Hot Tips for Starting a New School in 2026

Starting a new school is a big milestone for both children and their families — and it’s completely normal for it to come with a mix of excitement, nerves and lots of questions. Whether your child is heading into Prep, making the leap to high school, or moving schools for a fresh start, a little preparation can make all the difference.

Families play a vital role in supporting a smooth transition. One helpful way to begin is with a simple three-point checklist: visit the new school, meet the teachers, and prepare for new routines. Taking the time to explore the school grounds, locate classrooms and facilities, and introduce your child to key staff can help remove some of the fear of the unknown.

Talking openly with your child about school is just as important. Encourage questions, listen to their concerns, and keep conversations positive and realistic. Making sure they understand transport arrangements, before and after school care, and daily routines can help them feel more confident and in control. Connecting with other families whose children will be in the same class can also provide comfort and familiarity from day one.

Starting a new school can feel overwhelming for young people. New faces, unfamiliar surroundings, different academic expectations and the pressure to make friends can all contribute to stress or anxiety. Some children feel excited and ready for the adventure, while others may feel nervous or worried — both reactions are completely valid.

Planning ahead can ease first-day nerves. Visiting the school beforehand, organising uniforms and stationery early, reviewing timetables, and establishing healthy sleep routines can set your child up for success. Encouraging them to visualise a positive first day, pack nutritious lunches, and identify trusted people they can ask for help can also build confidence.

Most importantly, remind your child they don’t have to do it all alone. Transitions are easier when they’re supported by family, school staff and, if needed, professional services. With preparation, reassurance and open communication, starting a new school can become a positive step toward new friendships, opportunities and experiences.

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Starting at a new school doesn't need to be scary, instead, reframe the start as exciting! Photo credit: Yuganov Konstantin

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Walk to end domestic violence returns to Whitsundays

The Whitsunday community is once again invited to be part of something truly epic, with the Epic Walk for Domestic Violence returning to Coral Sea Marina on Sunday, March 22.

Founded by former Dancing CEOs Brendan Smith (Network Ten) and Brendon Mann (Epic Hair Designs), the Epic Walk for DV is held alongside the annual Dancing CEOs campaign and raises funds for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ). The organisation provides life-saving legal support for women and children impacted by domestic violence.

Originally a Brisbane-based initiative, the Epic Walk was brought to the Whitsundays in 2025 by the region’s former 'Dancing CEOs': Kate Purdie (Coral Sea Marina), Julie Telford (SeaLink Whitsundays), Candice Crossley (Whitsunday Transit) and Dr Alice Harriott (Whitsunday Family Dental), along with WLSQ Ambassador and local coordinator Katelyn Aslett-Collins.

Ms Aslett-Collins said last year’s inaugural Whitsundays Epic Walk was an incredible community event, bringing people together to share stories and raise vital funds.

“Following the success of last year’s Epic Walk, we are excited to bring this important event back to our community,” she said.

“Thanks to the incredible support shown through the Whitsundays Dancing CEOs campaign, Women’s Legal Service Queensland has committed to allocating even more funding back into our region.

“This means more families, not just across Queensland but locally, can access critical services when they need them most. For this reason, we are calling on our community to rise up and support this initiative once again.”

This year’s Epic Walk will be hosted by the Whitsundays’ 2026 Dancing CEO, Clarice Davis from McGrath Whitsunday.

Ms Davis said supporting WLSQ was something she felt deeply connected to.

“The work this organisation does to protect, empower and advocate for women and children in vulnerable situations is incredibly important,” she said.

“Having a community event like the Epic Walk that raises both funds and awareness makes a real and lasting difference. What I love most is that it brings together locals, families and businesses in a way that feels positive and meaningful. Everyone can take part, and every step truly counts.”

Ms Aslett-Collins said she hoped the Coral Sea Marina foreshore would once again be filled with purple shirts, smiling faces, dancing children and happy dogs, united in support of an important cause.

“We are also seeking business and personal sponsors to join the campaign, with several sponsorship levels available,” she said.

