To 2025 Whitsunday Writers Festival Events

The Whitsundays Writers Festival returns to Airlie Beach on Friday, 12 September 2025, at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, featuring a stellar line-up of authors and guest speakers.

A highlight is the Love Letter to Queensland event with keynote speaker Dr. Anita Heiss, an award-winning author of over 20 books across multiple genres. A proud Wiradyuri woman, she is also an ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and Professor of Communications at the University of Queensland.

Joining her are Gold Walkley Award winner Hedley Thomas, Queensland Literary Award winner Steve MinOn, and acclaimed author and journalist Matthew Condon OAM. These speakers will read their personal love letters to Queensland, take part in a panel discussion, and sign books. Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP will also share her love letter, and Karen Jacobsen—local performer and “The GPS Girl®”—will perform a love song to Queensland.

Community submissions are open until August 31 for love letters (300 words max), with fantastic prizes: a $1000 Daydream Island voucher (adults), $500 Tropix Photography gift certificate (under 18s), and gifts from Street Library Australia and Kitten Vintage Mackay (young writers).

Mayor Ry Collins, Festival Patron, will read the winning letters and announce the Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, including The Gloria Burley Award for unpublished fiction and the Short Story Award for under 18s, supported by the Roderick Centre.

Also on Friday are Memoir Writing Sessions with award-winning author and journalist Dr. Lindsay Simpson, designed for aspiring writers.

Tickets and info: www.whitsundayswriters.com

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Award-winning author Dr. Anita Heiss will present the keynote address at the 2025 Whitsundays Writers Festival

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The countdown is officially on! The Whitsunday Tourism Awards are back on October 18 and we couldn’t be more excited to give a big shoutout to this year’s amazing finalists.

An impressive 93 businesses have been named across 14 categories, covering everything from great places to stay, to eat and to experience. These awards are all about celebrating the people and places that make our region one of Australia’s favourite holiday spots.

In a fresh twist this year, the Whitsunday Tourism Awards are based on results from the Best of Queensland Experience Program, meaning no submissions, just recognition based on real results and customer reviews. Out of 123 Best of Queensland recognised products, 50 scored a perfect 100. That’s a huge achievement and a true reflection of the quality across our region.

Whether it’s an island stay, a reef adventure, a beachfront cafe or a land-based tour, these finalists represent the heart and soul of tourism in the Whitsundays. They work hard, deliver amazing customer service and help showcase everything we love about our region.

We can’t wait to celebrate them all on October 18. It’s going to be a night to remember and a well-earned moment in the spotlight for the people and businesses who make our region shine.

Congrats again to all the finalists, you’ve done the Whitsundays proud!

Contributed with thanks to Tourism Whitsundays

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Some of last years' winners at the glamorous Whitsunday Tourism Awards event held on Daydream Island

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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference on Thursday 28 August, bringing together more than 120 business leaders and stakeholders from across the region.
The full-day program, designed by locals for locals, was shaped following an expression of interest process earlier this year to ensure the topics and speakers reflect the needs of Whitsunday businesses.
Attendees can expect keynote speakers, panel discussions, and 14 concurrent sessions delivering practical insights and strategies across marketing, workforce development, technology, partnerships, and business resilience.
Chamber President Allan Milostic said the event reflects the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening the region’s business community.
“Our goal is to create an environment where local businesses can connect, learn from each other, and gain tools they can put into action straight away. This conference is about more than ideas – it’s about building the confidence and capacity to make those ideas happen.”
Conference Committee Chair Megan Taylor of Kapow Interactive said the locally led approach is key to its impact.
“By inviting the business community to help shape the program, we’ve ensured every session is relevant and actionable. We’ve brought together experts who understand our opportunities and challenges, so attendees leave inspired and ready to take the next step.”
With formal sessions, interactive activities, and networking the conference promises to deliver both professional value and community spirit.
Whitsunday Business Conference Sells Out – Join the waitlist
The 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference is officially sold out, with more than 120 delegates and 70 organisations confirmed to attend.
Missed out? Contact the Chamber to join the waiting list and be notified if places become available: admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au.

