeding at Kelsey Creek," Ms Camm said.
"It was an opportunity to thank the community and Wind Farm Action Group for their respectful, consistent and united voice. It was through these efforts that supported my advocacy as the local member.”
Wind Farm Action Group member Alysha Lee said the gathering was a chance to celebrate a small win while recognising there was still more work to do.
“It was great to get together and go over what we’ve been fighting for the last 10 months, while being able to celebrate the small victory so far,” said Alysha.
"We still have the northern area to think about, but we feel like we have their support as we continue trying to help the community, which is great.”
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP at the community barbecue held at Peter Faust Dam on Sunday.
Bruce Highway panel with Mayor of Burdekin, Dalle Cort, Mayor of Gympie Glen Hartwig, Mayor Ry Collins and Deputy Director General Department of Transport & Main Roads, Andrew Mahon. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
Coastal leaders from across Queensland converged on the Whitsundays this week, as mayors, councillors and senior council officers gathered to tackle the biggest challenges facing the state's coastal communities.
Hosted over two days at the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Coastal Leaders Forum focused on key issues coastal towns face.
“This event is an opportunity for them to understand what the priorities, concerns and issues are facing their sector,” said Mayor of Gladstone, LGAQ President and president of Australian Local Government Association (AGLA) Matt Burnett.
Beyond the individual issues discussed, the forum provided a platform for coastal councils to share experiences, identify common challenges and strengthen their collective voice when advocating to state and federal governments.
“I think obviously the other underlying thing with it is that we all advocate for our own regions respectively, but where we can find those points of commonality to really work together,” said Mayor Ry Collins.
“It definitely really empowers that advocacy,”
Disaster funding emerged as one of the forum's biggest talking points, following the Federal Government's proposed overhaul of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Under the proposed changes, the Commonwealth would move to an equal partnership model with states and territories, reducing its average contribution from historical levels of 64–75 per cent to 50 per cent.
“Communities like ours can't be worse off under the proposed arrangements," said Mayor Collins.
“We really need the Federal Government to dump the dud deal they've put on the table and recognise the importance of our communities by providing assurance that we can recover from disasters when they occur.
“We'll keep pushing away at that.”
With councils and communities able to provide feedback on the proposed changes until August 19th, both Mayor Collins and LGAQ President Matt Burnett said the forum was an important opportunity for coastal councils to unite behind a common position.
Delegates also turned their attention to several other priorities facing Queensland's coastal communities, including upgrades to the Bruce Highway, tourism infrastructure and recreational boating facilities.
The forum gave local leaders a face-to-face opportunity to meet directly with senior Department of Transport and Main Roads officials, including Deputy Director-General Andrew Mahon, to discuss the future of the Bruce Highway, an issue Burdekin Mayor Dalle Cort described as "a conversation we've been having for 30 years."
"The Bruce Highway is the next one that's on the agenda and something that I've advocated strongly for," Mayor Collins said.
Discussions also highlighted the planned Shute Bay recreational boating facility, with construction expected to begin within the next 12 months. The project will deliver around 200 additional trailer parking spaces and four new boat ramps, helping ease congestion at the popular boating precinct.
Big showing for opening night. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
The Whitsundays' thriving arts community was celebrated last Friday night as the 2026 Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition officially opened, showcasing the work of 66 artists and recognising the year's standout creatives.
In its third year, the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition showcased 85 finalist works from 66 artists through painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media.
“The Great Barrier Reef Festival isn't just about the fireworks, it's not just about the rides,” said Mayor Ry Collins in a speech opening up the event.
“The music, the entertainment, it's actually about creativity, culture, and the incredible natural environment that inspires us every day here in the Whitsundays.”
"Creating art takes talent, dedication, and a willingness to put a piece of yourself on display, to put your heart into something, and that really is worth celebrating."
Responding to this year's theme, Beyond Beauty, artists looked beneath the surface, exploring personal stories, environmental issues and the hidden beauty of the Great Barrier Reef through a range of creative interpretations.
Selecting the finalist was this year's curated panel of acclaimed artist and educator Glenda Vickers, Whitsundays Regional Councillor Jan Clifford OAM and Visual Arts Teacher at St Catherine's Catholic College Caz Hanks.
Once the finalist had been selected, artist, educator and researcher based out of Mackay, Glenda Hobdell assessed the finalist to decide who would be taking home the final prizes.
Michelle Brayshaw claimed the exhibition's highest honour, taking out the Whitsunday Regional Council Best in Show Award for her piece Beauty is Skin Deep. The $3,000 prize will see the artwork added to the Whitsunday Regional Council Art Collection.
Other major winners included Lyn Laver-Ahmat, whose Retreating Tide 2 received the 2D Award, Stacey Nicholas for her Reef Ballet in the 3D category, and Andrea Fabian, whose photograph The Homemaker won the Photography Award.
Local and emerging artists were given a spotlight throughout the evening, with Lola Hornstra collecting the inaugural Next Generation Artist Award for Everything Has Changed, consisting of artists aged between 16 and 18, while Trudy Hastings won the Local Artist Award with her piece Tidal Form #1.
Katherine Murray's Where Beauty Deepens was awarded the Reef Theme Award for best interpreting this year's Beyond Beauty theme, and the TARTS Textile Artists were recognised with the Community Creativity Award for their collaborative work Tarts Tree.
Beyond the award winners, the exhibition also features three collaborative community works by Eco Barge Clean Seas, the TARTS Textile Artists and the Whitsunday Conservation Council, each exploring environmental themes connected to the Great Barrier Reef.
Sue Bayley-Hurren, Rebecca Woods, Lisa Sampson and Tara Tissington. Photo supplied
As Homelessness Week shines a spotlight on Australia's growing housing crisis, the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre prepared 100 hygiene packs to help restore dignity to people experiencing homelessness across the region.
The annual initiative, now in its 4th year, looks to help people sleeping rough or facing housing insecurity, while also raising awareness on the challenges many people in the community continue to face.
Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre Executive Officer Rebecca Woods, who has led the organisation for the past 13 years, said the project restores a sense of dignity to people facing homelessness and housing insecurity.
"Everyone deserves access to basic hygiene products,” Rebecca said.
“While a hygiene pack won't solve homelessness, it can make a real difference to someone's wellbeing and dignity.
“It's a simple way for our community to say: 'We see you, and you matter.’”
Each pack includes practical everyday essentials, of a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, a 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner and body wash, a razor, hand sanitiser, waterless body wipes, band-aids and toothpicks.
Throughout Homelessness Week, the packs will be distributed by the Whitsunday Housing Company and Proserpine Community Centre, while the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre is also encouraging locals to donate travel-sized toiletries through the Cannonvale Food Bank to help replenish supplies for those in need.
Thousands of fish were photographed crowded together in the tunnel net sock during one of the trials conducted in Bowen in 2025. Photo credit: John Haenke
By Chelsea Ravizza
Growing community opposition has emerged over the Queensland Department of Primary Industries' (DPI) trials of tunnel nets in the Whitsundays, with residents, tourism operators and recreational fishers voicing concerns about the potential environmental and economic impacts of the proposed alternative to gill net fishing.
In May, more than 120 members of the Whitsundays community attended an information evening about the DPI’s trials of tunnel nets of up to 1.6 kilometres long, as part of research into alternative commercial fishing methods following the phase-out of inshore gillnets, with trials conducted in North Airlie, Double Bay, Shute Harbour, Bowen, Edgecumbe Bay and Sinclair Bay.
During the meeting, organisers from the Inshore Flats Project said trial data showed the nets captured more than 30,000 fish across 17 trial deployments and raised concerns about the potential impact on fish stocks, juvenile fish habitats, dugong protection areas and popular recreational and tourism sites. Coincidingly, the Inshore Flats Project also used the meeting to launch an online petition, available via www.change.org/p/stop-a-new-tunnel-net-fishery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-world-heritage-area, opposing the introduction of a tunnel net fishery, which has since attracted more than 10,500 signatures.
“A new tunnel net fishery means deploying huge nets up to 1.6 km long, which lack capture selectivity, onto our beaches, bays and foreshores, to harvest high volumes of lower-value seafood. These sites include fish nursery and protected species habitats in a World Heritage Area,” said a spokesperson of the Inshore Flats Project.
“This risks depleting local fish stocks, damaging coastal ecosystems, and harming local businesses that depend on recreational fishing and tourism. Accordingly, we have asked the QLD Government to permanently cease all tunnel net trials and divert the allocated public funds toward supporting the seafood industry in better ways.”
Concerns raised at the meeting also prompted questions about the level of community consultation surrounding the trials, with opponents arguing the large nets could affect popular recreational fishing areas and tourism activities, including boating, kayaking and wildlife viewing. Among those in attendance was local resident Sammantha Wood, who said she had been unaware of the proposal until the presentation and believed many others were in the same position.
“I genuinely hadn’t heard about the proposal before attending the presentation, and many people I spoke to afterwards hadn’t either,” said Ms Wood.
“Regardless of where people stand on the issue, I believe the community deserves to know what’s being proposed so they can educate themselves, ask questions and be involved in the conversation before any long-term decisions are made.”
A Department of Primary Industries spokesperson said the trials form part of research into alternative low-impact fishing methods following the removal of gillnets, with the department highlighting the research would help build the evidence base to inform future fisheries management decisions.
“The Queensland Government is committed to working with industry to identify sustainable, practical and evidence-based solutions that support the long-term future of Queensland’s inshore fishing industry as it transitions away from large mesh gillnets,” said a spokesperson for DPI.
“The Department of Primary Industries is working with commercial fishers, researchers and other stakeholders to assess a range of alternative fishing gears that could support a sustainable and commercially viable fishing industry. The purpose of the trials is to collect scientific and operational information to inform future fisheries management decisions.”
Ms Wood said the strong turnout at the information evening showed there was significant community interest in the proposal, with many attendees wanting more information about the potential impacts on the region.
“While people have different opinions, there seems to be a common feeling that the community wants to be informed and have a voice, and the majority of people I’ve spoken to feel that this is not the right area for them.”
Ms Wood said her concerns centred on protecting the region’s marine environment and ensuring any future decisions were supported by scientific evidence and meaningful community consultation.
“We [the Whitsundays region] rely heavily on healthy marine ecosystems, recreational fishing and tourism, and I think it’s important that any decisions are based on robust science, transparency and genuine community consultation,” she said.
“If there’s any risk of significant impacts on sensitive inshore habitats or species, I believe those risks should be carefully assessed before permanent changes are made.”
Tourism Whitsundays Public Relations and Social Media Manager Rosanagh Gallivan said the organisation had not been formally consulted on the trials but was actively monitoring the issue after concerns were raised by tourism operators and intended to write to Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell to outline those concerns.
“The Whitsundays is the leading destination on the Great Barrier Reef, and our pristine marine environment is at the heart of the visitor experience - it's vital that any decisions affecting it are carefully considered,” Ms Gallivan said.
“Tourism operators have raised concerns with us about the proposed tunnel net trials, and while Tourism Whitsundays has not been formally consulted, we are actively monitoring the issue and will be raising those concerns with the State Government to ensure the tourism industry's perspective is heard.”
