Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OPINION PIECE from the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox There is no question that immigration into Australia is out of control. The government’s numbers are too high, and standards are too low. A sustainable migration program must consider our capacity to provide housing, healthcare, infrastructure and the essential services everyone relies on, and Australians must come first. But Labor’s decision to target Working Holiday Makers Visa holders is not the answer. These people filling vital gaps in our workforce are not the cause of Australia’s housing crisis. In many cases, they are living in accommodation provided by the very businesses that employ them. The National Farmers’ Federation has made the point that Working Holiday Makers generally stay in hostels, caravan parks or purpose-built on-farm accommodation. Resorts usually have on-site staff quarters. They are not the source of Australia’s housing shortage. So why is Labor making it harder for them to come here, when these workers fill genuine jobs that regional Australia holds? Working Holiday Makers fill approximately one in seven farm jobs nationally and are particularly important during peak agricultural periods, which for Dawson, it is right now! Farmers rely on these workers to plant, pick, pack and harvest the produce that ends up on Australian supermarket shelves. Having run one of Australia’s largest tomato farms, at times Working Holiday Makers made up more than 50 per cent of my workforce. Without them, much of our crop simply would not have been picked in time and rotted in the paddock. Some may say, why not employ the Australians who don’t have a job and are on “the dole”? Can I say, this does not work. Most farmers will employ Aussies over travelling backpackers, but many either don’t want to do the work or don’t turn up after the first day. Who picks the fruit or veggies then? Farmers are already warning that visa delays are leaving them without workers. The NFF says approvals that once took days are now facing processing times of up to three months, and this time frame can be the difference between harvesting a crop or losing it. That should concern every Australian already feeling the pressure at the supermarket checkout. The same problem is playing out in tourism. Across Dawson, Working Holiday Makers are an important part of the workforce supporting tourism and hospitality, particularly in the Whitsundays. They help fill shifts, work in hotels and restaurants, support tour operators and keep businesses running through their busiest periods. They also contribute to the local economy. They spend money on food, fuel, attractions and tours, supporting the small businesses that depend on a strong visitor economy. That is why tourism and business leaders across North Queensland are raising the alarm. They understand what happens when a regional business cannot get enough staff: opening hours are reduced, and services are cut, creating a downward spiral. We do need to reduce migration to sustainable levels. We need stronger integrity measures, and we need to crack down on rorts. But responsible migration policy means understanding which parts of the system are creating pressure and which parts are helping Australia function. Working Holiday Makers are not the problem. They are part of the workforce solution for regional. Australia. People have had a gutful of watching their standard of living go backwards. Groceries, fuel, housing and everyday expenses are already putting enormous pressure on families. The last thing Australians need is another reckless policy that makes it harder to produce food, harder to run regional businesses and harder for tourism operators to find the workers they need.
Read the full storySomeone sold a house in Sydney last week for $9 million less than they bought it for four or five years ago. The sellers had bought the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for $29 million and sold it for $20 million in a sale forced by their bank. I imagine the sellers are a little disappointed by the government’s decisions on negative gearing and capital gains tax and feeling pretty hurt by the increased interest rates. Australia’s interest rates are on the rise and are now sitting at levels not seen since 2011. Increased cost of living is hurting people around the country and interest rates are playing into that. But the impact of interest rates is not felt evenly around the country. The far-higher property prices mean people in the major cities suffer much more than regional areas with the rates increase. That is certainly not to say people in Mackay are unaffected by the cost of living; it’s just that the impact of interest rates increase on a $400,000 mortgage is much less than the impact on a $1m mortgage. There are other Mackay-specific factors that are in play when discussing the current housing market. The big factor is the role of coal in our economy. Most of the coal extracted and exported from our region is coking coal, which is used to make steel. The price of coking coal is around $280 a tonne, which is about 50 per cent up. Good activity in the coal market translates to good news for the Mackay economy, as it is an economic engine that other cities and regions just don’t have. Good activity in Bowen Basin flows throughout the Mackay economy; Paget workshops, transport, suppliers and related businesses all benefit. But so do other, non-mining-related businesses as they benefit from the general confidence and spending that goes on. The strong mining activity also means mines need to keep their staff levels up and that means more people moving to Mackay. Of course, Mackay is much more than a coal mining town but if the coal sector is going well those other areas definitely benefit. It is a confidence boost for Mackay people looking to get into the housing market and those wanting to upgrade or downsize. It also means continuing strong demand from people wanting to rent a property and it will be interesting to see what sort of activity that creates from investors. Investors have walked away from the big-city markets because they can no longer use negative gearing on established properties that do not have a sufficient yield to be positively geared. Negative gearing has never been a big thing in Mackay because our prices are lower and rental returns continue to be strong so many investors have a positively geared property. Around the country everyone is nervous about the state of play and the probability of more interest rate rises. But strong coal prices and an economy that is performing well mean Mackay might just be presenting an opportunity for buyers and sellers that doesn’t exist in other parts. I remember when national confidence was flying high and Mackay prices were going up significantly that many buyers were saying “I wish we had bought a while ago when the market wasn’t so hot”. I’m not armed with a crystal ball so I’m not here to tell you what is going to happen but I suspect there is a very good buying window right now for those looking for an opportunity.