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Nationally recognised business coach and keynote speaker Judy Porter of Shiift will deliver an energising presentation, Getting Out of Your Own Way, at the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference. With over 25 years as a multi-industry business owner and a background in psychology, Judy understands how personality, beliefs, and leadership styles shape business culture.
Judy challenges leaders to reflect on their approach, build genuine trust, and embrace their role as visionary leaders.
“Growing a passion into a business is a wild, rewarding ride,” she says. “But what happens when you’re still in the driver’s seat, tooting your own horn, and holding the map with white knuckles? At some point, you have to trust the team, step into the leadership space, and create a culture where your people can drive the vision forward with you – not just ride along.”
Drawing on experience managing teams of up to 250 staff, Judy offers practical tools to move from micromanagement to empowerment. Known for her engaging style, humour, and actionable strategies, she is a former Chamber Board member and active contributor to regional initiatives.
Judy will also lead a concurrent session, The Art of Feedback: The F-Word That Could Save Your Team and Your Business. This interactive workshop explores how feedback can motivate teams and improve culture without causing defensiveness or discomfort.
Attendees will gain valuable insights to unlock their team’s potential and drive sustainable business growth.

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9:00am: Official Opening with Mayor Ry Collins
9:20am: Keynote – Get Out of Your Own Way with Judy Porter
9:50am: Plenary Panel – Working Better Together: From Vision to Impact with Terry Archer (Whitsunday Sailing Club), Justin Butler (Whitsunday Sportspark) and Carol Norris (Greater Whitsunday Communities)
11:00am: Get Connected: Who’s Here to Help Your Business? with Georgia Lavers (Greater Whitsunday Alliance), Gerard Millican (Queensland Business Concierge), Julia Wheway (TAFE Queensland), Kirra Tully (Greater Whitsunday Innovation), Leigh-Ann Pool (Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training), Paul Hanlon (Whitsunday Regional Council), Robert Cocco (Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays), and Roxanne Birse (Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations)
11:45am: Concurrent Sessions – Round One
   • The Art of Feedback: The F-Word That Could Save Your Team and Your Business by Judy Porter (Shiift)
   • Business & Community: Partnering for Impact with Rebecca Woods (Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre), Annika Thomson (Ocean Crusaders), Courtney Quinn-McCabe (Tassal Proserpine Prawn Farm) and Libby Edge (Eco Barge Australia)
   • From Solo to Scalable: Building a Business That Works with You with Corrina Lindby (The Answer is Yes) and Kate Tulett (Th3rd Dimension Media)
1:15pm: Concurrent Sessions – Round Two
   • Money Matters for Modern Business with Gus Walsgott (Rural Financial Counselling Service), Kim Jamieson (Accountancy Plus Whitsundays), Justin Butler (Eclipse Financial Planning), Luke Sheppard (Bendigo Bank business banking), Doug O’Connor (Option Insurance Brokers) and Fiona Erquiaga (Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting)
   • International Recruitment & Migration by Alana Hopkins (Workforce Abundance)
   • Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact by Brian Ward (BRIAN8)
   • The Power of Storytelling: Using Personal Branding to Grow Your Business with Rachael Smith (Mackay and Whitsunday Life and Core Life Magazine)
2:00pm: Concurrent Sessions – Round Three
   • Local Marketing That Works with Melanie Laas (EMME Influence), Courtney Casey (Southern Cross Austereo) and Trish Jandt (Mackay and Whitsunday Life).
   • Tendering: Top Ten Tips by Ros Wesche (Queensland Department of State Development and Infrastructure)
   • The Dying Art of Customer Service: 12 Rules for Success with Rick Brown
   • Smarter People Management for Small Business with Mark Lipkin (Airlie Group)
3:15pm: Concurrent Sessions – Round Four
   • Leveraging AI and VR for Business Innovation and Social Impact with Lisa Green (Telstra AI Solutions), Simon Lowe (People Tech Revolution) and Kirra Tully (Greater Whitsunday Innovation),
   • From Insight to Impact: An Action Lab for Future-Fit Teams by Georgia Lavers (Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee)
   • Finding Support Before You Need It with Cassandra Walsh (My Pathway)
4:00pm: Plenary – Power Up: What’s Next for Your Business