Several members of the Inshore Flats Project from across the Mackay and Hinchinbrook regions have also voiced concerns about the tunnel net trials, with charter guides and recreational fishers expressing fears about the potential impact on the region's marine environment and tourism industry.
North Queensland flats charter guide Clint Isaac said he could not understand why the proposal was being considered.
“It blows my mind that the Queensland Government is even considering the introduction of 1.6 kilometre-long nets into the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area,” Mr Isaac said.
Retired North Queensland flats charter guide John Haenke, who witnessed one of last year's tunnel net trials at Bowen, said the experience reinforced his concerns about the proposed fishing method.
“What I saw at Bowen was completely unsustainable – trapped turtles and rays, plus thousands of stressed fish jammed together in a small mesh chamber, including dead and injured fish,” Mr Haenke said.
DPI said the FishLIGHT program would continue evaluating a range of alternative fishing methods and technologies to better understand their operational performance, environmental outcomes and suitability for Queensland fisheries, with data collected through the trials continuing to be analysed ahead of the statewide phase-out of inshore gillnets in June 2027.
“No decisions have been made about any future fisheries management arrangements,” said a spokesperson for DPI.
"Any future consideration of changes would be informed by the available scientific evidence and be subject to the appropriate regulatory processes and stakeholder consultation.”
Neil McGaffin. Photo supplied
After years helping shape the Whitsundays' growth through planning and regional strategy, Neil McGaffin has turned his attention to commercial real estate, joining Taylor's Property Specialists as a consultant agent.
After almost three months with Taylor's Property Specialists, Neil is still new to the real estate industry, but far from new to property.
As a qualified town planner, he spent years in local and state government, with 10 being served right here in the Whitsunday’s, as the council's Director of Regional Strategy and Planning.
Rather than returning to local government after leaving the council, Neil decided to take his knowledge in a different direction. He said he had always enjoyed talking with people about property, development opportunities and investment, making commercial real estate a natural next step to stay in the region he thinks is the best.
"I enjoy talking to people about property developments and opportunities that they might be able to invest in the local area," Neil said.
"I've lived in many different areas across Australia and this is certainly one of the best."
For Neil, selling property is also about showcasing the lifestyle that comes with it, with the region's natural beauty, relaxed way of life and welcoming community often proving just as appealing as the properties themselves.
"The attraction is the area, the lifestyle, the environment, and the housing is what people are searching for to accommodate their budget, so that they can start as part of the community and enjoy what everyone else here knows is pretty spectacular," he said.
For many young footballers, training means a short drive across town.
For Lilliana Knight, it meant spending years travelling more than 1,200 kilometres every week while balancing school, training and competition.
The latest instalment of Whitsunday Regional Council's Home Grown: Future Olympians video series showcases one of the region's brightest young football talents and the determination required to pursue elite sport from regional Queensland.
Lilliana first discovered her love of football playing socially at primary school before joining the Proserpine Taipans. She later progressed through Airlie Beach Football Club before earning selection in the Football Queensland Whitsunday Coast Academy, where her family made the journey from Conway to Mackay several times each week for training and competition.
As her talent continued to develop, so too did the opportunities and the sacrifices required to pursue them.
Representing Queensland, captaining teams at national championships, competing in senior women's competitions while still in her early teens and travelling across Queensland became part of everyday life.
At just 15 years of age, Lilliana made one of the biggest decisions of her young career, moving away from her family to Brisbane to pursue greater football opportunities.
She earned selection in the National Premier League Women's Under 23 squad with North Lakes United FC, joined the Murrumba State Secondary College Football Academy and continues to compete at one of Queensland's highest levels while completing her senior schooling.
Now in Year 11, Lilliana continues to chase her Olympic dream. This year she helped the Metropolitan North School Sport team win the Queensland 16–18 Years State Championship in Townsville, while her North Lakes United FC Under 23 side has remainedundefeated through the opening 14 rounds of the season.
She also continues to mentor younger players as an assistant coach, giving back to the sport that has helped shape her journey.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said Lilliana's journey demonstrated the determination and resilience of regional athletes.
"Lilliana's story is one of extraordinary commitment. Behind every representative jersey and every milestone are countless hours on the road, family sacrifices and the courage to leave home at just 15 years of age to pursue her dream. She is an outstanding role model for young athletes across the Whitsundays."
Mayor Collins said stories like Lilliana's reinforced why Council continued to advocate for the Whitsundays to become the home of Olympic and Paralympic sailing and secure a lasting sporting legacy for the region.
"The Olympic and Paralympic Games are about much more than two weeks of competition. They're about inspiring the next generation and creating opportunities that allow young athletes to achieve their dreams closer to home.
Lilliana has shown what regional talent can achieve, and that's exactly why we're continuing to fight for legacy infrastructure that will benefit young people across the Whitsundays for decades to come."
Campaign media partner, Whitsunday Life Editor Rachael Smith, said the series was about telling the stories behind the success of local athletes.
"Too often we only hear about athletes once they've reached the top. This series reminds us that every sporting success begins with years of dedication, sacrifice and community support.
“Lilliana's story is incredibly inspiring and we're proud to help share the journeys of these talented young Whitsunday athletes as they chase their Olympic dreams."
Lilliana's story is the second profile in Council's Home Grown: Future Olympians campaign, which celebrates young local athletes while showcasing the Whitsundays as a region capable of producing future Olympians and Paralympians.
The series recognises not only the athletes, but also the families, coaches, volunteers and communities whose support helps turn big dreams into reality.
Because Olympic and Paralympic dreams don't start on the podium.
They start right here in the Whitsundays.
Libraries Are More Than Books. They're Where We Meet.
By Richard Evans, President of Whitsundays Writers Festival
Ask a child what a library is for, and they'll likely say books. Ask an adult, and you might get the same answer. Both are right. Neither goes far enough.
A library is a room full of doors. Every spine on every shelf opens onto somewhere else; a different century, a different mind, a different way of seeing the world. Take a child into that room, let them run a finger along the covers, let them choose something simply because the title caught their eye, and you've done something no worksheet or screen can replicate. You've handed them the first key to their own imagination. That moment, small, unremarkable, repeated in libraries every day, is one of the most important things we do for the next generation.
But that's only half the story.
Walk into any of our four Whitsunday Regional Council libraries on an ordinary weekday and you'll see it isn't only children turning pages. There are retirees doing the crossword together. Job seekers using the computers. New parents at storytime, swapping tips as much as picking up picture books. Someone quietly working through a form with a staff member who knows exactly which shelf, which website, or which government department to point them toward. The library has become one of the last places in town where you can simply be, without needing to buy something to justify staying.
That's the part we too often overlook. Libraries aren't just repositories of information. They're meeting places. Among the few genuinely public ones left. And the staff, who can help you track down that one specific book you half-remember or the exact piece of information you need, are as much a part of that community fabric as the shelves themselves.
This is why the Whitsundays Writers Festival is proud to bring our libraries into the heart of this year's program. As part of Stories by the Sea, on Saturday 13 September from 3pm to 4.30pm, Whitsunday Regional Council Libraries will join local authors, a community book swap, artists displaying their work, and a sausage sizzle for an afternoon that is, in miniature, exactly what a library should be: stories, conversation, and community, side by side.
There will be no lecture on the importance of reading. There doesn't need to be. Just bring the kids, browse the swap table, meet a local author, grab a sausage in bread, and let the afternoon make the case for itself.
Libraries have always done two jobs at once. Holding our stories and bringing us together to share them. On 13th September, we're simply making that second job a little more visible.
Visit your local library branch during, Library and Information Week (27th July–2nd August), and you may discover more than you expect.
For details on Stories by the Sea and the full Whitsundays Writers Festival program visit www.whitsundayswriters.com
Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition
When: Exhibition Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach
Discover 85 artworks by 66 artists exploring the theme Beyond Beauty. Now in its third year, this popular exhibition has become a Festival highlight, celebrating the region's creative talent.
Community Gallery
Where: 192 Main Street, Proserpine
When: Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 4.00pm | Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Featuring a rotating collection of local artwork, the gallery is refreshed monthly, ensuring every visit offers something new to discover.
Community Creative Space
Where: Bendigo Community Bank branch, Whitsunday Plaza, Cannonvale
When: Monday to Friday, 9:30am–4:00pm (closed 1pm–2pm for lunch)
The Whitsundays Writers Festival’s Heart Awards Poetry Prize has closed its 2026 entry period with over 70 submissions from poets across Australia, a result that reflects the competition’s rapidly growing standing on the national literary calendar.
Entries arrived from every state and territory, spanning a remarkable breadth of styles and subject matter. From tightly crafted lyric poems to narrative ballads, comic verse, and formally experimental work.
Poets wrote on themes ranging from family and memory to landscape, migration, ageing, and the natural world, with several entrants drawing directly on the Whitsundays for inspiration.
“What’s struck us most this year is the sheer range,” said Richard Evans, Festival Program Director. “We’ve had entries that would sit comfortably in any major national anthology alongside deeply personal, place-rooted work that could only have been written by someone who knows the Whitsundays. That diversity, arriving from right across the country, tells us something important: poets around Australia are now watching what happens here.”
The judging process now underway has been designed to ensure every entry, regardless of style or form, is assessed fairly on its own merits. Rather than pitting a gentle bush ballad against an experimental free-verse piece, judges are applying a consistent, criteria-based framework across all 74 entries: purpose and coherence, technical craft, originality of voice, and emotional or intellectual impact. Each poem is scored independently against these standards before any comparison between entries takes place, a deliberate step to guard against the kind of style bias that can creep into literary judging.
“We wanted a process that was rigorous enough to stand up to scrutiny, but flexible enough to honour what each poet was actually trying to do,” Richard said. “A poem that sets out to tell a story shouldn’t be marked down for not being a tight lyric, and vice versa. Fairness means judging each work by its own ambitions.”
The competition will now proceed through two further stages before a winner is announced. A longlist will be released in coming weeks, followed by a shortlist as judging moves into its final round, with the eventual winners announced at the Whitsundays Writers Festival.
Celebrating local creativity, connection, and community
Whitsundays Writers Festival Richard Evans Festival Director and President hello@whitsundayswriters.com
Tickets are selling fast for the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, 13 September! Secure your spot now at whitsundayswriters.com/2026-programme-speakers
Creative Connections Whitsunday Glenda Brown President info@creativeconnectionwhitsunday.com
Creative Connections Whitsundays supports and celebrates the region's arts community by creating opportunities for artists to connect, exhibit, learn, and thrive through partnerships, cultural events, and creative programs.
Get in touch! If you would like to submit a poem, creative writing piece, profile suggestion, event information, or share your creative story, please contact hello@whitsundayswriters.com
If Gibbs' eyes don't stop you in your tracks, then we don't know what will. This striking 12 month old Arab cross has the most beautiful, soulful eyes we have ever seen and behind them is one of the gentlest, friendliest souls in our care.
Gibbs has been with us for a while now and we need someone to choose him today.
He is still very much finding his feet and blossoming into the dog he is meant to be. A real home, a consistent routine, and someone in his corner is all this boy needs to truly shine. He has so much potential and so much love to give to the right family.
He is not asking for much. Just someone to say yes to him.
Could that be you?
To adopt Gibbs send a DM to the Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Facebook page with your name and phone number.
