Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Local tourism operators are expressing concern toward troubling times ahead, with the federal government’s new visa restrictions set to shrink the backpacker workforce that drives seasonal operations. The Federal Government’s proposed cuts to Working Holiday Visas have raised concerns across two of the Whitsundays’ biggest industries. Bowen farmers warned that fewer backpackers could leave crops unpicked, and now tourism leaders in Airlie Beach have added that the same cuts could leave local businesses scrambling to find workers that aren’t there. At Airlie Beach’s Heart of the Great Barrier Reef sign, Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins spoke about what the proposed changes could mean for a region that relies heavily on tourism. “We can't have Airlie Beach named Australia's top tourism town in the small category and then have the knees cut out from us by federal policy,” Tim said. The proposed changes form part of the Federal Government’s effort to reduce migration, a topic that has been of hot debate by all three parties that Mayor Ry Collins believes the working holiday visas should be separated from. “Obviously the federal government is really coming in with broad brushstrokes to try and address the publicly perceived issue around net overseas migration (NOM),” said Mayor Collins. “Some of the dialogue I heard last week in Canberra was actually taking that working holiday maker class completely out of the NOM calculation. “I think that's a fair and reasonable way that they can make the numbers look as good as they want but it won't affect the actual number of workers that are here to support our industries.” The new restrictions look to cut the second-year extension on Working Holiday Visas from 57,000 to 45,000 slots, and 3rd year extension from 31,000 to just 5,000. According to Tourism Whitsundays, the Whitsundays hosts about 3,500 backpacker workers at any given time of the year. “I think for regions like the Whitsunday’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average by 0.9%, so at a 3.5% unemployment rate, we just don't have the workforce there that can pick up these roles that the working holidaymaker delivers for our communities,” Tim said. According to figures released by Tourism Whitsundays, in the year ending March 2026, domestic visitors spent $959.1 million in the region and international visitors spent a further $271.8 million. This spending was made possible by the abundance of workers delivering those experiences. “[Working holidaymakers] do a terrific job already in delivering world-class experiences, particularly here in the Whitsundays,” said Mayor Collins. “We do see working holidaymakers really take up that mantle, particularly in areas like customer service roles, hospitality roles, housekeeping roles... “What we're asking for is that we can stay strong as an entire tourism industry.” Having just returned from Canberra, the pair said raising regional and statewide voices is crucial to persuading the Federal Government to reconsider how the proposed restrictions would apply. “And then at a federal level, obviously through our federal member Andrew Wilcox, but we've also engaged with the members of the Labor Party around that as well. “But unfortunately it's starting to feel like a number of issues that we're campaigning on…along with things like disaster recovery funding arrangements which was one we linked into last week.” Photo caption: Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins and CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
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In this world of AI and other technological advancements, you don’t want to be the person who wanders around the office like a big old clumsy Tyrannosaurus Rex bumping into all the youngsters and stepping on their laptops and other devices. It’s one of the challenges of our times; getting the balance right in business in a world that is increasingly controlled by AI, robotics and a rapidly changing IT environment. I remember, some years ago now, when older family members had refused to embrace computer technology and mobile phones etc. They were really left behind and felt excluded in a world that had moved ahead without them. I’ve got a 19-year-old son who doesn’t have to think about it. Current and evolving technology is part of his life and, like others in his age group, he is completely at ease with something that is just part of his make-up and comprehension of the world around him. The trap you can fall into is letting the kids do all the IT stuff for you. My son set up our old TV with all the streaming services etc, which was the easy option for me, but I find it’s important to get involved and do it yourself otherwise everything will move ahead and you won’t be able to do things for yourself. But I am still stuck in some of the old ways. If I am ordering a takeaway meal I still ring the restaurant and go and pick it up. The old T-Rex wanders into the Thai or Indian joint and picks up his plastic bag of goodies, pays, and drives home. There aren’t many of us left. Uber Eats baby. Everyone has embraced it. My wife and daughter were having dinner together in Brisbane recently and my daughter noticed that her stockings or tights had “run” or a ladder in them. My wife suggested she jump in the car and drive to a nearby supermarket and get another pair. But my daughter ordered a new pair to be delivered to the restaurant by Uber. They were there in a jiffy and the night continued without the pesky interruption of having to leave the restaurant to buy them. It’s a great example of the modern world making things easier and how many of us need to ensure we are adjusting and understanding how things can now be done. There is another side to the coin, however. People have told me that I should get AI to write my columns. They say I could give it some examples of columns I have written and give it an idea for a new column and tell it to knock out 600 words on my chosen topic in my style of writing. It’s something I would never do. Apart from the fact that it would somehow seem like I was cheating, it would also not be authentic. I feel that however boring or pedestrian my stories and comments are, at least they are mine. They have come from my noggin, my experiences. It is my take on the world, not something that has been cobbled together by artificial intelligence. It’s similar in the world of real estate and, I’m sure, business generally. You need to embrace the technology, use it when it creates a better service, a superior experience for buyers and a better result for sellers. But there is still a place for picking up the phone and calling buyers, following up from open homes, doing the hard work that needs to be done as an agent. In a world of AI, robotics and Uber Everything the human element, the person-to-person connection still needs to happen to deliver good service and create the best result for clients.