“We encourage teams, workplaces and community groups to get behind the event, raise funds and join the walk on the day. Rain or shine, the goal is to come together in a visible show of support for women and children impacted by domestic violence.”

Participants can register at www.epicwalkfordv.com.au

Sponsorship enquiries can be directed to kate@tastewhitsunday.com.au

Thanks to the generous support of initial sponsors Coral Sea Marina Resort, Belle Property, Bendigo Bank, Taste Whitsundays, Whitsunday Escape and Whitsunday Regional Council, more than $14,000 has already been raised.

Contributed with thanks to Sharon Smallwood.

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Photo credit: Phil Gordon - Riptide Creative

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The start of a new year is a good chance to reset and share a bit more about what we do at Tourism Whitsundays and where we’re heading together.

At our core, we’re here to showcase The Whitsundays as one of Australia’s most iconic destinations. We lead destination marketing across key domestic and international markets and work closely with Whitsunday Regional Council, Tourism and Events Queensland and Tourism Australia to make sure the region is front and centre.

Just as importantly, we support the local businesses and people who bring the Whitsundays experience to life every day. When the destination is strong, everyone benefits and that shared success is what we’re focused on.

Behind the scenes, our team works closely with industry, sharing insights and supporting businesses as the tourism landscape continues to evolve. From marketing or media opportunities and training, to research, storytelling and partnerships, our work is most effective when we’re moving in the same direction.

Looking ahead, the focus is on strengthening connections across the region and supporting growth that benefits both visitors and locals. If you’re a tourism-related business and haven’t connected with us yet, we’d love to hear from you.

Contributed with thanks to Tim Booth, CEO, Tourism Whitsundays

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Rex is a 1-year-old Greyhound x Staffy with a big personality, smarts, and plenty of energy — and he’s ready to find a home where he can truly thrive. Once overlooked and running out of time at the pound, Rex was given a second chance and now he’s looking for the right family to help him reach his full potential.

Rex is an intelligent, eager-to-please dog who loves learning and building a bond with his person. With consistent guidance and structure, he responds well to training and enjoys engaging activities that challenge his mind and body.

About Rex:

• Male, approximately 1 year old
• Medium-sized Greyhound x Staffy mix
• High energy and playful
• Learning basic manners and commands
• Walks well on a halti
• Best suited to an experienced, confident owner
• Not suitable for small children (still learning boundaries)
• Calm introductions recommended with other dogs
• Cats & livestock not tested

Health:

• Desexed
• Vaccinated
• Microchipped

Rex is looking for a home that understands the time, patience, and consistency required for young dogs. With the right care, he will grow into a loyal, loving companion who just wants a chance to belong.

Adoption fee: $200

Residents interested in meeting Rex or learning more can email bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com to arrange a meet-and-greet.

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January 23rd

Council To Decide: Three options were on the table:-

1. A sports field on reclaimed land at the Airlie refuse tip. There were no sports grounds at the beach at present
2. A botanical garden on land offered by Bill Pepper at the junction of Shute Harbour and Strathdickie Roads with the planting of trees a priority.
3. A foreshore park development at Cannonvale from the baths through to Shingley Beach.
   Of 18 people who attended the meeting, 10 voted for the sportspark, 4 for the botanical gardens and 3 for the sports ground.

Dufty Smashes Record. Proserpine’s own sporting wheelie broke his own world record in the 400 metres at the National Wheelchair Games in Adelaide on Tuesday.

Wendy Jansen Bound For Panama. She was awarded an American Field Scholarship on finishing year 12 at Rockhampton Grammar School last year and leaves for Panama in February.

Obituary
Francis George [Don} Hunter, aged 51, died in an accident on Mount Charlton Road at the weekend.

National Body Painting Championship. This was held at Airlie Hotel.  So far there have been 12 entries.

Barrier Reef Real Estate: Mt Julian, fully air conditioned, well appointed 3 bedroom home on a large block with valley blues, a steal at $85,000.

Reef Litter. Air Whitsunday pilots have had an ongoing garbage collection service operating for the last 12 years

Development Planning Meeting. 70 representatives of the community met to discuss how the area should grow. They agreed that: there should be no more development on the Islands, a development    plan should be worked out with a tourist zoning. a proper beach for Airlie, bigger sporting facilities,
removal of The Caravan Park, and removal of traffic flow from the Main Street of Airlie.