About Gibbs
Breed: Arab cross
Age: 12 months
Desexed, vaccinated and all vet work up to date
Contributed with thanks by Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue
Dale Last MP and Former president for the Bowen Seagulls, Darren Piggott.
Dale Last MP is reminding Bowen residents and the wider Burdekin electorate that the Play On! initiative is set to help more than 2,200 children across the region be a part of local sport through the Sports Vouchers program.
Accessible across the Whitsundays, the initiative aims to reduce the cost of junior sports for families, and will see 2,256 vouchers redeemed through 50 registered activity providers across the Burdekin during the previous round.
With the latest round of Play On! Sports Vouchers opening this week, the funding arrives as winter sporting competitions are underway and families continue to juggle the cost of participation.
“Despite soccer, rugby league and netball holding the highest number of voucher participants across the state, with Burdekin’s 50 listed sport clubs, there are certainly plenty of opportunities for kids to get involved in a summer or winter sport,” Mr Last said.
“Basically, if a child is aged between 5 and 17, and is named on a Medicare card then they are eligible.”
The program has also been given long-term certainty, with the Queensland Government committing $62.5 million a year over the next four years to continue supporting grassroots sports participation in regional communities.
“By providing this real cost of living relief, the Crisafulli Government is getting more kids playing sports and a continuation of the success the Burdekin has already seen on the national and international sporting stages,” Mr Last said.
“This is a real cost of living relief that is getting kids active, supporting local clubs, and backing families in our community.”
Proserpine Mill processed 75,870 tonnes of cane for the week ending July 18th, with throughput above budget and bringing the season total to 347,316 tonnes.
Average weekly CCS came in above budget, at 14.24 units.The highest CCS sample for the week was 16.35 units, from a rake of Q208 plant cane in the Lethebrook productivity district.
Last week saw a welcome rise in bin weights with a weekly average of 9.52 tonnes, with Thursday recording an average of 9.72 tonnes of cane per bin for the day’s loading.
Motorists are reminded to look out for cane trains and only cross cane rail lines at designated crossings.
Get ready to build it, float it, and race it the Recyclable Regatta on 2nd August at the Airlie Beach Foreshore! Photo source: Great Barrier Reef Festival
The Great Barrier Reef Festival will wrap up in spectacular style when the much-loved Recyclable Regatta returns to the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Sunday 2nd August, bringing a splash of creativity, friendly competition and plenty of laughs to the water.
Following a morning of free entertainment and reef-inspired activities at the Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day, festival-goers can head to the shoreline to cheer on teams as they paddle homemade rafts around the course using nothing but recyclable materials and determination.
One of the festival's most popular traditions, the regatta challenges schools, community groups, tourism operators, businesses and groups of friends to design and build seaworthy rafts from recycled items before racing them around the foreshore in front of cheering crowds.
From quirky raft designs and pirate costumes to dramatic sink-or-swim moments, the event is known as much for its humour as its ingenuity, with creativity often proving just as important as speed.
This year, festival organisers are encouraging even more local businesses to join the action, turning the regatta into the ultimate team-building challenge where bragging rights are on the line alongside prizes.
The competition features divisions for children, teenagers, adults and local businesses, making it an event the whole community can enjoy, whether on the water or watching from the beach.
The regatta follows the popular Family Fun Day, which offers interactive reef-themed activities, educational displays, games, circus workshops, face painting and live entertainment, ensuring there's plenty happening across the foreshore before the racing begins.
With colourful costumes, imaginative creations and plenty of community spirit, the Recyclable Regatta promises a fun-filled finale that perfectly captures the festival's celebration of the Great Barrier Reef, sustainability and the vibrant Whitsundays community.
Living in the Whitsundays, we all know natural disasters are a matter of when not if.
Whether it's a cyclone, flooding, bushfires or severe weather, we've proven time and again what our community is made of. We roll up our sleeves, look after our neighbours and get on with the job of rebuilding. That's the Whitsunday way.
Last week I joined five other Queensland mayors in Melbourne to deliver one simple message on behalf of our communities: don't weaken the disaster funding arrangements regional Queensland relies on.
Between us, we travelled more than 16,000 kilometres because this matters.
The Whitsundays is one of Australia's premier tourism destinations. Tourism keeps local businesses open, puts food on family tables and supports thousands of local jobs. It's also why recovering quickly after a disaster is so important.
Repairing roads, parks and public facilities is only part of the job. Just as important is restoring confidence. We need people to know the Whitsundays is open, safe and ready to welcome them back.
If confidence disappears, visitors stay away. If visitors stay away, businesses hurt and local jobs are put at risk.
The current disaster recovery arrangements have helped communities like ours bounce back after events such as Cyclone Debbie and, more recently, Cyclone Kirrily. They allow councils to restore essential infrastructure quickly and help communities get back on their feet sooner.
That quick recovery is becoming even more important as we look ahead to our role as the Home of Olympic and Paralympic Sailing for Brisbane 2032. The world will be watching our region over the coming years, and we need to know that when the next disaster comes, and it inevitably will, we have a recovery system that gets us back on our feet quickly.
This isn't about politics. It's about standing up for regional Queensland and making sure communities like ours aren't left worse off because of where we live.
I'll always back the Whitsundays and continue working alongside councils across Queensland to protect the funding that helps our communities recover, supports local businesses and keeps people in local jobs.
Because when disaster strikes, getting back on our feet quickly isn't just important, it's essential. That's what our community deserves, and that's what I'll keep fighting for.
Running a business means there is always something competing for your attention – customers to serve, teams to support, problems to solve and decisions to make.
So why take a day away from the business?
Because the right conversations, ideas and connections can help you work on your business, not just in it.
The 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference has been designed for business owners and leaders who want practical insights they can take back to the workplace – from improving cash flow and building stronger teams, to using technology smarter and creating opportunities for growth.
Rather than theory or presentations that sit on a shelf, the program focuses on real challenges businesses are facing right now.
For businesses navigating workforce pressures, Creating Teams That Speak Up, Contribute & Innovate session with Michele Tocci will explore how leaders can create workplaces where people feel confident to contribute, share ideas and perform at their best. Attendees will gain practical strategies to strengthen trust, engagement, and retention.
For owners who feel like they’re working harder than ever but not seeing the return, Busy but broke? Profitable on paper but short on cash? With Gus Walsgott from the Small Business Financial Counselling Service North Queensland will unpack the financial traps that can catch out even successful businesses. The session will explore cash flow warning signs, profitability, and simple strategies to build stronger financial foundations.
Looking to improve your visibility and attract more customers? Your Brand in Action, featuring Tolita Dukes (8 Seconds) and Melissa Ardern (The Creek Whitsundays), will share practical insights into marketing, AI, visibility and what is currently working for regional businesses.
The day will finish with the Conference Long Lunch, proudly supported by Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine – an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, connect with other business owners, discover new suppliers, and explore resources that can support your business.
Featuring business exhibitor showcases, activations and networking opportunities, the Long Lunch is designed to create valuable conversations beyond the conference sessions.
If you’re looking for practical ideas, fresh perspectives, and connections that can help your business move forward, the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference is a day worth making time for.
Full program and tickets online: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/whitsundays-business-conference/
Allan Milostic, Gus Walsgott, Adrian Bram and Clay Bauman. Photo Credit: Zach Houtenville.
Whitsundays businesses came together at Club Whitsunday last Thursday morning to hear practical tips on managing workplace issues and reducing risk.
Hosted by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the final Business Breakfast of the year, the event brought local professionals together to network and hear from workplace investigator Jason King, Director of Regional Queensland Investigations.
Drawing on decades of investigative experience, Jason is a former Australian Federal Police Federal Agent and Victoria Police officer.
Throughout his career, he has investigated workplace misconduct, fraud, bullying and harassment complaints, corporate risk, cyber-related matters and other sensitive organisational inquiries across both the public and private sectors.
Jason outlined the stages these matters typically progress through, covering escalation, early warning signs, common mistakes, procedural fairness and evidence, when issues should be handled internally or referred externally, and the steps organisations should take in the first 24 hours.
Using real Queensland case studies, he showed how seemingly minor workplace issues can quickly escalate when handled poorly, highlighting the value of acting early, documenting concerns properly and making decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions.
Jason said businesses are better off dealing with concerns early, encouraging workplaces where staff feel comfortable speaking up before small issues become bigger ones.
Dianna with her daughter. Photos supplied: Queensland Police.
Nearly three decades after Bowen woman Dianne Angwin was murdered in her home, detectives have renewed their search for information, doubling the reward to $500,000 as a cold case review and new forensic testing breathe new life into the investigation.
Dianne Angwin moved to Bowen from Victoria in 1995. Following the breakdown of her marriage, she moved in with her friend Edith “Edie” Lay.
Just over 2 years later, around 12.30am on December 2nd, Edie reported being woken by an unknown man standing over her bed with one hand covering her mouth and a knife in the other.
Dianne appeared at the bedroom doorway before running from the intruder, who chased after her. Moments later, she was fatally stabbed in the neck. A neighbour rushed Dianne to Bowen Base Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
What followed was an investigation that saw police obtaining over 100 witness statements. A closer look at the home left police with no signs of forced entry or disturbance, with no property reported stolen.
The reward for information leading evidence for who might be responsible has increased from $250,000 to $500,000. Detectives from the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team have begun new forensic testing on evidence collected from the scene and will re-interview witnesses and persons of interest in Bowen, Cairns and Victoria.
“Dianne’s housemate, Edie, died in 2022. As part of our review, police have identified witnesses who Edie confided in, confirming she knew the identity of the man and had not told police at the time of the offence as she was scared for her own safety,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said.
“We would also like to speak to anyone who has information regarding a relationship Dianne was involved in with a local married man, who had been seen at her unit.
“Information suggests that around the time of Dianne’s murder, she was actively encouraging him to leave his wife so that they could overtly continue the relationship.
“There are people out there with information. Relationships and loyalties change, and I would encourage anyone with information, big or small, to contact police.
Bowen residents with information relevant to Dianne’s Murder are encouraged to attend mobile police facilities and talk with investigators. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
The Whitsunday Wind Farm Action Group with Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox. The group campaigned against wind farm projects proposed close to Proserpine, some of which are still ongoing. Photo supplied
By Ruandi Van der Merwe
Alinta Energy has officially pulled plans to build wind turbines across the southern zone of its proposed Mt Challenger Wind Farm project, marking a major turning point for the local community after nine months of intense advocacy.
Following six months of LIDAR wind monitoring in the southern area of the proposed project, Alinta Energy have concluded that the wind resource in this area is not strong enough to support turbines, ultimately causing the cancellation of the plans.
"The southern part of the Mount Challenger wind farm does not have sufficient amount of wind in order to progress with the project development in the southern part of the project around Kelsey Creek," Alinta Energy General Manager Development Andres Maasing stated.
“And what that would mean is as a result of those assessments and studies we will be focusing all of our efforts for the wind farm on the northern part.”
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP has welcomed confirmation from Alinta Energy that proposed wind turbines will be removed from the southern portion of the Mt Challenger Wind Farm project, having advocated for the Whitsunday Wind Farm Action Groupover the previous months.
Ms Camm described the decision as a significant win for Kelsey Creek residents and the wider Whitsunday community.
