The Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade have been hard at work, fighting bushfires across the region amidst the heated December season. Comprised of volunteer rural firefighters, the team have been dedicated to extinguishing flames as December saw increased fire danger with the typical summer heat.

The brigade have responded to calls across the region notably fighting fires in Mt Aberdeen, Merinda, Pring Rail Yards, Jochiem Rd and Longford Creek over the last month. It has been a tremendous effort on the part of the volunteers and the Whitsunday region is incredibly grateful for their work. It is important to stay safe during hotter periods and alert authorities of any percieved danger.

Tips To Ensure You Are Bush Fire Aware

It is important to ensure adequate preparation is made to protect you and your home from bushfires. A well-prepared home is easier to defend during a bushfire and helps reduce risks to surrounding properties. Make sure you clear gutters and roofs of leaves, twigs, and debris, consider installing gutter guards, and seal gaps in roofing and cladding.

Enclose areas under decks and floors, maintain pumps, generators, and water systems, and remove flammable items such as woodpiles, mulch, furniture, and hanging baskets from near the home.

Keep lawns mown, trim low branches to two metres, and reduce vegetation along access paths. Clearly display your house number and maintain fire truck access.

Prepare protective clothing, evacuation and first aid kits, review insurance and your Bushfire Survival Plan annually, note your Neighbourhood Safer Place, plan for pets, and develop contingency plans for unexpected situations.

For more information please go to fire.qld.gov.au.

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Recent fires taking place in and around Bowen over the last month. Photos sourced

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To Be Busy Over Festive Season

The Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day but will re-open between Christmas and New Year.

The team expects this to be a very busy period with so many travellers on the road at this time each year.

It has been a record year for the centre with more than 56,000 visitors in the past financial year and a further 37,000 visitors from July 1 until December 15.

The figures from the last financial year represented a nine per cent increase on the previous year and the records have continued to be broken in recent months.

July was a record month with 9462 visitors - an average of more than 300 a day!

September was also a very busy month with two record days – 539 visitors on September 26 when the Big Mango minted coin was released and then 545 visitors on September 29.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said it had been an exciting year with the team picking up several awards at regional and State level.

“Our Visitor Information Centre continues to be one of the busiest in Queensland and we are proud to be able to encourage so many of our guests to take the detour into Bowen and discover our hidden gem at the top of the Whitsundays,” she said.

The centre has a large range of local produce and merchandise including delicious mango sorbet and it is also a Driver Reviver Station.

The Driver Reviver program encourages everyone to take a break, promoting road safety. Free tea, coffee, biscuits and water are available, and it is a great spot to stop, halfway between Mackay and Townsville.

OPENING HOURS
Christmas Eve – 9am – 3pm
Christmas Day - Closed
Boxing Day – closed
Saturday December 27 – 10am-3pm
Sunday December 28 – 10am-3pm
Monday December 29 – 9am-5pm
Tuesday December 30 – 9am-5pm
New Year’s Eve – 9am – 3pm
New Year’s Day – closed

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Colin and Julie-Ann Patterson from Bundaberg pictured with Bowen Tourism and Business volunteers, Kim and Ray Tannock on Friday, December 19. Photo supplied

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With 2025 now sitting fairly in our tailwinds, this week will see many of us have a chance to come together for the festive season.

As the Member for Burdekin I have the privilege of witnessing the best of humanity in our
communities, especially at Christmas time. Each year we see residents take the time to donate to our local community organisations who provide hampers of non-perishable goods, toys for children or a hot meal to enjoy on Christmas Day. We also see the generosity of our communities in the simple acts- the time we take to check in on our neighbours a smile or simple gesture of kindness to a stranger. It is this level of generosity that we must continue to strive for beyond the festive season.

A year that started with much of our state facing significant flooding has brought with it challenges and opportunities for the betterment of our community.

While our neighbours in the north bared much of the brunt of monsoonal rainfall in February, it is safe to say the Burdekin electorate was not left unscathed. As flood waters receded and our community faced its own clean-up we saw businesses step up to prepare extra meals and provide essential services while our emergency services volunteers showed utmost dedication in our community’s darkest hours.

Our ability as a community to advocate for better access to health, improvement of our safety or providing certainty for projects that matter to us has meant that in the Crisafulli Government’s first year we have seen funding committed to upgrades for our sporting teams, the Bruce Highway and the Bowen Boat Harbour Master Plan.

Before we turn the chapter to 2026 and begin the rush of a new year I hope you and your family have the chance to enjoy the festive season. Spend time with those you love and celebrate all that 2025 has had to offer while looking towards opportunities for the new year.

If you are packing the car and heading off on a road trip please drive safely and remember the fatal five. With the festive season coinciding with the North’s severe weather season, it’s a timely reminder to ensure your home is prepared.

My office will be closed from December 22 and will re-open January 5.