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Maisy is a beautiful little soul who seems to understand that the very best place in the world is right beside someone she loves. She is affectionate, gentle, social and wonderfully trusting. She loves curling up on a welcoming lap, snuggling into your arms and settling close enough to make you feel as though you have always belonged together. Maisy is generous with her purrs, her cuddles and her sweet little air biscuits. She even places her paw in your hand as if to say, “I choose you.” But this gorgeous girl is not only a champion snuggler. Maisy is playful, curious and full of kitten joy. She loves exploring her toys, chasing anything that moves and turning ordinary moments into entertainment. She will happily amuse herself, but everything is even more fun when her favourite person joins in. She has that perfect combination of affection and personality, soft and loving when it is time to cuddle, and playful and bright when it is time for fun. Maisy will bring warmth to your home, companionship to your days and a little paw to hold whenever you need it. If you are looking for a kitten who will play with you, curl up with you and love being part of your life, Maisy may be the girl you have been waiting for. Maisy has been desexed, microchipped, received her first vaccination, been wormed and is litter trained. She is ready to begin her beautiful new life as a much-loved indoor companion. To arrange a meet and greet with Maisy, please call Ros on 0403 814 318.
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Tarren McAuley, Web Director and Co-Owner I remember when those AI posters started popping up – the first one looked kinda different. By the end of the week, when I’d seen 30 of them, I was much less enamoured + actively scrolled past anything that had that telltale paint smear style font. It’s not that the quality had gotten any worse between me seeing that first one + when I was sick of them by the 30th. But it was no longer novel or original. I think AI is especially susceptible to this because as soon as someone discovers a winning formula, everyone else jumps on the bandwagon, but because everyone is getting similar outputs, it gets old – quick. I think brands can fall into a similar trap. Humans are always looking for inspiration + when seeking it out, where better to look than the other players in your field. If you’re a tech company, you’re going to look at Samsung, Apple + the like. But when that happens too much, you get a feedback loop of samey-ness. For me, this is best exemplified by airline logos. Look at Qantas + Virgin, probably the two biggest brands in Australia. Both use a red plane-like icon, w/ their logo in big letters next to it. Bit cherry picked but even the other big players’ logos are similar - Emirates uses mainly red + shakes it up by having a slightly more exotic font. Jetstar ditches the red for orange + has their icon at the end but it has similar visual markers. This isn’t unique to logos, like w/ the poster example earlier – it could be your social tiles, your website or even your company email sig. Whatever it is, if you wake up one day + notice that the other businesses around you are looking a bit too similar, that should be your sign to start looking at a rebrand to shake off the rust + re-establish your unique identity. You know, until the cycle repeats again!
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I’ll be the first to admit the words “Draft Environment Strategy” probably aren’t going to have too many people rushing to read it over their morning coffee.
That’s fair enough but what sits behind it really does matter.
We’re fortunate to live in one of the most remarkable parts of Australia. We have the Great Barrier Reef and 74 islands on our doorstep, beautiful beaches and waterways, national parks, productive farmland and plenty of special places in between.
It’s a big part of why we live here, why millions of people visit and why industries like tourism and agriculture are so important to our economy.
But the Whitsundays is also growing quickly.
We need more homes, better roads and infrastructure. We want investment, new jobs and opportunities for our young people. And we want our towns and communities to keep moving forward.
The challenge is making sure that as we grow, we don’t lose the things that make the Whitsundays such a special place in the first place.
That, in plain English, is what Council’s Draft Whitsunday Environment Strategy is about.
It considers how we protect and enhance our natural environment while recognising that the Whitsundays is also a growing, productive and working region.
Importantly, it’s still a draft — which means now is the time to tell us what you think.
You don’t need to be an environmental expert, and you don’t need to agree with everything that's proposed.
Perhaps your priority is our waterways and beaches. It might be wildlife and bushland, productive farmland, waste and recycling, or ensuring we can accommodate sensible development without unnecessary red tape.
Whatever matters to you, we want to hear it.
I’d much rather hear your views now, while we can consider them and make changes, than after the Strategy is finished.
Consultation is open until Sunday 27th September through Council’s Your Say Whitsunday website, where you can read the draft, look through the shorter fact sheet and provide your feedback.