“This outcome belongs to the residents, landowners and neighbours who came together, raised their concerns and refused to let their voices be ignored,” Ms Camm said.
“While assessments are continuing for the northern area of the Mt Challenger project, today’s announcement demonstrates the importance of genuine community engagement.
“I will continue to stand with our community and advocate for renewable energy projects to be placed in appropriate locations - with proper consideration for local residents, productive agricultural land and our environment.”
Ms Camm is inviting members of the community to celebrate the removal of the southern section of the proposed Mt Challenger Wind Farm with a community BBQ on Sunday, 2nd August at the Peter Faust Dam BBQ area.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox also praised the dedication of local residents standing together to protect the region’s natural landscape.
“This outcome is a testament to the incredible strength and unity of our local community,” Mr Willcox said.
“When everyday people stand up, attend meetings, and demand better for their area, energy proponents and governments are forced to listen.”
While welcoming the removal of turbines from the proposed location, Mr Willcox noted that Alinta Energy is continuing feasibility assessments on the northern portion of the site.
“While we celebrate this victory today, we cannot afford to be complacent,” He stated.
Alysha Lee, a local farmer whose property sits adjacent to the scrapped southern site, has been leading the community action group opposing the wind farm. She described the news as a massive milestone for families who felt blindsided when the project was first unveiled last year.
"This is a very significant deal for our community today," Ms Lee said.
"Our family was two weeks away from moving back into our renovated farmhouse when we got this letter in the mail telling us about this elusive Mt Challenger wind farm.
“We haven't enjoyed a single day in our newly renovated house without the threat of a wind farm encroaching on our home."
The community campaign gathered more than 6,000 petition signatures and secured backing from local, state, and federal representatives.
"The community has had to fight incredibly hard over the past nine months to make sure our voice was heard," Ms Lee added.
"To have local advice tell us to strap in for two to three years, and to achieve this in nine months, is huge. It's a moment to take a breath and breathe."
Alinta Energy will continue with its ongoing assessments for the northern area of the Mt Challenger proposal, and has stated it will listen closely to the Whitsunday community throughout the feasibility stage of the project.
The tragedy that forever changed the Whitsundays was honoured this Sunday 26th July, as a permanent memorial to the four Australian Army soldiers killed in the Bushman 83 helicopter crash was unveiled at Shute Harbour lookout before their families, Defencepersonnel and the wider community.
The Bushman 83 Memorial stands overlooking the waters where the Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan crashed during Exercise Talisman Sabre on July 28th 2023, claiming the lives of Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer II Phillip Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs.
The unveiling, dedication and blessing of the Memorial brought together representatives from each of the four soldiers' families.
Alongside them was Governor of Queensland Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, State Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm, Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins, veterans, serving defensepersonnel, first responders and members of the wider Whitsunday community.
“It was an incredibly moving moment that puts into perspective the immense, lasting sacrifice borne by the families left behind,” said Andrew Willcox MP on Facebook.
Operation Pilgrimage group approached the Whitsundays Regional Council over a year ago, in hopes of placing the memorial in its rightful home.
"The location is symbolic, it's in the Whitsundays, which is where the accident happened,” Allan said.
“If we put it down in Canberra or somewhere over the aviation hangar in Sale, Victoria, forget it."
Operation Pilgrimage was established more than 30 years ago by former military personnel with the aim of preserving Australia's military heritage and those who have been lost, permanently cementing their memories in places of historical significance.
The Bushman 83 Memorial is the group's 45th project, with Allan and the team making multiple reconnaissance trips to the Whitsundays to select the site.
While he commended the council for its cooperation and teamwork in bringing the project to life, he said his foremost priority was ensuring the memorial did justice to the four soldiers and the families who continue to carry the weight of their loss.
“I've met all of them, spoken to them all and they all knew what I wanted to do,” Allan said.
"One of the things that you can't control is how things are with the relatives, the wives, the fathers, that was a real concern."
Considerable care was also taken to ensure each of the four soldiers was given equal prominence on the memorial, regardless of rank.
Allan said the men had lives and responsibilities beyond their military service.
“They were not only career soldiers, but they were family men,” he said.
“They had children, they had a house, they had all the normal things that every young couple has.”
The Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade are banding together to repair vandalism to their station following an incident of theft that is thought to have occurred in the early hours of Friday 17th July. As well as damage to the property, a self-funded ATV was stolen destroyed, later discovered abandoned near Bowen River.
Nick Ianni. Photo sourced: Taylor’s Property Specialists.
Growing up on a cattle station in country New South Wales taught Nick Ianni the value of hard work. Now based in the Whitsundays, he is applying that same mindset to his role with Taylors Property Specialists.
Working as both a sales agent and personal assistant to principal Rob Taylor, Nick divides his time between helping clients navigate the buying and selling process, managing contracts and paperwork, and continuing to build his own client base.
“We genuinely take the time to help our clients as much as possible, supporting them from their first enquiry right through to settlement,” Nick said.
“We also try to go beyond that by maintaining the relationship well after the sale has been completed.”
Nick’s interest in real estate began soon after leaving school. He completed his New South Wales real estate qualifications in 2020 before spending time working on his family’s cattle station in regional New South Wales.
He relocated to the Whitsundays in 2025 to join the Taylors team, bringing with him a strong country work ethic and quickly embracing the local property market.
While every home is different, Nick believes it is the lifestyle that truly sets Whitsunday properties apart.
“Every property here has its own unique characteristics and features, but they all offer some part of the Whitsunday lifestyle,” he said.
“Whether you have sweeping sea views or you’re only a few minutes from town but surrounded by nature and privacy, that variety is what makes property in the Whitsundays so special.”
Rob Harris Principal, Aunty Jo Nicol, Mary-Ellen Kusu, Dastan Kusu, Jack Tanna, Kala Auda and Abbie Paul. Photo supplied
Bowen State High School wrapped up its NAIDOC Week celebrations with a day of culture, community and connection, bringing students and their families together to mark the 50 years of deadly.
The day began with an official ceremony featuring a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Uncle Jimmy Gaston, followed by a contemporary cultural dance performed by students.
A flag-raising ceremony and speeches from Havana Power and Kala Auda were followed by Principal Robert Harris' address, where he reflected on this year's theme, 50 years of deadly.
The school then recognised students whose achievements embodied the spirit of this year's NAIDOC Week celebrations. Principal Robert Harris presented the Aunty Cecelia Upkett Academic Achievement Awards to Dastan Kusu and Mary-Ellen Kusu.
Then newly appointed Police Liaison Officer Abbie Paul delivered a heartfelt speech about her father, Darryl Paul, before presenting the citizenship awards named in his honour to Jack Tanna and Kala Auda.
The school carried the celebration into the rest of the day, with students taking part in a range of cultural activities.
They tried coconut palm weaving and scratch art, learnt about influential Indigenous Australians, played traditional Indigenous games and joined dance workshops. Students and staff also shared Torres Strait Islander food and NAIDOC cake to round out the day's festivities.
By Glenda Brown, President Creative Connections Whitsunday
When you buy a piece of local art, you're taking home much more than something beautiful. You're supporting a local artist, celebrating creativity, and helping build a vibrant arts community that benefits everyone.
Across the Whitsundays, artists capture the landscapes, wildlife, people and stories that make our region unique. Through painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, textiles, glass and other mediums, they create works that reflect a genuine sense of place -- something no mass-produced souvenir can replicate.
At any one time, around 30 artists exhibit their work at the Creative Connections Whitsundays Community Gallery (Proserpine) and Creative Space at the Bendigo Community Bank (Cannonvale).
Each artwork represents countless hours of creativity, skill and dedication. For artists, every sale is not only financial support but also recognition that their work has connected with someone and found a new home.
Supporting local artists also has a wider impact on our community. Since the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibitions in 2024 and 2025, and the opening of the Community Gallery, more than $20,000 has been paid directly to local artists. That'smoney flowing back into our community, helping artists keep creating.
With more than one million visitors travelling to the Whitsundays each year, original local artwork provides an authentic connection to the region. Whether it's a painting inspired by the reef, a handcrafted ceramic piece, or a striking photograph, each work carries a story and a lasting memory of this special place.
Community galleries, exhibitions, markets, and retailers make these connections possible. They provide opportunities for artists to share their work, for visitors and locals to discover new talent, and for creativity to become part of everyday community life.
Whether you're purchasing your first artwork, adding to a collection, or simply visiting an exhibition, supporting local artists is an investment in the creative future of our region—one that enriches our community for years to come.
Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition
When:
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach
Discover 85 outstanding artworks by 66 artists, each exploring the theme, Beyond Beauty. Now in its third year, the exhibition has become one of the cultural highlights of the Festival. Creative Connections Whitsundays gratefully acknowledges the Whitsunday Sailing Club for hosting the exhibition and thanks our generous sponsors for helping make this annual celebration of regional arts possible.
Community Gallery
Where: 192 Main Street, Proserpine
When: Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 4.00pm and Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm
The gallery is not a permanent collection. Each month, exhibiting artists refresh their displays and new artists join the gallery. Every visit offers something different to discover. Thanks to the Whitsunday Regional Council for helping facilitate the Community Art Gallery.
Community Creative Space
Where: Bendigo Community Bank branch, Whitsunday Plaza, Cannonvale
When: Monday to Friday, 9:30am–4:00pm (closed 1pm–2pm for lunch)
Some artworks tell a story through paint. Others tell a story through the people who create them.
One of the finalists in this year's Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition is TARTS Tree, a remarkable collaborative textile artwork created by the Textile Arts (TARTS) group from Hideaway Bay.
More than 20 artists contributed to the piece, each bringing their own creativity, skills and personality to the finished work.
The TARTS have been meeting for more than 15 years, bringing together Whitsunday locals and seasonal residents who share a passion for textile art. Their tree is a celebration of both nature and community.
The artwork began as a simple sketch of a stylised tree before being transferred onto stabilised wool. From there, every member played a part. Leaves, birds and insects were individually wet felted, embroidered, and stitched by hand. The sky and bushland were dry felted into the background, while the tree trunk and branches were carefully constructed using donated wool from Proserpine Chat and Patch. Even the hanging system became a community effort, with a local hairdresser creating the macramé hanger and a local woodworker crafting the timber end caps.
The Brush Turkeys, lovingly shaped by hand, add another distinctly Australian touch.
TARTS Tree is a reminder that creativity has the power to connect people. It represents countless hours of shared conversation, laughter, learning and craftsmanship, resulting in an artwork that is far greater than the sum of its parts.
See TARTS Tree and more than 80 finalist artworks at the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition.
Celebrating local creativity, connection, and community
Whitsundays Writers Festival
Richard Evans
Festival Director and President
hello@whitsundayswriters.com
Tickets are selling fast for the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, 13 September! Secure your spot now at whitsundayswriters.com/2026-programme-speakers
Creative Connections Whitsunday
Glenda Brown
President
info@creativeconnectionwhitsunday.com
Creative Connections Whitsundays supports and celebrates the region's arts community by creating opportunities for artists to connect, exhibit, learn, and thrive through partnerships, cultural events, and creative programs.
Get in touch!
If you would like to submit a poem, creative writing piece, profile suggestion, event information, or share your creative story, please contact hello@whitsundayswriters.com
Young Arab cross Gibbs is ready to find the loving forever home he deserves. Photo sourced: Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue.