Above all else, I’d like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Yours,

Dale

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$98 Million in Sales | Whitsundays 2025

Our Whitsundays office has delivered an exceptional result for a highly specialised team of just three agents.

In 2025 we achieved multiple record-breaking sales, setting new benchmarks across the region. From much-loved family homes to the Whitsundays’ most significant estates, our results reflect a consistent, strategic approach, regardless of price point.

We don’t define luxury by a price, it is defined by experience, presentation, global reach and execution. Exceptional care, insight and professionalism are applied to every property we represent.

As a locally based team who live and invest in the Whitsundays, we are proud to see continued momentum building into 2026, with further growth on the horizon.

Queensland Sotheby’s Whitsundays remains the agency of choice in the region, whether selling a family home or an iconic coastal estate.

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a prosperous 2026.

Thinking of selling? Let’s talk.
Wayne Singleton 0416 024 168
Lynn Milsom 0415 039 060
Joe Bishop 0415 070 114

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Locals helping locals. It’s kind of our thing.

We’re not just a law firm, we’re part of the Whitsunday community. Sharing a building with local agents and accountants means you’ve got a team of professionals working nearby, and often, together.
We believe in small-town trust with big-picture thinking. You’ll see us at community events, school expos, and probably at the local coffee shop too.

Whitsunday Law – Why settle for good?

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We, at Accountancy Plus Whitsunday Pty Ltd, would like to wish our clients, friends and family a very merry Christmas and happy and safe New Year.

Our offices are closed from 5pm Tuesday 23 December 2025 reopening 9:00am Monday 12 January 2026.

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If leadership had a pressure-test month, December would be it.

Christmas doesn’t create workplace dysfunction — it reveals it. Teams with strong communication glide into year-end like a well-oiled machine. Teams with poor leadership can crumble faster than New Year Resolutions, with everyone blaming “the busy season” instead of taking a little bit of accountability.

The best leaders don’t guilt people for being tired. They expect it and then plan for it. They strip out the distractions and ask the only real question that matters: “What actually needs to happen before we switch off for the year?”

Effective leaders then do something next-level - they say “No”. “No” to pointless new December initiatives; “no” to managers who confuse urgency with importance. And “NO WAY” to anyone replying to emails after hours.

The reality is that leadership over the Christmas period is less about driving performance and more about directing energy. People are stretched, overstimulated, and fatigued from family expectations. If you model burnout as a festive tradition, don’t be shocked when it becomes contagious. Leaders who burn out teach their team that burnout is normal and somewhat expected, which is a seriously business-limiting culture. Your job isn’t to push harder — it’s to guide smarter.

Cut the overwhelm. Be specific. Celebrate loudly. Remind your team that the finish line is near.

Christmas leadership isn’t soft. It’s strategic, human, and authentic – with a little bit of chaos thrown in. But wrap it in humour, sprinkle in compassion, and the January-version of you will thank the December-version for setting you up for successful downtime – and so will the rest of your team!

Contributed with thanks to July Porter (Shiift)

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Bright Patch Café is fast carving out a place as one of the community’s most welcoming meeting spots, just over a month after opening its doors. Designed with families firmly in mind, the café has already built a loyal following and is continuing to grow its offerings both behind the counter and beyond it.

Newly appointed manager Sally Griffith has stepped into the role with more than two decades of hospitality experience. A familiar face in the community and a strong advocate for neurodivergent families, Sally said the café’s values align perfectly with her own. Plans are already underway to introduce table service in the new year, further supporting parents and carers during their visit.

The team has also expanded, welcoming chefs Christian and Nat, both with backgrounds in high-end restaurants, along with barista Hannah, whose specialty coffee skills are already making an impression.

All staff hold Blue Cards and police checks, reinforcing the café’s family-first approach.

Bright Patch Café also operates seven days a week, responding to growing demand from locals who have embraced it as a regular gathering place.

Community engagement has been a key focus, with mothers’ groups, family daycare providers and schools making regular use of the space. A recent school visit turned the café into a hands-on learning environment, blending food activities with practical life skills.

With a popular all-day menu, a thoughtfully designed children’s area and a busy events calendar ahead, Bright Patch Café is quickly proving it is much more than just a place to grab a coffee.

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Bright Patch Café owner Jameela Walker and Manager Sally Griffith. Photo supplied

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Welcomes Jolie Rochell, Marketing Coordinator

Tourism Whitsundays has welcomed a new face to its marketing team, with Jolie Rochell stepping into the role of Marketing Coordinator earlier this month.

Jolie works across brand and digital marketing, supporting campaigns and partnerships that promote The Whitsundays to audiences around the world. With a multinational background, a key part of her role includes shaping a clear engaging messaging that supports sustainable growth while showcasing what sets the region apart on the global stage.