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A local Mackay and Sarina based model has created a dress out of newspapers, including Mackay Life, for her upcoming pageant, representing her region and hometown on the runway as she vies for Miss Diamond International in Brisbane. Zoe Place will be competing this weekend in the three-day event, beginning this Friday 2nd October and ending on Sunday 4th October. The young model spent around a month creating her eco-fashion outfit, using old newspapers as the main material and transforming them into a bodice, skirt and flowers. Red elements were also incorporated into the design to give the dress a bold and glamorous pageant feel. Zoe said, “The entire concept was really about taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something beautiful and meaningful.” Her eco-fashion creation will form part of a busy weekend in Brisbane, with the Miss Diamond International event including photo shoots, interviews, an eco-fashion show and the final pageant. Zoe has been preparing for the event by practising her strut and walking, preparing for interviews and getting comfortable in the different outfits she will wear throughout the weekend. Alongside her love of modelling, pageantry has also provided Zoe with a platform to raise awareness about causes close to her heart, including mental health, while fundraising for Beyond Blue. “Pageantry has given me more of a platform to combine my love for modelling with something that is really important to me.” “When I first started, I was more nervous about putting myself out there and worried about what others would think about me – but I’ve changed a lot through my journey in pageantry.” “Pageantry has also taught me that it’s not about how you look on stage. It’s about the person you are when you step off it.” “Every woman has their own unique journey and that journey is something we should all be really proud of.” “To me, it represents confidence, empowerment, kindness, and using your voice to make a difference.” Zoe said she was looking forward to meeting the other contestants, making new connections and creating memories. “I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all the new contestants and making new connections and creating memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” While Zoe hopes to eventually move to the city, her sights are set even further afield, with a dream of one day walking in New York Fashion Week. Mackay and Sarina local Zoe Place has created an eco-fashion dress from recycled newspapers, including Mackay Life, ahead of her Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane. Photos supplied
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Trends, reels and the endless cycle of always wanting more has quietly bombarded the minds of countless social media users of all ages, but one former Mackay local has made it her mission to help others understand the effects of social media and find practical ways to break free from online addiction. Alexis Zahner is in Mackay over the next week to teach upcoming generations about social media and the effects it can have on the mind, particularly on identity, self-discovery, as well as the marketing strategies that get viewers hooked and influence their decisions. It is something Alexis knows first-hand can be a useful tool, but also a great disruption to authenticity and the world as we see and experience it. Alexis will hold a free meet and greet and book launch today, Friday 2nd October, at 5.30pm at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, where she will give a talk and answer questions relating to her debut book, Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies. A former Mackay girl, Alexis spent the past 15 years working across business psychology, marketing and media, with her interest in social media influence beginning during her university studies at James Cook University in Townsville. Her own experience as a social media user, travel blogger and influencer eventually led her to question how much of her identity, decisions and values were being shaped by what she saw online. “The tipping point came for me about 3 years ago when I had this feeling that I couldn't separate influence from my own personal decision making,” she said. “I couldn't separate my own likes, dislikes, values, relationships from what I was being exposed to and being influenced by online.” “I found that I needed to take some time away from social media to recalibrate what was important to me and sort of reconnect and come back to myself.” Alexis said she understood the feeling of questioning who you are outside of social media. “I know what it feels like to live a life under the influence of social media and have that existential crisis of thinking to yourself, who am I? What do I like? What's the kind of life I