For a young dog like Gibbs, the future is full of possibilities. All this 12-month-old Arab cross needs is someone willing to give him a chance at a happy home.
Friendly by nature and eager to make you like him, Gibbs is still discovering the world. Like many young dogs, he's finding his way, figuring it out as he goes. The most valuable thing for him is a loving home with patience, guidance and a consistent routine will help him grow into a confident and loyal companion.
Quiet and humble at first, Gibbs doesn't take long to come out of his shell. Once playtime begins, his fun-loving personality shines through, and his photogenic face is sure to win over anyone lucky enough to meet him.
Desexed, vaccinated and up to date with his veterinary care, Gibbs is ready to start the next chapter of his life.
If you think Gibbs could be the perfect addition to your family, contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue by direct messaging your name, phone number and "Gibbs" to begin the adoption process.
Project Leaders Dr Lindsay Simpson and Dr Rachael Smith. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
The Whitsunday Conservation Council recently gave the community its first look at an ambitious new digital trail designed to help visitors discover the hidden stories of the Whitsundays, at a Green Drinks evening event.
The evening brought community members together for a presentation on the Heart of the Reef Discovery Trail, with project leaders Dr Lindsay Simpson and Dr Rachael Smith outlining how the interactive experience will connect people with the region's natural and cultural landscapes.
“It was so good to get it out there and we know we've been working on it behind the scenes for so long,” Dr Simpson said.
“To get all the feedback that we did tonight was excellent.”
Designed as a self-guided digital experience, the Heart of the Reef Discovery Trail will give tourists and locals alike the chance to look deeper into the scenery, revealing the stories that make the area so special.
Through QR codes placed at locations across the region, users will be able to access interactive content exploring local ecosystems, wildlife, history and conservation efforts before continuing their journey.
Organisers hope the trail will give visitors another reason to explore the region.
"It will encourage longer stays, helping people discover more things we've got to do in town," Dr Simpson said.
Dr Smith said the trail was also about helping people better understand the environment around them and why it matters.
"I think education is such an important part of conserving anything," she said.
"By connecting those environments with people, particularly the things they value, we can help them realise those things are actually connected to these ecosystems."
Dale Last at last year’s Don River Dash. Photo supplied: Mikayla Colquhoun.
Bowen’s Don River Dash has received a $20,000 boost through the Government’s Homegrown Destination Event Fund, helping strengthen the off-road motorsport event’s reputation as a major tourism drawcard.
Member for Burdekin Dale Last has welcomed the funding for the event which had cemented itself on the national motorsport calendar.
“There is no other event in Queensland like the Don River Dash, bringing together more than 5000 visitors to the Bowen region for an exhilarating off-road endurance race along the riverbed of the Don River,” Mr Last said.
“The Don River Dash is more than a race - it’s a celebration of community, adrenaline, and
Queensland’s rugged beauty. And it’s an event that the Crisafulli Government is proud to support and one that I am proud to support as the local member.”
“It’s events like this that drive our regional tourism and bring real, tangible results for Bowen including a $3.8 million injection into the local economy.”
Mr Last said supporting homegrown events like the Don River Dash was part of the Government's 2045 plan towards making Bowen a long-term tourism destination.
“Queensland is fast becoming the events capital of Australia, and we’re investing in more
homegrown events to keep that momentum going,” Mr Last said.
“With something for everyone, events like the Don River Dash will once again be a standout
experience for locals and visitors alike.
“We said we would deliver through Destination 2045 — and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Dale Last has praised the local community’s advocacy to preserve the Bowen Jetty. Photo supplied: Mikayla Colquhoun.
Progress has been made on plans to replace one of the region’s most recognisable landmarks, Bowen Jetty, with Member for Burdekin Dale Last welcoming the acknowledgement of its economic and historical significance.
Mr Last said the Bowen community’s advocacy to preserve the Bowen Jetty was commendable, with the project now due to take its next steps.
“Across the years the Bowen Jetty has provided recreational access for residents and visitors while supporting operations associated with the nearby Port of Abbot Point, however ongoing deterioration has meant the iconic infrastructure has reached its end of service life,” Mr Last said.
“The broad ranging economic benefits for the Bowen region cannot be understated, from supporting the tourism economy to the maintenance and maritime small businesses who rely on its ability to support towage operations.”
“I have been proud to stand with the Bowen community and advocate for a wharf they can be proud of and know it continues to support their economy each and every day.”
Mr Last said the positive steps in the redevelopment of the Bowen Jetty went hand in hand with
progress on the Bowen Boat Harbour Master Plan and capped off a more-than-decade-long fight to better shape the future of Bowen’s foreshore.
“The Master Plan is the missing piece when it comes to the Bowen foreshore precinct. It is absolutely essential that the redevelopment of the jetty and upgrades of the foreshore tie into any redevelopment at the harbour, and vice versa, so we end up with the best result possible,” Mr Last said.
“This is an opportunity to transform the entire foreshore area into an oasis for locals and tourists alike less than 1km from the Bowen CBD. It’s about realising Bowen’s potential when it comes to economic development and job creation.”
Gregory Reinke launched his dentistry career at Kylie's Family Dental in Bowen. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
One Bowen local’s journey from university graduate to practicing dentist has led them home, back to the community that first inspired a career in oral health.
Back in January, Gregory Reinke started his first official practice work at Kylie's Family Dental, working within a team he knew he wanted to be a part of.
"I find that the work that is done here is both reliable and honest,” Dr Reinke said.
“I had done work experience at this clinic multiple times, had shadowed Kylie and seen the type of work she does.
“It's exactly the work I would like to do."
Dr Reinke grew up in Bowen, and from Year 8 he knew he wanted to become a dentist.
This ambition never wavered, leading him to study a Bachelor of Dental Surgery at James Cook University.
Dr Reinke completed his work clinical placements in Townsville and Proserpine before returning to Bowen, where he looks to continue honing his craft, while delivering excellent oral care.
“Since it's so early in my career, I still think there's still plenty for me to learn,” Dr Reinke said.
“In the last six months, I feel like I'm a different clinician, which has a lot to do with the support from Dr. Kylie.”
When it comes to oral health, Gregory recommends rinsing your mouth after consuming sugary or acidic food and drinks.
“I know every dentist is going to tell you to brush and floss, you can also rinse your mouth after you've had anything sugary or acidic,” Dr Reinke said.
“It can make a huge difference.”
One of the things I love most about living in the Whitsundays is the way our community always comes together when it matters most.
Whether it's lending a hand after a storm, supporting a local sporting club, volunteering at community events or digging deep for a worthy cause, generosity is simply part of who we are. It's what makes our region such a special place to call home.
This Saturday night, that community spirit will once again be on full display at the Mayor's Charity Ball at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.
While the evening promises to be a fantastic celebration filled with great food, entertainment and plenty of fun, the real purpose is much bigger than a night out. It's about supporting a service that none of us ever hope to need, but one we are incredibly grateful is there when lives are on the line.
BMA CQ Rescue provides a vital lifeline across the Whitsundays and surrounding regions. Whether responding to serious road crashes, workplace incidents, medical emergencies, rescues at sea or emergencies on our islands, their highly skilled crews are there when every second counts.
Living in a region as diverse and expansive as ours, we understand just how important that rapid response capability is. Quite simply, lives are saved because of the work they do.
The Mayor's Charity Ball is our community's opportunity to give something back.
Every ticket purchased, every auction bid, every raffle ticket and every donation helps ensure CQ Rescue can continue delivering this lifesaving service to the people of our region.
I want to sincerely thank our sponsors, volunteers, organising committee and everyone attending on Saturday night. Events like this simply wouldn't happen without your generosity and commitment to our community.
Whether you're joining us at the Ball or simply supporting the cause from afar, thank you.
The Whitsundays has always been a community that looks after its own. I'm confident this year's Mayor's Charity Ball will once again showcase that incredible spirit and make a real difference for a service that is there for all of us, whenever we need it most.
Allan Milostic. Photo supplied: Julia Evans.
We’ve officially kicked off event season, and there’s a fantastic few months ahead for the Whitsundays.
From the recent Between the Tides Music Festival, through to the Airlie Beach Marathon Festival, Triathlon Festival, Great Barrier Reef Festival, Airlie Beach Race Week and Hamilton Island Race Week, our region is once again showcasing everything that makes the Whitsundays such an incredible place to live, work and visit.
And the excitement continues, with Whitsunday Trail Fest, Whitsundays Writers Festival, and Airlie Beach Festival of Music bringing even more visitors, energy, and activity to our region in the coming months.
It’s important to remember these events are not just happening at ‘the Beach’, one part of the Whitsundays – the benefits flow throughout our entire region. They bring visitors through our towns, support local businesses, create community pride, and provide valuable exposure that helps put the Whitsundays on the map.
The impact of these events is often much bigger than what we see on the day. Behind every successful event is a huge effort from organisers, volunteers, sponsors, and local businesses who invest their time, money, and resources to make them happen.
On behalf of the Chamber, thank you to everyone involved. Your commitment creates experiences that benefit our whole community.
Our local businesses play a huge role in making these events possible through sponsorships, partnerships, and financial support. This investment helps create opportunities for everyone and contributes to the long-term strength of our regional economy.
As a community, we can show our support by backing the businesses that support us – make a purchase, leave a review, share their stories online, or recommend them to family and friends.
Together, our events and our businesses continue to make the Whitsundays a vibrant, connected, and thriving place to live and visit.
Dr Hany Mohamed. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
After spending almost 20 years caring for patients in Egypt and Kuwait, Dr Hany Mohamed has brought his experience to the Whitsundays, where taking the time to listen is at the heart of his practice.
Coral Coast Doctors has quickly established itself as a trusted provider of affordable healthcare in the Whitsundays, being a fully bulk-billed practice, even off lower rate cost in order to prioritise patients getting the care they need.
“We try to listen to the patient very carefully, give everyone his time,” said Coral Coast Doctors General Practionier, Dr Hany Mohamed.
"If someone doesn’t have Medicare, we always try to work with them to make healthcare as affordable as possible.
“I hope that the cost will not be an issue for anybody here in our community.”
Since joining Coral Coast Doctors, Dr Hany has become a valued member of the team, spending his first three months in Bowen before relocating to the Cannonvale clinic. Before moving to Australia, Dr Hany worked for almost two decades in both general practice and emergency medicine across Egypt and Kuwait.
Known for his calm and compassionate manner, Dr Hany believes that understanding the whole person—not just their symptoms—is essential to delivering high-quality healthcare.
“Patients don’t always realise that some symptoms can be linked to other underlying health issues,” Dr Hany said.
“My role is to understand the bigger picture and identify what may be contributing to their concerns.”
David Roberston. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
The Whitsundays community had the opportunity to hear from Bendigo Bank's Chief Economist, with locals gathering to gain a better understanding of the economy and the financial issues affecting households and businesses.
Leading the discussion was Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Chief Economist David Robertson, whose engaging and easy to understand approach has made him one of Australia's most recognised economic commentators.
“I'm pleased that people are taking such an interest,” David said.
“I can see why, as it's more relevant than ever.”