The Whitsundays will keep growing and I believe that’s a good thing.
Our job is to make sure we grow well: creating new opportunities while protecting the extraordinary environment and lifestyle that make the Whitsundays a place unlike anywhere else.
Belle Property Whitsundays is celebrating an extraordinary night of success after taking home seven major awards at the 2026 Belle Property Awards in Brisbane on Thursday 20th August, including being named the No. 1 Customer Experience Sales Office in Australia.
The results are particularly significant for the locally owned and operated business, which only opened its doors in December 2024. The 2026 awards marked Belle Property Whitsundays’ first Belle Property Awards and first full financial year of trading, making the recognition an incredible milestone for the young business.
Belle Property Whitsundays was also proud to be recognised as the most awarded Belle Property office in Queensland, a remarkable achievement given the business is still in its early stages.
The Belle Property Awards bring together more than 200 offices across Australia to recognise outstanding performance across sales results, customer experience, leadership and overall business achievement.
For Belle Property Whitsundays to be recognised among such an extensive national network after only opening its doors in December 2024 makes the achievement even more significant.
For Principal Stephanie McWhirter, the recognition is a testament to the vision behind establishing Belle Property Whitsundays and, most importantly, the commitment of the entire team to delivering exceptional service to the local community.
“We are incredibly proud of what our team has achieved in such a short period of time. To open our doors in December 2024 and, within our first full financial year, be recognised alongside some of the most established offices and agents across Australia is something we are extremely proud of,” Stephanie said.
“What makes it even more special is that these awards are not just about numbers. Our Customer Experience awards reflect the way our team looks after our clients and the relationships we have built within our local community.”
Sales Agent Adam Webster was another standout, receiving three major accolades, including Customer Experience Agent of the Year nationally and No. 5 Sales Agent nationally for transactions.
With many of the 2026 award categories requiring staff to have been employed for a full 12 months, Belle Property Whitsundays is looking ahead to an even bigger 2027 awards campaign as more of the team become eligible.
“We are absolutely going big next year,” Stephanie said.
“This year was our first opportunity to compete, and we are incredibly proud of the results. Next year, we will have more team members eligible across the categories, so we are already setting our sights on building on this success and striving to go even further.”
The awards are a significant milestone for a business that has experienced rapid growth since opening, and the team remains focused on continuing to raise the standard of real estate service across the Whitsundays.
Belle Property Whitsundays would like to thank its clients, local community and supporters for being part of the journey so far.
The first chapter has certainly been a successful one - and the team is already looking forward to what comes next.
Councillor Jan Clifford, Andrew Willcox MP, Beverley Holmes, Mayor Ry Collins and Councillor Clay Bauman.
Thirty-four Whitsunday residents from different corners of the world have officially become Australian citizens at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, marking a new chapter in their lives and the region's growing identity.
On Monday 31st August, attendees made their citizenship pledge across two ceremonies presided over by Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins, alongside Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, as well as Councillors Jan Clifford and Clay Bauman.
“34 new Australians and 34 different stories that now form part of our Whitsunday story,” said Mayor Ry Collins.
“Our newest citizens came from more than a dozen countries around the world, reflecting the wonderful diversity of people who now call the Whitsundays home.”
While some had only recently made Australia home, others had lived here for decades, including Beverley Holmes, who took the pledge after calling Australia home for around 60 years.
“Citizenship ceremonies are always special,” said Mayor Collins.
“Hearing people from so many different backgrounds stand together and make their commitment to Australia is a reminder that our communities are continually being shaped by people who choose to make this region their home.”
“Congratulations to our 34 newest Australian citizens, we’re very pleased to have you as part of the Whitsundays and part of our continuing story.”
Council’s final citizenship ceremonies for 2026 will be at the PEC on Thursday 8th October.
Breaking the Soil at Munroona Gardens. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
Murroona Gardens has officially broken ground on a major expansion that will deliver 24 purpose-built dementia care rooms and a new central laundry at the Bowen aged care facility.
Each of the new 12-bedroom homes will provide a more homely setting, with private rooms and shared living, dining and household spaces designed to put residents at ease. The smaller environment will allow staff to build closer relationships with residents and tailor care to their individual needs and routines.
A new central laundry will further support the growing community by allowing Murroona Gardens to continue managing residents’ washing on site.
The new facilities form part of a $14 million project designed to expand specialised dementia care in Bowen and allow more residents to receive support close to their families and community.
“There are a lot of small towns that don’t have facilities like this,” said Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox.
“It’s not only the care they provide, but how they provide that care. I’m looking forward to seeing this development completed.”
For Mr Willcox, the development also carries a strong personal connection, with four of his loved ones having received care at Murroona Gardens.