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The 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference opens with Mayor Ry Collins officially launching the event and announcing Whitsunday Regional Council’s commitment as a Small Business Friendly Council – an initiative of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner that brings people together to enhance the operating environment to help small and family businesses thrive.
A key morning feature is the Working Better Together: From Vision to Impact panel, bringing together regional leaders to discuss how collaboration is driving progress in infrastructure, housing, investment, and community development. Panellists include Terry Archer from the Whitsunday Sailing Club, who will discuss creating an Olympic legacy through strategic partnerships; Justin Butler of Whitsunday Sportspark, sharing insights on securing $4.5 million for sports infrastructure improvements; and Carol Norris of Greater Whitsunday Communities, presenting coordinated efforts to address workforce housing challenges.
Following the panel, the Get Connected: Who’s Here to Help Your Business? session offers a unique opportunity for businesses to engage directly eight key government and regional development agencies and programs. Participants will hear quick introductions from representatives of government and regional development bodies, then join two rounds of speed dating discussions to explore tailored support and collaboration opportunities.
Following the morning program, attendees have the choice of 14 interactive concurrent sessions, held over four rounds across the TAFE Queensland Whitsunday campus.
Attendees will then continue networking at the Tourism Whitsunday monthly networking event at Mirage Whitsunday, Cannonvale.
See the full program: whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/whitsundays-business-conference

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Mayor Ry Collins officially launches the event by announcing Whitsunday Regional Council’s commitment as a Small Business Friendly Council

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At the Conference, learn how to grow your business through powerful storytelling, exceptional customer service, and effective local marketing.
Rachael Smith, Editor in Chief of Mackay and Whitsunday Life, will share how personal storytelling and authentic branding build trust and deepen community connections in regional areas.
Rick Brown brings decades of experience in building a $20 million business and delivering outstanding customer service, will reveal twelve key rules that create loyalty, enhance reputation, and set businesses apart.
Marketing experts Melanie Laas (EMME Influence), Courtney Casey (Southern Cross Austereo), and Trish Jandt (Mackay and Whitsunday Life) will guide attendees on using social media, print, radio, and digital channels. Their panel offers strategies for selecting the right media mix to expand reach, strengthen ties, and boost growth.
Together, these sessions provide practical tools to help local businesses connect with their audience, deliver standout service, and market with confidence and impact.

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TAFE Whitsunday is a big part of this year’s Business Conference,serving up a tasty two-course meal, and morning and afternoon treats,prepared and served by their awesome hospitality and cookerystudents.

Attendees willenjoy the food in Palmers, their student-run training restaurant,where students get real hands-on experience.

This is a greatway to see local talent in action and shows how TAFE is helpingstudents get job-ready in hospitality and tourism, two of theWhitsundays’ biggest industries.

By featuring TAFEstudents at the conference, we’re not only celebrating their hardwork but also helping build a skilled local workforce. It’s a winfor the students, the businesses, and the whole community, showinghow education and industry working together can boost our region’sgrowth and future.

Open to thepublic, Palmers Restaurant is hosting a la carte lunch services form12pm-1:30pm Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 September. Bookings essentialphone 4940 2777 or PalmersRestaurant.north@tafeqld.edu.au

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TAFE hospitality and cookery students will be serving up a tasty two-course meal, and morning and afternoon treats at the conference.Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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The Whitsundays Chamber extends its thanks to the major sponsors behind the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference, recognising their vital role in bringing the sold-out event to life.
This year’s conference would not be possible without the generous contributions of:
   • Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine is a locally owned branch offering full banking services and investing back into the Whitsunday community.
   • My Pathway connects people and businesses through employment, training, and community services, including the Self-Employment Assistance program.
   • Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee, unites local business and community leaders and training providers to deliver relevant employment and training solutions.
   • TAFE Queensland’s Whitsundays campus offers practical courses in cookery, hospitality, and early childhood education.
   • Shiift provides tailored leadership, culture, and performance solutions for aligned, motivated teams that drive real results.
   • Tassal, with its Proserpine Prawn Farm, is a major regional employer committed to sustainable aquaculture and investment.
   • Mackay and Whitsunday Life supports the community by documenting and celebrating the diverse stories of the Whitsundays.
A shoutout also to the Conference Champions who are also powering this year’s Conference –Club Whitsunday, Kapow Interactive, Option Insurance Brokers, Scallywag Fabrications, Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting, Telstra, and Your Business Angels – for stepping up with their generous support.
All these businesses are true business champions, making sure the conference offers the best insights, networking, and practical tools to help you succeed.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check them out and see how they can help your business thrive.