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The event hosted by Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine brought together community members from all walks of life to share food and refreshments before settling in for a presentation on our current economy, covering interest rates, employment trends, property values, the Australian dollar, the global economy and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
“I am optimistic,” David said when referring to the future of the economy.
“I think technological advancements over the decades have always been positive for any economy.”
Following the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, discuss local concerns and hear David's perspective on the issues shaping the nation's economic outlook.
Audience questions covered everything from the housing market to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, with many keen to understand how the technology could shape the future for younger generations.
“It was great to have a Chief Economist in the Whitsundays to give an update on the local, national and global economy, and be able to ask questions directly,” said Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy.
“As there have been varying views in mainstream media about the changes to negative gearing and Capital Gains Tax, the conflict in the Middle East and rising interest rates, David’s presentation painted a clear picture, presented in a way that was easy to understand.”
Mr Robertson said technological change had historically been a positive force for the economy, despite the challenges that come with rapid innovation.
"I think technological advancements over the decades have always been positive for any economy, it's innovation that keeps improving standards of living," Mr Robertson said.
"It's a case of how we leverage the technology, benefit from it, not be left behind and not be adversely impacted by it.
“We need to keep on the right side of it and for young Australians, I'm sure that's what most are trying to do.”
On the weekend of the 25th & 26th July our award-winning not-for-profit Airlie Beach Triathlon celebrates its 26th year, becoming one of Queensland's longest running multi-sport events.
At the start of 2023 the event was heading in the same direction as the Bowen and Yeppoon Triathlon events... dead in the water!
I volunteered to become the Whitsunday Triathlon Club President and Race Director alongside a team of club members and the journey began to reinvigorate the event.
A detailed professional plan was prepared to ensure the sustainability of the event; something missing in the past.
From day one it was imperative the triathlon source a suitable naming partner. If it was not for the generous financial and intellectual support from Paul Darrouzet and Coral Sea Marina Resort the event would have collapsed. 22 years of deep triathlon history would be gone in a flash and local juniors would lose meaningful opportunities.
Now, the number of amazing local corporate sponsors exceeds 50.
In 2024, the Whitsunday Triathlon Club was granted a prestigious award from Queensland Triathlon for "Club Initiative of the Year".
In 2025 the Airlie Beach Triathlon claimed runner-up status in Australia as judged by AusTriathlon for "an event with under 500 participants".
In January 2026 for the first time in 25 years, Tourism and Events Queensland made a substantial investment into our event, acknowleging its ability to generate local economic activity in our region, attract additional external visitation and drive social and community outcomes whilst enhancing the profile of the Whitsundays.
In February the sponsorship agreement was reached. This was music to our ears and a wonderful acknowledgement of all our hard work!
In May 2026 our event also received unprecedented sponsorship from Whitsunday Regional Council. These wonderful contributions have assured its long-term survival.
A key driver of all of this success has been our best-in-the-world Event Management Team. Their talent, commitment, skillset, expertise and passion are just remarkable!
We look forward to seeing you at this year's event.
Saturday will kick off with a carnival atmosphere as our Junior Triathlon begins at 2pm, catering for 5 to 8-year-olds, 9 to 11s and 12 to 15s, all within the safe and secure precinct of the Lagoon and the closed Broadwater Avenue (up to the Coral Sea Resort). A spectacle to watch, with two junior bikes to be won. Kids are encouraged to have a go, and EVERYONE IS A WINNER!
Next, we hold the Open Water Swim. A fun event for all levels, we’re even incorporating an "Anything Goes" category for the flounders and would-be's!
On Sunday we hold the main event with three triathlon distances - an Enticer, Sprint and Standard/Olympic distance.
If you prefer just one sport discipline, get a team together. It’s a great pathway into this amazing endurance sport.
My triathlon journey started in late 2017. Up until then I was only a casual runner and I needed more inspiration - this one sport was not enough of a challenge for me and I was not confident enough to run ultra events at my age. I needed more stimulation. Triathlon fitted the bill and now it is in my DNA.
Don't miss your opportunity to become a triathlete or be a member of a triathlon team on the weekend of the 25th & 26th July.
All race entry information can be found at airliebeachtriathlon.com.au
Jake Flaherty, Steve Obst and Justin Butler.
In recent years, many Australians—particularly those approaching or already in retirement—have been asking the same question: How do I protect my super and pension against market downturns?
It’s understandable. Since the COVID shock, we’ve seen ongoing uncertainty driven by rising interest rates, stubborn inflation, and global instability. While the reasons may differ from one cycle to the next, the impact on investor confidence is often the same.
A common reaction during volatile periods is to move to cash at the first sign of trouble. On the surface, it seems sensible—avoid losses and wait for markets to recover. The reality, however, is far less straightforward.
Market falls often happen quickly, and recoveries can be just as rapid. Some of the strongest gains occur in the early stages of a rebound, when sentiment is still negative. The challenge is that consistently timing when to get out—and more importantly, when to get back in—is incredibly difficult.
Even professional fund managers regularly get this wrong. There are also costs involved in switching investments. While not always obvious, transaction costs and spreads can reduce returns over time, particularly if decisions are made under pressure.
For younger investors still building their super, market downturns can actually work in their favour. Regular contributions continue, allowing them to buy investments at lower prices.
Retirees, however, face a different challenge. Drawing a regular pension means selling assets to fund income. If markets are down, this can lock in losses at exactly the wrong time.
This is why having a strategy in place is so important.
One approach we’ve used successfully over many years is to quarantine a portion of a retiree’s portfolio into cash and more conservative investments. This creates a buffer, allowing pension payments to continue without needing to sell growth assets during downturns.
Market volatility is a fact of investing—but with the right plan, it doesn’t have to derail your retirement.
If you’d like an obligation free review of your financial situation, call us for an appointment at our office in Carlo Drive, Cannonvale today.
A 60-year-old Bucasia man has died following a single-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway south of Bowen on the afternoon of Wednesday 16th July.
Emergency services were called to the scene near Eden Lassie Creek about 5.10pm after reports a white Ford Ranger utility travelling south had left the roadway and crashed into the trees.
Despite the efforts of emergency responders, the driver was declared deceased at the scene.
Investigations into the cause of the crash have not been determined, and are still ongoing.
Before the repairs operations. Photo supplied: Whitsundays Regional Council.
By Zach Houtenville
Damage caused at the Collinsville Football Fields has left deep scars across the playing surface, but swift repair work is expected to have the grounds repared and ready for next month's Bacon Busters event.
The damage was discovered last Wednesday morning, after overnight burnouts left deep ruts across the grounds, creating a hazard for anyone set to use the field.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the incident was disappointing, with the cost of repairs ultimately falling back on the wider community.
"These aren't just tyre marks on grass,” Mayor Collins said.
“The damage creates safety hazards for players and impacts local sporting clubs, volunteers and families who work hard to keep these facilities in great condition for everyone to enjoy."
Council's parks team, assisted by a local Collinsville contractor, repaired the damaged areas the following day in an effort to minimise disruption.
Residents may notice the repaired sections looking different for a short time, with sand used during the restoration process expected to settle as the grass recovers over the coming week.
“I commend the Whitsunday Regional Council’s initiative to undertake repairs quickly so that any hazards on the fields are mitigated ahead of key, upcoming community events,” said Member of Burdekin, Dale Last MP.
“This is an incredibly low act by these grubs who have chosen to put their own entertainment ahead of an entire community, who has every right to expect our sporting fields are respected and used for the purpose they were intended.”
While the vandalism left a costly repair bill, some say it has also drawn attention to wider community concerns.
"I've also raised broader community concerns around increasing crime, vandalism and alleged drug-related activity in Collinsville with Member for Burdekin Dale Last, and I'm hopeful those issues can be elevated during discussions with Police Minister Dan Purdie next month," Mayor Collins said.
"Looking after our shared community assets is everyone's responsibility, and together we can help ensure facilities like these remain safe and enjoyable for future generations."
Mr Last said any rise in crime was unacceptable, pointing to funding for police and security upgrades to help prevent vandalism.
“Any rise in crime in Queensland is unacceptable, whether it is in Collinsville or in a larger regional town or city, which is why I will continue to work proactively with our local police to ensure they have the tools they need to act,” Mr Last said.
“As the Premier has made clear, our State Government is focused on ensuring our police officers have the resources they need to protect their community.
“At the same time the Crisafulli Government has provided proactive funding measures for local councils to apply to improve CCTV surveillance as well as physical infrastructure upgrades.
“These proactive measures go hand in hand with preventing and assisting with any investigations into instances of vandalism like we have seen in the Collinsville Football Fields.”
After it was Stolen. Photo supplied: Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade
Just weeks before the start of bushfire season, the Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade has been left without a vital firefighting vehicle after thieves broke into the station overnight, stole the self-funded ATV buggy and left it in ruins.
It was meant to be business as usual for volunteers at the Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade on Friday 17th July, until they arrived to find their station had been broken into and one of their most valuable firefighting tools stolen.
Sometime between 10pm and 2.30am, offenders had forced their way into the station, broken open a secure key safe containing the brigade's vehicle keys and stole the ATV.
Police later located the ATV near the Bowen River, after volunteers raised the alarm. By then, its wheels had been removed, the spotlights cut off and an apparent attempt had been made to burn the vehicle.
“It is absolutely despicable,” said Member of Burdekin Dale Last.
“Make no mistake, this brazen offending is an absolute slap in the face to every volunteer in this rural fire brigade, who put their life on the line to protect our residents.
“I would expect our justice system to hold those offenders to account in accordance with community expectations.”
The break-in also forced volunteers away from their normal duties, with members spending the day guarding the station while police examined the scene and repairs were arranged to secure the damaged building.
"We've had members sit here all day just manning the sheds because we can't lock up the shed at the moment, due to them smashing the door in and lifting the roller door up,” said a Bowen Fire Brigade Spokesperson.
The ATV has become an essential part of protecting Bowen, allowing volunteers to reach fires in areas where larger fire trucks simply cannot go, including along the town's sandy riverbed and other difficult terrain.
“Well, we're not going to have one for a while now, so it's going to be missed,” said the Bowen Fire Brigade spokesman.
Replacing the ATV won't be a simple task. The specialised firefighting buggy was originally purchased through fundraising by brigade members and the local community, rather than being government funded, and was one of the first owned by a rural fire brigade in the region.
With bushfire season approaching, its loss will be felt across the community until it can be repaired or replaced, leaving firefighters without one of their most effective tools for tackling fires in hard-to-reach locations.
"Our members worked hard to fundraise for this ATV in their own time,” said the Bowen Fire Brigade Spokesperson.
"Especially for our community too, that's the sad thing there.
“They're missing out on something that could potentially save a life or property."
A program helping unemployed and underemployed Whitsunday residents gain qualifications and confidence has celebrated another round of graduates, as the State Government announces a fresh round of funding to keep it running.
Eighteen graduates completed Community Solutions' latest Skilling Queenslanders for Work intake, earning a Certificate III in Community Services through a fully funded course aimed at providing opportunities for those who lack them.
“Skilling Queenslanders for Work is about helping eager disadvantaged Queenslanders in our community gain the skills they need to succeed,” said Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm MP.
“The Crisafulli Government is strengthening our workforce and ensuring businesses across the Whitsundays have access to skilled employees now and into the future.”