Mr Willcox advocated for the project’s funding in Canberra and said the new dementia homes would add another important level of care to a facility built and owned by the Bowen community.
“It’s really important that we look after the aged in our community,” Mr Willcox said.
“They’re the people who paved the way for us and established the communities we now enjoy.
“As they reach their twilight years, it is incumbent on us to make sure we take care of them and say thank you.”
Whitsunday Regional Council has assisted Murroona Gardens through the development process, including ample support with permits and progressing the project’s approvals.
Mayor Ry Collins said the expansion was particularly important as more Whitsunday residents choose to age within the region and require specialised care close to home.
“We need to know that we have these facilities in the region and that people don’t have to travel away to get that sort of care,” Mayor Collins said.
He said the Whitsundays’ growing and ageing population would continue to place greater demand on local aged care and health services.
“We’re going to need more aged care facilities, more medical facilities and bigger hospitals to make sure that we can accommodate all of our people and the needs that they have,” he said.
Mayor Ry Collins with chamber announcing the Nominees at the Whitsundays Business Conference
The Whitsundays’ outstanding businesses, leaders and rising talent are preparing to take centre stage, with 46 nominees in the running for the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards.
Presented by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bowen Chamber of Commerce and Whitsunday Regional Council, the awards recognise the achievements seen from across the region’s business community.
Judging is now underway, with an independent panel of regional and external judges assessing each application against a comprehensive set of criteria. Finalists will be announced on Friday 9 October at the awards ceremony.
“Our local businesses are at the heart of our communities – they create jobs, support local families, back community organisations and play an enormous role in making the Whitsundays such a great place to live, work and visit,” said Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins.
“Council is proud to partner with our Chambers to deliver the Whitsunday Business Awards and I’m looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our business community in October.”
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Allan Milostic said the response to this year’s Awards reflected the strength and diversity of the local business community.
“Again, another fantastic result that demonstrates the confidence businesses have in celebrating their achievements. Behind every entry is a story of resilience, innovation, leadership and hard work.
“The Awards are about more than recognising success. They provide businesses and individuals with an opportunity to reflect on their journey, celebrate their teams and inspire others by sharing what’s possible in the Whitsundays.
Jo Shepherd, Committee Member of the Bowen Chamber of Commerce said:
“After the incredible success of the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards in 2025, it’s fantastic to see the Whitsunday Business Awards return even bigger in their second year. Behind every nomination is a story of hard work, innovation, teamwork and resilience.”
“The inaugural awards set a high bar, highlighted how much our region has to offer, and clearly demonstrated that our businesses are the backbone of the Whitsunday Region.”
James Cook University returns as the event’s principal partner, joined by a range of local businesses and organisations sponsoring the award categories.
The Awards also acknowledge the support of Life Publishing Group as Print Media Partner, Whitsunday Transit as Transport Partner, and Amanda Camm MP as an Awards Supporter.
Tickets are now on sale with businesses, supporters and the wider community invited to attend what promises to be one of the region’s premier business celebrations.
Airlie Adventure Tours
Airlie Beach Tourism
Airlie Beach Transfers & Tours
Airlie Health Hub
Airlie Legal
Ambitious Cakes
Bounce Airlie Beach
Bowen Community Council Inc.
Bowen Community Op Shop
Bowen Flexi Care Inc.
Bowen Rail Company
Bowen Tourism and Business
Bright Patch Café
Chloe Bauer, Bowen Fisherman’s Seafood Company and Bird’s Fish Bar
Coastal Brush
Compass Realty Whitsundays
Dean Leslie, Australian Agave Co.
Divine Weddings Whitsundays
Edge Dance Studio Whitsunday
Elizabeth Hackett (Australian Adventure Tourism Group and Whitsunday Skyway) and Magnums Unique Accommodation
Giulian Grasso, Whitsunday Law
GRB Mining
Healthy Kids Project
Hidden Valley Whitsundays
Hogs Breath Cafe Airlie Beach
Jennifer Rush, Aquatic Rush
Lowcock Builders
Mana Skin Body & Soul
Mark Milligan and Pilcher’s Mitre 10
NQ Aerovation
Ocean Rafting
Proserpine Historical Museum Society Inc
Rolling with Netherpoel
Sam Mckay, Hamilton Island Enterprises
Scallywag Fabrication
Soumya Santosh, Tassal Proserpine Prawn Farm
Stephanie McWhirter and Belle Property Whitsundays
Team Whitsundays Body Corporate Management
Wayne Singleton, Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty (Whitsundays)
Whitsunday Community Services
Whitsunday Counselling & Support Inc.
Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre
Whitsunday Self Defense Academy
Whitsunday Wheels
Wildlife Whitsundays
Zero Waste Solutions
Photo supplied: Carmin Caston.