want to live? and struggling to separate myself from influence.” Alexis is particularly passionate about reaching teenagers, who she says are in an important stage of identity development, and will share this message with Mackay high school students during her upcoming school talks. “Teenagers are really easily influenced by social media. So it's a really important age where we start educating them – not just on the mental health repercussions of things like social media and how it shortens their attention span, but how it actually influences who they become.” “If you're asking yourself these questions, it's not your fault. Social media is actually geared to create this impact on you.” Alexis encourages people of all ages to “start expanding beyond what you see on the platform.” “Dare to indulge in the things that you've always been curious about or things you used to love,” she said. “Don't be afraid to put the phone down to let yourself be curious and have fun.” What: Alexis Zahner's 'Real' Book launch When: 5.30pm Friday 2nd October 2026 Where: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Former Mackay local and author Alexis Zahner is returning home to share her experiences with social media and her debut book, Real. Photo supplied
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As the calendar turns and the New Year arrives, many people feel pressure to set bold resolutions—lose weight, work harder, do more, be better. But for many Australians, especially after a busy festive season and the realities of summer heat, a softer approach can be far more sustainable.
This year, consider a reset instead of resolutions.
A reset isn’t about perfection or drastic change. It’s about gently recalibrating, checking in with yourself and making small, realistic adjustments that support your wellbeing. That might mean going for an evening walk when the sun drops, drinking more water during hot days, or simply getting back into a regular sleep routine after the holidays.
Wellbeing doesn’t have to come with a long to-do list. In fact, some of the most meaningful changes are the simplest. Saying no when you need rest. Reconnecting with friends or neighbours. Spending time outdoors, whether it’s a local beach, park, or walking track.
These small moments add up.
A reset also allows room for flexibility. Life happens, especially in Australian summers, where heat, storms, and school holidays can disrupt even the best-laid plans. A gentler mindset helps people adapt without guilt or frustration.
Community connection plays a big role too. Checking in on others, getting involved locally, or returning to shared spaces like libraries, community hubs, or sporting facilities can boost both mental and emotional wellbeing.
As the New Year unfolds, remember there’s no rush to reinvent yourself. A reset is simply permission to begin again, calmly, kindly, and at your own pace. Sometimes, that’s the healthiest place to start.
Meet pet of the week - Kobe. Kobe is an 11 month old American Staffordshire X, who is looking for his forever home.
Kobe loves to be around his people, loves to walk and run to burn off all his extra energy —and then cherishes curling up beside you at the end of the day.
Kobe is still a young pup who will need ongoing training, but lucky for his new family, he has mastered the basics already.
He lives up to his breed with excitement, but his big smile and warm heart truly make Kobe a great companion.
Kobe is desexed and up to date with all vaccinations, has also received flea tick treatment and worming, also microchipped.
He is looking for his forever family who will love him and his beautiful personality.
Contact Lucys Lucky Tags and Dog Rescue Inc for more information at: lltagsanddogrescue@gmail.com
Donations can also be made to the following details below:
Bank details: Commonwealth
Bank
Name: Lucys Lucky Tags and Dog Rescue Inc
BSB: 064-722
Account: 1069 7243
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The BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival, one of Mackay’s most treasured community events, has announced a major strategic overhaul for 2026.
Following participant feedback, organisers have confirmed a new event date and a massive “Community Partnership Program” designed to inject over $30,000 directly back into local sporting clubs and community groups.
A New Date: No More Father’s Day Clash
In 2026, the festival will officially move away from its traditional Father’s Day timeslot. The 2026 event will take place on August 15 and 16, avoiding clashes with family celebrations, sporting finals and the scheduled Student Free Day.
Nikki Giles, BMA River 2 Reef Ride Event Director said, “We listened to our riders. While the event is iconic, the feedback was clear that the Father’s Day weekend and the Friday student-free day were becoming hurdles for participation.