The participants, including mature job seekers and women re-entering into the workforce, attended classes three days a week. Two of those days are dedicated to nationally recognized training and a third focused on practical workplace skills, including resume writing, interview preparation and workplace communication.
The course also included a mix of face-to-face and online learning, giving participants the chance to learn new technology while working alongside others in a classroom setting.
"We work closely with participants to identify any challenges they may face and provide the support they need to successfully complete their training,” said Coordinator for Skilling Queenslanders for Work’s Whitsundays program, Karen Allen.
The latest graduates mark the third intake delivered by Community Solutions over the past 12 months through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.
During that time, students have completed qualifications in Individual Support, Resources and Community Services, with several already securing employment after finishing their training.
"This program opens doors for people to access training, skills and opportunities that can help them achieve their employment goals," Karen said.
With another intake planned for later this year, subject to funding, the State Government has opened applications for the next round of its $80 million Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.
Robin Dukes and her pug, Meg.
A tourist's willingness to stop and help a stranger has been credited with saving a beloved family pet after an Airlie Beach woman accidentally locked her dog inside her car at Shingley Beach.
Last week, Robin Duke took her beloved pug, Meg, for their usual walk from Shingley Beach. When they returned to the car, Robin placed Meg in the front passenger seat before setting her phone and keys beside her.
After loading Meg's stroller into the boot and saying goodbye to friends, she shut the passenger door, only to discover the car had locked itself with her keys, phone and dog still inside.
The car hadn’t been parked in the shade, and with pugs being poor with heat retention, she started to panic. Unable to get ahold of her husband, Robin flagged down an oncoming car. The driver stopped immediately - a tourist visiting her parents from New South Wales.
The woman didn’t hesitate to help, even with her kids in the back expecting a trip to the skate park.
"She didn't even question who I was, just said, 'Get in the car, I'll take you home right away,’” Robin said.
The unknown savior drove Robin home, refusing her offer of money for fuel, allowing her to collect a spare set of keys before her husband drove her back to rescue Meg from the 20 minute ordeal.
"She really went out of her way for me, and I just thought it was amazing."
Hannah Kimber
Four years ago, Hannah Kimber arrived in Australia on a working holiday visa with no plans of staying in the Whitsundays. Today, she's helping others find their home in the region.
Originally from the UK, Hannah arrived in Australia on a working holiday visa and spent nine months in Sydney before heading north to complete her regional work. Although she planned on seeing more of Australia, the Whitsundays said otherwise.
"I kept on making plans to leave or go and do something else, and the area just kept bringing me back," Hannah said.
"I just fell in love with the area."
After deciding to officially just stay, Hannah was ready to take the next step professionally.
That's when Hannah found Taylors Property Specialists. Through the agency's cadetship program, she was able to learn from experienced agents while laying the foundations for a career in real estate.
“It's definitely a career, not a short term job,” Hannah said.
Working across the local market has also given Hannah a new appreciation and passion for the homes that make the Whitsundays such a sought-after place to live.
“Most properties in the area are very unique and different from one another,” Hannah said.
“I think that's really nice to go in and see the individuality of each property.”
Hannah believes the same individuality found in the region's homes should be reflected in the way buyers are treated, taking the time to understand exactly what they're looking for before matching them with the right property.
"You can't force someone to buy a house, but you can get to know them and understand what they're after," Hannah said.
To get in touch with Hannah Kimber at Taylor's Property Specialists, call 0411 599 126 or email hannah@tpsre.com.au.
By Richard Evans, Festival Director and President Whitsundays Writers Festival
How many times have you said it? One day I'll write a book.
One day, when the kids are grown, when work settles down, when you finally feel ready. But here's the truth nobody mentions: that day doesn't arrive on its own. Fear keeps it at bay. Fear of grammar, of not having enough time, of not being "good enough." The good news? None of those barriers are as solid as they seem. Today, more than ever, the page is waiting for you. And while tools like AI can polish your language, they cannot replicate what only you possess: a life fully, specifically, irreplaceably lived.
Let's bust a few myths first.
You need perfect English. No: clarity matters far more than correctness, and editing comes later.
You need a big, dramatic idea. Wrong again: everyday stories resonate most deeply with readers.
You must write an entire book immediately. Absolutely not: start with moments, memories, and fragments.
Publishing is impossible. There are more pathways than ever: local print runs, self-publishing platforms, online communities. The gates are open. Walk through them.
So where do you actually begin?
Start small. Start a daily journal. Just five to ten minutes, one memory, one observation can build writing habits without the pressure. Journaling is not about diarising events or activities, rather it is about observation and thoughts.
Personal experiences translate beautifully into short stories; rename the people, shape the narrative, and suddenly you have fiction story rooted in truth. If the blank page feels daunting, record voice notes on your phone and use AI to transcribe them. This is how Barbara Cartland worked. She strolled the beach and recorded her romance stories transcribing them later.
A retiree writing about their first job, a cyclone season, or raising a family in the Whitsundays can create vivid, locally meaningful stories that no bestseller list could replicate.
You're not too late. You never were. If not now, when?
4 Ways to Start Today
Picture it: a book resting on your knee, a salt breeze drifting in off the Coral Sea, the afternoon unhurried. Now rewind. Where did that book come from?
Did it come from a warehouse interstate, picked by an algorithm, packed by a machine? Or did it travel a shorter, more personal road. Perhaps it was hand-selected by someone who knows this coast, these readers, this community? That difference matters more than we often stop to consider.
Books travel. Here, they travel with people.
The Whitsundays has a quiet but vital reading ecosystem. Independent bookshops curate their shelves with genuine care, often knowing their regulars by name and reading history. Newsagents remain an accessible, everyday touchpoint for readers who might not seek out a dedicated bookstore.
And the region's four public libraries stand as free, inclusive gateways. Places where discovery costs nothing and everyone is welcome. These aren't simply outlets. They're spaces where conversations happen, where a staff member might press a title into your hands and say, trust me on this one.
A bookseller is not an algorithm.
Unlike a platform that tracks clicks and serves recommendations based on data, a bookseller remembers what moved you last time. They champion local and emerging authors whose books might never surface in a search result. They bridge the gap between a story that exists and a reader who needs it – a quiet act of matchmaking that keeps regional voices visible and valued.
Local writers need local readers.
Authors in this region rely on these same shops, libraries, and community networks to reach the people most likely to connect with their work. The Whitsundays Writers Festival is where that relationship becomes visible. A gathering point for writers and readers to meet, to listen, to ask questions, and to recognise that literature is not distant or abstract. It is made by people from places exactly like this one. Buying a book locally, or borrowing one from your library, directly supports the writers and the cultural life of your own backyard.
Libraries deserve a second look.
If it's been a while since you visited, go back. Libraries offer far more than borrowing. They host events, support learning, and provide community spaces that welcome everyone regardless of budget or background.
In September do something simple: attend a session at the Whitsundays Writers Festival. Meet a local author. Ask them something real. Then pick up your next read close to home.
3 Ways to Support Local Reading
Whitsundays Writers Festival
Richard Evans
Festival Director and President
hello@whitsundayswriters.com
Book early to secure your place at the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, 13 September at www.whitsundayswriters.com/2026-programme-speakers
Creative Connections Whitsunday
Glenda Brown
President
info@creativeconnectionwhitsunday.com
Visit the Community Gallery in Proserpine and save the date 30 July to 2 August for the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition.
Together, these two organisations champion the creative spirit of the Whitsundays – supporting writers, artists, and the cultural life of our region.
Sweet Foxy cross Coco just wants her forever family. Photo sourced: Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue
Coco may be small in stature, but she has a heart big enough to fill an entire home. Now, all this gentle seven-year-old Foxy cross needs is someone to share her loving nature with.
Loyal, affectionate and wonderful with children, Coco has also been very popular with every dog she’s called a friend.
While she can be a tad anxious at times, it’s mainly because she’s looking for a calm and patient family who will let her settle in at her own pace, giving her the love and assurance she needs to relax.
Coco would be best suited to a home with secure fencing and no chooks or livestock to annoy her, where she can enjoy a quiet environment, with plenty of companionship.
If you think Coco could be the perfect addition to your family, contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue by direct messaging your name, phone number and "Coco" to begin the adoption process.
Left: Emma and Anthony Colfelt at Whitsunday Cairn, one of the walks featured in the Walking The Whitsundays book. Photograph credit: Felix Colfelt
A new guide to walking the Whitsundays has been launched by the family behind the region's much-loved boating "Bible", following more than a decade of research, island adventures and one broken ankle.
Published by Windward Publications, Walking The Whitsundays – A Guide to 45 Island and Mainland Walks is a 304-page guide covering 45 walks across the Whitsunday islands, Airlie Beach, Conway National Park and Bowen.
Designed as the hiking companion to 100 Magic Miles, it features maps, photographs, elevation profiles and practical information, alongside insights into the region's history, wildlife, geology and culture.
Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth said the book encourages visitors and locals to discover another side of the region.
"Walking The Whitsundays encourages people to slow down, explore more deeply and experience a different side of the landscapes, stories and natural beauty that make this region so special," Mr Booth said.
Anthony Colfelt said the book grew naturally from a lifetime of walking the Whitsundays with his family.
"The walks have always been a big part of our sailing trips," he said.
"We have long wanted to include more about them in 100 Magic Miles, but quickly realised they deserved a book in their own right because they are not just for boaties. These walks are for everybody."
The guide includes national park island walks, resort island walks and selected mainland tracks around Airlie Beach, Conway National Park and Bowen, including the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail and the new Ngaro Track on Whitsunday Island.
The Colfelts began researching the project in 2011, exploring the islands by boat, camping and walking as many tracks as possible while continuing to update new editions of 100 Magic Miles.
The project wasn't without setbacks. While photographing Coral Cove on Hamilton Island, Emma Colfelt slipped on a wet rock and broke her ankle, requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery. Much of the book's writing and historical research was completed from bed while she recovered.
"Having the book to focus on helped me cope with the pain after surgery and the weeks stuck in bed," she said.
Anthony Colfelt said the accident became part of the story behind the book.
"It was a reminder that this book was a real family effort," he said.
"Researched on foot, refined around the kitchen table and, at one point, written from a sick bed."
The guide also explores the Whitsundays' rich history, from the enduring connection of the Ngaro, Gia and Juru people to Country through to early settlers and the pioneers of island tourism. Alongside local stories and wildlife observations, it features previously unpublished historical photographs and images by photojournalist Sharon Smallwood, capturing a side of the region many visitors never experience.
Emma Colfelt said she hoped the guide would encourage more people to explore the Whitsundays on foot.
"We hope the book inspires people to explore, helps them know what to expect, and enriches their experience of this special place," she said.
Walking The Whitsundays – A Guide to 45 Island and Mainland Walks is available now for $49.95 from The Beach Book Boutique in Airlie Beach, News Whitsunday in Cannonvale, Trader Pete's on Hamilton Island, selected local outlets and online at 100magicmiles.com.
Bella Walters Photo Supplied: Robert Harris
To celebrate NAIDOC Week 2026, a few Bowen State High School Students were asked the question: What does NAIDOC mean to you and why is it important to celebrate?
Bowen State High School celebrates every year with a full day of activities, awards, and reflection.