Firefighters have successfully contained a 69-acre grassfire that threatened homes on the edge of Collinsville, with the close call serving as a timely reminder to prepare for the approaching bushfire season.
The fire broke out at approximately 1.30pm on Thursday, burning between Peterson Street, Mill Street, Rough Court and Macarthur Street. It spread across about 69 acres throughout the afternoon and threatened several nearby structures, particularly properties at the rear of MacArthur, Petersen and Mill streets.
Nine Queensland Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service Queensland crews responded to the blaze, acting quickly to contain it.
Firefighters stayed at the scene into the night, keeping watch for hotspots hidden inside logs or other burnt material that could flare up again. Local crews returned the following day to deal with any remaining hotspots and continue monitoring the area.
“Firefighters acted quickly and successfully contained the fire, with no structures lost,” said Rural Fire Service Queensland Inspector James Bromley.
“Crews worked into the night, with local crews responding to reports of hotspots overnight and continuing to monitor the area during the day.”
The response from the local firies and Queensland Fire Department drew praise from the wider community and Whitsundays Regional Council.
“A huge thank you to our emergency services, volunteers and locals in Collinsville who stepped up to help put out a nasty grass fire that threatened the edge of town this afternoon,” said Mayor Ry Collins.
“With vegetation drying off and feeling like it’s getting warmer, it’s a timely reminder to our whole region to be aware of bushfire risk and prepare for more of the hot and windy conditions we saw today as we head into the months ahead.
“Thanks again to our community for looking out for each other when it counts.”
With the Collinsville fire among one of the region’s first major fires as winter draws to a close, Inspector Bromley echoed those warnings, pointing to rising temperatures, below-average rainfall and drying vegetation.
“The grass is continuing to cure, and we ask people conducting any activities that can cause sparks, such as cutting, grinding and mowing, to do so with care and be mindful of the dry conditions,” he said.
Inspector Bromley reminded residents they would not have to live directly beside bushland to be affected, with properties also vulnerable to embers and smoke.
Residents are recommended to exercise all measures of precautions, such as mowing long grass, trimming trees and clearing flammable material from around buildings. Households are also encouraged to complete a bushfire survival plan to fully grasp the threats that live around them.
“Managing bushfire risk is a shared responsibility, and landowners are legally responsible for managing bushfire hazards on their property,” Inspector Bromley said.
Hazard-reduction burns may also continue where conditions allow, meaning smoke could remain visible across parts of the region.
Inspector Bromley said anyone who saw smoke and was unsure whether it was coming from a planned burn or an uncontrolled fire should call Triple Zero.
Further preparation advice is available through the Queensland Fire Department.
Photosource: Shutterstock
Share the Dignity’s August drive saw great generosity from the community, with a range of sanitary products set to be distributed to two local charities:
Whitsunday Counselling and Whitsunday Housing Company.
The Woolworths collection points saw 78 products being donated, but one kind local more than doubled the supply with a whopping donation - Kelly Walker, a Proserpine-based Personal Trainer. “Every product helps in going towards assisting those in need in our community,” said Share The Dignity Volunteer Emma Anderson.
“It is of tremendous help to the work of Share the Dignity when the community comes together, like Kelly's studio and Woollies’ patrons. It shows the kindness of strangers.” Kelly’s donation, and those dropped off by Whitsunday shoppers, will all go toward providing much needed supplies to local women in need, making a stand against period poverty and working to ensure that all women have the right to dignity regardless of their circumstances.
Because, as the charity highlights, when someone is doing it tough, the last thing on their mind should be dealing with their period.
Hi Everyone,
I’m back and my cup is full!
To anyone feeling rundown or burnt out, I highly recommend a month in Europe. If Europe’s not your thing, I highly recommend carving out some time to relax and enjoy life without the commitments, responsibilities and daily routine of normal life.
For it is when you step away from the norm, stare at new horizons and spend some time without your alarm waking you up at 6am each morning that you really open your mind to what life is all about.
Ever since I became an avid traveller back in my twenties, I have always loved the power of exploring the world – the perspective it gives, the way it dispels the noise of normal life, and how your mind expands when you see and experience different cultures. To me, it is pure magic!
This year, it was an absolute treat to watch my nine-year-old son experience this delight for the first time. Until now, he has been a little too young to fully process the enormity of long-haul travel, or engage with and absorb the destinations we’ve visited.
But this year, I could see his mind was blown!
Some may disagree with pulling your child out of school for a month, but to me, the education that comes from travel and experiencing different cultures is priceless.
From swimming in an Italian lake, to scaling the slanted roofs of a cathedral, reaching speeds of 250 kilometres an hour on a train, and discovering the delight of tapas in the busy streets of Barcelona – he loved every second of it.