Since moving to the Whitsundays at the start of the year, she has been struck by the warm welcome from the local community and the diversity of events and activities available year-round for both residents and visitors.

“The turquoise water is iconic, but it was the people who really stood out,” she said.

“Since moving here at the start of the year, I have felt genuinely welcomed and included by the local community from day one.”

In her new role, Jolie is looking forward to collaborating closely with the Tourism Whitsundays team and local members to find fresh and creative ways to promote the region.

“I want our marketing to reflect the witty, friendly personality of The Whitsundays while building strong partnerships that support long-term care for the region,” she says.

Despite its small size, Jolie believes the region offers far more than many people expect.

“That even includes a weekly Latin dance group called Whitsunday Salsa, where locals and visitors come together to learn and dance. And yes, it’s free!"

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Tourism Whitsundays Marketing Coordinator Jolie Rochell

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Happy Holiday Times

“Remember when families used to pile into the car on a Sunday and take off on an adventure? Dad would pull up beside a creek, you’d pile out of the car ready for a swim and Mum would set up the picnic blanket in readiness for a feast under a shady tree. Often grandparents and other members of the extended family would come along too and join in. Dad would light up his portable wood fire barbie and portable tables and fold-up chairs would be unpacked for the “oldies” and picnic baskets would be produced.

Those picnics were a real family occasion with the kids swimming and running around while the adults sat around with a cup of tea talking about 'grown-up' stuff.” (extract from “Australia Remember When” May 23 2019)

But what of picnics in the past?

Proserpine Museum’s photographic archives contain numerous delightful old photos of picnics held in the district in the past such as the one featured here of a riding party in 1927. These were quite common in the day. The group in this photograph had ridden out Goorganga way and stopped for a picnic. A pre-arranged group arrived in their car with the picnic goodies. Watermelon was on the menu, so it is believed that this photo was taken around Christmas time as, in the past, watermelon was available only at that time of year
Picnic sporting days were also a popular feature on the local calendar. Conway Beach outings were well attended with the actual journey being an adventure in itself. People travelled from the old wharf, (the Landing at Glen Isla) overland on horseback, by sulky or buggy or by the sugar loco as far as Saltwater Creek. Here they boarded boats and went right up to the beach front. The program consisted of foot races, horse racing, aquatic sports, pedestrian events.

With no bitumen on the road, the journey to the popular Boxing Day picnic at Cannonvale (then called Cannon Valley) was long and dusty. The dust hung in the air and covered the trees, but this did not deter eager locals and hundreds of people made their way there annually.
Picnics by the local rivers were also popular. The Proserpine River, along with such places as the O’Connell, Gregory and Andromache Rivers, were frequented by many families on weekends.

Fast forward to the second half of the 20th century …

Families would head off to the local beaches which, by this time, were far more easily accessible. Facebook features many stories of childhood reminiscences of family picnics. “Sunday routine for us was Sunday School then home to get changed and off to Cannonvale. There was a shelter shed with power points so Mum would cook a Sunday roast lunch in the electric frypan while we played on the beach. Occasionally, we would go on a picnic somewhere on the Gregory River. We used to pile into the tray part of my Pop’s tilly – no seatbelts. (Robyn Moore)

Despite changes in the 21st century, people still seek popular places to relax with family, connect with friends, and celebrate special events.

Story and photo courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum.

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Queensland Health is urging residents to stay home when unwell and practise good hygiene over the festive season, following an unseasonal rise in influenza cases across the state.

Latest Queensland Health data, current as of the 14th of December, shows more than 95,000 flu cases have been recorded so far this year — a 21 per cent increase compared with the same time last year. In the week from 8 to 14 December alone, 1,690 new cases were recorded, following 1,973 cases the previous week.

Queensland Health’s Communicable Diseases Branch Executive Director Dr Heidi Carroll said flu cases and hospitalisations remain higher than expected for this time of year.

“While flu case numbers and hospitalisations remain well below the winter peak, the recent summertime increase in cases is unusual,” Dr Carroll said.

Queenslanders who have not yet received the influenza vaccine this year are encouraged to get immunised to protect themselves, their families and the broader community. The vaccine is available through general practices, community pharmacies, community immunisation clinics, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services.

Queenslanders planning to travel overseas are also advised to speak with their health care provider about how to best protect themselves while travelling.

Fast facts
As of the 14th of December, Queensland has recorded 95,520 flu cases in 2025, with 82 per cent of confirmed cases occurring in people who were not vaccinated. This compares to 78,952 cases recorded by the same time last year.

Of the cases recorded this year, 10,087 (11 per cent) were children aged under five, while 16,176 (17 per cent) were people aged 65 years and over.
‍A total of 9,187 people have been hospitalised with influenza so far this year, with 4,194 (46 per cent) of those aged 65 and over. There have been 289 flu-related deaths recorded between the 1st of January and the 14th of December 2025, compared with 198 deaths during the same period last year.