What I love most about NAIDOC is seeing everyone come together to celebrate and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. It creates a sense of belonging, respect and pride while strengthening our school community.
NAIDOC is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to celebrate my culture, honour the strength and resilience of my ancestors, and share the stories and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
It reminds me of where I come from and inspires me to carry my culture forward with pride. I'm proud to represent my culture and show that our history, knowledge, and traditions that continue to thrive.
Being able to share my culture with others and help build understanding makes me feel proud to be a First Nations student at Bowen State High School. I hope I lead by showing kindness, respect, and pride in who I am.
I want other First Nations students to know they can embrace their culture and chase their goals while staying connected to their identity.
To me NAIDOC is a time to celebrate and honour the cultures, histories, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s a reminder of the importance of listening and learning about cultures, languages, and stories for future generations.
For me it’s an opportunity to learn and show respect to one of the world’s oldest continuing cultures.
It’s a time to acknowledge the challenges they have faced and continue to overcome. NAIDOC celebrations at Bowen State High School is a fun, welcoming time when the whole school celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Some of my favourites include Cultural Ceremonies, Memorial Awards and Community Engagement.
This honours and celebrates First Nations culture by bringing students, families, and local Traditional Owners together to promote reconciliation and educate the next generation.
Gabby hanging out with her new Furry Friends at Great Whitsundays Vet. Photo Supplied: Gabby Appleton
St Catherines Catholic College Year 10s return from school holidays to a week of work experience, set to gear the kids with practical skills and potential taste of the future.
The week-long placements form part of the college's Year 10 careers education program, with students spending the year exploring future pathways before stepping into the workplace.
This matches local businesses and students, giving them the chance to experience potential career paths before choosing their senior subjects and looking into future study options.
“We find that it can lead to better decision-making in their pathway through year 11 and 12 and beyond,” said Tundi Gosselink, VET, Career and Pathways leader.
Before students step into a workplace, they're encouraged to explore where their interests and strengths might best fit. Through careers classes, psychometric testing and interviews with people already working in different industries, students begin narrowing down potential career paths before selecting a placement.
"It's a really difficult conversation to have, so in preparation they investigate different careers, their own interests and strengths, and how those match different professions,” Mr Gosselink said.
The students can pick from the likes of tourism, to trades, admin, agriculture or in the case of Gabby Appleton, animal care.
Gabby started her first day at Great Whitsundays Vet this week and can already see herself pursue it as a long-term career.
“I think it's more valuable because you're actually doing the job,” Gabby said.
“I'm planning on finishing grade 12, then hopefully going to uni and becoming a vet.”
Mary-Ellen Kusu Photo supplied: Robert Harris
Two Bowen State High School students are being recognised during NAIDOC Week after earning places in Indigenous university programs, giving the next generation of First Nations students a glimpse of what university can offer.
Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Foundation (QATSIF) scholarship recipients Mary-Ellen Kusu and Kenzie Andersen were selected from a competitive field to attend winter schools at Bond University and James Cook University respectively.
"The girls have embraced the opportunity to explore university life,” said Bowen State High School Principal Robert Harris.
“Their willingness to leave home to attend these residential camps reflect their commitment to achieving their future goals.”
Mary-Ellen attended the 2026 National Indigenous Business School at Bond University on the Gold Coast, enabling her ability to develop a career while strengthening her cultural identity.
During this program, she took part in activity pitching ways to improve indigenous inclusion for the 2032 Olympic Games, where her team put together a winning performance.
Kenzie attended the JCU Indigenous Winter Program, participating in lectures and practical health workshops, including CPR, first aid and midwifery simulations. She achieved a perfect score on a nursing assignment, confirming nursing is the career she wants to pursue.
There’s something special about Lake Proserpine.
While the Whitsundays is renowned around the world as the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, home to 74 tropical islands and soon to host sailing during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, our region also offers incredible experiences beyond the coastline. Lake Proserpine is one of those hidden gems that continues to attract visitors from across Australia and showcase another side of what makes the Whitsundays so special.
Whether you know it as Peter Faust Dam, the home of the famous metre-plus barramundi, or simply as a place to spend quality time with family and friends, Lake Proserpine has become one of our region's premier land-based tourism destinations.
It was fantastic to see so many people at the recent Lake Proserpine Open Day enjoying everything the area has to offer. From fishing and wildlife displays to water safety demonstrations, live music and family activities, it was a wonderful reminder of just how important this destination has become for both our local community and visitors alike.
Over the years, Council has worked alongside partners including Sunwater and local tourism operators to steadily improve the Lake Proserpine precinct. Better facilities, improved access and ongoing investment have transformed it into a destination that encourages visitors to stay longer and explore more of our region. That investment continues, with 20 new powered caravan and camping sites scheduled to come online by the end of September, providing even more opportunities for visitors to enjoy everything this remarkable destination has to offer.
The reopening this year of the free Proserpine RV Park is another welcome milestone. It provides self-contained travellers with a convenient base to discover Proserpine, support local businesses and experience everything from our beautiful hinterland to our world-famous coastline.
Of course, Lake Proserpine has earned an international reputation as the home of the iconic metre barramundi. Anglers travel thousands of kilometres for the opportunity to land one of these incredible fish, making fishing tourism an important contributor to our local economy.
As the world's attention increasingly turns towards the Whitsundays in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we have an incredible opportunity to showcase every corner of our region. Visitors may come for our islands and sailing, but they'rediscovering so much more — from Proserpine and Collinsville to Bowen, our hinterland and treasures like Lake Proserpine.
My thanks go to Sunwater, BMA CQ Rescue, community groups, volunteers and everyone who helped make the recent Open Day such a success. Together, we're continuing to build a region that we're proud to call home and one that visitors can't wait to return to.
Club Whitsunday continues to invest in local sport and community
Club Whitsunday is more than a hospitality venue – it is a 100% profit-for-community organisation built on a model that directly reinvests earnings back into local sport and community development across the Whitsundays.
Unlike traditional hospitality businesses, Club Whitsunday is owned by not-for-profit sporting groups, with volunteer directors overseeing operations. Every dollar generated is returned to the community, either through reinvestment into facilities or direct support for local not-for-profit organisations. This structure ensures the Club’s success is measured not only in financial performance, but in community impact.
In 2025 alone, Club Whitsunday contributed more than $120,000 to local not-for-profit clubs through direct contributions and raffle proceeds. In addition to this, the Club is investing more than $100,000 annually into maintaining and upgrading the Whitsunday Sportspark playing fields and courts. This includes comprehensive groundskeeping services and specialised equipment designed to deliver some of the highest-quality playing surfaces in the region.
These investments directly benefit the sporting codes that call Whitsunday Sportspark home, including AFL, cricket, darts, netball, rugby union, soccer, and touch football. Support also extends beyond the main codes to rugby league, fishing, and bowls, as well as broader community organisations such as the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, Kids Cancer initiatives and MND Deep Freeze fundraising efforts.
Like many regional organisations, Club Whitsunday acknowledges that community clubs face growing pressures, including rising transport and construction costs, wage pressures and increasing regulatory requirements. However, one of the most significant challenges is the decline in volunteer participation.
“People’s lives are busier than ever, and fewer volunteers are available to support the day-to-day running of clubs,” Justin Butler, Club Whitsunday Chairman said. “We help take on many of those operational tasks so committees can focus on delivering the sporting and community outcomes they exist to provide.”
By providing groundskeeping services, operational support and event assistance, Club Whitsunday helps reduce the burden on volunteer committees, ensuring community clubs can continue to thrive even with reduced volunteer capacity.
In partnership with Whitsunday Sportspark Operations and in support of the Whitsunday Regional Council’s new sporting precinct at Brandy Creek, Club Whitsunday sees a future where the region is supported by multiple high-quality facilities.
At its core, Club Whitsunday remains focused on one purpose: investing in people, sport, and community to strengthen the Whitsundays for the long term.
Walkers exploring the exposed rock Photo supplied: Bowen Tourism.
Hundreds of locals and visitors took advantage of this week's exceptionally low tides to make the popular walk from Dalrymple Point to the historic North Head Lighthouse, enjoying one of Bowen's most unique natural attractions.
The walk, only possible when tides fall below 0.2 metres, leads visitors about one kilometre across the exposed seabed to the lighthouse, one of the oldest in North Queensland.
This offers a unique view across Edgecumbe Bay. Along the way, walkers can spot colourful coral, rock pools and an array of marine life revealed by the receding tide.
If you missed out in July, there are still two opportunities to complete the walk, with low tides forecast for August. Walkers should leave well before low tide to allow plenty of time for the return journey.
Low Tides Times:
August 11th - 2.48pm
August 12 - 3.31pm
Kymbellie holding her flowers and award certificate Photo supplied: Kymbellie Butler
Making a difference has never been about recognition for Kymbellie Butler, but her dedication to Bowen's young people and her passion for sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture has earned her the 2026 NAIDOC Community Person of the Year Award.
Presented by the Bowen Girudala Community Cooperative Society, the award recognises people who demonstrate a strong commitment to caring for, protecting and nurturing the Country and cultural values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“It was an incredibly humbling experience,” Kymbellie said.
“Walking up to accept the award in front of our Elders and the wider community was quite nerve-racking, but it was also a moment of immense pride.”
While Bowen wasn't where Kymbellie Butler's story began, it's the place she now calls home. A proud Bundjalung woman from the Byron Bay region, Kym says a difficult childhood shaped her passion for making sure young people have the support and opportunities she once needed herself.
Today, Kym wears many hats across the community, all centred around supporting the next generation. She is a Student Engagement Officer at Bowen State School and, since joining PCYC Bowen last June, has progressed from Activity Facilitator to Community Development Officer and Lead Gymnastics Coach.
In that role, she created safe and welcoming spaces for young people through youth drop-in programs and introduced the Duke of Edinburgh Award to the centre. This is an internationally recognised award that challenges youth to set and achieve goals across voluntary service, physical recreation, skills development and adventurous Journey.
“Seeing young people build confidence, develop new skills, and feel like they belong is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” Kymbellie said.
A large part of Kym's work centres on helping young people build a strong sense of identity to culture and country.
Through the PCYC Youth Leadership Team, she encourages local teenagers to care for their community by organising beach and community clean-ups, while at Bowen State School she helped establish a Torres Strait Islander dance group for this year's NAIDOC celebrations.
Supported by Torres Strait Islander volunteers who mentor the students and share their language, traditions and culture, the group has created an opportunity for young people to celebrate their heritage with pride.
“Our stories, languages, traditions, and knowledge connect us to our ancestors, our communities, and to Country,” Kymbellie said.
“It's our responsibility to help keep those connections strong for future generations.”
She's currently studying a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Secondary Teaching, driven by a desire to keep learning while helping others do the same.
“It is a community that I care deeply about,” Kym said.
“I feel incredibly privileged to be able to give back through the work I do.”
Kymbellie thanked the people who have supported her throughout her journey, especially a woman she affectionately calls "Mumma Julz", whose love, guidance and encouragement helped shape the person she is today.
“Her love, guidance, and unwavering support have had a profound impact on my life,” Kymbellie said.
“I truly wouldn't be where I am without her, and I will always be grateful for everything she has done for me.”
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