After a month away, it is always fabulous to return to this incredible region and this wonderful local newspaper.
As ever, I am in awe of the passionate team I am lucky enough to have around me, and thankful for every day we get to serve this beautiful community.
Rach
Quote of the Week: “Once a year, go somewhere you’ve never been before” (Dalai Lama)
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
There was plenty of action on the cricket pitch when Mackay made sporting history, but some of Australia’s biggest sporting stars were putting in the hard yards long before the first ball was bowled.
On Thursday 20th August, prior to the big game over the weekend, members of the Australian men’s cricket team made Fitness Cartel Mackay their training base while in the region for Mackay’s historic first-ever men’s Test match against Bangladesh.
For a regional city, having some of the country’s best cricketers walk through the doors of a local gym is no small feat. For Fitness Cartel, however, it was another strong endorsement of what the facility has set out to deliver – a premier, world-class training and wellness centre right here in Mackay.
The landmark Test match, held from 22-26 August 2026, brought international cricket to the Great Barrier Reef Arena as Australia faced Bangladesh in the second match of the NRMA Insurance Northern Australia Test Series.
And while the players took centre stage at the arena, Fitness Cartel provided a place to train, prepare and recover behind the scenes, with its renowned wellness centre offering facilities including plunge pools, a hot rock sauna and compression boots designed to support recovery and performance.
The visit came with an impressive result on the field, too, with Australia bouncing back from its Darwin defeat to secure a convincing innings-and-51-run victory over Bangladesh in Mackay.
Bangladesh struggled with the bat, scoring just 64 runs in its first innings before being dismissed for 95 in the second. Mitchell Starc was outstanding, claiming 10 wickets for 51 runs across the match, while Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon also took three wickets each as Australia wrapped up the Test in just over two days.
For Fitness Cartel Mackay co-founder Michael James, welcoming members of the Australian cricket team was a “tremendous honour”, particularly given the calibre of athletes using the facility.
“To have the best players in the country, in our national sport, choose to look after their bodies at Fitness Cartel while they’re here for the Test match is a tremendous privilege,” Mr James said.
“It just makes me very, very proud.”
The visit also added another chapter to Fitness Cartel’s growing reputation among elite sporting teams, having previously welcomed professional footy teams and other high-level athletes through its doors.
For Mr James, seeing Australia’s cricketers train and recover in Mackay demonstrated that world-class performance facilities do not have to be confined to capital cities or major sporting hubs.
“We’ve created what I would describe as affordable luxury,” he said.
“We’re bringing world-class facilities to Mackay, but they don’t have to be exclusive to world-class performers.”
“This facility is for everyday people, often people who are just starting out, right through to some of the best players in cricket in the world.”
And that is perhaps the real win for Mackay.
To have international sporting stars training and recovering locally is a reflection of how far the region’s facilities have come, and Fitness Cartel is helping put Mackay on the map as a place where elite athletes can prepare, perform and recover at a world-class standard.
At the same time, that same training floor and wellness centre remains available to the everyday Mackay community.
From Australian cricket stars preparing for a historic Test to locals simply chasing their next personal best, Fitness Cartel is proving that a world-class training and recovery environment can exist, and thrive, right here in the region.
As apartment living continues to grow in popularity across Mackay and the Whitsundays, and more local investors enter the strata market, the role of body corporate committees is becoming increasingly important. It’s a challenge the team at BCS Strata Mackay sees regularly with many owners. Body corporate living remains something of a mystery until they are faced with a decision that affects their property, their finances or their community.
That is why experienced body corporate professional and BCS Strata Mackay strata manager Rachel Blaxland is encouraging owners and committee members to focus on one simple principle: communication. Drawing on more than 15 years in the industry, Rachel has recently joined the BCS Strata Mackay local team and believes informed communities make better decisions. Rachel’s journey into strata management was not a traditional one. She entered the industry in 2010 after applying for a reception role and quickly discovered a profession that combined problem- solving, property management and community engagement. Since then, she has become a certified manager and has been recognised as Young Strata Manager of the Year in 2016 by the Strata Community Association QLD.
What continues to motivate her is the opportunity to help owners navigate challenges and reach positive outcomes together.
‘I enjoy being part of a community of owners and helping guide them through issues that arise so they can achieve an outcome that protects and maintains their investment,’ she said.
Strata communities today face a far more complex environment than they did a decade ago. Buildings are ageing, maintenance costs are increasing, insurance premiums continue to rise, and weather resilience is becoming an ongoing priority, particularly in North Queensland.
At the same time, most committee members are balancing body corporate responsibilities alongside careers, family commitments and everyday life.
‘Most committee members are volunteers. The best outcomes happen when they have clear information, practical support and enough time to focus on the decisions that matter.’