Cricket Results- Centrals beat Valleys, Colts beat Norths,and Magpies beat Souths.
Intertown Cricket; Bowen 246 [T.Cabe 71, G.Pearce 65] beat Proserpine 196 [S.Heal 54] by 50 runs.

Indoor Cricket. This was proving very popular with the interesting feature of ladies playing with gents and being allowed to bowl underarm and bat against underarm bowling.

Jelly Wrestling. Whitsunday Village is preparing 122 cubic inches of red jelly for a ladies jelly wrestling competition on Saturday.

Rugby. Proserpine Raiders end 22 game winning streak with a loss to Blackrock RUFC in Dublin.

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This week's Photo of the Week winner is Alissa Tomlinson for their picture of a waterfall on the street side at Hydeaway Bay!

Theme: Waterfall

These photographs are submitted by the Whitsundays Amateur Photography Group

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Hi everyone,

This one is a little bittersweet for me. I’ve decided to leave the Whitsundays and return home to the UK to pursue further qualifications in journalism, with the hope of moving into travel journalism.

I’ve truly loved my time here and have learned so much about nature, marine life, and Australia as a whole. It’s been an incredible experience, and I’m very grateful for it.

I hope my column has helped you learn a thing or two about the environment, and that it’s encouraged you to head out into the world feeling more inspired to protect it. While this may be goodbye for my time in Australia, you may still see ruth2reef pop up from time to time as I continue to support Whitsunday Life from the UK (so keep an eye out!).

The Whitsundays is a wonderful place and hosts a beautiful community, protect and cherish that - I can't wait to visit in a few years time, to see how much its grown.

As always, happy reading!

Ruth

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Are you one of those people who loves strolling along the beach, eyes down, scanning the sand for the little natural treasures left behind by the last high tide?

If you’ve wandered along almost any beach in the Whitsundays, you may have noticed a curious find: numerous small, thin discs—only one or two centimetres across—with a neat hole right in the centre.

What are these mysterious beach gems?

Meet the Forams

These tiny discs are the shells of foraminifera—forams, for short. Although they behave much like animals, forams are actually single-celled protozoans: incredibly complex organisms made up of just one cell. To protect themselves, they build an intricate shell, called a test, made from calcium carbonate—the same material that forms corals and familiar sea shells.

Today, there are somewhere between 4,000 and 10,000 species of forams living throughout the world’s oceans. They vary dramatically in size, from microscopic specks to species that reach an astonishing 20 centimetres in length. Some species host symbiotic algae, effectively “farming” them inside their shells. Others feed on dissolved organic matter, bacteria, diatoms, other single-celled algae, and even tiny animals such as copepods.

To catch their meals, forams extend a delicate network of thin, thread-like pseudopodia—think spaghetti strands—through openings in their shell. Bottom-dwelling (benthic) species also use these pseudopodia to move slowly across the seafloor.

Although most forams live in the ocean, a few hardy species inhabit freshwater or even moist soils. Many live on or in the sea floor, while others drift freely in the plankton.

**A Familiar Foram: Marginopora **

One of the most common species found around the Whitsundays is Marginopora. These forams build a thin, perfectly circular disc, thickest at the rim and delicate in the centre. Once the organism dies, its empty shell is tossed about by waves and currents; the thin centre often wears through, creating the distinctive “doughnut” shape beachcombers frequently find.

Living Marginopora are yellowish-green to brownish in colour, thanks to the symbiotic algae living inside their shells. Once washed ashore, their tests fade to white, cream, orange, or even black, depending on staining from iron and manganese oxides in the sand.

Ancient Creatures With a Story to Tell

Forams have existed for at least 500 million years, first appearing in the Cambrian period. Because they are so widespread and abundant, and because their shells preserve well, they have left behind one of the most detailed fossil records of any marine organism. For more than a century, scientists have used fossil forams to study past climates, ocean chemistry, and evolutionary history.