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A major highlight of the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference will be the dynamic plenary session Working Better Together: From Vision to Impact, showcasing how strategic partnerships are creating real, measurable outcomes across the Whitsundays.
Hosted by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the session will explore how collaboration across sectors—government, business, community, First Nations and environmental groups—is transforming the region’s capacity to deliver high-impact projects and long-term liveability improvements.
The panel will feature local leaders actively involved in some of the region’s most exciting initiatives:
   • Terry Archer, Whitsunday Sailing Club – sharing how the Club is leveraging partnerships to create an Olympic legacy and world-class marine infrastructure.
   • Justin Butler, Whitsunday Sportspark – discussing the journey to securing $4.5 million in specialist lending to improve sports infrastructure, and the role of shared vision in reducing risk.
   • Carol Norris, Greater Whitsunday Communities – presenting outcomes from the Housing Alliance Project and how coordinated efforts across employers, developers and government are addressing workforce housing and investment challenges in Mackay and Bowen.
“Partnerships are how we move from idea to action,” said Chamber President Allan Milostic. “This session will give businesses real insight into how collaboration, not competition, is shaping the future of our region.”
The plenary will highlight how rethinking traditional business relationships is delivering mutual benefit, improved community outcomes, and smarter resource allocation.

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Terry Archer from Whitsunday Sailing Club

Justin Butler from Whitsunday Sportspark

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Planning for the 2026 Conference is already underway, aiming to be bigger and better than ever.
The Whitsundays Chamber invites businesses to explore a range of opportunities including sponsorship packages, speaking roles, exhibitor booths, and prize contributions – designed to suit all business sizes and budgets.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event.
Contact admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au.
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Your Local Business Voice
The Whitsundays Chamber is the united voice of local business, dedicated to creating a supportive environment where enterprises can grow, succeed, and connect.
As an independent and apolitical organisation, the Chamber works closely with all levels of government and stakeholders to ensure business interests are heard and acted upon.
Members enjoy access to valuable networking, education, events, and resources. Through partnerships like joint membership with Tourism Whitsundays and Weddings Whitsundays, members benefit from wider industry reach and stronger representation.
Whether you’re a start-up, sole trader, or established business, the Chamber connects you with the people, knowledge, and resources to thrive.
Join today: whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/join

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The 2025 Conference features vital sessions on leadership, human resources, and workforce development.
One key session, Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact, led by Brian Ward (BRIAN8), challenges leaders to rethink motivation by focusing on mindset, trust, feedback, and retention. Attendees will learn people-first strategies to build stronger teams and create positive business outcomes.
Human resources support is front and centre in the Smarter People Management for Small Business session, hosted by Mark Lipkin (Airlie Group). This practical workshop addresses staff management challenges, compliance, industrial relations, and offers tailored strategies to reduce risk and improve workplace culture.
Another key session, From Insight to Impact: An Action Lab for Future-Fit Teams, offers a hands-on workshop for businesses to apply workforce insights to help build teams ready for tomorrow’s challenges. Georgia Lavers (Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee) leads this interactive planning session.
Workforce challenges are also explored in International Recruitment & Migration. Presented by Alana Hopkins (Workforce Abundance), this session explains how skilled migration can help local businesses overcome labour shortages and boost regional economic growth.

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Key session, Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact,is led by Brian Ward (BRIAN8)

Mark Lipkinfrom Airlie Group hosts a human resources session called PeopleManagement for Small Business

Georgia Lavers from Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committeeleads this interactive planning session

Alana Hopkinsfrom Workforce Abundance explores workforce challenges in anInternational Recruitment & Migration session

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At the Conference, business owners can gain valuable insights and practical tools across operations, finance, and support services to help their businesses grow and stay resilient.
For business owners ready to grow, From Solo to Scalable. Corrina Lindby (The Answer is Yes) and Kate Tulett (Th3rd Dimension Media) will show how to scale a business using systems, automation, and tech tools—without the stress or need for a big team. This session provides a clear roadmap to future-proof your business and improve customer engagement.
In Money Matters for Modern Business, a panel of six finance specialists will cover essential topics like lending, insurance, superannuation, and growth planning. With experts from Rural Financial Counselling Service, Accountancy Plus, Bendigo Bank, and more, attendees can ask specific questions and get practical advice to build a strong financial foundation and boost resilience.
Finding Support Before You Need It guides business owners through free, government-backed mentoring and support programs to avoid pitfalls and stay empowered. Cassandra Walsh (My Pathway) will share how to connect with these resources early and confidently.