Rachel believes one of the biggest misconceptions among owners is a lack of understanding about what a body corporate actually is. Many owners see the committee or manager as being solely responsible for decisions, when in reality every owner is automatically a member of the body corporate and has a role to play in the community’s future.
For committee members, her advice is straightforward. Review past meeting minutes, understand the building’s long- term maintenance plans and keep owners informed about upcoming decisions before formal voting processes begin.
Whether it is a major building project or a routine maintenance decision, transparency helps build trust. At BCS Strata Mackay, Rachel says educating owners about the reasons behind decisions often helps communities reach better outcomes and maintain stronger relationships.
‘Over communication is always better than under communication,’ Rachel said. ‘If owners understand why decisions are being made, they are much more likely to support the process.’
In a region where communities are close-knit, and owners have a genuine interest in protecting their investments, that simple approach could make a significant difference.
My car had a sleep-over at Harrup Park Country Club last Saturday night after delivering me to the venue on the first day of the Australia-Bangladesh Test.
I was there well before the start with a few friends and the day started with a Mitchell Starc wicket on the first ball, followed by numerous more as the morning progressed.
It was a fantastic day and, as can happen when you watch a full day of cricket with friends, driving home was not an option. Hence the car’s sleep-over.
A friend dropped me in to Harrup Park the next morning to pick up my car from the car park. I felt fine, although a little foggy headed, as I juggled keys, phone, wallet, coffee cup and jacket and jumped into my car.
I headed to Mt Pleasant to pick up another friend to go and see a mate of ours who was in the Mater Hospital after badly injuring his back a few days earlier.
I had a missed call on the way to pick up my Mt Pleasant mate and I thought I’ll get back to that when I get out of the car.
But when we arrived at the Mater I couldn’t find my wallet and I spent the next 10 minutes searching under and around car seats, in my jacket etc trying to find that little leather life-support system that contains the licence, credit cards along with other cards and about $200 in cash.
I had no success but decided to go up to the ward with my Mt Pleasant mate to see my injured friend.
The hospital is a peaceful, orderly, professional sanctuary for the injured and unwell and a good example of Mackay getting things right. I spent 20 minutes or so chatting and catching up and then said I would have to head off in search of my wallet.
I searched up Harrup Park’s number on my phone and immediately noticed it was the same number as the missed call I received as I drove away from Harrup Park a little earlier. I rang Harrup and a lovely woman said someone had found it in the car park and handed it in.
If that person is reading this, I thank you.
As I drove away from Harrup Park with my wallet and all its cards and $200 in cash I thought: Good old Mackay. Where else does that happen? If I had parked outside the MCG or any other major cricket venue in the country, what chance of me getting my wallet back? Zero.
And what about the actual event I was attending the day before? Harrup Park put on an absolutely superb event, with a terrific pitch, superb outfield, excellent facilities and the weather we love.
I met people who came up from southern regions who had not heard of Mackay prior to the test. They were blown away by what they saw. Many of them kicked on to venues like the recently renovated Mackay Hotel where, again, they were surprised by what is offered in this regional city.
I don’t know what all this means for property values but my point is that the day reminded me that while Mackay might not be perfect, there are a lot of reasons to move here and stay here.
People hand in lost wallets. The medical facilities can’t be the same as Sydney but you can get good care in excellent facilities and get transported to those other centres if you need them. We can put on major events and our venues are evolving in a way that means things like test matches will be a more regular occurrence.
A decision to live in a regional centre means you miss out on some things but there is a big upside to buying in Mackay and making it home.
Trent Wooldridge, Rural Specialist and Sales Consultant at Blacks Real Estate. Photo source: Blacks Real Estate
Trent Wooldridge is helping rural property owners across the region through his role as Rural Specialist and Sales Consultant with Blacks Real Estate.
Working throughout Mackay and surrounding rural areas, Trent assists clients with the sale and purchase of rural properties while drawing on local market knowledge and industry experience.
Blacks Real Estate has established a strong presence across the region, servicing residential, commercial, rural and industrial clients from offices in Mackay and Dysart.
As demand for regional and rural properties continues across Queensland, the agency said its rural division remains focused on providing tailored support to landholders and buyers navigating the changing market.
Trent can be contacted on 0427 708 247.
By the office of Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry MP
Families, pensioners and small businesses across Capricornia are doing it tough. Every week I hear from locals who are working hard, doing the right thing and still finding it harder to get ahead. Power bills, insurance, groceries, rent, fuel and mortgages have all climbed, and too many regional Australians feel they are paying more while getting less in return.