“Moving to the second weekend in August allows families to enjoy the festival without scheduling conflicts. We are also introducing later start times on Sunday for the 100km Corry Cycles Gran Fondo at 6am and 6.45am for the 25km Queensland Country Health Fund Dash and 60km City Fitness Epic distances—to make the morning more enjoyable for everyone.”
The event continues to be powered by naming rights sponsor BMA.
Over $30,000 for Local Clubs and Community Groups
In a move to turn the event into a true community festival, organisers have launched a new funding model open to local Mackay groups - not just registered charities.
The 2026 festival is offering 30 volunteer spots for local sporting clubs, schools, hobby groups and more. Each group that successfully fulfills a volunteer role (such as an aid station or corner marshal point) will receive a guaranteed cash donation between $200 and $6,750.
Additionally, clubs can earn a $5 “Kickback” for every rider who links their registration to the club or community group and $5 for every linked jersey purchase, plus compete for bonus cash prizes awarded for "Best Atmosphere" and "Best Entertainment" on the course.
“We want to turn the course into a party,” Nikki added.
“By paying local clubs to course marshal, man the aid stations and bring their cheer squads, music, and energy, we create an amazing atmosphere for the riders while helping these clubs buy new jerseys or equipment. It’s a win-win.”
Nominations close February 6, 2026, with successful nominations announced: w/c Feb 16, 2026
Jersey Design Competition
The festival is also calling on the region’s youth. A Jersey Design Competition is now open for all 2026 High School students in the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Isaac regions. The winning student will receive $500, and their design will become the official 2026 event jersey worn by hundreds of cyclists. Entries close on February 22.
Key Dates for the Diary:
• Jersey Competition Closes: Feb 22, 2026
• Registrations Open: March 16, 2026
• Event Weekend: August 15 & 16, 2026
To nominate for a share of the $30k or to participate in this year’s Youth Design Competition visit www.river2reefride.com.au. Terms and conditions apply.
Photos supplied
A strong sense of community and purpose was on full display as locals gathered early to take on the inspiring 6for6 fitness challenge, raising awareness and support for suicide prevention.
Participants came together in the early morning hours, united by a shared commitment to movement, connection and looking out for one another. The atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive and encouraging, with people pushing themselves physically while also lifting each other up, cheering and supporting one another throughout the challenge.
The 6for6 challenge is named in recognition of the average of six Australian men who lose their lives to suicide each day. Held annually, often in January, the event takes place during a time known to be particularly challenging for many, especially men. By combining physical activity with an important mental health message, the challenge aims to spark conversation, reduce stigma and remind the community that every life truly matters.
This year’s event was made possible through the leadership and dedication of the Whitsunday Brahmans RLFC, whose commitment to community wellbeing was evident in every detail of the morning. Their efforts in turning awareness into action created a meaningful and impactful experience for everyone involved.
WSPN President Matt Stokes, praised the initiative and the strong sense of unity it created among participants.
“I was extremely grateful for Harley and his team at the Brahmans for caring enough to turn good intentions into action.
"The first 6 for 6 challenge was well supported and had an instant feel of camaraderie amongst the group.
"The faster people were encouraging the slower onesand every walk back down the hill was full of conversation. The morning was full of encouragement, high fives, inspiration and the important message they used that ‘It aint weak to speak'.”
Matt Stokes also explained the meaning behind the challenge and emphasised its inclusivity.
“The 6 laps up the hill represents the 6 men on average that take their life in Australia each day. The event however is not just for men. While more men lose their lives to suicide each year, more women attempt then men per year. With this in mind, Harley and his team are encouraging men, women and children to participate in this awesome suicide awareness initiative.”
The day was beautifully captured by Tropix Photography Studio, whose images reflected both the energy of the challenge and the strong spirit of togetherness behind it. Gratitude is extended to everyone who participated, supported and helped deliver such a successful event. It was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together for a cause that truly matters.