Tiny Creatures, Big Challenges

Like corals, forams—especially species with calcium carbonate shells such as Marginopora—are vulnerable to the modern pressures facing our oceans. Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and changes in water quality can all affect their survival. These tiny architects of the seafloor are sensitive indicators of ocean health, making them important not just as beach treasures but as early warning signals for the wider marine ecosystem.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council

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Visitors and locals in the Whitsundays are urged to stay alert when encountering marine turtles, and to know how to respond if a turtle appears sick, injured, or stranded. Acting quickly and correctly can make a life-or-death difference for these vulnerable animals.

If you come across a turtle in distress, call the Marine Animal Stranding Hotline on 1300 130 372. This line connects directly to wildlife authorities and the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, who can assess the situation and send help if needed. Immediate reporting is essential, even if injuries seem minor.

Follow the instructions given by rescue staff carefully. They may ask you to monitor the turtle from a safe distance, assist with basic first aid, or help stabilise it while waiting for trained rescuers. If instructed, you can:

• Keep the turtle shaded
• Cover it with a wet towel if it’s hot, or a dry towel if cool or windy
• Avoid pouring water into its nostrils or mouth
• Minimise handling to prevent stress
• Never move or transport the turtle unless explicitly told to do so by experts

It’s also important to know the difference between a turtle basking normally and one in distress. Basking turtles float calmly to rest, warm up, digest food, or absorb oxygen. Look for smooth, controlled breathing, even flotation, alert eyes, and calm behaviour.

Signs a turtle may need help include:

• Floating on one side or upside down
• Trouble controlling buoyancy
• Lethargy or unusual behaviour
• Visible injuries such as bleeding, entanglement, or shell damage
• Sunken eyes, discoloured shells, or excessive barnacles

Even turtles with minor visible injuries may be suffering internal trauma, infections, or shock. Keep noise and disturbance low, secure pets and bystanders, and avoid feeding or handling the turtle unnecessarily.

If you’re unsure, always call 1300 130 372. Quiet observation, photos, or short videos noting breathing and movement can help rescuers assess the situation remotely.

By following these steps, Whitsundays residents and visitors can protect these iconic marine animals and help ensure their survival for generations to come.

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How Will You Spend January 26?

January 26 holds different meaning for different people across our community. For some, it’s a day of backyard barbecues, poolside catch-ups and family-friendly celebrations. For others, it is a time for reflection, respect and recognition of Australia’s First Nations peoples and the history that shapes our nation. Throughout the region this year, a diverse range of events will take place, including citizenship ceremonies, community gatherings, rallies and Survival Day commemorations – ensuring there is space for every voice and perspective. However you choose to mark the day, our Australia Day Event Guide brings together what’s happening locally to help you connect, reflect or celebrate in your own way.

Hi lovely readers!

I bet you’re all looking forward to the long weekend!

On pages 8–9, you’ll find a list of Australia Day activities, along with two community events – one recognising Survival Day, and another for the Worldwide Rally for Freedom.

26th January is a day that holds different significance for different people.

For me, it’s a chance to acknowledge the roots of our country, reflect on how far we’ve come, and consider how we can continue to improve.

Australia Day/Survival Day is about recognising our nation, not just for the land, but for the people who call it home.

We are incredibly fortunate to live in a safe country. Many people leave their homelands seeking freedom, safety, and opportunity.

That sense of security is something we can celebrate and be grateful for.

While we all face challenges, like the rising cost of living, we are free to go about our daily lives without constant fear of extreme violence or persecution.

This day is a reminder that unity is what allows a country to grow.

It’s not about arguing over who’s right or wrong, but about coming together, respecting each story, and celebrating the freedom and security we share in this beautiful country.

As we reflect and celebrate this Monday, let’s remember to acknowledge those before us, be grateful for the land we share and continue on in respect, love and unity.

Scripture of the week: “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tender-hearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” - 1 Peter‬ 3‬:8‬-9‬

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Recently, members of Mackay VIEW Club visited Mackay Officeworks to thank them for their ongoing support of The Smith Family’s Back to School Appeal.