That is why the LNP’s plan is focused on restoring living standards, rewarding hard work and putting Australians first. We believe government should respect taxpayers’ money, rein in wasteful spending and take real pressure off household budgets. Our plan includes fairer tax settings so Australians are not punished simply because inflation has pushed them into higher brackets, support for small businesses to invest and grow, and practical action to get more homes built so young people and families have a fair shot at home ownership.
For regional communities like ours, fuel and energy security matter. Capricornia relies on affordable, reliable power and transport to keep farms, mines, ports, small businesses and households moving. The LNP understands that cheaper energy is not just an economic issue; it is a household issue, a jobs issue and a regional issue.
We also know that strong borders, responsible migration and investment in national infrastructure are essential to protecting Australia’s way of life. Regional Australians do not want empty promises or political spin. They want practical policies that make life easier, make communities stronger and give the next generation confidence in the future.
The LNP has a plan to restore aspiration, back hard work and deliver a fair go for Capricornia. That is what I will continue fighting for every day.
Glen Kelly MP discussing the sugar industry with Mackay Canegrowers reps Joeseph Borg and Michelle Martin and Councillor Peter Sheedy. Photo supplied
For generations, the local Growers of the Mackay region sugar industry have helped build the wealth of this region.
They have supported our mills, our engineering businesses, our transport operators, our schools, our sporting clubs and thousands of local jobs.
Our growers are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for a fair go and the opportunity to build a strong future for the next generation.
The Crisafulli Government understands that we have set an ambitious target to grow Queensland’s primary industries to $30 billion by 2030, and sugar must be part of that growth. We have also backed a parliamentary inquiry into sugarcane bioenergy opportunities because the future of cane is about more than raw sugar. It is about electricity, biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel and new value-adding industries that can create jobs right here in regional Queensland.
But while the State Government is looking at how we help agriculture grow, Mackay Regional Council needs to have a serious look at the burden it places on our cane growers.
Council continues to operate a differential rating system that categorises properties according to their primary land use, including rural and cane farming properties.
I fundamentally disagree with an approach that sees productive agricultural land treated differently simply because of what is being grown on it.
Farmers already carry significant rates bills because of the size and value of their properties. To then impose a rating system that further differentiates land because a family chooses to grow sugarcane is ridiculous.
A cane farm isn't just a large block of land. It is a business. It requires machinery, fertiliser, fuel, labour, insurance and constant reinvestment just to get another crop to the mill.
Every extra dollar taken through rates is a dollar that cannot be invested back into that farm. Mackay Regional Council should be asking how it can make our region more competitive, not how much more it can extract from productive industries.
It is time to trim the fat in Gordon Street, find efficiencies within Council and take some pressure off the people who actually generate wealth in our region.
Our growers want to grow cane. Our mills need throughput. Our local businesses need a strong agricultural economy.
The Crisafulli Government will keep backing agriculture to grow. It is time for Mackay Regional Council to do the same, give our cane growers a fair go, get out of the way and let the sugar industry thrive.
OFFERS OVER $819,000
The Brief: Escape the Noise. Embrace this 2 acre Lifestyle Rural Retreat
Located at the top on the Eton range this tidy property offers space, peace and quiet and a green backdrop. The home is designed for comfortable country living, with spacious interiors and plenty of natural light. Set on large 8095m2 block with two sheds, this 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home is freshly painted inside and is move in ready.
AT A GLANCE:
INSIDE:
- Open plan kitchen, dining and living with split system and a gas heater
- New dishwasher, gas cooktop and electric oven
- Master bedroom with a/c and fan
- 2 other bedrooms with built in robes and fans
- Family bathroom with double vanity, bath and separate shower
- Separate toilet
- External laundry
- Tinted windows throughout, security screens on doors, insect screens on windows.
OUTSIDE:
- Powered 20m x 10m shed with 2 x 4.2m clearance electric roller doors, plus plumbing to add a bathroom if desired.
- Double garage at house with awning
- Orchard and trees in pots ready to plant or move as desired
- Existing irrigation, 40 fruit trees and raised garden beds
- Cattle fence on 2 sides of the property and dog fence around the house
UTILITIES:
- Power: Mains and Solar 13.5 kw solar with inverter and 2x 16.6 kw batteries, generator change over switch
- Hot Water: Gas
- Water Supply: Rain water to house 5x 28,000L water tanks, 3 on house and 2 on shed, Bore (yard and livestock)
- New septic
- Communications: Starlink and hard wired security Eufy cameras
OTHER:
- Built in 2009
- Zoned: Rural
- Rates Approx. $1000 per half year
- Price: Offers over $819k
Located 40 mins to Mackay, 30 mins to Nebo, 1.5hrs to Moranbah and 23 mins to your closest supermarket in Walkerston.
Contact Robyn Agius today to arrange your private inspection. Inspections by appointment only
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