Locally and globally loved Hamilton Island, is set to join Blackstone’s global hospitality portfolio. Real Estate funds managed by Blackstone (NYSE: BX) have entered into an agreement to acquire the Whitsunday Islands resort from the Oatley family, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Located in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island spans more than 2,800 acres across two islands, around 70 percent of which remains undeveloped. The resort offers five hotels, more than 20 restaurants and bars, 20 retail outlets, a championship 18-hole golf course on neighbouring Dent Island, a marina, and its own airport. The island is a major employer in the Whitsundays, supporting a vibrant local community and regional businesses.
Chris Heady, Chairman of Asia Pacific & Head of Real Estate Asia, Blackstone, said: “Hamilton Island is an exceptional destination, and we are honored to build on the vision and dedication that the Oatley family has brought to investing in its transformation and add a standout asset to our portfolio. We are committed to investing in the long-term success of Hamilton Island, its people, and its local businesses and community.”
The Oatley family said: “We would like to thank our Board and Management for achieving this outcome, and welcome the new owners Blackstone. Hamilton Island has a special place in the hearts of many Australians. We are delighted to have a partner of Blackstone’s calibre and resources to continue the legacy, while supporting our people and island community.”
Blackstone is a leading global investor in hospitality, with major holdings across Australia, Japan, India, and the United States.
Hi Everyone,
I have a bit of an update for you! Sadly, this will be my last day in the Whitsundays as I venture back to the UK to start a new chapter. The Whitsundays has been my home for the last 1.5 years, and I will be forever grateful for what I have learned here.
It isn't only the beautiful views that make this place special; there is also an incredible community here in the Whitsundays, and that is something that should be protected, and is one of the main reasons I started my Ruth 2 Reef column last year, which I hope has encouraged you to cherish the amazing marine life and environment we have here.
I would like to thank a few people for making my time here so special. Firstly, thank you to Rachael for mentoring and supporting me throughout my time here in the Whitsundays, and for giving me such a great opportunity; it has truly been invaluable. Thank you to Daniel, Hannah, Jacob, Victoria, and Chelsea for being great journalists. You have been an absolute pleasure to work and learn with. Additionally, thank you to all the other members of staff here at Life Publishing, Trish, Trisha, Jess, Lara, Taylor, Georgia, Mark, Camilla, Sherie, Jack and Tania who work exceptionally hard and help make the paper the success that it is. Additionally, thank you to Bec and Douth for building such a great business.
Lastly, thanks to you! Without the support of all our clients and readers, our business wouldn't be here, and I have really enjoyed getting to know all of you and telling your stories, whether they were happy or sad. I can't wait to stay up to date on what is going on and see how much the Whitsundays continues to grow.
I might still be milling around behind the scenes and contributing the occasional Ruth2Reef piece for the paper in the future, so keep an eye out! But for now its goodbye as I hand over to the very capable hands of Daniel and our new journalist, Seb.
Over and out!
Ruth
“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.” — Louis L’Amour
It often starts as a short stay. A holiday booked months in advance, a few days by the water, a promise to “switch off” before returning to real life. But for many who visit the Whitsundays, something unexpected happens, the idea of leaving becomes harder to accept.
Locals sometimes refer to them as “accidental residents”. They arrive as visitors and quietly become part of the community. Some extend their stay. Others begin browsing rental listings. A few months later, they’re enrolling children in local schools, joining sporting clubs or learning the tides well enough to time a morning swim.
The appeal is not just the scenery, although the turquoise water and island-dotted horizon certainly help. It’s the pace of life that tends to linger. Days begin earlier and feel fuller, not rushed. Commutes are short. Time once lost to traffic is replaced with walks along the foreshore or evenings spent outdoors.
For many newcomers, the shift becomes a reset. The Whitsundays offers a way of living that feels simpler without being disconnected. Cafés, schools, healthcare and essential services are close at hand, while the region’s natural environment remains ever-present. It’s a balance that is increasingly difficult to find in larger centres.
Property plays a quiet but important role in this transition. Initial plans to rent for a season often evolve into longer-term thinking. Visitors discover that owning a home in the Whitsundays is not an abstract dream but a realistic option. Choices range from coastal apartments and elevated homes with ocean views to established family residences in well-connected neighbourhoods.
Community is another reason people stay. Sporting clubs, volunteer groups and local events make it easy to feel involved, even for those who arrived knowing no one. There is an unspoken understanding among residents that many people once stood in the same position — unsure whether they were visiting or beginning something new.