The 2025 influenza season has been marked by a prolonged peak and a slower decline in case numbers when compared with 2023 and 2024. Health officials say this reflects year-to-year variability influenced by circulating virus strains, environmental and behavioural factors such as increased social gatherings, and population immunity shaped by previous infections and vaccine uptake.

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Residents are encouraged to get vaccinated against influenza to protect themselves and vulnerable loved ones. Photo source: Unsplash

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Community Solutions, a local Not for Profit organization, is set to kick off Community Careers in Cannonvale. This free training is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. This program offers tailored assistance and integrated learner support to job seekers while they undertake a nationally recognised qualification, up to certificate III level, and employment skills to prepare for work.

Delivering Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure or Certificate III in Community these courses are designed to provide face-face training in a fully supported environment. Certificate III in Individual Support commences on the 13th January 2026 with limited spaces available.

Community Solutions are keen to engage those who are locally unemployed, under employed, or who are ineligible for employment assistance, and keen to reengage back into the workforce. If you are a parent wanting to return to work or you are wanting to advance your career or feel this is just want, you want to do - this could be the opportunity for you.

In addition to a formal qualification, participants in each location are also engaged and supported in the following:
• Case management
• One on one mentoring and support
• Resume preparation and writing
• Job interview skills
• Job search advice, including where to look for work, how to apply for work, and understanding employer expectations
• Networking opportunities with local businesses with employers to share their experiences and industry knowledge
• Employability skills, such as communication in the workplace, working in a team, problem solving, planning and organising, and self‐management.
• Assistance sourcing, gaining and retaining employment plus post placement support when employment is commenced.

This is what makes the program such a great way to build skills and increase employability. It is aimed at not only gaining an accredited qualification, it focusses on the soft skills which are just as valuable to employers and offers the participant mentoring and support to reach their goals and build their skill sets to become work ready.

To register your interest contact Karen Allen on
0429 062 054 or Karen.Allen@communitysolutions.org.au .

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A big, goofy grin and soulful brown eyes make Zion hard to miss — and even harder not to fall in love with.

Currently in the care of Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc in Airlie Beach, Zion is a young Bandog cross with a gentle heart and a quiet hope of finding his forever family.

Estimated to be between one and two years old, Zion has had a challenging start to life, leaving him a little shy when first meeting new people. But with patience and reassurance, his affectionate and loyal nature quickly shines through. Once he feels safe, Zion loves nothing more than staying close to his humans and soaking up calm companionship.

Despite his size, Zion is a gentle giant who shows a particularly caring nature around children, interacting with them in a calm and tender way. He has a low to medium energy level, making him well suited to a relaxed household where he can continue building confidence at his own pace.

Rescue volunteers say Zion doesn’t ask for much — just kindness, consistency and a secure environment where he can finally feel at home.

Zion is desexed, vaccinated and microchipped, and would thrive in a calm, patient home willing to give him the time he needs to settle. He is yet to be tested with other dogs.

Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc hopes to see Zion matched with a family who understands that sometimes the most rewarding bonds come from giving a second chance.

Those interested in meeting Zion or learning more are encouraged to contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc to arrange a meet-and-greet via email bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com.

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The Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) have been holding free barbecues for years across the region to raise mental health awareness and provide a sense of community for those who may be struggling with isolation. On Friday evening, the BBQ came to the shores of Bowen, bringing people together for some free snags and good times.

This event was organised by longtime volunteer Megan Mattingley and new Bowen member Keira Prossor. The BBQ took place just before Christmas, a notably difficult time for some struggling with loneliness and stress around the holiday season.

WSPN promises to bring more BBQ's to Bowen for 2026, allowing people to come together and build a network so that no one has to suffer alone.

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Organisers Megan Mattingley and Keira Prossor
David and Cindy

Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

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Hello Everyone,

... and MERRY CHRISTMAS! What a year of amazing marine life, conservation efforts and wildlife it has been here in the Whitsundays.

In this week's edition, we have New Beginnings (very fitting!), and the Candy Cane Shrimp.

Before we sign off this year's Ruth2Reef, I wanted to say a huge thank you to a few people!

Firstly, thank you to the amazing Tony Fontes from Whitsunday Conservation Council and Kellie Leonard from Whales of the Whitsundays for their brilliant contributions to Ruth2Reef this year, I am very grateful that two such knowledgeable people let me present their research in the paper.

Secondly, thank you to the team at Whitsunday Life for letting me run with my crazy idea to start a Ruth2Reef feature page, and for all the work the designers put into making it so great each week.

Lastly, thank you to my lovely friends, Dani, Kelly, and Ricki, who I know often read my column and deserve a little shout-out!

Thanks for an incredible year!

Ruth

“This is a story of our changing planet, and what we can do to help it thrive…” - Sir David Attenborough.

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