Members Elizabeth, Linnea, and Toni-Lee met with Scott, Store Business Manager, who welcomed the visit and shared insights on the Mackay Officeworks Staff experiences with the campaign.

The Back-to-School Appeal supports The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, which assists students across Australia who are experiencing disadvantage when accessing education and educational requirements. The 2026 campaign aims to raise $1 million to sponsor 1,436 students this year. Since the Officeworks Back to School Appeal began 13 years ago, Officeworks have raised more than $10 m, which has supported the education of more than 15,000 students on The Smith Family’s core Learning for Life scholarship program for an entire year.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Mackay VIEW Club, which is proud to be one of The Smith Family’s largest community sponsors of disadvantaged Australian children on The Learning for Life program, please contact President Elizabeth on 0438 715 731 or find them on Facebook via VIEW Club-Mackay, Queensland.

Mackay VIEW Club meets on the third Wednesday of every month at The Mackay Surf Club. The first Luncheon will be on February 18,2026 where attendees will meet for fun and friendship while raising money to support our current 5 Learning for Life students.

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Remembering The Lives Lost In Mackay’s Greatest Natural Disaster

This Wednesday marked the 108th anniversary of Mackay’s greatest natural disaster, a tragedy that still echoes through the region’s history.

As residents recently experienced heavy rain and strong winds from Tropical Cyclone Koji, it has prompted reflection on a far more devastating event from the early 1900s – the catastrophic cyclone of 1918.

More than a century ago, on January 20 and 21, 1918, Mackay and surrounding districts were struck by what remains the worst natural disaster ever to hit the area. The powerful cyclone, combined with a destructive tidal surge, claimed many lives and left widespread devastation in its wake.

Today, a memorial stone along the Pioneer River stands as a reminder of those tragic days. The 1918 Cyclone Memorial commemorates the citizens of Mackay and the district who lost their lives during the disaster, ensuring their memory is never forgotten.

The memorial plaque at the Bluewater Quay was officially unveiled by Mayor Cr Julie Boyd on January 20, 1998. The names were compiled with the assistance of the Genealogical Society of Queensland, Mackay Branch, and the State Library of Queensland.

**Recorded on the memorial are the names of those known to have perished in the cyclone and tidal surge:

• Aboriginal males recorded as “Dummy”
• Aboriginal males recorded as “Jimmy”
• Charles Anderson
• William Anderson
• Joseph Carr
• William Coakley
• Richard Francis
• Edna Frier
• Charles Hartwig
• Edward Hehin
• J. M. Kenney
• Robert Morton
• Armenia Pagel
• Alice Amelia Shanks
• Alice Shanks
• Cyril Shanks
• John Shanks
• Elizabeth Welch
• Mabel Welch
• Rose Welch
• Lucy Welch
• Charles Welch
• Sarah Welch
• Georgina Renor
• Mary Renor
• Thomas Renor
• An unknown Malay Male

More information to follow in next week’s edition.

Photo source: Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience

Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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OPINION PEICE

By Andrew Willcox MP

Australia Day is not just a date on the calendar. It is a moment to pause, to reflect, and to reconnect with what it truly means to be Australian. It is a day that speaks to our shared story, our values, and our responsibility to one another as a nation.

In a world that feels increasingly fractured, Australia Day reminds us of something enduring: that unity is our greatest strength. We are at our best when we stand together under one flag, grounded in mutual respect, fairness, and a shared commitment to the Australian way of life.

Whether you are spending Australia Day by the beach with family and friends, firing up the barbecue, sharing a beer with mates, or attending a local ceremony, you are taking part in a tradition that reflects the rich and proud identity of our nation.

For me, one of the greatest honours each Australia Day is attending citizenship ceremonies.

There is no better day to become an Australian. Watching people from all corners of the world pledge their loyalty to this country, embrace our values, and officially call Australia home is deeply moving. It is a powerful reminder that Australian citizenship is not just a legal status, but a commitment to our freedoms, our laws, and our shared future.