The rise of remote work has only strengthened this pattern. More people now have the freedom to choose where they live based on lifestyle rather than proximity to an office. For some, the Whitsundays offers the rare opportunity to work a standard week while living somewhere that still feels like a getaway.
Not everyone arrives intending to stay forever. But the longer people remain, the harder it becomes to imagine life elsewhere. What begins as a holiday slowly becomes routine, and then, unexpectedly, becomes home.
In the Whitsundays, moving here is rarely a grand decision made overnight. More often, it’s a quiet realisation that leaving no longer makes sense.
Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot.
Living in the Whitsundays is about more than just stunning beaches and sparkling waters, it’s a lifestyle. For residents and renters alike, bringing that relaxed, tropical feel into your home can make everyday life feel like a permanent holiday.
Start with light, airy interiors. White or pale walls immediately make a space feel bigger and brighter, reflecting the natural sunlight that’s so abundant in the Whitsundays. Furnishings in natural fibres like rattan, wicker or bamboo add texture while keeping the look casual and beach-friendly. Cushions and throws in blues, greens or sandy tones can subtly mirror the surrounding ocean and beaches, making interiors feel connected to the environment outside.
Indoor plants are an easy way to bring the outdoors in. Tropical varieties such as palms, monstera or ferns not only look the part but also improve air quality, which is especially appreciated during the warmer months. Even small pots of herbs in the kitchen add life and function, while evoking the feel of a sun-soaked terrace.
Balconies and outdoor spaces are particularly important in the Whitsundays, where the climate encourages al fresco living. Simple additions like a hanging chair, a small table for morning coffee, or fairy lights along a railing can instantly transform a patio or deck into a cosy retreat. For waterfront properties, keeping windows unobstructed to frame ocean or river views enhances the sense of space and connection to nature.
Local art and craft are another way to make your home feel distinctly Whitsundays. Seashell collections, handmade pottery or paintings from regional artists give rooms personality while showcasing the area’s creative community. Even photographs of nearby beaches or aerial shots of the islands can remind residents of the unique environment just beyond their doorstep.
Scent and sound play a surprisingly powerful role in creating a tropical atmosphere. Fragrant candles, essential oils in coconut or frangipani, or the gentle hum of ocean-inspired music can evoke a relaxed, beachy mood even when you’re indoors. Simple touches like these turn everyday routines into moments of escape and relaxation.
Practicality also matters. Choosing furniture and flooring that withstands sand, sun and humidity ensures your tropical home stays beautiful without constant upkeep. Light fabrics for lounge areas, removable cushion covers and easy-to-clean surfaces all make island living comfortable as well as stylish.
Ultimately, bringing the Whitsundays lifestyle into your home isn’t about spending a fortune, it’s about embracing colour, light, nature and creativity. Whether you live on the mainland or one of the islands, small tweaks can make your property feel like a permanent holiday retreat. After all, in a region famed for its beauty, it makes sense to let a little of that magic spill into everyday life.
It's time to overhaul your life, but the truth is simple and deeply reassuring. Real change
rarely comes from massive resolutions. It comes from small, consistent behaviours that
support your wellbeing.
Why big resolutions fail
Most New Year resolutions rely on motivation alone. Motivation is unstable; it surges when
we feel inspired, then drops when life becomes busy, stressful, or unpredictable. When
motivation fades, people often blame themselves rather than the unrealistic expectations
they set.
Large goals also trigger executive-function overload. When the brain feels overwhelmed, it
shuts down, procrastinates, or abandons the task entirely.
The psychology of change
Behavioural science consistently shows that people stick to habits that are small, easy,
rewarding, and connected to existing routines.
This is known as habit stacking. For example, after I make my morning coffee. I take three
slow breaths. After I brushing my teeth I write down one intention for the day. These micro-
habits bypass overwhelm and create momentum.
Self-compassion makes change stick. Self-criticism shuts down growth.
If you miss a day, the goal is not to “start again on Monday. The goal is simply to return
gently to the habit the next day.