Cassandra Walsh (My Pathway) will present Finding Support BeforeYou Need It, a session guiding business owners through free,government-backed mentoring and support programs designed to helpthem stay empowered and avoid common pitfalls

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Nestled in the heart of the Whitsundays, Tassal’s Proserpine prawn farm is proving to be much more than a seafood producer. It is a quiet local success story, combining innovation, sustainability, and a strong sense of community.

The farm, which supplies prawns across the country, is run by locals and focused on local impact. From jobs and training to environmental care and community partnerships, Tassal’s presence in Proserpine is making a meaningful difference.

Over the past year, Tassal has spent almost $55,000 supporting community groups, events and causes across the Whitsundays. This includes local associations such as the Whitsunday Brahman Rugby League, the Cannonvale Swimming Club, the Great Barrier Reef festival, the Whitsunday Show, the Proserpine Golf Club, and the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre.

Tassal’s Manager – Stakeholder and Community Engagement, Courtney Quinn-McCabe, said the company’s community support in the Whitsundays was about giving back in a way that built real, lasting value.

“We believe that when industry and community work side by side, we can achieve much more,” she said. “Our support is about more than sponsorship. It is about helping local groups grow, creating opportunities, and building strong, long-term relationships in the communities where we live and work.”

Tassal has developed a water efficiency plan specifically for its Proserpine site. This is part of a broader approach to responsible aquaculture that includes automated pond aeration, AI-based feeding systems, and real-time water quality monitoring. These tools allow the farm to reduce waste, care for animal health, and ensure long-term sustainability.

The company is also committed to creating jobs in the region. Tassal prefers to hire locally where possible and provides career development opportunities through structured training and leadership programs. It is not uncommon to hear stories of workers who joined as juniors and are now leading teams or mentoring others.

“Our team is part of this community,” Ms Quinn-McCabe said. “We live here, we work here, and we want to see the Whitsundays thrive.”

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Backing Our Sporting Future

One of the great joys of being Mayor is getting out into the community and celebrating the people and projects that are shaping our Whitsunday region for the better.

Last week, I had the pleasure of joining Deputy Mayor Michelle Wright and Cr John Finlay in Bowen to officially open two major sporting facility upgrades that will make a real difference for grassroots sport in our Whitsunday region.

First up was the new field lighting at the Bowen Sporting Complex – a $600,000 project jointly funded by Council and the Queensland Government. With lighting now up to standard for night cricket and football, this upgrade opens the door to more games, more participation, and better opportunities for local clubs and athletes.

Later in the day, we joined the Bowen Seagulls committee to celebrate the completion of the Denison Park amenities upgrade – a $1.6 million investment by the Queensland Government that’s delivered new change rooms, a gym, boardroom, accessible toilets and showers, and space to support growing teams and female participation.

Let’s be clear – projects like these don’t just happen. They’re the result of tireless advocacy from both Council and the community.

While I’ve been proud to advocate at every level of government to help secure funding for these upgrades, it’s the locals – like our club volunteers – who put in countless hours of their own time to drive these projects forward and ensure their clubs and communities get the facilities they deserve.

People like Brandon Mackie and Jill Warren, President and Secretary of the Bowen Sporting Complex Coordination Association, and Shane Douglas from the Bowen Seagulls, who volunteer hundreds of hours every year, often behind the scenes, to ensure future generations have access to top-class facilities.

Their passion, persistence and leadership are what keep the wheels turning. From grant applications and committee meetings to line-marking fields and mentoring juniors, these are the people building a strong sporting future from the ground up.

We are incredibly lucky to have such dedicated volunteers in our region. Their efforts make our towns stronger, our kids more connected, and our sporting legacy more secure.

A big thank you also to Minister Dale Last and the Queensland Government for their partnership on both projects. Council will continue to advocate for investment in local sport as we head toward 2032 and beyond.

In the Whitsundays, sport is more than just a game – it’s community, it’s pride, and it’s a legacy worth investing in.

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