Australia has always been shaped by those who chose to build a life here. We are a nation enriched by diversity, but united by common values. With the privilege of calling Australia home comes a responsibility: to respect our laws, uphold equality, and contribute positively to the communities we live in. Our Australia is fair, democratic, and bound by the rule of law, and those principles must always be protected.

Our flag is more than fabric and colour. It represents the freedoms we enjoy today and the sacrifices made by generations before us.

Across our region, communities will be coming together through local events, ceremonies, and celebrations. I encourage everyone to check their local community Facebook pages, noticeboards, and council websites to see what is happening near you and to take part.

This Australia Day, I’ll be out and about across our region, joining in community events and soaking up everything that makes our country great. From attending a citizenship ceremony to celebrating with families at local events, it’s a day to be proud of who we are. You might even find me on the beach for a bit of cricket. I’ll be enjoying a snag, having a crack at the thong- throwing competition, and finishing with a slice of pavlova.

Australia Day is a reminder that we are united as Australians, bound by shared values, respect for one another, and pride in our country.

As we celebrate this Australia Day, let us reflect on the values our flag represents, take pride in our shared achievements, and continue building a nation that is strong, free, and fair, one that future generations can proudly call home.

Happy Australia Day!

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When Ann Barry stepped off the S.S. Iberia in April 1964, she carried little more than a single chest of possessions and a heart full of courage. At just 20 years old, she had left her birthplace, Brynithel, South Wales, behind, embarking on a month-long voyage to begin a new life in Australia.

That leap of faith, born of her parents' dream to move to Australia, became the foundation for an extraordinary life, one that has now been crowned by Ann finally achieving Australian citizenship at the age of 82.

Yet her story could easily have ended differently.

For decades, Ann lived, worked, raised her family, and contributed to her community without ever becoming a citizen. When she eventually tried to take that step, the bureaucratic maze seemed insurmountable. It was only through the help of her federal member, Andrew Willcox MP, that Ann's lifelong bond with Australia was formally recognised.

"Ann's journey is nothing short of remarkable," Mr Willcox said, Federal Member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability.

"For more than sixty years, she has lived the Australian story; working hard, raising a family, contributing to her community.

"To be able to help her finally gain citizenship is one of the most rewarding parts of my role as a federal member."

From the moment Ann arrived, her determination and resourcefulness shone. Within a week, she had found work as a financial clerk in Adelaide. Later, she carved out a career in banking and travel, a job that allowed her to see the world while still building her future in Australia.

She met her husband, Tom Barry, who himself had a storied history as one of Mackay's last surviving World War II veterans. Together they raised two children, Evan and Joanne, both of whom went on to achieve remarkable things in sport, education, and service.

Tom, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 101, left a lasting legacy of his own. In his final years, he completed his memoir, A Prodigious Leap, which Ann helped bring to publication.

But it was only recently that a question arose: Why wasn't Ann an Australian citizen?

When she began the process, Ann found it overwhelming.

The greatest challenge was proving her identity: back in 1964, British citizens could travel freely to Australia without passports, leaving her with no formal record of arrival.

Ann said that at times, the process felt impossible.

That was until a chance conversation at the Mackay RSL Sub-Branch with its president, Ken Higgins OAM, changed everything.

During her late husband's memorial service in 2024, Ann learned that her federal member, Andrew Willcox, could provide direct assistance with citizenship matters.

She reached out to his office, and what followed was a determined, 18-month effort to unravel the complexities of Ann's case, liaising with the Department of Home Affairs and piecing together historical evidence. The breakthrough came when they were able to locate the original ship's manifest from the National Archives, confirming Ann's arrival on the S.S. Iberia.

"I'm competent at handling paperwork, but without Andrew and Ian within his team, I would have given up," Ann said.

"Their patience and persistence were incredible. I'm not sure I'd be a citizen today without their support."

In September 2025, Ann stood proudly at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre to take the oath of citizenship. For the first time in 61 years, she could officially and legally call herself an Australian.

Ann reflects on her journey with gratitude.

"My life here in Australia has been very full, and I hope to spend many more years yet, now as an Australian citizen."

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Ann Barry, now a proud Australian citizen at 82, with Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, recognising a remarkable journey of resilience and belonging. Photo supplied

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