Try the following quick reset:
“If you’d like more support, visit my website https://www.personaltransitions.com.au/ or give
me a call 0418708214.” NDIS FRIENDLY
Stinger Strikes At Happy Bay. A tourist received severe stings presumably from a box jellyfish at Happy Bay, Long Island. He was treated by two doctors, also tourists, before being flown to Proserpine Hospital.
Kelsey Creek Leads Rainfall Stats. Kelsey received twice the rainfall of any other district this week. During 1985 1877.1 mm of rain fell into the rainguage on Phil and Marie Fraser’s Kelsey Creek property.
Steady Flow For Naturalisation. Last year 43 adults became Australian citizens in Proserpine Shire ceremonies in addition to many of their children who attended and automatically became citiczens. Many people from Great Britain, Europe and Asia were welcomed and received an engraved pen as is the local custom.
Museum Suggested as a Bicentennial Project. A park seemed the most favoured project but a historical museum was also a possibility. Jan Maltby and Don Dinnie were among several who were promoting the Historical Society and working hard compiling records, maps and documents of early settlers. One proposal was a museum in conjunction with a tourist information centre.
History Through Headstones. Some local members of Queensland Family Historical Society have been busy planning and mapping headstones in the old cemetery. Some iron number plates of unmarked graves have been located with the help of a metal detector.
International Guide Camp at Greenmount. Proserpine guides Tabitha Long, Jo-Anne Stevenson, Trudy Walker,Louise Bowman, Lena Sala, Terese Walton, Melissa Dufty and Anne Spencer attended.
Whitsunday Underwater Hockey Club meet every Wednesday. They have two mixed teams so far but would like new members.
First New Year Baby For Five Years. Allira Maree Norman arrived about noon to parents Linda and Barry.
Proposed Airlie Development. A town square, a beach and an all tide lagoon in Airlie are schemes being proposed by developer Chris Dorrough.
Sabot Titles. Local lads Shane and Glen Bradford competed in the national titles at Bowen last weekend.
Tourism At Bloomsbury. Frank Raiteri is building a water slide and swimming pool.
Heavy Metal. Locals Michael Hinschen, Alan Weir, Peter Collingwood, and Colin Thorogood performed rock and roll at Proserpine Motor Lodge on New Year’s Eve.
Kim Hadlow Proserpine Lady Golfer of The Year. Kim had a brilliant year the highlight of which was winning the Champion of Champions in a 6 hole play off against Townsville’s top player.
by Rebecca Clark
The first winner of Photo of the Week for 2026 is Rebecca Clark. Rebecca’s photo is of the New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Airlie foreshore, taken on her iPhone.
Theme: Celebrate.
These photographs are submitted by the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers group.
2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year of momentum and opportunity for the Chamber and their members!
They’ve got big plans, including a refreshed operations team, the launch of their Advocacy Manifesto and Vision for the Whitsundays research project, expanded Sub-Committees, and a new Cruise Ship Markets sponsorship program to create even more opportunities for local businesses to get involved and be seen.
These new initiatives will sit alongside their trusted activities, like Breakfast Briefings alternating between Airlie Beach and Proserpine, member-hosted monthly Speed Networking, the Whitsundays Jobs Fair, and the popular Tradies Pop-Up BBQ.
Returning in 2026 are their flagship events that highlight the best of the region’s business community.
The Whitsunday Business Awards, in partnership with Bowen Chamber of Commerce and Whitsunday Regional Council, will once again celebrate local excellence and give businesses of all sizes the chance to shine.
The Whitsunday Business Conference is also back as the learning and networking event of the year, bringing together expertise, and connections to help businesses across the region grow and thrive.
2026 is set to be a big year — and we can’t wait to get started!
Save the date!
The first Business Breakfast Briefing will feature a preview of the year ahead, the launch of our new member resource hub, a showcase of local members, and a Q&A session.
When: 7:30am-9am Thursday 19 February
Where: Filby’s Motors, 62 Main Street, Proserpine
Open to all, with discounted and non-member tickets available. Breakfast included. Full briefing dates for February–July are on our website: www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/events
Join today!
Joining the Chamber is a great way to strengthen connections, gain visibility, and access practical support for your business.
