A surge in premium boat sales over the past six months has placed the Whitsundays firmly in the spotlight, with World Wide Boat Brokers (WWBB) experiencing an increased demand from prominent buyers seeking a world-class sailing destination. With its crystal-clear waters, sheltered anchorages, and over 70 islands to explore, the region has become the go-to destination for serious sailors and boating enthusiasts alike. Riding this wave of momentum, WWBB is kicking off 2026 with Airlie Beach Open Boats, a unique open day designed to give holidaymakers and locals the opportunity to step onboard multiple vessels and experience the yachting lifestyle firsthand. Running from 8am to 12pm, the morning is structured as a relaxed open for inspection, similar to an open home but for boats. The event will showcase six pre-owned vessels, spanning both power and sail, from leading brands, Beneteau and Riviera. All boats will be conveniently berthed in one location at Port of Airlie Marina, allowing for easy viewing throughout the morning. Daniel Howcroft, broker and former captain with 20 years’ experience navigating these waters, will be on deck to answer questions and encourages visitors to explore at their own pace and get a taste of life on the water at no pressure or cost. “This event gives people a chance to jump onboard a range of world-class boats and learn from a team of experts about anything and everything boating in the region,” says Dan. For those interested in entering the boating world through shared ownership, visitors can also discover an exciting new opportunity in the Whitsundays: a 1/5 syndicate share of the high-performance sailing catamaran, Excess Catamarans. This exclusive option allows buyers to enjoy a share of one of the world’s most talked-about performance yachts without committing to full ownership or costs. It’s a rare chance to be among the first syndicate owners in Queensland of a new Excess, experiencing its speed and performance in one of the world’s most spectacular cruising grounds. “The Whitsundays is a truly unparalleled sailing destination, and there’s some really exciting opportunities we are able to offer to those wanting to experience this alluring lifestyle.” “With turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and sheltered coves around every island, it’s the perfect playground for yachts of all sizes. WWBB credits its recent success to a unique approach to selling boats, with a strong emphasis on digital marketing and premium service. By combining expert industry knowledge with engaging imagery and drone footage, the team connects buyers and sellers on a global scale while showcasing the lifestyle and experiences that come with yacht ownership. The Airlie Beach Open Boat Day reflects this approach, giving people the chance to view a range of brands and models, and experience firsthand the region’s growing boating lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a first-time boat buyer, or simply curious about the yachting lifestyle, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Event Details: • When: Saturday, 24th January, 8am–12pm (Australia Day long weekend) • Where: World Wide Boat Brokers, Ground Floor Boathouse Apartments, Port of Airlie Marina, QLD • Featuring: 6 boats open for inspection Beneteau Sense 50 ( Sail) Beneteau 48 Oceanis ( Sail) Beneteau Monte Carlo 4s ( Power) Beneteau Flyer 9 ( Power) Riviera 47 Flybridge ( Power) Riviera 48 Offshore Express ( Power) • Special Opportunity: 1/5 ownership syndicate in a new performance sailing catamaran, Excess Catamarans For more info and to RSVP head to www.worldwideboatbrokers.com.au/airlie-beach-open-day/or contact Dan on 0451 846 620. Contributed with thanks to World Wide Boat Brokers.

A new year often brings excitement, but it also brings uncertainty. Whether you’re worried about work, finances, relationships, or simply the unknown, anticipatory anxiety can quickly take over. Why the future can feel overwhelming The brain is wired to predict danger. When the future feels unclear, the nervous system may interpret this as a threat. This can lead to: • racing thoughts • difficulty sleeping • muscle tension • avoidance behaviours • irritability or withdrawal For people in high-risk or high-stress jobs (such as security, healthcare, or shift work), this anxiety can be amplified. Reclaiming control through nervous-system regulation You don’t need to eliminate anxiety to feel better; you only need tools to help your mind and body settle. Anxiety is normal when at an adaptive level. For example, we need caution to cross the road, but when it is preventing you from engaging in regular daily activity, it becomes maladaptive. Try these grounded strategies: 5-4-3-2-1 grounding: Notice 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste. Predictability pockets: Build small routines (morning, mealtime, wind-down). The brain finds safety in structure. Improve your cognitive flexibility with CBT Create a personal ‘calm plan’ Use these three steps: Identify triggers: work stress, loud environments, conflict, uncertainty. List supports: grounding tools, trusted people, strategies that help. Set boundaries: limit overwhelm, allocate downtime, create safe routines. Small, intentional adjustments can transform how you enter the year emotionally and mentally. For more information about managing anxiety and CBT visit my website https://www.personaltransitions.com.au/ or give me a call 0418708214.”NDIS FRIENDLY

Although Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji is now long gone, there is still a risk of danger in the aftermath and it is important that Whitsunday residents remain safe, especially during the clean up period. Injury and illness can still occur during this time, and therefore it is imperative that people take the proper precautions. The main risks may include injuries from exposed debris, skin infections, animal bites, sunburn, mosquito-borne infection, carbon monoxide poisoning from petrol powered generators and using pumps in confined spaces and illness from eating or drink from contaminated sources. The Queensland Government has specific advice for individual health hazards which can be accessed on their website. When returning to a home that was previously evacuated, there are a number of measures that should be taken to ensure safe re-occupation. Check that all power and gas supplies have been turned off, including external sources. If the house has sustained significant damage, then an electrician will need to check the wiring before power is restored. It is important to be vigilant of any structural integrity that was affected. Be aware of any dangerous wildlife which has moved in during the disaster event and be cautious of any hazardous household materials or substances that have been released (such as absestos). Assume that anything that has come into contact with floodwater has been contaminated. Likelihood of illness and injury increases when entering a premise affected by disaster. To protect yourself from injury, measures should be taken such as avoiding direct contact with floodwater, wearing protective clothes, maintaining personal hygiene, wearing sunscreen, avoiding dehydration and wearing P2 face masks as required. As has been seen with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, massive amounts of waste can be generated. The Whitsundays Regional Council has multiple waste facilities: Bowen Landfill, Kelsey Creek Landfill, Cannonvale Transfer Station and Collinsville Transfer Station. Waste not managed and stored properly can become a health hazard and attract unwanted pests. There are numerous ways to minimise health risks. Perishable waste should be stored in a concealed bag for protection. Building waste and debris must be disposed of in a safe place in allocated disposal sites. Materials from buildings built prior to 1990 may contain asbestos so care must be taken when handling them - such material is generally not a health to risk unless it is significantly disturbed. Hazardous wastes such as chemicals, medicines, gas tanks and asbestos material should not be left by the kerbside - rather these items should be left in a secure location. During this clean up period it is important to maintain patience and resilience. Visit the Queensland Government Health site for more specific information and stay up to date with the Whitsunday Regional Council through social media and public announcements. Cleaning up waste after an extreme weather event is a team effort that requires community support. It has been wonderful to see already how the community is banding together to help manage waste - lending support to those most adversely affected. Hopefully the initiative can continue as we move through the season.