Membership starts from $99 pro-rata to 30 June 2026 – a simple and cost-effective investment in your business success.
Join today: www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/join
The Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango has been very busy providing free refreshments to drivers in recent weeks.
The Information Centre is an official Driver Reviver Station and hundreds of drivers have taken advantage of this over the Christmas and New Year period.
The Driver Reviver program is a national road safety initiative that has been operating since 1989. It provides essential rest stops for travellers to reduce fatigue-related accidents by providing free refreshments – tea, coffee, water and snacks.
The Bowen Visitor Information Centre has been providing free tea and coffee for many years but became an official Driver Reviver Station in 2024.
Previously, the Driver Reviver stand was manned by volunteers during peak holidays times at the Mount Gordon Rest Stop across the road.
By moving the service to the information centre, drivers have access to the refreshments seven days a week and not only during peak periods.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the organisation was proud to offer this free service, helping to promote road safety and providing an under-cover area for drivers to take a break.
“It is important to encourage drivers to take regular breaks when travelling – and we are perfectly located halfway between Mackay and Townsville and right on the highway,” she said.
There are signs to the north and south of the centre, directing travellers to the Driver Reviver Station next to the Big Mango.
“We are always busy during holiday times. During the wet season, when the road conditions are frequently changing to the north and south of us, many people call in to get up-to-date information and enjoy a coffee and a snack while they are here,” she said.
“Sometimes we even have free Driver Reviver merchandise for the whole family including soft toys and key rings.”
This family from the Gold Coast called in at the Driver Reviver Station at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre on Monday and the kids loved the Tiny Teddy biscuits and the Driver Reviver toys. Photo supplied
The Whitsunday Regional Council will be trialling new youth-focused groups at Proserpine Library from January 2026, offering local teenagers a dedicated space to connect, learn and unwind after school.
The program, titled Our Library, Our Space, will run every Tuesday from 3.15pm to 4.30pm between January and June and is open to young people aged 13 and over.
Designed as a relaxed and welcoming environment, the weekly sessions will rotate through a range of activities aimed at encouraging creativity, learning and social connection.
The first Tuesday of each month will host a Book Club, followed by a Study Club on the second Tuesday. A Creative Lab will run on the third Tuesday, with Games Lounge sessions scheduled for the fourth and, where applicable, fifth Tuesday of each month.
Participants can attend casually or choose to take part each week, with no requirement to commit long-term.
In addition to the new program, a range of youth activities are also on offer at the library during the school holidays.
Further details on Our Library, Our Space and other youth programs are available through the Whitsunday Regional Council Libraries website.
Proserpine Library
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A Year to Deliver for the Whitsundays
As we head into a new year, I want to use my first few columns to talk honestly about where Council is heading, what we’re focusing on, and what residents can realistically expect to see on the ground.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll touch on delivery, growth, advocacy, and the work Council does behind the scenes because there’s more happening across the Whitsundays than many people realise.
This year, my focus as Mayor is clear: delivery, not just discussion.
Across our region, communities have helped shape long-term plans for places like Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Bowen, and Collinsville. Those plans matter and they reflect years of local input. But I know people want to see what that looks like beyond documents and diagrams.
In 2026, you’ll see more projects move from planning into action. That means work progressing in our town centres, community facilities taking shape, and improvements becoming visible in everyday places.
Cannonvale will continue to play an important role as a growth hub, with community-focused infrastructure helping support a growing population. In Collinsville and Bowen, long-planned community and foreshore improvements are moving closer to reality. In Airlie Beach, planning is shifting toward delivering practical outcomes that support both locals and visitors.
At the same time, Council remains focused on the basics of our business which is roads, water, waste, parks and public amenities. These are the services that keep the region functioning, particularly during peak holiday periods when our population swells.
Not everything can happen at once, and not every project moves at the same pace. Construction costs, funding conditions and approvals all play a role. But the direction is clear that my Council wants fewer ideas sitting on shelves and more turning into on-the-ground results.
This year is about momentum. Turning plans into places, and conversations into outcomes one project at a time.
Next week, I’ll talk about how Council is managing growth across the Whitsundays and how we’re working to protect the lifestyle that makes this region such a special place to live.
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